SACRAMENTO  Despite quarantining twice in the past two months because of exposure to the coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday that he would not receive the COVID-19 vaccine anytime soon.

I am happy to wait my turn, Newsom said during a news conference on his proposed budget. He noted that his turn wont come for a while, based on age and vulnerability factors that the state has developed for distribution, and said it would not sit well with people if he jumped the line for a vaccine.

The governor also suggested that his ability to lead the state was not impaired by the recent quarantines, and that he was not overly concerned about what might happen to him if he were infected.

I can do my job, folks, Newsom said. Im doing it, and Id like to think Im still young, reasonably healthy. Maybe thats the answer to your question.

Newsoms entire family quarantined for two weeks starting in late November after three of his four children were exposed to a California Highway Patrol officer who tested positive for the coronavirus. Just two weeks later, the governor entered into another 10-day quarantine after coming into contact with a staff member who tested positive.

Both times, Newsom and his family never became infected with the coronavirus. The governor continued to deliver his regular virtual news conferences from a home office, though he was forced to scale back the announcement of his appointment of Alex Padilla as Californias next U.S. senator.

Newsom said Friday that he was constantly hearing from people who need a vaccine more urgently than he does. He said he had recently spoken with a woman who worked for San Franciscos health and human services agency when he was a member of the Board of Supervisors.

Her husband is very ill and is desperate to get the vaccine, and I spent a good deal of time trying to help her, just because my heart was heavy, Newsom said. All I could think about is, Im going to get a vaccine before he does? I cant do that. Thats my answer.

Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff


I never heard of Nollaig na mBan growing up in Meath. To us, January 6 was the Epiphany, or Little Christmas, a significant feast day when wed boil a second pudding and roast a second turkey.

Now its a super-trendy day of celebrations for women and prompted reminders that countries led by women have outperformed others controlling Covid19.

I feel sorry for Taiwans Prime Minister Tsai Ing-wen, who gets little of the attention heaped on New Zealands Jacinta Arden, despite her equal success in managing the pandemic. Alas, white faces are more media friendly than brown ones.

Still, credit where it is due  women leaders are doing a brilliant job all around the world, with one glaring exception: Northern Ireland.

Arlene Foster and Michelle ONeill have presided over consistently patchy governance and high rates of infection, ruining the narrative that women leaders are better. Particularly since autumn, Northern Irelands infection rates are so bad they are blamed for the high rates in our border counties.

It confirms two theories of mine. The first is that while I strongly support measures  including quotas  to get women into leadership positions, the mere presence of a woman is no guarantee of anything.

The second is that the Good Friday Agreement brought peace but little else. Peace was no mean prize but shouldnt normalisation extend beyond the end of violence?

With polarised political parties still trapped in their identities, unable to see beyond tribalism, the consequence of their failure is more death. The cause may be incompetence not violence but people are still unnecessarily dying.

This failure is mostly the fault of immature politicians who cannot grow beyond their sectarianism. If Paisley and McGuinness could do business, why cant Foster and ONeill?

But I also wonder if the enforced power sharing structures contribute to Northern Irelands stunted politics.

If everyone gets into power in an artificial system, theres no incentive to create policies that attract voters based on class or justice. Its still about Us and Them, the very worst kind of politics.

Its important we address this because as we have seen in the UK, US, Poland, Turkey and Hungary, that regression is not only possible but inevitable when you have bad leaders.

The evil twins of nationalism and religious fundamentalism can drag any democracy back to a primitive state.

As Sinn Fein goads unionists with talk of a border poll, while the DUPs self-destructive role in supporting Brexit actually accelerated the possibility identity, in the 22 years since Good Friday, hasnt gone away.

Thats the great tragedy of Brexit. The triumph of the European Union was the dilution of nationalism, dissolution of borders and expansion of our identity.

Read More

If the French, Germans and Lithuanians could be included in our sense of Us, and our in-group was widened to include hundreds of millions Europeans rather than four million Irish, that represented moral progress. This trajectory shouldnt end until Us includes every human on the planet.

Meanwhile, across the Border, Us cant include the person sitting across the table. Covid exposed the disaster of parochial Stormont politics.

I feel sorry for Robin Swann, the Ulster Unionist Health Minister, who has been banging his head off a wall as his entirely responsible recommendations were ignored.

The DUP has definitely been the worst; vetoing his proposals to extend restrictions in November. In common with their Brexiteer counterparts in the UK and Trumpists in the US, the likes of Sammy Wilson insist restrictions are too onerous to bear and play down the impact of Covid. Repeatedly spotted without a mask, hes compared them to muzzles. But Foster can hardly disassociate herself from his behaviour when she vetoed Swanns proposals.

The DUPs other contribution is to dismiss any all-island strategy. As recently as December, Foster was tersely reminding us that Northern Ireland and the Republic are two different jurisdictions. Clearly thats stating the obvious, but Covid recognises no borders and co-operation would help. Whats the point in us banning flights from the UK when buses were being laid on at Belfast Airport to bring returning emigrants to Dublin?

But Sinn Fein neednt bask in any comfort that Sammy Wilson and Westminster incompetence can take all the blame.

Rows over regulations are indeed difficult but moral leadership is vital too. The disgraceful organisation of the Bobby Storey funeral was the ultimate demonstration that a republican show of strength was more important than the risks of a pandemic.

Contrasted with John Humes humble and compliant funeral, the Storey episode proved that tribalism is still the driving force of republican politics today.

Mirroring the DUPs refusal to consider an all-island approach, Michelle ONeill refused to issue the Staying Safe at Christmas public health guidance, signed off by the chief medical officers of each of the four nations in the UK. It was to be advertised in newspapers and social media offering the public advice on reducing risks during Christmas.

ONeill wouldnt endorse this entirely sensible campaign, despite pleadings from the Norths medical advisors, because it was all-UK. Its pathetic behaviour.

The solution is solely and entirely in the hands of the voters. The election of Colum Eastwood, leader of the SDLP, to Westminster is a promising sign that moderation may be making a comeback in Northern politics.

Perhaps the partisan behaviour of ONeill and Foster has exposed their cynical lack of regard for proper priorities.

If so, itll be one more hard but useful lesson of Covid-19.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Westerners began clearing Mokio Preserve and replanting the area with invasive, nonnative plants in order to develop the area for cattle ranching.

It led to endured erosion, loss of groundwater, and even loss of native Hawaiian species.

In 2009, Molokai Land Trust began work to restore this ecosystem and bring back native Hawaiian species. Now, its on its way to being a paradise once again.

More:

Hawaii shuts down Makena State Park beach after it's overrun by hundreds of maskless revelers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it believed that a participant in the Sunday parties was responsible for spreading the virus to others earlier in the pandemic. Read more.

Family alleges attack by hunting dogs during Hawaii hike. The hiker wants to press charges against the couple with the hunting dogs. Read more.

US Census Bureau: Hawaii's population continued to decline. Reasons include the pandemic, high cost of living and the lack of job opportunities. Read more.

'The response was overwhelming': How an Instagram post saved a small Honolulu bakery. Owner Scott McDonough has seen his fair share of the ups and downs, but would never guess that a single Instagram post would nearly save his business when a global pandemic hit. Read more.

On Hawaii is curated by Jasmine Garnett and Fiona Lee. Email Garnett at Jasmine.Garnett@sfgate.com and Lee at Fiona.Lee@sfgate.com.
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV.
Stalling on Fitness Resolution? You're Not Alone

By Bill Hughes

PADUCAH - If you haven't yet started on your new year's resolution to get more fit, one local gym says you're probably not alone.Anisa Cox, Fitness Director at The Gym on North Friendship Road, says that while many people think gym or fitness class memberships surge right after the new year, and they have seen an increase, she's seen a different trend.Cox said, "I think as years have gone on, January is a good month, but February is usually even busier. That's when you start seeing your programs picking up even more. If their kids are out of school - which again, this is a whole different year - they're back in that routine."She said some people are self-conscious about how they look or have the mentality that they need to get into shape before they come to the gym. Cox said she tries to remind people that regardless of their current fitness level, "We're all in this together," and working to improve.The new facility opened in October, and they had a big membership surge in spite of the pandemic, which limited the chance for people to check out their building."We haven't been able to have a grand opening because everything is so limited on capacity, so hopefully in the spring time we can do a grand opening and people will be able to come in," Cox said.Some folks asked the owners why they opened in the middle of a pandemic, but Cox said plans were already in place well before that happened.Cox said she knows some people are concerned about catching the virus at a gym, but they installed medical-quality air circulation and filtration systems during construction, and they spray and sanitize profusely. Wipes are constantly available for cleaning equipment before and after use.She said everyone is required to wear a mask at all times, and their clients are able to keep their distance while using the equipment. Cox said their older clients have not stayed away during the pandemic.Another feature at The Gym is their outdoor trail, which is lighted and fenced for safety. Cox said when it gets warmer, they will be able to bring some of their equipment outside so people can enjoy the outdoors during their workout.In addition to access to The Gym, Cox said members can join Barre, which just moved in, or CrossFit 270. Three Rivers Martial Arts also uses the building for its classes.Cox said, "We're making it more of a fitness community, not just 'the gym.' We all have different things to offer but our ultimate goal is all the same, to get people healthy and active."While there are some people who may not keep their resolutions through the year, Cox said they have a wide variety of things to offer so that people don't get bored or burned out from doing the same workouts or activities. She said their staff loves to help, and she's seen experienced members start conversations with new people as a way to encourage them in the journey.

A last minute argument asks for mercy on behalf of a death row inmate. It's a compassionate plea and the kind of desperate outcry that was probably uttered in vain by Bobbie Jo Stinnett when she was brutally killed and her baby was cut out of her womb.

Read more . . .
What does Kerry Kennedy Meltzer know about the US vaccination schedules for children and adults ? Does she think people should be forbidden from questioning these ever-increasing vaccination schedules?

What a dire situation we are in now, with people such as Kennedy Meltzer using her credentials as a 'doctor' to pontificate on a subject in which she self-admittedly has no expertise.

Kerry Kennedy Meltzer also admits "Being a doctor does not make me a vaccine expert..." And yet The New York Times provides Kerry Kennedy Meltzer with a soapbox to push her poorly informed views on vaccine safety, and denies Robert Kennedy Jr. a right of reply .

Note: We know fully well that the NYT will never publish this letter to the editor. So here it is. By Elizabeth Hart, Adelaide Australia To the Editor of The New York Times:

Now, on top of this bewildering number of vaccine products and revaccinations throughout life, fast-tracked experimental coronavirus vaccine products are being foisted upon the global community.This is just the beginning, as lucrative coronavirus vaccine products are likely to be pressed upon the community every year. We have no idea of the long-term cumulative consequences, on top of the rest of the burgeoning vaccine load.

Bizarrely, it appears Bill Gates is the driver of the 'race for coronavirus vaccines', see for example his article 'What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine', published on GatesNotes on 30 April 2020, in which he states "In order to stop the pandemic, we need to make the vaccine available to almost every person on the planet".

It's astonishing that software billionaire Bill Gates is running the world's coronavirus vaccination policy, this is yet another extension of his massive vaccine empire which is headed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The power and reach of the Gates Foundation must be investigated as a matter of urgency, there is a massive international web driving the Gates' global vaccination agenda in tandem with the vaccine industry, including via the World Health Organisation, Gavi Alliance, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and many other organisations, including Imperial College London, the home of the 'modelling' by Neil Ferguson et al, which has shaped the global response to SARS-CoV-2, particularly the implementation of society and economy destroying 'lockdowns'.

Bill Gates has world leaders at his beck and call, meeting with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in November 2020 to discuss rolling out coronavirus vaccination[1], and pursuing vaccine financing with other world leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayued of the United Arab Emirates[2].

Bill Gates has also been instrumental in hindering consideration of vaccine safety, an endeavour which appears to have many supporters, including for example Dr Kerry Kennedy Meltzer...

Bill Gates deliberately sabotaged the establishment of a Vaccine Safety Commission in the United States. Gates boasted that when he met Donald Trump on two occasions, including in the White House in 2017, Trump asked Gates "if vaccines weren't a bad thing, because he was considering a commission to look into ill effects of vaccines", and that Robert Kennedy Jr. "was advising him that vaccines were causing bad things". Gates told Trump "...no, that's a dead end, that would be a bad thing, don't do that."[3] And it seems that's when the idea of a Vaccine Safety Commission died, because Bill Gates said "...that would be a bad thing, don't do that"

How appalling that Bill Gates deliberately sabotaged consideration of vaccine safety, when he was awash in conflicts of interest via his own promotion of vaccine products. And look where we are now, being pressed to have fast-tracked experimental coronavirus vaccine products, at Bill Gates' behest, and with vaccine product safety being protected from scrutiny. There's little or no critical analysis of the immensely rich and powerful Bill Gates in the mainstream media, where Timothy Egan in The New York Times fawningly describes Gates as "the most interesting man in the world" and a "lavender-sweatered Mister Rogers". A counterpoint to Egan's hagiography of Gates is the report Philanthropic Power and Development - Who shapes the agenda? which provides interesting analysis of the 'philanthropic influence' of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on global health policy.

The influence of Bill Gates on the disproportionate and ill-targeted response to SARS-CoV-2 is a massive international scandal, particularly the questionable rush to global coronavirus vaccination.

We so desperately need a properly functioning 'fourth estate' to investigate this matter, instead of the biased and deeply conflicted corporate media which is working to hinder transparency and accountability for international vaccination policy and vaccine product safety.

Elizabeth Hart

Adelaide, Australia

Independent person investigating the over-use of vaccine products and conflicts of interest in vaccination policy

References:
President-elect Joe Biden has said those who stormed the US Capitol were a bunch of thugs, white supremacists, domestic terrorists and they should be prosecuted.

Biden said the authorities had to be held accountable for the failures that occurred and it had to be made sure that this could never, ever happen again.

"They should be treated as they're a bunch of thugs, insurrectionist, white supremacists, and anti-Semites, and it's not enough," Biden told reporters at a news conference in Wilmington, Delaware. "These are bunch of thugs, thugs and their terrorists, domestic terrorists. And that'll be a judgment for the Justice Department to make as to what the charges should be.."

"They should be prosecuted," he said in response to a question.

Biden sought an investigation into purported pictures of the Capitol Police personnel taking selfies with the protesters.

The president-elect also slammed Republican Senator Ted Cruz and several others.

"I think they should be just flat beaten the next time they run. I think the American public has a real good clear look at who they are. They are part of the big lie. The big lie," he alleged.

The president-elect added that that he was pleased that some of the more prominent Republicans said people like Cruz were as responsible in terms of people believing the lies as, not as responsible, but similarly responsible like Trump.

"But they didn't say go to the Capitol, I'll be with you. Follow. That's a different story," he said.

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.
A video taken inside the US Capitol during the attack on the building by Trump supporters shows multiple members of the Republican party turning down facemasks during a lockdown.

In the video, a woman wearing a mask is seen trying to hand out masks to her colleagues, who are all wearing red ties.

Each time she attempts to pass along a mask, she is refused by the individuals.

Eventually, she gives up and leaves.

Rep. Susan Wild told CBS News that "about half" of the hundreds of lawmakers who were locked into a small chamber during the riot refused to wear masks during the security breach.

She said she viewed the incident as a "superspreader event".

"About half of the people in the room are not wearing masks," she said. "Even though they've been offered surgical masks, they refuse to wear them."

She said the majority of those refusing the masks were Republicans, particularly recently elected Republicans.

Late on Wednesday, Rep Jake LaTurner learned he was positive with the coronavirus.

Mr LaTurner is a Republican, but it is not known whether he was wearing a mask during the lockdown.

Eric Toner, senior scholar at the John Hopkins Center for Health Security, told The Washington Post that the Capitol riot was a textbook example of a superspreader event.

This was in so many ways an extraordinarily dangerous event yesterday, not only from the security aspects but from the public health aspects, and there will be a fair amount of disease that comes from it, he said.

Mr Toner said it would be virtually impossible to track the infections that will sprout from the event as Trump supporters and Congress members who may have the virus return to their homes around the country.

It is a very real possibility that this will lead to a major outbreak, but one that we may or may not be able to recognise, Mr Toner said. All the cases to likely derive from this event will likely be lost in the huge number of cases we have in the country right now.

Video from the riot showed very few Trump supporters wearing masks as they fought against Capitol police to gain access to the building.


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.
By Laila Kearney NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices hit their highest level in nearly a year on Friday, gaining 8% on the week, supported by Saudi Arabia's pledge to cut output and strong gains in major equity markets. Brent crude settled at $55.99 a barrel, climbing $1.61, or 3%, on the day and 8.1% on the week. West Texas Intermediate crude futures (WTI) closed at $52.24 a barrel, gaining $1.41, or 2.8%, also its highest since late February. WTI posted a weekly gain of 7.7%. Saudi Arabia this week pledged extra, voluntary oil output cuts of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in ...
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 00:17:27|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A senior leader of a banned militant group was sentenced to five years in jail concurrently on three counts, by an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on Friday, in a terror financing case.

Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi, leader of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), the group accused of planning the 2008 attacks in the Indian commercial center of Mumbai that had killed over 160 people, was accused of collecting funds for his outfit and financially helping terrorists.

Lakhvi, convicted by a court in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, was arrested on charges of terror financing on Saturday.

Judge Ijaz Ahmad, who delivered the verdict, ruled that the convict can appeal against the decision.

The Counter-Terrorism Department in Punjab had registered cases against Lakhvi, who India had suspected as a mastermind of the Mumbai attacks.

The court also ordered the arrest of Lakhvi's accomplice Abu Anas Mohsin, who was collecting donations for terror financing while running a dispensary.

The Pakistani government had banned the JuD and its charity arm the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation in 2019 by prohibiting individuals and companies from making donations to the two organizations. Enditem

A mobile COVID-19 testing center is set up in Santa Ana, Calif., on Aug. 26, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Community Meeting in Santa Ana Held to Curb Virus Spread

As Santa Ana continues to be Orange Countys hotspot for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, local officials are urging its residents to help control the spread.

Santa Ana held a virtual town hall meeting to address how city residents can protect themselves from the CCP virus, commonly called the novel coronavirus, in the wake of a rapid increase in cases.

Santa Ana has recorded 33,525 cases of the virus since the pandemic began, handily outpacing any other Orange County city. Anaheim has had 30,631 cases.

Conversely, Laguna Beach has identified 559 cases as of Jan. 8.

During the Jan. 8 event, Dr. Sarah Lopez stressed the importance of taking precautions against the virus, quarantining if exposed to it, and accessing proper testing.

She called the diagnostic PCR tests the gold standard to determine if you have the virus. She also said the antibody test tells you if you have been exposed.

Lopez said that after symptoms develop, infected individuals must wait another five to seven days before getting a CCP virus test, otherwise the test will come back as a false negative.

Following the incubation period, an infected person will become contagious within one or two days before symptoms develop, Lopez said.

Common symptoms include: fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of smell, difficulty breathing, wheezing, shivering and chills, aching, headache, sore throat, joint pains, confusion, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Lopez said that anyone who has been exposed to someone with the CCP virus should quarantine for a period of 14 days.

Individuals who have tested positive for the CCP virus should still get vaccinated, Lopez said.

Lopez said that the vaccine should be widely available this summer.

If 65% of people get vaccinated by Junewe would basically by the end of this year, have herd immunity, Lopez said.
New Delhi: The 23 Indian sailors who are stuck in China are set to return on January 14. The crew aboard the cargo ship MV Jag Anand were stuck in China after anchorage in Chinese waters as they were not allowed to unload their cargo.

Confiming the news Union Minister of ports, shipping and waterways Mansukh Mandaviya informed of the development. In a series of tweets he said: "Our seafarers stuck in China are coming to India. Ship MV Jag Anand, having 23 Indian crew, stuck in China is set to SAIL toward Chiba, Japan, to carry out crew change, will reach India on 14th January."

He said this could be made possible only due to the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In another tweet he acknowledged the help by Great Eastern Shipping Company, saying, "I deeply appreciate the humanitarian approach of Great Eastern Shipping Company the towards the seafarers and standing by them in this crucial time!"

Our Seafarers stuck in China are coming back to India!

Ship M. V. Jag Anand, having 23 Indian crews, stuck in China, is set to sail toward Chiba,Japan to carry out crew change, will reach India on 14th January.

This could only happen due to strong leadership of @NarendraModi ji  Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) January 9, 2021

Earlier, the External Affairs Ministry in a statement said that two cargo vessels with a total of 39 Indians on board have been on anchorage in Chinese waters as they were not allowed to unload their cargo.

The bulk cargo vessel MV Jag Anand is on anchorage near Jingtang port in Hebei province of China since June 13 and with 23 Indian sailors on board. While another vessel, MV Anastasia with 16 Indian crew members, is on anchorage near Caofeidian port in China since September 20, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a media briefing.

Meanwhile, China has blamed the freight forwarder of Jag Anand ship for the impasse, saying he is not letting the ship to leave the port. In media briefing last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, "we stated repeatedly that China has clear stipulations on quarantine measures".

"As far as I understand, China allows the crew change while meeting certain quarantine conditions. But this Jingtang port is not in the list for such crew changes," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

He also cleared that there is no 'link' between the stranded Indian ship crew on its Chinese ports and its strained relations with India and Australia.

Live TV
WASHINGTON - One waved as he carried off the lectern of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The other flexed his bare, tattoo-covered torso and as he stood in front of Vice President Mike Pence's chair in the Senate chamber.

Two men seen in some of the most memorable images of Wednesday's assault on the Capitol have been charged and arrested, as federal prosecutors in the District of Columbia target high-profile figures from the pro-Trump riot.

Jacob Anthony Chansley, of Arizona, who also goes by Jake Angeli, is accused of trespassing on Capitol grounds, entering violently and committing disorderly conduct while there. Adam Johnson, 36, of Bradenton, Fla., faces the same charges as well as theft of government property in connection with the lectern.

Prosecutors also detailed charges against a man accused of threatening to kill Pelosi, D-Calif., and against a West Virginia state lawmaker who resigned his office Saturday.

Sixteen people have been charged in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with crimes related to the storming of the Capitol, including a man who admitted to stealing a document from Pelosi's office. Forty others face charges in District Superior Court.

The federal cases charged so far involve the low-hanging fruit of the investigation - people who either identified themselves in online postings or were quickly identified by others who saw the images and recognized the individuals. The acting U.S. attorney in the District, Michael Sherwin, said a broader investigation into who did what at the Capitol, and what their intentions were, could take until at least the end of this year.

"This is just the beginning," he said Friday.

The most common charge, unlawful entry into a restricted building, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison. People who carried weapons or engaged in violence could face up to 10 years in prison. Making interstate threats is a felony punishable by up to five years. Most federal sentences fall far below statutory maximums.

The nation's capital is one of the most secure cities on the planet, and federal law enforcement agencies, particularly the Capitol Police, have faced blistering criticism from the public and politicians that they were unprepared for the mob that invaded the building. Law enforcement agencies are scrambling to prove that they can quickly investigate, arrest and prosecute those responsible, particularly with the added pressure of talk already circulating online of additional unrest or confrontations on Jan. 17 and Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.

A number of right-wing politicians and advocates have suggested that the mob at the Capitol contained far-left provocateurs, and blamed antifa, a shorthand term for antifascists. But FBI officials said they have seen no evidence that antifa activists were there or involved.

Cleveland Meredith was charged Thursday with threatening Pelosi, one day after arriving in the capital from Colorado. He told law enforcement he got to Washington too late for the protest or the attack on the Capitol. But on his way there, according to court documents, he texted a friend to say he was "Thinking about heading over to Pelosi . . . speech and putting a bullet in her noggin on Live TV," a remark that was followed by purple devil emoji.

While prosecutors do not allege that Meredith ever got near Pelosi, they say he was carrying a 9mm Glock 19 pistol, an Israeli army standard-issue Tavor X95 assault rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

In these early arrests, authorities relied heavily on open-source information, including news reports and the participants' own social media posts. Former West Virginia state representative Derrick Evans, a Republican, who is charged with unlawful entry and disorderly conduct, live-streamed himself barging into the Capitol building with the mob. An FBI special agent wrote in an affidavit that though Evans later deleted the video, it is still available on Reddit, and that though Evans later described himself as "an independent member of the media," on Facebook he says he is a "political candidate" who would attend the rally in support of President Donald Trump.

In his resignation letter, Evans said he took "full responsibility for my actions."

A "widely circulated" Getty Images photograph led investigators to Johnson, FBI Special Agent Michael Jeng wrote in an affidavit. The image showed a red-haired man in a ski hat carrying Pelosi's lectern and waving.

The lectern, which is worth over $1,000, was found a day later in a corridor on the other side of the Capitol building, according to Jeng.

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Jeng noted, subsequently reported that the same man posted pictures under the name Adam Johnson from inside the Capitol. In one, he is pictured next to a sign saying the building is "Closed to all tours."

"The caption accompanying the photograph, seemingly in response to the sign, says 'No,' " Jeng wrote.

Florida documentary photographer Allan Mestel told The Washington Post that he had planned to travel to the event himself as an observer, but his wife deemed it too dangerous. Then, watching the news, he saw a friend's neighbor carrying Pelosi's lectern.

Mestel said that though he had never met Johnson, he "knew him by sight" and from social media, where the fellow Floridian expressed "extreme right-wing views and pro-conspiracy theory views."

The Bradenton Herald reported that hours before the riot, Johnson posted on Facebook that he had joined a crowd the previous evening chanting expletives dismissive of the Black Lives Matter movement.

It was "pretty amazing," his post said.

About 200 Trump supporters converged on Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House on Tuesday night; a woman and two District police officers were taken to a hospital with minor injuries in connection with that demonstration.

Mestel said he called the FBI to identify Johnson. He said he was "impressed and surprised by how quickly they responded."

Prosecutors identified Chansley as the man wearing fur-lined headdress and face paint who stood on the dais in the Senate chamber next to Pence's chair in widely distributed photographs of the chaos inside the Capitol.

Chansley, who also goes by Jake Angeli and is associated with QAnon, was charged Friday with entering restricted grounds and disrupting Capitol business in Washington. A Capitol Police arrest affidavit said an agent confirmed Chansley's identification by media reports, citing his "unique attire and extensive tattoos" seen in photographs Chansley posted on a Facebook page. The defendant also was identified by law enforcement through public databases, including his Arizona driver's license photo, said Capitol Police Special Agent James Soltes.

Chansley called the FBI on Thursday to speak to law enforcement, Soltes wrote, and confirmed that he was the man wearing the headdress on the dais. He "stated that he came as a part of a group effort, with other 'patriots' from Arizona, at the request of the President that all 'patriots' come to D.C. on January 6, 2021," Soltes wrote.

Chansley could not be reached Saturday. In a lengthy telephone call Friday, he told The Post he was "not at all" afraid of arrest and believed himself innocent. "I didn't do anything wrong," he said, although he acknowledged that he entered the Capitol with other protesters, wearing the distinctive costume with horns and fur. "[B]ut isn't that a public building? Didn't our tax dollars pay for that building?"

Using the name Angeli, Chansley has been repeatedly photographed and interviewed in his distinctive garb at pro-Trump rallies over the past year. He often carried a sign saying "Q sent me."

"When you really do enough research, it all ties together," he told the Arizona Republic about QAnon, which holds that Trump is fighting an alliance of Democratic politicians and Hollywood liberals involved in child sex trafficking. The woman who was shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer Wednesday also was an adherent of the conspiracy theory, which is heavily influenced by anti-Semitic tropes.

Information about attorneys for Chansley, Johnson and Meredith was not immediately available.

- - -

The Washington Post's Fredrick Kunkle contributed to this report.
Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

24 Hour Access
 Flash

Tanzanian President John Magufuli met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Chato, Tanzania, on Friday.

Magufuli asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Magufuli said the older generation of leaders from Tanzania and China met with sincerity and jointly forged profound friendship between the two countries.

The Chinese people have always been good friends and brothers of the Tanzanian people, said Magufuli, adding that Tanzania is deeply grateful for the great help provided by the Chinese people in its struggle for national liberation and development.

Tanzania is willing to continue to carry forward the traditional friendship between Tanzania and China, and will stand firmly with China on all issues involving China's core interests and major concerns, said Magufuli.

Noting that China has made remarkable achievements in economic development and bilateral economic and trade cooperation is win-win and mutually beneficial, Magufuli said Tanzania is ready to deepen cooperation with China, expand exports to China and attract more Chinese investment.

Tanzania is ready to become the gateway for Chinese enterprises to explore the eastern and southern African markets and join hands with China to usher in a new era of common development between the two countries, he said.

For his part, Wang Yi said China and Tanzania have profound and long-standing traditional friendship, which is the precious treasure of both countries and should be cherished, carried forward and continuously injected with new connotation of the era.

Wang said Tanzania was the first African country that President Xi Jinping visited after he took office as the Chinese president in 2013. During that visit, Xi proposed the principles of sincerity, practical results, affinity and good faith for China to deal with its relations with Africa.

China is ready to make joint efforts with Tanzania to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and push for the comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and Tanzania, Wang said.

China appreciates Tanzania's consistent and firm support on issues concerning China's core interests. China will also firmly support the Tanzanian government in its governance efforts and its opposition to foreign interference, said Wang, adding that China-Tanzania cooperation is South-South cooperation and mutual help between brothers.

China was once a comrade in arms in Tanzania's struggle for national independence and is now a partner in Tanzania's development and revitalization, said Wang.

"We support more Chinese enterprises to invest in Tanzania, expand cooperation in infrastructure, resources and energy, agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, medical and health care and other sectors," said Wang.

Wang also called on the enterprises to properly handle the problems encountered in the cooperation between the two countries, and help Tanzania achieve its independent development goals for the benefit of the Tanzanian people.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with his Tanzanian counterpart Palamagamba Kabudi and jointly met the press.
Large restaurants providing prepared meals to supermarkets for sale is causing the Government some concern as it says this is adding to additional customer traffic at those supermarkets, as it wants less movement of people during the State of Emergency.
New Delhi:

The Gurgaon police on Monday said that woman was allegedly gangraped in an auto rickshaw. According to reports, three men allegedly raped a woman after throwing her nine-month-old daughter off an autorickshaw leading to the child's death in Gurugram.

According to the 23-year-old woman, she was going to her parents' house in Khandsa village here around midnight on May 29 with her daughter after an argument with her husband. She took a lift in an autorickshaw in which three persons were already sitting. She told police that the accused started molesting her as soon as she sat in the vehicle. As she resisted and her daughter started crying, they threw the infant out of the vehicle. The child succumbed to injuries, a Gurugram police official said.

The victim told police that she was raped by the accused inside the autorickshaw and had thrown her child out of the autorickshaw. The official said that the woman, a resident of a village near IMT Manesar.

"A case of murder and sexual assault has been registered. We are investigating the matter as woman alleging gangrape has refused to undergo medical examination," a senior police officer said.

Notably, the latest incident comes close on the heels of another incident in which two women were allegedly raped at Yamunanagar and Ambala in Haryana, police said.

Two horrific incidents of rape also shook Haryana last month.

While the body of a 23-year-old woman, who had beengang-raped and murdered, was found on the outskirts of Rohtak, a 26-year-old was gang-raped in a moving car in Gurgaon and abandoned in a semi-conscious state near her house.

(Wilth PTI Inputs)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.

LONDON, Jan. 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Ship Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GSL) (the Company) today announced that it has issued a notice of optional full redemption for all of the currently outstanding $233,436,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.875% First Priority Secured Notes due 2022 (the Notes) at a redemption price equal to 102.469% of the principal amount thereof (the Redemption Price) plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date of January 20, 2021 (the Redemption Date). Interest on the Notes will cease to accrue on and after the Redemption Date. The Company intends to pay the Redemption Price using funds from the drawdown of its previously-announced $236.2 million senior secured loan facility with Hayfin Capital Management, LLP (the Hayfin Loan), along with cash on hand. Completion of the redemption is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent to the Hayfin Loan that would permit the Company to irrevocably deposit funds sufficient for the redemption in accordance with the requirements of the indenture governing the Notes (the Indenture).



A notice of optional redemption has been, or will be, sent to the registered holders of the Notes on or about January 8, 2021, pursuant to the requirements of the Indenture. All Notes must be surrendered in accordance with such notice to collect the Redemption Price plus accrued interest.

Upon completion of the redemption, all Notes will be cancelled and the Notes will no longer trade on The International Stock Exchange.

Pursuant to an agreement we entered into with KEP VI (Newco Marine) Ltd. and KIA VIII (Newco Marine) Ltd. (together, Kelso), both affiliates of Kelso & Company, a U.S. private equity firm, in September 2019, Kelso agreed to exercise its right to convert its 250,000 Series C Preferred Shares, representing all such shares outstanding, into Class A common shares of the Company upon the repayment in full of the Notes (the Conversion). In connection with the Conversion, the Company expects to issue an aggregate of 12,955,188 Class A common shares to Kelso following the Redemption Date. As the pre-conversion Series C Preferred Shares are entitled to dividends on a pari passu basis with the underlying Class A Common Shares, the Conversion results in no effective change to capital distribution rights.

About Global Ship Lease

Global Ship Lease is a leading independent owner of containerships with a diversified fleet of mid-sized and smaller containerships. Incorporated in the Marshall Islands, Global Ship Lease commenced operations in December 2007 with a business of owning and chartering out containerships under fixed-rate charters to top tier container liner companies. On November 15, 2018, it completed a strategic combination with Poseidon Containers.

Global Ship Lease owns 43 containerships, ranging from 2,207 to 11,040 TEU, with a total capacity of 245,280 TEU and an average age, weighted by TEU capacity, of 13.4 years as at September 30, 2020. 25 ships are Post-Panamax, of which nine are fuel-efficient new-design wide-beam.

Adjusted to include all charters agreed, and ships acquired or divested, up to November 12, 2020, the average remaining term of the Companys charters at September 30, 2020, to the mid-point of redelivery, including options under the Companys control, was 2.3 years on a TEU-weighted basis. Contracted revenue on the same basis was $688.9 million. Contracted revenue was $764.9 million, including options under charterers control and with latest redelivery date, representing a weighted average remaining term of 2.6 years.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide the Companys current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements include statements about the Companys expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. Words or phrases such as anticipate, believe, continue, estimate, expect, intend, may, ongoing, plan, potential, predict, project, will or similar words or phrases, or the negatives of those words or phrases, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure you that the events or expectations included in these forward-looking statements will come to pass. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including the factors described in Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F and the factors and risks the Company describes in subsequent reports filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Investor and Media Contact:

The IGB Group

Bryan Degnan

646-673-9701

or

Leon Berman

212-477-8438




West Ham's Manuel Lanzini has pledged to make a donation to an east London foodbank to make up for him breaking coronavirus restrictions over Christmas.

The Argentinian midfielder was seen celebrating Christmas with Tottenham players Erik Lamela, Sergi Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso and their families which contradicted London's lockdown rules.

Lanzini had already apologised for his actions on social media but revealed on Friday night that he had spoken to the club and decided to make a donation to the Newham Foodbank, a cause described as important to the Hammers community.

Manuel Lanzini has donated to a London foodbank in response to breaking Covid-19 rules

Lanzini (top third right) was seen spending Christmas Day with three Spurs players at a party

Lanzini posted on social media: 'I thought a lot about my actions at Christmas and I know I cannot change what happened but I've spoken to the Club and the manager and want something good to come from it.

'I've been at West Ham a long time so I know what the community means to the Club and want to give back to a cause that matters to us all, our community and fans.

'I will be making a donation to a great cause in the Newham Foodbank and I hope this can help them during a difficult time.'

The Argentine claims he has spoken to the club and will now donate to Newham Foodbank

Following the Christmas Day celebration, Lanzini featured in all three of West Ham's Premier League fixtures since December 25.

Both West Ham and Tottenham were furious with their players for breaking the London restrictions which banned households from mixing during the current global pandemic.

Responding to the incident, West Ham released a statement, which read: 'The club has set the highest possible standards with its protocols and measures relating to Covid-19 so we are disappointed to learn of Manuel Lanzini's actions.

'The matter has been dealt with internally and Manuel has been strongly reminded of his responsibilities.'

Lanzini had already apologised for the incident with West Ham condemning his actions

Meanwhile Erik Lamela (L) and Sergio Regulion have been dropped by Spurs since the party

Meanwhile, it was revealed this week the Spurs trio involved in the gathering were all fined by the north London club despite calls for a suspension. All three players were also reminded of their responsibilities by Tottenham.

Lo Celso has been struggling with a hamstring injury so would have missed the matches anyway, while Reguilon was left out of the starting line-up of Tottenham's festive fixture with Leeds after details of the gathering were revealed.

Lamela missed Spurs' Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Brentford in midweek, though manager Jose Mourinho did not go into detail surrounding the midfielder's absence.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday took the unprecedented step of asking the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff about available precautions to prevent President Trump from initiating military action abroad or using his sole authority to launch nuclear weapons in the last days of his term.

In a phone call to the chairman, Gen. Mark A. Milley, Ms. Pelosi appeared to be seeking to have the Pentagon leadership essentially remove Mr. Trump from his authorities as the commander in chief. That could be accomplished by ignoring the presidents orders or slowing them by questioning whether they were issued legally.

But General Milley appears to have made no commitments. Short of the cabinet invoking the 25th Amendment or removing Mr. Trump through impeachment in the House and conviction in the Senate, it is unconstitutional to defy legal orders from the commander in chief.

Ms. Pelosis request, which she announced to the Democratic caucus as an effort to prevent an unhinged president from using the nuclear codes, was wrapped in the politics of seeking a second impeachment of Mr. Trump.

Dublin Fire Brigade is attending the scene of a large fire in Ballyfermot.

Eight units of the fire service are at the scene in an industrial premise in Dublin 10.

Locals have been advised to close their windows if they are downwind of the smoke plume.

Dublin Fire Brigade said on Twitter: "Our firefighters are working hard to bring the fire under control but this will be a protracted incident.

"We expect to be on scene for the foreseeable."

Our firefighters are working hard to bring the fire under control but this will be a protracted incident. We expect to be on scene for the foreseeable #Dublin #fire #Kylemore pic.twitter.com/XCkdEaPuAq  Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) January 9, 2021

Meanwhile, a massive fire at a grain storage building in Cork Harbour was brought under control earlier this afternoon by members of the Cork County Fire Service.

The alarm was raised just before 8.45am when locals reported a massive plume of smoke rising from the deepwater port compound.

It could be seen from up to 20km away.

The Port of Cork advised people to close windows and doors and remain indoors, and it later suspended all shipping operations in Ringaskiddy as a precaution.
The Ministry of Public Security joined with the Ministry of National Defense in an anti-terror drill to ensure security ahead of the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam from Jan. 25 to Feb. 2, where the country's party chief, prime minister, president and the National Assembly chairperson will be elected for the new five-year term.

The drill took place at My Dinh Stadium Square in Hanoi's Nam Tu Liem District.

In a hypothetical scenario, guards were equipped with large-displacement motorcycles, with maximum speeds of 250 kph, to accompanying arriving guests to the groundbreaking ceremony.

When George Floyd was killed by police in May, the world was convulsed by footage which showed the 46-year-old black man pinned down by three Minnesota police officers. I cant breathe, Floyd told police over and over, using the same dark phrase that has evolved from last words to a rallying cry following the deaths of an ever-growing list of black people at the hands of US police.

The unambiguous footage of Floyd, another black man being killed in police custody, galvanised and resurged the Black Lives Matter movement. Up until then, the modern civil rights movement had largely been US based but this time, it went global. This time, it reached Ireland.

Read More

We were all shook, we were all taken aback by his death, Leon Diop, the Tallaght man, says. Diop, who is mixed race, was one of a number of Irish people who were either leading or participating in a new kind of conversation about racism in Ireland last summer. Black and mixed race people who had endured or even come to expect racism in Ireland were forced to revisit their experiences, and many started talking about them out loud for the first time.

Shortly afterwards, Diop became one of four founders of the Black and Irish Instagram page. The page, which is closing in on 50,000 followers, was set up by Diop, Amanda Ade, Boni Odoemene and Femi Bankole. It initially shared personal stories and experiences of black and mixed race people in Ireland. (All four founders are based here, except for Odoemene who lives in London. Covid-19 restrictions meant he could not travel for a photoshoot with Weekend.) After it was created, the Instagram page and the everyday racism it documented was shared by Leo Varadkar and Laura Whitmore. Black and Irish then evolved into a compelling and unique podcast of the same name and format, commissioned by RTE. Now, its effectively become an activist group, which is campaigning against racism in Ireland on a humanitarian basis. The page defied a loud minority who criticised the Irish version of BLM as though it were just an online virtue-signalling exercise. Black and Irish transformed a conversation that started on social media, and advanced it into a real, exciting, smart and practical Irish anti-racism movement.

Last June, thousands of Irish people lent their support to that movement by defying Covid-19 restrictions to march through the streets of Dublin in solidarity with US protests following Floyds death. Many were of the view that this social justice moment was too important to stay home for. On Instagram, timelines were awash with black tiles and hashtags, often shared in solidarity by high profile white Irish influencers. But it is fair to say that in the months that followed, some of the well intentioned people who effusively backed Irelands new BLM movement seemed to have largely forgotten it.

People go back to not really paying attention to the movement until it flares up again. And unfortunately, what flaring up again means is probably seeing another black person being killed on video; maybe by a police officer, maybe not, Diop said in an interview last month.

To anyone reading this: dont wait until the next event to support this movement. We need continuous support. Dont wait around, be proactive.

Within days, Diops words adopted a dark prescience when footage did emerge of a black man being shot and killed by police. But this time, it was in West Dublin. George Nkencho, a 27-year-old black man, was fatally shot outside his mothers home in Manorsfield Drive near the Dublin/Meath border on December 30. Gardai had been called following reports that Nkencho, who was armed with a knife, had threatened staff at a Eurospar shop in Hartstown. Nkencho had reportedly been suffering from mental health problems.

Nkenchos familys loss was given no space at all as his death prompted a rush to judgement online. After a difficult year, clear footage of a black man being shot by a police force was understandably traumatising for the black Irish community. But others defended the gardai, and claimed that those mentioning race were inappropriately importing loaded rhetoric from America. In the midst of a deeply vitriolic debate, the Black and Irish Instagram page urged caution: it said that not all facts were yet known about the case, it pled for unity rather than division, and it made itself available as a kind of online support service for those who needed to talk about what happened. But soon the founders of Black and Irish like Femi Bankole, found themselves forced to make the core argument of the BLM movement: that George Nkenchos life had mattered. Within a day, the internet was dismissing the tragedy of his death simply because it had followed a garda response to an alleged crime.

Its horrible and barbaric when you see online discourse justifying a mans death based on his actions. In Ireland, we do not have the death penalty. We have a judicial system in which people answer for their crimes, Bankole says.

There are no winners here. A man has died, on our screens, in a tragic way. Its horrible for Georges family, its horrible for the gardai and its horrible for the people in Eurospar who were attacked.

Bankole says its dangerous to start speculating on or suggesting if race had played a role in the shooting. But if Nkenchos race had not been a factor in his death, racism very quickly played a major role in the public response to it.

The speed at which the fake news spread was actually scary. It happened on Wednesday, and by Thursday there was all of this rhetoric online claiming George was a horrible person. Media coverage called him a thug, people were spreading posts incorrectly claiming he had dozens of previous convictions, that he had attacked his girlfriend, that he had a machete, he says.

The horrible and scary thing about the vitriol was not that it was coming from generic bots or right-wing accounts. I could click in and see that these were real people saying these things.

Expand Close Femi Bankole, Amanda Ade and Leon Diop from the Black and Irish podcast. Photo: Cait Fahey / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Femi Bankole, Amanda Ade and Leon Diop from the Black and Irish podcast. Photo: Cait Fahey

The amount of people willing to believe a grossly exaggerated stereotype of a black man as a lethal criminal, for Bankole and the rest of Black and Irish, was evidence of the ingrained racism that the group has been trying to challenge since it was founded. After they started Black and Irish, many of the founders own white friends expressed shock and surprise after hearing about their experiences of racism. Bankole says that its unfortunate that the job of educating white Irish people about racism has fallen to black Irish people, but said it isnt reasonable to expect unconscious bias or even ignorance about racism to have been unravelled in the months since George Floyds death. But, he added that white people have a responsibility to want to learn.

Before Nkenchos death, Black and Irish was already planning on working with an Garda Siochana in 2021. The group is also planning events for St Patricks Day and Black History Month. It has already started selling merch to help fund its work  which it stresses was specifically designed to be worn by white people too  and it is actively looking for new groups and organisations to collaborate with.

Were usually known as the generation that has no interest in politics, we dont go out to vote and all that. But this is something far more important than politics right now, and something were far more interested in, Bankole says.

The phrase social justice might have some negative connotations, but if you delve into what social justice is: there is nothing wrong with getting people to try to act more decently to make the world a better place.

Bankole touches on one of the key strategies of Black and Irish, which is to divorce itself from some of the regular trappings of online activism and the polarising debate that can go with it. Boni Odoemene explains that the topic of race and race relations has become heavily politicised.

A lot of people use it as a defence. People will use it to come across as overly virtuous, to make other people feel bad, Odoemene says.

We want to do this not from a confrontational way, but an informative way.

In that sense, Black and Irish are approaching the issue of racism in Ireland with a huge amount of patience and generosity considering each of the four founders have had to endure it for most of their lives. Black and Irish are more willing to help people to learn and give them a chance to concede that they have made racist mistakes in the past.

Its very hard as a human being to admit that you made a mistake, or were wrong. I find that hard, we all do. When you talk about people changing their racist ways or behaviours, thats what youre asking someone to do: swallow their pride, admit they were wrong and go off and learn. Thats such a difficult thing for people to do, and thats what were fighting against, Bankole says.

Amanda Ade explains that the group is still starting from an extremely low base, considering some still see being black and Irish as two mutually exclusive things.

Anyone that is black or mixed race growing up in Ireland, there is always a question mark around your Irishness. One of the things we are trying to do with the page is explain that you can be black, mixed race and Irish all at the same time, Ade says.

Before this, there was a lack of space for these kinds of stories. But one thing you also have to bear in mind is that, yeah, there have been black people in Ireland for centuries, but on a large scale it is only in the last 20 to 30 years that there has been mass immigration into Ireland. I like to think of this as a positive thing. We are still at the very, very early stages compared to countries like the UK or the US. We can use these countries and their journeys in terms of race relations as a blueprint of what not to do. Now that the space has been given, what are we going to do to make Ireland a more inclusive space moving forward?

Expand Close Boni Odoemene from the Black and Irish podcast / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Boni Odoemene from the Black and Irish podcast

All four of them stress that denial of racism in Ireland can be the biggest perpetrator of it. For that reason, having an Irish anti-racism movement which blossomed from protests against Americas heinous criminal justice system and its treatment of black people has created a problem. Those who would prefer to deny that Ireland has an issue with racism end up claiming that it couldnt, because Irish racism is not the same as or as bad as systemic and institutional racism in the US.

I think because racism didnt look like what it looks like in the UK or America, people just didnt make that connection between racism and Ireland  because it didnt look the same, Ade says.

And Diop explains that white Irish people can sometimes tend to comfort themselves by claiming that a country like Ireland  which has historically been the oppressed rather than the oppressor  is almost incapable of being racist.

People say, The shop signs used to say no blacks, no dogs, no Irish, so were in the same boat as you lads, and were not racist. Denial is a perpetuator. When youre lackadaisical about it, thats when it can creep in. And thats when attitudes and behaviours begin to form: when youre not looking at it, when youre not paying attention to it, Diop says.

Racism can and does exist to varying degrees in Ireland, and Black and Irish has devoted a huge amount of time and energy into explaining this clearly through the personal testimony of podcast guests like writer Emma Dabiri, actress Jade Jordan and musical artist Max Zanga.

Irish media is predominantly and overwhelmingly white, and Bankole points out that it is weird that it took until the middle of 2020 for Black and Irish to set up a podcast documenting the lived experiences of black and mixed race people in Ireland.

All four say they are against using positive discrimination to improve representation of people of colour in Irish media and politics, because they believe that such a blunt instrument would be premature at this stage.

I personally feel were not at that place yet but were on our way there. Mass presence of black people in this country is only 20 years old. These things take time and its important that we know that. If we start prematurely making demands, were going to turn many people off, Odoemene says.

Expand Close Femi Bankole from the Black and Irish podcast, photographed by Cait Fahey for Weekend magazine / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Femi Bankole from the Black and Irish podcast, photographed by Cait Fahey for Weekend magazine

Black and Irish would rather help the media to continue to see things through a racial lens, rather than treating racism as a kind of one-off event which only deserves coverage when there is a major BLM-style upsurge.

There are specific Irish issues that Black and Irish want to highlight, to shift a conversation that was sparked by police brutality in America to the long-standing and institutional racism that exists in Ireland.

We need to try to focus on the issues on our own island. Its not police brutality, its not the same issues that you see raised by BLM in America. Its misconceptions, its misunderstandings. Its assumptions, its accent discrimination. Its all these different things that take place, Odoemene says.

You dont have to dig too deep into current affairs to see racial laws, for example, the 2004 referendum to take away citizenship for children who were born in Ireland. That is a racist law. If that was to happen in any other country like the US or the UK, anyone would call it out as racist. But because its in Ireland, no way.

And Black and Irish also wants to focus on the failure of integration in Irelands recent past, which the group said has led to black communities being completely segregated from white communities in certain parts of Ireland.

Ade adds that talking about racism in Ireland cannot happen without discussing Direct Provision, our own form of institutional racism... It is the epitome of institutional racism in Ireland. Diop agrees.

It is an institution set up that is based on racist policies. Ireland is meant to be the country of a hundred thousand welcomes  is this how we give a hundred thousand welcomes? When someone comes in as an asylum seeker, and we dont treat them with respect? We dont give them dignity? Forty two per cent of them are sharing a room with a stranger, and theyre out in the middle of nowhere on the outskirts of rural towns. That whole system just needs to be abolished, Diop says.

Expand Close Amanda Adewole from the Black and Irish podcast, photographed by Cait Fahey for Weekend magazine / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Amanda Adewole from the Black and Irish podcast, photographed by Cait Fahey for Weekend magazine

It is essential, it is necessary that as part of challenging racism we challenge Direct Provision.

When Black and Irish used its platform to shift the BLM conversation towards Direct Provision  the deeply controversial accommodation system for asylum seekers in Ireland  the group was surprised by the number of young people who appeared not to know much about the 20-year-old system and the poor standards within it. The group are also aspiring to challenge and change the broader perception of asylum seekers in Irish society, as racist tropes about those coming from certain countries still exist.

But as abolishing Direct Provision became a key focus of anti-racism groups like Black and Irish, it has also become a target for racist and xenophobic right-wing groups. Last year, a number of groups tried to hijack or incite protests against new Direct Provision centres in different parts of the country. While opposition to the centres was sometimes framed as being on a human rights basis, there were people who were opposed to any asylum seekers coming to Ireland in almost any circumstances at all.

Bankole said it would be a fatal mistake for Black and Irish to ignore or not engage with the arguments of such far-right groups.

The thing that these far-right groups prey on is the idea that were asking for superiority, or are trying to take over. But listen mate, I just want to live in a world where I have the same opportunities as anyone else and where my skin, the one thing that I cant change about myself and do not want to change about myself, does not come with pre-conceived notions and stereotypes, he says.

Odoemene says that such groups are growing and ignoring them would only allow them to thrive.

By the time its strong enough to come and attack us, we wont know where it came from. If we dont challenge them now, tomorrow might be too late, Odoemene says.

Ade adds that as immigration rises, far-right sentiment rises: They go hand and hand.

Looking across the world, this is probably the most polarised we have ever been in history. Its not your side or my side, its not right or wrong, we are just trying to break down barriers and have the conversations that need to be had. Its not about bashing people. Theres been so much of that, and clearly it hasnt worked, she says.

Diop adds that Black and Irish will never change the minds of racists, but I dont want to change their mind.

I want us to target the fence-sitters or people who dont know that this is going on. Theyre actively trying to get more people onto their side, and we need to be doing the same. There are definitely more people out there who are anti-racist or at least non-racist than there are racists, so we need to try to bring those people along with us before the right wing heads start seizing them, Diop says.

I know that were on the right side. Were fighting for equality and justice, were not fighting for superiority.

The Black and Irish podcast is available on RTE.ie/podcasts and Spotify and Apple Podcasts
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 leader of Lebanons Hezbollah group said on Friday the assault by President Donald Trumps supporters on the US Capitol this week shows the reality of American democracy, which they tried to spread around the world.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah described Trump as "stupid" and a "killer" in a televised speech on Hezbollah controlled Al-Manar TV, where he attacked the US leader's Middle East policies, including the Washington-directed airstrike in Baghdad a year ago that killed Iran's top general Qassim Soleimani, along with Iraq's militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Nasrallah said the attack on the Capitol showed that Trump can also kill his own people.

Wednesdays violence in Washington left four people dead, including one protester.

The remarks were Nasrallahs first since Wednesday. The US has labelled Hezbollah a "terrorist" group.

His criminal policies have been revealed to his own people, Nasrallah said of Trump.

Nasrallah said he hopes the world will be spared Trumps policies over the next days, warning that the nuclear button is at the hands of ......a crazy, racist and stupid person.

On Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she has spoken to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff about preventing Trump from ordering military actions including a possible nuclear strike in his final days and hours at the White House.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Retiring at 55 or 60? View(s):

A 2021 budget proposal to extend the retirement age in the private sector to 60 years and allow private sector workers to access their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) only after 60 years has triggered a storm of protests  from both employers and unions  with the most practical age of retirement issue surfacing again. A 2021 budget proposal to extend the retirement age in the private sector to 60 years and allow private sector workers to access their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) only after 60 years has triggered a storm of protests  from both employers and unions  with the most practical age of retirement issue surfacing again.

Private sector employers have expressed opposition to the move, while unions representing workers say that if there are no proper laws to extend the minimum age of retirement, it is not workable and in such a situation being asked to access EPF funds only at 60 years is a violation of ones fundamental rights. The EPF Act stipulates that a member of the Fund shall be paid the total amount lying to the credit of such individual as soon as may be practicable when such a member, being a male, attains the age of fifty-five years, or, being a female, attains the age of fifty years.

It is widely acknowledged that efficient workers who reach the age of retirement in the private sector  55 years  are still very active at this age and beyond, while on the other hand it is stated that if this retirement age is extended, it mars the chances of younger people coming up the ladder of promotion and reaching the top. In the public sector, the retirement age is 60 years.

No decision on this matter was made at the tripartite National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) meeting two weeks ago although it came up for discussion. The NLAC represents the workers (through trade unions), the employers (via the Employers Federation of Ceylon  EFC) and the government (Ministry of Labour).

As I was contemplating on these issues, the phone rang. It was Kalabala Silva, the often agitated academic, on the line.

I sayI read a story where the private sector is opposed to the proposed new retirement age of 60 years. That is very unfair because 60 years is still an age when people are active and productive and this is the retirement age in most countries. Why cant we go with the general overseas flow? he asked.

Interestingly, I am writing about the retirement age dilemma that the country is facing at the moment. The private sector also has a point as they say that extending the retirement age would deprive younger people from climbing the corporate ladder, I said.

Yes but younger people should be able to rise in a firm based on merit and performance; not because an older employee has been given five years more in the job before retirement, he argued.

We discussed many other issues and after wishing him for the New Year, I ended the call and looked towards the margosa tree where the trio of friends was engrossed in conversation.

Mage yaaluwekge mahaththaya paudgalika companiyaka weda karanne. Eya mata kiwwa, katahwak thiyenawa kiyala vishrama yana vayasa hetak karanna. Eeeta passe thamai egollanta EPF mudal ganna puluwan (My friend whose husband works in a private company was saying that there is a proposal where the new retirement age is 60 years and that they can get their EPF money only after that), said Kussi Amma Sera.

Eka hari asadaranai. EPF mudal ganna puluwan venna ona den thiyena vidihata vayasa 55 wena-kota (This is very unfair. They should allow people access to the EPF at the present age of 55 years), noted Mabel Rasthiyadu.

Mata therenne ne. Ogollo katha karanne sevakayek companiyakin aswenna avashya vayasada nethnam vayasata gihilla aswena welawa genada (I dont understand this. Are you referring to the age when a person leaves a company or when he gets old and has to leave), asked Serapina.

Companiyakata weda karanna puluwan wedima vayasa (Its the maximum age you can work in the company), answered Kussi Amma Sera.

The most productive age of retirement has become a thorny issue particularly in the private sector. There is no mandatory retirement age in the private sector though most companies use 55 years as the benchmark.

There are, however, two schools of thought from the corporate sector. In my view, the private sector should be left alone to decide this. Why would a corporate head want to retire a productive senior manager? He can always offer him fresh contracts to retain his services. If the retirement age is statutorily increased to 60 years, corporates would be forced to retain unproductive staff as well, said the chairman of a publicly-listed company.

A contrary view came from the head of a large family-owned company who is turning 55 years this year: Fifty-five years is certainly far too early for both men and women to retire. The official age should be 65 with the option of early retirement being given to the individual. I am still learning and enthusiastic to go on. If I was forced to leave, the organisation would be the loser and I wouldnt be able to find another job with age being a barrier. So its a disaster for both parties!

Globally, Sri Lanka has the earliest retirement age at 55 years (in the private sector), while Libya provides for the oldest retirement age (70 years), according to Wikipedia data.

In a list of retirement ages of nearly 90 countries, it was revealed that only three countries  Sri Lanka, Indonesia (58 years) and Bangladesh (59 years)  have retirement ages lower than 60 years. In Australia, the retirement age is 65 and expected to increase gradually to 67 years by July 2023. In Denmark, it is 65 with plans to increase gradually to reach 67 years by 2022. In Finland, it is 6268 (flexible retirement age) while in France too it is flexible (62-67) with the full retirement age expected to increase gradually from 65 to 67 years by 2023. In India, it is 60-65 years.

In Japan, it is 62; the Netherlands  68; Norway  67; Pakistan  60; Russia  60 for men and 55 for women; Singapore  6265 years; UAE  65; the UK  65; and the US  62-67 years.

The only way the government can enforce a retirement age of 60 years is through a National Retirement Age Act which is bound to draw vehement protests from the private sector and could be a disincentive to foreign investors.

On the positive side, the fact that the government has thrown its hat into this ring of controversy means that a new age of retirement is bound to emerge from the discussions, while at the same time ensuring workers are able to withdraw their EPF emoluments at age 55 and are also given the option of retiring at that age.

In the now routine practice before I end my column, Serapina walked into my room with a mug of coffee (which I had requested) asking, Sir, weda ivarada (Sir, you finished your work?)

I answered in the affirmative, while hoping that the retirement age issue would be resolved to the satisfaction of both workers and employers.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia reopened their land border Saturday as they restored ties following a landmark deal to end a three and a half year rift

Abu Samrah, Qatar, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jan, 2021 ):Qatar and Saudi Arabia reopened their land border Saturday as they restored ties following a landmark deal to end a three and a half year rift.

Saudi shut its side of Qatar's only land border in June 2017 as part of a package of sanctions it said was a response to Doha's backing radical Islamist groups and closeness to Iran.

Qatar always denied the charges.

AFP correspondents saw cars making the crossing on Saturday. A Qatari source said traffic at the Abu Samrah crossing, 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Doha, had resumed around 0700 GMT.

Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, all of which also imposed embargoes on travel and trade, had agreed to lift the restrictions at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in the kingdom on Tuesday.

The day before the summit, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Ahmad Nasser Al-Sabah had announced on state television that a deal had been reached to "open the airspace and land and sea borders between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar".

Qatar Airways and Saudi Airlines announced Saturday on Twitter that they would begin resuming flights between their countries from Monday.

Only a trickle of cars arrived at the palm tree-lined, whitewashed land border post to make the short crossing into Saudi Arabia after news broke that the frontier had reopened.

A smaller number made the journey from the kingdom into Qatar, where strict measures to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus have been imposed.

"I'm very happy the border is open again," said Qatari Jaber al-Marri, as he approached a checkpoint in his Land Cruiser SUV, adding that he had loved ones in the neighbouring kingdom.

"A lot of Qataris have relatives in Saudi Arabia," he said, holding a negative coronavirus test report.

"The coming days will be better." - 'Reunited with my family' - Qatar has announced strict coronavirus control measures for those arriving from Saudi Arabia.

Doha will require travellers to present a negative coronavirus test, undergo another test at the frontier and quarantine in a government-approved hotel for one week.

A helicopter belonging to the Qatari health service shuttled supplies between Doha and the border, an AFP correspondent reported.

As it was the weekend, cargo haulage did not appear to have resumed.

Qatari Hamad al-Marri, who also drove a Land Cruiser, said he was excited to go hunting with falcons in Saudi Arabia, a popular Gulf pastime.

"I'll take a fortnight holiday there," he said. "I will go hunting and visit my friends, whom we have not seen for more than three and a half years." "I'll be reunited with my family," he added. "Everybody is happy that we can go to Mecca and Medina." The two Saudi cities are focal points of Islam, but Qataris had struggled to undertake the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages during the diplomatic rift.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia blamed each other for the hurdles.

Several drivers gathered at a petrol station close to the Qatari exit point just hours after the Kuwaiti announcement of a detente between Qatar and its erstwhile rivals.

"It's a great joy, I bought this new car, a Land Cruiser, in order to go and celebrate with my relatives in Saudi Arabia," said Zaid Muhammad al-Marri, 23, a Qatari with a Saudi mother.
The Daily Beast

NBCSeth Meyers on Wednesday reacted to the recent news that the Manhattan District Attorneys office has convened a grand jury to consider issuing indictments in the investigation into former President Donald Trumps business dealings.Meyers began by drawing a throughline from this case to all the other figures in Trumps orbit who ended up in trouble with the law.Its just basic logic that if youre surrounded at all times by that many criminals, theres a solid chance youre also a criminal, Meyers said. He then likened Trumps situation to that of the frontman of a band denying that hes actually in a band.Still, Meyers said he wouldnt be surprised if the ex-president emerges relatively unscathed.Trump always manages to wriggle out of a jam, the late-night host said. Hes like the David Blaine of crime. If he ever goes to trial, hell just regurgitate a frog that has Not Guilty written on its back. If the feds ever come for him, hell hide out in a glass box over the [River] Thames.But if Trump himself may end up OK, that might not be the case for his family.Meyers said he would totally believe it if this investigation caused Trump to throw those close to him under the bus. You think he named his eldest son after himself for sentimental reasons? Meyers asked. He did it so there would be a second Donald Trump to pin the blame on.Commentators have also been discussing the likelihood that Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg will flip on Trump.Im guessing when you work for Trump, you start thinking about flipping as soon as you get the gig, Meyers said. Its like when youre in the middle of a job interview at Little Caesars and youre already fantasizing about how youre going to quit.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.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
SALEM, Ore.  It could be many long months until the general public can line up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

OHA Director Patrick Allen said in a press conference Friday that Oregonians could be waiting until this fall to receive their first dose.

"I think fall is a reasonable target based on what I think we understand about production and what I think we understand about potential other vaccines in the pipeline. But again, like I talked about earlier, we keep learning new things seemingly everyday about this virus so that projection could happen sooner or it could happen later," Allen said.

However, the Oregon National Guard has been deployed to help speed up the vaccination process in the state starting this weekend. Gov. Kate Brown said Guard members will be at the state fairgrounds in Salem for a mass vaccination event where the goal is to vaccinate 250 people every hour.

"We are deploying the National Guard to provide vaccination support starting this weekend with Salem Health's vaccination event at the state fairgrounds," Brown said. "Our guard members will be providing logistical and nursing support. The goal is to vaccinate 250 people per hour, vaccinating thousands of Oregonians."

So far only 1.5% of Oregonians have been vaccinated and 24% of the state's doses have been given out. Oregon has more than 250,000 doses available and only 74,000 have been given out.

Oregon is ranked 37th in the country for administering the vaccine. To help with that, the Oregon Health Authority is adjusting the way it allocates doses to vaccine administration sites starting next week.

Sites with plans to administer the doses they receive within seven days are being prioritized. We will also prioritize sites with the commitment and capacity to deliver high volumes of the doses to health care workers, first responders, long-term care residents and other members of the phase 1a group, Allen said.

For instance, the Oregon Health Authority is giving Salem Health 10,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to use at their mass vaccination clinic this weekend.

Brown said OHA has already delivered vaccines to 190 sites across the state and will allocate vaccines to 30 more by next week.

"OHA is working with health care providers, pharmacies, and local public health partners to make steady progress toward achieving our goal of 12,000 vaccines administered per day," said Brown.

On Thursday, Oregon's COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee met for the first time to discuss how critical workers and at-risk populations will be prioritized in the rollout. Health officials said after everyone in the phase 1a group is vaccinated, educators and other staff at pre-kindergarten to grade 12 schools and early learning centers will be the state's next immediate priority.

It's absolutely vital to help our kids safely return to in-person instruction as soon as possible, Brown said Friday. "Weve seen across the world how schools can reopen with rigorous health protocols in place."

However, when Brown was asked why the state isn't following the CDC's recommendation that those who are over 75 and have major health conditions go before teachers, she said getting children back in the classroom is her priority.

"Look this is really challenging. We have seniors in congregate care facilities particularly in skilled nursing care and in memory units that are getting vaccinated as we speak. In terms of seniors that are living independently, I encourage them to continue taking precautions," Brown said.

Brown said educators and staff at community colleges and universities are in phase 1b. In terms of her rationale behind prioritizing early and high school educators over higher education, she said the impacts distance learning has had on young children has been challenging, as the vast majority of brain development happens in the first five years. That's why she believes getting young children back to the classroom is critical.

However, some people argue that older Oregonians who don't live in nursing homes should get prioritized given they're high risk.

Stay with KEZI 9 News for the latest on vaccine distribution and administration.
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.
Social studies teachers nationwide set aside lesson plans this week to help young people make sense of the scenes of the violent siege in Washington by supporters of President Donald Trump.

A teacher in Alabama presented photographs of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol without commentary and asked students to write poems in reflection. A Minnesota instructor fielded comparisons to the aftermath of George Floyd's killing.

Approaches varied, with some teachers deliberately holding off on historical comparisons with the events so fresh. Many trod cautiously in light of varied political viewpoints in their classrooms and communities.

But educators universally described efforts to hear out students' fears and concerns and instill a sense of history and even hopefulness in a school year shaped by the nation's reckoning over racial injustice, the coronavirus pandemic and the constraints of distance learning.

Many teachers said they tried to focus on the importance of engagement and to push back against the creeping sense that violence is the inevitable end to political division.

In deeply conservative Alabama, 10th grade teacher Blake Busbin said he, too, considered how his presentation and language could be perceived by students and the community.

Busbin, a teacher at Auburn High School, made a point to let students watch the chaos unfold on TV. He was a high school senior on 9/11 and the school principal ordered a media blackout, which he felt cost him an opportunity to watch history in t he making.

The day after the Capitol siege, he rose before dawn and gathered 25 photographs that he showed for 10 to 15 seconds each without saying anything, then asked students to write poems. He wanted it to be day a of reflection.

"My strategy, as I told my students, I like to consider myself kind of like a grill master," he said. "Before you put the meat on the grill, it needs to marinate for a while."

The students submitted the poems anonymously, and they weren't read in class. Busbin said they helped him understand students' frame of mind and will help guide future instruction.

The poems, he said, show a desire for a more harmonious government, a more bipartisan approach and a belief that things can get better.

In David McMullen's classroom at Great Path Academy in Manchester, Connecticut, politics emerged when a student addressed unfounded claims that it was a false flag operation. Another student stepped in and said even if that were the case, the president and supporters had encouraged the mob nonetheless.

"Today was just to kind of soak in the events and talk about them and write some stuff down, because, as I tell my students, they are the future's primary sources," he said.

McMullen and other teachers also heard out students who were deeply affected by the photographs of Confederate flags carried through the halls of Capitol and who saw a double standard in the heavier response by police to Black Lives Matter protests.

Reising said the conversation among her students was strained by their hybrid learning model, and because some have not even met face to face. But she tried to end the discussion on a hopeful note.

South St. Paul, Minnesota, teacher Mark Westpfahl set aside his planned lesson on state treaties and instead grabbed the morning newspapers with their "Insurrection" headlines to use as visual aides to teach his sixth grade students, who are learning remotely.

Just miles from the fiery clashes ignited by Floyd's death, there were questions from his students about the police response that will carry into lessons next week.

As he taught his 10- and 11-year-old students over video, three or four parents made their way into view on his screen but didn't interrupt.

In such a fraught political climate, Westpfahl said, "you are wondering, are you listening because you're finding this fascinating and interesting, or are you listening because you want to question everything that I'm saying or doing?"

(Image Credit: AP)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Woman From Victoria Positive for UK Strain in Queensland

The mutant UK strain of the CCP virus has been detected in a woman from Victoria who flew into Queensland on Jan. 5, the Queensland government announced on Saturday.

The woman arrived in Melbourne from the UK on Dec. 26 and tested positive for COVID-19 the next day. She completed 10 days quarantine then was allowed to fly into Queensland on Jan. 5.

She took a Jetstar flight that arrived late in the day and while authorities have not yet confirmed the flight number, they have urged anyone who might have been on the flight to come forward for testing.

Genome sequencing later confirmed she had the UK variant, and the Queensland government notified on Friday afternoon, Jeannette Young, the chief health officer, said.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young at a press conference in Brisbane, Australia on Oct. 30, 2020. (Jono Searle/Getty Images)

But although she has been found to have the UK variant, Young said the woman is low risk because she is at the tail end of her infectious period.

This is very, very, very low risk but it is not zero risk, so we are just taking all of those precautions, Queensland Chief Health Officer Young told reporters.

However anyone in that area around Maleny or on that flight, if they develop any symptoms, could they please come forward immediately and get tested.

The woman is staying at her parents house in Maleny and advise anyone in the area to get tested immediately if they develop symptoms.

This comes as Queensland recorded no new cases of community transmission of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus (novel coronavirus) overnightthe first night of a strict three-day lockdown.

Brisbane remains on high alert after a cleaner at one of the citys quarantine hotelsHotel Grand Chancellorwas diagnosed with the highly-infectious UK virus strain.

Authorities fear the woman in her 20s was infected and active in the community from Jan. 2, and are utilising the weekend to track down everyone she came into contact with.

Related Coverage Brisbane Goes Into Three Day Lockdown

Residents in the council areas of Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, and Redlands must stay at home until 6 p.m. on Monday except for essential work and shopping, exercise, to access healthcare, or look after the vulnerable.

They are also required to were a mask when leaving their house, unless under 12 years old.

People queuing at Woolworths at West Torrens in Adelaide, Australia on Nov. 18, 2020. (Kelly Barnes/Getty Images)

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters that 178 clinics were open in the Greater Brisbane area for people to get tested.

She also called on the public to treat supermarket staff respectfully amid panic buying.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette DAth said: I know some people are concerned that this may go beyond three daysirrespective, we have never shut our supermarkets.

Young would not confirm whether the lockdown will be lifted on Monday, telling reporters we have to wait and see.

Anything is a possibility but I wont say how likely any scenario is, she said. Weve seen that at the moment down in Sydney with some very lengthy periods and then another case pop up. We just have to take each day and get the best information we can.

The best information is when people are out there getting tested, she said.
Employers deciding how to handle employees who participated in the protests should look at the facts of each case, including whether they engaged in criminal activity and the potential impact on the workplace, Schreiber said. The behavior of an executive might have different consequences for the company than a lower-level employee, and a company that employs mostly Trump supporters may have a different approach than one with a more Democrat-leaning workforce.
Study of 1,733 patients first diagnosed in Wuhan (China) between January and May followed to June and September

Study of 1,733 patients first diagnosed in Wuhan (China) between January and May followed to June and September.

76% of COVID-19 patients have at least one symptom six months after symptom onset.

Fatigue or muscle weakness is the most common symptom, with sleep difficulties and anxiety or depression also frequently reported.

Lower antibodies against COVID-19 in patients six months after becoming ill compared with during acute infection raises concerns about the possibility of re-infection.

More than three quarters of COVID-19 patients have at least one ongoing symptom six months after initially becoming unwell, according to research published in The Lancet.

The cohort study, looking at long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on people hospitalised in Wuhan, China, reveals that the most common symptom to persist is fatigue or muscle weakness (63% of patients), with patients also frequently experiencing sleep difficulties (26%). Anxiety or depression was reported among 23% of patients.

Patients who were severely ill in hospital more often had impaired lung function and abnormalities detected in chest imaging - which could indicate organ damage - six months after symptom onset.

Levels of neutralising antibodies fell by more than half (52.5%) after six months in 94 patients whose immune response was tested at the peak of the infection, raising concerns about the possibility of being re-infected by the virus.

Little is known about the long-term health effects of COVID-19 as few follow-up studies have so far been carried out. Those that have been conducted looked only at a small number of cases over a short follow-up period (typically around three months after discharge).

Professor Bin Cao, from National Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Capital Medical University, said: "Because COVID-19 is such a new disease, we are only beginning to understand some of its long-term effects on patients' health. Our analysis indicates that most patients continue to live with at least some of the effects of the virus after leaving hospital, and highlights a need for post-discharge care, particularly for those who experience severe infections. Our work also underscores the importance of conducting longer follow-up studies in larger populations in order to understand the full spectrum of effects that COVID-19 can have on people." [1]

The new study included 1,733 COVID-19 patients who were discharged from Jin Yin-tan Hospital in Wuhan, China, between January 7th and May 29th 2020. Patients had a median age of 57 years. Follow-up visits were done from June 16th to September 3rd, 2020, and the median follow-up time was 186 days.

All patients were interviewed face-to-face using questionnaires to evaluate their symptoms and health-related quality of life. They also underwent physical examinations, lab tests, and a six-minute walking test to gauge patients' endurance levels. 390 patients had further tests, including an assessment of their lung function. In addition, 94 patients whose blood antibody levels were recorded at the height of the infection as part of another trial received a follow-up test.

At follow-up, 76% of patients (1,265/1,655) reported at least one ongoing symptom. Fatigue or muscle weakness was reported by 63% (1,038/1,655), while 26% (437/1,655) had sleep difficulties and 23% (367/1,733) experienced anxiety or depression.

Of the 390 patients who underwent additional testing, 349 completed the lung function test (41 were unable to complete the test due to poor compliance). Patients with more severe illness commonly had reduced lung function, with 56% (48/86) of those at severity scale 5-6 (who required ventilation) experiencing diffusion impairment - reduced flow of oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream. For patients at severity scale 4 (who required oxygen therapy) and those at scale 3 (who did not require oxygen therapy) the figures were 29% (48/165) and 22% (18/83), respectively.

Patients with more severe disease performed worse in the six-minute walking test (which measures the distance covered in six minutes), with 29% of those at severity scale 5-6 walking less than the lower limit of the normal range, compared with 24% for those at scale 3, and 22% for scale 4.

The authors also found that some patients went on to develop kidney problems post-discharge. As well as the lungs, COVID-19 is known to affect other organs, including the kidney. Lab tests revealed that 13% (107/822) of patients whose kidney function was normal while in hospital had reduced kidney function in follow-up.

Follow-up blood antibody tests from 94 patients after six months revealed that levels of neutralising antibodies were 52.5% lower than at the height of infection. The authors say this raises concerns about the possibility of COVID-19 re-infection.

As the number of participants with antibody test results both at acute phase and follow-up was limited, larger samples are needed in future to clarify how levels of antibodies against the virus change over time. Further work is also needed to compare differences in outcomes between inpatients and outpatients, as patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms who stayed in temporary Fangcang shelter hospitals were not included in the study.

Impaired lung function and exercise capacity observed in the study cannot be directly attributed to COVID-19 as baseline data for these are unavailable. Due to the way the data was analysed, it also was not possible to determine if symptoms reported during follow-up were persistent following the infection, worsened after recovery, or occurred post-discharge.

Writing in a linked Comment, Monica Cortinovis, Norberto Perico, and Giuseppe Remuzzi, from the Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy, who were not involved in the study, remark on the uncertainty regarding the possible long-term impacts of COVID-19 on health, saying: "Unfortunately, there are few reports on the clinical picture of the aftermath of COVID-19. The study by Huang and colleagues in The Lancet is therefore relevant and timely."

Echoing the study authors' calls for further research, they add: "Even though the study offers a comprehensive clinical picture of the aftermath of COVID-19 in hospitalised patients, only 4% were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), rendering the information about the long-term consequences in this particular cohort inconclusive. Nonetheless, previous research on patient outcomes after ICU stays suggests that several COVID-19 patients who were critically ill while hospitalised will subsequently face impairments regarding their cognitive and mental health and/or physical function far beyond their hospital discharge."

###

Peer-reviewed / Observational study / People

NOTES TO EDITORS

This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences, the National Key Research and Development Program of China, Major Projects of National Science and Technology on New Drug Creation and Development of Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Peking Union Medical College Foundation (China Evergrande Group, Jack Ma Foundation, Sino Biopharmaceutical, Ping An Insurance (Group), and New Sunshine Charity Foundation). A full list of researchers involved in the study, and their affiliations, can be found in the Article.

The labels have been added to this press release as part of a project run by the Academy of Medical Sciences seeking to improve the communication of evidence. For more information, please see: http://www. sciencemediacentre. org/ wp-content/ uploads/ 2018/ 01/ AMS-press-release-labelling-system-GUIDANCE. pdf if you have any questions or feedback, please contact The Lancet press office pressoffice@lancet.com

[1] Quote direct from author and cannot be found in the text of the Article.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.

MANZINI  A 16-year-old girl, who under normal circumstances, should be out of prison, is spending time at the Mawelawela Correctional Institution.

The teenager, who is treated as a remand inmate, is actually a survivor of Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act. She is also the prime witness in the case in which her alleged boyfriend is a suspect.

Her detention order was signed by Nhlangano Magistrates Court Senior Magistrate NJ Dlamini, who directed that the girl, *Notsile, should be kept at the juvenile institution as a place of safety pending the finalisation of the case where she is a critical witness.

Commit

The application to commit Notsile to the Correctional facility was made by a senior prosecutor and Social Welfare officer based in Nhlangano on an ex parte basis (Ex parte means an application made without the knowledge of the party).

Information sourced from an impeccable source, said the suspect who is a soldier by profession, is alleged to have had a sexual relationship with Notsile who is a minor and therefore cannot consent.

Currently, the suspect is out on bail.

According to information sourced from a report compiled by the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity, Notsile was detained around March 2019.

The commission is a constitutional body established under Section 163 of the Constitution of Eswatini Act No.1 of 2005. It is empowered by Section 164 (1) to investigate complaints concerning alleged violations of fundamental rights and freedom guaranteed by Chapter II of the Constitution.

Possession

The Commission was informed by the Correctional Services that Notsile was brought to them by Nhlangano Police who were in possession of a court order.

In terms of the order, Notsile was a critical witness and there had been proof of interference by the accused person.

Also, it stated that the Correctional Services should receive the minor as a remand inmate since she was a witness under protection and that she should be allowed to continue attending school.

At that time, Notsile was in Grade VII.

When the office of the director of public prosecution (DPP) was contacted by the commission, it reported that Notsile was a victim and a prime witness in the case.

After the commission of the crime she was taken to her parental home in Nhlangano with the intention of obtaining her birth certificate to prove her age. However, on arrival, she failed to produce it and fabricated a story.

Later, she disappeared from home and her whereabouts were unknown, which defeated the progress of the criminal case in court, the DPP informed the commission.

Adding, the DPP said on a particular day, Notsiles father came across her in Manzini.

She is alleged to have informed her father that she was renting a flat around Manzini.

It transpired that it would be difficult to secure her attendance in court hence an application was moved in terms of Section 24 of the Childrens Protection and Welfare (CPW) Act, and that the minor be taken to a place of safety, the DPP related to the commission.

After the case had been enrolled, the DPP stated that the suspects attorney approached the prosecutor on instruction of the soldier, asking why his client had been arrested because the victim was not 15 years old but 23 years old.

Confirmed

This was confirmed by the minor, who told the court that she was not sure of her age, and later said she was not 15 years old but 23 years old.

She further said she last attended school at Nhlangano Central High School, where she was doing Form IV, the DPP said.

Adding, the DPP stated that an investigation was conducted and it was discovered that Notsile was never a pupil at the school.

Also, it was mentioned that an application to declare Notsile as a hostile witness was moved before court.

The office of the DPP further informed to the commission that it had noted so much interference with the case by the defence, hence an application was moved that Notsile be kept at Mawelawela so that the case was not jeopardised.

*Not her real name.
As India's term in the UN began on January 1, India's Permanent Representative to the UN TS Tirumurti spoke exclusively to Republic Media Network's senior executive editor Abhishek Kapoor on Saturday. When asked about how he felt when he installed the Indian Tricolour at the UN, Ambassador Tirumurti said, "It was a matter of great honour. It is a moment of great pride and humility. I thank the leadership for trusting me and my team. We are entering the UN as a non-permanent member for the eighth time, so the eyes of the world are upon us, we will work earnestly to live up to expectations."

India has said that it will use its tenure in the UN Security Council to bring human-centric and inclusive solutions to matters of international peace and security. As the Indian flag was installed at the UN, as per flag installation ceremony introduced by Kazakhstan in 2018 and unanimously confirmed by all 15 UNSC members as an annual tradition, Tirumurti said that India represents 1/6th of humanity and it is in the UN with a strong commitment to reform multilateralism, rule of law, a fair and equitable international system and to peace, security and development.

When asked about PM Modi's UNGA speech wherein he spoke about the reforms in the UN, Tirumurti said, "The PM was very clear in his message. The UN has been there for 75 years now, but the Security council is unfortunately still stuck in 1945, and it does not reflect the significant changes that have taken place since then, the world has become multipolar since then. It is also unfortunate that while the overwhelming majority of the UN member states support reforms in the UN, a handful of statutes quos have consistently opposed any reform and not letting it move forward. It is critical for making this organisation more representative, legitimate and effective and worlds have waited for 75 years, it cannot wait any more, and we have called for time-bound and text-based negotiations."

READ | India Will Not Shy Away From Raising Its Voice Against Enemies Of Humanity Like Terrorism: Tirumurti

On Pakistan and China

Asked about his statement that India will be a voice for the developing world and will not shy away from raising its voice against the common enemies of humanity like terrorism, Tirumurti explained, "India is very firm and very forceful against terrorism, this focus will continue. We will take this forward not only in the two years in the security council, we are determined to see how better we can push this - this is a priority for us - to combat terrorism in all form and manifestation with zero tolerance."

He also said that India will chair the counter-terrorism committee in 2022 and a Taliban sanction committee. The UN ambassador named Pakistan and said, "As far as Pakistan is concerned, it is clear that the biggest threat to India is cross border terrorism sponsored from across the border. Of course, terrorists nurtured by Pakistan are not just threat to India but to the region. This also explains why the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the UN are hosted by Pakistan. It is also clear that despite being sanctioned by the most important multilateral body, these terrorists continue to prey with impunity inside the territories controlled by Pakistan. This dilutes the very fight against terrorism. It is important that those who refuse to implement these decisions are held accountable."

On Chinese moves in Ladakh, Trimurti said, "Our position is clear that bilateral issues are best solved bilaterally, using a multilateral forum for what is essentially a bilateral issue, is not what we are looking at. I can assure you that we have a forward-looking agenda and our approach is to work constructively with all members with whom are shared interest exists." Tirumurti also highlighted India's role in peacekeeping and pointed out that Indian message that vaccines manufactured in the country will be available to all humanity was received with a positive note by the world community.

READ | As India Returns To UNSC For 8th Tenure, MEA Shares 'glimpses From Past 7 Innings'

India as a non-permanent member on the UN

India along with Norway, Kenya, Ireland and Mexico joined as non-permanent members of the UNSC. The other non-permanent members are Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam and the five permanent members are China, France, Russia, UK and the US. India will be UNSC President in August 2021 and will preside over the Council again for a month in 2022. The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the English alphabetical order of the Member States names.

READ | 'India To Chair 3 Key Subsidiary Committees Of UN Security Council': TS Tirumurti

READ | Tricolour To Fly High At UNSC As India Begins 2-year Tenure As Non-permanent Member

Phoebe Waller-Bridge has gone from Fleabag to moneybags after making almost 7million last year.

The writer and actress is reaping huge rewards eight years after creating Fleabag as a one-woman show for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

By 2016, she was starring in Fleabag the hit BBC comedy, which became one of Britains most talked-about shows with a frank focus on a young single womans sex life.

It quickly won a second season and she went on to write the hit series Killing Eve for the BBC and was even hired to help jazz up the script for Daniel Craigs new James Bond film No Time To Die, now delayed by the Covid pandemic.

The writer and actress is reaping huge rewards eight years after creating Fleabag as a one-woman show for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Newly published accounts for her company PMWB Ltd  she is the sole director and shareholder  show that in the financial year to April 2020 she generated more than 8million.

More than half was paid into the firms bank account and she was owed almost 4million more.

After debts were paid, she made close to 7million in a year and the 600,000 she had in the bank a year earlier had rocketed to 4.87million.

Despite her wealth, Miss Waller-Bridge (pictured in 2018), 35, has not forgotten the plight of struggling actors

Despite her wealth, Miss Waller-Bridge, 35, has not forgotten the plight of struggling actors.

Last year she helped raise 800,000 for theatres stricken by lockdown by streaming her one-woman Fleabag show online.

The actress, who went to a Catholic girls school in west London, won a place at Trinity College, Dublin, but turned it down to go to acting school RADA, where Tom Hiddleston was among her peers.

It quickly won a second season and she went on to write the hit series Killing Eve for the BBC and was even hired to help jazz up the script for Daniel Craigs new James Bond film No Time To Die (pictured), now delayed by the Covid pandemic

At first she struggled to get auditions, let alone work. Now, among other garlands, she has won a Bafta award for best female in a comedy for Fleabags first series, and three Emmys in America.

And she was said two years ago to have signed a deal with Amazon TV which is potentially worth tens of millions.

After divorcing documentary-maker Conor Woodman in 2017, she began a relationship with writer and director Martin McDonagh, 50.

Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.

Former contestant Rashami Desai also entered the Bigg Boss 14 house to support Vikas Gupta, as per the Weekend Ka Vaar promo

The Bigg Boss 14 Weekend Ka Vaar episode will see contestant Eijaz Khan get a surprise visitor in former housemate Pavitra Punia. The official Instagram page of Pavitra shared a clip of the moment with a simple heart emoji.

In the promo, Pavitra is seen visiting the house and Bigg Boss asking everyone to freeze. As Pavitra steps inside the glass box, she can be heard screaming, 'O Khan Sahab' which melts an already emotional Eijaz.

As soon as Bigg Boss says, 'Eijaz release', the actor runs towards Pavitra and they share a cute intimate moment. Eijaz then tells her that she is being missed and he cannot wait to spend time with her. He can also be heard saying that he dies to talk about her to everyone.

The promo also shows Eijaz telling Pavitra that he is ready to spend his life with her, to which Pavitra responds that she will always be there.

When asked if she loves him, Pavitra can be seen kissing the contestant through the glass door.

See the post

Colors TV has also shared the promo of Rashami Desai entering the Bigg Boss house to support Vikas Gupta. In the promo, she can be seen telling Vikas that he has been given the tag of mastermind by the public and he has earned it through his efforts.

The actor also calls out Aly and Jasmine and tells them that if Vikas had taken away opportunities from them, they should have spoken up back then and not make an issue out of inside the Bigg Boss house.

She even states that everyone is attacking Vikas on a personal level and tells them to not attack his family as his friends are still there for him.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
San Francisco, Jan 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jan, 2021 ) :Google said Friday it had pulled the Parler app from its mobile store for allowing "egregious content" that could incite deadly violence like that seen at the US Capitol.

The Parler social network has become a haven for far-right personalities who say they have been censored by other social media platforms.

"We're aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the US," Google said in a response to an AFP inquiry.

"For us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content," the company added, referring to its shop for digital content tailored for Android-powered devices.

Policies and enforcement practices that curb posts inciting violence are agreed to by app developers whose software is made available at Google Play, according to the Silicon Valley internet titan.

"In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the app's listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues," Google said.

Apple has reportedly warned Parler that its software could be removed from the App Store if it doesn't take measures to prevent users from planning illegal, violent activities on the platform such as the deadly attack in Washington.

Conservatives backing President Donald Trump's claims of election malfeasance have sparked a migration to alternative social media sites that have refrained from filtering unverified claims.

The shift has boosted right-wing favorites like Parler, Newsmax and Rumble, which have rejected Facebook and Twitter's approach of labeling and limiting the reach of conspiracy theories.

Facebook and Twitter banned Trump accounts Friday due to fear he would use them to instigate another attack such as the one in the nation's capital on Wednesday.

Sites like Parler have attracted Republican lawmakers as well as the Trump campaign.

As they have become increasingly important to the political conversation, Twitter and Facebook have struggled with manipulation and misinformation, while at the same time seeking to keep their platforms open to a variety of viewpoints.

Parler and similar sites have become a magnet for racist and anti-Semitic tropes along with groups that have been banned from other platforms for posting hateful content or promoting violence.

Health experts have expressed concerns that the Covid-19 vaccine may not be as effective against the new South African variant of the virus.

Preliminary data from South Africa shows that the effectiveness of antibodies "is not quite as good" against the variant when compared to the original strain, it has emerged.

Dr Cillian De Gascun, UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory Director, said the South African variant is a big concern.

He said there is no evidence yet that the transmissibility differs greatly between the South African and UK strains.

Read More

"The UK variant and the South African variant both share a single change in the spike protein, which is the N501Y amino acid change," he told Newstalk.

"We know from studies that this appears to change the effectiveness of the virus, or basically makes it better at attaching to cells.

Dr de Gascun said this means it is associated with a higher viral load, which health officials believe is responsible for the increased transmissibility of the strain.

"I think what's caused concern about the South African variant is that it had additional changes or mutations in the spike protein which is the region of the virus which attaches to cells...and that elicits an immune response," he said.

"It's the part of the virus that our immune system sees first and it's also the part of the virus that is included in most of the vaccine candidates.

"I think that's one of the reasons people are concerned about the South African variant is that you've got a combination of the increased transmissibility and also changes in the spike protein that potentially might have an impact on antigenicity, or vaccine response."

Dr de Gascun, who is a member of the National Public Health and Emergency Team (Nphet), said that there is currently a "theoretical concern" that the coronavirus vaccine may not be as effective against the new variant of the virus.

He added that more studies are needed on the immune response to the variant.

He said: "At the moment it's very much a theoretical risk but...it is a concern.

"We don't necessarily expect to see the South African variant spread or transmit in the community here to the same extent as the UK variant has.

"But we have no definitive evidence at this point in time that there's going to be an impact on the vaccine response, it's a theoretical concern.

Dr de Gascun said that public health measures will be effective in combating the spread of the new variant of the virus.

Read More

"While the new variants of the virus are concerning and it's important that we're vigilant, it's also important that people don't think public health measures are futile," he explained.

"It's really important that people understand we can bring these new variants under control in the same way we brought the original virus under control."

Dr De Gascun also said that nobody can predict with certainly when we might return to a sense of normality, taking into consideration the roll out of the vaccine programme.

Speaking with Katie Hannon on RTE Radio 1, Dr De Gascun said we know the vaccine will be effective in preventing serious illness and reducing mortality.

But, one key piece of information we don't have relates to what their effect would be on asymptomatic infection and onward transmission of the virus.

There's no reason to believe that they won't have an effect on that but until then we cant be sure that they would stop people having an infection without developing symptoms and then transmitting the virus onto others. In other words will still need to adhere to with the public health measures for a long while.

He added: It's important for people to remember that the measures we have implemented will work but people need to avoid high risk settings. The key message is for people to avoid high risk situations, reduce their contacts and to follow the public health measures because they will work.

People need to know that yes, a more transmissible virus by definition will be more difficult to control, so it is important that people become even more vigilant.












Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low around 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
A Derry woman has written a memoir about growing up during the 'Troubles' in the city.

The book by Kerri ni Dochartaigh is called Thin Places.

It will launched at the end of this month, and is described in the pre- publication publicity as 'the story of an invisible border, an old conflict, and how the natural world can help heal the traumas of childhood.'

Ms ni Dochartaigh was born in Derry in 1983 to a Catholic mother and Protestant father.

A spokesperson for Gill Press Ltd, the publishers of the book, said her life 'has not been an easy one, deeply affected by poverty, loss and trauma.'

In Thin Places  a mixture of memoir, social history and nature writing  Kerri explores how nature kept her sane and helped her heal, how violence and poverty are never more than a stones throw from beauty and hope, and how we are once again allowing our borders to harden and divisions to form.

She also writes with huge skill about the beauty found in the most unexpected places, the thin places she has encountered, and the hope she sees for the future  both personally and politically. The shafts of light in the darkness.

Thin Places speaks to many of the big issues currently circling  the struggle to unite communities, the impact of Brexit, the increased discussion of mental health, and the importance of finding beauty on your doorstep. It offers a way forward, and hope for the idea that the fractures we see around us can be healed.

Ms ni Dochartaigh grew up in the Nelson Drive area of Derry before her family moved to the cityside.

After finishing school, she studied English Literature and Classical Civilisation at Trinity College Dublin and trained as a teacher in Edinburgh.

She taught in Edinburgh and Bristol, before returning to Ireland in her early thirties.

She writes about nature, literature and place for the Irish Times, Dublin Review of Books, Caught by the River and others.

She now lives in a railway cottage in 'the very heart of Ireland'.

Thin Places will be available to buy from January 28.
A shopping channel is offering what it claims to be a signed letter by Charles Dickens, priced at almost 10,000.

But leading Dickens scholar Dr Leon Litvack told The Telegraph that the letter being sold by Ideal World TV is 'clearly a forgery,' and 'definitely not Dickens's handwriting or prose style.'

Dr Litvack is an expert analyst of Dickens's letters, manuscripts and handwriting, and is the principle editor of The Charles Dickens Letters Project.

The project publishes correspondence that has emerged since the 2002 final volume of the Pilgrim Edition of The Letters of Charles Dickens.

Ideal World TV, however, has said that the letter has been verified by a different 'respected' expert, with the channel's website describing the letter as a 'Charles Dickens Complete 2-Page Letter Personally Signed'.

The item is priced at 9,898, with '7.99 postage and packaging', and says 'this item was signed in person and by hand and is guaranteed 100% genuine. Also supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity & a Lifetime Guarantee.'

Pictured: A letter that is being claimed to have been written by author Charles Dickens by shopping channel Ideal World TV. Its authenticity, however, has been disputed by a leading Dickens academic Dr Leon Litvack, who says the letter is 'clearly a forgery'

While not easy to read, it appears that the letter is dated June 8, 1868 - meaning that it was written long after Dickens wrote masterpieces such as Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol.

The letter is addressed to 'W. H. Wills', likely Dickens' close friend and sub-editor William Henry Wills, and is sent from a hotel, referring to Gad's Hill Place, Dickens's country home near Rochester, Kent.

'Dear Wills', the letter reads, 'I will be at Gads Hill [sic] next Sunday and shall be at liberty to see you, as in addition to my usual office-business I have a mass of accounts to settle.'

It then says that a recent visit to a church did 'me a good deal of good in body and mind' before signing off with: 'Yours faithfully Charles Dickens'.

Dr Litvack (pictured) is an expert analyst of Dickens's letters, manuscripts and handwriting, and is the principle editor of The Charles Dickens Letters Project

But Dr Litvack, who reads Victorian Studies at Queen's University Belfast and who has curated Dickens exhibitions at major institutions, is confident that the letter for sale of the Ideal World TV website is not genuine.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he noted that when Dickens wrote to his sub-editor during this period, he always wrote 'My Dear Wills', and that 'The signature is clearly not Dickens's.

The letter is addressed to 'W. H. Wills', likely Dickens' close friend and sub-editor William Henry Wills. Pictured: Charles Dickens (1812-1870). English Novelist

'The individual letters and the flourish in the forgery are produced in a completely different way,' he pointed out.

After being contacted by the newspaper, Ideal World TV said it would withdraw the listing while it carried out further enquiries, but added that they had no reasons to doubt the authenticity of the letter.

Explaining to The Telegraph its decision to withdraw the letter, the seller said that it was due to an expert in Dickens' literature expressing his concerns.

Dr Litvack welcomed the news, saying: 'I'm very interested in forgeries of Dickens's letters. From time to time, I get letters that I find in auction houses or letters that are sent to me that are clearly not genuine.'

Dickens, who was born in 1812 and died in 1870, is the writer behind some of the world's most well-known novels and fictional characters, and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist from the Victorian Era.
January is a difficult time for relationships as unfortunately this is the most common month in which unhappy couples decide to divorce.

Before the pandemic, tricky divorces were typically fought out in court and meetings with legal representatives conducted face-to-face.

But lockdown restrictions have resulted in thousands of divorces being conducted through virtual meetings with mediators and through digital court proceedings.

Instead of being a hindrance, this forced technical transformation in divorce has offered many unexpected advantages and saved considerable amounts of money and heartache, say experts.

Before the pandemic, divorces and mediations were typically done face to face. But the rise of Zoom divorces has changed all of this and saved couples time and money

Edward Cooke of law firm Edward Cooke Family Law  who also sits on the national committee at Resolution, an organisation that represents nearly 7,000 law professionals  says: Online dispute resolution has proved to be very successful at reducing conflict, enabling couples to reach an agreement more quickly and, as a result, reducing legal costs.

'A digital divorce has actually worked far better for many separating couples than traditional, face-to-face approaches.

He believes the digital divorces have been so successful that hes convinced they will endure beyond the pandemic.

He says: Were learning that while divorce by Zoom isnt right for everyone or suited to every case, it is an approach that can offer real benefits for many people.'

Digital divorces help save couples money

What is online mediation? Mediation is a process in which couples seek to reach a divorce or separation agreement through several meetings with a neutral mediator. The mediator can be a legal specialist, such as a lawyer, or a psychologist who specialises in mediation may also be selected  especially if there are children involved. The sessions are conducted online through video communications tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype. Couples can choose to seek legal advice from their respective solicitors alongside the mediation process. Hybrid mediations are also on the rise. This is where couples meet a mediator with their chosen lawyers present across a number of meetings. Edward Cooke of law firm Edward Cooke Family Law says: Hybrid mediations occur in cases where there is a higher level of conflict. The mediator can see the couple separately or together and as such there is flexibility to suit the situation. To find a mediator in England and Wales visit the Resolution or the Family Mediation Council.

If a couple is able to agree on the terms of a divorce through online mediation, their legal bill is likely to be much less than going through court proceedings.

A report by Aviva The Hidden Cost of Divorce and Separation, puts the average cost of divorce at a whopping 14,561, but its not unheard of for some costs to escalate up to 50,000 in legal fees  especially if they are complicated and battled out in court, according to Cooke.

Cooke says: The average cost of a UK divorce has been reported to be nearly 15,000 in terms of legal fees and other costs - more complex cases can cost considerably more than this.

'In contrast, it is not uncommon for mediation to take between three to five sessions of an hour or so, meaning the mediation process could end up costing only 2,000 to 3,000.

Daniel Eames, partner at Michelmores and chair of Resolution's international committee adds that time wastage is also reduced.

He says: 'There's no more time wasted sitting around in court waiting rooms and clients no longer pay us for that.

'Lawyers can now work on their computer on other matters waiting for the email link to attend the digital court hearing.'

Costs are also lowered with couples ability to choose a mediator or solicitor anywhere in the United Kingdom.

Cooke points out that for couples living in major cities like London the costs can be quite high with sessions per hour ranging from 250 to 700.

He says: You can be in central London and employ someone in Sussex and get charged lower fees.

He adds that complex cases that are conducted online could range between 3,000 and 5,000 but points out: But thats still a fraction of a cost where court battles could cost around 40,000.

They can also reduce conflict

Virtual sessions mean couples dont have to be in the same room. If things get too heated virtual break out rooms can be used for restoring calm.

Cooke says: Zoom gives people who dont want to sit together the opportunity to have some space. For example, in cases involving couples that may struggle to control their emotions or where one person may feel uncomfortable being in the room physically with the other person, video mediation can actually be better.

I have seen quite a number of couples successfully resolve disputes via Zoom, particularly in high-conflict scenarios, where it might conceivably have been more difficult to resolve matters in an environment where they were actually sitting in a room together.

Edward Cooke, of law firm Edward Cooke Family Law, says Zoom divorces can cost a fraction of face to face proceedings which can go up to as much as 40,000

Easier meetings and no travelling

Meetings can be set up easily, at short notice and without the need to commute long distances for a face-to-face session.

Cooke explains: We are seeing many more couples who are able to use our mediation services online who might otherwise have struggled to make meetings with us.

Court proceedings have also been conducted online so couples no longer need to commute to courts to settle their divorces.

Cooke adds: In cases involving straightforward issues, particularly for procedural hearings where directions are being made to progress matters, there really ought to be no need going forward for lawyers and clients to travel long distances for short court hearings, which can very often be handled online via video or phone.

I would anticipate that even when things go back to some sort of normality after the pandemic, online court hearings, certainly for these sorts of hearings should become the norm.

Should I cut a lawyer out entirely? With the possibility of doing everything digitally, some may feel tempted to cut out consulting a divorce lawyer altogether. The petitioner (the person who applies for the divorce) just has to pay a 550 court fee, and dont need legal representation to apply for a divorce. But Fiona Turner, family law expert and partner at Weightmans LLP warns against deciding this in the heat of the moment. Fiona Turner, family law expert and Partner at Weightmans LLP, argues it's always better to seek legal advice before divorcing The availability of digital divorces can tempt people to move too quickly. Petitioners can apply for a digital divorce at any time day or night, perhaps after a heated row with their partner or too much to drink, instead of having to wait until normal business hours. It is always better to take legal advice before issuing a divorce. For example, it is not obvious on an online application that couples need an additional financial order to formalise their financial settlement.

Fewer delays and quicker settlements

Tricky pre-pandemic divorces usually took up to a year or longer to settle but thanks to a new online portal by Her Majestys Courts and Tribunals Service divorces can now take as little as 12 weeks to resolve.

The portal helps to reduce the time and paperwork needed to finalise divorces. Cooke explains: Until the introduction of the portal, it had been necessary to file divorce petitions at a regional divorce centre.

The delays at those centres have, and remain, horrendous  it has not been uncommon to wait three months for a routine piece of correspondence relating to a divorce to be processed, and for the whole divorce process to take as long as 18 months.

Daniel Eames, partner at Michelmores, says digital court proceedings have worked quite well but that the future could see a 'hybrid approach' particularly in domestic abuse cases

On the whole, the online portal is working extremely smoothly and there are simply not the delays and administrative issues that have dogged the paper-based system. We have clients who have seen their divorces processed in as little as three to four months.

However, Eames warns that some financial dispute resolutions may still take longer.

He explains: 'What used to happen is that youd have a session in the morning and judge would come back and give an indication and youd be in court for the day.

'If youre all in the same place and discussions are going on often resolutions are achieved that way in a day. But if its done remotely and people dont like what the judge says they withdraw and the conflict continues. So in future this part may still be better to be done in person.'

Is online mediation right for me?

While digital divorces have proven revolutionary, Cooke admits that not all cases can be settled in this way.

He says: When I first started, I was skeptical about online mediation and how it would work.

'But the professions has been revolutionised by the pandemic and I think its here to stay. People can dial in from home or work.

But it will be question of personal choice. Some will prefer the easy access of online engagement and others will prefer face to face as you dont get to pick up non-verbal cues online, especially with children.

Eames adds there could still be a hybrid approach, particularly when it comes to domestic abuse cases.

He says: 'None-verbal cues are harder to see. Part of the skill of cross examination is being able to see whether people are telling the truth. This is all based on what they are doing and where they are looking. It's all about the dynamic in the room and body language. But this can be lost if you're not present in court.'
Authorities asked for the publics help Friday in identifying a man accused of robbing two banks in Cape May County over the last two weeks.

The New Jersey State Police posted pictures of the alleged bank robber Friday afternoon on Facebook.

The suspect is described as a male approximately 40 to 60 years old, 6 0, medium build, with gray hair, the post stated. The suspect in both robberies was wearing a black knit cap, a black gaiter style face covering, blue jeans, a black coat, and black gloves.

The first robbery happened on Dec. 30 around 3:10 p.m. when the man walked into the Sturdy Savings Bank in Dennisville and handed the teller a note which asked for money to be placed on the counter, police said. Once he was handed cash, the man left the bank in an unknown direction, authorities said.

The second robbery happened Thursday at 3:20 p.m. when the man entered a TD Bank in Marmora and, once again, handed the teller a note requesting that money be placed on the counter, authorities said. He once again left that bank in an unknown direction after he was given money by the teller, police said.

Police asked anyone with information to contact the New Jersey State Police Woodbine Station Criminal Investigation Office at 609-861-5698.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Amanda Burke covers Pittsfield City Hall for The Berkshire Eagle. An Ithaca, New York native, she previously worked at The Herald News of Fall River and the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise. Find her on Twitter at @amandaburkec.
In terms of sheer numbers, California wins the title as the most dangerous state in which to contract COVID-19.

You would think that with the vaccines now available, every elected official would be working 24/7 to get the shots into as many arms as possible, as quickly as possible.

Why arent they?

It appears that the distribution plans, with their various phases of who get the vaccine and when, are too complicated.

In the 1950s, when a vaccine was developed to fight the scourge of polio, authorities made inoculations simple and swift. You didnt have to be a genius to find out where the vaccine was being given, or what phase of the plan you were in, to get the pink sugar cube that included the vaccine.

Lets do that again. Keep it simple, precise and convenient. Heres how:

Every community in California has a neighborhood elementary school. Everyone in those neighborhoods knows where that school is.

Announce that on a given date, the vaccine will be administered at the school. The vaccine is brought from a central distribution point, and any leftover is returned when the last person in line gets a shot.

The personnel to administer the vaccine would be your local law enforcement, your EMTs, your school nurses, dentists and dental assistants, veterinarians  any frontline or retired frontline worker who can be quickly trained to give the shots.

We may need to pay them. But I think there are also plenty of qualified people who would gladly volunteer a day or two of their time to help out in their own neighborhood.

It would be for everyone  no Phase 1A, Phase 1B and other confusing classification categories.

And Gov. Gavin Newsom: Such a program would end the recall talk overnight.

Capitol 911: Mass demonstrations happen in Washington, D.C., more often than in any other place in the nation. Capitol Police and other federal forces have vast experience dealing with crowds of all kinds.

Yet somehow, none of that was in place when Donald Trumps militants besieged the Capitol.

Strange.

Maybe its time to assign the responsibility of protecting the Capitol to the D.C. mayor. After all, in every other city in the country, its the mayor who has the responsibility of maintaining order and keeping security free of partisan politics.

TV Time: History of Swear Words. This Netflix look at vulgar language, starring Nicolas Cage, is bust-a-gut funny. It features clips and snippets of four- and 10-letter words that, for better or worse, have helped make America what it is today.

My favorites are the clips featuring Samuel L. Jackson. The only person missing in the lineup is John Burton, the former House member and state Senate leader, who turned swearing into a political art form.

Exit stage right: Donald Trump finally conceded that he lost the election. It took him two months to understand that if you get fewer votes than your opponent, you lose.

Trump also said the rioters who took over the Capitol were criminals. These are the same people he was urging the day before to take action.

Some of those rioters may be charged with a crime, and testify that they did what they did at the presidents urging.

Part of me feels sorry for them. They are just the latest in a long line of people who did Trumps bidding, then found themselves under the bus as he made his getaway.

President Trump, when you leave the White House on Jan. 20, consider leaving the country as well. Maybe to someplace that doesnt have a extradition treaty with the U.S.

Want to sound off? Email: wbrown@sfchronicle.com
Rush Limbaugh has deactivated his Twitter account hours after Donald Trump, Sidney Powell and Mike Flynn were suspended and conservatives threatened to flee the platform in protest.

A search for the account of right-wing radio host Limbaugh Friday night comes up with the notice: 'This account doesnt exist.'

Limbaugh has not commented on the removal however it comes amid a flurry of chatter from conservatives that they will stage an exodus from the platform in the wake of several bans of far-right commentators.

Earlier Friday, Twitter announced it had suspended the accounts of Donald Trump's former election fraud lawyer Powell, former National Security advisor Flynn, and the founder of 8Chan - now known as 8kun.

The social media platform said they had all broken its 'coordinated harmful activity' policy in their promotion of conspiracy theories.

Soon after, Twitter then announced the president had been banned permanently.

'After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence,' Twitter said of its ban on Trump.

The moves come as Twitter is becoming increasingly aggressive in policing its platform, forcing those in the line of fire to switch to Parler, which is not moderated.

Apple is reportedly now mulling removing Parler from the app store, owing to the inflammatory content circulating on the platform.

Meanwhile, YouTube removed Steve Bannon's podcast from YouTube Friday just hours after Rudy Giuliani appeared on the show blaming the MAGA mob riot that left five dead on the Democrats for 'censoring and suppressing' Donald Trump supporters.

Rush Limbaugh has deactivated his Twitter account hours after Donald Trump, Sidney Powell and Mike Flynn were suspended and conservatives threatened to flee the platform in protest

A search for the account of right-wing radio host Limbaugh Friday night comes up with the notice: 'This account doesnt exist'

Social media users who spotted Limbaugh's account no longer active immediately assumed it had been taken down by Twitter.

It came one day after Limbaugh compared the MAGA mob that stormed the US Capitol Wednesday in a riot that claimed five lives to the founding fathers of the Unites States of America.

'We're supposed to be horrified by the protesters,' Limbaugh said on his show Thursday.

'There's a lot of people calling for the end of violence. There's a lot of conservatives, social media, who say that any violence or aggression at all is unacceptable. Regardless of the circumstances,' he said.

'I'm glad Sam Adams, Thomas Paine, the actual tea party guys, the men at Lexington and Concord didn't feel that way.'

Adams and Paine were Founding Fathers of the United States who protested British taxation without representation, uniting the American colonies in the fight for independence during the Revolutionary War.

But, while his defense of Wednesday's riotous mob sparked theories that he had been banned, a Twitter spokesperson told Fox News Limbaugh was not suspended but had deactivated his account.

It comes one day after Limbaugh compared the MAGA mob that stormed the US Capitol Wednesday in a riot that claimed five lives to the founding fathers of the Unites States of America (above)

DailyMail.com has reached out to Twitter for comment.

Limbaugh's departure comes as conservatives are threatening to leave Twitter in their hordes in outrage at what they claim to be 'censorship'.

'Im deleting my Twitter account today and ALL conservatives should do the same. This censorship is terrifying and we need to take a stand,' one person wrote.

'Do not line @Jacks pocket any further. If we leave , he loses power. Dont just complain about it, do something!'

Another person wrote: 'The best way to fight big tech is to dessert them, all conservatives and sane people move over to parler and leave Twitter with just the dingbats.'

'Conservatives need to leave Twitter permanently. Everyone is moving to Parler. F Twitter,' added another.

'Exactly what do they think Twitter will be like if all of us conservatives leave? Talk about an echo chamber...' one conservative chimed in.

Limbaugh's departure comes as conservatives are threatening to leave Twitter in their hordes in outrage at what they claim to be 'censorship'

Sidney Powell, who served on Trump's legal team for just over a week, has been banned

Michael Flynn, Trump's former National Security Advisor, has also been banned

Ron Watkins, who founded 8Chan - now known as 8kun - has also been banned from Twitter

Trump was first suspended for 12 hours on Wednesday night after he incited rioters to storm the Capitol, causing chaos and killing four of his supporters plus a member of the Capitol Police.

His account was then reinstated for 24 hours, but taken down permanently on Friday.

Powell, Flynn and Ron Watkins, the 8kun founder, will also have their accounts permanently deleted, along with other QAnon supporters.

Powell is Flynn's attorney, and rose to prominence promoting conspiracy theories.

Twitter said the move against them was in response to their repeated promotion of QAnon conspiracy theories - the idea that a 'deep state' of former Obama officials is working to undermine Trump, and that Washington is run by a cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles.

Powell is Flynn's attorney. Flynn was convicted of lying to the FBI but pardoned by Trump

Supporters of the QAnon theory protest in Oregon in May. Twitter on Friday banned a series of accounts which promoted the idea

QAnon supporters have been prevented by Google from selling their wares

Cartoons promoting QAnon circulate widely on Facebook, and are being investigated

Believers in the conspiracy theory see Donald Trump as taking on a cabal of Satanists

'The accounts have been suspended in line with our policy on Coordinated Harmful Activity,' a Twitter spokesperson told NBC News.

'We've been clear that we will take strong enforcement action on behavior that has the potential to lead to offline harm, and given the renewed potential for violence surrounding this type of behavior in the coming days, we will permanently suspend accounts that are solely dedicated to sharing QAnon content.'

Twitter explains the policy as preventing harm in the real world.

Powell is being sued for $1.3 billion by Dominion Voting Systems

'We identify groups, movements, or campaigns that are engaged in coordinated activity resulting in harm on and off of Twitter,' they state.

The Twitter account @TrumpsAlert, which automatically shows follows and unfollows from the Trump family and other insiders, showed that Rudy Giuliani had been following a number of the conspiracy-theory accounts which were deleted by Twitter.

Jared Kushner, senior presidential advisor and Trump's son-in-law, followed Powell.

When the accounts were deleted, it showed they had 'unfollowed' them.

Powell was sued by Dominion Voting Systems on Friday for $1.3 billion after she falsely accused the company of creating means of rigging the vote in favor of Joe Biden.

Watkins, who lives in Japan, has like Powell spent recent weeks pushing false claims about Dominion Voting Systems and the company's role in the U.S. elections.

QAnon believers' bizarre beliefs have led to real-world violence.

A man in a QAnon hoodie is seen inside the Capitol on Wednesday

QAnon fanatics have been driven to carry out violent attacks in real life

QAnon supporters have been arrested for threatening politicians, breaking into the residence of the Canadian prime minister, an armed standoff near the Hoover dam, a kidnapping plot and two kidnappings, and at least one murder.

On Wednesday night QAnon adherents were among the individuals at the front line of the storming of Capitol Hill, with a man in a bearskin and a Viking helmet, Jake Angeli from Arizona, describing himself as a 'QAnon Shaman'.

Others wore QAnon hoodies and insignia. One reporter said the rioters told him they were 'looking for pedophiles' inside the Capitol.

Their involvement seems to have driven Twitter's decision to ban Powell, Flynn, Watkins and other high-profile promoters of the theory.

Jake Angeli, who calls himself the 'QAnon Shaman', was among the rioters on Wednesday

QAnon supporters were among those who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, killing five

Social media networks have long been concerned about QAnon theories circulating on their platforms.

In July, Twitter announced it had banned 7,000 QAnon accounts for breaking its rules around platform manipulation, misinformation and harassment.

Twitter also said it would no longer recommend QAnon accounts and content, would stop such content from appearing in trends and search, and would block QAnon's internet links.

In August Facebook uncovered thousands of groups and pages, with millions of members and followers, that support QAnon, according to internal company documents.

The tech giant has been under immense pressure to clamp down on hate speech and dangerous conspiracy theories, both of which are found in abundance on the site.

Last year the company announced new policies to reduce the visibility of vaccine misinformation on its platform, including rejecting advertising and excluding groups and pages from search results that spread 'vaccine hoaxes.'

Facebook has since June been studying the QAnon movement, and in early removed a QAnon group with nearly 200,000 members 'for repeatedly posting content that violated our policies.'

It was unclear whether Facebook would follow Twitter and ban Powell, Flynn, Watkins and the others. Facebook is yet to respond to DailyMail.com's request.

Several Republican candidates for Congress have openly expressed support for QAnon, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, who won her seat in November and declared that QAnon was 'a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' to take this supposed global cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles out.
A coffee table book filled with over hundreds of photographs of Prime Minister from his "107 overseas and bilateral visits" was released here on the eve of the 16th (PBD) on Friday.

The book, titled "Modi India Calling - 2021", is the brainchild of senior BJP leader Vijay Jolly. It was released by Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta at the Press Club of India.

"My initial plan was to have a photo exhibition capturing the personality and persona of our PM on a wider scale and tell people how Modi's visits overseas, across the seven continents, have made India more empowered and honoured worldwide. Since coronavirus didn't allow us to have that photo exhibition, we instead thought of coming out with a book," said Jolly.

"I realise that what we achieved through this book is much bigger than what I had thought. Also, I am happy that we could meet our deadline and release the book just in time for the 16th PVD," he added.

The photographs that made it to the book were culled out from a collection running into what must have been "thousands and lakhs" of images, Jolly said.

"The criterion for selecting the photographs centered around PM Modi, the country that he was visiting, the business people, the local leadership, and of course, the living there," he explained.

Besides Modi, the 60-year-old BJP leader said, he wishes to present the book to the prime minister's "biggest critic" Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta congratulated Jolly on coming out with his book.

He said PM Modi has changed the dynamics of Indian foreign policy for good and the book will help readers in understanding the same.

"This book will surely provide a deep insight into PM Narendra Modi's vision, unparalleled leadership and foreign policy," he added.

The 450-page book has been published by Maneesh Media.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which aims at strengthening the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the government of India, was first held in 2003 under the leadership of the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

An annual event till 2015, it is now celebrated every two years on January 9 -- the day Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to Mumbai in 1915.

The event will be held online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(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.)
D irector Michael Apted has died aged 79, his agent confirmed on Friday.

The British filmmaker was known for the Up series of documentaries which followed the lives of 14 children since 1964, as well as directing Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorillas In The Mist and the 1999 James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, which starred Pierce Brosnan.

Thomas Schlamme, the president of the Directors Guild of America, paid tribute to him in a statement.

"Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the passing of esteemed director, longtime DGA leader and my friend Michael Apted.

"His legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of cinema and our Guild.
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.
Despite all of Chinas aggressive efforts to shore up their energy autonomy over the course of this year, the precariousness of Beijings energy security has been thrown into the spotlight in recent weeks as the country is plagued by severe energy shortages in the wake of an unofficial blacklisting of Australian coal. As China scrambles to ration electricity for millions of citizens, entire cities have reportedly gone dark. This latest development is just another chapter in a lengthier saga of rising tensions and failed diplomacy between China and Australia. Relations between the two nations soured last year after Australia supported an international inquiry into Chinas handling of the coronavirus pandemic, CNBC reports. While Beijings Australian coal boycott is dominating headlines and wreaking the most havoc in China, coal is just one import on a much longer list of Australian goods that China is targeting in this unofficial geopolitical standoff.

China is the single biggest coal consumer in the world, and Australia has been one of Beijings biggest suppliers. Even though China has recently pledged to curb the nations hefty carbon footprint and reach carbon neutrality by 2060, the worlds second largest economy continues to rely heavily on coal. The sudden stop to the flow of the fossil fuel into China has caused coal prices to shoot through the roof at the very same time that the country is experiencing a cold snap, causing the demand for coal to rise to even higher numbers than usual. This double whammy has created chaos in Chinese markets according to the Financial Review. The protectionist policy has ensured coal prices inside China have been dramatically higher than outside the country for more than six months now, and in early December the Chinese government stopped the nation's four big coal price indexes from publishing daily prices, the news outlet reported on Wednesday.

Related: The Worlds Most Controversial Pipeline Project Enters Its Final Phase



Chinese coal producers are unlikely to be able to ramp up production enough to meet demand, reports CNBC. Reports show that power rationing is already well underway in China, and although there are no official reports to corroborate, a widely shared December article purported to list planned blackouts by the Shanghai State Grid. Eyewitness accounts have reported on many Chinese cities going dark, despite Chinas official stance that theres nothing wrong and that the country has plenty of energy to go around. Secretary general of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhao Chenxin, who has a hand in Chinese energy policy, was quoted by the New York Times as reassuring Chinese citizens: In general, please believe that our ability to ensure stable energy supply is not a problem.

Contradicting the party line that everything is under control, news outlets on the other side of the political divide, namely The Sydney Morning Herald, is reporting on a Grave humanitarian situation arising from the coal restrictions that have left sailors with shiploads of blacklisted coal stranded in foreign waters. And then theres the fact that entire provinces are experiencing blackouts in the dead of a particularly cold winter.

As the situation becomes more dire in China, Beijing is showing no sign of flinching. Despite all of the efforts Beijing has made over the past year to reinforce the countrys energy autonomy and energy security, however, its painfully clear that the country is as reliant as ever on energy imports.

But there is another player in this game that may very well come out as the ultimate loser in this scenario: the coal industry. China is forcing Australia to confront what many countries are concluding: The coal era is coming to an end, the New York Times reported last month. While it may be a painful process for China, this squeeze might just be the step that Beijing needs to finally wean itself off of coal for good.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
KYODO NEWS - Jan 9, 2021 - 21:49 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

The governors of Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo asked the central government Saturday to include their western Japan prefectures in the state of emergency that took effect a day earlier for the Tokyo region over the resurging coronavirus.

The three governors met online with Yasutoshi Nishimura, minister in charge of the government's response to the pandemic, a day after their prefectures all reported record numbers of infection.

While stating that the three prefectures "are in an extremely serious situation where an emergency declaration is being considered," Nishimura said he would make a decision after "careful assessment" of the situation and state of the medical system.

The resurgence of the virus has been increasing the strain on the country's medical system. Nationwide, the daily tally topped 7,000 for the third day in a row, after hitting a fresh high of around 7,900 on Friday.

Nishimura also asked the governors to implement stronger measures on par with those taken in the Tokyo metropolitan area, citing shorter operating hours for eateries, more telework, refraining from nonessential outings and stricter conditions in place for holding events.

"My understanding that we are in a situation where a state of emergency should be declared has not changed," said Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura, adding that he will put in place the same measures as the Tokyo metropolitan area from next Thursday to Feb. 7.

On Saturday, Hyogo again reported a daily record of 324, while Osaka logged 647, its second largest so far, and Kyoto 126.

Japan's cumulative total of deaths also surpassed 4,000, reaching the milestone just half a month after the figure topped 3,000 on Dec. 22, underscoring the rapid pace in the death toll in line with the surge in infections.

Tourist sites and entertainment districts in Tokyo and its three neighboring prefectures of Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama were largely deserted on Saturday as they entered their first weekend under a one-month state of emergency.

The capital on Saturday reported an additional 2,268 coronavirus cases, topping the 2,000 mark for the third straight day. It logged a record 2,447 infections on Thursday and 2,392 cases on Friday.

The governors of numerous other prefectures, including Aichi and Gifu prefectures in central Japan as well as Tochigi, north of Tokyo, are also considering making similar requests, their officials have said.

But some local governments have already declared their own state of emergency, with Miyazaki Gov. Shunji Kono saying, "We don't have time to wait for the central government, so I put the brakes on (the virus' spread)."

Mie Gov. Eikei Suzuki has indicated his intention to also independently declare a state of emergency for his prefecture should Aichi and Gifu be included in the central government's declaration.

Also Saturday, the National Governors' Association finalized draft proposals on measures against the pandemic, asking the central government to swiftly expand the state of emergency if necessary to cover areas where infections are spreading rapidly.

The governors' body also called for urgent revision of a special measures law on pandemics to include penal provisions in order to make requests for business closures and shorter opening hours at bars and restaurants more effective.

By declaring a state of emergency, the central government enables local authorities to urge people to stay at home as much as possible and call on eateries to close earlier.

Related coverage:

Japan to require all people entering country to submit COVID-19 test

Virus emergency prompts cuts in domestic flights, bullet trains

Osaka, 2 other western Japan regions to request state of emergency
Gardai believe missing woman Tina Satchwell never left Ireland and that the key to solving the mystery over her disappearance lies in the east Cork community where she lived.

The Garda investigation into the disappearance of Ms Satchwell remains ongoing as officers admit they are baffled as to what happened to the fashion-loving housewife.

Ms Satchwell, originally from Fermoy, vanished from her home in Youghal on March 20, 2017 - and no trace of her has been seen since, despite repeated appeals for information and detailed Garda searches.

Gardai have now pursued almost 400 different lines of inquiry and studied over 100 hours of CCTV security-camera footage in their hunt for Ms Satchwell, who was 47 when she vanished.

Detectives are now convinced she did not leave Ireland - while her husband, Richard, has maintained he believes his wife is alive and has said that all he wants is for her to return home safe.

Mr Satchwell, who has not commented on the case over recent times, repeatedly appealed over the past three years for Tina to make contact with him, her family or the Gardai.

"My arms are open and always will be until I draw my final breath," he said.

"I will never stop loving you. I know that the country is going through a tough time and some may think I'm selfish in asking them to keep contacting the Garda with any information about Tina.

"This (message) is for Tina: if you are reading this, please make contact and, first of all, keep healthy. But if you only make contact to say that you don't want me, I can live with that.

"These last three years have been like learning to live with a disability, and it's been hard. Remember, love, and miss you."

Mr Satchwell said his life has been a nightmare since his wife vanished from their Youghal home.

"The hurt and pain I have had to endure...I almost find them at times [to be] unbearable. I live in a state of misery."

He has also kept all birthday, anniversary and Christmas presents for his wife since her disappearance three years ago.

Gardai confirmed all leads in the case so far have failed to yield any clue.

Tina did not have a passport and there was no indication she had purchased tickets to travel overseas by either plane or ferry.

"At this point, all the indications are that Tina never left Ireland," one Garda said.

A senior Garda source confirmed that they have no plans for any further major searches following large-scale operations off the Youghal coast and in an east Cork woodland in both 2017 and 2018.

Both searches failed to yield any clues as to her whereabouts.

Tina was last seen by her husband at 10am on March 20, 2017, when she asked him to go on an errand to Dungarvan from their Youghal home.

She was last seen by a member of the public on March 19, when she and her husband attended a car boot sale in Carrigtwohill in east Cork.
Reverend Professor JOY Mante, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, has called on the leadership of Parliament to take disciplinary actions against members of the House, who exhibited appalling behaviour at the dissolution of the 7th Parliament and the election of a Speaker of Parliament.



He said as leaders, they ought to behave in a manner which set a standard for others to follow and therefore, leadership must take action to redeem the image of the house of Parliament.



The moderator made the call at a Thanksgiving service organized jointly by the Akyem Abuakwa state and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the Kyebi Local Council of churches to celebrate the re-election and successful inauguration of President Akufo-Addo at the Kyebi Presbyterian College of Education on Friday.



He said Ghana had come thus far by the grace of God and every Ghanaian must be grateful for the peace and tranquillity.



Rev. Prof Mante said for Ghana not to be consumed by the coronavirus pandemic was just by the grace of God and not so much of our efforts, adding that "we are not better than the Europeans and the American people who have the expertise and technology so much to their advantage."



He commended President Akufo-Addo for his show of trust in God, which led him to organize a national prayer for God's intervention and said there was no doubt that "that singular act has moved God to move in our favour."

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
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- The city is welcoming a new business to Miner Road and the former Alloy Bellows building.

Lake Business Products, a company with a 60-year history in Lake County, has split its operations that had been in Eastlake, moving its leasing company to Euclid, and its main office building, operations and sales staff to 653 Miner Road.

We were all (operations) under one roof, and we went from a 106,000-square-foot facility (in Eastlake) to two facilities that are basically about 80,000 square feet each, said Lake Business Products owner Terry Cain. We have 70-80 employees now (moving to Highland Heights), and we plan on growing our technology offerings, so my plan is to hire on more sales people and network engineers, and more with a skill set like that.

Lake sells and leases business products and supplies and works with customers to improve efficiency and sales. The company was founded by Cains father, Jack Slattery, in 1960 in the garage of his Mentor home. Cain has served as the companys president and CEO since her fathers death in 2008, and has been an owner for 40 years.

When asked how the pandemic has impacted the business, Cain said, Were holding our own. Were down just slightly, but were just about even from what we did last year.

LBP is now in the process of settling into its new Highland Heights offices. Cain said its lease in Eastlake was up, after 20 years in that city, and the company needed to quickly find a new home.

Im very excited about the move, Cain said. I love the building. Ive met the mayor (Chuck Brunello, Jr.) twice and, from what I can see, hes a great guy. Im anxious to get settled in and get back to work.

Brunello is, likewise, pleased to have Lake Business Products doing business in Highland Heights.

In these difficult times were in right now, in an era when businesses arent really doing all that much in person, let alone relocating or expanding, to choose a community like ours is, of course, a thrill, Brunello said. We were able to partner up with them early on (after LBP decided to move), and the relationship was good. It was a quick process. Im assuming they fell in love with the community.

Highland Heights incentivized LBPs move to the city with a $660,000 grant over the period of 10 years. During that 10-year period, Lake must maintain an annual payroll of at least $4 million. Highland Heights Finance Director Joe Filippo said that LBP will bring to the city an initial payroll of about $5 million. That payroll, with the addition of the future hires of which Cain spoke, is projected to grow to about $6 million within five years.

Two new businesses in the last six months is a huge win, Brunello said, speaking of LBP and Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, of Copley Township, which announced in November it would be opening a new hospital in May or or June at 734 Alpha Drive. It would be considered a huge win for our community and just about any community, I would think. I think its great and Im really excited about it, and the community is really excited about it.

See more Sun Messenger news here.
Tupelo Cloudy 66 Hi: 90 Lo: 68 Feels Like: 66 More Weather Columbus Cloudy 69 Hi: 84 Lo: 66 Feels Like: 69 More Weather Oxford Partly Cloudy 66 Hi: 88 Lo: 65 Feels Like: 66 More Weather Starkville Partly Cloudy 69 Hi: 90 Lo: 69 Feels Like: 69 More Weather

Spotty showers and thunderstorms and possible the next couple of days with a slightly more organized chance bye Friday. It remains possible that some of Friday storms could be strong.
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.
Whither Sri Lankans: Coming, going or gone? By Gamini Weerakoon Doublespeak View(s): View(s):

Developments or rather events, both national and international, appear to be moving so rapidly that in Sri Lankan terms, we can say: We dont know whether we are coming, going or gone

Donald Trump, the worlds most unpredictable and most powerful leader appears to be gone but now comes Joe Biden of a more stable variety which our international grapevine says could be more susceptible to Eelam lobbyists. Diplomats, diplomatic strategists of varied sorts could say that bridges should have been built to the Biden camp some time ago but all that has been said before power shifts in Washington took place. It couldnt be easily done then nor can it be done now. Certainly, it was difficult with the record of some of our earlier dramatis personae in Washington who are alleged to have attempted real estate deals with our embassy premises.

Trumps then UN representative called the United Nations Human Rights Council a Cesspit of bias and pulled out of the UNHRC but the US pressure on Lanka did not ease at the Geneva sessions of the organisation and remains so, even though some key players such as a former US ambassador went beyond the call of duty to give the Rajapaksa party a boost before their return to office.

Do we now expect India, Washingtons recent Asian strategic ally against China, to persuade US and influence its Western allies to go soft on the Sri Lankan issue at Geneva?

The Americans have not been hesitant to show their opposition to Chinas influence in Lanka. But State Minister Nivard Cabraal has confidently spoken of Chinese direct foreign investment amounting to over 4 billion dollars coming into Lanka. At the present level of Sri Lanka Chinese relations, more assistance and investments could be anticipated.

America has already announced sanctions against a key Chinese company operating in Sri Lanka. With America and the European Union being the main markets for Sri Lankan exports, the inevitable question is whether our growing links with China could affect export markets.

Funeral politics

The issue of the disposal of bodies of Muslims who die of the Covid 19 virus  like all other communal or religious issues in history  is dragging on with a resolution not in sight. It has now gone beyond our shores and international organisations are taking it up.

The Government states it is going on the expert medico-legal advice while Muslin organisations point out that their demand for traditional burial is being supported by world authorities on viruses and even the WHO. As in most Sri Lankan issues, burials/cremations have got embroiled in religious-communal politics and are threatening the political stability.

President Rajapaksas election mandate was based on think tanks alleged to comprise the countrys foremost intellectuals but this issue along with other issues on minority demands remains unresolved. Pronouncements made last week by the Health Ministry appear that the Government will go ahead with its decision to cremate but Muslims are seething with anger and the problem seems far from being resolved.

The forgotten heroes

The third immediate issue in our opinion is the plight of hundreds of thousands of expatriate Sri Lankans who have been cruelly hit by this Covid virus. Thousands of them are still abroad having lost their jobs, without means of subsistence. The others have scraped enough to buy their air tickets and arrived cent-less after labouring for years. There are stories that they have been booked into tourist hotels (strongly denied by the Government authorities) while others have quarantined in centres managed by the armed forces

It could be pointed out that this is the plight of most expatriate workers of poor countries hit by the pandemic, particularly in Asia. But unlike most other countries which banned women from working abroad, particularly in Middle East countries, a large proportion of Sri Lankan workers are women.

They are poor young women and mothers who wanted to help their families escape from the poverty orbit by earning a few thousand rupees and sending it home for their families to build a modest house and provide better education for their children. The heartrending stories of their suffering are too well known and need not be repeated here.

What cannot be ignored is that when their foreign exchange earnings were pouring into the depleted coffers of the Sri Lankan Treasury, we all acclaimed that they were National Heroes. They became the highest foreign exchange earners of Sri Lanka.

These poor workers sent all the money earnedevery centback to their country in contrast to the better educated professionals who kept them in bank accounts of Western nations and built up the bank balances for their brood to study abroad, which they could have well done at home. Others forsook their motherland, took the oath of severance of loyalty to their country and even pledged to take arms to defend their new found homeland.

In this blessed island there are national heroes and also national heroes who are now reduced to zeroes. Some national heroes deservedly are well looked after, continued employment, salaries, pensions and excellent health facilitieseven for their families. But why not these humble workers from whose contributions the country kept going during the 30-year war?

They worked each day perhaps for 18 hours amidst torture and harassment and even warding off rapists. At home their families cracked up in the absence of a mother at home. Children went astray and even committed suicide.

Thousands of them are knocking on the doors of Sri Lankan embassies for months, perhaps a year, to come back home. They deserve much more than media statements that do not seem to materialise.

Toilers of the soil

Lastly, the generations of traditional goviyasthe cultivators of rice and vegetables mostly in the dry zone who have kept the nation alive for the much celebrated 2500 years or more. How many of them are above the poverty line even 64 years after that great 1956 Revolution that is said to have liberated the peasantry? They are still unable to sell their produce at a fair price  and the mountains of rotting pumpkins in their fields and at marketing centres only a few months ago were symbolic of the poor who eke out their existence by tilling the soil.

Another group of cultivators, the Chena cultivators at night still leave their family shacks and climb trees to watch out for marauding elephants which damage their cultivations, homes and even kill them.

The strategy of prosperity and splendour has still to have an impact on these desperate people.

Whether these desperate people can see the towering Lotus Tower in Colombo at a distance or they can be seen from the Lotus Tower high up in the trees with their torch lights (pandang), we do not know.

True, it is only a little more than a year since Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected the president and his strategy of Visions of Splendour and Prosperity was supposed to go into action. The COVID-19 virus would have retarded much of proposed progress of action. But now he has the two-thirds majority to steam ahead.

But do we see that happening as the country rids itself of the Covid shackles?

Should we keep watch over the progress of Lanka or keep singing that everything is wonderful in this paradise isle?

(The writer is a former editor of The Sunday Island, The Island and former consultant editor of the Sunday Leader)
T

heres something about the Seventies. At least, there most certainly is when it comes to fashion. Even now, the decade continues to inspire the wardrobes of celebrities and mood boards of luxury fashion houses. Chloe, Miu Miu and Gucci are just some of the labels known for taking their cues from the period.

But beyond the flared trousers and halter-neck frocks, which are perhaps most synonymous with the decade, there are countless other trends that have made notable comebacks on the catwalks in recent years. Like wrap dresses, bell-sleeved tops, and belted jumpsuits. And almost all of them feature in The Serpent, BBC Ones eight-part true crime drama about how the conman and murderer Charles Sobhraj was brought to justice.

The majority of the programme is set in Bangkok, Thailand, but there are also scenes in Paris, Nepal, and India, all of which provide quite the visual feast, sartorially speaking. Each of the characters has a distinct style, depending on their social class and cultural background. There are the hippie travellers, (Sobhrajs target victims), who swan around our screens looking dazed and confused in tie-dye and fisherman pants; the embassy officials who fix up and look sharp in button-down shirts and blazers, and then theres Jenna Coleman.

The British actor plays Marie-Andree Leclerc, Sobhrajs girlfriend and sort-of accomplice, a role that requires her to transform into the more confident alter-ego created by Sobhraj: Monique. Coleman straddles the two contrasting identities with elan, sashaying between the insouciant Monique, who is impervious to the horror of Sobjrajs crimes, and Marie-Andree, who is (quite rightly) terrified by them.

Recommended The biggest fashion trends for 2021

Naturally, the two conflicting states have a huge impact on Colemans wardrobe throughout the series. While Marie-Andree swaddles herself in loose-fitting kaftans and trousers, Monique strides around in tight-fitting jumpsuits and vivid plisse gowns. And while it is the former whose character viewers will identify with more, it is the latter whose costumes theyll crave.

Here are some of our favourite looks that Jenna Coleman wears in The Serpent.

Jenna Coleman and Tahar Rahim in The Serpent (BBC/ Mammoth Screen )

This is a classic look for Monique. Sharp and well-fitted tailoring in a brash shade, check. Printed silk collared shirt that looks like it might have cost thousands of pounds, check. Oversized yellow-tinted sunglasses straight out of Guccis latest campaign, check.

The shades were pretty amazing, Coleman told Radio Times in a recent interview. We had such a selection  I should have borrowed some from the set.

This is a look that can easily be replicated today. For bold and bright tailoring, look no further than London-based label Racil, which takes its inspiration from classic menswear tuxedos to create statement suits for women. Or, for a more bespoke service, try The Deck, the first shopfront on Savile Rowe offering exclusively female tailoring.

As for Colemans sunglasses, there are standout yellow-tinted shades everywhere from Polaroid to Oliver Peoples. And, obviously, there are many options at Gucci.

Mathilde Warnier and Jenna Coleman in The Serpent (BBC/ Mammoth Screen )

Monique has form when it comes to poolside glamour. Here, we see her in a loose, flowing halter-neck kaftan. But in order to put this kaftan ahead of those worn by the travellers Sobhraj intends to murder, the kaftan has some distinctive features, such as a plunging neckline and an open back.

It is also in a vivid colour, a deep fuchsia, but is minimal when it comes to prints, featuring only a singular and subtle white pattern as opposed to multiple ones.

Once again, though, its the sunglasses that complete this bohemian 1970s look.

Jenna Coleman and Tahar Rahim in The Serpent (BBC/ Mammoth Screen )

The beach is an equally important stage for the formidable Monique when it comes to packing a fashion punch. In this scene, she walks along the sand alongside Sobhraj in a khaki bikini and a sheer white cover-up that is covered in intricate embelishment.

Crucially, the cover-up features a similarly low neckline, complementing Moniques blase attitude. The sunglasses have changed, too. In this scene, Coleman trades her favoured yellow-tinted shades for another oversized black pair. They might not be quite as retro, but these sunglasses elevate Moniques beach look and give it a heady dose of glamour.

Jenna Coleman and Tahar Rahim in The Serpent (BBC/ Mammoth Screen )

Of course, Monique doesnt walk around her home in a pair of flannel PJs or a terry cloth robe. Instead, she glides with grace in this peachy pink silk robe that features a subtle darker pink pattern and billowing sleeves.

It might just be a throw-on garment for her, but that fact alone should be indicative of Moniques status and, well, her penchant for opulence.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  Experts are warning the public of a possible surge in coronavirus cases after thousands of devotees flocked to Quiapo church on Saturday for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

In a tweet on Saturday, Dr. Tony Leachon, former adviser to the COVID-19 Task Force, said that he is afraid that a surge will lead to a stricter quarantine measure.

READ: Hundreds of thousands of Black Nazarene devotees flock to Quiapo Church

Im sorry. We know that social distancing violations will lead to increased number of cases. Our faith is not proven by physical presence only, he said on the celebration.

God will not look over for our attendance on this once a year event but for scars of sacrifice & love of humanity.

Department of Health adviser Dr. Edsel Salvana earlier appealed to devotees not to attend physical masses at Quiapo Church.

READ: Hundreds of thousands of Black Nazarene devotees flock to Quiapo Church

We're really going to need a miracle to stop a superspreader event in Quiapo right now. Please don't go. Aren't we supposed to watch out for each other? Putting others at risk is about as un-Christian as it gets, Salvana tweeted.

DOH also released a statement on Saturday, advising those who have attended the physical masses to minimize their interactions, especially with the vulnerable members of their household, and to conduct active self-monitoring for any symptoms.

The number of faithfuls in Quiapo for the Feast of the Black Nazarene has grown to a cumulative 400,000 as of 9:30 a.m., according to an estimate by Manila Police chief Leo Francisco. Francisco said the figure may reach a million by the end of the day. Meanwhile, the Manila government reported that around 10,690 devotees were at the area at 2 p.m.

Quiapo Church officials said onsite attendance is limited to 400 devotees per mass. It also urged worshippers to follow health protocols and fill out the contact tracing forms.
US President Donald Trump (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

When some Democrats were pushing for United States President Donald Trumps impeachment in early 2019, it took around five months for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to back the idea.

This time, it only took a day.

Pelosi came out strongly Thursday in support of Trumps removal  either by his own Cabinet or by Congress, if necessary  after pro-Trump supporters violently breached and ransacked the Capitol. The riots Wednesday came after Trump egged on the crowd at a rally near the White House.

On Friday, Pelosi told fellow Democrats on a private conference call that we must take action.

A congressional effort to impeach Trump would be unlikely to remove him from the White House, which he'll vacate Jan. 20 when President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in. There's little chance that the Republican-led Senate would hold a trial and vote on convicting Trump in less than two weeks.

Also read: Democrats plan lightning Trump impeachment, want him out now

Still, action by the House would still make Trump the first president in history to be impeached twice. And it could include a ban on holding public office, ending Trumps ability to run in 2024.

A look at how impeachment works, and what Congress can do in the short amount of time until Trumps term ends:

THE BASICS OF IMPEACHMENT

In normal order, there would be an impeachment investigation and the evidence would be sent to the House Judiciary Committee, which would hold hearings, draft articles and send them to the full house. Thats what happened in 2019, when the House impeached Trump over his dealings with the president of Ukraine. It took three months.

This time, with so few days to move  and a feeling among Democrats that there is little need to investigate what happened, since most members of Congress were in the Capitol when the mob broke in  Pelosi would likely hold a floor vote with no hearings or committee action.

Once the House votes to impeach, the articles and evidence are sent to the Senate, where a trial is held and there are final votes to convict or acquit, as the Senate did in early February of last year.

WHAT ABOUT THE 25th AMENDMENT?

Pelosi said on Thursday that the House wouldnt have to begin impeachment if Vice President Mike Pence and other Cabinet members removed Trump from office under the 25th amendment. The amendment allows for the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare a president unfit for office, and the vice president then becomes acting president.

Despite widespread discontent with Trumps actions, there appears to be little chance of a Cabinet insurrection, especially after a slew of officials resigned in the wake of the Capitol riots.

A QUICK IMPEACHMENT VOTE

Any member of the House can introduce articles of impeachment and trigger a procedural process that allows them to be considered almost immediately. Approving them takes only the majority. Democrats narrowly control the House, 222-211.

Democratic Reps. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Ted Lieu of California have circulated an article of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and are expected to introduce it on Monday  meaning a vote could come as soon as midweek, if Pelosi decides to move forward. They could also consider moving the articles through regular order, which could still be done quickly.

ABUSE OF POWER

The article of impeachment circulated by the three Democrats charges Trump with abuse of power and says he willfully made statements that encouraged  and foreseeably resulted in  imminent lawless action at the Capitol.

It says the behavior is consistent with Trumps prior efforts to subvert and obstruct the results of the election and references his recent call with the Georgia Secretary of State, in which he said he wanted to find more votes after losing the state to Biden.

Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in the election, and the baseless claims have been repeatedly echoed by congressional Republicans. As the protesters broke into the Capitol, both chambers were debating GOP challenges to the electoral vote count in Arizona.

In all of this, President Trump gravely endangered the security of the United States and its institutions of government, the Democratic draft reads. He threatened the integrity of the democratic system, interfered with the peaceful transition of power and imperiled a coordinate branch of government. He thereby betrayed his trust as president, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.

There was not widespread fraud in the election, as has been confirmed by a range of election officials and by William Barr, who stepped down as attorney general last month. Nearly all of the legal challenges put forth by Trump and his allies have been dismissed by judges.

SENATE POLITICS

Timing of a trial in the Senate is uncertain. The Senate is not set to resume full sessions until Jan. 20, which is Inauguration Day, and its hard to see the benefit of impeaching Trump while Biden is being sworn into office.

Two-thirds of the Senate is needed to convict, and this would be unlikely even if the chamber did somehow come back in session to hold a trial and vote. While many Republican senators have disparaged Trumps actions in the last week, several Republicans have already said they think impeachment would divide the country even further just ahead of Bidens inauguration.

Still, some Republicans have appeared open to impeachment. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who voted to acquit Trump last year, said he will definitely consider impeachment. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who also voted to acquit, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that she wants Trump to resign.

Only one Republican voted to convict Trump last year  Utah Sen. Mitt Romney.

WHAT IMPEACHMENT WOULD MEAN

Republicans, even those who have criticized Trump, say impeachment would be unhelpful. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said it would do more harm than good.

But Democrats say they believe they have to try anyway.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders tweeted on Friday that some people might ask why they would try to impeach a president with only a few days left in office.

The answer: Precedent, he said. It must be made clear that no president, now or in the future, can lead an insurrection against the U.S. government.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has thrown his support behind Nancy Pelosi in her bid for the House to impeach Donald Trump if the Constitutions 25th Amendment is not invoked.

I support Speakers Pelosis move to impeachment, he said during press conference on Thursday mere minutes after the House speaker made the announcement.

Calls to impeach of invoke the 25th Amendment against Mr Trump surged after pro-Trump rioters breached the US Capitol on Wednesday in protest of Congress certifying the 2020 election results.

"I believe the president is dangerous and should not hold office," Mr Schumer said. "The quickest and most effective way to remove this president from office would be for the vice president to immediately invoke the 25th Amendment."

Mr Schumer added that both he and Ms Pelosi attempted to call Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday morning to discuss the 25th Amendment. "They kept us on hold for 25 minutes and then said the vice president wouldnt come on the phone," Mr Schumer said.

The 25th Amendment states that the vice president can take over if the sitting president is removed, resigns, or dies while in office. In order for this to be invoked, Mr Pence would be needed as well as a majority of Mr Trumps Cabinet who are in agreement the president is unfit for office.

If invoking the 25th Amendment was not an available option, Mr Schumer seemed adamant that the House and Senate chambers of Congress should move to impeach the president over Wednesdays events.

The best thing to do is to get rid of him. I dont trust him one bit. Impeach him if the 25th Amendment isnt invoked. Impeach him ASAP, he said, adding Mr Trump should not hold the office of the presidency for one day longer.

Impeachment proceedings, if they were to go through in both the House and Senate, could also prevent Mr Trump from running for president again in 2024.

"In impeachment there's a charge that allows the Congress to say he can never run for office again. That should be invoked as well," Mr Schumer said.

Multiple Democratic and Republican lawmakers have called for Mr Trump to be removed from office following the riots that occurred at the US Capitol.
No Russians lurking around white House riots!

WASHINGTON, January 9. /TASS/. Russian citizens are not among those detained or injured in the January 6 riots outside the US Congress, the Russian embassy in the US said in a statement on Facebook on Friday. The Russian Embassy in the United States is closely monitoring the situation in connection with the state of affairs in the capital district. They asked the State Department for the presence of Russians among the detainees or victims. So far, no such facts have been identified,

Source: No Russians among detained for storming US Capitol  Russian embassy in US  Russian Politics & Diplomacy  TASS

Well there is that good news

WtR
Presidents, first ladies, athletes, actors, and everyday people  all are just examples of Barbara Walters interview subjects. As someone who spent half a century in media, she didnt bat an eye delivering news, taking colleagues to task, or engaging her guests with her easygoing way of asking questions.

Before she retired and left The View, Walters broke barriers in journalism as a Today anchor and throughout the course of her career. She acknowledged both the challenging and amazing experiences she had on the job.

Some of those experiences happened with celebrities, and among them was a Hollywood fixture whose bark was worse than her bite.

Barbara Walters attends the 2015 Time 100 Gala | Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Barbara Walters interviews are legendary

Walters has sat down with some of the most recognized public figures from around the world. Cher. Fidel Castro. Richard Nixon. Oprah. Mark David Chapman. Grace Kelly. The list goes on, and Walters once told Time magazine she was motivated to talk to world leaders.

If I had told my young self that I would have the opportunity to interview every American President and First Lady since Richard Nixon, be able to do the first joint interview with Egypts President Anwar Sadat and Israels Prime Minister Menachem Begin, or my unforgettable sit-down with Cuban President Fidel Castro, I would not have believed it, she said.

Yet, I knew I was driven to interview world leaders and icons, Walters told the outlet.

That group also included a bevy of Hollywood stars who came from multiple eras. And she wouldve have loved for one in particular to be her mentor.

RELATED: Barbara Walters on the Most Fascinating Interview of Her Career  and the Biggest Regret of Her Life

Barbara Walters enjoyed hanging with Katharine Hepburn

In Audition: A Memoir, Walters wrote about Katharine Hepburn in a chapter called Celebrities Who Affected My Life. She stated she would have chosen Hepburn if she ever had a mentor in life because she found the actor to be such an independent and opinionated woman.

She wrote that for years, Hepburn refused to do an interview, but she finally consented on the condition that she meet Walters first. She loved to terrify people, and if ever the expression Her bark was worse than her bite applied to anyone, it applied to Hepburn, Walters wrote.

Katharine Hepburn | Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Their first meeting was at Hepburns New York townhouse one evening, and Walters arrived on her doorstep five minutes past five wearing a smile. When the door was opened, there was Hepburn at the top of her stairs, she recalled.

But Hepburn was serious: You are late, she barked. Have you brought me chocolates? Walters remembered to bring some on each visit after, and Hepburn always sent her handwritten thank-you notes.

Hepburns outlook on womanhood and work stuck with Walters

The pair struck up a friendship and would often hang out with others such as Liz Smith or Cynthia McFadden. But it was Hepburns views on women juggling careers, marriage, and children that struck Walters the most.

Its impossible, Hepburn told Walters. If I were a man, I would not marry a woman with a career and Id torture myself as a mother. Supposing little Johnny or little Katie had the mumps, and I had an opening night. I really would want to strangle the children. Id be thinking to myself, God Ive got to get in the mood and whats the matter with them  get out of my way, she declared to Walters.

In one of their many conversations, Hepburn made a point to tell Walters that she decided to live like men do by doing what I damn well wanted to.

Walters compared her to several other women in the public eye who had very specific approaches to work and family. Being around Hepburn helped Walters form her own point of view toward career, kids, and love.
The year 2020 had little to recommend it and the remake of Roald Dahls The Witches was no exception. For those whose childhood memories of Dahl have faded, the witches in his novel looked and acted like "ordinary" women. They hid their cat-like claws, bald heads and square feet inside the usual costume of ladies at the time. They might be any woman you met: the newsreader on television, the teacher at your school or, even, your mum.

In his new film adaptation, Robert Zemeckis chose to give Anne Hathaways character additional distinguishing features, including having been born with multiple missing fingers. Hathaways Grand High Witch was gifted ectrodactyly; a limb difference that is sometimes called "split hand". Undoubtedly, this was a cinematic choice designed to reinforce her evil, ugly and terrifying nature.

Credit:Illustration: Reg Lynch

Following community outrage at the decision to portray disability in this way, the studio has offered the standard empty "sorry to those who were offended". But the damage is done. Movie-going children in their millions, whose world views are being actively shaped, will now associate limb difference with being scary and dangerous. Theyve learned a powerful, early lesson that disability is gross and scary.

When it comes to film and televisions impact on culture, we talk a lot about who plays the role. According to The
Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In .

Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In.
A young Moody boy is being lauded for his bravery after he pulled his sister to safety during an armed carjacking on Thursday.

The ordeal began about 1:30 p.m. when Kristin Walker was putting gas into her vehicle in the area of U.S. 411 and Interstate 20. Her two small children  9-year-old Ethan and 6-year-old daughter Audrey  were in the back seat. At that point, a man got out of a Chevrolet SUV which had been parked at a pump near the victim and jumped into the drivers seat of the womans vehicle.

Walker could only think of her two babies inside the vehicle. I actually jumped in on top of him and pulled the keys out of the ignition,' Walker told AL.com. I couldnt let him leave with them in the car and the only way I could think to stop him was to pull out the keys.

Ethan Walker, 9, is being lauded for his bravery after he pulled his 6-year-old sister Audrey to safety during a Jan. 7, 2021 carjacking in Moody. Kristin Walker said she is so proud of her son. (Contributed)

When she did that, the suspect brandished a weapon and pointed it at Walker, who is pregnant with her third child. She explained to him that her kids were in the car and that is when he told her, Get them out.

At that moment, Ethan, in what police said can only be described as an incredible act of bravery and composure got out of the vehicle and ran around to the rear passengers side to get Audrey to safety.

The suspect then fled in the womans vehicle.

Walker said it all happened so fast. She said she didnt have time to think or feel but instead acted on instinct. Im just so thankful, she said of her sons response to the situation.

They ran into the store and called 911. Ethan was so calm, cool and collected through the whole thing,' Walker said. He was just so smart. He even gave them a description. He knew more than I did.

Ethan Walker, 9, is being lauded for his bravery after he pulled his 6-year-old sister Audrey to safety during a Jan. 7, 2021 carjacking in Moody. His mother's stolen car was wrecked in Mississippi. (Contributed)

Officers fanned out in search of the suspects, who were identified as 18-year-old Kendarian Toran and 23-year-old Eric White, both of Jackson, Miss. Flock camera technology and other tag readers led lawmen to the location of the suspects as they fled back into Mississippi. After a brief pursuit, they wrecked Walkers vehicle and both taken into custody the Rankin County Sheriffs Office. The gun was also recovered. Both remain held in Mississippi.

Ethan Walker, 9, is being lauded for his bravery after he pulled his 6-year-old sister Audrey to safety during a Jan. 7, 2021 carjacking in Moody. The gun was recovered with the suspects. (Contributed)

Moody police and the St. Clair County District Attorneys Office will issue multiple felony warrants against the pair, including robbery and vehicle theft. Moody Police Chief Thomas Hunt said he plans to recognize Ethans bravery at a later date.

Walker said the entire incident was traumatizing but the fact that Ethan is being recognized as a hero is helping the entire family. Hes pretty excited about that and Im so proud,' she said. I think thats going to help our family work through this.

She said they are shaken up but doing OK. I think we all feel a lot better,' Walker said, knowing theyre locked up and theres going to be justice.
Lenovo has announced new updates to their IdeaPad series of laptops, with three new devices  IdeaPad 5i Pro, IdeaPad 5 Pro and the IdeaPad 5G. The IdeaPad 5i Pro is powered by 11th Gen Intel Core CPUs while the IdeaPad 5 Pro is powered AMDs next-gen Ryzen mobile processors. The IdeaPad 5G on the other hand is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx 5G compute platform.

The IdeaPad 5G is designed to be an always connected laptop, with its Snapdragon X55 Modem-RF system, that is part of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx 5G. The laptop features a 14-inch FullHD IPS display with a peak brightness of 300 nits and colour gamut of 100% sRGB. For memory, it comes with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB of PCIe SSD storage.

Both the IdeaPad 5i Pro and IdeaPad 5 Pro come in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, with an all-metal chassis build. The laptops have a 16:10 high resolution display with a 100% sRGB colour gamut and a screen-to-body ratio of 90%. The 14-inch models will support up to 90Hz refresh rate, while the 16-inch models will support up to 120Hz.

The laptops are lightweight, 1.45Kgs for the 14-inch model, 2Kgs for the 16-inch model, and they have IR sensors for Windows Hello along with support for attention-sensing software from Glance by Mirametrix. They have multiple modes for performance which can switched through by pressing Fn+Q, and pressing Fn+R can toggle between different refresh rates for the display.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro can be configured with up to the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, up to NVIDIA MX450 GPU, up to 16GB DDR4 of memory, and up to 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD for storage. The IdeaPad 5 Pro will offer next-gen AMD Ryzen Mobile Processors, up to the next-gen NVIDIA GeForce RTX Laptop GPUs, up to 32GB DDR4 of memory and up to 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD of storage.

Lenovo also announced two new consumer IPS monitors  the L24i-30 and L27e-30. They feature advanced anti-glare and Eye Comfort technology certified by TUV Rheinland, and they support AMD FreeSync technology for 75Hz panel.

The 14-inch IdeaPad 5G is expected to be available in select markets soon, the 16-inch IdeaPad 5 Pro laptop start at $1149.99 (Approx. Rs. 84,308) and is expected to be available starting May 2021. The 14-inch IdeaPad 5 Pro will be available in EMEA in March 2021 and will start at 799.00 (Approx. Rs. 71,760).

The 16-inch IdeaPad 5i Pro laptop will be available in EMEA starting March 2021 and will start at 899 (Approx. Rs. 80,741), and the 14-inch model will be available in EMEA in March 2021 and will start at 699 (Approx. Rs. 62,779).

The Lenovo L27e-30 Monitor will start at $189.99 (Approx. Rs. 13,928) and is expected to be available starting March 2021, and the Lenovo L24i-30 Monitor will start at $159.99 (Approx. Rs. 11,729) and also is expected to be available starting March 2021.
A month after convoy attack, J P Nadda launches 'Ek Mutthi Chawal' campaign in Bengal

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

Kolkata, Jan 09: Almost a month after his convoy came under attack, BJP president J P Nadda was back in West Bengal Saturday, keeping with his outfit's schedule for him in the poll-bound state.

He is set to launch his party's day-long door-to-door rice collection programme aimed at meeting farmers amid the protest in Delhi over contentious agriculture laws.

The 'Ek Mutthi Chawal' (a fistful of rice) programme aims to blunt the opposition's "anti-farmer" allegation against his party. Under this, he would collect rice from farmers' homes and brief them about the benefits of three new farm laws, against which thousands from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and other states have been protesting for more than a month now in and around Delhi.

Also, BJP workers will go to farmers' homes in 48,000 villages in the state and collect rice and tell them about the new agricultural laws as part of the campaign later on.

Nadda will spend most of the day with farmers of Jagdanandpur village during his day-long trip to the state. The BJP chief will hold a roadshow from Burdwan Clock Tower to Lord Curzon Gate in Burdwan and address a press conference too.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

With Banerjee, also the head of the Trinamool Congress, backing the farmers who are protesting against the three agri laws, the BJP has gone all out to convince farmers about the "benefits" of these Acts and asserted that a large number of them support them.

On December 10, Nadda's vehicle came under attack during his journey to Diamond Harbour from Kolkata. Keeping that incident in view, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across the district this time.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 15:29 [IST]
It would take less than three hours on the final day of the 2020 GGPoker WSOPC #13: $10,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold'em before Niklas Astedt could claim his first WSOP Circuit Ring and $348,250 by defeating Mirza Muhovic heads-up in the final.

On Day 1, the $1,000,000 guaranteed prize pool attracted 94 entrants with eight players cashing with Wiktor Malinowski, George Wolff, Juan Pardo, and Oliver Weis busting in the quarter-finals.

Astedt's win here today gets him really close to the $6 million-mark on GGPoker as PokerCraft has recorded $5,970,827 in tournament cashes for one of the best online MTT players in the world.

Astedt took on Cooper Li from Malaysia in the semi-finals and before taking out Muhovic in the final in matches that both lasted around 75 minutes. Muhovic overcame Ian Modder in his semi-finals match to finish behind Astedt for $199,000 which apparently is his first tournament cash on GGPoker. Li and Modder both collected $99,500 for falling in the semi-finals.

WSOPC #13: $10,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold'em Final Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Niklas Astedt Sweden $348,250 2 Mirza Muhovic Luxembourg $199,000 3 Cooper Li Malaysia $99,500 4 Ian Modder Canada $99,500 5 Juan Pardo Spain $62,188 6 George Wolff United States $62,188 7 Oliver Weiss Germany $62,188 8 Wiktor Malinowski Russia $62,188

Astedt Eliminates Li

Astedt has a tough road to the semi-finals as he had to take care of Timothy Adams, Luke Reeves, Guillaume Nolet, and Malinowski last week. Today he faces Li and kept the pressure on the relatively unknown player. He took an early lead and ground him down but Li didn't roll over and give up in any way. He kept battling the Swede and doubled up with a straight and even took the lead for a bit.

But Astedt hit a wheel to get Li down to just over half his stack before the chips went in with pocket treys on the seven-five-five-four board. Unfortunately for him, Astedt held the higher pocket pair with nines and even improved to a full house on the river.

Over on the other side of the bracket, it was a similar story for Muhovic as he took a quick lead but he never had to double Modder up. Muhovic took down Modder a few minutes before Astedt would become his next opponent. The board read trey-seven-ten-seven-nine when Modder got his chips in with a straight holding the eight-six but Muhovic held the jack-eight for the higher one to secure his spot in the final.

Astedt Cements His Spot in Poker History

Astedt quickly took a lead in the final with a few hands where he hit top pair or trips before Muhovic rivered the nut-flush to double up and leave Astedt with less than half the starting stack. But Astedt battled his way back to a lead before putting the pressure back on his opponent. Muhovic kept losing chips as he had to keep folding when Astedt put him all-in before he doubled up with ace-jack just after another break. Astedt's king-ten couldn't bring him the win.

But it would only take another 15 minutes or so before Muhovic limp-shoved for 29 big blinds with ace-six. Astedt called with pocket tens and stayed ahead throughout the board for him to come out victorious.

The PokerNews live reporting team is still bringing you coverage of the WSOPC #17: $252 Deepstack Bounty Hunters No-Limit Hold'em today. On Sunday, January 10, Day 2 of the WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD will kick off at 6:30 p.m. GMT and we will be there from the start until the final table has been reached so make sure to keep following along with all the live updates right here.
T

hirty years ago, in the frosty early winter of 1991, a moment when the self-declared independence of Lithuania wobbled under heavy pressure from Moscow, factory worker Vytautas Peciukonis tuned in to the radio to hear news of Soviet tanks rolling in his native Vilnius.

A few hours later, he was pulling bodies from under the bellies of those tanks.

The tragic events of the night of January 12-13 cascaded rapidly, Peciukonis tells The Independent. At Vilnius TV tower, the epicentre of clashes between Soviet troops and pro-independence protesters, mere minutes separated happy protest songs from the bloodshed after midnight.

Following a record wildfire season in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to invest an additional $1 billion to make the states forests and communities more resilient to future blazes.

The bulk of the money, detailed in a far-reaching budget proposal released Friday, would go toward improving the health of Californias wildlands by preemptively burning and thinning dangerous buildups of vegetation  to ensure that the landscape wont burn as catastrophically as it has in recent years.

In 2020, wildfires charred an unprecedented 4.2 million acres in California. Much of it was in overgrown forests and grasslands that hadnt been managed with the potential for fire in mind. The result, as in previous years, was fast-moving, highly destructive infernos, including the 67,000-acre Glass Fire that destroyed 1,500 buildings in Napa and Sonoma counties. The past fire season also included four of the five largest blazes in state history.

State and federal land managers have long pledged to better prepare Californias hills and valleys for wildfire, but little has been done. In fact, California has largely continued a century-old policy of suppressing fire, which increases the accumulation of combustible brush and trees. Newsoms budget plan seeks to at least start changing that.

This budget does represent somewhat of a paradigm shift, said Wade Crowfoot, secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, who oversees many of the state agencies that deal with wildfire, including Cal Fire. Its really a quantum increase in wildfire resilience investment.

The proposal includes $512 million for landscape-scale vegetation projects, including prescribed burning. Newsom is asking that Cal Fire and other state departments draw up a burning plan this spring. Prescribed fires help clear wildlands so they dont burn as intensely when a natural or accidental fire erupts. However, because they put out irritating smoke and have a small chance of getting out of control, they can be tough to coordinate.

Boosting the number of prescribed burns is pivotal to meeting the states goal of improving fire resiliency across 500,000 acres every year, beginning this year. The U.S. Forest Service has pledged to treat a similar amount of acreage.

The budget plan also calls for $335 million to build at least 45 fuel breaks annually across the state for an undetermined number of years. The breaks, which involve removing dense stands of trees and underbrush, can slow the spread of a fire, giving firefighters time to get in place and contain the blaze. The work has long been a means of safeguarding cities and towns, but it can be expensive.

Another $113 million, which includes matching federal funds, would go to hardening homes and infrastructure with stronger materials so they have a better chance of surviving a fire.

An additional $75 million would be used to stimulate the wood product market to give timber companies incentive to thin more trees in fire-prone areas. A low-interest lending program for the companies is one possibility.

Another $39 million would go to a lidar remote sensing program and other research ventures to track forest health.

The proposed funding for forest resiliency would come from the states cap-and-trade program, in which businesses that emit greenhouse gases pay for their pollution, and a one-time state budget surplus. Tax revenues are bouncing back more quickly from the coronavirus pandemic than state officials had planned.

The money for forest management is more than five times what the state is spending in the current fiscal year on resiliency. The new budget year begins July 1, though Newsom is asking that some of the funding be deployed sooner.

Interactive California Fire Tracker This interactive map provides information on wildfires burning across California and lets you explore coverage of past fire seasons.

The governors proposed $227.2 billion budget must be approved by the state Legislature before taking effect.

Some fire experts and environmental groups expressed concern with Newsoms resiliency plan, particularly about working with the timber industry to restore forest health. They would rather see money spent not on clearing trees, but on home hardening, and want more funds for it. However, many praised Newsoms effort to improve wildland conditions as a good first step.

When you compare the human and economic cost of fire suppression and recovery to the costs of proactive forest management that reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfire, theres no contest: Prevention is the smarter, said Sam Hodder, president and CEO of the San Francisco-based Save the Redwoods League. We just need the political will to shift our thinking. ... I applaud the governor for launching that shift today.

The proposed budget also calls for a funding increase for firefighting. Cal Fires annual spending would rise to $2.9 billion under the plan, up nearly $500 million over the current fiscal year.

The new money would pay for 30 hand crews to help fight fires and build fuel breaks, bringing the agencys total staffing to about 8,735 jobs. The boost in employees offsets the loss of inmate firefighters, a force that had been scaled back during the coronavirus pandemic.

An additional $48 million would go to Cal Fires air attack, including helping with the purchase of new Black Hawk helicopters and air tankers.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
T ime to start thinking about Plan D. Its almost exactly a year since China told the world it had discovered a new virus was spreading among its population. Back then most of us, and most of those who govern us, paid little attention. Then hospitals in northern Italy were overwhelmed, our Prime Minister ended up in intensive care and complacency gave way to panic. The graphs showed a spike in cases.

Thats when the first plan kicked in, Plan A. Flatten the sombrero. Many of us would get the disease, we were told, but we needed to spread out the rate of infection so our intensive care wards could cope. In came the lockdown. The streets emptied, the building sites stopped, schools closed. Ministers were stunned at the level of compliance. Who could guess the British would be such an anti-freedom loving people?

It was an impressive national effort. The disease was beaten back. There was a brief reflection on what could have been done better. Perhaps the online learning for our school children could have been better  give Joe Wicks an honour for saving the day. Perhaps we should be using this respite to throw the weight of the Government behind a comprehensive national testing service. No, lets have a scheme to Eat Out to Help Out instead.

Its completely understandable. All the pressure was to ease up. The damage to businesses and peoples jobs all too evident. A similar sentiment was found across Europe and North America. Collectively, we forgot that we were still confronting a highly infectious virus for which we had no antidote. Autumn came and the disease returned. Thats when we saw Plan B: wait for the scientific cavalry because we can hear its distant bugle coming over the brow of the hill  i.e. a vaccine is on its way. Tiers were introduced after a barney with local mayors, then a partial lockdown came in November, then different tiers appeared and Christmas was cancelled. NHS Test and Trace was supposed to police the whole thing but a clue to what was really happening was that the Government stopped publishing the statistics on how many people were downloading their app.

Now were back in a full national lockdown. Plan C: hang on for dear life. A mutation of Covid is blamed for the surge in cases. Apparently wed have been fine if the world of viruses wasnt subject to the laws of evolution. Last night the Prime Minister told us that the weeks ahead will be the hardest yet but by mid-February the Government hopes to have vaccinated the most vulnerable and well be over the worst. Never in my life have I wished my old colleague Boris Johnson to be more right about something. But I fear that we may be falling victim again to what my old friend, the commentator Danny Finkelstein, calls an optimism bias. We hope for the best, and as a result we fail to prepare for the worse. But what if, despite heroic efforts, we dont reach two million vaccinations a week? What if further new mutations of the virus make things much harder? What if we conclude that even with the elderly and most vulnerable inoculated, we still cant let rip a disease that leaves so many suffering its long-term effects? What if the lockdowns and quarantines continue throughout this year, or even, god forbid, next?

Never in my life have I wished my old colleague Boris Johnson to be more right about something

Theres no time like the present to address the things we should have done in the past. We havent yet made sure that during this next lockdown every child in every school has access to the excellent online learning that some inspirational state schools provided during the first. Far from it. So lets address that failure now. Lets get laptops to every student, subsidised broadband connections for families who couldnt afford them, push big tech to step-up. Lets shame universities into delivering something more for the 9,000 theyre charging students than the one-hour-a-week video lecture too many are still providing. Lets deliver training to the hundreds of thousands of people sitting at home with no job to return to.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Jaguar could be replaced with a German BMW or Mercedes after the car-maker halted production during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Metropolitan Police, who are responsible for the Prime Minister's cars, is due to replace the fleet of Jaguar XJ Sentinels but cannot replace them like-for-like after the company stopped production of the current model.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the fleet of Jaguars has been depleted by breakdowns and crashes since they were purchased under David Cameron in 2010.

The Prime Minister's Jaguar XJ Sentinel (pictured) may be replaced by a German car such as BMW after Jaguar halted production of the model when demand fell during the pandemic

BMWs are used by the Home Office but could become the new Prime Ministerial cars after Jaguar halted production of the current model. Pictured: The BMW-7 series luxury limousine

Winston Churchill was the first Prime Minister to have a chauffeured vehicle and opted for the British-made Humber Super Snipe (pictured here in 1951 arriving at the House of Commons)

One such crash occurred on June 17, last year, when a protestor ran in front of the motorcade in Westminster.

The vehicles reportedly feature special bullet and bomb-proof security armour, run-flat tyres, bullet proof glass and even a self-contained oxygen supply.

The cars have a 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engine which produces 503hp and a top speed of 165mph. In comparison, a standard showroom XJ produces 385hp.

Jaguar is expected to launch a new version of the vehicle next year after it halted production due to a fall in demand during the pandemic.

The newspaper reports that Boris Johnson may have to resort to a German-made BMW or Mercedes as his armoured vehicle of choice to attend events which would be the first non-British ministerial car in history.

It would also be the first non-Jaguar car since Margaret Thatcher's tenure.

Former home secretary Theresa May was said to have preferred the BMW but was escorted in Jaguars when she became Prime Minister in 2016. Pictured: Mrs May's Jaguar in Downing St

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher opted for this Daimler - a Jaguar company - when she served

Pictured: John Major's car Jaguar sits behind US General Colin Powell's limo in Downing Street

Any car that is bought in to replace the Jaguar XJs will be placed by the Met. The force also provides specialist officers to escort the Prime Minister when he attends events in the vehicle.

It is understood Boris Johnson also has access to a fleet of armoured Range Rovers and a source told the Telegraph the Prime Minister prefers the extra space when compared to the Jaguars.
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.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH  Sgt. Gordon Best's ultimate goal was always to be a police officer  it was in his DNA, as he grew up watching both of his parents serve the North Myrtle Beach community as members of law enforcement.

Best followed in their footsteps for seven years as an officer with the NMB Department of Public Safety until Jan. 1, when he tragically lost his life at the age of 30 in a traffic accident while responding to a call for service near Barefoot Resort  the first line-of-duty death for the city in its history.

Hundreds of family, friends, coworkers and dignitaries both mourned and celebrated his life at the Alabama Theatre on Friday afternoon.

For a brief moment in the 3rd grade, Best  or "Buddy" as his family and friends knew him  almost chose a different profession.

His teacher at NMB Elementary tasked him with a writing assignment detailing what he wanted to be when he grew up.

"Gordon had always even in third grade talked about being a policeman," Orbie Smith remembered. "But when I was reading over the students' papers that afternoon after class, Gordon had written about being a cowboy when he grew up."

Smith said she asked him about the sudden change in plans the next day when giving back his work, not knowing how he would reply.

"He quickly replied, 'Ms. Smith, I just read a book about cowboys. It looks like they have a lot more fun than policemen. They get to ride horses and chase cows! But if being a cowboy doesn't work out, I can always go back to being a policeman.'"

Smith also shared that she went back over the last week after his death looking at photos or work that Best did while in her class.

"My heart just leapt out of my chest when I came across a picture of the graffiti wall in my classroom at the end of the school year that I had Gordon," she said.

Looking down she saw a note from him that said, "You've helped me a lot this year. You're the best teacher I've ever had and I'll always remember you in my heart. Love, Gordon."

She spoke about Best's honesty with everyone and kindness even at such an early age.

Smith said she received a phone call one day in class that her mother was on the way to the hospital and stood at the door in hopes that her students wouldn't see her getting sad.

"I felt a little hand take mine," she said. "It was Gordon. He said, 'Don't worry. I'll take care of you.' That is the kind of person he was."

Smith said those attributes made him not only a great person but an amazing officer who loved what he did.

"On the worst day of people's lives, he was there," she said.

Chief Tommy Dennis shared that Best went above and beyond in his job, even on his last service call at 3:48 a.m. on Jan. 1.

"True to his nature," after hearing the call of shots fired, Best "hopped up" out of his chair at the station and "ran" to his patrol car to head to the scene, according to Dennis.

"Why," Dennis paused. "Why was someone taken that was so young and one of the best among us, really.

"Why was he taken away from us so soon?"

Dennis said that the tragic death of Best was in God's "larger plan" and will be revealed someday.

Sign up for our Myrtle Beach weekly update newsletter. Sign up for weekly roundups of our top stories, news and culture from the Myrtle Beach area. This newsletter is hand-curated by a member of our Myrtle Beach news staff. Email

Sign Up!

"That belief doesn't make dealing with his passing any easier," he said. "But faith and trust in God  that help will get us through it all."

Sgt. Carrie Rose said Best was an "active listener" and "eager" to learn how to be the best officer he could.

His attention to detail in making reports will probably make the record books at police headquarters.

"He, at times, would have to stay late and finish his reports," she said. "Gordon's reports ended up being short novels when the final product was submitted. He clearly took the expression 'if it's not written down, it didn't happen  to heart.'"

Best knew that law enforcement was constantly shown in a "negative light" and that public opinion of policing was "way down," according to Rose.

She said he was a "community cop" and wanted to change the negativity of the profession by "bridging the gap" between police and the people they serve.

"He did not find gratification in his work by making a bunch of traffic stops and writing a pile of tickets," Rose said. "He was not driven to make the most or best drug busts on his shift."

Lt. Dana Crowell was on the hiring board in 2013 after he applied for a position with the department.

"Gordon was young," she said. "He hadn't experienced a lot of adversity and he didn't have a whole lot of life experience, but he was charismatic, full of life and a little bit cocky.

"So we decided what the heck, let's give him a chance to prove himself."

And prove himself, he did. He rose up in rank to Sgt. two years ago and was well on his way for a bigger leadership rose with the department.

Dennis said that he told Best about a possible promotion, "One day you are going to have my job  you are going to be chief.

"Had his young life not been cut short, everything about this man's personality, his leadership, his experience, his skills  nothing would have stopped him, I promise you that."

Best also made friends with anyone he came in contact with, sometimes to a fault.

One night while his vehicle was refueling, he went inside the store and was chatting with the cashier.

Rose said he assumed that gas would shut off when finished but, "that didn't happen."

"Gordon ended up pumping like 40 gallons of gas that night," she said.

Best leaves behind a wife, Taylor, and two small children  Braxton and Blakely. He constantly made sure to praise them, according to Rose.

During the funeral, the love letters he wrote to his wife and the joy he experienced being a dad were shared.

"In all of the many conversations we ever had, I can't remember in detail we talked about that was work-related, but I can remember how most every conversation would end with Gordon gushing about his family," Crowell said.

"It was never Gordon the police officer that impressed me the most. It was Gordon the husband, Gordon the father, the son and friend that did."

Poetically, Rose captured the mood of the room.

"Gordon we wrote your name in the sky, but the wind blew it away. We wrote your name in the sand, but the waves washed away. We wrote your name in our hearts, and forever it will stay."
Senior French and Italian politicians have hailed the merger between PSA and FCA to create the Stellantis manufacturing operation, after it was approved by shareholders.

More than 99% of respective shareholders voted in favour of the transaction.

French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire and Italian Minister for Economic Development, Stefano Patuanelli 'warmly welcomed' the tie-up, which will lead to the creation of the fourth largest automotive group in the world.

The new group will bring brands such as Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Dodge, Jeep, Opel (and Vauxhall in the UK), Alfa Romeo and Maserati with the same leadership. The merger will reduce costs for both groups with platform and component sharing, as well as joint R&D expenditure

"It [Stellantis] will build on a strong presence worldwide, especially on the European and both South- and North-American markets, but also in Asia and Africa," said a joint statement from the respective Finance Ministries in Rome and Paris. "With a strong manufacturing base in Europe, the new group will strengthen Europe's industrial leadership.

"Reinforced innovation capacities will also allow the new European champion to play a key role towards green transition, which is at the core of our economic recovery strategy. Both governments will also pay attention to Stellantis' contribution to industrial employment in Italy and France.

"Bruno Le Maire and Stefano Patuanelli welcome the approval by [the] European Commission of the proposed merger and warmly congratulate the managers and employees of both groups for their strong success."

The companies expect to complete the combination on 16 January, 2021. Stellantis' common shares will start trading on the Euronext in Paris and on Mercato Telematico Azionario in Milan on 18 January, 2021 and on the New York Stock Exchange on 19 January, 2021.

The EU had competition concerns centred on the two companies' dominant position in the European light commercial vehicle market, but approved the merger in December. Peugeot agreed to extend an existing cooperation deal with Toyota, which should keep the van market open, while repair and maintenance services need to be accessible to competitors after the merger goes through.

When it is completed, the merger will create the third largest global car company by revenues and fourth largest by volume. However, analysts say there is much work ahead to unlock synergies, rationalise operations and create value in the bigger corporation


BJP national president JP Nadda At a time when the national capital is abuzz with the ongoing farmers' protest against new farm laws, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda on Saturday kick-started a door-to-door rice collection programme in West Bengal's Burdwan district with an aim to woo farmers to the saffron party. Amid tight security cover, the BJP chief arrived at Andal airport at around 12 noon and reached Jagadanandpur village at Katwa in East Bardhaman district by a helicopter.



He offered puja at a local Radhakrishna temple and met the farmers there. He had his lunch at the residence of Mathura Mondal, a farmer, at the village.



The initiative, titled 'Ek Muthi Chawal' (a fistful of rice), is targeted at convincing the rural folks in remote districts and to make them understand the benefits of the new farm laws. During the door-to-campaign, Nadda collected rice from the farmers and briefed them about the benefits of the three new farm laws.



"Now West Bengal is full of those who steal rice, ration and sand. During cyclone Amphan, the Centre had sent free rice for the poor people in Bengal. But that rice stocks were found in the house of Trinamool leaders. Here, Trinamool Congress means only those who steal rice, ration and tarpaulin," Nadda said, while attacking the Mamata Banerjee-led ruling formation in Bengal.



The BJP national president addressed a Krishok Surokkha Gram Sabha in Jagadanandpur to mark the beginning of the campaign.



The BJP is likely to hold as many as 40,000 such meetings across Bengal before the state Assembly polls that is scheduled to be held in April-May this year. The BJP chief will also hold a roadshow from Clock Tower to Lord Curzon Gate in Burdwan district.



Taking potshots at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Nadda said: "Why are you so scared, Didi? What happened to you? Only promises won't work. From May this year, there will be no false promises, things will start happening in Bengal."



Nadda expressed satisfaction over the mammoth turnout at the venue.



"The massive turnout of people clearly shows that the change is inevitable in Bengal," he added.



He also alleged that the state government has changed the names of many Central government schemes and running them in Bengal under different names.




After the recent war, repair, reconstruction, damage recovery, and dismantling works continue throughout Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Artsakh Information Center informed about this on Facebook, citing the Ministry of Urban Development.

"Restoration, construction work on a total of about 453 residential facilities damaged by the war has begun in Artsakh, of which more than 250 have been completed.

The restoration of the houses damaged as a result of the [recent] war continues consistent with the waiting lists; the priority is given to the families of the fallen and the missing.

Other housing projects in [the capital] Stepanakert and the regions are also being developed. The funding has already been approved, which will be carried out by the Hayastan All Armenian Fund, Artsakh Information Center added in particular.

On November 9, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a joint statement on a complete cessation of hostilitieswhich Azerbaijan had launched on September 27in and around Artsakh. Accordingly, Russian peacekeepers are deployed in the region to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities. But this statement also stipulates the handover of part of Artsakh lands to Azerbaijan.
A London property investment firm was forced to apologise after its 'appalling' bid to skip the coronavirus vaccine queue by offering doctors 5,000 for each jab given to its staff.

Doctors across Britain are said to have been offered up to 100,000 to vaccinate the workforce of The Hacking Trust - a luxury London property firm - amid fears of an emerging black market for the jabs.

The company sent an email to NHS surgeries on Friday offering a 'reward' for vaccinating its 'frontline staff', The Telegraph reported today.

GPs were told by the company that it would pay 5,000 for ever jab administered to its 20-person workforce. 'This can be paid either as a charitable donation or to the staff member directly,' the email to the surgeries said.

It has since released an apology, explaining its 'good intentions' had been 'misinterpreted'.

A London Based Property Firm - The Hacking Trust - allegedly sent an email to GP surgeries requesting unused vaccines for its 20 staff members, offer 5,000 for each jab given

The government vowed in November that private companies would not be allowed to purchase doses of the vaccination before everyone in the country had been offered it for free under the NHS.

Covid-19 vaccines are owned by the UK government licensed by Public Health England, and are not available for private sales.

But the attempt from The Hacking Trust to purchase vaccines will add to concerns over a black market for Covid jabs, with companies willing to spend thousands of pounds on single doses to get their hands on the vital jabs for their staff.

In the email seen by The Telegraph, the company introduced itself as a 'private medical company who is looking to vaccinate their front-line staff as soon as possible'.

On its website, the company describes itself as 'specialists in purchasing residential and commercial properties,' and a 'market leader in its sector and acts as principal for its own investment.

'Our skill is structuring deals with expert legal and financial backing enabling us to get things done professionally and efficiently,' the company's website claims.

The email, with the subject line 'Unused vaccine reward.' said the company required 'approx 20 vaccinations and we understand you are operating a Covid-19 vaccination centre.

On its website, the company describes itself as 'specialists in purchasing residential and commercial properties,' and claims 'Our skill is structuring deals with expert legal and financial backing enabling us to get things done professionally and efficiently'

'We have been informed that many appointments are not kept and some do not attend at all.

'On this basis we would like to be informed as soon as possible of any 'no shows' or cancellations on any given day which would result in unnecessary wastage of the vaccination.'

The email continued, saying that The Hacking Trust would donate 5,000 to 'the individual', either 'as a charitable donation or to the staff member directly.'

'We are able to attend within a few hours following a telephone call email response. I look forward to hearing from you as a matter of urgency to discuss,' it signed off.

The Hacking Trust, contacted for comment by the MailOnline, said: 'The Hacking Health Trust has offered in open correspondence to some GPs charitable donations to staff or surgeries in this difficult time for any vaccines which were unused.

'We had heard that some vaccines were being unused due to missed appointments. We would apologise that our good intentions have been misinterpreted.'

Pictured: Nurse Sue Toye, 51, one of the first people to receive the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine at a GP practice in England, is given the vaccination at Priory Gate Surgery at the City of Coventry Health Centre in Coventry, central England on January 7, 2021

The Telegraph reported that the email was sent to other GP surgeries, including one in Worthing in West Sussex.

The email - which came from the Wandsworth-based property company - claimed to be from a 'private medical company', and was sent from its Hacking Trust Medical division, which says on its website specialises in 'looking to buy commercial medical properties on a nationwide basis'.

'In this difficult time of raising capital it is proving to be a very successful and creative way of creating cash flow for practitioners,' the website says.

'You may be looking to raise equity to expand the surgery or to buy equipment. You may be looking to buy out retiring partners.'

It was reported last month that some wealthy people were offering to pay huge sums of money to skip to the front of the vaccine queue, with several British doctors said they had been sent numerous requests from such individuals.

Pictured: Practice Nurse Tina Sutton draws off a single dose from a vial, which can provide 10 individual doses to patients, of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

One doctor and owner of Klink, a private clinic in Cheshire - Dr Roshan Ravindran - claimed some clients had offered 2,000 to be vaccinated, The Telegraph said.

Greg Clark, the MP for Tunbridge Wells and former Business Secretary, has called on any vaccines left over to be administered to front-line medical staff.

'It is important that vaccines should be given in order of the age and vulnerability of patients. If there are ever any unused vaccines that need to be deployed by the NHS at the end of a day they should be offered first to critical workers,' he said.

Robyn Clark, director of the Institute of General Practice Management tweeted that organisation was 'appalled that a company would offer money in any capacity to effectively jump the queue for a vaccine'.

She continued: Practices are doing their upmost to ensure vaccine is given to the priority groups as laid out by the JCVI, as these are the most vulnerable in our society.

'The NHS is free and equitable to patients, always will be.'

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and NHS medical director for primary care, said: 'Hundreds of NHS teams across the country are working hard to deliver vaccines quickly to those who would benefit most  people aged 80 and over and those who live or work in care homes - with doses also for our frontline health and social care workers.

'NHS staff will never ask for, or accept, cash for vaccines, and the public will rightly take a dim view of anyone who tries to jump the queue.'

So far, three vaccines have been approved for use in the UK, with the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine - which started to be rolled out to the country's most vulnerable people last month - offering up to 95 percent protection against Covid-19.

The Pfizer vaccine and another developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca are now being rolled out. A third from Moderna was approved for use in the UK Friday.

Britain today suffered its deadliest day since the Covid pandemic began after health chiefs declared 1,325 more Covid fatalities and another record-high 68,053 infections.

The grisly death toll - which has doubled in a week and surpasses the 1,224 declared on April 21 in the darkest day of the first wave - takes the UK to the brink of almost 80,000 victims.

Experts fear the daily death counts will continue to spiral because of rocketing cases and hospitalisations, piling further pressure on Boris Johnson to speed up the sluggish vaccination programme designed to get Britain out of lockdown by mid-February.

Department of Health figures show the UK has recorded more than 50,000 cases for 11 days in a row, with the five worst days of the pandemic all occurring since the start of 2021. Cases have risen by almost 30 per cent week-on-week.

But a senior SAGE official today warned the actual number of Britons currently getting infected every day is closer to 150,000, claiming that the size of the second wave is now way worse than the first.

The source also fears England's third national lockdown will not slam the R rate down as it did in March because the country was dealing with a more infectious mutated strain and because adherence to the rules has dwindled.

Draconian measures announced two days ago have yet to have an effect on the crisis because it can take a week for patients to develop symptoms and get tested. But the SAGE official argued that the tough restrictions will curb the spread of the virus because they curb social interaction, which the virus thrives on.

In yet another sign that darker days lie ahead, No10s advisory panel today revealed the R rate could be as high as 1.4 in the UK or at the crucial mark of one, with outbreaks growing at similar speeds across all seven regions of England.

But the figure reflects the situation Britain found itself in before Christmas and not the current picture because of the data used to calculate it. SAGE last week estimated the figure  the average number of people each infected person passes the virus onto  was between 1.1 and 1.3.
The stars of the Bollywood industry made headlines every now and then this week. From Kareena Kapoor Khan reuniting with her 'girl gang', Kiara Advani's holiday in the Maldives, to Kartik Aaryan kick-starting the New Year with his first shoot, the internet was blazing with celebs' updates. As the first week of 2021 ends, here's a quick weekly round up on how the stars spent their first week of the year.

Kareena Kapoor reunites with her 'girl gang'

On Friday night, Kareena Kapoor, reunited with her girl gang, Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, Mallika Bhat and Natasha Poonawalla. In the photo, while to-be-mom Kareena, wore a blue dress, her friends also dressed up in chic outfits. Malaika and Amrita Arora returned from Goa after celebrating the New Year with family. In her post, Kareena Kapoor added that they missed Lolo, Karisma Kapoor.

Also Read | Sanjay Kapoor's Daughter Shanaya's Photoshoot Wins Over Internet

Kiara Advani is 'charged for 2021'

Kiara Advani spent the first week of 2021 in the Maldives with her rumoured boyfriend and upcoming movie's co-star, Sidharth Malhotra. Right from her red bikini pic to her photo in her backless gown, Kiara stormed the internet with her vacay diaries. Even though the duo did not share any photos together, they tagged the same villa and also did the same water sports. After she returned to Mumbai, she shared a glimpse of the gym and wrote, "Charged for 2021".

Also Read | Jacqueline Fernandez Shares 'adorable And Cute' Picture Because 'it's The Weekend'

Kartik Aaryan's first shoot

Kartik Aaryan's 2020 ended with the wrap up of his film, Dhamaka. After a short break, the Pati Patni Aur Woh actor kickstarted 2021 with his first shoot of the year. "Lets Roll," he wrote in his caption. This week, Kartik's photos with Janhvi Kapoor from their Goa holiday also surfaced on the internet.

Also Read | 'Kundali Bhagya' January 11, 2021, Spoiler: Ruchika Comes To Kritika & Akshay's Function

Disha's Maldives holiday

Disha Patani has been in the Maldives since December 30. This whole week, she shared an array of photos from her trip that garnered massive attention from fans. Recently, she posted a sun-kissed photo in a white shrug that heaped love from her followers.

Siddhant Chaturvedi visits Golden temple

Gully Boy actor Siddhant Chaturvedi headed to Amritsar, to seek blessings at the Golden Temple. The actor who has several movies in the pipeline also penned a beautiful poem about life on Instagram.

'Let love be your priority in 2021': Ayushmann Khurrana

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, along with his wife Tahira Kashyap and children celebrated the New Year and posted a glimpse with a heartfelt note. He posted a family picture and then another photo of himself in which he was seen reading a book. "Once we choose love, the work to maintain our love begins- @cleowade. Let love be your priority in 2021," he wrote. More so, this week, the news of his collaboration with director Anubhav Sinha also popped up on the internet.

Also Read | When AR Rahman Changed His Name From Dileep Kumar On Request Of His Mother

Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment.
The White House task force for coronavirus has warned of a USA variant of COVID-19 that could be fuelling the already aggressive spread of the virus. This variant, the task force pointed out, is separate from the UK coronavirus variant that is touted to be 70 per cent more transmissible.

According to CNN, reports sent by the task force warn of a possibility of a 'USA variant' of the coronavirus. "This fall/winter surge has been at nearly twice the rate of rise of cases as the spring and summer surges. This acceleration suggests there may be a USA variant that has evolved here, in addition to the UK variant that is already spreading in our communities and maybe 50 per cent more transmissible," said the report.

The task force said that there must be a more aggressive response in order to mitigate the much more aggressive virus. Use of face masks and immediate vaccination of as many people as possible must be part of the response. "Without the uniform implementation of effective face masking (two or three ply and well-fitting) and strict social distancing, epidemics could quickly worsen as these variants spread and become predominant," said the report.

The report stated that the US remains at a high plateau of 140,000-150,000 confirmed and suspected coronavirus admissions per week and 120,000-125,000 total inpatients. "Significant continued deterioration, from California across the Sunbelt and up into the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, despite low testing rates during the holidays, suggests aggressive community spread," the task force said.

California had the most number of new cases per 100,000 population this week, followed by Arizona, Kansas, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Utah, Arkansas, West Virginia, Georgia, and Massachusetts in the top ten states.

The task force said that vaccines must be put in arms now and warned states of 'aggressive community spread'. The USFDA has already authorised the use of coronavirus vaccine in the country with Pfizer and Moderna receiving the emergency use authorisation nod.

Also read: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro asks PM Modi to expedite shipment of COVID-19 vaccines

Also read: Japan offers 30 billion yen loan to India to fight COVID-19 crisis
Sri Lanka leads South Asian Region in e-learning: UGC Chairman View(s):

The Sri Lankan higher educational sector has topped the South Asian region in online lessons and learning, with all universities in the country holding online classes, a recent Asian Development Bank (ADB) study has found.

According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Sampath Amaratunge, seven million students have participated in online classes since November 2020, and the teaching and learning process done online has topped the South Asian region.

Without the pandemic we could never have reached this level, said Prof. Amaratunge.

Even though the UGC did not enforce any high standards for online classes  as the lectures were open to the public on YouTube  lecturers were expected to give their best efforts in teaching their lessons, Prof. Amaratunge said.

The Chairman also said the COVID-19 situation did cause problems in terms of assessment. Because students in Sri Lankas rural areas lacked access to computers and used only smartphones, he said it was unethical to expect students to sit for online exams through smart phones.

Because of the situation, all state university Vice Chancellors were called for a discussion and were told to conduct an analysis of the problems within their respective universities, after consulting a range of stakeholders, including the students, Prof. Amaratunge said.

When the study ended, a circular which gave broad guidelines on how exams should be conducted was released. These guidelines were created under quality assurance standards. Finally all the state universities were able to conduct the exams, he said.

Prof. Amarathunga also said all classes were held online for all state universities, while the internet cost was covered by the Government. Data facilities were also created with the help of service providers like SLT and Dialog.

The data facilities were created without any conditions, except that the data was only used for the universities online Learning Management Services, and not to access WhatsApp, Viber and social media.

The assessments for the arts subjects were also conducted successfully online, according to the UGC Chairman. He said statistics showed that these students were happy with their results. However, he added that there was a problem conducting exams for the drama stream.

With regards to subjects such as medicine and physical sciences students must attend classes in hospitals and labs, but they would be separated into groups.

On a separate note, Prof. Amaratunge said the University of Jaffna, University of Peradeniya and University of Colombo were collaborating forCOVID-19 research.

He also said the University of Sri Jayewardenepura had signed MOUs with the University of Harvard and Cambridge University, in regard to collaborating on COVID-19 related research, while the University of Peradeniya and the University of Colombo had signed MOUs with European universities.

Finally, Prof. Amaratunge said due to factors, such as accommodating students in hostels, it was still not clear as to when universities would return to normal.

(Priyath Wijewardena)
(Natural News) Intel is coming in today from many sources, and I will likely need to post a separate article to cover it all. Importantly, Trump has not conceded anything, and if you parse the words of his most recent video statement, there is absolutely no concession in it and no naming of Joe Biden as president:

A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th.  my priority is to ensure a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation.

Trump is merely attempting to appear that he is conceding while not actually using any binding language that would legally tie him to such an outcome. To state that, A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th without naming the year is, of course, always a true statement. Theres a new administration coming on January 20th, of 2025, for example. Theres also a new administration coming this year if Trump dumps Pence and has a new VP at his side.

But why would Trump still be refusing to concede while trying to make people think hes conceding? Because according to one source that has briefed me, the globalist controllers are threatening to detonate dirty bombs in every US state representing a senator who voted against the Biden slate of electors. The threat against Trump is that if he does not concede, the dirty bombs will be set off, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans.

Yet Trump fully realizes that far more American would die under the totalitarian communist-run regime represented by Joe Biden. Trump isnt going to be threatened into quitting.

In fact, as I cover in todays podcast, Trump is in a secure location and hes fighting from there, alongside loyal forces of the US military who are preparing for decisive action against the deep state traitors who are desperate to remove Trump from power by any means necessary.

Nancy Pelosy, who will obvious face arrest and prosecution for treason if Trump secures his second term, is running around D.C. like a crazed hyena, trying to get Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump immediately. An impeachment trial is scheduled for Monday to try to remove Trump by other means, claiming that Trump still has access to the nuclear codes and might unleash a nuclear missile.

Nancy Pelosi wrote today in an urgent letter:

This morning, I spoke to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes and ordering a nuclear strike

In other words, Pelosi is conspiring with Mark Milley  also a traitor  to remove Trump from power before he can complete his counterinsurgency actions involving the military.

The deep state is trying to thwart Trump from every possible angle, and Trumps victory isnt assured, but he remains the US President for the next 12 days, and hes using those days to carry out an epic counterattack against the criminals who rigged the elections, staged the siege on the capitol building, and plan to tear down our constitutional republic if they gain control of the White House.

Heres whats covered in todays Situation Update:

Why efforts to remove Trump by force will set off a hot civil war.

Its not a breach if the police invite you in: The medias false narrative about the capitol building riots.

Trump did not concede. No binding concession language in his speech.

Trump during rally on Monday in Dalton, GA: We have to go all the way you watch what happens over the next couple of weeks. You watch whats going to come out and watch whats going to be revealed.

NPR caught publishing capitol siege story hours before it took place. (Echoes of 9/11 media staging.)

AOC tweeted about left-wing riots: To folks who complain protest demands make others uncomfortable thats the point. But now she wants Big Tech to censor anyone quoting her.

Congress operating its betrayals under the cover of darkness.

200 top corporate CEOs in America demand Biden be installed as president so they can continue to loot the nation under forced covid lockdowns.

Mo Brooks reveals growing evidence the capitol building siege was initiated by Antifa operatives.

Leftists build a 7-foot WALL (fence) around the White House, and deploy 6,200 National Guard troops to protect their treason and election theft. Suddenly they believe in walls after all.

Trump supporters instantly convicted in the left-wing media, even though obvious evidence of election theft by the Dems is thrown out of court without any hearing at all. Gross double standards will drive this nation to war with itself.

Leftists declare war on conservatives and plan to silence them and destroy them in any way possible, all in the name of tolerance.

Lin Wood warns that coup plotters are now planning to hunt down and execute Trump loyalists.

US Rep Hank Johnson (dem) says the nation should treat Trump supporters like negroes, further proving that Democrats really are racist, hate-filled bigots.

Biden calls Trump supporters domestic terrorists but was completely silent on the actual terrorism and violence of left-wing insurrectionists.

Lindsey Graham vows to help jail Trump supporters, demonstrating his disdain for his own base of voters. (Yes, the GOP is finished.)

Media using the siege narrative to push for more censorship of all conservatives, which will only drive them to more frustration and anger. This model of authoritarianism and marginalizing all conservatives will only end in bloodshed.

Big Tech censorship is part of a cleanup operation to hide all the evidence and truths they dont want people to see.

Conservatives are the new marginalized people of society, and we need a new civil rights movement to protect those who hold conservative ideas.

Listen to the full podcast here:

Brighteon.com/7971328a-0cb3-4a11-962b-22a9aea42e5d

Hear each days new podcast at:

https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport
COVID upsurge in Ukraine, but tourists will continue to come By Namini Wijedasa View(s): View(s):

Ukrainian tourists who are part of Sri Lankas experiment to reopen the country for tourists will continue to arrive on chartered flights till January 24 despite a partial lockdown being imposed in the Eastern European nation owing to a spike in COVID-19 infections and deaths.

The lockdown came into effect on Friday and will continue till January 25, the day before the last chartered flight of Ukrainian tourists is due to arrive in Sri Lanka. Arrivals will only be stopped if the COVID-19 Task Force decides that people of a particularly country must be barred from entry, said a spokesman for Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga. So far, only arrivals from England have been banned.

Exotic Holidays, Deluxe and Ceylon My Dreams  the three local tour operators  are continuing to coordinate with the three Ukrainian counterparts Kompas, Join Up, and Travel Professional Group (TPG). Meanwhile, Udayanga Weeratunga, who holds the position of Coordinating Secretary to the Prime Minister, continues to provide publicity to the initiative on social and mainstream media.

But after the furor of the previous weekwhen a Yala safari jeep drivers strong criticism went viral on the internet  measures have been taken to streamline the programme. The driver said he and at least 27 other drivers had been tossed into quarantine (without prior notice) after chauffeuring the first group of Ukrainians in the park.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) also said it had not been given prior notice of visits by the first group to Mirissa and Yala. Although Mr Weeratunga later publicly denied this, the Sunday Times confirmed that the SLTDA had only been told they would do site visits every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. What had been required was a detailed itinerary, which was not provided. And, contrary to what had been stated, the visits to Mirissa and Yala took place on a Saturdayand not on any of the days specified.

However, much has changed after widespread public censure of the manner in which the Ukrainian programme was being handled. After a majority of tourism industry unions also backed the SLTDA and Sri Lanka Tourisms insistence that a proper strategy be followedinstead of the ad hoc one espoused by Mr Weeratungameasures are being taken.

Health guidelines are now being followed to the letter, tourism authorities said, although exception approval had been given to allow the Ukrainians in the country at the time out of isolation without a second PCR.

But all future arrivals must have a second PCR. The guideline states that it is mandatory to pay for two PCR tests if the visit is up to seven days or three PCR tests if it is more than seven days as decided by the Medical Officer of Health.

The SLTDA is now given a detailed itinerary of movements, including hotels and site visits, by the tour operators. These are immediately shared with the COVID Task Force and the Health authorities, including districts and provincial officials.

The site visits will be done strictly through the regulator after the date, time and place are notified. A visit is scheduled to Kandy today and again to Yala on Wednesday. At all times, we know where they are, said a tourism official.

Ticket counters will have screens and tickets will be bought by the tour operator. The tourists cannot get out. Drivers, guides and other staff must be in full personal protective equipment (PPE). If they are not, they will be quarantined for 14 days. The tour operators are responsible for the provision of PPEs.

Communication with the regulator is through the tour operators, although Mr Weeratunga has been publishing accounts of the visits on his Facebook account. Despite having had close contact with the incoming Ukrainian teams, he has not been in isolation.

After the first on-arrival PCR, the tourists must contain their movements within their respective hotels until the results are released. This must be monitored on CCTV and if there is direct contact with the visitors, staff will be isolated.

Meanwhile, the 28 drivers who underwent isolation will now be used in future tours with the Ukrainian teams. They were still in isolation last week.

The country will open to all tourists on January 21. The Immigration Department is upgrading its systems to allow increased electronic travel authorisations (ETAs). But arrivals are likely to be limited to 5,000 at the start because that the number of PCR tests the private sector can allocate to the tourism sector (the total number of tests it can conduct at present is 7,000).

Separately, the Tourism Mobile App which was to be included in the Immigration online visa application has finally been approved by the Cabinet and is now being integrated. It will, among other things, ensure hotel bookings are prepaid for the full quarantine period stipulated by the Health Ministry, recover the cost of PCR tests, recover COVID-19 insurance premiums and provide advance information on hotel bookings to health officials at district level.

PCR test false, Ukrainian tourist complains A Ukrainian tourist who arrived in the first group circulated a message via WhatsApp after he and his family were isolated in their room following positive PCR tests for two of them. I am inclined to believe that we are locked in the room, because of the false positive result I received at the beginning, Denis Kolivashko wrote from room 318 of Cinnamon Bey. All further so-called positive result of my son was fabricated to deliberately keep our family isolated just in case. The first false positive result I got was due to virus contamination of the specimen during collection, he claimed. The problem is: in one room, up to 30 people were accumulated, from whom the laboratory assistant took an oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal smear in turn. Thus, samples taken from healthy people could be contaminated from sick people standing in line or from the laboratory staff. Also, after taking swabs, the samples are not stored at a temperature of 2 C to 8. 0 C, but simply folded into a box at a temperature of 28 C, he continued. I kindly ask you to help us in this situation. My son is getting crazy because of being closed in the room since the beginning of the arrival. If confirmed, his message raises serious questions about the manner in which PRC tests are conducted on groups of tourists.
A returned traveller who completed mandatory hotel quarantine in Melbourne before flying to Queensland to visit her parents has returned a positive result for the more infectious UK strain of coronavirus.

Health authorities are urgently investigating a case of an international traveller who flew into Melbourne on December 26, tested positive for COVID-19 the following day and stayed for 10 days in quarantine.

The woman, in her 50s, was allowed to leave Victoria and fly to Queensland on the 5th of January.

Later, Victorian authorities alerted their Queensland counterparts to inform them that the woman had tested positive for the UK variant.
Saturday, January 9, 2021

During my academic career my primary teaching duty was to provide my students with an understanding of the use of statistics to draw conclusions about the real world, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that lead to error. In connection with that I would remind them of an old saying of uncertain origin but often attributed to Mark Twain: There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. Heres a case in point.

A report in the January 1 edition of the Arizona Daily Star (page B1) is headlined, Longtime Nogales migrant shelter director Juan Francisco Louriero dies from COVID. But, it is not until paragraph 6 that the reader learns the true story. It reads, At 76, Louriero was already in fragile health. He lived with diabetes and kidney failure, then goes on to say, The COVID-19 pandemic hit the city of Nogales particularly hard, so his family took precautions, limiting his exposure and using face masks and sanitizer whenever they left their home. The article reports that Louriero started feeling ill on December 12, went to the hospital the next day, was intubated two days after that, and died on December 18.

There are a number of troubling things about this report, besides some important unanswered questions. First is the headline. Is it fair to say that Mr. Louriero died from COVID rather than from diabetes and/or kidney failure? Was he actually tested for covid or was he one of the presumed cases? Even if he did test positive for covid, might that have been one of the many false positives associated with the test, and can covid honestly be considered to be the cause of death? In his reported condition it is likely that any additional stressor, even the common cold, could have pushed Mr. Louriero over the edge. Would the headline then have read, Louriero dies from common cold?

Furthermore, is it possible that intubation might have been the proximate cause of his demise? Serious questions have been raised about the possible harm resulting from the use of ventilators (intubation) on critically ill patients, especially those with covid. An article in the April 16, 2020 issue of Time Magazine explains Why Ventilators May Not Be Working as Well for COVID-19 Patients as Doctors Hoped. An article in the journal STAT, says, New Analysis recommends less reliance on ventilators to treat coronavirus patients, and cites a report by the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene which concludes that by using ventilators more sparingly on Covid-19 patients, physicians could reduce the more than 50% death rate for those put on the machines. (The Time article puts the death rate of covid patients on ventilators even higher, up to 80%, based in numbers out of China and New York City).

It appears that the Star article is one more instance of the mainstream media using misleading headlines and hyping the threat which Covid-19 allegedly poses. There is plenty of evidence to show that this pandemic has been seized upon as an opportunity to advance a deeper agenda that has more to do with politics and social control than with public health. And any article or video, even those posted by highly qualified people, that questions the official covid narrative is quickly suppressed or taken down. Science and democracy both depend upon transparency and open debate but the concentration of power over information channels has given the few great power to censor the many.

This is a critical time in the evolution of civilization. There is as much disinformation emanating from the mainstream as there is from the fringes. It is up to people themselves to re-calibrate their BS detectors and make up their own minds.

# # #
The number of people infected with the new UK-linked variant of coronavirus has gone up to 90 in India, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday. These 90 cases include the 82 announced by the ministry till Friday.

"The total number of cases infected with the new strain of the novel coronavirus, first reported in the UK, now stands at 90," the ministry said.

All these persons have been kept in single-room isolation in designated healthcare facilities by respective state governments, the ministry had earlier said.

Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others, while genome sequencing on other specimens is going on, the ministry said.

The situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to designated labs.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

The presence of the new UK-variant has already been reported by several countries including Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore.


Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Michael Apted, the innovative filmmaker behind the "Up" documentary series that chronicled a group of British people for more than 50 years, and also made such varied feature films as "Coal Miner's Daughter" and "The World Is Not Enough," died Jan. 8 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 79.

Cort Kristensen, a producer at Apted's film company, confirmed the death. The cause was undisclosed.

Apted's training as a documentarian lent an unfussy naturalism to an eclectic Hollywood career, and for four decades the English-born Apted helmed 21 feature films in a variety of genres - from the Cold War thriller "Gorky Park" (1983), starring William Hurt, to the family blockbuster "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" (2010), his highest-grossing hit.

Many of his best-known films featured strong female leads, and he directed several actresses to Academy Award recognition. Sissy Spacek won an Oscar for her performance as country star Loretta Lynn in the 1980 biopic "Coal Miner's Daughter." Sigourney Weaver was nominated for playing real-life primatologist Dian Fossey in "Gorillas in the Mist" (1988), and Jodie Foster as a girl growing up in the North Carolina woods in "Nell" (1994).

"The only question that he will ever ask is, 'Is it real or is it not?' " Foster told Roger Ebert in 1994. "He wants the story to tell itself."

Apted himself never earned a nomination.

He was studying law at Cambridge, where he also made documentaries, when he applied to be one of several young researchers on a film from a new company called Granada Television, as part of the current affairs series "World in Action."

"Seven Up!," conceived by program director Tim Hewat, examined the different socioeconomic backgrounds and presumed trajectories of 14 boys and girls from all over London. Its thesis was an old Jesuit saying: "Give me a child until he is seven, and I will give you the man."

Apted selected several of the participants himself, including Tony Walker from the lower-class East End of London, who went on to become a cabdriver.

The film aired on British television in 1963 and was an unexpected phenomenon, a groundbreaking piece of cinema verite and social anthropology. It was directed by a Canadian named Paul Almond, who "knew nothing about documentaries," according to Apted, speaking to NPR in 2019. "So I had to, in a way, educate him."

He called it a "cunningly" strategic move on his part, because when Granada decided to revisit those same children seven years later, Apted was asked to direct. Every seven years, from 1963 to 2019, he dropped back in on the kids as they became an upper-class politician, a humble librarian, a science teacher who moved to America, and the cocksure Walker - asking them in his droll, newsman's voice about their marriages, jobs and views of politics and religion.

In doing so, Apted created an unprecedented diary not just of his subjects' lives, but of Britain itself, and even the world. The "Up" series, which Washington Post journalist Mary Jo Murphy deemed in 2020 "the greatest documentary ever made," prefigured reality television and pop culture's obsession with the ups and downs of real people, but did so with far more sophistication and integrity.

It was a little more complicated for the subjects themselves, some of whom dropped in and out of the series over the years and who frequently had to be cajoled by Apted to participate.

"He wants to make good TV," said one of the lifelong "Up" subjects, Nick Hitchon, the science teacher from rural Northern England, to NPR in 2019. "And anything that would get in the way of that is going to be sacrificed in a hurry. So it's always been the case that if I said something really embarrassing, he would use it - because that's the best TV, from his point of view. . . . I'm not saying that to be horrible about him. That's just the way things are."

After branching out into fictional storytelling on British television, Apted soon followed his boyhood dream to Hollywood. He found success as a journeyman filmmaker with a somewhat invisible hand. Many of the reviews for "Coal Miner's Daughter," his breakout hit in 1980, didn't even mention his name.

But Apted's light touch and competence also kept him from being pigeonholed. He made period dramas - such as the Agatha Christie mystery "Agatha" (1979) starring Vanessa Redgrave - as well as the romantic comedy "Continental Divide" (1981), starring John Belushi, and the crime thrillers "Thunderheart" (1992) and "Extreme Measures" (1996). One of his last highly regarded features was "Amazing Grace" (2006), starring Ioan Gruffudd as the English abolitionist William Wilberforce.

Apted was as surprised as anyone when he was approached to direct a James Bond film in 1999, but he eventually discovered why: "They were very worried that they could not attract women into the Bond franchise," Apted told La-La Land Records in 2018.

He had just married his second wife, screenwriter Dana Stevens, and the producers brought her in to rewrite some of the female characters in "The World Is Not Enough."

"I knew nothing about special effects, nothing about big action scenes, and I was terrified," Apted said. "I don't know why, but perhaps my best films have been with women in the lead."

"The World Is Not Enough" came out on the heels of Apted's latest "Up" chapter, "42 Up," and in a New York Times review critic Janet Maslin wrote: "Doggone if Apted hasn't been able to make James Bond grow up a little too."

He spent the last decade working mostly in television, including episodes of "Ray Donovan" and "Masters of Sex." His final feature was the 2017 global action thriller "Unlocked," starring Noomi Rapace - yet another strong female lead.

Apted served as head of the Directors Guild of America for three terms between 2003 and 2009 and received honors for his dedication to the guild. In 1999, he won a career achievement award from the International Documentary Association.

After "Seven Plus Seven," the second "Up" film, in 1970, Apted told Granada that he didn't want to be stuck doing documentaries forever. "I want to do drama as my life," he remembered saying. "But I think I found a way of putting documentary and drama together."

Michael David Apted was born on Feb. 10, 1941 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England. His father was a fire insurance surveyor, and his mother was a homemaker. He had a brother and sister. Both parents were conscious of their lower-class status and stymied education, and they sent Michael to a London boarding school when he was 10.

Apted saw Ingmar Bergman's "Wild Strawberries" when he was 15, and told the New York Times in 2019 that it was a road-to-Damascus moment, kindling in him a desire to make films with the "gravitas and seriousness of a book."

He played rugby and acted while he was at Cambridge, alongside peers such as John Cleese and Stephen Frears, and he chose law as the practical backstop if filmmaking didn't work out.

His marriages to Jo Proctor and Stevens ended in divorce. Survivors include his third wife, Paige Simpson, whom he married in January 2014; a son from each of his first two marriages; and a daughter from another relationship. His son Paul Apted, a successful Hollywood sound editor, died in 2014 of colon cancer.

The nine "Up" films became increasingly exhausting, and Apted began musing that each might be his last.

"I think it's a question that I won't have to answer," he told NPR in 2019 after "63 Up," "because the question is if I drop dead - which is not unlikely, actually, between now and the next seven years. So I've kept it open. It'll be something that I gave to television - no one will ever take that away from me."
A Philadelphia man who alleges Monsignor Joseph Kelly sexually abused him at St. Michaels School for Boys filed a lawsuit against the Diocese of Scranton.

The suit, filed in Lackawanna County Court on behalf of Aaron Thomas, accuses Kelly of repeatedly forcing Thomas to engage in various sexual acts starting in 1975, when he was a 15-year-old student at the facility.

The Times Tribune does not ordinarily identify victims of sexual assault, but Thomas asked to be identified.

The lawsuit is the second suit to accuse Kelly. Another man, whose identity has not been released, filed a lawsuit in Philadelphia County Court, alleging Kelly and two other men sexually abused him at St Michaels in the early 1970s. Kelly has denied the claims of both men.

The Diocese of Scranton in October added Kelly to its list of clergy members who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing children based on allegations made by seven men, four of which the diocese deemed credible.

Kelly previously confirmed the allegations made by three of the men also were included in the 2018 statewide grand jury report that identified over 300 predator priests in Pennsylvania. He successfully fought to have his name removed after arguing he would be unfairly maligned if accusations - all of which the diocese deemed were unfounded - were made public.

Kelly has adamantly denied he abused anyone and has accused the diocese of conducting a flawed investigation.

Regarding Thomas, Kellys attorney, Andrew Hailstone, previously said Thomas allegations were reviewed by the diocese and the Wyoming County District Attorney's Office in 2014 and were deemed not credible in part because Thomas described his abuser as a priest in his 60s. Kelly was in his 30s when he served at the school.

Thomas lawsuit was initially filed in November by attorney Alan Perer of Pittsburgh via a writ of summons, a document that notifies a defendant a lawsuit is pending, but does not contain specific allegations. That information is contained in a complaint, which Perer filed Monday.

The lawsuit, which does not name Kelly as a defendant, alleges Kelly frequently abused Thomas at several locations, including his office at the school. It claims diocesan officials knew Kelly and other priests were sexually abusing minors, but rather than halt it they moved the priests for church to church to avoid liability.

The suit names as defendants the diocese, Bishop Joseph Bambera and retired bishop James Timlin as defendants. It seeks damages for two counts of fraud and one count of conspiracy.
Big Tech censorship is at an all-time high as social media giant Twitter, alongside other avenues like Facebook, Instagram, and more, suspend or disable the President's account.

The Jack Dorsey-led company has permanently disabled President Donald Trump's personal Twitter account because, as the internet giant said, he poses a "risk of further incitement of violence," One America News Network reported.

The permanent ban comes after Twitter said it ran a "close review" of the President's "recent Tweets." These recent Tweets would've likely included calls for peace and requests for his supporters to go home amid the riots that were allegedly incited by leftists who infiltrated the throngs of Trump supporters in Capitol Hill.

Apparently, Twitter found the President's calls for peace, alongside tweets calling out the voter fraud that happened in the 2020 Presidential elections, as capable of "incitement to violence."

Some high-profile personalities voiced out their disappointment, to say the least, at what Twitter did.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley pointed out that this kind of censorship is what happens in a communist country like China, not in a democratic and freedom-loving nation like the United States of America:

Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country. #Unbelievable  Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) January 8, 2021

Donald Trump Jr., also hit Twitter for attacking the head of state's right to free speech, and pointed out that America seems to be in another time: that of George Orwell's 1984:

We are living Orwell's 1984. Free-speech no longer exists in America. It died with big tech and what's left is only there for a chosen few. This is absolute insanity! https://t.co/s2z8ymFsLX  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 9, 2021

Now, the Trump Campaign itself is no longer able to send emails to its supporters by way of its email service provider as the provider, Campaign Monitor, has suspended the President's account as well, the Financial Times' Dave Lee reported.

Aside from not being able to send emails, the Trump Campaign, as well as its digital director, were also banned from Twitter as well.

Others banned too

Some prominent Trump supporters have also been banned on Twitter, as well as other platforms like the Mark Zuckerberg-helmed Facebook and Instagram.

Gen. Mike Flynn, who the President pardoned in time for Christmas, was kicked out of Twitter, The Gateway Pundit reported.

Flynn, after being banned from Dorsey's social media platform, took to anti-censorship social media app Parler and posted an encouraging message for all Americans:

"America fought a good fight. Our great Country is resilient & we will get thru this difficult time. Acting responsibly at this moment is what all Americans must do. During the past 4 tough years, I found faith, family and true friends were my foundation," Flynn wrote as per TGP. "God Bless America."

Trump lawyer Sidney Powell, known for her efforts at revealing the cheating done in the U.S. Presidential elections, particularly those involving the voting machines that were used and the companies that were associated with them, was also banned from Twitter.

Lin Wood, who also worked to reveal details regarding what the President referred to as the "swamp," was kicked out of the platform the day after the protests in Capitol Hill. Stop the Steal organizers Ali Alexander and Michael Coudrey themselves were banned on the evening after the protest.

The #WalkAway Campaign, a grassroots movement that encourages people on the Left to leave and "walk away" from the Democrat Party's divisive agenda, was also booted out of Facebook.

The movement, founded by former liberal Brandon Straka, already had more than half a million testimonies from former Democrats, each of them containing reasons why they left the party.

Straka reached out to TGP for help and explained that according to the social media company, their account was banned for violating its "Terms Of Use." It's unclear what violation the group committed, however.
President Donald Trump has been active across different social media platforms, but it was never a secret which was his favorite. Trump often credited his Twitter account for his popularity and even said that his political future would have been very different without the site. Without the tweets, I wouldnt be here, Trump told the Financial Times in April 2017. So it came as little surprise that the commander in chief did not take it well when Twitter decided to permanently ban him from its service due to the risk of further incitement of violence. It seems there was pandemonium over at the White House when Twitter announced its decision Friday night. Trump went ballistic, a senior administration official told Politico, noting the president was scrambling to figure out what his options are.

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.

Trump seemed to be engulfed by a burning desire to tweet and so he grabbed hold of the official @POTUS Twitter account and published a statement that the White House also issued separately. Trump lashed out at Twitter, saying it had coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left to remove his account. Trump also said he had been negotiating with various other sites and that he and his allies are looking at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future. Twitter quickly took down the messages from the @POTUS account. Donald Trump Jr. characterized the ban as absolute insanity, adding that it showed how we are living Orwells 1984.

Advertisement

Trump, who tried to post on the @POTUS account and had those deleted too, has now moved on to trying to tweet from @TeamTrump.



This could go on for a very long time if they keep doing this through all their campaign accounts... pic.twitter.com/XDy4VSO8pE  Vera Bergengruen (@VeraMBergen) January 9, 2021

Twitter warned that any account Trump used to try to get around the ban could face permanent suspension as well. It later shut down the @TeamTrump campaign account as well after it sent out a tweet with the presidents statement. As weve said, using another account to try to evade a suspension is against our rules, a Twitter spokesperson said. Twitter also suspended the account of Gary Coby, Trumps digital director who renamed his account after the president. It also suspended @thedonalddotwin.

Advertisement

That was quick!



Trump campaign digital director tweeted @DanScavino to use his account for Trump and was swiftly suspended: https://t.co/muQkbPweFB pic.twitter.com/cyEeDTkoi6  Will Steakin (@wsteaks) January 9, 2021

Advertisement

The following accounts have all either had tweets deleted or been suspended outright after Trump tried tweeting from them:@realDonaldTrump@POTUS@thedonalddotwin@garycoby@TeamTrump



He doesn't seem to be taking the news especially well.  Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) January 9, 2021

Advertisement

Twitter banned Trump a day after Facebook prevented Trump from posting on the platform for at least the rest of his term. Snapchat and Twitch have also disabled Trumps account. The Twitter ban came after a big debate within the company on what to do with the presidents account. Hundreds of Twitter employees sent a letter to company chief Jack Dorsey calling for the company to permanently suspend Trump and investigate the companys actions over the past few years. Despite our efforts to serve the public conversation, as Trumps megaphone, we helped fuel the deadly events of January 6th, the employees wrote, according to the Washington Post. We request an investigation into how our public policy decisions led to the amplification of serious anti-democratic threats. We must learn from our mistakes in order to avoid causing future harm.
Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned the boss of vaccine firm Pfizer 17 times in just days to secure more supplies of the Covid jab.

The country is also said to have agreed to pay 50 per cent more per dose than the UK  and now has enough to immunise all over-16s by the end of March.

Israel has already vaccinated 1.8million  a fifth of its population  in three weeks. Yet it did not order any Pfizer-BioNTech jabs until mid-November, well after Britain arranged to buy 40 million doses.

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned the boss of vaccine firm Pfizer 17 times in just days to secure more supplies of the Covid jab

It reportedly agreed a price of at least 45 per dose, compared with the UKs 30, with Mr Netanyahu on the phone to Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla.

Yesterday a senior opposition official, speaking anonymously, accused the Israeli government of jumping the queue by paying more.

A Pfizer spokesman said: Our pricing is based on volume, advance commitment, equity and affordability principles.

He added that the firm had entered into a collaboration agreement to study the real-world impact of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. This would gather critical real-world epidemiological information which would provide insights applicable around the world.

Israel's health ministry says it is dividing up its Pfizer/BioNTech shipments so that small batches can be sent to remote parts of the country.

Some nurses have managed to increase efficiency by extracting six doses from each vial rather than the advertised five, health minister Yuli Edelstein says.

To avoid waste, some people outside of the vulnerable target groups have been vaccinated anyway after walking into a clinic and receiving spare doses that would otherwise have had to be thrown away.

Many of them are younger people who are vaccinated, despite their lower risk level, at the end of the day to stop extra doses going to waste. 100,000 Israelis between the ages of 20 and 40 have been inoculated.

By contrast, the rollout in Europe and America has been hampered by blunders requiring some of the Pfizer vaccine stocks to be discarded.

Unlike Britain, Israel has stuck to the two-dose regime - meaning that more than a million people will have received their full double dosage by the end of January.
The U.S. Capitol is seen behind heavy-duty security fencing the day after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021.

REUTERS
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.

In her four decades long political career, Banerjee has witnessed many ups and downs. Born in the year 1955, in Kolkata, Mamata started participating in political activities at the young age of 15. She lost her father at a young age and belonged to a lower middle-class family. However, she did not let any of it come in the way of her education and earned a degree in law as well as education studies. Besides, Mamata also developed her oratory and is known for her fiery speeches. (Image: Reuters)

For nearly two decades, BJP leaders like Narendra Modi have tried to understand Bengal and figure out how the saffron party could conquer the state. It was not an easy task because by the turn of the century, West Bengal was already under Left rule for nearly 25 years (the Left Front came to power in 1977). The Lefts winning formula and way of administration were unique and is best illustrated by the answer given by the state chief minister Jyoti Basu to a query by the VP Singh government in 1990. VP Singh, then keen to implement the Mandal Commission report, had sought to know the number of backward castes (BCs) in West Bengal. Pat came the reply from Jyoti Basu: there were no BCs in his state! The answer threw the then ruling establishment in Delhi (as would even the present government) into confusion.

After Mamata Banerjee (and the Trinamool Congress) rode into power in 2011 she could consolidate power only by taking recourse to a different route that brought back caste (also religious) politics in the state. Mamata realised that Muslims had become more than a quarter of West Bengals population and she decided to promote them as a support base. Unfortunately, she went overboard in the process  there was a picture of Mamata dressed as a Muslim woman with her head covered which greeted travellers as they exited Kolkata airport; in another instance, Mamata declared precedence to Mohurrum processions over Durga immersion when Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) and Moharrum fell on the same day in 2016. However, this was reversed as per the order of the Calcutta High Court. Though after this the Mamata government took various steps to dilute its support to Muslims, the public opinion about the West Bengal governments fondness for Muslims did not change.

Senior Trinamool Congress representatives are still sure that the Muslims of Bengal would cast their votes open heartedly for the party. But to confuse matters Asaduddin Owaisi of MIM has declared that his party would debut in West Bengal. Owaisi claims that this would be to increase coverage of his party although many think that MIMs plan is to cut into the Muslim support base of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). There are allegations that MIM has been prompted by the BJP to contest in West Bengal although there is no concrete proof of this. But with MIM on the scene, the Muslim votes will be divided, aver analysts. TMC representatives argue that MIM will not be able to break into the Muslim votes. Reasons: MIM will only get support of the Urdu-speaking Muslims in West Bengal who have migrated from UP and Bihar and are confined to urban areas. But the Bengali-speaking Muslims who form the majority of Muslims in the state  located in the rural hinterland -will be unable to connect with MIM. Muslims comprise 27 percent of West Bengals electorate though the unofficial figures are much higher at 35 percent.

The battle is not only for Muslim votes but also for those of Scheduled Castes. Matuas are an organised Dalit group who migrated to West Bengal from across the border after the partition of Bengal. Concentrated in border districts, Mamata made an attempt to win the loyalty of the Matuas when she came to power. But now BJP is making an equally strong attempt to get the Matuas into their fold. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Boodi Ma (old mother), the head of the Matuas and touched her feet a few months ago (before she died). This sent shock waves amongst the TMC ranks. Now it is said that the Matuas are being promised land in the 24 Parganas district where a large number of Muslim peasants live and farm. This has the potential of sparking off trouble and is causing anxiety to TMC leaders. Matuas have been traditionally farmers.The electoral game could be different in Kolkata and its neighboring towns with the educated lot arguing that West Bengal has been traditionally been an opposition state: first the Left Front and then the Trinamool Congress has not been part of the ruling establishment in Delhi. They assert that this time they should vote to be part of the ruling party at Delhi (read as vote for BJP). This will bring them rich dividends in the form of higher grants/aid and projects from the central government for West Bengal. City dwellers are also rooting against the Trinamool for their fear of greater consolidation of minority votes. By and large they feel that for a state that was divided by partition West Bengal should not have such a high minority vote proportion. This means that there was not a full exchange of minorities though Hindus from Bangladesh came to India. After Bangladesh was formed in 1971, for many years Bangladeshis crept in looking for gainful employment opportunities and never went back, says Suresh Ghosh, a resident of Kolkata.

In the last assembly elections in 2016, Trinamool Congress won 44.91 percent of the votes and 211 out of the 294 seats. In 2011 when Mamatas Trinamool Congress first came to power it had won 38.93 percent of the votes and 184 seats. Though the Trinamool Congress has been in power for ten years, the party is now breaking up with a lot of its leading leaders now leaving the outfit. This does not mean that challenger BJP will have an easy time in Bengal. Its a kind of difficult to understand the argument but Bengal has been influenced heavily by the Brahmo Samaj of Raja Ram Mohan Roy. This brought in liberal values in Bengal. Rabindra Sangeet by Rabindra Nath Tagore, a Brahmo himself, indicates the influence of Brahmo Samaj in Bengal.

The BJP at the same time was influenced strongly by the reformist zeal of the Arya Samaj of Dayanand Saraswati. The Arya Samaj called for back to the Vedas unlike Brahmo Samajs westernised influence. In some senses, the battle for Bengal boils down to a tussle between the values of the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj. Who will win remains the issue.
PFAS investigation in Pellston completes second round of samples

Officials discovered polyfluoroalkyls in Pellston residential water sources in late 2019. The airport is believed to be the source of the substances.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was escorted by police from a terminal inside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after a group of Donald Trumps supporters chanted traitor and screamed you work for us after he condemned Donald Trumps response to a violent mob at the US Capitol and baseless allegations of election fraud.

"One day you will not be able to walk down the street," one woman yells in video shared by Politicos Daniel Lippman. Today is the day.

In another video, a woman calls him a garbage human being and demands he audit the vote, following calls from the president and his allies.

You better enjoy GITMO, she yells.

The Independent has requested comment from the senator.

Senator Graham, who has been among the presidents most reliable allies in Congress, said the Mr Trump must accept responsibility for his role in the violence that breached the Capitol and terroristed lawmakers and staff on 6 January, as a joint session sought to formally count the Electoral College votes in an election that the president has repeatedly told his supporters was stolen from them.

He calls the presidents behaviour a self-inflicted wound.

When it comes to accountability the president needs to understand that his actions were the problem not the solution, the senator said during a news conference on Thursday.

He also said that a good friend of mine, Rudy Giuliani"  the presidents personal attorney who has led a spurious, failed legal battle to overturn election results before yelling to a crowd on Wednesday for a trial by combat  "did not help.

Trump and I, weve had a hell of a journey. I hate it to end this way, Senator Graham said. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are lawfully elected and will become the president and the vice president of the United States on January 20.

Protests at the airport have echoed across social media, as the presidents die-hard support believes he has been compromised into admitting defeat or are outraged that he turned on the mob he inspired.

After encouraging his supporters to march to the Capitol, triggering an insurrection attempt inside the halls of Congress as he sought to overturn election results, the president turned to social media after being suspended from his accounts.

"Like all Americans I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem, he said in a brief video message.

He said that the rioters who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy."
PARKE COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI-TV) - Turkey Run State Park is hosting a week-long event highlighting bald eagles and other birds of prey.

Eagles In Flight takes place from January 29 through 31. Those attending the weekend-long event will enjoy live bird viewing, nest building, and hiking with an educational ambassador.

Youll also have a chance to get up close to our nation's favorite bird of prey. The bald eagle.

The program is open to anyone however tickets will be sold fast. Due to the pandemic, only ninety-six people can attend.

The Interpretive Naturalist, Aaron Douglass, at Turkey Run State Park wants to mention that even in January, you can still enjoy time outdoors.

So maybe you dont do a great big loop, maybe just go into the canyon and come back and warm up. But its still a really great opportunity and its a really great way to connect with nature, even in the winter.

The Turkey Run Inn will also be serving boxed meals during the weekend. You can preorder those meals when you register to attend.

To purchase tickets, click here.

Cost of tickets:

$20 - Adult (16+) Weekend Pass

$15 - Youth (6-15) Weekend Pass

$16 - Adult (16+) Saturday Only

$10 - Youth (6-15) Saturday Only

Free - 5 and under.

(State Park Entrance fee will apply. Food not included.)

There will also be a silent auction online here, that is being put on by the "Support the Friends of Turkey Run & Shades State Parks" program. 100% of the proceeds go to the "Friends" group which is a not-for-profit community organization that assists Turkey Run and Shades State Parks.
This week: Pitkin Countys front line workers are eligible for the COVID19 vaccine, but can your employer require you to get vaccinated? Also a look at the two back-to-back worldwide ski events Aspen is hosting beginning March 10. Host Alycin Bektesh is joined by Madeleine Osberger, Erica 
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.


MBABANE  Uniform manufacturers are predicting a future marred with doom and gloom as government says the official opening of schools remains unknown.

The uniform manufacturers said they can no longer cope with the burden of monthly rentals and costs of keeping their businesses open. They appealed for governments intervention just to keep them afloat until the schools have finally reopened.

One such affected business is Nellys Boutique, renting office space at the Small Enterprise Development Corporation (SEDCO).

The business owner, Nelisiwe Vilakati, said she had been making monumental losses since the effect of the partial lockdown in March last year.

She, however, said the blame is not apportioned to government, but the pandemic which has killed over 200 emaSwati to date.

The schools closed very early last year, before parents ordered uniforms from us, and we were hoping things would ease up during the course of the year (2020). When the year ended without schools reopening, we realised that we had made huge losses which made it difficult for us to stay in business, she said.

Vilakati said she had hired two assistants over the years, but was forced to put them on lay-off last year when the business was failing to make money.

Vilakati said since she started operating the business in 1988, it had been growing steadily until the COVID-19 partial lockdown eroded all the gains.

For the whole of last year, we have been living on savings accumulated over the years. Now that we are starting a new year on a bleak stake, the implication is that we must close shop and go home, she said.

proceeds

Vilakati explained that currently, she was living from proceeds of people who have bought new clothing and want to make readjustments.

But how much can you make from that? she asked rhetorically. She showed reporters bales of school uniforms that had been manufactured for the previous year, saying they had all not been purchased and were lying idle.

Perhaps it was better when we had the leverage to make contracts with schools for the supply of uniforms, but government has since abolished such and said every manufacturer must be allowed to supply any school. If this was the case, then I would know for certain that when schools reopen eventually, I will be able to sell and recover losses, she said.

Asked if staff was benefitting from the lay-off fund, Vilakati asked back: what is that? No one told me about any lay-off fund.

The fund was established by government to as a grant of E400 per month for the benefit of employees who are on layoffs.

Meanwhile, Zithulele Masilela, who earns a living through operating two school buses said he had long decided to look for other means for survival.

I was operating one of the buses, while I hired another driver to operate the other vehicle. I have operated the business for the past six years and grew from a seven sitter to owning two Siyaya kombis. However, the business disintegrated over the past year to the extent that I do not think it will pick up again.

Masilela said the recent announcement postponing the expected schools reopening has cast further doubt on his business.

While trying to survive last year, I ended up converting my minibus to a pirate kombi until it developed some mechanical problems that require over E4 000 to repair. The little I have made was used to sustain my family, he said.

He said if schools finally reopen in February, he would need a cash injection of at least E15 000 to service his vehicles to ensure the safety of the pupils in transit.

It is a pity that without a steady income financial institutions just look the other way whenever we approach them for financial boost, he said.

lamented

Meanwhile, some school head teachers have also lamented that food suppliers for feeding schemes have been disenfranchised by the continued closure of schools.

These include women who supply pupils with light meals during break time.

Deputy School Head teacher at Ngwane Park Primary, Lucky Mthombo, said his school administration had not been affected by the schools closure because it had made prior arrangement for most school needs.

Internally, we have tried our best to keep things in order. We will just await the instructions from the Ministry of Education and Training on schools reopening, he said.

Minister of Education and Training Lady Mabuza announced on Wednesday that the actual date for the reopening of schools remains unknown given the continued escalation of COVID-19 positive cases.







MIAMI, Jan. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Park West Gallery is pleased to announce that Mandi Romine has been recently promoted to Director, Shipboard Operations. In her new role, Romine will manage Park West's partnerships within the cruise line industry and oversee operations, compliance, and more.

"Park West is the world's largest dealer of art, and has been growing and expanding even with the challenges of 2020. In 2021, we are excited to grow the cruise segment of our business as our cruise line partners return to service," Romine said.

Romine joined Park West Gallery this year as Marketing & Production Manager for the company's new online telecast program which is a massive success. Previously, Romine worked 18 years in the cruise industry where she managed marketing & revenue operations for spa, gym, art auctions, port shopping, photo, & wedding programs. Prior to that, she worked 13 years in supply chain, logistics, and transportation.

Romine has taken over the role formerly held by Maria Marsh, who worked for Park West in various capacities for nearly 20 years. Marsh's last title was VP, Shipboard Operations.

Speaking about her new role, Romine said, "Park West has an ability to adapt and innovate to the ever changing needs of their clients, partners, and team members. This is what has made the company successful since Albert Scaglione founded Park West in 1969, and is what will continue to drive the business into future."

About Park West Gallery

Park West Gallery is the world's largest art dealer, bringing the experience of collecting fine art to more than 3 million customers since 1969. Whether it's masterpieces from history's greatest artists or the latest artwork from leading contemporary icons, Park West offers something for everyone through its accessible art exhibitions and auctions all over the world. You can learn more about Park West Gallery and its over 50-year history at http://www.parkwestgallery.com.

Park West also hosts live-streaming online art auctions every weekend. To learn more about Park West's online collecting events, visit https://www.parkwestgallery.com/online/.

Contact: Tom Burns

[email protected]

SOURCE Park West Gallery

Related Links

http://www.parkwestgallery.com


The latest in a wave of parent activism around school reopening decisions, Bernards Township parents are petitioning for the district to return to five full days of in-person instruction.

More than 600 people have signed the petition, calling on the Board of Education to immediately develop a proposal that gives families the option of full-time virtual or full-time in person instruction and implement it in the next 30 days.

Were all watching our kids suffer and we feel really helpless, we feel just out of control, Alyson Galusha, who created the petition and is a member of the Bernards Back to School Task Force, told NJ Advance Media.

Galusha, who has twins in eighth grade at William Annin Middle School and a sophomore at Ridge High School, is currently dissatisfied with the districts blended learning model.

Currently, K-12 students can opt for virtual instruction or take in-person classes 2-3 times a week, depending on the week. Students are dismissed between noon and 1 p.m. where they have the option for extra help with teachers through a Zoom check-in.

Were just creating this whole environment of kids who are just going to roll from their bed to their computer, theyre not going through the normal functions of meeting people, and of eye-to-eye contact, of reading body language, of learning how to develop as a human being, Galusha said, criticizing the abridged bell schedule and amount of time spent per week learning virtually.

Though Superintendent Nick Markarian did not return a timely request for comment, the districts stance on the issue has been made clear in materials to parents and at Board meetings.

In a Return to Instruction Q&A on the Boards website, school administrators address the question of bringing students back full-time, every day.

Districts are required to open schools in some capacity and must strive for social distancing within the classroom and on school buses, reads the districts answer. Based on survey results, 80% of students would return to school. The district does not have the classroom space or staff to spread out 80% of students in a socially distant manner (6 feet). If we are to strive for social distancing it would therefore be impossible to bring all students back to school in-person daily.

The district added that it is not yet aware of a formal approval process and is unsure of how new reopening ideas will be approved and implemented. Administrators are uncertain on whether a plan to bring back all students would meet approval, because, in our district we could not come close to meeting 6 feet of social distancing in such a model.

Galushas effort echoes that of parents across the state, whove petitioned, protested and rallied to see students back in school and express dissatisfaction with district reopening plans.

At the same time, a district survey indicates that the petitions demands are not shared by a majority of students. With 2180 responses, survey results show more than half of students at Ridge High School and William Annin Middle School suggest the current model continues while only about 20 percent support five full days of in-person instruction.

In a staff survey with 625 responses, about 70 percent of respondents issued support for the current model.

At the last Board meeting, the Board issued its proposed timeline for the spring: It hopes to bring K-2 students back into school every day as soon as possible, shift the bell schedule back to full-day times while maintaining the cohort system around the end of January and shift to five full days of in-person instruction longer term.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Josh Axelrod may be reached at jaxelrod@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
South Carolina recorded nearly 5,000 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, a grim milestone state public health officials noted on a conference call with media while providing updates to the expanding rollout of the coronavirus vaccine.

The new case numbers shatter the Palmetto State's daily record, something officials with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control say should remind residents of the importance of continuing to take precautions such as wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands.

"People are sick, people are hospitalized and people are suffering and dying from this virus as we speak," said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC's interim public health director. "Our hospitals are overwhelmed."

Amid the surge, South Carolina's largest hospital system, Prisma Health, announced it would restrict patient visitation beginning Saturday.

"We know that being with families is itself a healing therapy and so we wrestled with this decision. But we believe this measure is needed in the wake of the growing post-holiday surge of COVID-19, especially given the growing community spread," said Dr. Eric Ossmann, an emergency medicine physician who is Prisma Healths chief of preparedness and leads its COVID-19 response system-wide.

Limited visitation is still allowed under a narrow set of circumstances.

Pediatric patients are allowed one visitor 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as a one-hour daily "transition period" during which both parents or legal guardians are allowed, according to Prisma Health.

Obstetric patients who are pre-term, in imminent labor, in labor, high-risk and post-partum can have one visitor, according to the hospital system. Patients undergoing procedures needing sedation, like colonoscopies, can have one visitor.

"Case-by-case approval is required for visitation for those requiring additional assistance from care partners, such as for patients with dementia," according to the hospital system.

Prisma's emergency department team will use discretion in allowing visitors for children, older adults or any patient with special needs, the hospital system said.

In addition, up to three visitors can be allowed for end-of-life situations, the hospital system said.

COVID-19 positive patients, or those with suspected cases, are not allowed visitors except under, "special case-by-case approvals," the hospital system said.

"Patients not suspected or not confirmed to have COVID-19 can receive religious service from the clergy of their choice so long as it does not disrupt their care," the hospital system said. "Patients with COVID-19 may still receive religious services, but the attending doctor should be made aware of the request."

All visitors will have to be screened and must wear a face mask at all times while in the hospital, Prisma said. Children under 18 years old can't visit expect in end-of-life situations.

Statewide numbers

New cases reported: 4,986, which is 3,055 percent higher than the 158 tallied on March 31, the day Gov. Henry McMaster ordered nonessential businesses to close.

Total cases in S.C.: 315,353, plus 28,823 probable cases

New deaths reported: 28

Total deaths in S.C.: 5,217 confirmed, 478 probable

Total tests in S.C.: 3,948,383

Hospitalized patients: 2,396

Percent of positive tests, seven-day average: 31.8 percent. Five percent of tests or fewer returning positive results is a good sign the virus' spread is slowing, researchers say.

Vaccine update

South Carolina has received a total of 146,500 Pfizer vaccines, including 34,125 doses received this week, DHEC said.

As of Friday, 62,632 South Carolinians have received their first dose and 7,698 have gotten their second, and final, dose, DHEC said.

Additionally, 83,844 people have made appointments to be vaccinated.

Sign up for our new health newsletter The best of health, hospital and science coverage in South Carolina, delivered to your inbox weekly. Email

Sign Up!

Traxler said that as of Friday, South Carolina has received 86,400 doses of the Moderna vaccine, which so far has been limited to residents and staff of long-term care facilities.

Every long-term care facility in the Palmetto State has been matched with a vaccine provider, she said. So far, 5,511 residents and 2,721 staff have received their first dose of the vaccine at 114 long-term care facilities around the state.

CVS and Walgreens have 844 clinics scheduled, Traxler said.

Despite these successes, DHEC is aware of several facilities that don't meet the criteria set by the federal program managing the rollout of the Moderna vaccine to long-term care facilities, she said.

A total of 146 independent living facilities, retirement communities and other types of congregate living communities have opted into the federal program that was intended only for three kinds of facilities  nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities, Traxler said.

"This is why there are 750 long-term care facilities in South Carolina, but closer to 850 facilities that are registered under this federal long-term care program," she said.

On Friday, DHEC told hospitals across the state that they should start offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all admitted patients aged 65 or older as long as they don't have the coronavirus, Traxler said.

The expansion of the number of people eligible for the vaccine is part of DHEC's efforts to speed up the number of people immunized against this deadly virus, she said. The agency is also exploring expanding the number of people authorized to administer the vaccine.

"We continue to make great strides and progress in our vaccination efforts here in South Carolina," Traxler said.

Hardest-hit areas

According to data from DHEC, the top counties for new coronavirus cases reported Friday were Greenville, 809; Richland, 374; and York, 356.

What about tri-county?

Charleston County had 238 new cases; Berkeley, 98; and Dorchester, 119.

There were two, new tri-county deaths, DHEC said. One patient each died in Charleston and Dorchester counties. Both people were aged 65 or older.

Deaths

Of the 26 remaining confirmed deaths, 24 were patients aged 65 or older.

They lived in the following counties: Aiken, Chesterfield, Florence, Greenville, Horry, Jasper, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Oconee, Pickens, Richland, Spartanburg and York.

Two patients aged 35 to 64 also died. They lived in Chesterfield and Florence counties.

Hospitalizations

Of the 2,396 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 on Friday, 488 were in intensive care and 251 were on ventilators.

What do experts say?

As the number of people vaccinated increases, Traxler said it's important for South Carolinians to stay vigilant and not abandon caution.

"People will continue to become sick and lose their lives to this virus until enough vaccine is available for all of us, so please, everyone needs to continue to abide by the disease prevention methods that we know work," she said.

In addition to taking the standard COVID-19 prevention precautions, Traxler and other officials urge anyone who believes theyve been exposed to the virus or who is developing symptoms to get tested. Those out in the community or not able to socially distance should get tested monthly, DHEC advised.

Go to scdhec.gov/findatest to find a testing site in your area.
On Friday (January 8, 2021), Kannada actress Radhika Kumaraswamy was questioned by the CCB (Central Crime Branch) reportedly in connection with a cheating case. She was grilled by the officials allegedly over her links and monetary transactions with a man named Yuvaraj alias Swamy, who was recently arrested on charges of cheating.

As per reports, the Damayanthi actress appeared before the CCB at 11 am and was questioned for almost 4 hours.

After the questioning, Radhika interacted with the media and said that she is ready to corporate with the proceedings of the CCB and to come again if summoned. She said, "There is no problem at all. If they (police) call me again. I will come back." The actress also slammed a few media channels saying that she neither received Rs 1.25 crore from Swamy nor she absconded.

On the other hand, Yuvaraj was brought to the CCB office at the same time for cross-questioning. Reportedly, before entering the office the offender revealed that he knows Radhika's family for the past 18 years.

Well, as per the latest statement issued by the CCB, a detailed inquiry was done by the investigating officer Assistant Commissioner of Police Nagaraj and further investigation will be done based on Radhika's statements.

Notably, during a recent (January 6, 2021) media interaction, Radhika said that she knows Yuvaraj for 17 years. She also revealed that he had approached her to be a part of a period drama. Interestingly, the actress said that he was also her family's astrologer and most of his predictions had come true. She said that her family members trusted Yuvaraj and were shocked to know about his arrest.

Yuvaraj was arrested on December 16, 2020, for duping a Realtor who was promised an election ticket. Upon raid, the CCB seized over 100 cheques worth Rs 91 crore and Rs 26 lakh cash from his residence.

Also Read: Sandalwood Drug Racket: Sanjjanaa Galrani Gets Bail On Medical Grounds

Also Read: Sandalwood Drugs Case: CCB To File Chargesheet After K'taka HC Rejects Bail To Sanjjanaa & Ragini

The state BJP president accused the minister of encroaching on 3.5 acre Nagarjunasagar Project canal land in survey numbers of 93 and 94, valued Rs. 70 crore in the open market.  DC image

KHAMMAM: Bharatiya Janata Party state president Bandi Sanjay on Friday accused transport minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar of large-scale corruption. He remarked that Ajay needs to be administered a corruption vaccine to unearth his benami contracts in Khammam district.

Sanjay charged that Puvvada Ajay has nothing to do with separate Telangana movement and became minister after spending crores of rupees. He sought to point out that Ajay was in YSRCP when Telangana movement was on. So far, he has changed four parties like a chameleon, he remarked, taking objection to Ajays criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The state BJP president accused the minister of encroaching on 3.5 acre Nagarjunasagar Project canal land in survey numbers of 93 and 94, valued Rs. 70 crore in the open market, and committing malpractices in the medical college that Ajay is running. He underlined that while roads in Khammam town are at most 60 feet, those along the ministers Mamata Medical College are of 100 feet.

Sanjay claimed that all development works going on in Khammam district are being taken up with funds being received from the central government.

He maintained that the results of Dubbaka and GHMC polls will repeat in Khammam Municipal Corporation (KMC) too. Saffron flag will be hoisted atop the KMC, he declared.

The TS BJP chief had visited Khammam to ready his party activists for the ensuing Khammam civic body elections. He interacted with people from various sections of the society, including businessmen, academicians, teachers and professionals in the VVC complex. He also addressed a meeting of party activists on forming booth-level committees.

Dubai, Jan 9 : The Indian Consulate in Dubai will on Saturday celebrate the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), the Non-Resident Indians (NRI) Day Convention, in a virtual format due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier, the biennial event witnessed the participation of several Indian expats from all over the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But due to the health crisis, the Consulate has limited its celebrations by hosting a virtual session which will be inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gulf News reported.

The event marking the PBD at the consulate would be held from 9.30 a.m. till 11.30 a.m. on Saturday, Neeraj Agrawal, consul (Press, Information and Culture) told Gulf News.

The theme of this year's PBD is "Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)".

The inaugural session will include a keynote address by chief guest, Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

According to Agrawal, the inaugural session will be followed by two plenary sessions, which will be live-streamed.

On Friday, a Youth PBD was celebrated virtually on the theme "Bringing together Young Achievers from India and Indian Diaspora".

The PBD events will be live webcast on the PBD India website and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs' YouTube channel.

The consulate will also live-stream the events on its social media accounts.

Since 2003, India has been observing January 9 as PBD to celebrate the Indian diaspora across the world.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey in the military-technical and defense-industrial sectors has recently reached a new level. In total, the partnership in the aerospace and defense spheres includes more than 30 projects.

Ukraines Ambassador to Turkey Andrii Sybiha said this in an interview with Defensehere.com, a media platform for the military and defense industry.

Bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey in the military-technical and defense-industrial spheres has recently been brought by the parties to a new qualitative level and remains one of the main elements of the Ukrainian-Turkish strategic partnership ... In general, the partnership between the two countries in the aerospace, military and defense industries includes more than 30 projects, the ambassador said.

Ukraine was one of the first foreign countries to purchase the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle systems. While being one of the most comprehensive agreements in extended relations between the two countries, this agreement has taken our relations to a completely new level. However, our work towards that direction is gradually improving. Within the framework of our latest agreement, the engines of the Akinci UAVs will be produced by Ukraine. In addition, both parties are still in talks regarding the manufacturing of the Ukrainian engines in Turkey as well as the manufacturing of the Turkish UAVs in Ukraine," Sybiha stressed.

Among the promising areas, he named cooperation in the joint production of armored vehicles engines, peaceful space exploration, as well as the creation of joint ventures for the production of aviation equipment based on Antonov aircraft, and the aeronautical subsystems based on the developments of the State Enterprise Ivchenko-Progress.

As reported, on October 16, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Istanbul and signed a number of bilateral documents. In particular, Defense Minister of Ukraine Andriy Taran and National Defense Minister of Turkey Hulusi Akar signed a framework military agreement between the governments of the two countries.

On December 14, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine concluded first-ever direct foreign economic agreements for military goods. Defense contracts with Turkish companies were signed by Defense Minister Andriy Taran and Head of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) of the Republic of Turkey Ismail Demir.

ish

The Black Rock restaurant super-spreading event at the centre of Victorias latest coronavirus outbreak was likely fuelled by the venues airflow and seating arrangements, despite the restaurant abiding by density rules.

Eleven of the 37 patrons who dined at the Smile Buffalo Thai restaurant on the night of December 21 tested positive to the virus, after visiting between 7pm and 9.30pm.

Eleven patrons and one staff member at the Smile Buffalo Thai restaurant at Black Rock have been infected with the coronavirus. Credit:Penny Stephens

Significantly, the group was not all on the same table, nor even in the same area of the restaurant. A staff member also tested positive.

While the identity of the person or people who were infectious with coronavirus that night is still yet to be discovered, the Victorian government now believe that their level of infectivity, as well as seating arrangements and airflow, likely contributed to the transmission of the disease.
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.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2021) Canadian public health officials are investigating the death of a Florida doctor who received the Pfizer vaccine against the novel coronavirus just weeks earlier, Health Canada told Sputnik on Friday.

On Tuesday, Heidi Neckelmann said in a social media post that her husband Gregory Michael, an obstetrician at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, died after receiving the vaccine on December 18. Neckelmann explained that Michael developed petechiae - round spots that appear on the skin as a result of bleeding - three days after receiving the vaccine and died of hemorrhagic stroke weeks later.

"We're looking into this. Stay tuned," Health Canada's media relations department said in an email.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a statement on Wednesday that it is "aware" of the death of Michael.

Pfizer, which developed the vaccine in conjunction with German biotechnology company BioNTech, told USA Today that it is "actively investigating this case," although said that it did not believe that the vaccine played a role in the Florida physician's death.

The CDC has logged 21 cases where individuals experienced anaphylaxis - a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur after vaccination - after vaccination between December 14 and 23, according to a report made public on Wednesday. There have been reports of fatalities following immunization in Israel and Switzerland, however, no links have been established between the death and the vaccination.

Pfizer was the first vaccine against the deadly disease approved by Canadian health regulators and the first dose was administered on December 14 to a personal support worker in a long-term care home in Toronto.
Morton Avenue is one of Jacksonvilles most important thoroughfares, home to chain stores, restaurants, and hotels. It was named for one of the citys earliest, and most prominent, citizens.

Joseph Morton arrived in the area in 1820 and built some of the first log cabins in Morgan County while becoming one of central Illinois leading farmers. He later represented Jacksonville in the Illinois legislature, and voted on some of the defining issues in state history.

Born on Aug. 1, 1801, in the state of Virginia, Morton spent most of his youth in Kentucky. He came to Illinois in 1819, a year after statehood, and settled in Madison County. The following year, he relocated to Morgan County, where he spent most of the rest of his life.

He arrived in the area three years before Morgan County was established, and five years before Jacksonville was born.

In 1823, Morton married the former Mary Odle and one source claims that a daughter, Minerva, was the first child born to settlers of Morgan County. Sources also report that Morton, who was twice married, fathered thirteen children.

As his family grew, he continued to work his large farm, one and a half miles east of Jacksonville. Morton is credited with recording the first census of Morgan County in 1830.

The avenue that bears Mortons name passed near his farm, though at the time, it was just a dirt road that extended from South Main Street to the city limits. The street was expanded west to South Diamond Street sometime between 1866-76.

On Aug. 1, 1836, Morton won election to the state House of Representatives. That Dec. 5, he joined the 10th General Assembly, which historians believe is the greatest collection of talent ever collected in an Illinois Legislature. Among the future stars was Abraham Lincoln, a second-term House member from Sangamon County.

There was also Edward Baker, a former Carrollton resident who moved to Oregon in 1859 and became that states first Republican U.S. senator the next year. Lincoln named his second son in Bakers honor.

Another House member was John J. Hardin, a Jacksonville attorney and a distant relative of Mary Todd Lincoln. Hardin was elected to the U.S. House in 1843, and would lose his life at the Mexican War battle of Buena Vista in February 1847.

Also in the House was Stephen A. Douglas, a former Morgan County states attorney who was aptly described by one scholar as a man who thought only of propulsive forces. At 23, he was the youngest man in the assembly. Seven years later, he won a seat in Congress, and another writer declared he attacked work and fellow membersjust as he attacked life.

Others included John McClernand, who won election to the first of four terms in Congress in 1842. McClernand, who lived in Jacksonville from 1851 to 1856, rose to major general and corps commander in Civil War service, though his military career ended in controversy.

Fellow 10th General Assembly House member James Shields had an uneasy relationship with Lincoln and challenged the Railsplitter to a duel in 1842. The duel was later halted by Hardin as well as Revel English of Carrollton, another House member. Shields eventually won election to the U.S. Senate from Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri, the only man to serve in the Senate from three different states.

Also there was Lincolns legendary Long Nine, a group of nine Sangamon County legislators whose nickname came from a famous naval gun, but was applied to the nine mens collective height, a reported 54 feet.

Morton and his star-studded cohorts had plenty of key issues on the table. On Feb. 27, 1837, the Assembly voted for internal improvements, a massive plan to construct infrastructure across Illinois, including roads, railroads, and the Illinois-and-Michigan Canal, linking Lake Michigan to the Illinois River.

However, the state did not have the money, manpower, supplies, or engineering skill to successfully fulfill its grandiose dreams. Many of the plans never materialized, and those that did were not completed for years. Meanwhile, the state was left with a staggering debt and an economic crisis comparable to todays budget mess.

The 10th General Assembly also chose a new site for the state capital, and several cities battled for the honor, including Jacksonville.

Springfield proposed the best bid, offering land for a capitol building and $50,000 to help with the cost of construction. Lincoln and the rest of the Long Nine were among Springfields biggest supporters, and the city was selected on the fourth ballot in legislative voting on Jan. 28, 1837.

The 10th was the last General Assembly to meet entirely at Vandalia. Morton, however, did not follow the legislature to Springfield, as he was defeated for re-election in 1838.

He also lost bids for the Illinois House in 1840 and 1844 before finally winning election in 1846. Morton was then elected in 1852 to the first of two straight terms in the state Senate.

But farming was Mortons true calling and at one point, he owned 800 acres. In 1851, he became the first president of the Morgan County Agricultural Society. In 1860, he owned real and personal property totaling $26,500, or over $830,000 in todays dollars, with two hired farm laborers and at least one servant.

In 1862, Morton was a delegate to the failed Illinois Constitutional Convention.

He died in Jacksonville on March 2, 1881.
Irela Bague, who headed a task force that laid out steps needed to restore the health of Biscayne Bay, will serve as Miami-Dades first chief bay officer under Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Levine Cava announced the appointment Friday night. The position was created under the administration of Mayor Carlos Gimenez, after fish kills in the northern bay sparked broader alarm about pollution issues environmentalists have been warning about for years.

Irela Bague will serve as Miami-Dades new chief bay officer.

A release announcing the position described it as an advisory post and one that will serve as a go-between for the various agencies charged with protecting water quality and regulating activity around the bay, both at the county level and with the state and federal government. The compensation is $140,000 a year, the mayors office said.

Bague owns a public-affairs consulting firm, the Bague Group, that specializes in environmental issues.

As a longtime advocate of Biscayne Bay restoration and water resources, it is an absolute honor to serve as Miami-Dade Countys first Chief Bay Officer ... to help chart a long-term course for a resilient and healthy Bay, Bague said in a statement.

Creation of the bay officer post was one of the recommendations from the Biscayne Bay task force, which released its report before the August fish kill.

In the release, Levine Cava said Bague brings deep subject matter expertise and an outstanding career as an advocate and communicator to this critical role helping move forward policies to preserve and protect the Bay.
On Friday, although President Trump is still president of the United States, Twitter officially and permanently banned him from the site. The other media sites were not far behind. Indeed, they're systematically banning anyone associated with Trump's contention that there was election fraud. Moreover, they're doing so by erasing Trump's actual words in order to present him as a vicious agitator. They're also erasing the more than half a million peaceful supporters in D.C. to focus only on a small cohort.

On Wednesday, more than half a million peaceful people showed up in D.C. to support President Trump. A minute percentage of that group ended up in the Capitol, and the police killed an unarmed Air Force veteran. (Defund the Police has been silent about this killing.) Debate will rage about whether Trump supporters were set up. For the purposes of this post, the only thing that matters is that it was the justification the tech monopolies needed to start a purge.

The tech companies contend that Trump instigated violence and his supporters can no longer be trusted. And no, it doesn't matter that for much of 2020, Black Lives Matter and Antifa rioted, burned, and looted and threatened, beat, and murdered people. Not only did they stay on social media, but they were also lionized on social media and mainstream media for their thrilling, empowering exploits.

Trump did not instigate violence. The tech tyrants have systematically deleted Trump's words and the search engines will not help you find them, but you can, with difficulty, discover what he said on January 6:

We have come to demand that Congress do the right thing and only count the electors who have been lawfully slated, lawfully slated. I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard. (Emphasis mine.)

After the day's events, Trump was clear:

I know your pain. I know you're hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election and everyone knows it, especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We don't want anybody hurt. It's a very tough period of time. There's never been a time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of us  from me, from you, from our country. This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You're very special. You've seen what happens. You see they way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home. And go home in peace.

Twitter and Facebook deleted the video and locked Trump out.

Having erased facts so they could claim Trump incited violence, the tech monopolies were set. To date, this is the purge, in chronological order, all predicated on Trump "promoting violence":

At this point, some might be thinking a lot of people have said for a long time that conservatives should leave those hostile, censorious platforms. There are free speech alternatives, most notably Parler (a Twitter alternative), Me-We (a Facebook alternative), Gab (another Twitter alternative), and Rumble (a YouTube alternative). Considering that we are the product, why in the world were we giving ourselves away for free?

And finally, on Friday, Trump apparently did go to Parler. The tech giants, though, were ready. Because Parler is a bulletin board, not a publisher, it does not moderate "parleys." Google has therefore removed Parler from the App store for "user safety." Apple is threatening to do the same unless Parler starts acting like the other tech companies and censors speech Democrats find offensive. Amazon is also making noises about deplatforming Parler.

This is what happens when private enterprise becomes the town square. It seemed to make sense in a time when the mainstream media were manifestly biased. It never occurred to people that the tech corporations would be just as biased, only with even more power. We currently have a situation in which the president has no avenues of communication because corporations have silenced him. Joseph McCarthy was a piker compared to today's Democrats.

Image: Trump banned from Facebook by Andrea Widburg.
Britain has the world's fifth-highest official death toll from COVID-19 at nearly 80,000, and the 1,325 deaths reported within 28 days of a positive test on Jan. 9 surpassed the previous daily record from last April. (Image: Kirsty O'Connor/Pool via Reuters)
Judges have drafted long-awaited guidelines on personal injury awards after comparing Irish payouts with those in other countries.

A committee of judges delivered draft guidelines to the board of the Judicial Council last month and these will now be considered at a meeting of the council in early February.

If accepted then, new rules on award levels could be adopted much earlier than previously anticipated.

Judges are facing pressure to slash award levels for certain injuries amid concern awards are out of step with those in other jurisdictions and contributing to higher insurance premiums.

In a statement on the Judicial Council website, its personal injuries guidelines committee said it was exceptionally cognisant of the need to ensure the guidelines are anchored in reality. It also said it was aware many interest groups and individuals feel the cost of insurance is prohibitive and having a significant effect on their ability to trade profitably and in some cases to trade at all.

As part of its work, the committee, chaired by High Court President Mary Irvine, compared Irish court awards with those made in other jurisdictions where the standard of living is similar to that in Ireland.

The committees findings were not disclosed in the statement and the guidelines are not set to be published until they are adopted.

A 2018 report by the Personal Injuries Commission found the average amount paid out in Ireland for whiplash injuries was 4.4 times higher than in England and Wales.

The Judicial Council is due to consider the draft guidelines on February 5.

The statement indicates the committee did not take submissions from any interested parties, other than the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), during the process of drafting the guidelines.

In a 2019 submission to a review of civil justice, PIAB hit out at what it described as inconsistency by judges in their use of the Book of Quantum, the current guide for injury award levels.

The argument for new guidelines has been bolstered by recent Court of Appeal rulings which have tended to significantly cut awards made by the High Court.

Among the groups anxiously awaiting the publication of the new guidelines is the Alliance for Insurance Reform.

In a statement, it said the single most important reform that can impact on the cost of insurance would be a dramatic reduction in general damages for minor injuries to reflect international norms and norms already established by the Court of Appeal.
Conakry, Guinea (PANA) - Guinean president Alpha Conde on Friday reiterated calls for the establishment of an African standby force to intervene in conflicts, particularly to combat jihadism, regretting that after more than 60 years of independence, the security of the continent is still in the hands of Western troops
Its too early to project just how many Manitobans will receive the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2021.

Opinion

Its too early to project just how many Manitobans will receive the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2021.

However, immunizing as many front-line health-care workers and high-risk residents as possible now will help stabilize hospitals and save lives.

Manitoba Health released long-term projections Thursday, showing only 74 per cent of Manitobans "may be immunized" by the end of December. The numbers were disappointing. However, there are too many missing factors and faulty assumptions in that forecast to give it much credence.

The projection was based on only two approved vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) and was made with little insight into future supply.

Federal officials said Friday they have a good handle on shipment volumes for January to March. Beyond that, there are too many moving parts to make accurate predictions. Theres little doubt Canada will scale-up deliveries significantly by April, but the exact supply after that remains unknown.

Canada has agreements with seven leading vaccine candidates, two of which are approved and two more (AstraZeneca-Oxford and Johnson & Johnson) that will likely be approved soon. How many doses those four, and more, may collectively deliver by summer and fall is anybodys guess.

Whats important in the short term is to immunize as many front-line medical staff and high-risk people as quickly as possible. Even though inoculating only a fraction of Manitobans by the end of March (the estimate is seven per cent) is a long way off from herd immunity, it will help protect hospital capacity and save lives if the right people are targeted.

One of governments main goals during the pandemic is to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. An aggressive vaccine plan for health-care staff helps achieve that by reducing absenteeism in hospitals.

The other pandemic goal is to save lives. Some of Manitoba's most vulnerable live in personal care homes and in remote Indigenous communities. The sooner they get the shot, the fewer deaths there will be. (Immunization began in some First Nations this week and starts Monday in nursing homes.)

Its not that the federal and provincial governments shouldnt use ballpark vaccine numbers to plan for the summer and fall. They should. But those long-term projections are more guesstimates than estimates.

Ottawa and the provinces cant even agree on how many doses have already been shipped.

The federal government says it has delivered 25,825 to Manitoba, as of Jan. 7 (18,525 Pfizer, 7,300 Moderna). Manitoba says it received 22,230 Pfizer doses (for a combined total of 29,530) by that date.

Manitoba Health says the discrepancy could be it counts six doses per vial of the Pfizer vaccine and the federal government calculates five. The official manufacturer number is five, but many jurisdictions have been squeezing six doses out of each vial.

"We have been consistently getting six doses of vaccine from Pfizer vials, so that is how we count it in our inventory to ensure accuracy," a Manitoba Health spokesperson said. "Based on that, we have received 22,230 doses."

How that discrepancy plays into Ottawas long-term projections is unknown.

Like the rest of the country, Manitoba is facing a post-holiday spike in COVID-19 cases, which will likely be followed by higher hospital numbers and, ultimately, more deaths.

The Pallister governments decision Friday to extend Manitobas code red restrictions for at least another two weeks was the right one. Some Manitobans still have trouble grasping that (which was obvious by the behaviour of some over Christmas), but its that simple.

The province has the second-highest per capita COVID-19 deaths in the country (52 per 100,000 people). Were in a war  a battle against a virus that will kill hundreds more Manitobans if we dont take the right action today.

That includes following public health orders and immunizing as many Manitobans as quickly as possible.

tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca
The World Health Organisation chief appealed on Friday to makers of COVID-19 vaccines and the wealthier countries buying them to stop making bilateral deals, saying they hurt a UN-backed effort to widen access to the jabs.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 42 countries are now rolling out such vaccines, mostly high-income and a few middle-income countries. He called on countries that have more jabs than they need to make some available to the COVAX Facility the UN-backed project to get vaccines deployed widely.

Now, we are also seeing both high- and middle-income countries that are part of COVAX making additional bilateral deals, he told reporters in Geneva. This potentially bumps up the price for everyone and means high-risk people in the poorest and most marginalized countries don't get the vaccine. I urge countries and manufacturers to stop making bilateral deals at the expense of COVAX, said Tedros, the WHO director-general.

Tedros also urged manufacturers to make the data about their vaccines available, which is needed for the U.N. health agency to be able to provide emergency use listings that can expedite their deployment.

The lack of such data blocks the whole system of procurement and delivery, he said.

WHO officials, who generally shun finger-pointing at specific countries and companies that they need to work with, did not specify which ones need to do more to help broaden access to vaccines.

But Canada, for example, is known to have far greater access to vaccines that its population needs. And partners Pfizer and BioNTech, which make the first vaccine that received emergency use approval from the WHO and countries like the U.S. and Britain, have not reached a deal to take part in the COVAX Facility. Dr. Bruce Aylward, a special adviser to the WHO chief, said 50% of high-income countries are deploying vaccines and zero percent of poor countries are.

That is not equitable access, he said. The appeals come as the world has faced high case counts in recent weeks -- roughly 4 million new confirmed infections per week, said WHO emergencies chief Dr. Michael Ryan.

Tedros said some of the highest numbers of deaths recorded at any point in the pandemic have turned up in recent days, and faulted a lack of compliance with recommendations of health authorities. The WHO also said a team of experts who had originally expected to arrive in China this week to look into the origins of the pandemic had not yet arrived, saying that now, we expect to fix the travel dates next week. On Tuesday, Tedros said he was very disappointed that Chinese officials had not finalised the needed permissions for the team's arrival in China.

(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.)

People who were treated for coronavirus at a Florida hospital last summer also caught a mysterious fungal disease, a recently released study by the US government revealed. Named Candida auris, the fungus causes damage to the bloodstream, wound and ear infections. It also found in urine and respiratory samples, however, there is no evidence to testify if it actually attacks the bladder or lungs.

In its report, the Centre for Drugs Control and Prevention revealed that it was in July 2020 when an unnamed hospital notified the states Health Department about the initial four cases of fungus amongst patients being treated for the coronavirus. In the following month, the hospital carried out additional screening in its COVID-19 unit and identified 35 more patients being infected by c-auris. Out of these 35, 20 patients were eventually followed up and it was discovered that eight of these 20 died. However, experts are still probing into the actual cause of death.

In a follow-up investigation, the Florida Department of Health and CDC found certain weaknesses in the conduct of hospital which led the infection spread. Firstly, the hospital equipment was not always disinfected. In addendum, the hospital staff was always wearing multiple layers of PPE kits which eventually enhanced the microbial transmission. Lastly, the joint also found several instances of re-use of PPEs.

What is c- auris?

Initially discovered in Japan in 2009, the multidrug-resistant yeast has been spreading rapidly across the globe. The fungal infection is usually found inside the healthcare setting especially when people have feeding or breathing tubes, or catheters placed in large veins. As of October 31, 2020, the c.autiris has been reported in more than 30 countries across the world.

Read: Telangana CM Rao Has 'mild Chest Infection', Given Medication: Doctors

Read: London Schools To Stay Closed Amid COVID-19 Infection Surge

This comes as actress Hilary Duff shared on January 4, 2021, that she endured severe pain due to an eye infection that was caused by taking too many COVID-19 tests. As per the reports by the outlet, eye infections have not been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health experts as a side effect for getting COVID tests done, thus it is unclear what caused her the eye infection. The Hollywood actor took to her Instagram handle and shared snippets from her 'trip to the hospital'.

Read: Hilary Duff Reveals She Got Eye Infection After Getting Too Many 'COVID-19 Tests At Work'

Read: 971 People Test Positive For Infection, 12 Die In UP: Official
Yellow clouds billowing tens of thousands of light years upwards from the centre of the Milky Way which baffled astrophysicists for more than 70 years may finally have an explanation.

Space experts spotted the celestial mystery hanging above our galactic home in the 1950s, naming it the North Polar Spur.

At first people believed it was just part of the space debris in the nights sky but some astronomers argued it was part of an expanding shockwave.

For that to have been correct another cloud would have been seen below the Milky Way but no evidence for that was detected until in 2010 a space telescope picked up very faint gamma way glows of two huge bubbles.

The yellow clouds seen billowing from the centre of the Milky Way galaxy has had experts scratching their heads for decades

And now new images from the orbiting telescope known as eROSITA has helped form two concrete opinions.

Based on the energy required to make the massive mushroom cloud bubbles experts say the first option was a wave of thousands of stars suddenly came into being and promptly went bang.

The alternative option suggests the supermassive blackhole at the heart of our galaxy may have caught a large cloud of gas passing by, eating half the cloud while its energy spewed above and below the Milky Way causing the bubbles.

Jun Kataoka, an astronomer at Waseda University in Japan said of the first idea: The metal abundance is very small.

New images from an orbiting telescope have helped astro-experts put forward two ideas for what the yellow clouds are

So I dont believe that the starburst activity happened.

And Peter Predehl, an astrophysicist at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany added he agreed it is more likely to be the second idea:

He said: We did some analysis.

I think now [the debate] is done, more or less.

The teams agree however there was a massive explosion at the centre of the galaxy around 15milllion to 20million years ago which we can still see today.

Last year researchers with NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the California Institute of Technology and Santiago High School, suggested The Milky Way Galaxy may be home to alien civilizations, but there is a strong probability that most of them are dead.

The statement comes from who used an updated version of an equation to calculate the likely existence of intelligent life and determined aliens may have emerged some eight billion years after our galaxy formed.

With these results, the team included the idea that progress of science and technology inevitably leads to the destruction of civilizations and because humans have yet to make contact outside our planet, scientists now think they know why.
Read what is in the news today.

Society

 Vietnam confirmed three new imported COVID-19 cases on Friday, including one Austrian national and two Vietnamese repatriated from the UK and the Czech Republic, raising the patient tally to 1,512, with 1,357 recoveries and 35 virus-related deaths.

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved the National action program for children for the 2021-30 period with a view to creating a safe, healthy and friendly environment for children. The rate of children aged under eight accessing to comprehensive healthcare services is expected to reach 90 percent by 2025 and 95 percent by 2030, according to VGP News.

 Police in Dang Ha Commune, located in Bu Dang District, southern Binh Phuoc Province, are clarifying a video recorded by an in-vehicle camera that went viral on Facebook earlier this week showing a man riding a motorbike directly hit the motorbike of another man running in the opposite direction on Sao Bong - Dang Ha Street. After the collision, the former repeatedly beat the other with an apparently iron tube.

 Police in southern Binh Duong Province on Friday said that they had caught 21 people illegally gambling at a container parking site in Di An City, seizing ten game sets, 11 motorbikes, four cars and a total cash of nearly VND500 million (US$21,626).

 A newly-upgraded runway at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is slated to be put into use again on Sunday after six months of closure for renovation, the deputy director of the projects management agency said on Friday.

 Police in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang on Friday arrested three men to further investigate their role in the illegal entry of COVID-19 patient No. 1440, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Business

 Vietnam Airlines has officially gained the access to the refinancing loan worth VND4 trillion ($172.94 million) approved by the government in support of its recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Thac Mo Hydropower Joint Stock Company held an inauguration ceremony and put the Thac Mo solar power plant project with a capacity of 50MWp and an investment of more than VND820 billion ($35,472) into operation in Binh Phuoc Province on Friday.

Lifestyle

 The New York Times has included Con Dao off Vietnams southern Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province in its list of 52 places to love in 2021.

 The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam is introducing Japanese traditional dolls at an exhibition that opened at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts on Friday and will run through January 27 with free admission.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
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.
Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for more advanced nuclear weapons and said the United States is "our biggest enemy," state media said on Saturday, presenting a stark challenge to President-elect Joe Biden just days before he takes office.

Washington's hostile policies would not change regardless of who occupies the White House but dropping those policies would be key to North Korea-US relations, Kim said, according to state news agency KCNA.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks at the ruling party congress in Pyongyang, on Friday, in this photo supplied by the North Korean government. Credit:AP

"Our foreign political activities should be focused and redirected on subduing the US, our biggest enemy and main obstacle to our innovated development," Kim said during nine hours of remarks over several days at a rare party congress in Pyongyang.

"No matter who is in power in the US, the true nature of the US and its fundamental policies towards North Korea never change," Kim said, vowing to expand ties with "anti-imperialist, independent forces".
As India gears up to vaccinate crores of people, Brazil writes to India for vaccine shipment. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to expedite the shipment of coronavirus vaccines to the country. The shipment of 2 million vaccine doses is for AstraZeneca's coronavirus candidate.

"To enable the immediate implementation of our National Immunisation Program, I would appreciate... the supply to Brazil, with the possible urgency and without jeopardising the Indian vaccination program, of 2 million doses," Bolsonaro wrote in the letter, shared by his press office.

The letter comes amid growing pressure to speed up Brazil's immunisation process and tackle the deadly outbreak in the country. Critics have said that the country's immunisation campaign is running behind its regional peers and have questioned why the government has not moved more swiftly.

His message to PM Modi comes as the federally funded Fiocruz biomedical center said on Friday that the active ingredients needed to fill and finish millions of doses of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine in Brazil, previously slated to arrive in the country on Saturday, may not land until the end of the month.

Fiocruz, which was counting on the shipment Saturday to supply the government with doses this month, said it was in talks to import more finished doses of the vaccine, likely from India on top of the 2 million it has already ordered.

A source involved said the active ingredient is ready to be shipped to Brazil but is waiting for an export license from China, where it is produced.

Earlier, Fiocruz requested an emergency use authorisation for AstraZeneca vaccines coming from India, which are expected to arrive in Brazil in the middle of this month.

Also read: Bharat Biotech seeks DCGI nod to conduct trials of nasal Covid-19 vaccine

Also read: 10% COVID-19 vaccines will be wasted, says Centre; to cost Rs 1,320 crore more

The first and Deputy first Minister say they want to speak to the Prime Minister of Mauritius 10 years after Michaela McAreavey was found murdered in her hotel room on the island.

Tomorrow marks exactly a decade since 27-year-old Michaela, the daughter of Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte, and wife of Tullylish player John McAreavey, was found her murdered in the couples honeymoon suite in Grande Gaube by her husband.

In a joint statement, Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill said: "Our thoughts are very much with the Harte and McAreavey families as the 10th anniversary of Michaela's untimely death approaches.

"They have spent the past decade in unrelenting pursuit of truth and justice for Michaela. We support them in that effort and in the time ahead.

We have written to the Prime Minister of Mauritius urging him to do all he can to bring those responsible for Michaela's death to justice, and we have recently requested a phone call with him at the earliest opportunity to stress the importance of this being acted upon."

Nobody has ever been brought to justice for Michaela's murder. Two hotel workers were put on trial for the murder in 2012, however they were found not guilty by a jury of nine.

A statement released on behalf of the McAreavey and Harte families read: "It is now 10 years since Michaela was murdered by two hotel employees whilst on her honeymoon in Mauritius. Although the men responsible for her murder were acquitted in 2012, we have never doubted their guilt due to the overwhelming evidence that was provided during the trial.

"Over the course of the past 10 years, whilst learning to live with the massive loss of Michaela in our lives, we have also had to endure sheer frustration in the face of multiple barefaced lies from the Mauritian authorities that justice will be served in this case. They have repeatedly provided us with false hope when, in reality, there has been little meaningful progress in this case, if any, since the acquittal in 2012."

The statement added: "Last year, letters requesting an update on this case were sent to the Mauritian government by the offices of The Executive Office of Northern Ireland and the Office of Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney in September and November, respectively. No response has yet been received.

"This lack of respect for us as a bereaved family and for our country's diplomatic channels of communication speaks volumes about the Mauritian Government and, despite their public proclamations, their true feelings towards justice being delivered in this case.

"Ten years on, our determination to fight for justice for Michaela remains undiminished. It is the very least she deserves."




Gandhinagar: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Madhavsinh Solanki passed away on Saturday (January 9, 2021) aged 93. Solanki served as the state's CM for three terms between 1976 and 1990.

Following the news of Solanki's death, several noted leaders condoled the death of the nonagenarian Congressman including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind.

President Kovind expressed, "In the demise of Shri Madhavsinh Solanki, the nation has lost an unmatched leader. He will be long remembered as much for his role in shaping modern Gujarat as for his inimitable warmth, charm, and love for literature. My condolences to his family and well-wishers."

In the demise of Shri Madhavsinh Solanki, the nation has lost an unmatched leader. He will be long remembered as much for his role in shaping modern Gujarat as for his inimitable warmth, charm, and love for literature. My condolences to his family and well-wishers.  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 9, 2021

PM Modi said, "Shri Madhavsinh Solanki Ji was a formidable leader, playing a key role in Gujarat politics for decades. He will be remembered for his rich service to society. Saddened by his demise. Spoke to his son, Bharat Solanki Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti."

The Prime Minister added, "Beyond politics, Shri Madhavsinh Solanki Ji enjoyed reading and was passionate about culture. Whenever I would meet him or speak to him, we would discuss books and he would tell me about a new book he recently read. I will always cherish the interactions we had."

Beyond politics, Shri Madhavsinh Solanki Ji enjoyed reading and was passionate about culture. Whenever I would meet him or speak to him, we would discuss books and he would tell me about a new book he recently read. I will always cherish the interactions we had.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2021

Notably, Solanki began the 'Mid-day Meal' initiative which is still benefitting the students in schools across the country. He also started the girl child nurturing scheme 'Kanya Kelavani' in Gujarat.
With resumption of passenger flights from the UK to India, the Karnataka government has said that all returnees will have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR test on arrival and necessary arrangements have been put in place by the airport and health department officials.

All passengers returning from United Kingdom to India between January 8-30 will have to submit a self-declaration form on the online portal at newdelhiairport.in at least 72 hours before their scheduled travel.

Travellers will have to carry a Covid-19 negative report with RT-PCR test done 72 hours and also to be uploaded on the online portal.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru to review the preparations, Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar on Saturday said, "The first flight from the UK is at around 4am is in which the passengers will be coming to Bengaluru. According to airport officials, it will be a full flight with about 330 passengers. Even if they have got a report (Covid-19 negative) from there, according to guidelines they will have to mandatorily undergo RT-PCR test on arrival."

"It will take three to four hours for the RT-PCR test reports to come, once the report comes negative they will be allowed to go out," he added.

Those passengers who test positive for the new variant of coronavirus will be shifted to an institutional isolation facility earmarked by the state health authorities and will have to stay in the facility until their test samples are sent to the Indian SARS-CoV2 Genomic Consortium (INSACOG) lab for further testing.

According to the guidelines those who are found negative on testing with RT-PCR at the airport would be advised quarantine at home for 14 days and regularly followed up by the concern state/district integrated disease surveillance progamme teams (IDSP). If any returnee founds to be untraceable, then this will be immediately notified to the IDSP or district surveillance officer.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government is still searching for around 75 passengers and their contacts who had returned from the UK before December 23 and could be likely carriers of the new mutant strain of the Covid-19 virus.

India had suspended all passenger flights between the UK and India from December 23 to January 7 as a new variant of coronavirus emerged there.

(with inputs from PTI)

Happy birthday, Connecticut.

Delegates to the Connecticut state convention ratified the U.S. Constitution exactly 233 years ago, on Jan. 9, 1788.

That made Connecticut the fifth state to join the union. The vote was 128 to 40.

Among the arguments in favor was one of taxation, according to the office of the State Historian.

One delegate, Oliver Ellsworth, noted in his speech that Connecticut paid thousands of dollars in import taxes to both New York and Massachusetts. Joining the union could mean no more interstate import taxes.

Our being tributaries to our sister states is in consequence of the want of a federal system. The state of New York raises 60 or 80,000 a year by impost (customs duty). Connecticut consumes about one third of the goods upon which this impost is laid, and consequently pays one third of this sum to New York, Ellsworth said, as Politico reported. If we import by the medium of Massachusetts, she has an impost, and to her we pay a tribute. If this is done when we have the shadow of a national government, what shall we not suffer when even that shadow is gone!

Ellsworth had also been one of Connecticut's two representatives at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. His suggestion, along with his co-delegate, Roger Sherman, was to create two houses of government, both a senate and a house of representatives.

Intended to grant smaller states some measure of parity in governmental control, it was called the great compromise, or the Connecticut compromise, and it was approved by the convention by a margin of one vote.

The new constitution was ratified first by Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Georgia. Because of Sherman and Ellsworths compromise, Connecticut was expected to ratify the Constitution as well, which it did.

Massachusetts followed, and then Maryland and South Carolina. The Constitution became the law of the land when New Hampshire ratified it on June 21, 1788.
"The hotline is useless because they just read exactly what's on the website." Nathan, an engineer, and Zoe, a medical student, travelled to the Gold Coast to see Zoe's family for the first time in a year, stopping in Brisbane for a day to see friends. They said they could not get any solid information on Friday, when the lockdowns were announced, before the borders were closed at midnight. The couple said they received mixed advice from Victoria and Queensland's COVID hotlines and airlines. "It's just being able to get more clear advice on what to do. Most people want to do the right thing, but they just don't know what that is and they get scared and they just want to get home, which is fair enough," Zoe said. She said given what happened in NSW with the border closure, which left thousands of Victorians stuck for weeks, that the Queensland border closure could last far longer than three days.

"I won't travel interstate again for a long time until they can give us some sort of guarantee and clarity." Mr Weimar said Victoria's Chief Health Officer would review the state's restrictions "over the coming day or two to assess performance here on the Victorian side of the border". COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar. He praised the efforts of health authorities in NSW and Queensland who are, respectively, containing an outbreak and tracing the contacts of a hotel quarantine cleaner who tested positive to the highly infectious UK strain of the virus. Victoria's success in suppressing community transmission, as well as the unfolding coronavirus situation in NSW and Queensland, would influence Professor Sutton's decision on easing border restrictions, Mr Weimar said.

However, the Andrews government has so far not revealed what criteria both states would need to meet to satisfy Victoria's public health team. Tensions between the Andrews government and NSW have risen over the hard border restrictions, with Victoria insisting it told its northern neighbour it planned to close the border as soon as it received health advice to do so. In a veiled swipe at Victoria, Ms Berejiklian said on Sunday that states and territories should have waited longer in monitoring Sydney's northern beaches outbreak before making such a significant decision. "Please talk to us": NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Credit:Christopher Pearce "I would simply say to other state leaders, firstly, please talk to us in NSW before you close the border because we can explain to you the situation that's going on and, secondly, that we have demonstrated our capacity," she said.

The northern beaches area ended on Sunday a lockdown that had lasted three weeks for some residents. Victorian health authorities told a federal health committee meeting, held at midday on December 31 and attended by the NSW Chief Health Officer, that it was planning to shut the border to NSW, the meeting's minutes show. Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley also spoke to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard throughout the day about the Andrews' government's plan to shut the border, while acting Premier Jacinta Allan called and texted Ms Berejiklian about their intentions, according to a senior Victorian government source. At a press conference on Sunday, after Ms Berejiklian spoke, Mr Foley said it had "not come as a shock to my NSW colleagues that after some two weeks of community transmission across NSW ... Victoria was prepared to make the hard decision to keep Victorians safe". He said there were phone conversations every day and when the decision to close the border was taken, he alerted his interstate colleagues.

There are currently 28 active cases linked to Melbourne's Black Rock cluster, and about 2600 primary and secondary contacts are isolating. Contact tracers were yet to identify the cluster's first case but were investigating potential leads, Mr Weimar said. Mr Foley said that while "things were looking positive" in Queensland, Victorians needed to stay put in the Sunshine State. He said Victorian health authorities would receive a final report from their Queensland counterparts on Monday afternoon. Ninety-six Victorians who flew into Melbourne Airport after border restrictions came into effect on Friday night are in breach of Queensland authorities' rules and have been directed to get tested and isolate at home for 14 days.

The DHHS will not fine, or pursue any penalties, against people who flew into Melbourne. However, Mr Weimar said Victorian authorities had been urging their Queensland counterparts and domestic airlines to prevent people boarding flights from Brisbane. Loading "The domestic border issue is quite challenging," he said. "We can see looking ahead that there are likely to be more sporadic outbreaks, like the ones we've lived through over the last few weeks." He said a "clear and simple system" was needed to give people "as much clarity as possible about how to manage travel over the coming months" while coronavirus cases popped up around the country. Liberal frontbench MP Matthew Guy accused the Andrews government of abandoning Victorian residents in NSW.

He said border closures should be a last resort, not a first resort. How can it be in 2021 that there are more than 4000 Victorians in NSW and the Victorian government is locking those people out of their own state? Mr Guy said. Some of their kids will miss the first day of school the way its going  Theres no plan, theres a shambolic and panicked response by the Victorian government as to how were going to get these people home. Victoria reported six new cases on Sunday, all of them in hotel quarantine, including one person who is an international flight crew member. All states and territories will close a "loophole" and begin testing international air crew following a decision adopted by national cabinet on Friday, after Victoria expressed increasing concern about the high rates of virus being detected among flight staff.
New Jersey on Saturday reported another 6,435 confirmed cases of the coronavirus  the most it has ever announced in a single day  along with 102 more confirmed COVID-19 deaths, amid a continuing post-holiday spike of the virus.

While statewide hospitalizations for the virus fell for the third straight day, the transmission rate jumped to 1.05, staying above the key benchmark of 1 that indicates the outbreak is expanding for the second straight day.

The seven-day average for daily confirmed cases increased Saturday to 4,991, up 18% from a week ago, but down 3% from a month ago when the state saw a post-Thanksgiving surge.

The update comes two days after New Jersey reported 6,314 new cases, which had previously been the most announced in a single day. Officials continue to brace for a surge of high numbers in the wake of Christmas and New Years.

Statewide hospitalizations dropped to 3,638 patients with confirmed of suspected cases of COVID-19 as of Friday night. That was much lower than the more than 8,000 patients hospitalized at the peak of the first wave in April. The number dropped Wednesday after four days of increases.

But the statewide rate of transmission increased for the fifth straight day, to 1.05, up from 1.02 a day earlier. The gradual increase in the transmission rate in recent days indicates the expansion accelerating after dropping in previous weeks.

The positivity rate for tests conducted on Sunday, the most recent day available, was 11.48% based on 61,522 tests. The positivity rate has been at 10% or higher since Dec. 22.

New Jersey has now reported 523,035 positive PCR tests out of the more than 8.1 million administered since its first case was announced March 4. The state also reported 56,147 probable cases from the rapid antigen tests, including 1,167 new antigen positive tests announced Saturday. Those antigen results were made publicly available for the first time on Monday, but officials warned those cases could overlap with the more reliable PCR tests, which are sometimes administered in tandem.

The state of 9 million people has reported 19,854 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started  17,795 confirmed and 2,059 probable fatalities.

New Jersey has reported 680 confirmed deaths in the first nine days of the month. The state announced 1,890 deaths in December, the most in a month since May.

VACCINATIONS

New Jersey has received 572,250 doses of coronavirus vaccines and has administered 156,021 as of Saturday morning, according to a running tally from the federal Centers for Disease Control.

State officials stress there may be an undercounting because of reporting delays and New Jersey, like other states, is depending on the federal government for its supply.

Dr. Theodore Eisenstat administers the vaccine to RWJ University Hospital Operations Manager Edward House.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The state opened its first vaccination mega-sites, in Rockaway and Sewell, on Friday. Four more are expected to open in the coming days.

But officials said the supply is short, and the state is administering the vaccine in phases, with only care workers, people who live in congregant settings and police and fire professionals currently the only ones eligible to receive shots. Officials have said doses should be available for the general public by April or May.

New Jersey hopes to vaccinate 70% of its adult residents  about 4.7 million people  by the end of May.

On Friday, Murphy said that the state did not have the supply from the federal government it needed.

But they dont have the doses they could use at full capacity.  This is gonna take some time, Murphy said.

COUNTY-BY-COUNTY NUMBERS (sorted by most new)

 Middlesex County: 49,386 total confirmed cases (610 new), 1,537 confirmed deaths (220 probable)

 Essex County: 50,882 total confirmed cases (560 new), 2,174 confirmed deaths (255 probable)

 Hudson County: 47,899 total confirmed cases (549 new), 1,581 confirmed deaths (169 probable)

 Monmouth County: 35,934 total confirmed cases (506 new), 999 confirmed deaths (102 probable)

 Bergen County: 50,967 total confirmed cases (476 new), 2,110 confirmed deaths (266 probable)

 Ocean County: 36,175 confirmed cases (443 new), 1,378 confirmed deaths (83 probable)

 Union County: 38,902 total confirmed cases (420 new), 1,410 confirmed deaths (183 probable)

 Camden County: 31,441 total confirmed cases (412 new), 826 confirmed deaths (66 probable)

 Morris County: 22,325 total confirmed cases (342 new), 807 confirmed deaths (187 probable)

 Burlington County: 23,620 total confirmed cases (298 new), 601 confirmed deaths (51 probable)

 Gloucester County: 15,892 total confirmed cases (280 new), 410 confirmed deaths (20 probable)

 Passaic County: 42,085 total confirmed cases (271 new), 1,351 confirmed deaths (159 probable)

 Mercer County: 20,283 total confirmed cases (216 new), 719 confirmed deaths (39 probable)

 Somerset County: 13,750 total confirmed cases (192 new), 600 confirmed deaths (93 probable)

 Atlantic County: 13,649 total confirmed cases (176 new), 371 confirmed deaths (17 probable)

 Cumberland County: 8,797 total confirmed cases (153 new), 241 confirmed deaths (10 probable)

 Sussex County: 5,233 total confirmed cases (149 new), 182 confirmed deaths (46 probable)

 Hunterdon County: 4,229 total confirmed cases (75 new), 87 confirmed deaths (54 probable)

 Salem County: 3,199 total confirmed cases (75 new), 110 confirmed deaths (7 probable)

 Warren County: 4,396 total confirmed cases (68 new), 173 confirmed deaths (13 probable)

 Cape May County: 2,637 total confirmed cases (33 new), 128 confirmed deaths (19 probable)

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

HOSPITALIZATIONS

There were 3,638 patients hospitalized in New Jersey with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases as of Friday night  31 fewer than the previous night.

That included 652 in critical or intensive care (three fewer than the previous night), with 423 on ventilators (16 fewer).

There were 447 COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals Friday, according to the states COVID-19 dashboard.

SCHOOL CASES

There have been 111 in-school coronavirus outbreaks in New Jersey involving 557 students, teachers and staff since the school year began in late August, according to the state dashboard.

Those numbers do not include students or staff believed to have been infected outside school or cases that cant be confirmed as in-school outbreaks. Though the numbers keep rising every week, Murphy has said the school outbreak statistics remain below what state officials were expecting when schools reopened for in-person classes.

New Jersey defines school outbreaks as cases where contact tracers determined two or more students or school staff caught or transmitted COVID-19 in the classroom or during academic activities at school.

The number of New Jersey school districts with all-remote learning has increased as students return from winter break, Murphy said on Monday.

There are 339 districts that started 2021 remotely  an increase of 18 all-remote districts from Dec. 21. Only 77 school districts are returning with full in-person instruction (down from 82 on Dec. 21), and 348 are returning with a hybrid of in-person or remote instruction (down from 362).

Another 47 districts are using some combination of in-person, hybrid, or all-remote across multiple buildings  one more than Dec. 21.

AGE BREAKDOWN

Broken down by age, those 30 to 49 years old make up the largest percentage of New Jersey residents who have caught the virus (31.3%), followed by those 50-64 (23.8%), 18-29 (19.1%), 65-79 (11.2%), 80 and older (5.6%), 5-17 (7.2%), and 0-4 (1.5%).

On average, the virus has been more deadly for older residents, especially those with preexisting conditions. Nearly half the states COVID-19 deaths have been among residents 80 and older (47%), followed by those 65-79 (32.9%), 50-64 (15.7%), 30-49 (4%), 18-29 (0.4%), 5-17 (0%) and 0-4 (0%).

At least 7,583 of the states COVID-19 deaths have been among residents and staff members at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. That number has been rising again at a steeper rate in recent months, with deaths at the states nursing homes nearly tripling in December.

There are currently active outbreaks at 430 facilities, resulting in 6,441 active cases among residents and 6,826 among staffers.

GLOBAL NUMBERS

As of Saturday, there were more than 89 million positive COVID-19 tests across the globe, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 1.9 million people have died from coronavirus-related complications.

The U.S. has reported the most cases, at more than 21.8 million, and the most deaths, at more than 368,900.

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.
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.
JAKARTA, Indonesia - A jet carrying 62 people lost contact with air traffic controllers minutes after taking off from Indonesia's capital on a domestic flight on Saturday, and debris found by fishermen was being examined to see if it was from the missing plane, officials said.

This radar image shows the flight path of Indonesian Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 before it dropped off radar, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. (Flightradar24.com via AP)

JAKARTA, Indonesia - A jet carrying 62 people lost contact with air traffic controllers minutes after taking off from Indonesia's capital on a domestic flight on Saturday, and debris found by fishermen was being examined to see if it was from the missing plane, officials said.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said Sriwijaya Air's Flight SJ182 was delayed for an hour before it took off at 2:36 p.m. The Boeing 737-500 disappeared from radar four minutes later, after the pilot contacted air traffic control to ascend to an altitude of 29,000 feet (8,839 metres), he said.

The airline said in a statement that the plane was on an estimated 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesias Borneo island. The plane was carrying 50 passengers and 12 crew members, all Indonesian nationals, including six extra crew for another trip.

Sumadi said a dozen vessels, including four warships, were deployed in a search-and-rescue operation centred between Lancang island and Laki island, part of the Thousand Islands chain just north of Jakarta.

Bambang Suryo Aji, the National Search and Rescue Agencys deputy head of operations and preparedness, said rescuers collected plane debris and clothes that were found by fishermen. They handed the items over to the National Transportation Safety Committee for further investigation to determine whether they were from the missing plane.

Indonesian soldiers stand near a crisis center set up following a report that a Sriwijaya Air passenger jet has lost contact with air traffic controllers after take off, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. The Boeing 737-500 took off from Jakarta and lost contact with the control tower a few moments later. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

A commander of one of the search-and-rescue ships who goes by a single name, Eko, said that fishermen found cables and pieces of metal in the water.

The fishermen told us that they found them shortly after they heard an explosion like the sound of thunder, Eko was quoted by TVOne as saying, adding that aviation fuel was found in the location where the fishermen found the debris.

Aji said no radio beacon signal had been detected from the 26-year-old plane. He said his agency was investigating why the plane's emergency locator transmitter, or ELT, was not transmitting a signal that could confirm whether it had crashed.

The satellite system owned by neighbouring Australia also did not pick up on the ELT signal from the missing plane, Aji said.

Solihin, 22, a fisherman from Lancang Island, said he and two other fishermen heard an explosion around 30 metre from them.

We thought it was a bomb or a tsunami since after that we saw the big splash from the water after the explosion. It was raining heavily and the weather was so bad. So it is difficult to see around clearly. But we can see the splash and a big wave after the sounds. We were very shocked and directly saw the plane debris and the fuel around our boat, he said.

Relatives of passengers arrive at a crisis center set up following a report that a Sriwijaya Air passenger jet has lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly after take off, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia,Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. The Boeing 737-500 took off from Jakarta with 56 passengers and six crew members onboard, and lost contact with the control tower a few moments later. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Tracking service Flightradar24 said on its Twitter feed that Flight SJ182 lost more than 10,000 feet (3,048 metres) of altitude in less than a minute, about four minutes after takeoff.

Sriwijaya Air President Director Jefferson Irwin Jauwena said the plane was airworthy. He told reporters that the plane had previously flown to Pontianak and Pangkal Pinang city on the same day.

Maintenance report said everything went well and airworthy, Jauwena told a news conference. He said the plane was delayed due to bad weather, not because of any damage.

It was raining at Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta International Airport when the plane took off for Pontianak, around 740 kilometres (460 miles) away.

Television footage showed relatives and friends of people aboard the plane weeping, praying and hugging each other as they waited at airports in Jakarta and Pontianak.

Chicago-based Boeing said on its Twitter feed that it was aware of the incident. It said it was closely monitoring the situation and working to gather more information.

The twin-engine, single aisle Boeing 737 is one of the worlds most popular planes for short and medium-haul flights. The 737-500 is a shorter version of the widely used 737 model. Airlines began using this type of plane in the 1990s, with production ending two decades ago.

Federal Aviation Administration records indicate the plane that lost contact Saturday was first used by Continental Airlines in 1994. The registration switched briefly to United Airlines after the two merged, then it was sold to the Indonesian airline, which started using it in 2012.

Sriwijaya Air began operations in 2003 and flies to more than 50 destinations in Indonesia and a handful of nearby countries, according to its website. Its fleet includes a variety of 737 variants as well as the regional ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop plane.

The airline has had a solid safety record until now, with no onboard casualties in four incidents recorded on the Aviation Safety Network database, though a farmer was killed when a Boeing 737-200 left the runway in 2008 following a hydraulic problem.

Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelago nation, with more than 260 million people, has been plagued by transportation accidents on land, sea and air because of overcrowding on ferries, aging infrastructure and poorly enforced safety standards.

In October 2018, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet operated by Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea just minutes after taking off from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. The plane involved in Saturday's incident did not have the automated flight-control system that played a role in the Lion Air crash and another crash of a 737 MAX 8 jet in Ethiopia five months later, leading to the grounding of the MAX 8 for 20 months.

The Lion Air crash was Indonesia's worst airline disaster since 1997, when 234 people were killed on a Garuda airlines flight near Medan on Sumatra island. In December 2014, an AirAsia flight from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea, killing 162 people.

Indonesian airlines were previously banned from flying to the United States and European Union for not meeting international safety standards. Both have since lifted the ban, citing improvement in aviation safety and greater compliance with international standards.

AP journalist David Koenig in Dallas contributed to this report.

Outgoing US President Donald Trump has destroyed any moderate case for Trumpism in the final days of his presidency. If the Republican Party is to have any future, principled conservatives must repudiate the Trumpian assault on democracy.

Since entering the presidential primary race as a Republican candidate in 2016, Donald Trump has polarised the right. The harrumphing conservatives of the Grand Old Party, as the Republican Party is fondly referred to, were opposed to Trump from the outset.

In January 2016, before Trump was confirmed as GOP presidential candidate, arch-conservative journal National Review devoted an issue to its anti-Trump manifesto, editorialising that Trump is a philosophically unmoored political opportunist who would trash the broad conservative ideological consensus within the GOP in favour of a free-floating populism with strong-man overtones and warned that Donald Trump is a menace to American conservatism who would take the work of generations and trample it underfoot on behalf of a populism as heedless and crude as the Donald himself. That editorial has aged remarkably well.

Traditional conservatives were wary of Donald Trump from the outset of his quest for the presidency. Credit:EPA

Trump won the Republican primaries and then the presidency without the support of many traditional conservatives by harnessing and nurturing a cultural movement that defined itself in contrast to the traditional right.
Nigerias foremost investigative news platform, PREMIUM TIMES, has announced new appointments in its newsroom.

The papers Editor-in-chief, Musikilu Mojeed, said the appointments were made as part of the regular review and revamp of structures paramount to the organisations goal of becoming one of the most successful and respected news organizations in the world.

In an internal memo to staff members on Friday, Mr Mojeed announced the creation of two new desks and the redeployment of some staff.

He announced the creation of the National News Desk, which succeeds the Politics Desk and will coordinate political, education and security/law enforcement coverages.

The desk will be led by Festus Owete, a veteran journalist and the long-standing head of the organisations newsroom. Mr Owete, as General Editor, has effectively coordinated the papers political coverages and mentored its young reporters for years.

Another new desk, Human Rights, Judiciary & Anti-Corruption Desk, has been created. The desk will be headed by Ade Adesomoju, a veteran judiciary reporter who recently joined the organisation from PUNCH newspapers.

As we all possibly know, one of the key missions of Premium Times is to defend the rights of our people and expose the widespread corruption in our country. We are hopeful that this Desk will help deepen our coverages of these important matters, Mr Mojeed stated.

He expressed confidence that Mr Adesomoju, a microbiology graduate from the Obafemi Awolowo University, will deploy his wealth of experience to deliver huge reportorial and editing values to the organisation.

On reassignments, Ini Ekott, deputy managing editor, has been given additional responsibility as Head of the Business/Economy Desk.

While on this role, he will remain the defacto deputy to the managing editor.

Effective business/economy coverage is central to our reportorial mission as well as to our survival as a business, Mr Mojeed said. Besides, the time has come for PREMIUM TIMES to take its rightful place as the most authoritative platform for business news, delivering in-depth news and analyses and investigation. With a recent MBA from the University of the People and a certificate from the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Financial Training Programme, we believe no one is better prepared than Mr Ekott to lead this charge at this time.

A graduate of Physics/Electronics from the University of Port Harcourt, Mr Ekott, who has been with PREMIUM TIMES from inception in 2011, succeeds Bassey Udo, who left the organization in December to pursue other interests.

Also redeployed is Bisi Abidoye, an assistant managing editor (AME) and former head of the Standards Desk. He is now the AME in charge of Mentorship, In-depth Coverages and Special Projects.

Mr Abidoye is an excellent writer and analyst and perhaps the most experienced journalist on our team. In his new role, he is expected to help implement an enduring mentorship programme while also helping to improve our special reports and investigations, Mr Mojeed said.

Tosin Omoniyi, a senior assistant editor, will replace Mr Abidoye as the new head of the Standards Desk.

Mr Omoniyi, a literary enthusiast, is an excellent writer and editor in his own right, Mr Mojeed said. One of our missions this year is to make PREMIUM TIMES completely error-free, and we are confident that Mr Omoniyi has the wherewithal to deliver on this mandate. He is expected to lead his team to eradicate all factual and grammatical errors from our copies.

Ben Ezeamalu, an assistant managing editor, has now become Head of Lagos/South-West Operations. Mr Ezeamalu, multiple award-winning journalist and one of PREMIUM TIMES most gifted storytellers, was the papers Lagos Bureau Chief. He will now lead the papers operations in the entire South-West zone.

Also elevated is Cletus Ukpong, assistant managing editor, who was assistant editor for the South-South region.

ADVERTISEMENT

He was named Regional Editor, South, and will now coordinate the papers operations in the South-South and South-East zones.

Mr Mojeed praised Mr Ukpong for helping to grow PREMIUM TIMES coverage in the South-South geopolitical zone.

We have come to know Mr Ukpong as a talented, committed and thoroughbred professional who does not consider journalism just as a means to a meal ticket, Mr Mojeed said. His passion for journalism is simply out of this world and we are now pleased to expand his responsibility to cover the South-East region as well.

Mr Ukpong is expected to take all necessary measures within six months to firmly plant PREMIUM TIMES as a leading news platform in the South-East just as he did in the South-South.

While assuring staff members that more hiring and deployment will follow, Mr Mojeed encouraged staff members to keep working as a team to attain the goal of raising PREMIUM TIMES to the highest level of excellence.

Founded in 2011, PREMIUM TIMES has grown to become one of the most respected and reliable news media in Africa, harvesting a basket of awards and recognitions along the way.

In addition to a Pulitzer (which it shares with ICIJ colleagues who worked on the Panama Papers), the Global Shining Light Award, and the One World Award; the newspapers journalists have also carted home other numerous local, national, and international awards in the platforms less-than-a-decade of operation.
Other than the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 of the Rubicon 392 , the Jeep Wrangler is struggling to come as exciting over the hype train known as the all-new Ford Bronco. Given these circumstances, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles plans to emulate a few things from the competition and beyond it.
Its been four weeks since New Jersey administered its first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

While state officials have expressed disappointment that weve received fewer doses than initially expected, overall, they said they think the effort is going well.

Gov. Phil Murphy said Friday that the state could administer more doses if the federal government would send more.

We dont have the supply from the feds that we need, theres no doubt about that, Murphy said at the opening of the states first vaccination mega-site. Within the context of a large supply-demand imbalance, I like everything were doing inside of the state to get prepared and things like today but they dont have the doses they ultimately could use at full capacity.

Federal distribution could change after President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated. He said on Friday that he would release all vaccine doses rather than hold back half of the supply to make sure second doses are available in a reversal of current policy, CNN reported Friday.

As of Friday, the state has received 572,250 doses and it has administered 156,021 first doses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And earlier this week, the state started to administer second doses to frontline healthcare workers who already received their first dose.

Murphy said that while the data makes it look like there are vaccines sitting on the shelf, thats incorrect. Part of the problem, he said, is there are lags in reporting in some cases. In other cases, he said, vaccines are earmarked for administration but it just hasnt happened yet.

For instance, CVS and Walgreens are dealing with long-term care facilities that theyre going to be going through in January and February, so it looks like (vaccines) are not being used but theres a plan explicitly for them to get that out, he said. CVS, Walgreens, know what theyre going to do over the next four to eight weeks. It may look like theyre sitting on a shelf but in fact they are dedicated to a particular game plan thats been laid out.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Not everyone is as confident as the governor.

So far the vaccination effort is going far too slowly, said Stephanie Navarro Silvera, a public health professor at Montclair State University.

Citing the CDC vaccination numbers, she said less than 2% of New Jerseys population has been vaccinated.

Part of the reason the numbers are so low is because there are a finite number of people included in Phase 1a, said Dr. Perry Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health.

The vaccine became available very quickly, very suddenly, and while states had given some thought to the actual rollout, they didnt have a chance to beta test and try out those plans, said Dr. Perry Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health. We are rolling it out and learning at the same time.

I believe deeply that the vaccine was rolled out at a particularly bad time of year when people were engaged with holidays and their families and put the vaccine on the back burner, he said.

Navarro Silvera agreed that some of the delays could have been because of the recent holidays, but, she said, there is still too much hesitancy about taking the vaccine.

We know that misinformation and disinformation has been a significant barrier during this pandemic and the vaccine is not, no pun intended, immune to the infodemic, Navarro Silvera said. We need a strong, well-planned public health education campaign to push back on misinformation that could erode confidence in vaccination.

EXPANDED VACCINATION SITES

As of Friday, the state had more than 100 vaccination sites, including two of six new mega-sites that opened on Friday.

There are currently locations in 20 of New Jerseys 21 counties, with Salem being the only county without a vaccine location.

Gov. Phil Murphy watches as a shot is administered at one of two COVID-19 vaccine mega-sites at the Rockaway Town Square mall that opened Friday in New Jersey.

Even with expanding locations, Navarro Silvera said shes concerned about access for underserved communities.

She said shed like to see expanded vaccine administration hours to ensure that those who do not have access to paid leave and who cannot afford to take time off to be vaccinated wont face any barriers to vaccination. This will include a large proportion of our non-healthcare essential workers who are employed in lower-wage, hourly positions, which simultaneously puts them at greater risk for contracting and, due to the social determinants of health, dying from COVID-19, she said.

She said the state needs to consider factors such as the location of vaccine programs, the times that the vaccine is offered, and be sure to make it clear to those without insurance that they can be vaccinated for free.

Halkitis said there need to be strategies in place to bring the vaccine to people.

Just like the pharmacies are bringing vaccines to the nursing homes, weve got to bring it to people, he said.

He said hed love to see the state host large health fairs where people could not only get the vaccine, but could also check their blood pressure or speak to a nutritionist.

We tend to forget that people have fears and anxiety about health issues and its often an impediment to seeking out care, Halkitis said. We should do what we can do to make it more friendly.

Halkitis said while politicians and doctors have taken the vaccine in public, many people trust entertainers more than politicians and doctors. So, he said, the state should have more role models publicizing the vaccine.

A Beyonce. We need the Elvis Presley Im getting my polio vaccine approach because thats whats going to normalize it for people, he said. Maybe if a Kardashian did it?

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR THE VACCINE

The state is trying to streamline the vaccination sign-up process with a new pre-registration tool.

When you visit the site, it will ask for your personal and insurance information, the type of work you do and if you have any of 19 medical conditions that would put you at higher risk if you contracted the virus.

As more vaccine doses become available, users will receive a follow-up email when they are eligible for a vaccine. They will be directed to a link that will give drop down menus where users can choose from vaccination sites and set up an appointment, the state said.

New Jersey has opened its website to register for the coronavirus vaccine.

When the site first went live, there were slowdowns and glitches because of huge volume. The state then asked for only health care workers to sign up at this time, even though the site remains open for anyone.

After some users said the system put them in the wrong phase for the vaccination or that some of the information recorded for them was incorrect, the state added a feedback form where people could report any issues.

Navarro Silvera said the state could do a better job in getting the word out about the registration system.

We need clearer messaging about how to pre-register for the vaccine and trained public health professionals to help those who are less skilled at navigating online registration systems, she said. As with everything with this pandemic, clear public health communication will be key and ensuring that the most vulnerable among us are not shut out of the vaccination program will be one of the biggest obstacles that we must commit to overcoming.

EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY

Before this week, only health care workers, nursing home residents and staff, part of Phase 1a, were able to get the vaccine.

But on Thursday, vaccines were opened up to sworn law enforcement officers and fire personnel, the first group of people in Phase 1b to get the shots.

The 1b group also includes other first responders, food service workers, educators, support staff and daycare workers, public transit workers and workers who support radio, print, internet and television news and media services, according to the states updated 188-page vaccination plan released in December. Other critical and essential workers are also included in 1b, the plan said, along with adults ages 75 and older.

The following phase, 1c, will include people between the ages of 16 and 64 with high-risk conditions and other adults aged 65 to 75, according to the state plan. It would also include people living or working in congregate or overcrowded settings such as colleges and universities, migrant workers and tribal populations, who were listed by an earlier version of the plan as in the 1b category, the plan said.

After those groups, other members of the public will be eligible to get their doses. Thats expected to be in April or May.

When asked on Friday whether New Jersey will meet its goal of vaccinating 70% of the population, or 4.7 million people, by the end of May, Gov. Murphy sidestepped the question.

This is going to take some time, he said.

NJ Advance Media reporters Matt Arco contributed to this report.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com.
Lionsgate Play, the leading streaming platform with premium Hollywood content launches their campaign Play More Browse Less in India with a quirky digital film featuring the very talented Tiger Shroff and Ananya Panday. The digital film is developed on the insight that millennials spend too much time today trying to find what to watch and the app with their curated edgy line up looks forward to solving this problem. The integrated campaign will be extended across impact properties on digital and social media.

The film showcases Tiger Shroff pranking Ananya Panday by drawing a moustache on her face while she is sleeping. Seeing herself on a video camera she gets annoyed and tells Tiger to utilize his time better. Tiger says Teri tarah browse karne mein time waste nahi karta, Lionsgate Play app hai mere paas hinting to the audience to gear-up for an extraordinary OTT app launch which promises gripping content.

Mr. Rohit Jain, Managing Director Lionsgate South Asia and Networks - Emerging Markets Asia commented Our app launch has received a phenomenal response from Indian viewers. We have been offering curated content from all across the globe to our viewers. We extensively emphasize on edgy content that is easily accessible on our savvy interface. Today the consumer has a plethora of choices but is always struggling as to what to watch next. We have launched our brand campaign basis this insight and bring a promise to our consumer to Play More Browse Less. We are very excited to rope in , Tiger Shroff and Ananya Panday and feel they are the right talent to introduce Indian audiences to shows like Normal People, Manhunt: Deadly games, Romulus and No Mans Land to name a few. The campaign will be amplified across social and high impact digital platforms. We are positive that the film will be well received by the people,

Tiger Shroff: I am really excited to partner with Lionsgate Play, have loved some of the global movies and shows they have made. Very happy to be a part of their India chapter.

Ananya Panday: Normal People is one of the shows that I have been waiting for a while and I am really excited its finally on Lionsgate Play in India. I am really happy to share some of my favorite shows and movies from my watchlist on Lionsgate Play. Really excited to partner with Lionsgate Play.
Posted Friday, January 8, 2021 4:48 pm

A 43-year-old Rochester man is in custody on assault and animal cruelty charges for allegedly sexually assaulting both his 72-year-old mother and their German shepherd.

The Thurston County Sheriffs Office responded to a 911 call at 7:42 p.m. on Wednesday from a neighbor in the 11700 block of Langworthy Road SW who said the mans mother fled to their house after reporting that her son had attempted to sexually assault her.

Deputies reported finding the man at his home in the act of attempting to rape the dog when they responded to the address.

He was medically cleared at Providence Centralia Hospital and then booked into the Thurston County Jail on charges of unlawful imprisonment, fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation, first-degree animal cruelty and third-degree malicious mischief.

There are three worrying consequences in all this. First, it makes peaceful transitions of power more difficult by bolstering the notion that strongmen love to support  that alternating leaders equals pandemonium. The promotion of stability has already helped Putin to justify constitutional changes allowing him to stand again in 2024, when his current term expires. He argues that Russia has little time for the jostling among potential successors. China removed term limits on its presidency in 2018. In both places, an increasingly popular response to silence criticism of anything from governance to the spread of COVID-19 has become: Its worse over there.
WASHINGTON  House Democrats plan to introduce an article of impeachment as early as Monday alleging the president should be removed from office days after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in a deadly riot.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., gave the green light to beginning the impeachment process after an "hourslong conversation ... unlike any other'' with her caucus.

It is the hope of Members that the President will immediately resign. But if he does not, I have instructed the Rules Committee to be prepared to move forward with ... a motion for impeachment," she said in a statement issued by her office Friday evening.

House leaders are still discussing how best to proceed against Donald Trump, who would be the first president to be impeached twice. In December 2019, the House impeached him on charges based on his efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate the son of Joe Biden, his rival in the presidential race.

Riots at the nation's capitol have sparked protests across the U.S.

Democrats could introduce their impeachment article as soon as Monday, according to a person familiar with the effort. Monday is the next time the House is scheduled to meet in pro forma session, at 11 a.m.

Friday, lawmakers, including Reps. David Cicilline, D-R.I., and Ted Lieu, D-Calif., circulated a four-page article of impeachment alleging "incitement of insurrection" and labeling Trump "a threat to national security, democracy, and the Constitution."

'This is our house, and we're gonna protect it: Lawmakers prepared to fight or be killed as Trump mob attacked Capitol

The article accuses Trump of engaging in "High Crimes and Misdemeanors by willfully inciting violence against the Government of the United States." It alleges he egged on thousands of supporters during a rally near the White House Wednesday to march to the Capitol in support of lawmakers trying to stop the count of Electoral College votes recognizing Biden as the winner of the election Nov. 3.

Story continues

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., sponsored a similar article of impeachment.

For weeks, Trump has tried to cast the election that Biden won decisively as fraught with widespread fraud  and therefor illegitimate. Election officials in several states and dozens of court decisions found no evidence to back his claims.

The president and his allies saw Wednesday's ceremonial count in Congress of the Electoral College tally as their last chance to stop Biden's ascension.

President Donald Trump encourages protesters to "walk down to the Capitol" where lawmakers were set to confirm Joe Biden as president Jan. 6 before the rally became violent.

"We're going to walk down, and I'll be there with you. ... We're going to walk down to the Capitol, and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, and we're probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them," he told the crowd. "Because you'll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong."

Shortly after, throngs of protesters forcibly entered the Capitol building, ransacking offices, vandalizing rooms and forcing lawmakers to scurry for safety. Five people died as a result, including a protester who was shot by police and a Capitol Police officer who died from injuries inflicted by the mob. Trump never joined them in the march.

"President Trump gravely endangered the security of the United States and its institutions of government," the House impeachment article reads. "He threatened the integrity of the democratic system, interfered with the peaceful transition of power, and imperiled a coordinate branch of government. He thereby betrayed his trust as President, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States."

More: Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick who died after pro-Trump riot was veteran and war critic

If the article is introduced Monday, the House could approve it as soon as midweek. It would head to the Senate for a trial, where it would take at least two-thirds of the members voting for conviction for Trump to be removed from office.

White House spokesman Judd Deere slammed the move Friday.

"As President Trump said yesterday, this is a time for healing and unity as one nation," he said. "A politically motivated impeachment against a president, who has done a great job, with 12 days remaining in his term will only serve to further divide our great country."

The two top Democrats in Congress, Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, called on Vice President Mike Pence to use the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. Pelosi said that if Pence or the Cabinet didn't act to remove Trump, Congress would consider impeachment.

"Nearly fifty years ago, after years of enabling their rogue President, Republicans in Congress finally told President Nixon that it was time to go," Pelosi wrote in a "Dear colleague" letter issued Friday. "Today, following the Presidents dangerous and seditious acts, Republicans in Congress need to follow that example and call on Trump to depart his office  immediately. If the President does not leave office imminently and willingly, the Congress will proceed with our action."

After President Trump urged his supporters to go to the Capitol, rioters stormed the building.

Biden said Friday it's "a decision for Congress to make" whether to impeach Trump before his term ends Jan. 20.

Ive thought for a long, long time that President Trump wasnt fit to hold the job. Thats why I ran, Biden said. What the Congress decides to do is for them to decide.

Impeachment or use of the 25th Amendment has garnered little Republican support  only one House Republican, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., openly called for Trump's removal.

Republicans and Democrats shared firsthand accounts of pro-Trump supporters storming the Capitol.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., sometimes a Trump critic, said Friday on "CBS This Morning" that if the House advanced impeachment articles, "I will definitely consider whatever articles they might move" because he believed Trump disregarded his oath of office

Democrats first impeached Trump in December 2019, alleging he abused his powers to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to open politically motivated investigations into Biden's son Hunter. The Republican-controlled Senate voted to acquit Trump on both articles of impeachment in February 2020.

Contributing: Bart Jansen, Michael Collins

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump impeachment: Democrats' process to impeach Trump starts Monday

The Anti-Terror Squad of Uttar Pradesh police has arrested two persons, an ex-serviceman and a Godhra-based woman, for allegedly spying for Pakistan and sharing the Armys sensitive information with the intelligence agency of the neighbouring country.

The ATS made the arrest acting on a tip-off that an ex-serviceman, identified as Saurabh Sharma of Bahuni village under Bahadurgarh police station in Hapur district, was passing on Armys secret information to Pakistan Inter-Service Intelligence, an ATS release said on Friday.

A case in this connection has been lodged against the duo, the release added.

Following his arrest, Sharma was interrogated at the ATS headquarters here and he admitted that he had been passing on information for money to a Pakistani woman from time to time, the release said, adding he used to get money in his account for it.

On Sharma's information, an ATS team also arrested the woman, identified as Anas Gitauli, a resident of Panchmahal of Godhra in Gujarat. Anas, whose elder brother Imran Gitauli was arrested last year on September 14 for allegedly working for Pakistans ISI, also used to send money to Sharma, the release said.

The police will produce Saurabh Sharma in the court to secure his police custody and the second accused would be brought here from Godhra on transit remand, the ATS added.
After a volunteer for Covaxin trials in Bhopal was reported dead, manufacturer Bharat Biotech has clarified that the subject met all the inclusion and exclusion criteria required to be accepted as a participant in the Phase III trial. The company further added that the participant was reported to be healthy in all the site follow up calls post seven days of his dosing.

In a statement, Bharat Biotech revealed that one of the participants for Phase III trials passed away on December 21, 2020, and the death was reported to the People's College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre by the son of the deceased.

"The volunteer, at the time of enrolment, had fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria to be accepted as a participant in the Phase III trial and was reported to be healthy in all the site follow up calls post seven days of his dosing and no adverse event's were observed or reported," ANI quoted Bharat Biotech as saying.

"As per the post-mortem report issued by the Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal that the site received from the Bhopal Police, the probable cause of death was due to cardiorespiratory failure as a result of suspected poisoning and the case is under police investigation as well," the statement further read.

The volunteer passed away nine days after receiving the trial dose, ANI reported, adding that it could not be determined when he received the study vaccine or placebo as the trial is blinded.

In accordance with the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, (NDCT rules 2019) the serious adverse event was reported by the site team to the Institutional Ethics Committee under Central Drugs Control Standards Organisation (CDSCO) and the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) in accordance with all the required guidelines, Bharat Biotech stated.

"There are several factors that can cause an adverse event during a clinical trial, including the patient's underlying disease, other pre-existing conditions or any other unrelated occurrence like an accident. The NDCT rules mandate that all adverse events (AE) and serious adverse events (SAE) be reported, whether related to the trial medication or not," Bharat Biotech stated.

The pharmaceutical company said the SAE has been thoroughly investigated and has been found not related to vaccine or placebo. We are also continuing to cooperate with the investigation requirements from the Madhya Pradesh Police in Bhopal, the company added.

"Our sympathies are with the family of the deceased. However, we would like to reiterate that we conduct our clinical trials in compliance with the study protocol, Good Clinical Practices (GCP) Guidelines as well as with all applicable statutory provisions and the focus at all times is on patient safety," Bharat Biotech stated.

"It is this intent on compliance, quality and ethics, that we have enlisted the services of an international contract research organisation to conduct our phase III clinical trials," Bharat Biotech added.

(With agency inputs)

ALSO READ: COVID-19 vaccination drive in India to begin on January 16

ALSO READ: BT Buzz: How COVID vaccine development was shrunk from 10 years to just 1
Health & Wellness

By Ls Cohen Published: January 09 2021

The point of distribution for Coronavirus vaccines opened this week.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran toured the Countys first vaccination center at Nassau Community College and shared pictures on Facebook.

We are ready, set, go with Nassau Countys first vaccination center at Nassau Community College, she wrote.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran (right) at the POD. Photo: Nassau County Executive Laura Curran Facebook page.

Curran announced the opening of the point of distribution (or POD) for Coronavirus vaccines this week. An appointment is needed to get the vaccine, which can be made through a special Nassau County website page. Vaccines will be given free of charge.

The POD will offer vaccines 7-days-a-week to eligible individuals.



Photo: Nassau County Executive Laura Curran Facebook page.
The proposed Arklow to Shillelagh greenway route will pass near to Tomnafinnoge Woods, an area of special conservation, just outside of Tinahely village

A planning application for the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway could be submitted to An Bord Pleanala in the coming months.

Members of the Baltinglass Municipal District received an update on the project during their December meeting, which took place using the Zoom platform.

Margaret Hartnett, Senior Executive Engineer with the Roads section of Wicklow County Council, told councillors that the project had received support from the local community and was expected to provide economic benefits for the area.

The development would create a shared cycleway and footpath for pedestrians along a 37km route from Shillelagh through south Wicklow to Arklow train station. The idea was that tourists could start the greenway at Arklow, travel to Shillelagh, stay locally, then travel back to Arklow.

The council was hoping to use sections of the old railway between Woodenbridge and Shillelagh for parts of the greenway as it offers a flat, ready-made route. Some historical buildings associated with the old railway line are still in place in Shillelagh, Aughrim and Woodenbridge and Ms Hartnett argued these would offer a huge advantage to the project as examples of built heritage. A number of bridges are also still in place though some are not in good condition. The council proposed to maintain the bridges due to their heritage and to build eight new bridges, some over existing structures.

As the old railway line did not run past Tinahely, links would be put in place to encourage people to visit the village. Ms Hartnett confirmed that a preferred route for the link had been identified and the land owner contacted. The land owner was broadly in favour of the project, but had asked that the proposed route had less of an impact on their land.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) was nearly ready for submission to An Bord Pleanala. The report was required as the route passed near Tomnafinnogue Woods, an area of special conservation, and due to the discovery of freshwater mussels.

Documents had also been sent to legal section to review. While landowners were very supportive of the project, the council wanted to consider how best to secure land access into the future as the greenway represented a huge investment by the local authority.

The planning process and land access investigations were expected to be completed by late 2021, depending on whether or not an oral hearing was required by An Bord Pleanala. An application for funding would be submitted in autumn 2021 as it was expected another round of greenway funding would be announced at this stage. The construction could start in early 2022, with a timeframe of 18 to 24 months to complete the works.

Ms Hartnett confirmed the council had written to the 50 landowners involved to update them about the project and would contact them again before any documents are lodged.

Cllr Vincent Blake (FG) welcomed the update on the project. He said he was not aware of the presence of freshwater mussels and asked for more information. He urged the local authority to consult with landowners at every stage, saying 'it's important to have as much consultation as possible'.

Cllr Blake noted the project would bring huge tourism benefits to the south Wicklow area and spoke of the value of links to villages along the route.

Cllr John Mullen (FF) said it was a 'huge achievement' to get the greenway project to this stage. He pointed out as a member of the greenway taskforce, he was aware of extensive consultation with landowners, but asked for more details about the process.

Cllr Mullen said the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway was a complex project as it involved two municipal districts and many villages and towns.

Other councillors also offered their support for the project.

In response to the councillors' questions, Ms Hartnett said freshwater mussels had been discovered in the Aughrim River near Tinahely. She said landowners had been very supportive of the project over the last five years and many had given the project team permission to walk their lands. While a few landowners were not in favour of the scheme or having it on their property, this represented a minority of the landowners.

Ms Hartnett outlined that there had been meetings and regular contact with landowners during the project. A representative from each village sat on the taskforce and they had also engaged with landowners on behalf of the greenway team.

She told councillors the legal section would provide advice about how to secure land access. This would protect the council's investment in the project and ensure access for future generations to the greenway.
Border troops detained 31,460 people who tried to illegally enter the country last year as the government stepped up efforts, including border closures, to combat Covid-19.

They included 25,000 people entering from China and the rest were from Laos and Cambodia, Major General Nguyen Xuan Kien, director of the Department of Military Medicine, said at a meeting held on Friday to review the Covid-19 fight.

Vietnam has a land border of more than 5,000 km, 117 border gates and 88 crossings with China, Laos and Cambodia.

It closed its borders in March last year and stopped the entry of foreign nationals except those with diplomatic or official passports or are high-skilled workers.

But a large number of people were found illegally entering the country through unmanned paths and trails, exposing the country to higher risks of community transmission, Kien said.

Border guards also investigated 153 individuals for "organizing illegal exit from and entry into Vietnam."

Deputy Minister of National Defense Lieutenant General Tran Don ordered the military to bolster troop numbers along borders to prevent illegal entrants since a large of number of Vietnamese working in neighboring countries like Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and China would seek to return home for the Lunar New Year, or Tet, in mid-February.

Since entry through main border gates is now limited, many would try to enter illegally, he added.

The pandemic situation is worsening in many Southeast Asian countries while Vietnam has successfully contained outbreaks, and so many Vietnamese seek to return home.

More than 7,000 soldiers are stationed at 1,600 checkpoints along the borders with China, Laos and Cambodia.

After nine Vietnamese illegally entered the country from Myanmar via Cambodia last month and then four tested positive for the coronavirus, control has been tightened at border gates and paths and trails.

More risks, more pressure

Major General Nguyen Xuan Doi said Military Region 9, which he commands, manages a land border of over 208 km around the Mekong Delta area and a maritime border of 740 km, and the task of keeping out illegal entrants is hard.

Since Vietnamese in neighboring countries would return home in the coming weeks for Tet, Military Region 9 has set up 229 patrol and control teams, he said.

Major General Nguyen Quoc Duyet, commander of the Hanoi High Command, said the government should quarantine people coming through the capitals Noi Bai Airport in other localities from now until the end of February to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 for the capital.

The government has banned all flights from countries and territories like the U.K. and South Africa that have reported mutations of the new coronavirus.

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health and Transport have been instructed to draw up the full list of countries and territories with the mutated virus.

Since international flights were suspended in late March, the government has organized around 260 repatriation flights to bring Vietnamese back from 59 countries and territories.

Special flights carrying foreign experts and investors have also been allowed to fly into Vietnam.
Its only been little over a week since the transition period ended but Irish shoppers are now really beginning to feel the effects of Brexit.

There are empty shelves in Marks & Spencer, courier companies are pausing deliveries from the United Kingdom and online customers are facing VAT and customs charges.

More than half of Irish consumers buy from UK websites so here is a guide to everything you need to know  including important terms to look out for, which retailers at which you wont face added charges and how long you might be waiting for that dress you ordered this week.

What retailers will add on extra charges?

Clothing giants H&M and online retailer Asos confirmed customers wont face any extra charges. A spokesperson for H&M told the Irish Independent that it moved its distribution from the UK to the Netherlands which means that products sold in Ireland wont be charged with additional duty due to Brexit.

Read More

The company said it was focusing on securing new processes to minimise any negative impact on our supply chain so that we can continue serving our store and online customers in Ireland.

Online retailer Asos has adopted a similar approach. Customers will not have to pay any new customs duties or import taxes as it will ship items from an EU-based warehouse.

While a spokesperson for M&S also confirmed: All duty and customs clearance fees for online deliveries are being covered by M&S. Our customers will face no additional charges.

Is it cheaper to order from Amazons EU-based websites?

Irish shoppers may have noticed how Amazon.co.uk is now charging an import fees deposit on some products. This is a combination of Irish VAT and customs duties. Despite a tariff-free Brexit trade agreement, some goods manufactured outside Britain may still be liable for customs duty and other charges.

For example, the new Echo Dot smart speaker costs 36.87 and a 9.14 import fees deposit applies at checkout. The exchange rate fee is 98c, bringing the total cost to 47 if you select the free delivery option.

The same product on Amazons Dutch and German websites costs 60 before delivery. It costs 50 on Amazons Spanish site, so it doesnt necessarily work out any cheaper to shop on the EU sites.

Some people are being contacted by courier companies for additional charges after ordering online  why is this?

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune yesterday urged consumers to look at the small print when buying from the UK.

Shoppers have been emailed by some courier companies looking for payment of an import charge before releasing items ordered from stores in England. Customers should look out online for a term that outlines who is responsible for paying for and managing the shipment, insurance, documentation and customs clearance.

The term Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) means customers will pay any VAT or duty at checkout. While the term Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) means the receiver is liable for any VAT, duty or administration charges. They must pay these charges before goods can be delivered.

Will it take longer for items to be delivered?

Yes, for now at least. Britains divorce from the EU has led to increased red tape with which retailers are struggling to get to grips.

Hauliers say deliveries are being delayed due to incorrect paperwork. Congestion at UK ports is also delaying turnaround and transit times.

Parcel company DPD confirmed it is pausing road deliveries into Ireland until Wednesday as a result.

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement resulted in more complex processes, and additional customs data requirements for parcels destined for Europe, a DPD spokesperson said.

We are seeing up to 20pc of parcels with incorrect or incomplete data attached, resulting in these parcels needing to be returned. We believe that it is only right to pause and review our road service into Europe, including the Republic of Ireland.

However, An Post confirmed it was trading fully and smoothly with almost all of the UK online retailers for whom it delivers.

While some delays should be expected due to UK retailers bedding in their new data requirements prior to shipping, the majority of items dispatched through the An Post digital systems are released for immediate delivery on arrival into Ireland, a spokesperson said.

Customers who ordered products from fashion retailers Next and Silkfred have reported experiencing delays.

How are my consumer rights affected?

Irish customers buying from a UK-based business will no longer be covered by EU consumer protection legislation.

Doireann Sweeney, head of corporate and stakeholder communications with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, explained: As an Irish consumer, EU consumer protection law gives you the right to change your mind after you receive your goods, as well as other strong protections when buying online.

Although currently these rights are also reflected in UK consumer protection law, you may find it difficult to enforce these rights should issues arise with UK retailers in the future.

What additional charges will I face?

Your purchases on UK websites will be subject to Irish VAT if they cost more than 22.

This is likely to be charged at the point of purchase.

If customers are charged UK VAT, they should seek a refund from the supplier.

Only goods of proven UK origin are tariff-free, while products that arent and cost more than 150 may be subject to customs duty.

Can I use a virtual address to avoid these complications?

An Post is still running its UK virtual address service, known as AddressPal, but this will be subject to a new 3.50 charge due to added handling and administration caused by Brexit.

DPD suspended its virtual Parcel Wizard service on January 1 because it was no longer viable to offer this service post-Brexit, while Parcel Motel closed its service on December 28.

Are there any UK websites from which Irish customers can no longer order?

From browsing online, some companies will now redirect Irish customers from their UK websites to their sister European or American sites.

ShopDisneyUK now redirects customers to ShopDisneyEU. Hugo Boss also asks Irish customers to use its .com site instead of its .uk site.

The fashion brand said deliveries to Northern Ireland would be unavailable until February 7 due to system upgrades.

Debenhams has now closed its Irish website, citing Brexit as the reason.

The company said it was no longer possible to deliver orders to the Republic of Ireland due to uncertainty around post-Brexit rules.

Design furniture site

Made.com has halted deliveries to Ireland because, it says, there is still no clarity around what additional forms, declarations, time scales, processes, etc, are now needed in order to deliver from the UK to any part of Ireland.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  Hundreds of thousands of devotees swarmed the Quiapo area in hopes of attending mass celebrations in honor of the Black Nazarene amid the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

The number of faithful in Quiapo for the Feast of the Black Nazarene has grown to a cumulative 400,000 as of 9:30 a.m., according to an estimate by Manila Police chief Leo Francisco. Francisco has not yet updated the figure, but added it may reach half a million by midnight.

As of 10:15 p.m., during the last mass of the day, the police estimated 7,800 devotees left in the Quiapo area. The "grand total" number of devotees that flocked to the place from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. of Saturday is 260,527.

Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso clarified that the 400,000 count given this morning included the devotees that visited on Friday.

This comes after the mayor disputed the huge estimate by going on Facebook and broadcasting live footage of the city, showing devotees lined up and observing physical distancing.

"Nasaan ang 400,000? [Where is the 400,000?]," he asked. However, his broadcast came after 4 p.m. when the crowds have already thinned.

Preventing a super spreader

PBGEN Francisco assured that police and Manila officials are doing their best to ensure that health protocols are observed amid warnings that the Black Nazarene festivities may become a COVID-19 super spreader event.

Red Cross Service Manager Von Ryan Ong identified eskinitas or narrow streets in Quiapo as the areas to monitor for possible transmission. Police have already been deployed there, Francisco said.

Around 600 police officers and members of the group Hijos del Nazareno (Sons of the Black Nazarene) were earlier managing the crowd. Hijos del Nazareno is a group of people tasked to protect the "andas", the carriage bearing the image of the Black Nazarene during Traslacion. No untoward incidents have been reported so far, Manila police said.

As for injuries, the Red Cross said there were only minor cases such as sprains and wounds and most of the patients only sought blood pressure checks. Volunteers treated about 120 patients so far, which is a significant dip from last year's figure of 1,600 hurt devotees, Ong said. He added that the Red Cross will continue to provide their services in the Quiapo area possibly until all devotees have gone home and they will then return the next day.

The Department of Health advised that as a precaution, those who have attended the physical masses should minimize their interactions, especially with the vulnerable members of their household, and conduct active self-monitoring for any symptoms.

Quiapo Church earlier asked devotees to proceed to other churches with replicas of the Black Nazarene statue. These were San Sebastian Church, Sta. Cruz Parish, and Nazarene Catholic School. Around 130 people are allowed to attend mass celebrations in San Sebastian Church, where Dungaw was traditionally held. The Dungaw tradition, which is part of the Black Nazarene festivities, depicts the moment Mary witnessed Jesus when he was carrying the cross.

Moreno and health officials had also appealed to devotees to attend online masses and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

READ: Equal blessings for devotees at home and physically present in Black Nazarene feast  Quiapo Church official

Nakakadurog ng puso

Parochial vicar Fr. Douglas Badong sympathized with the faithful who couldn't enter the Quiapo Church amid capacity limits on religious gatherings due to COVID-19 concerns.

Nakakadurog lang kasi ng puso na gusto niyong pumasok, hindi naman kayo mapapasok. Kasi siyempre kailangan nating sundin (ang protocols), the Quiapo Church official said Saturday in a homily.

[Translation: It is heartbreaking because even if we want to let you in, you cannot come in because we need to follow the protocols.]

The Black Nazarene feast is traditionally celebrated with a grand procession called Traslacion, where millions of devotees would jostle their way to touch the carriage carrying the venerated statue as they believe doing so could bring healing, answer prayers, or lead to miracles.

Jon Jon Dionisio, one of the Hijos del Nazarenos assisting in crowd control, said he became a devotee after an answered prayer from the Black Nazarene.

Noong nagkasakit po 'yung asawa ko, pinalangin ko sa Poong Nazareno na kapag gumaling po 'yung asawa ko, eh maglilingkod po ako sa kanya. Yun naman po ang binigay sa akin ng mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno, Dionisio told CNN Philippines Newsroom Weekend on Saturday.

[Translation: When my wife got sick, my prayer to the Black Nazarene was if He healed her, I would start serving Him. The Black Nazarene granted my wish.]

CNN Philippines Correspondents Lois Calderon, Tristan Nodalo and Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report
Bart Raser from Carr Hardware and Michael Richards Superintendent of Lee Public Schools and Staff.

Carr Hardware Donates PPE to Berkshire Schools

Bart Raser from Carr Hardware and Jason McCandless Superintendent of Pittsfield Public Schools.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Carr Hardware's "Round-up for the Schools" campaign donated over $8,500 in personal protective equipment to three local school districts.

"We are a community business that believes in giving back, it's just part of our core culture," President of Carr Hardware Bart Raser said. "Our kids and schools need our help more than ever and school safety is paramount. We are thrilled to be in a position to do our part and appreciative of the generosity of our customers who supported our teachers and our students."

Tuesday, Carr Hardware representatives made the rounds and delivered PPE to three local school districts: North Adams Public Schools, Lee Public Schools and Pittsfield Public Schools.

Deliveries included masks, sanitizer and commercial disinfectant sprayers

"We are so thankful to our community partners at Carr Hardware for supporting our schools." North Adams Superintendent Barbara Malkas said.

School district's throughout the Commonwealth must adhere to strict guidelines in regard to COVID-19 to allow in-person education. This includes the use of masks, constant cleaning, and available handwashing stations and hand sanitizer.

"The Round-Up Campaign that Carr Hardware engaged in this year was amazing," Lee Superintendent Michael Richard said. "The support dedicated to our community, and others in the area, is remarkable. The efforts of Carr Hardware is what distinguishes their stores from others; they truly care about the communities that they serve. Our students, staff, and families will all benefit from this extraordinary donation. Thank you."

The campaign started at the end of August and Carr customers were given the option to round-up their purchases to the nearest dollar and Carr would match those dollars 100 percent. Carr Hardware also had change collection jars stationed at all locations for customers to donate

"The Pittsfield Public Schools are so grateful to our neighbors at Carr Hardware for supporting our schools in yet another way through the Round-Up Program," Pittsfield Superintendent Jason McCandless said. "Carr Hardware has been there for the Pittsfield Public Schools and its students in so many ways over the decades, and we thank the Raser family and the whole Carr Hardware family for once again being there for children of Pittsfield."

Carr Hardware is now working on plans to hold another campaign in November.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Former University of St. Martin (USM) president Dr. Francio Guadeloupe has become one of the two recipients of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) grants assigned to the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom and will serve as research programme chair, based at USM for the next five years. The announcement was made on Thursday, 7 January by Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Ms. Ingrid van Engelshoven at the annual four-country consultation meetings for the Dutch Caribbean.

The research programme, entitled Islanders at the Helm, will bring together researchers and societal partners to combine technical, traditional, and contemporary knowledge practices to co-create sustainable and inclusive strategies for social adaptation to climatic challenges. In parallel, a trans-Atlantic academic platform and regional expertise centre will be developed fostering research-based education for Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Martin. Together with programme co-chair, archaeologist Dr. Corinne Hofman of Leiden University, Guadeloupe will manage 3,5 million euros destined to climate resiliency research in the humanities, social and natural sciences. The expertise centre will hold base at the University of St. Martin, University of Aruba and University of Curacao. These regional institutions of higher learning will hereby receive support with the arrival of PhD researchers, post-doc researchers and visiting scholars from -or intrinsically engaged with- the Caribbean.

In a celebratory note sent to USM on Thursday, Guadeloupe stated that "the NWO programme that he will be chairing is about us.. when many sons and daughters and grandchildren with roots on our six islands lead successful lives in the Netherlands, one cannot be surprised by this showing of genuine solidarity from across the Atlantic.

This project is about NWO truly investing in research that benefits our islands. Climate change is real. We know this from Irma and the rise of the frequency of hurricanes in our region. We know this from the heavy rainfall and droughts on the ABC islands. We know this from the rise in earthquakes and now a volcano waking up in the wider Caribbean. There is absolutely no time to waste on cooperating Kingdom-wide, even if some of us rightly attend to the colonial past. That righteous attention must not deter us from recognizing that by paying their taxes, the hardworking Caribbean diaspora in the Netherlands has partially contributed to the funding of this programme, said Guadeloupe, who also recognized the hard work of those who inside NWO pushed for a fair distribution of funds among kingdom partners.

Guadeloupe expressed his satisfaction with the NWO decision, saying that it is time we strengthen the 3 vital steps many on the six islands are taking. First, to foster more collaboration among that which we used to call the Dutch Antillean countries. Second, for the Dutch Antillean countries to intensify our working relationships with the rest of the Caribbean basin. Third, for the Antilles to work constructively with the Netherlands.

Islanders at the Helm means that islanders become authors of their sustainable future and the reinvention of the Dutch Kingdom, he said.

A total of 7 million euros has been awarded to two projects within the NWO programme Caribbean Research: a multidisciplinary approach, of which the other 3,5 million will be assigned to research in ocean pollution and coral reef health. This is the first time that NWO has funded programmes of this size in the Caribbean.

For the Islanders at the Helm programme, much emphasis will be placed on local, traditional, and technical knowledge practices in the broadest sense, and how these inform policy options for sustainable development of the islands. Climate change challenges which are found in architecture, water, and waste management, agriculture and business will be met with the ancestral awareness through archaeology, resiliency through the arts and humanities, technical innovations in water management and agriculture, and policies that can be designed through community engagement.

On his own behalf, USM President Dr. Antonio Carmona Baez, who will also be serving as one of the principal investigators of the research programme, made public his remarks on the momentous occasion.

This is the most significant thing that has ever happened to USM, we can now become a full-fledged developmental university sponsoring research-based teaching that is essential to the sustainable progress of our Caribbean people. Together with other institutions of higher education in our region and our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, we can move forward by putting knowledge at the service of our islands. By co-creating solutions with historians, artists, archaeologists, anthropologists, urban engineers, farmers, and students we can start to build that sustainable future looking inside and around us. No longer will research agendas be dictated from abroad and from now on the results of research that is conducted in our region will serve the people of the six Caribbean islands. This is about emancipation and empowerment., Carmona said.

The programme proposal, developed over a period of 9 months was said to be successful due to the community outreach and the methods of receiving input from stakeholders. Researchers hailing from the Netherlands and the Caribbean will assist the universities of the region in building their capacity in data collection, teaching, and harnessing local talent.
ECT agitation continues unabated View(s):

The East Container Terminal (ECT) has become a crucial factor in the running of the operations at the Colombo Port as the industry fears a spiraling of tensions by trade unions and wants the government to make its decisions known clearly as authorities continue to grapple with the concession document.

A number of announcements are being made by the government regarding the agreement entered into between India, Japan and Sri Lanka on the running of the operations of the deep water terminal that is likely to generate higher volumes and act in competition to other terminals and ports.

Since the agreement on the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) was entered into in 2018 much water has flowed under the bridge as the agreement is today turning out to engage only one partner which is India and through them the Adani group.

In this respect, the 2018 document has vastly changed as according to the Cabinet paper submitted last year, it was stated that it is necessary to adopt a strategy that will maintain Sri Lanka, Japan and India relations, consider MOC framework, not in the basis of loan but as a foreign investment to develop the ECT and recover expenditure incurred by SLPA and invest that in JCT and fast track the development of the Colombo Port. The cabinet paper further states that Sri Lanka will maintain 51 per cent in the ECT and will support a FDI with no space for further borrowing or providing guarantees adding that the presence of a new investor with the support of India will improve its business outlook and value through transshipment activities drawing Indian and Japanese cargo.

However, there seems to be a lack of know-how even in carrying out the work on the concession document and the government is still grappling with coming up with the paper.

The critical factor is the government taking a decision on the ECT because what we are afraid is that there is a bit of an agitation and hope that wont go into a big strike, Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) Chairman Iqram Cuttilan told the Business Times.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa told Parliament this week that no decision has been taken so far to hand over the terminal to a foreign operator.

Meanwhile India in its communique last week during the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that they are ready to enhance Sri Lankas capabilities to meet growing maritime and security challenges.

The release noted further that in the days ahead they hope to expand their domain of cooperation in terms of ensuring safety and security in maritime cooperation.

Meanwhile, port workers staged a picketing campaign on Thursday opposite the Khan clock tower at the entrance to the Colombo Port asking the government to clearly state their stance on the ECT and to refrain from handing over of the operations of the terminal to an Indian company.

They noted that a terminal that could be run with generating high revenues for the Port of Colombo must be retained within the government to ensure that it continues to bring in profits to the people of the country.

Port trade unions believe they still can exert influence on the authorities to refrain from entrusting the ECT terminals operations to an outside party.

Further on January 11 a front is to be established combining forces from the government and opposition against the ECT handover, trade unions stated.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Gen. Daya Ratnayaka said the project committee report on the ECT is expected within one or two weeks following which the Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee (CANC) can work on the ECT cabinet paper.

He noted that they were still at an initial stage in their discussions and that there was not much progress was made on the matter. (SD

Danny Minor once patrolled the grounds of the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, but when he began watching people storming the nations Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday he was stunned.

I was horrified by what we saw, Minor, now of Las Vegas, said.

The nations Capitol, which was broken into and damaged, is a symbol of everything many Americans believe in. Its America, its freedom. I look at it as our building, the citizens building, he said.

Minor worked for Freeland police for 13 years before moving onto the state Capitol police force in Harrisburg where he retired after 14 years of service. Most of his time in Harrisburg was spent in the detectives division, and he said while theres no connection between state Capitol and U.S. Capitol police forces, their job duties are similar. Federal officers are charged with protecting the legislative branch of federal government, visitors and staff at the U.S. Capitol Complex, its website states. In Pennsylvania, the Capitol police maintain safety for employees and visitors.

Protests are a common sight for officers working in both.

Minors seen a lot of them in his career and while hes not privy to the goings on of Capitol Hill on Wednesday and isnt questioning the U.S. Capitol Police, he knows what Capitol police in Harrisburg, where he served as a sergeant, would have done if a group of people stormed a building.

There would have been meetings where strategies were discussed ahead of a protest or rally and worst case scenarios would have been examined. I know we would have been prepared for weeks, he said.

It was known that the rally for President Donald Trump was happening. People knew how big it was going to be and it was apparent on social media they would be disrupting something, said Minor. After that rally, people walked to the Capitol, some storming it as Congress began the process of confirming President-elect Joe Bidens win.

The Capitol should have been locked down before entry was breached, just as it appeared things were getting out of control and officers should have been at each entrance, Minor said. Instead, the circumstances left Capitol police in a tough situation. You think to yourself, people are breaking into the Capitol and do you shoot at unarmed people? he questioned.

They were in a bad situation because whatever they did, they were going to be wrong, Minor said.

Minor was stopping at a supermarket when his girlfriend texted him that the federal Capitol was being stormed, so he got online and began watching Wednesday, continuing to update himself through the news like so many other Americans. The police were out-numbered, he said.

I felt bad for the Capitol police.

Now I hear a Capitol police officer died, Minor continued. That officer, Brian D. Sicknick, sustained on-duty injuries during the breach of the Capitol. He died Thursday night, according to published reports, which cite his death is under investigation. Other officers were injured, including Metropolitan police.

There were non-law enforcement casualties, too.

Military veteran Ashli Babbitt, 35, of Huntington, Maryland, died after being shot by police as the mob rushed the building. Three others died from medical emergencies and included Benjamin Philips, 50, of Columbia County; Kevin Greeson, 55, of Athens, Alabama; and Rosanne Boyland, 34, of Kennesaw, Georgia.

Law enforcement is making arrests of people they believe were connected to the Capitol being overrun and the damage incurred there.
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 Nation Speaks (Jan. 9): Where Does America Go From Here?; Efforts to Impeach Trump; DC Rally-Goers Reflect on Experience

In this episode of The Nation Speaks, we talk to Epoch Times senior investigative reporter Joshua Philipp about where the nation is headed.

Then, we sit down with constitutional attorney and former Texas Representative Rick Green to discuss Democrats efforts to impeach Trump before Inauguration Day.

After that, Mary and Vera Bondarenko, daughters of a man who was once on KGBs most wanted list, recount their experience growing up under the Soviet regime.

Finally, Californian Frank Andujo gives us a first-hand account of what he saw and felt at the US Capitol on January 6.
New Delhi:

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday announced ex-gratia of Rs one crore to the kin of deceased in the firing incident during farmers protest in Mandsaur. Singh has increased the amount of compensation from Rs ten lakh to Rs one crore. He also assured a government job to the kin of deceased as per their eligibility.

He also urged people to maintain peace. The chief minister said a few people are trying to disturb the accord, but the government is committed to development in the state.

I appeal to my fellow brothers to maintain peace. I am deeply pained by the turn of events today.I stand by families in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/B8ayw2jQc8  ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) June 6, 2017

Five people were killed and 4 injured in a firing during farmers protest in the incident. Curfew has been imposed in sensitive areas.

He said the government has agreed to all reasonable demands and an order has been released in this regard.

                      ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) June 6, 2017

Chouhan said the state government is sensitive and it stands with farmers. He alleged that Congress hatched conspiracy and it tried to fuel violence. He said several Congress leaders did in past. Chouhan ordered judicial enquiry into the firing incident.

Govt is sensitive & stands with farmers but Cong party, through conspiracy tried to fuel violence, many Cong leaders did so: MP CM #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/Y11LtcLIEK  ANI (@ANI_news) June 6, 2017

Singh dubbed the incident as unfortunate and ordered a judicial probe into the matter.

                  ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) June 6, 2017

Reacting to the protests, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi slammed Centre saying that the NDA government is at war with the farmers in the country. The Congress party has called a complete bandh on Wednesday.

Government is at war with the farmers of our country: Congress vice President Rahul Gandhi on farmers' protest and firing in Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/lgwqsb00pL  ANI (@ANI_news) June 6, 2017

Samajwadi Party also announced ex-gratia of Rs two lakh to kin of deceased farmers in the incident.

Samajwadi Party announces financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to kin of deceased farmers in Mandsaur incident pic.twitter.com/4Bv3FLMMrR  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 6, 2017

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said his government is taking all necessary steps to address the issues of agitating farmers.

Also Read | Mandsaur: 5 killed, 4 injured in firing during farmers protest; MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan calls emergency meeting

This government is farmers government. All necessary steps have been initiated to address farmers concerns, Chouhan had said at a hurriedly-convened press conference in Bhopal on Monday. A price stabilisation fund of Rs 1,000 crore would be set up to purchase the farm produce at the minimum support price (MSP), he said.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Canada is at the forefront of global efforts to end child marriage abroad. Yet this practice remains legal and persists across the country. In Canada, more than 3,600 marriage certificates were issued to children, usually girls, under the age of 18 between 2000 and 2018, according to a new study from researchers at McGill University. In recent years, an increasing number of child marriages have been common-law unions.

Child marriage, defined as formal or informal (common-law) marriage before the age of 18, is a globally-recognized indicator of gender inequality because the negative consequences for health and personal development disproportionately affect girls. While much research has focused on developing countries, in wealthier nations like Canada, child marriage practices are overlooked and understudied.

Using data from vital statistics agencies and recent censuses, the researchers found that child marriage remains in practice from coast to coast, with the highest estimates of formal marriage found in Alberta (0.03%) and Manitoba (0.04%), and the highest estimates of any type of child marriage (formal or common-law) in Saskatchewan (0.5%) and the territories (1.7%). The study, published in Population and Development Review, is the first to shed light on how common child marriages are in the country.

Our results show that Canada has its own work to do to achieve its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which call for an end to child marriage by the year 2030." Alissa Koski, Co-Author, Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University

The researchers found that Canadian-born children are slightly more likely to marry than those born outside of the country. More than 85% of all marriage certificates granted to children were issued to girls, who typically wed much older spouses. This gendered patterning is consistent with child marriage practices observed across the globe, according to the researchers.

Common-law unions more prevalent

The study shows most child marriages in recent years have been common-law. In 2006, formal marriage accounted for more than half of all child unions. By 2016, formal marriage accounted for only 5 percent and common-law unions were twenty times as prevalent.

"While the number of marriage certificates issued to children across the country has declined, it's possible that individuals are opting for more informal unions in response to growing social disapproval of child marriage," say the authors. This makes it increasingly challenging to determine to what extent child marriage has actually decreased or whether concerns about social or legal consequences have led to changes in reporting behaviors.

Informal unions can be just as harmful as formal marriages, the researchers say. In fact, informal unions often provide less social, legal and economic protection. In Quebec, for example, individuals in common-law unions are not entitled to alimony or division of property if the union ends. This raises questions about how best to address the issue. Preventing common-law unions among children will require different and innovative approaches that address the deeper motivations for this practice.

"The persistence of this practice within Canada highlights some of the inherent challenges to fully eradicating child marriage and reveals an important inconsistency between Canada's domestic laws and its global policies" says co-author Shelley Clark, James McGill Professor of Sociology at McGill University. The next steps will be to examine the mental health consequences of child marriage in Canada and to investigate motivations for the practice.

Actor and idol Cha Hak Yeon, popularly known as N of the K-Pop boy group VIXX, will be returning with the upcoming drama "Mine"!

Cha Hak Yeon's agency 51k confirmed on Jan. 8 that their artist will be having a TV series comeback, saying, "Cha Hak Yeon has accepted to play another role in tvN's drama "Mine" and will be working with actress Lee Bo Young and Kim Seo Hyung."

The drama will be his first TV series project after two years following his appearance in the drama "Children of Nobody" before entering military service in March of 2019, and has been discharged last October 2020.

"Mine" will tell the story of two women who are married into a rich and glamorous family. They are the epitome of strong and aspiring women who will overcome society's standards to be able to find their true personalities. The drama is being penned by writer Baek Mi Kyung who also wrote the series such as "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" and "The Lady in Dignity," while Lee Na Jung who helmed the dramas "Fight for My Way" and "Love Alarm" will be the one directing tvN's new drama.

Also Read: VIXX Hongbin And Lee Hyun Woo Develop A Bromance In 'Moorim School'

VIXX's N is expected to portray the character of Han Soo Hyuk, the son of Jang Seo Hyun and the eldest grandson of the powerful chaebol group Hyowon. Being included in the third-generation of the clan, it can be said that he almost has a perfect life, but the truth is Han Soo Hyuk has been living a lonely life after experiencing a painful breakup. He will be showing his charismatic profile by appearing as a student who just arrived in Seoul after studying overseas for years.

Lee Bo Young will be playing the role of Seo Hee Soo, a former actress and a second daughter-in-law of the chaebol Hyowon group. She will be showing a bright character who manages to be confident and genuine in everything that she does.

On the other hand, actress Kim Seo Hyung is Jung Seo Hyun, the first daughter-in-law of the Hyowon clan. She was born with intelligence, dignity, and overflowing elegance.

Their characters are now gaining attention from the audience who are already looking forward to their story.

One of the production drama representatives shared, "The upcoming drama 'Mine' will be a refreshing drama that's captivating and is predicted to break rating records. We assure you that we will be taking on this new challenge with two actresses Lee Bo Young and Kim Seo Hyung. Please watch them and the rest of the cast of the drama."

Meanwhile, actor Cha Hak Yeon also expressed his gratitude for receiving such a project, saying, "It is a great honor to be able to work with a director, writer, and senior actors whom I admire and respect. This will be my first project after returning from my mandatory military service. I will pour my heart and soul into Han Soo Hyuk's character and I will do my best effort for this new drama."

Also Read: VIXX's Member N Takes a Picture With Son Ye Jin and Lee Min Jung, Sparking The Interest of Netizens

Are you excited to see VIXX member N in this new tvN drama? Share your comments with us!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Written by Shai Collins.

"We removed the requirement for exit testing quite some time ago." Chief Health officer Jeannette Young speaks at a press conference in Brisbane. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty Images Dr Young said the Victorian woman met the existing quarantine requirements of having no symptoms for three continual days during her 10-day isolation in Melbourne. "So she met those two criteria so she was allowed to isolation." Dr Young said exit testing has now been returned for the more contagious UK COVID-19 strain.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said there was a very low risk associated with the woman who travelled from Victoria. "But we will still be directly contacting those who sat immediately around this individual on January 5th," Ms D'Ath said. She said the circumstances that existed when the woman was allowed to leave and travel to Queensland had been changed since the UK-strain had been identified. "The scenario which we have seen from this woman  leaving [isolation] on day 10, not having an exit test and importantly not having the genome sequencing known until after she was released  would not be occurring now," Ms D'Ath said. Ms D'Ath said every person who tests positive for COVID-19 has genome sequencing completed.

"And the results would be known before they are released to know whether thy have the UK variant, or any other variant for that matter, including the South African variant," she said. Loading "We would know that before they are released and we would be doing exit testing on this other variant." "And I understand this has been agreed to nationally now as well." With the zero new local cases overnight, Queensland has 21 active COVID-19 cases, with all cases in isolation.

Dr Young said 91 people who came into contact with an earlier case of the new strain, a woman who cleaned at the Hotel Grand Chancellor who tested positive on Thursday. "All of those have been tested and they are all negative," Dr Young said. "They are all now in 14 days quarantine. "We will re-test them if any of them develop symptoms or show systems at an exit test on day 12." Dr Young said she remained concerned about the cleaner's casual contacts.

"Those are the people who we don't know exactly who they are so we need to get the message out there." Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk arrives at her press conference in a face mask. Masks are compulsory in greater Brisbane this weekend. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty Images She asked people catching trains between Brisbane's Altandi rail station to Central Station on Saturday, January 2 about 7am and also back from Central Station to Altandi about 4pm to get tested. She also asked for people who were at the Woolworths Calamvale North store on Sunday, January 3 (11am to noon) and the Coles Sunnybank Hills store on Monday, January 5 from 7.30am to 8am to get tested.

"That is important, whether or not you have symptoms I would like you to come forward and get tested." Dr Young said she was very encouraged that the "first person" in the Hotel Grand Chancellor cluster  the person who have the UK strain to the cleaner  has been identified. Loading "We have found the first person, which is so critical," Dr Young said. "That is what I want to do every time. Find the first person so we can immediately get everyone into quarantine, as we have done with those 91 contacts so far," she said.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
"That's an interesting transitional point [but] having said that, I think there will always remain a certain rock and roll element to the guy with the money and the fast car and I think that is more prevalent here [in the United States]." Devils, which is based on the best-selling novel by Italian trader Guido Maria Brera, uses the 2008 financial crisis as its backdrop and revolves around the relationship between the bank's ruthless head of trading, Massimo Ruggero, (Alessandro Borghi) and his mentor, the bank's chief executive, Dominic Morgan (Patrick Dempsey). Nick Hurran, who produces Devils, was spurred on by a rage that was borne out of reading Brera's novel, he says. The novel knits together a set of seemingly unrelated events, including the Strauss-Khan scandal, which involved French politician Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the Libyan civil war and the more recent European debt crisis. Patrick Dempsey in Devils. Credit:NBC Universal "I have spent the last few years on really big, science-fiction projects, so I was really yearning to do something that had a human story. I read Guido's novel and it made me angry," Hurran says. "But then it inspired me to tell the story of how people are affected by a global financial system that is broken and still impacting on lives around the world."

There is also a moral ambivalence to anti-heroes such as Bobby Axelrod, who is presented both as a character who is uncharitably ruthless but at the same time generous when it comes to charitable causes. That makes them both complex and appealing, Lewis says. "I think a dramatic device that is being used here is that if you give people enough need, desire, want, viewers enjoy that, viewers enjoy that embodied in the lead characters and we enjoy watching the desperation, the compromise, and the ambiguity that that throws up in their lives," Lewis says. "That's where the dramatic stakes are. The fact that shysters do shystery things doesn't make you like them less, weirdly, within a dramatic context." But in terms of the real-world counterparts of Axelrod  the humanitarian billionaire with an insatiable appetite for profit but deep pockets for a good cause  "there are ways in which they perform good deeds, and there are ways in which they perform bad deeds", Lewis says. New York attorney Preet Bharara, whose prosecutions inspired Billions. Credit:AP "We talk a lot about having the edge in this show [and] the edge is clearly euphemistic when we talk about having the edge," Lewis adds. "The guys who I met all talked about being risk averse, meaning you have enough information to mitigate against all risk before you make your bet. If he is attractive at the same time as being reprehensible, I think that's down to the skill of these guys."

Lewis believes the genre has flourished because of the heightened storytelling it uses, but also the moral ambiguity of the key characters. Instead of making a presumption of good or evil, the storytelling leaves the audience with uncertainty. "It's not stylised but it's heightened, and everybody speaks in these long sentences," Lewis says. "It's a little bit like Hamlet. They tend to speak in soliloquies, they sort of wonder [whether they will take a particular action] and they share it with someone else. There is a Shakespearian quality to it in the way they communicate. Industry follows the lives of a group of young investment bankers. "Even though the show occupies a moral grey ground, good people are doing bad things, and bad people are doing good things, but at the same time you get the sense that there's good and there's bad, and they exist as entities in themselves, and these guys will sort of negotiate themselves back and forth between them." Another key element, according to Billions producer Brian Koppelman, is the audience's perspective on the intersection of class, power and privilege.
New alliance unites seminaries, Christian colleges and schools amid ongoing struggles

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Dozens of Christian colleges, high schools, seminaries and Bible colleges have banded together to form an alliance uniting all sectors of Christian education to address the mutual challenges they face in an increasingly secular culture.



Over the last several years, I think a variety of people have been recognizing that various sectors of Christian education have been facing similar challenges, David Dockery, the chancellor of Trinity International University in Illinois and president of the new International Alliance for Christian Education, told The Christian Post.

We realized that K through 12 schools are addressing these challenges and so are Bible colleges and Christian colleges and seminaries. We'd never worked together because we thought we had our own issues and our own demographic context in which to serve. And we thought that perhaps we could link arms and address some of the challenges better in a synergistic way.

Dockery said that no organization or network in the past has tried to bridge Christian primary schools, secondary schools, gap-year programs, seminaries and colleges.

We've always kind of worked in our own silos, Dockery admitted. So this is an attempt to link Christian education as a whole.

IACE held its inaugural meeting in Orlando, Florida, attended by 100 people on Feb. 12-14.

According to the IACE website, the network seeks to help its members and partners focus on the distinctive mission of Christian education by strengthening confessional commitments, and sharing efforts to reclaim and advance the best of the Christian intellectual tradition.

There was a lot of interest and a great deal of hopefulness about pulling people together with shared commitments and working together collaboratively to advance a distinctive form of Christian education, Dockery said of the February gathering.

The alliance, which spans denominational lines, includes member schools from across the globe in places like Asia, Africa and Latin America.

At least 55 colleges and seminaries are members of the alliance. Through the alliance's seven partner organizations, it's connected with another 175 Bible colleges and 750 Christian primary and secondary schools.

The associations members have a shared commitment to the Nicene Creed and the Lausanne Covenant.

Partner organizations include the Alliance Defending Freedom, The Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, the Colson Center for a Christian worldview and the international mission organization TeachBeyond.

Considering partner organizations also include the Association for Biblical Higher Education and the Association of Christian Schools International, Dockery assured that the goal of the new network is not to replace other Christian educational associations that have existed for years.

Initially, some people were nervous that we were recreating the wheel and duplicating some of their efforts, Dockery said. But I think as everyone's taking a closer look, they realize that there is a way they can relate to at least an aspect of what we're doing.

Dockery told CP that IACE has a warm relationship with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, which has over 150 member colleges in the U.S., including Dockers own Trinity International.

He said the CCCU has been very generous in offering to partner with the IACE with student programs.

Among the similar challenges that Christian schools and colleges are facing is the fact that there seems to be fewer connections today between churches and educational institutions, Dockery said.

Additionally, Christian schools that uphold traditional orthodoxy on sex and marriage could face issues presented by LGBT nondiscrimination ordinances.

The reality that we find ourselves in a secular age calls for us to respond not by yielding to secularization but by finding ways to ensure that Christian faith will be passed to the next generation, Dockery explained. And we believe that schools at all levels play an important part in that.

We do that by recognizing that we're not trying to do something new, but we're trying to do something that's been consistent with the church's history, Dockery added. So we've put a strong emphasis on reclaiming the Christian intellectual tradition, as a way of addressing that.

When it comes to issues of human sexuality in the culture and the challenges being felt from a legal and governmental standpoint, IACE seeks to help schools navigate those challenges.

Much like secular private institutions, several Christian schools across the nation are also struggling financially due to low enrollment.

Really since 2008, Christian Schools have been feeling more and more stretched, Dockery said. We realized we need to look for ways not to duplicate effort but to share the effort to create partnerships, collaborations and look for creative ways that would help us be better stewards of the resources we have been given.

Dockery said a section of IACEs inaugural meeting in February was dedicated to the need for innovation and to think of fresh ways to approach the issues of low enrollment.

Dockery said the stay-at-home orders that have come in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused Christian education institutions to move into an innovative mindset.

Its been an amazing transition to watch everyone move to different delivery modes of doing education. Were all homeschoolers and online educators now because the meeting in the brick-and-mortar classrooms is not a reality right now and will be for the rest of the semester. I think we have to be planning for the possibility that it won't be in the fall.

The last several entries on IACEs online blog have focused on the delivery of online education.

We want to make sure institutions can be sustained in the midst of these challenges and fortify new ways of doing educational delivery that we now all share, Dockery said. I think everyone had some piece of online education, but I don't think anyone realized it would be front and center in this way right now.
This is a reworked column. I say reworked  it is rewritten entirely because prior to the situation that unfolded Wednesday at the Capitol, I had already written my weekly offering, and it was about Congress.

It wasnt overly critical, but it didnt read like a thank you note. It was mostly light, poking slight fun at the fact that there are several members in the House and Senate who have been in office since prior to the microwave becoming commonplace. I made some humorous comparisons of how technology has evolved but Congress has not so much, and how appreciative we should all be that at least our phones and televisions are smart.

I cant say it was my deepest work to date, but anytime anyone writes a column it is best to kind of keep check of the pulse of the whole so to speak. There is a temperature of sorts, and it helps dictate the tone of what gets written. My tone was the right pitch, but to publish it now  I feel  would be in poor taste.

It is necessary when writing to have an awareness and understanding of current events, and yet at the same time you have to also have an almost complete indifference. You have to stay unbiased  if you can.

So I had finished writing and was taking in a matinee horserace when I got a message about the breach at the Capitol. The horses were running at Delta Downs. It was a fast track. I prefer muddy, or better yet snow  at the northern tracks. I think it adds more chance to the odds. And, when the lights hit the snowflakes against a backdrop of racing horses, its pretty.

We as Americans like pretty. We love things that look good. We like to look good. But are we good?

The phrase we are better than this has been repeated over and over since the disgraceful acts unfolded at the Capitol, but are we?

I wasnt overly surprised. I dont think anyone was. It has become normal to stomp around and riot. Watching looting and burning air on the news was a pastime for some during the shutdown.

We have watched politicians encourage the division on both sides of the aisle  from the very top down. But now suddenly we are better than any of this? No we arent. We feel a little convicted maybe. Our consciences may be bothering us a bit, but no, we are not better than this. This is exactly who we are. This is who we have become and this is who we will continue to be unless there is a collective effort to be better.

It may start by dialing it back some of the rhetoric, and by having enough character to practice self-restraint rather than self-expression.

I think people were more surprised by how unprepared Capitol police were than by what happened. There was no preparedness. Especially considering the controversy that was surrounding the certification of the electoral votes.

I take it we are not defunding the police now? It seems we may should keep them. Maybe even hire a few. What happened at the Capitol Wednesday  where at least five people lost their lives  reemphasized why some people find it necessary to carry a pistol for protection and think it is important the Second Amendment be kept securebecause we are not all good. We are not all better than this. We arent even close. If we were this never would have happened.

Amanda Walker is a contributor with AL.com, The Selma Times Journal, Thomasville Times, West Alabama Watchman, and Alabama Gazette. Contact her at Walkerworld77@msn.com or at https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWalker.Columnist.
SOUTH ROXANA  Village officials in South Roxana on Friday issued a boil order until further notice.

Bob Coles, South Roxana Chief of Police and City Administrator said water service has been restored following a water line break Friday. The water pressure will be low until the water lines have pressurized to avoid any further damage, he said. Several fire hydrants have been opened throughout town to slowly stabilize the water pressure.

Coles said the village wished to recognize Jarrett Industries and Rick Liljenberg who helped expedite the water line repair.

Updates on the boil order will be posted on the village marquee and on the automated phone system at village hall. For more details call 618-254-1166.
MASON CITY, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Public Health is looking ahead to when more people will be able to undergo vaccination for COVID-19.

In a webinar this afternoon, the state urged businesses to be ready for when their turn comes.

The IDPH will be meeting next week to discuss what types of workers would be included in the next phase of vaccinations.

They said it could include some workers in food production or manufacturing, especially where people work closely together.

It could still be a while before the next phase begins. Demand for the vaccine is high and Iowa is only receiving 18,000 - 19,000 doses per week.

IDPH Director Kelly Garcia says businesses should start thinking about how their workers will be vaccinated.

"Use this time to be thinking about talking to your own employees. That you are talking to them about their concerns, their questions. Thinking about how you are going to administer this dose, perhaps on site in your own setting," said Garcia.

The state expects to continue with vaccinations of health care workers and those in care homes for the next several weeks. It could be longer, since there is a shortage of vaccine.
A Union City man admitted that he was driving recklessly and impaired by marijuana before a crash that killed his friend on a South Jersey stretch of the New Jersey Turnpike in 2019, authorities said Friday.

Johnalex Grullon, 21, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and assault by auto in exchange for a five-year prison term when he is sentenced next month, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced.

Grullon acknowledged he was smoking marijuana before the Oct. 19, 2019 crash that killed his backseat passenger, 21-year-old Mohamedam Elbezaz, and driving recklessly, according to the prosecutor. He also did not dispute toxicology tests that showed he had marijuana in his system, the office said.

An investigation revealed that Grullon was driving back from South Philadelphia for cheesesteaks with Elbezaz and another passenger when his Honda Accord veered off the highway, hit a guardrail, spun across all lanes before slamming into a concrete median and crashing into another car on the highway in Mansfield.

The Hondas occupants and were ejected from the car, authorities said. Elbezaz, of North Bergen, died at the scene.

Under the plea agreement, Grullon must also help pay for his friends funeral expenses, according to the prosecutors office. Attorney information for Grullon was not immediately available.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
Sen. Josh Hawley lashed out at Joe Biden Friday after the president-elect said Hawley and Sen. Ted Cruz were guilty of spreading the 'big lie' - that voter fraud robbed President Donald Trump of a second term.

Biden then brought up Nazi propagadist Joseph Goebbels, explaining that if you keep 'repeating the lie,' that people will start to believe it.

'President-elect Biden just compared me and another Republican senator to Nazis. You read that correctly,' blased Hawley in a statement. 'This is undignified, immature, and intemperate behavior from the president-elect. It is utterly shameful,' Hawley added.

Sen. Josh Hawley (left) lashed out at President-elect Joe Biden, who said Hawley and Sen. Ted Cruz were responsible for spreading the 'big lie' that voter fraud robbed President Donald Trump of re-election, and said the tactic reminded him of Nazi propagadist Joseph Goebbels

'If he's the only one to say that that's one thing, but the acolytes that follow him, like Cruz and others, they are as responsible as he is,' Biden said, explaining that he believed lawmakers like Cruz and Hawley deserved blame for spreading the widspread voter fraud lie

Hawley had given a growing group of Trump supporters a clinched-fist salute as he entered the Capitol Building Wednesday morning, with the intention of joining House GOP lawmakers in challenging the validity of Electoral College votes in key swing states.

Lawmakers had gone back to their respective chambers for a Hawley and Cruz-backed challenge, of Arizona's results, when the MAGA mob broke into the Capitol Building in a violent incident that killed five, including a U.S. Capitol Police officer.

At an event Friday in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden was asked if Hawley and Cruz should resign.

'I think they should be just flat out be defeated the next time,' Biden advised. 'And I think the American public has a real good clear look at who they are.'

'They're part of the big lie,' the incoming president added.

Biden then went into a long-winded story about Goebbels and the bombing of Dresden.

He then explained how Hawley and Cruz are complicit.

'It's one thing for one man, one woman to repeat the lie over and over and over again,' Biden said. 'By the way, Trump said that before he ran, if you say it enough, I'm going to convince you, I'll say it enough: "the press is bad, the press is bad, the press is bad, the press is bad,"' Biden said to the room of reporters at Wilmington's Queen theater.

'If he's the only one to say that that's one thing, but the acolytes that follow him, like Cruz and others, they are as responsible as he is,' Biden argued.

Biden said that there were 'decent people' in the U.S. 'who actually believe these lies,'

'The degree to which it becomes corrosive is in direct proportion to the number of people who say it, ' Biden said.

'And so it's interesting to me, and I was pleased to hear some more prominent Republicans say to me that the Ted Cruzs of the world are as responsible in terms of people believing the lies, as - not as responsible - but similar responsible like Trump,' Biden said.

The president-elect differentiated those lawmakers from Trump's incitement of the Capitol attack.

'But they didn't say, got to the Capitol, I'll be with you, follow - that's a different story,' Biden said.

In his statement, Hawley defended his objections to Electoral College votes in Arizona and Pennsylvania, the latter of which held up proceedings for an additional two hours after the Capitol Hill attack.

'Think about that for a moment. Let it sink in,' Hawley wrote. 'Because I raised questions in the format prescribed by the laws of the United States about the way elections were conducted in the state of Pennsylvania, just as Democrats did about other states in 2001, 2005, and 2017, he is calling me a Nazi.'

Hawley called Biden's statements 'shameful.'

'He should act like a dignified adult and retract these sick comments,' Hawley said. 'And every Democrat member of Congress should be asked to disavow these disgusting comments,' he added, using the grammatical slur for Biden's party.

A Sriwijaya Air passenger jet carrying 62 people lost contact with air traffic controllers after taking off from Indonesias capital on Saturday on a domestic flight, officials said.

Indonesian Transportation Ministry spokesperson Adita Irawati said the Boeing 737-500 took off from Jakarta at about 1:56 p.m. and lost contact with the control tower at 2:40 p.m.

A statement released by the airline said the plane was on an estimated 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesias Borneo island. There were 56 passengers and six crew members onboard.

Irawati said in a statement that a search and rescue operation was underway in coordination with the National Search and Rescue Agency and the National Transportation Safety Committee.

Local media reports said fishermen spotted metal objects believed to be parts of a plane on Saturday afternoon in the Thousand Islands, a chain of islands north of Jakarta.

Television footage showed relatives and friends of people aboard the plane weeping, praying and hugging each other as they waited at Jakartas airport and Pontianaks airport.

Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelago nation, with more than 260 million people, has been plagued by transportation accidents on land, sea and air because of overcrowding on ferries, aging infrastructure and poorly enforced safety standards.

In October 2018, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet operated by Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea just minutes after taking off from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. It was the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since 1997, when 234 people were killed on a Garuda flight near Medan on Sumatra island. In December 2014, an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea, killing 162 people.

Sriwijaya Air is one of Indonesias discount carriers, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Congressional representatives -- they're just like TikTok teens? As rioters attacked our Nation's Capitol on Wednesday, several government officials inadvertently completed a gut-wrenching rite of passage familiar to nearly every American student -- weathering the visceral terror of a lockdown. Since Columbine, more than 187,000 students have experienced a school shooting as of 2018, according to The Daily Beast, as most schoolchildren regularly partake in active shooter drills, which some experts say is an ineffective, scarring measure, furthering the anxiety-inducing idea that unspeakable acts of violence can happen even in theoretically safe, educational settings.

Continue Reading Below Advertisement

After member of Congress were forced to take shelter under their desks before being escorted off the premises, amid what some are dubbing an act of domestic terrorism, students and young people from accross the nation have spoken out on social media, sharing their hopes that this traumatizing experience will prompt legislators to empathize with survivors of school shootings, and pass appropriate legislation.

"I feel so bad for our Congressmen and women, like no one deserves this, they didn't deserve this," TikTok influencer, @gadonkoze said in a recent video. "But like, because of some of the policies they've passed or like failed to pass, this is just another random Tuesday at a random American public school. I mean who doesn't remember fearfully huddling underneath their desk because some armed madman has entered their school?" She then ended her post with a chilling, and eerily relatable rhetorical question. "If you left school without having your life threatened at least once, did you really go to an American public school? No!"

Continue Reading Below Advertisement

Meanwhile, several youngsters took a different approach, sarcastically creating video letters to our legislators, poking fun at some of the government's seemingly dismissive active shooter safety tips.

"Dear Congress, just lock the door, turn off the lights, huddle in the corner. Idk maybe they will just move on to the next room. Sincerely, the K-12 American student body." reads a text video posted by user @angelaholmessss, which has already garnered more than 3.2 million views.

Continue Reading Below Advertisement

"Dear Senate, these are some tips in case you ever find yourself with another active shooter on the premise," TikTok user @kaptin.kenuckles said in a video posted Thursday, before recounting a number of of common safety protocols, like barricading doors, running in zig-zag lines when escaping a perpatrator, and playing dead. "Ok, now you just survived an active shooter! congrats!" he quipped. "I really really hoped this helped. Sincerely, every member of the American student body."
BELCHERTOWN  The Selectboard is seeking residents to serve on a screening committee for a new fire chief to replace Edward F. Bock, who plans to retire May 20.

Bock has served on the force since 1978. He has been chief the past 27 years.

In a letter to Town Administrator Gary Brougham, Bock said he is willing to assist the town in its search for a new chief.

It has been a great pleasure and wonderful opportunity and honor to serve Belchertown as long as I have, he wrote.

A statement from the town administrators office said volunteers for the screening committee will include members from the community with diverse backgrounds, skills or knowledge in Fire/Rescue Operations, Emergency Medical Services, drug/substance abuse, public safety, general government functions, and residents at large.

Those interested can submit a letter of interest to the Selectboard, 1 South Main St., P.O. Box 670, Belchertown, MA 01007. The deadline to apply is noon on Feb. 5.
U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted Friday he will not attend President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration, breaking a tradition that has for centuries been a hallmark of the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next.

Two days after infuriated Trump supporters overran the U.S. Capitol during Congressional proceedings to formally certify Bidens win, Trump wrote, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.

To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021

Less than one day earlier, he had issued a video promising to devote his remaining time in office to a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power to Biden.

Trump will be the first sitting U.S. president since Andrew Johnson to skip the ceremony. Johnson did not to attend his successors swearing-in 152 years ago.

Despite his long overdue acknowledgment Thursday that Biden will take office this month, Trump continues to insist that he was cheated out of a second term in office. Officials in his administration -- including former Attorney General William Barr -- have affirmed there is no evidence of significant voter fraud that would have made Trump the winner.

Trump Acknowledges Transition After Calls for His Ouster Schumer, Pelosi, along with Trump aides, deplore presidents incitement of Wednesdays attack on US Capitol

Vice President Mike Pence, one of the presidents most faithful supporters until they publicly broke this week, is expected to attend the inauguration, according to reports citing sources close to the vice president. Trump now believes Pence betrayed him by failing to block Congress certification of the election result  something Pence could not legally do.

The Biden transition team did not immediately comment on Trumps announcement, but it has been urging people for weeks not to attend the Washington event in person, primarily because of the worsening coronavirus crisis.

After Wednesdays assault on Capitol Hill by Trump supporters, security for Bidens inauguration is expected to be especially tight.

Trump gave no indication of how he would spend his last days in the White House.

With less than two weeks to go before Biden is sworn in, a growing number of congressional Democrats are pushing to force Trump out of office before his term ends, maintaining he is unfit to continue to serve as president.
Now the new year reviving old desires

The thoughtful soul with his bottles retires

With good wishes for friend and foe alike

And for saints and even for consummate liars.

 From Rubaiyat of Bachchoo Ka Adda

The soon-to-be ex-President Donald Trump insists on calling the Covid-19 plague the Chinese virus. Very many viruses have been given adjectival and territorial names. The least antagonistic is common cold. It blames no nation, continent or species as do the descriptions like Spanish flu , Asian flu, swine flu and bird flu.

The last two are comparatively innocuous but Mr Trumps insistence on calling this worldwide pandemic Chinese is part of his nastiness and his attempt to deepen the antagonism between Americans and all things Chinese.

I dont know if there was any malignant intention on the part of Britons who christened that infliction Spanish. Just part of British xenophobic contempt. I have no doubt that if Mr Trump is challenged, he will produce evidence that the Covid-19 pandemic originated in Wuhan. He might even say that it was deliberately set free from a laboratory there in accordance with some devilish Chinese world domination strategy.

Incidentally, there is now an invitation from Wuhan scientists for objective observers to re-examine the common claim that the epidemic originated in that city. What the result of this challenge will be is yet to be seen.

Britain is, as I write, gentle reader, under a severe lockdown. The last two weeks have seen an exponential rise in the number of cases of infection and the number of deaths as a result. I use the word exponential literally, as the graphs of the spread that are plastered on the TV screen each day and night are the shape of the ones that we studied for our Pune University maths degrees.

The increase in person-to-person transmission of the pandemic, scientists say, is owing to the virus having mutated. The mutation is, the epidemiology and science tell us, is much more easily transmitted through the air. And now this mutated organism, is with some justification, known in Spain as the British virus.

Referring to it as such is possibly motivated by Spanish revenge.

The phrases British variant, British mutant virus and other such descriptions are spreading through the world media and, of course, occasioning a backlash in Britain, even though the fact stands that the mutant strain and its effects were first noticed in this country. Nevertheless, there is a sense of shrill protests of victimisation from those who challenge the description.

One of the shrillest protesters is a character called Roger Helmer, who used to be a British Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and is a supporter of the jingoistic United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP)

His tweet, reported in Private Eye, says it was FIRST IDENTIFIED in the UK and that is not tantamount to it originating in the UK. Earlier last year, Mr Helmer had objected to the characterisation of Mr Trumps contention that this pandemic was a Chinese virus as racist.

So, is it racist to mention Chinese food or Indian curry or Korean Kimchee or German Sauerkraut? So why not Chinese virus? he tweeted to his followers.

One may wonder how many of his followers have now noticed a flaw, dissension or even hypocrisy in his statements.

I dont tweet (though I can whistle inefficiently), but if I did, I might point out to poor Roger that if a virus first identified in China can be called the Chinese virus, then a variant of it which was first identified in Britain Geddit Roj, me ole fruitcake?

And then there is the question of what characterises a flu as Spanish. Does it say, tonight we drink, tomorrow we kill the gringos! as it threatens to infect another human, or hasta la vista? as it is expelled or killed by a vaccine?

The gaping flaw in poor Rogers argument is that Indian curry carries in its flavour everything that characterises Indian cuisine. If I want, which I frequently do, a Goa sausage, I want it not just because it originates in Goa, but because it contains the ingredients and flavours particular to that region -- a bratwurst or a Polish-garlic sausage wont do just as well. Whereas Covid-19 doesnt carry the characteristics of anything Chinese and its variant, apart from infesting places where the sun never sets, has nothing British about it.

Of course, viruses, just like us Parsis, are sometimes named after the things we do and sometimes after the places from which we come. So, a Parsi called Batliwalla must have ancestors who dealt in bottles -- and it should be quite clear what my distant relatives Russi Immoralearningswalla and Imoji Feromonereplacementwalla do for their living.

And moving on to places, Satarawalla and Poonawalla come from the places with those names. What has always been a dilemma for my family is the origin of our surname Dhondy. It certainly doesnt derive from the town of Dhond in Maharashtra, so eliminating geographical origins, we come to professions. Now in some Gujarati dialects the word might mean stonebreaker, which points to the option that my ancestors could have been stone masons.

The other possibility, which we pointedly disregard, was that they were perhaps put to breaking stones in an institution as guests in the colonial era of His Imperial Majesty, the King Emperor.

The cost of added paperwork traders must go through following Brexit will be passed on to the consumer, a senior retail chief has warned.

Lord Rose, chairman of supermarket delivery company Ocado, said the delays and difficulties in international shipping caused by added red tape will mean customers will end up paying more.

It comes as a haulage firm boss also predicted the customs changes would lead to a bloodbath for the sector, as delivery delays have begun eating into already-tight profit margins.

Lord Rose, the former chief of the Remain campaign and ex-chairman of Marks & Spencer, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: You cant interfere with a finely honed, 50-year legacy supply chain and expect it to all run smoothly on day one.

The issue of transport and hauliers not wanting to send their lorries here is because they are worried about their lorries being stuck and worried about lost profit, which means therefore the cost will be passed on to the consumer.

You will see some short-term shortages but lets be clear, there is not going to be a famine. Food will continue to come in, although at this time of the year 50-80 per cent-plus of our fruit and veg comes in from Europe and beyond and a lot of that comes in through Dover on trucks.

Were talking about fresh product which is perishable. If it doesnt get out within 24 hours, it goes off, it rots, it gets thrown away  thats lost profit, thats a real problem for businesses both ways, he added.

On Friday, cabinet minister Michael Gove warned businesses and hauliers that there is likely to be significant additional disruption at the UK border as a result of trade traffic piling up, especially at Dover.

Existing disruption following the end of the transition period resulted in major parcel courier DPD halting some delivery services into Europe, including Ireland, temporarily.

The new red tape also hit M&Ss popular Percy Pig sweets, which fell foul of EU rules of origin.

M&S boss Steve Rowe warned that the new rules would significantly impact the companys business in Ireland, the Czech Republic and France.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo Zaccheo, managing director of haulage firm Alcaline UK, said he expects deliveries to take two-and-a-half days longer compared to last year, when the UK was still following EU law.

Also speaking on the Today programme, he said vehicles were currently getting stuck at ports for seven hours and European hauliers were declining work in the UK, even when offered twice the usual rate.

It is just a complete mess. This is going to be a bloodbath. Cost-wise  as weve seen this week  the cost of transport will treble into the United Kingdom because everybody is refusing to come.

We offered twice as much and they still dont want to come.

The government promised to redouble efforts to inform traders of the paperwork required now that the UK has officially left the EU.

Around 700 lorries have been turned away from the border since the new rules came into force, with about 150 fines issued for non-compliance with new rules designed to reduce the queues in Kent, according to the latest government data.

But officials have warned those numbers could rise as more lorries head through Kent. Figures from the Cabinet Office show an average of 1,584 lorries per day attempting border crossings, which amounts to just around 40 per cent of historical norms.
Show your support

To honor those who care for the sick during the COVID-19 pandemic, the community is being asked to show support by:

Displaying white lights on homes and buildings

Hanging white bows on trees, light poles, homes, cars

Wearing a white ribbon lapel pin

Sharing messages of gratitude on social media

Sending cards, letters and posters to local hospitals

Adventist Health Bakersfield is requesting children color a thank you message for its health care workers. A coloring page featuring Pip the Penguin, Adventist Health's mascot, can be found on the hospital's Facebook page and shared on social media by tagging Adventist Health Bakersfield, or mailed to:

Adventist Health Bakersfield

Attn: Pip Coloring Pages

Administration Office (Attn: Crystal Diaz)

P.O. Box 2615

Bakersfield, CA 93301
Posted Friday, January 8, 2021 5:36 pm

Fraudsters scammed the city of Tenino out of $270,000 last year, wiring the money to Houston and then overseas. According to Mayor Wayne Fournier, the city agreed to loan $23,000 to what they thought was the Washington Municipal Clerks Association in order to pay for some expenses for their 50th anniversary celebration.

It was unusual, but it was presented to us by the staff member as something thats typical, Fournier said. It was a very small ask and really didnt even pop up on the radar of city council or myself.

How that $23,000 ballooned to more than 10 times that amount? Thats where Fournier says things get fuzzy.

I dont have an answer to that. Thats where things go awry, he said. So exactly how it occurred is still trying to be understood.

The FBI and Washington State Patrol are currently investigating the matter, although its unclear when those investigations will conclude.

It took the city weeks after the initial approval last spring to realize what was going on. The staff member who was fooled by the fraudsters  individuals Fournier said used fake email accounts and stolen personal information  has since resigned.

Although the incident took place months prior, Fournier took to Facebook to confirm the rumors in December, after criticism from former mayors D. Jean Pettit and Mike Brown. The two  along with resident Shaun Brown  wrote a letter to the editor published in The Chronicle on Christmas Eve questioning how the $23,000 loan was not only never reimbursed, but ended up as a $270,448 payment in the citys budget.

Our concern is that there appears to be no documentation to justify this expenditure, they wrote. Expenditures of public funds must have a documented reason and justification for the expenditure.

The letter prompted Fournier to post online confirming the cyber-scam and assuring residents that the city has since adopted policy changes recommended by their insurance provider to prevent any future attacks.

Fournier suspects that the citys recent fame, spurred by their scrip program, put a target on the citys back.

This last year, with the wooden money program, our name has circled the globe hundreds of times. The city of Tenino has been in Russian state media, they were quoting me, Al Jazeera, BBC, he said. And then weve put our name out there in the world and gained a lot of notoriety, and theres dangers to that.

The financial blow may cause long-term impacts if the city isn't able to get the money back. Fournier is confident that the citys cyber-fraud insurance policy that they signed up for earlier last year will be a saving grace. But mediation over the insurance claim wont begin until March. Until then, he hopes the citys healthy budget will provide a safety net.

Weve been pretty diligent about putting away funds and making sure we have enough money in reserves. So weve been able to kind of absorb the impact, and it hasnt had an effect on the budget for 2021, he said. We expect (the stolen funds) to be put back into the citys coffers before thered be any long-term effects.
Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has commended the Party and Parliament for their determination and courage to ensure the Party won the speakership position.



"Our members of Parliament have, through creative skills, experience, perseverance and determination, shown that the wings of the oppressor can be clipped and they indeed clipped it, he said.



"I feel particularly proud of the men and women who represent our Party in Parliament. I do not have the right words to commend our gallant, courageous and strategic Honorable MPs for fighting through the night to ensure that our country elected Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as Speaker of the Eight Parliament of Ghana.



Mr Ampofo, in a statement issued in Accra, said: "Together we will emerge stronger and better



"It has been a long tedious struggle on what seems like a lonely journey from December 7, 2020, till now, amidst intimidation, bullying, and outright violence visited on our compatriots.



He said without unity, unwavering determination and steel-like courage, they could have suffered further oppression and suppression by the forces of anti-democracy.



"Let me also say that I admire the patriotism of those New Patriotic Party Members of Parliament, who saw reason in our cause and voted our way in choosing the speaker. I can only say kudos! Mr Ampofo said.



"I salute all party members across the country and ask for calm and moderation as we trust in leadership for further political actions.



"Ours is a struggle to make Ghana better for all. The Rescue Mission continues and with God, on our side, we shall surely overcome," he added.

Source: GNA









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

Featured Video
Regarded as perhaps one of the most formative and vital periods in Irish History, we are currently in the midst of marking the centenary of the events of the War of Independence (1919 - 1921).

Local archaeologist Barry Lacey from Ferns has been looking at some of the key events in Co Wexford, focusing on ambushes, raids, the burning of police barracks and other activities.

On this occasion, he looks at an attack on Carrig on Bannow Barracks, which resulted in civilian casualty.

On Monday evening December 20 1920 members of the South Wexford Brigade IRA arrived in the village of Carrig-On-Bannow, planning to destroy the RIC barracks. During the operation an altercation occurred between an IRA member and a civilian, the latter of whom was shot and killed.

Background to the event

In December 1920 the South Wexford Brigade IRA planned to destroy the RIC Barracks in the village of Carrig-On-Bannow in south Wexford. The barracks was attached to a shop and public house owned by a Mr. James Walsh.

More recently then the police had commandeered the area above these to accommodate additional personal. Francis Carty in his witness statement describes how they had planned to 'place a large quantity of gelignite in the public house against the inner wall of the barracks. The charge was calculated to be sufficient to destroy the barracks and its contents completely.' (p6).

A man called Tom Traynor, whom was the county engineer, had calculated the amount of explosives required for the job.

The barracks building

The RIC barracks was located on the northern end of the village, along the main street. The 'Wicklow People' on reporting the incident described the barracks as 'strongly fortified and regarded as impregnable'. By December 1920 many rural barracks in Wexford had been sabotaged, burned or attacked. Foulksmills barracks had been attacked just two days before the incident in Carrig-on-Bannow.

Subsequently as result of these events many barracks had become heavily fortified and this would have included that in Carrig-On-Bannow village. The newspaper report makes reference to ' a loophole window' indicating the barracks possibly had steel shutters with loopholes attached to its windows. Mr. James Walsh, as well as owning the shop and pub, also owned the barracks building, which the police rented from him for a fee.

Attempt to blow up barracks

Francis Carty states in his witness statement that 12 men were involved in the operation. Before the operation telegraph wires were cut to stop the police calling for aid and delay the arrival of any potential reinforcements.

Explosives had been hidden in a graveyard near the village and were picked up en route on the day. At around 6 in the evening, under the cover of darkness, two to three cars arrived and stopped outside the village, having come from Wexford town. The IRA had been informed that Mr. Walsh would not be in the shop at the time and instead there would be a young man assisting him that would not offer any resistance. This was John Walsh, a nephew of James Walsh. A donkey and cart was commandeered from a man outside the village to place the explosives into. This was to be led up to the barracks and the explosives placed inside the adjoining shop.

The 'Wicklow People' reported how two men, armed with revolvers, approached the owner of the donkey and cart and took it, but reassured them that they would return it after the operation.

The Military Enquiry reported in 'The Wicklow People' told how John Walsh left the shop at about 6:45 p.m. after his uncle, James Walsh, had arrived and relieved him. It was unexpected to the IRA that James Walsh would arrive, but they decided to continue with the operation. At about 7 p.m. two men entered the premises.

Francis Carty identifies one of these men as 'Davy Sears' and how when he attempted to buy cigarettes Mr. James Walsh became suspicious of him. The Enquiry told how after a brief exchange of words a struggle broke out between Davy Sears and James Walsh.

The ensuing struggle escalated from the shop to just outside the property when two shots rang out and James was wounded. The IRA decided to abandon the operation and fled the scene, heading northwards out of the village.

Meanwhile, upon being awoken by the noise one of the police officers in the adjacent barracks took position upstairs and fired two shots at a wall opposite the building on the other side of the street.

Having heard the commotion he likely assumed the barracks was under attack and fired where he thought any attackers may have been positioned. Francis Carty describes how he had been observing the incident nearby and upon hearing the shots from the police intended to fire back with a 'parrabellum pistol' he had. However, he mistakenly pressed the magazine release and it with its store of bullets fell to the ground. These were later retrieved by the police.

Following the attackers retreat James Walsh lay wounded outside his store calling for his nephew saying 'John I'm shot'. Twenty minutes later the parish priest, a Canon Mortimer O Sullivan administered the last rites (Irish Times, 22nd Dec 1920, p5) and within a half hour of the shooting James died (New Ross Standard, 21st Dec 1920, p5), The cause of death was given as a result of two bullet wounds, both shot at close range.

The victim

James, most likely becoming aware of the IRA men and their intention, attempted to interfere and halt their actions. Knowing that the police were nearby he probably anticipated that his struggle would alert them and they would then render assistance. He was aged 50 years at the time of his death and was unmarried with no children. His remains were interned in Ambrosetown Graveyard.

Aftermath

Following on from the incident those involved managed to escape before any military cordons were set up on the area. They made their way back to Wexford town, leaving the cars a distance outside from it and walking in via separate roads. The Brigade Activity Reports tell how one telegraph wire was left uncut and the police wired for assistance. Fortunately for the IRA a man named 'Aidan Cullen', whom was on duty in Wellingtonbridge post office, intercepted this message and prevented the capture of the men returning to Wexford.

The site today

The building has changed little from the exterior. The portion which served as the barracks is now a private residence while the former shop and pub section of the building retains their commercial fronts and in 2019 was used as a takeaway. There is no marker or memorial on the site to indicate that the incident ever occurred.
A member of the Bexar County Sheriffs Office command staff is retiring after he and the sheriff did not see eye-to-eye on shifting the agencys focus to organized crime and domestic terrorism.

On Friday, Assistant Chief Deputy Ronald Dale Bennett agreed to retire immediately and receive an honorable discharge, Sheriff Javier Salazar said.

Bennett rose through the ranks to the assistant chief deputy position during his off-and-on career of 34 years. In 2013, he left the department to work for another agency. He returned after Salazar took office in 2017 and became his assistant chief deputy.

Salazar said their disagreement came from his decision to reorganize resources, such as having the narcotics unit not just make drug-related arrests, but also seeking out drugs linked to organized crime.

The sheriff also said he wants a dedicated gang unit.

During Salazar's administration, the sheriffs office set up a mobile command unit on the Northeast Side to combat an increase in gang-related activity.

Salazar also said the department receives intelligence regarding gang activity from inmates at the Bexar County Jail. He said it is difficult for the department to act on it effectively without a gang unit.

The sheriffs office is part of the Texas Anti-Gang Center  a joint effort between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to combat gangs in Texas  but he said that operation mostly focuses on sharing intelligence.

I feel the next big threat for us ... is going to come from domestic terrorism. Its going to come from narco-terrorism from south of the border, Salazar said. We have got to be at the front end of this. I dont think that a uniform gang unit is too much to ask.

Bennett did not agree that shifting deputies from other units was the best course of action, Salazar said. He was also unwilling to help with reassigning and reorganizing the law enforcement units.

If anyone can show me good, hard evidence on why we dont need an organized crime effort, Im all ears, Salazar said. But if you dont want to do it just because you dont want to do it, that becomes problematic for me.

Salazar said supervisors from the agencys different units are now looking at how they can shift their resources, but he did not have an immediate timeline as to when the gang unit would be assembled.

He said any adjustments will not affect the current effectiveness of the countys law enforcement.

Salazar also said the Anaqua Springs case was not handled at the level he expected while addressing reasons that Bennett retired.

On Jan. 10, 2019, Nichol Leila Olsen, 37 and her two girls were found dead at a $1 million home in the gated Anaqua Springs Ranch subdivision near Leon Springs.

The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office ruled Olsens death a suicide and her daughters deaths as homicides.

On Friday, Hector Bribiescas, the father of London Sophia Bribiescas, Olsens 10-year-old daughter, filed a lawsuit accusing Charles Edward Wheeler, Olsens boyfriend, of negligence. He is seeking more than $1 million in damages.

As for the BCSO investigation, Salazar said that not enough of an attempt was made to answer certain questions that lingered in the case two years later.

Im sorry. I just beg to differ to anybody who laid that case on my desk and told me that it was completed and ready to go, Salazar said.

He has since reassigned the investigation to a cold case detective.
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.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
The American Kennel Club, or AKC, has welcomed a new member breed: The Biewer terrier. The recognition means the breed can now take part in special competitions like the famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. It also can increase the market value of the pet animal.

The Biewer terrier is little, weighing around 1.8 to 3.6 kilograms. It is part of the toy dog group. The Biewer has long, flowing hair that adds to its toylike quality.

Dog breed experts say it looks a lot like the Yorkshire terrier from which it came. Biewer is the name of the German family who started breeding the dogs from Yorkshire terriers that had rare white markings.

Dog breeder Adrianne Dering of Morgantown, West Virginia, said Americans began importing the dogs in the early 2000s. Theyre just very loving and easygoing. For a small dog, theyre not a high-strung dog, Dering said.

Dering said the dogs are active, playful and travel easily. However, they do need companionship, so they are not the best for people who leave their animals alone during long workdays.

The AKC is the nation's oldest purebred dog registry. The AKC does not consider recognition of a breed unless there are at least 300 of the dogs spread across at least 20 states.

Some animal rights supporters say working to increase interest in purebreds is wrong. They say it leads to cruel breeding operations. Activists also argue that too many dogs are in public shelters already and need owners.

The AKC says responsible breeding permits people to choose pets with somewhat predictable characteristics. The club also notes that mixed-breed dogs compete in many events it supports, such as agility and obedience competitions.

Im Mario Ritter, Jr.

Jennifer Peltz reported this story for the Associated Press. Mario Ritter Jr. adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

breed n. a particular kind of dog, cat or other domesticated animal; a kind of animal that has been produced by breeding

high-strung adj. very nervous, easily upset

companionship n. a good feeling that comes from being with someone else

characteristic n. typical of a person, thing, or group

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) - Columbus police are wanting to question two people about a Nov. 30, 2020, homicide.

According to Police Chief Fred Shelton, they want to interview Tommie Flowers, 26, and Theodis Brown, 27.

Chief Shelton said they think those two men could help with the case. Police are asking for your help locating them.

The homicide happened after an argument in the front yard of a residence on 12th Avenue South.

If you have any information, police are asking you to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-530-7151.
In the Wall Street Journal's top editorial on Friday, titled "Trump's Final Days," the paper's editors wrote:

The best outcome would be for [President Trump] to resign to spare the U.S another impeachment fight.

It's rubbish.

The media and other Democrats have called Trump unfit for office and called for his impeachment since before he took office, so it is nothing new for House speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats to call for a new one.

The first time they impeached Trump was because he called on Ukraine to investigate the corrupt Biden family. It would be malfeasance for a president to look the other way if a politician in the United States lines his family's pockets with kickbacks because of his powerful position.

For four years, the media and other Democrats have spread the lie about Russian collusion and claimed that Trump was a puppet of Putin, who worked hand in hand with him to steal the election from Hillary Clinton. Yet, in the division that followed, this is all Trump's fault for dividing the country.

For the last few years, the media and other Democrats, including President-Elect Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, have knowingly spread the lie about what Trump said at Charlottesville, claiming he praised neo-Nazis as good people. It was nothing but their bid to gin up hate and division, yet Trump is responsible for the division.

For four years the media and other Democrats have called Trump and his supporters every vicious name in the book to gin up hate and division, but it is Trump's fault that there is division.

Throughout 2020, there were violent protests with looting and arson, yet these crimes were widely supported by most of the media and other Democrats. Not only were they supported; they were called mostly peaceful and understandable. Harris and her pals actually advocated for donating cash to bail out the criminals.

Business leaders and groups are ripping Trump and outraged about what occurred in D.C. on Wednesday, but they remained mostly silent as mom-and-pop businesses were destroyed throughout the year and police were threatened, injured, and even killed. They didn't care when anarchists took over part of Seattle. They not only didn't care, but contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the groups committing the violence.

These business groups have mostly sat silently by as tyrannical politicians have locked down so many without scientific evidence to support the lockdowns. They all pretend to care about the poor, the children, minorities, small businesses, and others as they intentionally destroy and bankrupt them. Democrats have never cared about corporations and profits, so why do they care what they say now?

Trump probably held at least fifty rallies throughout the year with aggressive language against the establishment, and they were peaceful until this one, where a small percentage of people turned violent, and Trump is somehow blamed for this and told to resign or be impeached? Senators Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz are also supposedly responsible? No one complained when Democrats protested in 2005 and 2017 on the electoral votes.

Yesterday, Biden said there is unequal justice in the U.S. I agree. Hillary and all the other members of the Obama/Biden crime family got off scot-free, no matter how many crimes they committed.

The greatest threat to our freedom, democracy, and prosperity came when Obama/Biden used the puppet Justice Department and a fake dossier paid for by the DNC and Hillary to target a political opponent for defeat while protecting their career corrupt criminal, Hillary, for president.

We are repeatedly told that under Biden, the Justice Department will be independent again. What a joke! Under Obama attorneys-general Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch, Obama/Biden controlled whom the Justice Department went after and whom they let off.

President Trump sought to give the power, purse, and freedom back to the people throughout his term and helped lift people of all races and all education levels up the economic ladder, and he was fought every day by Democrats and Democrat campaign workers posing as reporters.

Biden/Harris and the Democrats support moving more power and money to the powerful government and are supported every step of the way by most of the compliant, complicit media, who are essentially puppets repeating talking points.

So spare me if I treat the WSJ and others with disdain as they trash Trump and his supporters and lecture us. They have relinquished their influence by what they have done for several years and decades.

Image credit: Pixabay public domain.
(Newser)  President-elect Biden is on the brink of moving into the White House, but as far as Kim Jong Un is concerned, that doesn't change how he views the United States. In fact, per North Korean state media, Kim says the US remains his nation's "biggest enemy" and is the reason why he's forging ahead with advancing his nuclear weapons arsenal, Reuters reports. Kim also isn't optimistic that much will change under a Biden administration, though if the US wants to improve relations with North Korea, it should drop its "hostile" policies. The North Korean leader made his comments Friday at the ruling Workers' Party congress in Pyongyang, per NPR.

story continues below

"Our external political activities must focus on controlling and subjugating the United States, our archenemy and the biggest stumbling block to the development of our revolution," Kim said, per the Korea Central News Agency. The North Korean leader said his nation is working on building up a nuclear arsenal that would include a nuclear-powered submarine, advanced warheads that could get through missile defense systems, and tactical nukes, per CNN, which notes that Kim's remarks suggest his three high-profile meetings with President Trump haven't done much to dampen his nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, President-elect Biden said in October he would meet with Kim only if the North Korean leader agrees to tamp down his country's nuclear capacity. (Read more Kim Jong Un stories.)
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West are headed for Splitsville after nearly seven years of marriage. While many people might have seen this coming, few were prepared for the rumors after the news first leaked that they were getting a divorce.

Kanye West attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 9, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California | Rich Fury/VF20/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

The news of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian Wests divorce

Page Six first reported that Kim and Kanye were moving to split up. According to multiple sources close to the family, both West and Kardashian West are keeping the divorce low-key and trying to protect their four children. Kardashian West, in particular, is ready to move on.

This divorce is happening because Kim has grown up a lot, a source close to the matter said. She is serious about taking the bar exam and becoming a lawyer, she is serious about her prison reform campaign.

Meanwhile Kanye is talking about running for president and saying other crazy sh*t, and shes just had enough of it, the source added.

Kanye West has been rumored to be hooking up with Jeffree Star

After the news broke that the West family was splitting up, controversial TikToker Ava Louise posted a video that set the Internet on fire. Louise is an influencer who rose to fame with lines such as Id rather die hot than live ugly.

Louise revealed in a video that she has insider knowledge from someone close to her that West has been hooking up with makeup mogul and YouTuber Jeffree Star.

Kanyes been hooking up with a very famous beauty guru  male beauty guru  a lot of people in the scene have known for a while, she said in the video. In a follow-up video, Louise added the disclaimer that its all alleged, even though she was told by a very good [source].

My friend is a big lawyer in LA and met with Kim months ago and was told all of this given evidence, she added in the comments. I want to drop receipts but I cant.

One of the reasons many made the connection between West and Star was the fact that West has been a resident of Wyoming for years now, and Star recently announced that he had bought land and would be living between the Cowboy State and Los Angeles.

Jeffree Star | Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images

Jeffree Star addressed the rumors in a YouTube video

Star first had fun when the rumors broke. He shared a photo with the caption, Im ready for Sunday Service, a reference to Wests popular gospel concert series.

Quickly after, however, Star released a YouTube video clearing up the whole situation. Despite fanning the flames of the rumors himself, Star acknowledged that the press around him and Wests reported relationship caught him by surprise.

Star flat-out called Louises TikTok expose a lie and that he was, in fact, not sleeping with the Grammy-winning rapper. Let me just say this one time, the influencer said as he cleared things up. I like very tall men.

Me and Kanye have never hung out, and this whole thing is really funny, Star added.

Kris Jenner | Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

RELATED: Are Kanye West and Jeffree Star Hooking Up?

Kris Jenner might have been behind the rumors

It turns out that the origins of the rumor may have been coming from inside the Kardashian-Jenner house the whole time. Last year, the family announced that Keeping Up With the Kardashians would be coming to an end in 2021. But despite that, the family continues to have drama and some fans are starting to think that things are sounding suspicious, including the rumors about West and Kardashian Wests divorce.

Their culture-destroying reality show was canceled Alas, she needs attention, one person tweeted about Kardashian West. Her 15 minutes of shame is gone. So shes gotta try something.

Some fans even directly attributed the rumors of their split to matriarch Kris Jenner.

Headlines. All about headlines. When you get no press you have to [create] headlines Kris is totally behind it, one person wrote. Gotta keep the brand alive.

Given Jenners businesswoman tendencies and her ability to create stories about her family, it wouldnt be totally farfetched for her to plant rumors about West and Star having a secret affair.
By Gustavo Palencia

TEGUCIGALPA, Jan 8 (Reuters) - The United States, its Central American allies and Mexico will not allow a group of migrants that is readying a trip north from Honduras to travel to the U.S. border, a senior U.S. border official said on Friday.

Hondurans have taken to WhatsApp and Facebook groups, some of which have thousands of subscribers, to organize another caravan scheduled to leave from the country's northern city San Pedro Sula on Jan. 15, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

"Do not waste your time and money, and do not risk your safety and health," Mark Morgan, acting commissioner at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said in a statement.

"Migrant caravan groups will not be allowed to make their way north in violation of the sovereignty, standing public health orders, and immigration laws of the respective nations throughout the region."

Many Hondurans still live on the streets after their homes were devastated by hurricanes Eta and Iota.

Restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the pandemic in the poor Central American country are making it even more difficult for many to get back on their feet.

In one Facebook group that boasts more than 5,500 members, people exchange advice on how to reach "paradise", how to protect themselves against fraudsters and the coronavirus on their trip north, and share prayers.

It would be the second such caravan leaving Honduras since the hurricanes. In December, a caravan got to Guatemala but was dispersed by authorities before reaching Mexico.

Border arrests reached the highest level in nearly two years in December.

On Dec. 19, the team of President-elect Joe Biden said he and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed in a phone call to hone a "new approach" to migration issues that "offers alternatives to undertaking the dangerous journey to the United States." (Reporting by Gustavo Palencia Writing by Stefanie Eschenbacher Editing by Lincoln Feast)
Premier Brian Pallister may have forgiven a backbencher who took his family to Western Canada over the holidays  despite public health advice to stay home  but the public isn't ready to let either Tory off the hook.

Premier Brian Pallister may have forgiven a backbencher who took his family to Western Canada over the holidays  despite public health advice to stay home  but the public isn't ready to let either Tory off the hook.

In James Teitsma's east Winnipeg constituency, Radisson, shoppers offered their opinions about the MLA's decision to travel to Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C., and the premier's decision not to punish him for it.

"Its frustrating, because all of us stayed home, didnt see our grandkids, didnt travel and all those kinds of things, and are now seeing our MPs and MLAs take these trips and ignore these guidelines," said Val, who didn't want her last name reported.

"Are there no consequences?" she asked.

Pallister said Tuesday he wasn't pleased with Teitsma's decision to disobey public health advice, but added he respects the backbencher.

"He's a loving father. He has, I think, more kids than there are weeks in the year, and he has to spend some time with his family periodically."

The premier rewarded the MLA on Tuesday by reappointing him to Treasury Board, which controls the province's purse strings. A day later, Pallister said he didn't plan to remove Teitsma from two legislative standing committees.

Melinda Kozik called that response "hypocritical" at a time when messaging from the province has strongly recommended people stay home.

"I felt not only anger, but I felt a lot of disappointment. It was almost as if I couldnt believe it," she said.

While she admitted the premier had yet to "win (her) heart in any shape or form," Kozik said she hoped he would step up and discipline Teitsma and others who had admitted to leaving Manitoba.

"Is this your good buddy or something, that youre not disciplining him?" she said. "They have to be, no matter what, held to a higher standard. Its just one of the things that they have to take on with their job. So, if they do something like this, I really feel that Pallister should step up and discipline them."

Along with Teitsma, the provincial clerk of the executive council, David McLaughlin, and director of strategic communications and marketing, Logan-Theanna Ross, both took trips out of the province over the holidays, to Eastern Canada.

Elfriede, who didn't want her surname used, works at a grocery store. Being a front-line worker has been stressful, she said, in part because of people continuing to flout public health orders.

She said that if Teitsma were to face consequences for travelling, it would be fair to issue fines to people who admit to breaking public health orders and later test positive for COVID-19.

"How many people broke protocol and had Christmas gatherings, or had a gathering at New Years, and are now testing positive?" she said. "They all need to be reprimanded and fined."

She said there should be a greater focus on the Manitobans  both in government positions and otherwise  who are doing their part and staying home.

"Right now, theres a select few people who are following protocol, and those are the people we have to commend," she said.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: malakabas_
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8)  President Rodrigo Dutertes wish of amending the Constitution to abolish party-list groups allegedly supportive of the communist movement does not sit well with some lawmakers and political analysts.

Duterte in a November 2020 meeting with lawmakers suggested that constitutional provisions on the party-list system be changed, Senate President Vicente Tito Sotto III has disclosed. Duterte believes party-list lawmakers, particularly those from the minority Makabayan bloc, are legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing New Peoples Army. The Makabayan bloc has decried this red-tagging.

This allegation should not lead to charter change, Michael Yusingco, legislative and policy consultant, told CNN Philippines. "Amending the constitution must come from a thorough and rational discussion of reasons."

For Senator Panfilo Ping Lacson, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, the government should be a little more creative in going after the Reds, without opening the floodgate to possibly tinker with the Constitution in its entirety.

Taking the charter change route might be a bit too big a bite to take, Lacson said in a statement, adding that no one can assure that Congress, once convened as a constituent assembly, would limit discussions to certain provisions.

AKO BICOL Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr., head of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, said that if the sole purpose is to clamp down on some party-lists, the government can instead seek the groups' disqualification with the Commission on Elections.

Yusingco added that lawmakers could push for amending the Party-List System Act instead, considering how dynastic politicians have dominated a system meant for the underrepresented and marginalized.

Sotto said he made the same suggestion to the President, but Duterte replied it would only face challenges at the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, amendments to the Constitution could also cover some economic provisions, Sotto recalled the President as saying.

Not the time for constitutional change

Yusingco, however, said its ill-timed for the Duterte administration to insist on constitutional amendments now with more than a year left in his term.

The process cannot be railroaded in just six months, Yusengco said. At the minimum, it needs a year and a half to discuss the proposed changes.

The CPP, which was has been designated as a terrorist organization by the executive Anti-Terrorism Council, said Duterte's allies could find ways to extend his term, an accusation Malacanang has repeatedly denied. Duterte has said he has no plans of staying in power beyond 2022.

"Once a constituent assembly is convened, anything goes, especially as it will be under supermajority control of his minions, who are ever ready to please the tyrant," CPP information officer Marco Valbuena said in a statement.

READ: Duterte admin using revived cha-cha talks as 'smokescreen' for electoral agenda  Makabayan bloc

Amending economic provisions

The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments will tackle proposed changes to the charter on January 13, particularly the resolution filed by House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco in July 2019. It seeks to ease the constitutional limits on foreign ownership of lands, educational institutions, public utilities, and mass media firms.

The Foundation for Economic Freedom supports Velasco's proposal, saying it would lead to "investment-led growth." It warned, however, that political controversy and division would derail much-needed amendments to the "restrictive" economic provisions.

While Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon called it a sin to be talking about charter change as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus crisis, Garbin believes focusing on amending economic provisions would be a step towards recovery.

CNN Philippines' Eimor Santos and Joyce Ilas contributed to this report.


Greg Vogts received a gift this year that saved Christmas and it saved his business, ending a devastating string of bad luck incidences that almost led to the closure of his once flourishing restaurant.

The Cypress transplant for the last six years grew up in New York and as a young entrepreneur, followed the money.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston area wealth advisor gives financial tips for the new year

I chase money, he said. I went wherever my company needed me to go, he said of his earlier ventures. While in school, he worked for Marriott and transferred to Denver to finish his schooling.

It would be a stroke of good luck for him as that was where he met his future wife.

Then a move to Philadelphia for seven years followed where he worked for a year for Champps Americana and then Cheesecake Factory before making a trek to Cypress, Texas when his wifes parents retired to Towne Lake.

Vogt was working for the local Cheesecake Factory and ended up in the Galleria store where he was the general manager for two years. He spent more than a decade with the company before moving on.

I always wanted to open my own place and I figured now was as good a time as any, he said.

He left there in 2017 and took a job as a recruiter so that it would give him the extra time necessary to work on a plan for opening his own restaurant.

He found a location and at one point had considered a deli but went instead with Macks Tenders.

They opened in October of 2019, but it was a journey to get there.

We had originally planned on opening on Aug. 4 and two or three weeks before we were to open, my dad passed away, he said.

Greg packed his bags and went back to New York to help settle his fathers estate and handle his final affairs.

They pushed back the opening to October when Vogt had returned from New York.

The opening was successful and a week into the start of the business, his brother called him to tell him the devastating news he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer.

His dads girlfriend moved to Colorado where his brother was living to help with his care, and Greg found himself flying back and forth to see his brother to spend some time with him.

During that time, the store flourished.

I think I had a good plan and things were going well until January when my brother passed away, he said.

It was terrible. The kid was 45 years old. He died within three months of his diagnosis, Vogt said.

He remembered that his brother had told him at his dads funeral that he was having a lot of heartburn and digestion issues and he planned on seeing a doctor once he got back to Denver.

He had both a colonoscopy and endoscopy and doctors discovered a tumor on his ampullary gland next to his pancreas.

He went from being a perfectly healthy man to his grave in three months, his brother said in shock.

Vogt again found himself planning a funeral and helping with his brothers affairs in Denver.

When he returned in early February, he was more determined than ever to make the restaurant work and do it in the memory of his father and brother.

Then the pandemic hit, he said.

He was surviving on a few catering events since walk-in and curbside traffic was limited as fears over the coronavirus consumed people around the world.

My plan was to get really involved with the schools and we had even created a box lunch program but those fell by the wayside. We couldnt approach anyone because of the circumstances created by the pandemic, he said.

Cy-Fair school notebook: Chromebooks issued to all Cy-Fair ISD high schools

For the next 10 months, March through December, they struggled to keep the doors open and meet payroll for their employees.

It meant dipping into the savings to keep things viable, he said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 16, he was sitting at the front desk with his laptop open and he noticed Dave Portnoy, founder of the media company Barstool Sports, come up on his feed.

He was saying how he was frustrated with how the federal government was putting all these controls on small businesses by limiting seating and hours of operation, yet they werent willing to help the small guy out, he said.

He said Portnoy put together a fund to help small businesses around the country and if anyone listening was one of those businesses, he wanted to hear from them. Portnoy gave out his email address and Vogt wrote it down.

All along I was thinking there were thousands of people writing him an email and I never expected anything to come of it, he said, but he did write the email and explained his story.

Then on Christmas Eve, he was shocked to find an email from Daves assistant who said they loved his story and needed some additional information.

They wanted a video from me, a copy of our payroll, and just some info to tell where were at, he said.

They needed it within 24 hours. He scrambled and got the info together. One of the requirements he had to meet his continuance to pay staff, which he had.

I never got rid of anybody which might have helped me, but I wouldnt have been able to grow the restaurant. I would have been spending my time cooking and doing other things, he said.

He sent it off to Liz, Daves assistant later in the day on Dec. 24.

Vogt said he was stoked to know they were asking for additional information, but still wasnt convinced he would be a recipient with so many others needing it as well.

On Christmas morning, he was spending time watching the kids opening presents when he received a FaceTime call. He thought it was one of his relatives back east checking on him after the year he had been through. He missed the call and tried to call back and the phone rang and rang. No one picked up.

Ten minutes later, it rang again.

I couldnt see the person, all I could hear was his voice and I recognized it immediately as being Portnoy, he said.

He couldnt believe it was him.

The conversation went on for five to 10 minutes and he said they wanted to help me out, he said.

By that night, the videos were uploaded onto Barstool website.

My social media director called me to tell me that our followers on our Facebook had grown six-fold in a matter of a few hours, he said.

The next morning, it had doubled again.

He arrived at his store the day after Christmas to a line out the door. Since then, his business has quadrupled, and he sees his business will have a future as they come out of the pandemic.

On Monday, many of his high school staff members went back to school and he was desperate for additional help to keep up with the business.

Normally, the kids would be coming in on the nights and the weekend. I put out a Facebook note out hoping a former colleague might be available to come in and help, he said.

He was shocked when hundreds of his former employees and managers responded and said they would be able to come and help him out.

He has since hired several people who are still getting trained and life is good.

I cant believe my good fortune to have this happen to me, he said.

The day after Christmas, a couple moving from California to Texas wanted to get into the restaurant business here and not knowing the circumstances of the day before, offered to buy his store. Vogt told them things had changed and he was no longer interested in selling.

It might have been different if I hadnt received the assistance, he said. The uncertainty of the economy and pandemic caused him to have second thoughts and he might have sold.

Now he will regularly receive monthly checks until the pandemic is over from Portnoys fundraiser that had reached as much as $16.8 million and was being distributed amongst 59 businesses across the US according to a Fox Business report.

To congratulate Greg and his staff, drop by the restaurant at 8190 Barker Cypress Rd. on the corner of Longenbaugh and Barker Cypress in The Plazas at Barker Cypress. You can also visit their website at mackschickentenders.com for more information or find them on Facebook.

dtaylor@hcnonline.com
Albany, N.Y.  Gov. Andrew Cuomo admitted today that New Yorks Covid-19 cluster zones are problematic, offering a speck of hope to restaurants in Syracuse that have been begging him to allow indoor dining in the city again.

Since November, most of Syracuse and portions of some close suburbs have been locked in one of the states coronavirus orange zones, which bans indoor dining at restaurants. Eateries say they are struggling and have asked Cuomo to switch the zone to yellow.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon support the request and Walsh sent a letter to Cuomo this week asking for the change.

READ MORE: Syracuse restaurants closed in an orange zone beg Cuomo to let them reopen

READ MORE: Mayor Walsh to Cuomo: Keeping Syracuse restaurants closed is inherently unfair

The problem, Walsh, McMahon and restaurants say, is that customers looking to eat out can simply drive to a restaurant just outside the city and eat there.

Restaurant owners say the situation is unfair and is endangering their businesses.

Cuomo acknowledged the issue today after being asked about the comments from Walsh and McMahon.

That is the problem with the whole zone concept, he said during a press conference in Albany. Its geographic and people drive outside the zone.

Cuomo also said he hadnt seen the letter from Walsh yet, but would look at it and talk with both the mayor and McMahon. He said he respects them both and has done good work with them.

McMahon and Walsh have both said they support the states efforts to control the pandemic and both appear to have good relationships with the governors office.

Cuomo has shown a willingness to tweak orange zone rules in the past. He allowed barbers, salons and gyms to reopen in the zones after initially requiring them to be shut.

Restaurant owners in the orange zone say data doesnt support the restrictions theyre living under. They point out that state contact tracing data from the fall found restaurants accounted for just 1.43% of cases where a specific cause could be found.

In addition, the seven-day average of the positive rate inside Onondaga Countys orange zone was 7.6% as of Wednesday, according to the state. Thats lower than the rate of 8.2% in the less restrictive yellow zone and in the county as whole, which had a seven-day average rate of 7.8% on Wednesday.

The state launched the cluster zone strategy in the fall. It includes varying levels of restrictions meant to slow the virus in areas seeing spikes.

For months, the state updated the zones weekly, adding and removing areas seeing increasing cases. But it has been weeks since an update from Cuomo on any of the zones in place now.

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources

Exclusive: 2 of every 3 people killed by Covid-19 in Onondaga County lived in nursing homes

2 Central NY hospitals used all of their Covid vaccines: Good progress, Cuomo says

Onondaga County on pace to vaccinate 10,000 a week. But will there be enough vaccine?

Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low around 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Gambling lobbyists and marijuana advocates are circling around a wounded Texas state government with hopes that the worst financial situation in a decade will push reluctant lawmakers to finally look their way for billions of dollars in potential revenues.

It is not just the coronavirus pandemic that is clouding the states finances, but also a dramatic decline in oil and gas revenues that has the 87th Texas Legislature facing the prospect of needing to patch an estimated $4 billion hole in the current budget. And in the legislative session that begins Tuesday, lawmakers are looking at a $10 billion to $20 billion deficit as they begin building the next two-year state budget.

Nothing else happens until we come to grips with this budget wall, said state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, chair of the Texas Senate Republican Caucus.

Texas is already relatively unique in American politics in that its Legislature meets once every two years for 140 days. This session will be even shorter. Not only will the budget mess take up much of the early action, but the pandemic has placed restraints on gatherings that are going to make it harder for the House and Senate to conduct committee hearings and take public testimony on legislation.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

While that means fewer chances for the coronavirus to spread in committee hearing rooms, it also means fewer bills getting heard and even fewer ultimately passing. Over the previous three sessions, lawmakers have filed nearly 7,000 bills per session with over 1,100 becoming law on average.

We are going to have fewer bills  there is no question, said state Sen. John Whitmire, a Houston Democrat who is starting his 38th year in the Texas Senate  the longest of any member.

But that limitation comes as COVID-19 and the social unrest from the summer have magnified some of the biggest issues of the day. Delivery of health care, the states growing uninsured population, the pandemic response, an antiquated unemployment compensation system, police reform and criminal justice reforms are just some of the issues competing for air.

Its all going to make it a really difficult session, said Whitmire, who also expects a heavy dose of partisanship as Republicans aim to chalk up wins on issues that will please their supporters in the run-up to the 2022 elections.

As for the gambling and marijuana lobbyists, theyre making a spirited run at loosening the states strict laws on the basis they would drum up revenue. But first they would have to overcome fierce opposition from the Republican Party of Texas.

The budget

Lawmakers will get more clarity on the financial picture Monday when Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar releases his revenue projections for the next two years.

Having been through several multibillion-dollar shortfalls, I want everyone to understand this is going to be difficult, said Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson, a Republican from North Texas. We must maximize federal aid, find more efficient ways to deliver services and re-establish our priorities.

But while the exact size of the budget problem isnt clear yet, there are some near-guarantees in Texas politics.

Key players in the Texas Legislature Gov. Greg Abbott: The Texas governor doesn't have a lot of influence in directing the Legislature, but he does have the ability to outline "emergency items" that get top billing. He also holds the power to veto anything that comes out of the Legislature. That alone can stop bills from having any chance of being heard. His role is even more interesting this year because it is the last regular session before he's up for re-election in 2022. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: As presiding officer of the Texas Senate, Patrick has immense power over the entire process. While he cannot vote on legislation except in the case of a tie vote, he is empowered to create committees, pick who chairs them and select what bills will be assigned to each. Even before the session gets underway, Patrick is showing he's ready to use that power. He's already shuffled committees to weaken the Democrats on budget issues and announced he'll change the Senate rules to prevent Democrats from being able to block legislation. House Speaker Dade Phelan: For the third time since 2018, Texas will have a different House speaker, creating additional uncertainty in the upcoming session. The 45-year-old Beaumont Republican will take the gavel, rising to the post after the last speaker, Dennis Bonnen, was tripped up by secret recordings in which he plotted against fellow Republicans running for re-election. Phelan is new to the leadership post but is no rookie to the process. Phelan has been in the Texas Legislature since 2015. See More Collapse

Tax increases are completely off the table, said state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, a Republican from Southlake who leads the House Appropriations Committee, at a forum organized by the Texas Tribune.

That leaves lawmakers to either slash government services or seek out new revenue.

A top priority will likely be protecting a public school funding increase adopted two years ago that gave pay raises to teachers and other school employees while also slowing property tax increases for schools. That is expected to cost upward of $13 billion over two years.

I dont want those things to go away, said Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Houston Democrat who chairs the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus.

Pandemic response

The pandemic has highlighted the states lousy track record on health care, said state Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio. Texas leads the nation in the number of uninsured people, and the states lack of sufficient health care facilities in rural Texas has been exposed as health officials have scrambled to find enough beds to take care of coronavirus patients.

Its time we expand access to health care for all Texans, Menendez said.

Nearly 30 percent of Texans under the age of 65 did not have health insurance before the pandemic hit, and the economic fallout resulted in thousands more losing jobs and health care coverage.

But the barriers are clear. Expanding Medicaid coverage would mean embracing the Affordable Care Act, something Republicans have declined to do for more than a decade, concerned that federal funding for the program will erode.

Medicaid already accounts for more than 30 percent of the state budget.

Other pandemic-related issues, such as future funding for the states public health system and the states vaccine rollout, will compete for time on the Legislatures crowded agenda.

Social justice

The killing of former Houston resident George Floyd has made the call for police and criminal justice reforms a pressing issue. Floyd, a 46-year-old Yates High graduate, died in police custody as a bystander recorded video of an officer pinning him to the ground, pressing a knee into Floyds neck for more than seven minutes.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott called the death the most horrific tragedy Ive ever personally observed. Abbott in June declared his commitment to work with the Legislature to make sure that we prevent police brutality like this from happening in the future in Texas.

Houston Sen. Borris Miles, a Democrat, is among legislators who have filed dozens of bills calling for a host of changes, including ending chokeholds, requiring police departments to better report cases of excessive force and enacting tougher penalties for police who try to cover up abuse.

Now is the time for Texas to act and pass meaningful police reform legislation, Miles said.

But the tenor of those debates changed during the 2020 elections, as Republicans seized on calls for defunding the police, particularly criticizing the Austin City Council for shifting money from the police department to social service programs.

Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have both made a public show of calling for repercussions for any city and county that cuts police budgets. Abbott said there is still a need for police reforms, but he will fight to keep cities from going too far.

Elections matter

Typically in years before a gubernatorial election cycle when most of the states top leaders are up for re-election, the Legislature veers to the right politically, said University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus. Republicans still see primary challengers as bigger threats to their jobs than challenges from Democrats, given that its been over 25 years since any Democrat has won a statewide office.

That means this is the best chance for Republican leaders including Abbott and Patrick to prove their conservative orthodoxy with red-meat issues such as abortion restrictions, expanding gun rights and pushing back against labor unions.

Already, Republicans have telegraphed some of the issues they want to take up.

In December, a Texas Senate committee held a virtual hearing focused largely on new abortion restrictions.

Theyve also made clear they will rein in powers of local governments run by Democratic officials and toughen restrictions on voting in the name of preventing voter fraud.

Whitmire said Democrats missed their best chance to limit those efforts on Nov. 3, Election Day.

Republicans kept their commanding majorities in the House and Senate and have the power to block Democrats on any issue.

Elections matter, Whitmire said.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com

twitter.com/jeremyswallace

An organization protesting the presence of a Confederate monument and rebel banner outside the Marshall County Courthouse has taken its protest to another avenue.

The group Reclaiming Our Time has a billboard on U.S. 431 at Edmondson Street in Albertville calling for the monuments relocation and the removal of the flag.

Take Down the Rebel Flag, the billboard reads. Relocate the Confederate monument. White supremacy deserves no honor. #Removeandrelocate

The Confederate monument sits next to the Confederate flagpole outside the Marshall County Courthouse in downtown Albertville. (Paul Gattis | pgattis@al.com)

The stone marker and battle flag outside the Marshall County Courthouse have been the scene of repeated protests following national demonstrations in 2020 against the police killing of George Floyd. A Confederate heritage group installed the Civil War monument in 1996. In October, the Marshall County Commission announced plans to spend more than $3,000 building a fence to protect the monument and flag.

Members of the group say they were inspired by Project Say Something, a a Florence-based non-profit organization pushing for the relocation of a Confederate monument there.

Project Say Something put up a billboard in Florence, Alabama to spread their message further, Reclaiming Our Time stated in a Facebook post. We are both fighting similar fights so we followed their lead and made it happen in Marshall County as well.
OTTAWA  Manitoba women and low-wage workers continue to be the hardest hit from the COVID-19 recession, while the province is the worst in Canada for jobs lost since February.

OTTAWA  Manitoba women and low-wage workers continue to be the hardest hit from the COVID-19 recession, while the province is the worst in Canada for jobs lost since February.

Fridays labour-force survey paints a grim picture of the impact of closed schools and businesses on Canadian families, with the wealthiest returning to a pre-pandemic situation and those least-paid losing the most.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Molly McCracken, Director, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - Manitoba.

Compared with a year ago, unemployment among Manitoba women aged 25 and older has risen more than double that of Manitoba men.

"The ripple effects are deepening, and what was affecting women just continues to do so," said Molly McCracken, Manitoba head of the left-learning Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

"This is hard to see, for sure."

Statistics Canada gathered its data Dec. 6 to 12, a month into Winnipegs code-red lockdown.

At that point, employment in Manitoba was down 5.8 per cent compared with February, while employment dropped nationally 3.3 per cent in that period.

Manitobas unemployment rate stood at 8.2 per cent last month, when adjusted for seasonal variations.

Across Canada, single parents of children under 6 years old have a staggering 27.1 per cent drop in employment. The situation is only slightly better among single parents of kids under 16, whose employment has dropped 16.9 per cent.

Canadians working in food services, culture and health-care are disproportionately out of work. Women are over-represented in each of those fields, McCracken points out.

She noted that women already bear more of the burden for looking after kids and older relatives.

"If youve lost your job, its hard to get child care back when you get a new job," she said.

Employment numbers also dont account for people who still have jobs but are being paid for less than half their normal hours, as well as people who arent working and unable to seek work.

Canadians who make more than $35 per hour have returned to work, recuperating slightly more than the February baseline of hours worked, according to CCPA analysis of Fridays data.

Those making $24 to $35 an hour have seen a five per cent drop in those working a majority of their usual hours.

Those paid less than $17 an hour face the steadiest drop in employment, with 16 per cent fewer of that group reporting being either unemployed or working less than a majority of their usual hours.

McCracken said federal and provincial efforts to top up front-line workers pay has been helpful, but Manitobas contracting out of public services means more precarious jobs for women working in health and social services.

She was also critical of the province over child care, arguing a new scheme to create spots in lockstep with business isnt as proven as simply funding new, publicly run spaces.

"The provincial response has been non-existent when it comes to gender issues and COVID," she charged.

McCracken also argued provinces can easily shift around federal COVID-19 supports for child care, because of the few strings attached. "The federal government needs to take more leadership and demand accountability for funds it flows to provinces," she said.

In a statement, Families Minister Rochelle Squires noted the government recently formed a new parent advisory committee to help improve child care in Manitoba, with an emphasis on choice and accessibility. Part of that is a nursery-school system that would reserve the most subsidized spots to those with lower incomes.

"Our government continues to make important progress in creating child-care choices for Manitoba families, reducing red tape and enabling child-care providers to continue meeting the needs of parents and children, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic," Squires wrote.

The Friday data also show persistently higher unemployment among younger and racialized Canadians as well as Indigenous people, compared with the general population.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Phuket sets up Emergency Operations Centres

PHUKET: Vice Governor Vikrom Jakthee has announced that Emergency Operation Centres (EOC) have been set up at every Subdistrict Health Promoting Centre on the island as part of the national strategy to combat the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By The Phuket News

Saturday 9 January 2021, 03:43PM

People driving onto the island are checked at the Phuket Check Point. Photo: PR Phuket

People driving onto the island are checked at the Phuket Check Point. Photo: PR Phuket

People driving onto the island are checked at the Phuket Check Point. Photo: PR Phuket

Even though Phuket has no COVID-19 infections at this time, as a precaution we have certain requirements for people arriving from the highest risk provinces, Vice Governor Vikrom explained at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Jan 8).

The requirements follow the national announcement that all people travelling from Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Trat, Rayong and Samut Sakhon must first be screened and be granted permission by officials to exit the province they are in.

They must also use the MorChana app, which tracks users locations, or report their movements by submitting paper documents.

All people travelling to Phuket are asked to register through the MorChana COVID-tracking app, V/Gov Vikrom said.

People who are not able to install the Mor Chana app on their phones must report themselves at the nearest Subdistrict Health Promoting Centre, he said.

The Phuket Provincial Government is not denying entry to any people travelling to Phuket, but all people who arrive here must follow the procedures for entry and the COVID-19 protection measures, he added.

Boonchoke Pruekamornkul, Director of the Sakhu Subdistrict Health Promoting Centre, explained that EOCs will register where arrivals from the highest-risk provinces are staying in Phuket and monitor their condition.

Health officials will continue their inspections of venues in their areas to ensure vendors and operators are complying with COVID-19 prevention measures, Mr Boonchoke said.

Any persons who experience any symptoms similar to COVID-19 will receive immediate attention accordingly, he added.
The new Covid-19 variant first detected in the U.K. is unlikely to break out in Vietnam thanks to the country's response measures, according to experts.

On Jan 2 Vietnam reported the first case of the variant.

The carrier was a 44-year-old Vietnamese woman who came with a group of 305 passengers from Britain and landed in the southern Can Tho on December 22.

They were quarantined in Can Tho, the nearby provinces of Vinh Long and Tra Vinh and HCMC.

"I am not particularly concerned for Vietnam, since the country has very well established surveillance, contact tracing and border control measures," Professor Yik Ying Teo, dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, said when asked about the possible threat Vietnam faces.

"So the risk of this variant subsequently being transmitted to the community is actually extremely low."

Workers at Linh Trung Export Processing Zone in HCMC's Thu Duc District line up for Covid-19 test in April 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran.

Underscoring the similarities between Vietnam and New Zealand, Professor Michael Baker of the public health faculty at the University of Otago in New Zealand said both countries have elimination strategies and both are largely succeeding in containing Covid-19 resulting in low case numbers and deaths.

In a recent report Baker and his colleagues listed Vietnam as one of the countries in Asia that seems to have elimination as the dominant strategy.

They concluded that elimination could be the optimal response strategy for Covid-19 and other emerging pandemics. For successful elimination they listed the following conditions: informed input from scientists, political commitment to take decisive action, sufficient public health infrastructure to deliver the necessary interventions, public engagement and trust in the measures being taken, and a social safety net to support vulnerable populations.

Preparation for long-term effort

Hassan Vally, associate professor in public health, La Trobe University, Australia, said it is important to understand the new variant, while potentially being more transmissible, should not change the approach of any country to controlling Covid-19.

There is no evidence that this variant is different in any other way, and so all of the same measures to prevent transmission of the virus should continue, he added.

Associate Professor Alex Cook of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health said the evidence from the U.K. is that the new viruss infectivity is potentially 50 percent or higher.

This means existing measures might not be sufficient to keep its R-value to 1 or less, which would lead to epidemic growth, he said.

Countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore that have kept transmission more or less under control might therefore need to step up measures if the variant is found locally, he warned.

But he too expressed confidence, despite a possible risk of spillover from travelers to the general community, that Vietnamese authorities could contain it with existing measures.

The experts said there is no need for more than 14 days of quarantine.

Baker said there is no evidence that the incubation period is longer than usual for the new variant of the virus. He did not think additional tracking would be needed once someone has completed the normal quarantine.

But given that the variant is more infectious, it would be important to maintain high standards of infection control during quarantine, he said.

While Vietnams current border controls would of course also keep it out, it would be important to consider additional measures to reduce the number of imported cases since the variant is more infectious, he said.

"These measures could include pre-departure testing and potentially a brief period of quarantine before travel."

According to Professor Hajo Zeeb of the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology in Germany, it is certainly a situation where strict containment is important given the absence of immunity in Vietnam.

While the new strain is more transmissible, it does not seem to cause a more severe manifestation of the disease, he said.

This higher transmissibility rate is a problem when it comes to control, but there are no special measures beyond those known to work so far (distance, hygiene, contact reduction, etc), and the vaccines are expected to work also for this strain, he said.

Teo said though the 14-day quarantine does have the risk of missing some infected travelers, it is about balancing risk management with practicality.

A longer period of quarantine would certainly be safer, but causes greater inconvenience to travelers, and so individual countries have to decide on the balance, he said.

Hong Kong has opted for a longer quarantine, but there are also many countries that stick to the 14-day regime even for travelers from the U.K., he pointed out.

Dr Julian Tang of the University of Leicester in the U.K. said while the new variant does not seem to be causing a more severe disease people know that a proportion of those infected would need hospitalization and some would die.

For that reason, Vietnam needs to enhance all measures to reduce the spread of this highly transmissible strain to avoid overwhelming its healthcare system, he said.

The country could use the S-gene dropout PCR signal if its screening targets multiple virus genes, including the S gene, which fails to be detected in the variant, he said.

If Vietnam's PCR test is different from the TaqPath test, it might need to rely on sequencing (which is slower) to detect this U.K. variant, though scientists could possibly design a new specific PCR assay to detect this variant also, he said.

Clinically, Tang and his colleagues are not seeing much difference between the new and the old virus strains and do not think the effectiveness of existing vaccines would be affected much.

He said existing social distancing measures, masking and other interventions need to be more strictly observed to reduce the spread of this virus.

Vietnamese scientists could also check the effectiveness of their vaccine in neutralizing the new U.K. variant -- and might need to do this for the new South African variant, which is likely to come to Vietnam too -- in the near future, he said.

Teo said the world is aware of these variants only because the two countries have been putting in efforts to do a lot more genetic sequencing of the coronavirus.

"It could be there are other variants out there as well but are presently undetected."
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
Like a sneak thief in the night, COVID-19 stole into The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg undetected.

Like a sneak thief in the night, COVID-19 stole into The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg undetected.

No one knows how, exactly, the virus got into the Hugo Street personal-care home; none of the 84 residents or any staff members were showing any symptoms when the first positive case came back on Dec. 6.

But the virus made its presence known with force. Little more than a month later, the numbers tell a frightening tale.

Eighteen of the 84 residents died, the latest  a woman in her 60s  reported Thursday. Sixty-three residents contracted the virus and have recovered. Three others have somehow managed not to get sick.

Vulnerable seniors living communally in personal-care homes in Winnipeg, elsewhere in the province and across Canada have been easy targets for the virus; 364 residents and one staff member have died in Manitoba long-term care facilities. Another 1,029 residents and 672 workers either currently have, or had, COVID-19.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Margaret Ward, 82, says she immediately noticed things had changed the day she was allowed to leave her room to visit her floor's social area.

Margaret Ward says she immediately noticed things had changed the day she was allowed to leave her room at The Convalescent Home to visit her floor's social area.

"It was usually quite full (but) I went out there and there were only two ladies sitting there and that was it," the 82-year-old Ward says. "There are seven ladies on my floor that we no longer have. One of them, I used to be best friends with her. We would have tons of laughs. Now those seven ladies are not there.

"It will be so lonely."

The situation has been very difficult inside the facility, says assistant director of care Brenda Hodgson.

"They are never just residents to us," she says. "They are someone's wife or husband, mom, dad, oma or opa, aunt or uncle, sister or brother or friend.

"Every life has value, and I can only hope that some good will yet come out of all of this, even if it is to remember to never take each other for granted."

The outbreak hasn't been officially declared over at the home, but for all intents and purposes, the novel coronavirus is in its rear-view mirror.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority says an outbreak isn't officially over until a facility has gone through two incubation periods  a total of 28 days  after its last positive case has resolved.

SUPPLIED - The usually active recreation room at The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg... complete with two rabbits (Jessica and Hugo).

But what then? What happens in a personal-care home after it has been ravaged by COVID-19? The Convalescent Home, an organization that has been around since 1883, experienced the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1919.

There are 39 long-term care facilities in Winnipeg, including the St. Amant health-care facility, where residents include children and adults living with special needs. The most recent WRHA report last week says that, as of Jan. 5, there were outbreaks at 26 of them.

Some care homes experienced a first wave of COVID-19 but after outbreaks were declared over, new cases were confirmed.

Somehow, four facilities in the city  the Luther Home, Vista Park Lodge, Donwood Manor and Golden Door  haven't been visited upon thus far by the virus.

Tuxedo Villa Extendicare administrator Catherine Creran knows that facility is among the fortunate ones. The cases there have, so far, staff members, and a recent outbreak was declared over on Dec. 29.

Creran continues to count Tuxedo Villa's lucky stars; residents there are scheduled to receive their first of two vaccine injections next week.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A visitor pod behind The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg.

"We followed all the procedures of the WRHA," Creran says, referring to the residents' good fortune. "Everyone is screened before they come in. Even when you have just staff there's still a lot of work. You isolate as soon as possible.

"This has been a tough year with a lot of work."

Creran says they'll never know whether it was cleaning and sanitizing, fast isolation of residents and staff, something else or a combination of things that has spared residents to this point.

"All of the above? It's tough to say," she says. "You don't even know with this virus who has it. They can be asymptomatic. It is such a sneaky virus. I feel so bad for all the other care homes."

Perhaps, not surprisingly, the first thing a care home has to do when declared COVID-free is to do an "effective cleaning and disinfection."

A WRHA spokesperson says facilities are, obviously, expected to continue to follow restrictions and proper protocols in an effort to prevent another outbreak, including continued screening of staff, physical distancing, proper hygiene and cleaning.

"(They) can also begin implementing plans to reopen common dining areas with consideration for physically distanced meals and developing plans for post-isolation resident life, including things like recreation and allied health interventions," the spokesperson says.

Residences should continue to encourage virtual visits with family members, but they can also reopen visitation shelters. Facilities with clean bills of health can begin to look at welcoming new residents along with transfers between facilities, both of which are suspended during an outbreak.

Recovered residents should be monitored and screened twice daily, with any changes to their condition brought to the attention of a doctor or nurse practitioner.

Exercise should become part of the routine again, the WRHA spokesperson says.

"Residents would be encouraged to move around to build strength and prevent blood clots," the spokesman says.

Hodgson says The Convalescent Home was particularly vulnerable to the quick spread of the virus because of its high percentage of shared rooms, many of which have four beds.

And with those people separated only by a curtain, many of them who also tend to wander, COVID spread so fast that just 10 days after the first positive case, all but three residents had tested positive.

"We will be restarting smallgroup recreational activities again, including our virtual visits with families and friends and inperson visits utilizing our outdoor pod."  Assistant director of care Brenda Hodgson

Recreation was one of the first things to go; that room was used at first as a six-bed isolation space before residents were moved back to their rooms when the it became clear that the virus was everywhere.

And 25 employees eventually tested positive, and were required to isolate at home, which had a tremendous impact on staffing.

Hodgson is cautiously optimistic about moving forward once they get the all-clear from the province.

"We will be restarting small-group recreational activities again, including our virtual visits with families and friends and in-person visits utilizing our outdoor pod," she says. "In time, we will also be able to invite back our hairdresser which, I know, is a high priority for many."

And a more poignant event is in the planning stages.

"We are planning on holding a celebration of life for each of our (deceased) residents... to allow us, as a family of residents and staff, to honour each life taken and to grieve together," she says, adding a second gathering  with families  will take place when visitors are allowed back inside.

Tragically, facility has vacancies  18 beds are now open  and Hodgson says she expects to begin accepting applications for admission sometime next month.

As for the survivors, they're looking forward to what is ahead.

SUPPLIED Front/living room area at The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg has become storage for PPE.

Terry Moon says he can't wait for everything to get back to normal after weeks of having to stay in his room. He is especially looking forward to the restart of the facility's music program.

"We had lots of activities," the 69 year old says. "This was an active place, always something to do... we were going to have a Christmas choir and I was so looking forward to that.

"I can't wait for things to be fully back to normal. It is the social interaction, people getting together, that I really missed."

Moon says he now feels like a survivor.

"I feel just terrible, really sad," he says. "I know, and this may sound strange, that in the days to come I will round a corner and I know that I will see one of their faces again. We are going to have a memorial service and I look forward to participating in that."

Betty Lake, 93, says she is looking forward to being able to socialize again, but she knows already there will be some missing faces.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Terry Moon, 69, says he can't wait for everything to get back to normal after weeks of having to stay in his room.

"It is very sad, seeing all the vacant chairs where they used to sit," she says.

"(Before COVID) the day was filled with activities. We always were doing something."

Life will return to some semblance of normal.

"We will still go forward  their memories will be with us. I think we will gradually get into things again. We will go back to our dining room and we will see our other friends there," she says.

"Anything like this, you will live through it."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca

On January 6, as Donald Trump launched a fascist coup in Washingtonworking with high-level officials in the police, US military and the Republican partyretired Lieutenant General Emilio Perez Alaman sent a letter to Spains Defence Minister, Margarita Robles. He demanded she change the course of the Socialist Party (PSOE)-Podemos government. It is part of an intensifying coup plot by sections of the ruling class aiming to establish a dictatorship amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter to Robles, leaked in its entirety to far-right El Correo de Espana, criticised her speech at the annual Military Easter ceremony, which takes place every 6th of January in the Royal Palace in Madrid.

Lieutenant General Emilio Perez Alaman

This year, Defence Minister Robles could not avoid mentioning mounting coup threats made by top Spanish army officers while Trump announces his plans to contest the 2020 US election results. For over a year, the fascist Vox party, the third political force in Spains parliament, has called on the army to oust the elected PSOE-Podemos government. In November and December, hundreds of high-ranking former officers sent two letters and a manifesto to King Felipe VI, appealing for him to oppose the government.

Leaked WhatsApp messages of some of the former officers discussed shooting 26 million people and imitating General Francisco Francos fascist coup that provoked the 1936-1939 Spanish Civil War. One prominent participant in the chat group, Vox party leader Santiago Abascal, also traveled to Washington last February to attend meetings with Trump.

In her 6 January 2021 speech, Robles said the letters and chats come from an insignificant minority that only represents itself, that seeks publicity and a leading role that it neither deserves nor has, and that irresponsibly questions the foundations of coexistence in Spain. She added, they only deserve the most absolute rejection for their intolerance, delusions and distance from military values. She said no one has the right, least of all those who once wore the uniform of the Armed Forces, to harm the immense prestige our armies have, with the full awareness and gratitude of Spanish society.

Robles was continuing efforts of the PSOE-Podemos government, including deputy Prime Minister and Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias, to dismiss the fascist officers threats as those of a few retired bad apples in an otherwise healthy basket. Like Iglesias, Robles chose to ignore videos that have emerged of active-duty Spanish soldiers singing fascist and neo-Nazi songs and making the fascist salute, and a WhatsApp group of active-duty officers openly embraced the former generals calls.

Like the Democratic Party in the US, the PSOE-Podemos government fears and opposes tapping into broad, historically-rooted opposition to fascism in the Spanish and international working class. Amid mass deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic, millions view the Spanish officers threats with outrage and alarm. A mobilization of the working class under these conditions would inevitably oppose the policies of herd immunity and austerity that the PSOE and Podemos have implemented, and the interests of the financial oligarchy for which they speak.

Retired General Alamanwho authored a manifesto signed by 750 officers, including 70 generals, accusing the PSOE-Podemos government of posing a serious risk to the unity of Spain and the constitutional orderdefended the coup plotters.

In a falsely familiar and friendly tone, at one point referring to her as Dona Margarita, Alaman challenged Robles remark that the coup plotters are distant from military values. He said, I think that you have still to understand the soldiers spirit, which is logical taking into account your brief time in the Ministry. Significantly, Alaman affirmed that the coup plotters are not a minority in the officer corps.

Alaman told Robles not to look at the military, whether active or retired, with the eyes of your Second Deputy Prime Minister, referring to Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias. He continued, Your Excellency, in all of them [soldiers] you will only find Love for Spain and Spirit of Sacrifice for all Spaniards. Robles, Alaman added, is one of the few that can save face for Spains government.

Alaman concludes by appealing to Robles to make a good turn at the helm and change course. This paraphrases the expression that became popular among officers and the Francoite press before the failed February 23, 1981 coup in Spainwhen 200 armed Civil Guard officers burst in the parliament and attempted to restore the Francoite regime after it fell in 1978.

This underscores the significance of the multiple reports of a far-right plot, code-named Operation Albatross, aiming to install a dictatorship under the guise of a PSOE-Popular Party-Vox national unity government. The generals reportedly chose Robles as the figurehead of such a government.

Several parts in Robles career stand out. In the 1990s, she started out serving as first Secretary of State for the Interior in 1994-1996becoming the Interior Ministrys de facto second-in-command as the PSOE government tried to cover up the scandal caused by its use of death squads against the Basque separatist ETA group. In total, 29 people were murdered and 30 wounded.

When Robles returned to the judiciary in the 2000s, she became a leading figure in the judiciary, calling to remove judge Baltasar Garzon over his investigations of crimes committed under the fascist Francoite dictatorship (1939-1978). Garzon was finally removed from the judiciary for violating the 1977 Amnesty Law the Francoites agreed with the Stalinist Communist Party of Spain.

Lastly, Robles was named Defence Minister in June 2018 in a new PSOE government. She has showered the military with billions of euros, including for S-80 submarines, Chinook helicopters, Eurofighters, F-110 frigates and armoured 8x8 Pirana combat vehicles.

The latest letter vindicates warnings that made by the WSWS. Trumps plotting, culminating in the fascist coup to overrun the Capitol in Washington, is only the sharpest expression of a broad disintegration of democratic forms of rule, amid the pandemic and unsustainable levels of social inequality.

As the WSWS has warned, even though Trumps coup has fallen short of its goal, such coups will happen again. The danger has not passed in the US or in Europe. Just as US workers and youth cannot place any confidence in the incoming Biden administration to hold the conspirators to account or defend democracy, in Spain, they cannot trust the left populist Podemos party to stop the far-right conspiracies of the fascist officers, Vox, and others.

Podemos, which counts among its members a significant number of army officers, is in fact acting as the main tool of the conspirators. At the height of the political crisis provoked by the letters and fascistic chat messages, the state sent Iglesias out to downplay the scandal in prime-time TV interviews where he brazenly claimed that nothing important had been revealed. He said, What these gentlemen say, at their age and already retired, in a chat with a few too many drinks, does not pose any threat.

Podemos works to dampen mounting outrage among workers and youth at the coup plotters, the army and to the King, thus letting the conspirators continue their plotting.

The cowardly response of the Democratic Party to Trumps coup attempt will, moreover, only bolster the Spanish fascist officers in their view that they might be able to carry out a far-right putsch.

This underscores that European workers should support the demand of the Socialist Equality Party (US) for an open, public, live-streamed investigation of all aspects and all the allies of the January 6 fascist coup in Washington.
Hate crimes against Armenian Christians in California are escalating, reports say.

Four anti-Armenian hate crimes including arson and vandalization were recorded just in San Francisco Bay Area, as per the San Francisco Examiner. These all occured in the last six months, the International Christian Concern (ICC) reported.

About 2,500 Armenian-Americans reside in the bay area of San Francisco who are subject to these hostilities. Their plight was compounded by their home country's war against Azerbaijan which catapulted in September. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been in conflict for years over territorial dispute.

Acts of Aggression

On Sept. 17, 2020 an unidentified suspect attempted to burn down the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church. The damage was extensive. The FBI's San Francisco Field Office, in response, said it will reward anyone who can give helpful information about the arsonist.

FBI Special Agent Craig Fair stated, "This act of violence was not just an attack on a building, but on a congregation. This was an attack on a community."

Other incidents include shooting and hateful graffiti on an Armenian school using Azerbaijani colors. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

The Root of the Conflict

The spread of the Armenian diaspora in free countries like the U.S. was due to the mass killings of Armenians in 1915-16 by the Ottoman Turks. A century passed and the Turkey government denied allegations of genocide. Turkey is also a supporter of Azerbaijan.

This systematic spread of aggression against Armenians wherever they moved

was the result of the clash between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the land of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Hatred against Armenians is "already widespread within Turkey, and continues to grow as a result of anti-Armenian rhetoric used by the Turkish government," the ICC reported.

In solidarity with the Armenians, about 35,000 people marched around the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles last year. People also gathered outside the Armenian Consulate. Their protest was on Turkey's alliance with Azerbaijan against the people of Armenia.

Turkish Consul General Can Oguz said his country has nothing to do with the two warring countries, the LA Times noted in their report.

"Turkey has strong relations with Azerbaijan, it's no secret..based on history and culture. Accusations leveled against Turkey in the recent confrontation are just aimed to distract attention from this illegal occupation and the violation of our recent cease-fire."

The Armenian Christians

Armenian Christians were a minority in their homeland but have peacefully lived there until the gradual downfall of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.

Their causes, however, attracted interventions from many European countries. This led to their persecution.

They're regarded as "potential fifth columns for European intervention and a barrier to the establishment of a more consolidated, Islamic empire," observed Charlie Laderman, a lecturer in international history in the War Studies Department, King's College, London.

Between 1894 and 1896, the oppression turned to the massacre of 100,0000 Armenians. This was known as the Hamidian massacres. Another greater mass killings of Armenians followed in 1915.

America sent humanitarian aid to Armenia through missionaries. Despite reports of ongoing atrocities against Armenians, the missionaries advised that it's better for the U.S. government to not try to do anything that will agitate the Ottoman Empire.

This is because they have worked on establishing a good reputation and have also built friendships among the Ottoman Turks. Declaring war against the empire will jeopardize the missionaries' efforts of bridging peace between Ottomans and Armenians.
On December 30, 2021 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a consent order with Omni Financial (Omni) for violations of the Military Lending Act (MLA) and the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. This is the second such action in recent weeks, as we blogged about here, which is in line with the bureaus statement that it is investigating other MLA violations.

Under the MLA, someone is a covered borrower if they are an active member of the military, or a dependent of such person, at the time of becoming obligated on most consumer loans. There are exceptions for some products, such as motor vehicle purchase loans and residential loans. When a loan within the scope of the MLA is made to a covered borrower, there are, among other things, disclosure requirements, a 36% Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) cap on the loan and specific contractual limitations such as:
London: Australians trying to get home from overseas are urging the government to establish a reliable quarantine system after a wave of flight cancellations were triggered by new caps on arrivals due to the mutant strain of COVID-19.

Stuart Kemp, 31, and his English wife had booked flights, quit their jobs and shipped their belongings home to Melbourne at the end of six years of living and working in Britain.

Stranded Australian Stuart Kemp. Credit:

But on Friday Mr Kemp woke up to an email from Malaysia Airlines cancelling his flight following the national cabinet's decision to halve quarantine places in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, on top of the already halved capacity in Victoria.

The changes were triggered after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk ordered Brisbane into a three-day lockdown on learning that a cleaner working in hotel quarantine had tested positive for the more transmissible strain of COVID-19 that is ravaging Britain.

President-elect Joe Biden, who campaigned on a promise to reach out to Republicans and unite the country, found himself Friday leading a party angrily bent on impeaching President Donald Trump, forcing the resignation of GOP senators and making Republicans pay for their baseless challenge to the election results.

Biden, speaking to reporters in Wilmington, Del., essentially offered a divided response, calling some Republicans "shameful" and praising others for "enormous integrity." He said his goal of bipartisanship is, if anything, more achievable after Wednesday's assault on the Capitol, citing Republicans like Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, who he said has talked to him in disgust about the rioters.

"I think it makes my job easier," Biden said. "We must unify the country."

He sidestepped questions about a growing drive by House Democrats to impeach Trump, but he strongly suggested that Congress's time would be better spent tackling his agenda. "What the Congress decides to do is for them to decide," Biden said. "But they're going to have to be ready to hit the ground running."

The moderate tone was consistent with how Biden campaigned for president, eschewing the harsher rhetoric of many of his Democratic primary rivals, and it could forecast how he intends to govern in a political environment that has moved from merely polarized to violently divided.

Biden did excoriate Trump, as well as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex., and others, accusing them of perpetrating "the big lie" and even comparing Cruz to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. But he was at pains to distinguish such targets from Republicans whom he praised as worthy partners.

Some Democrats on Capitol Hill questioned privately whether Biden's measured response to Trump's incitement of a violent mob was sufficient for the fraught moment. But Biden mostly appeared to receive the same latitude from other Democrats that he enjoyed in the campaign, even as his party's attitude toward Trump has hardened.

"My bet would be there is not a single adviser around Joe Biden who doesn't believe Trump should be impeached, but there is also no one who wants him to spend a single bit of political capital on this. And they are right," said Brian Fallon, an outspoken liberal activist. "The situation is working its way through the House Democratic caucus without needing Biden to take a position on it."

Instead, Biden sought to focus Friday on his agenda, echoing his efforts during the campaign to distinguish the pocketbook issues important to most Americans from the issues consuming the political class in Washington.

Biden said he would unveil a multitrillion-dollar relief package next week. He also wants Congress to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, move faster to distribute the coronavirus vaccine and invest in the country's infrastructure.

Ronald Klain, the incoming White House chief of staff, and Yohannes Abraham, the transition's executive director, said on a staff call Friday that the events of the past week were difficult for many of Biden's aides. They said the unrest adds urgency to Biden's agenda but cited no significant changes, according to a person familiar with the call who was not authorized to publicly discuss it and so spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Biden made a point of noting that 81 million people voted for him, possibly a response to Trump's regular invocation of the 74 million who cast their ballots for the GOP ticket. "Eighty-one million people stood up and said, 'It's time for him to go,' " Biden said. ". . . We were duly elected, so I think it's important that we get on with the business of getting him out of office - and the quickest way that that will happen is us being sworn in on the 20th."

Other Democrats with ties to the Biden transition also appeared to want to move quickly past this week's wreckage.

"We won Georgia and the Senate, we will have an independent Justice Department, and Biden was certified as President," Ben LaBolt, a Democratic strategist working with the transition, wrote Thursday on Twitter. "Today is a new day."

But even within Biden's orbit, there was some demand for the president to be held accountable.

Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., a top Biden adviser who will soon leave Congress to join Biden's White House team, was among the House members who signed onto moving toward impeachment of Trump.

"There was an attack on our Capitol, and that has to have consequences," Richmond said in an interview. "As far as I'm concerned as a member of Congress, there has to be consequences for inciting an insurrection, in which I think now we're up to five people who lost their lives."

Wednesday's riot led to the fatal shooting of a woman who had breached the Capitol, the death of a police officer and the deaths of three others as a result of "medical emergencies."

Richmond made clear he was speaking as a member of Congress, not as a Biden adviser. He said he has not talked with Biden about impeachment.

"We are trying to prepare a vaccine rollout, prepare for an inauguration and take over the government," Richmond said. "That requires the focus the vice president has been doing."

Biden's tone was at odds with the fury voiced by many Democrats, especially on Capitol Hill, whose frustration during four years of Trump's presidency boiled over after a pro-Trump mob broke into their hallways and offices.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., not known as a firebrand, called on Cruz and Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., to resign. Their groundless challenges to Biden's victory, she suggested, were an anti-democratic move that encouraged the riot and violated their duty.

"At the end of the day, our job is to keep this country a democracy where voices win, not brute force," Murray said in a statement. "Any Senator who stands up and supports the power of force over the power of democracy has broken their oath of office."

While Biden excoriated Cruz, he stopped short of calling on him to resign, saying instead that he and others should be "flat beaten next time they run." And his message for the GOP more broadly was more conciliatory, though he suggested that the party can and should change.

"We need a Republican Party," he said. "We need an opposition that is principled and strong." Biden also praised those with "enormous integrity," including Romney, who has denounced the election challenges in blunt terms.

And he praised Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for opposing the challenges in a forceful floor speech. "Our nation was founded precisely so that the free choice of the American people is what shapes our self-government and determines the destiny of our nation," McConnell said late Wednesday. "Not fear, not force, but the peaceful expression of the popular will."

Even before the breach of the Capitol, McConnell had extended an olive branch to Biden.

"The voters, the courts and the states have all spoken. They've all spoken. If we overrule them, it would damage our republic forever," McConnell said, urging his conference to vote down challenges to the results of the 2020 election. "This election actually was not unusually close."

Biden's outreach to the GOP did not prevent some Republicans from taking issue with his comparison of Cruz to Goebbels. "Is this the healing and unity Joe Biden is promising?" asked Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., who opposed Wednesday's effort to overturn the election.

Biden's relative restraint may reflect the reality that, though his party will control both chambers of Congress when he takes office, it will be by the narrowest of margins. The Senate will be split 50-50, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote, and Biden many need the support of some of the same senators who sympathized with those massing around the Capitol on Wednesday.

And Biden cannot count on the unyielding unity of all Democrats behind his agenda. On Friday, for example, Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., signaled opposition to a round of $2,000 stimulus checks for low-income Americans, a key Biden promise.

That means Biden might have to turn to someone like Hawley, whose has been supportive of issuing the $2,000 checks.

Biden's effort to split the difference was perhaps most evident in his response to the news that Trump does not plan to attend his inauguration. "It's one of the few things he and I have ever agreed on - I think it's better that he not show up," Biden said. "He's been an embarrassment to the country."

In contrast, he said, he would be pleased if Vice President Mike Pence attends. "He's welcome," Biden said. "I'd be honored to have him there and to move forward with the transition."

- - -

The Washington Post's Matt Viser and Michael Scherer contributed to this report.
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.
Almost 70 mobile phones have been stolen within the Garda Cork North division since the beginning of 2019. (stock photo)

Figures released by the Garda Analysis Service have revealed that almost 11,500 mobile phones have been stolen since the beginning of 2019, with only 1,176 of those subsequently being recovered.

Almost 70 of those were stolen within the Garda Cork North division, prompting an appeal by Fermoy-based crime prevention officer Sergeant John Kelly to people with smart-phones to become 'more streetwise'.

Sgt Kelly said the warning was especially pertinent at this time of the year, with many people having received mobile phones or tablets as Christmas gifts.

"Generally thieves and opportunists are always on the lookout for a target. Phones left out in the open or in cars can be particularly vulnerable, and criminals are also more than capable of snatching a device from someone's hand," he said.

"The price of these items makes them a clear target for criminals, and it doesn't matter if they can get 20 or 200 for one, they will take whatever they can and there are plenty of channels through which they can be sold on. So the onus is on people to deter them by increasing security," said Sgt Kelly.

He said one obvious way to do that would be to download a tried-and-trusted location finder app so that, in the event of a device being stolen or lost, it can be easily traced and returned to its owner.

"Some devices already have a feature like this already so have a look in the security settings. If you believe your phone or tablet has been stolen, you should call Gardai immediately. Do not, under any circumstances, follow the person via your tracking app," said Sgt Kelly.

"Other preventative measures you can take include enabling the PIN security feature, keeping your phone locked at all times, and property-mark it with unique personal letters or numbers."

Sgt Kelly said Gardai also recommend adding a family member or friend on your phone as an emergency contact.

"By doing this, when we receive a stolen or lost phone, we will be able to contact that person. Our property stores in Cork North receive a lot of stolen and lost phones that we cannot trace the owners for. Adding an emergency contact number will help solve this problem."

"For those who do not own a smart-phone, call *#06# on your keypad and note the IMEI number that comes up. This is a 15-digit number that is unique to your phone. If your phone is lost or stolen, call your service provider immediately so they can block the phone."
China is reportedly building a wall along its border with Vietnam to stop people and goods from leaving China.

Plans to construct a two-meter-high border wall in southwestern China were reported in October by Radio Free Asia. The report was based on information collected from social media and comments from individuals living in areas near the construction.

Experts say the wall appears to be an attempt by Chinas government to keep its citizens at home and reduce smuggling across both sides of the border.

The plan demonstrates Chinese concerns about migrants going to Vietnam after Chinas unemployment rate grew to 6 percent in the first half of 2020. Economic difficulties caused by COVID-19 restrictions worldwide have weakened demand for manufactured exports from China. This has led to reductions in factory-related jobs.

The Hong Kong-based workers rights group China Labour Bulletin says Chinese workers are protesting pay cuts as their companies reduce production or go out of business.

Alexander Vuving is a professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii. He told VOA the most likely reason China would build such a border wall is to keep control. The wall would be a perfect tool to control the flows of people, of things, of everything across the border, Vuving said.

The Chinese government does not like its citizens leaving the country without approval, especially if they take money out.

Video posted to Chinese social media in late October appeared to show about 1,000 Chinese migrant workers gathering in southwestern China near a border crossing with Vietnam.

In Vietnam, about 900,000 people were unemployed as of June 30 and another 18 million were underemployed, the countrys General Statistics Office reported. Even with those numbers, factories supported by Chinese investors welcome workers from China because of their experience with companies at home.

Investors picked Vietnam to avoid paying tariffs on goods exported directly from China to the United States, said Nguyen Thanh Trung. He is the director of the Center for International Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen said the tariffs resulted from a 3-year-old China-U.S. trade dispute. The trade war between China and the U.S., thats the reason why so many Chinese companies come to Vietnam to avoid Chinese tariffs, and thats the reason they need Chinese labor, he said.

Professor Vuving said a wall along any border would have the added effects of blocking escapes by Chinese political dissidents and stopping casino visitors from taking money out of the country. China is also building a fence along parts of its border with Myanmar, a popular spot for Chinese casino visitors.

China is Vietnams biggest trading partner, with about $100 billion in business during the first 10 months of 2020. Most of that amount represents exports to Vietnam.

Carl Thayer is a professor of Southeast Asian studies at Australias University of New South Wales. He told VOA that a border wall could help both countries. Vietnam has as much interest as China in closing cross-border smuggling, particularly since it has such a massive trade deficit with China, Thayer said.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Ralph Jennings reported this story or VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, and visit our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

smuggle  v. to take something into or out of a place in an illegal or secret way

tariff  n. a tax on goods coming into or leaving a country

casino  n. a place where card games and other games of risk are played for money
Ashley Harrell

Hyperion, the world's tallest tree, is bigger than both the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben. Our CA Parks editor, Ashley Harrell, made the trip to take a look. She doesn't recommend it - its impossible to tell from the ground which tree is the tallest.

The trek there, writes Harrell, "is not only a pain in the ass but also involves damaging the trees habitat, all for a negligible payoff."

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.
(CNN) -- It took President Donald Trump years and tens of thousands of tweets to build up 88.7 million followers on Twitter. It took a single moment Friday to lose them forever.

He may yet be impeached for a second time, an historical stain on an already tainted legacy, but the loss of his Twitter handle may be one of the most immediately consequential prices he'll pay for his actions during these final two weeks of his presidency.

The company shut down the open window into the President's thoughts and cut off his favorite form of communication.

It'll be much harder for the attention-craving President to shove his way into public life if he can't so easily broadcast his thoughts.

While Trump has complained about bias against conservatives in social media companies, Twitter has been spigot from which he has spewed lies, fired Cabinet secretaries and aides, bullied opponents and stirred up his supporters.

Twitter has been the lifeblood of his communications strategy as President -- and as President, the company has allowed Trump's account to continue when any other might have long ago been turned off. Facebook and Instagram temporarily suspended his accounts on those platforms until after he leaves office.

Twitter permanently suspended Trump's campaign account, @TeamTrump, saying in a statement that "using another account to try to evade a suspension is against our rules."

The company is also limiting the official @POTUS and @WhiteHouse accounts during his remaining time in office. It's not yet clear if he can start new accounts in the future.

But for a man who lived his presidential life as @realDonaldTrump, this must feel like losing an appendage.

George Conway, the anti-Trump activist and former Republican who made opposing and taunting the President on Twitter a cottage career, told CNN's Anderson Cooper the President's humbling on the platform has real importance in curbing his power over the type of people who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday.

"Taking him down by taking him off these platforms and not giving him, showing that he is powerless to do anything about it and then ultimately sending him back to Mar-a-Lago is going to diminishes appeal to these people who really seek some kind of authoritarian leader," Conway said.

For Trump supporters addicted to his brash ALL CAPS, 280-characters-or-less missives, this could signal a move further to the fringes of the social media universe, like Parler, the upstart Twitter clone where conspiracy theories are welcome. Google told CNN Friday it would remove Parler from its app store. It's not certain if it will remain quite the political force if they're walled off from the rest of the social media world.

For Americans used to waking up to read about what after-hours outrage the President pushed on social media, it's a strange moment of relief, elation and silence. All that remains of Trump's Twitter page is a blank space and a message that the account has been suspended.

A long time coming

After a warning and 12-hour hold on Trump's account earlier this week, the company announced its decision to permanently suspend @realDonaldTrump Friday, citing the "risk of the further incitement of violence."

The decisive action by Twitter, a publicly traded company, came in contrast to the much slower official action of lawmakers, where Democrats moved toward impeach, but it was unclear if Washington would agree to definitively censure Trump and bar him from holding future office for sparking a mob to storm Capitol Hill.

Twitter referenced its "Glorification of Violence" policy in a long blog post assessment of his tweets it posted online Friday.

Rather than point to direct calls for violence, the company argued two relatively innocuous tweets, by Trump standards, had to be viewed in a larger context.

Trump tweeted: "The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!"

Twitter saw that as tacit approval for the mob that ransacked the Capitol.

Trump tweeted: "To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th."

Twitter saw that as further rejection of the election results and even, possibly, a transmission that the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden could be a "safe target" for more violent protest.

For many, the move comes too late to make up for years of the President spreading lies and conspiracy theories on the website, where he fine tuned and continually repeated lies as mantras -- "FAKE NEWS" for the media, "WITCH HUNT" for his first impeachment, "STOP THE STEAL" for his opposition to his election loss.

Under pressure, Twitter had begun during the 2020 presidential campaign to label tweets with false information. But it shied away from actually suspending or hiding his tweets until he encouraged rioters this week.

And Trump has increasingly attacked the platforms that helped make him, even vetoing the annual defense authorization act because Congress would not immediately take away some liability protections enjoyed by the tech companies against content, like his, published on their sites. Congress came together to override veto.

It's not clear they'll come together this week to censure Trump.

To re-impeach or not to re-impeach

That's the key question Democrats are facing as they prepare to take control of the US government in less than two weeks. Once that happens, they will own responsibility for cleaning up the many crises Trump is leaving behind.

Trump has already said he'll skip the inauguration. It's not clear what he plans to do between now and then. But the flight of key Cabinet secretaries from his administration, the semi-chastened video in which he admitted defeat, and the silence of Vice President Mike Pence pretty much put a cork in Thursday's talk of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.

That means if there is to be swift accountability for Trump, it will have to be through impeachment, the Constitution's remedy for "high crimes and misdemeanors" -- in case you've forgotten in the very long year that's passed since Trump was first impeached.

In that first impeachment, over Trump's abuse of power in trying to corner Ukraine into helping him smear Biden, almost all but one Republican -- Mitt Romney -- rallied around the President and saved him from a conviction and removal from office.

House Democrats have already drawn up a fresh single article for impeachment against Trump, this time for insurrection over his incitement of a mob to stop Congress from finalizing Biden's win -- though they also noted his phone call last weekend with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, whom Trump asked to help "find" some votes.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi clearly wants accountability. And she should, after the chamber she leads was attacked by Trump's mob.

RELATED: Officials say man in viral photo at Pelosi's desk arrested

She doesn't want him using the military, specifically the nuclear arsenal. Pelosi said Friday she talked to military leaders about what they'd do if Trump tried something rash. So she issued an ultimatum Friday: resign or face a new impeachment. Nobody expects Trump to resign. Democrats could vote with a simple majority to impeach him next week.

But a successful House impeachment of Trump still needs a vote in the Senate to remove Trump, and Republicans aren't likely to hold a trial anytime soon. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated in a memo to senators Friday that the earliest the Senate could take up any articles would most likely be right after Trump's term ends. Even if it happened earlier, Republicans would have to join onto the effort in order to remove Trump from office and bar him from holding office again.

At least one Republican, Nebraksa Sen. Ben Sasse, said he would consider convicting Trump because what the President did was "wicked." That's not exactly a firm commitment.

Biden, who will have to lead this country in less than two weeks, was asked during an appearance in Delaware about Pelosi's move and, far from endorsing it, firmly sidestepped it and asserted other priorities.

"I'm focused on the virus, the vaccine and economic growth. What the Congress decides to do is for them to decide," he said. "But I'm going to have to, and they're going to have to, be ready to hit the ground running, because when Kamala and I are sworn in, we'll be introducing immediately significant pieces of legislation to deal with the virus, deal with the economy, and deal with economic growth. So we're going to do our job, and the Congress can decide how to proceed with theirs."

There are other emergencies

He's got a point. There's a lot more than Trump's assault on democracy going on.

More than 4,000 American Covid deaths were reported Thursday. Take every student from the two largest high schools you can find. That's how many deaths were reported.

368,000 Americans and counting have died.

Biden will immediately release vaccine doses to reach more of the population.

The US shed more than 140,000 jobs in December. All of them were held by women.

Biden needs Republican help to get anything done this year. Passing any kind of major legislation -- on the virus or the economy -- will require at least ten Republicans in the Senate, unless Democrats find both the will and the votes to end the filibuster.

One indication of where Biden's heart lies was visible in how he referred to key Republicans that broke with Trump.

He's "proud" of McConnell, who squashed Trump's effort to overturn the Electoral College vote.

He has "enormous respect" for Romney, who called out the Republicans who supported Trump's effort and should be ashamed of themselves.

"This isn't about Republican/Democrat anymore, this is about people who understand what this country is about and the things we have to agree on and move together on," Biden said.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Twitter takes Trump's special power away as his isolation grows."
Sustainablee Yours

Sustainablee Yours is a passion project-turned-business by Dinushika Gunaratne. Dinushikas products include: beeswax wraps, cloth food covers, reusable cutlery and straws, upcycled, reusable grocery bags made from old sarees and stationery made from discarded food packaging, polythene and fabric waste (including refillable notebooks, with reusable covers).

She also has a personal care range with natural alternatives such as a natural deodorant, 100% essential oils, bamboo toothbrushes, natural fibre scrubbers and other products made out of biodegradable material.

Sustainablee Yours has a stall at the Saturday Good Market on Reid Avenue since 2019, and since then the brand has expanded to more than 15 retail outlets.

We are currently in retail through our local partners  Barefoot, Mas Kitchen online, TribeSL, Prana Lounge and the Design Collective Store. We are also available internationally in Australia, Switzerland, USA and Hong Kong through our international partners, Dinushika told the Sunday Times Magazine.

Delivery and pick up options are available and orders can be placed through Instagram (sustainableeyours) and WhatsApp (077 384 0515).

I Am Upcycled

The I Am Upcycled project was begun by Green Life Generation Founder and CEO Savandie Abeyratna. She is currently in the final stages of her PhD in Social Work and Policy from Liverpool Hope University.

We have a range of upcycled, ethical and green gift and packing options. We have two main ranges: our Good Vibes collection of uplifting hanging wooden word blocks and our upcycled paper and cardboard range. We also have a growing range of giftbags, gift boxes and wrapping, party decorations and stationery, Savandie told the Sunday Times Magazine.

Our products are handmade using what we call Green Technology technologies that strive to reduce the carbon footprint. The products are also produced ethically using a cooperative, redistributive and circular economic model, placing people before profit. This makes our products not only green but also clean and fair, she said.

The main materials used by Savandies brand are wood offcuts they receive from a carpenter family they work with, discarded cardboard (corrugated and hardboard), cement bags, other office stationery waste and paper waste from the local community waste collection network in Kandy.

I Am Upcycled and Green Life Generations store, the Green Life Boutique, is located at Kengalla in Kandy. Their online store can be accessed via www.greenlifegeneration.org. Customers can also place orders through their Facebook page (I Am Upcycled) or Instagram page (i_am_upcycled). They work with local postal and delivery services to organise delivery islandwide and overseas.
This month, our category commentators are lining up to share with us their thoughts on how 2021 will shape their respective sectors. Here's our wine expert, Chris Losh, with his take on the year ahead.

What does 2021 have in store for the global wine category?

To start, an admission: In my assessment of the wine category this time last year, I didn't even mention COVID which, it can safely be said, now looks like something of an oversight. Admittedly, at the time of writing, the virus was only just starting to make waves in Wuhan but still... it's probably turned out to be a bigger story in 2020 than a trend to sub-divide wine regions.

That said, having disembowelled the twitching corpse of 2020 with some relish, the entrails are speaking to me strongly, so here we go.

Safety before adventure in a time of COVID

Where and how consumers are drinking wine has changed since the arrival of the pandemic. With the on-premise channel shut down in many markets, and physical retail stores intermittently affected too, there has been little hand-selling over the last 12 months and a lot more drinking at home.

As a result, the majority of consumers seem to be defaulting back to 'safe' wine styles that they feel confident or comfortable with. Specialist retailers with good online fulfilment are managing to carve out a niche for themselves - and here, where personal recommendation still counts for something, it's possible to lead consumers off the beaten track. But, this only makes up a small percentage of total sales.

Comfort, rather than exploration, is going to be the order of the day in 2021.

Online growth to continue

One of the features of the coronavirus has been its rapid acceleration of trends that were happening anyway. Working from home is an obvious one, online sales is another. Once life returns to post-pandemic normality, there might be some slip back in online and direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales, but the retail landscape will not go back to where it was before.

Equally, some of the wine packaging trends that have grown during the pandemic - flatter, lighter, 'letterbox' bottles and cans will still be a part of our lives once the pandemic is under control.

Spending to slow?

Oddly, given the economic carnage, one of the big trends of the last year has been the consumer's willingness to spend. That may be because big-ticket items such as holidays and cars have been rendered impossible or deemed too risky, meaning consumers have been happy to spend on affordable luxuries.

Wine has benefited from this so far. But, much of the economic pain from COVID has been delayed up to now. If redundancies increase in 2021, which is entirely likely, this discretionary spending could take a hit.

Putting the 'hospital' into hospitality

From Melbourne to Madrid, this has been a disastrous 12 months for the hospitality industry. Asian countries seem to have weathered the pandemic better than most, but across Europe and North America, bars, hotels and restaurants have spent much of the last year either closed or operating in heavily circumscribed conditions that limit their profitability.

All this has had a terrible impact on venues, obviously, but also on wine producers or regions that rely heavily on supplying the on-trade. And this, sadly, doesn't look to be a problem that's going to go away in a hurry.

Vaccination programmes will likely take many months to have an impact and I'd expect a slew of bar and restaurant closures in the first half of the year, leaving redundancies and unpaid suppliers behind them.

Since travel confidence will take even longer to recover, sales in airlines, cruise ships and duty free are likely to remain depressed for most of the year.

Oversupply could lead to buy-outs

An increase in off-premise and DTC sales may have taken some of the edge off of the pain, but they have not come close to making up for the shortfall in on-premise sales, which will mean an awful lot of unsold wine slopping around this year. For hawk-eyed retailers, this will mean lower prices. Shaky or heavily indebted producers, meanwhile, could go to the wall or be bought out. A lot of businesses limped through 2020. They may well not manage to get through 2021.

The last decade has been relatively quiet from the point of view of corporate activity in wine. Few companies were pulling in big numbers, but not many were in such dire straits that they made for a bargain purchase. That could all change this year.

Companies with money in their pockets - whether producers, importers or retailers - could find some good deals out there.

Economic headwinds outside COVID

As if the coronavirus weren't bad enough, the world's governments have been doing their best to contribute politically-inspired awfulness to 2021. Wine (and spirits) might be an innocent victim in the trade war between Europe and the US but the tit-for-tat tariffs (recently escalated by Donald Trump) are continuing to hurt producers on both sides of the pond. The Chinese block on Australian imports, meanwhile, has hit the latter's wine industry hard.

Will they continue into 2021?

President-elect Joe Biden has a reputation for being both a pragmatist and a conciliator, and is keen to rebuild burned bridges in Europe. But, since the underlying reason for the tariffs' existence - the subsidies for European aircraft manufacturer Airbus - still exists, and since even the WTO thinks the US sanctions were justified, it's unlikely that he will remove them entirely - or rapidly.

As for China, there could be no better sign of how the uncertainty is making the Australian wine industry nervous than Treasury Wine Estates' decision to temporarily freeze their demerger of (Chinese darling brand) Penfolds from the rest of the portfolio.

This battle has become a question of saving face, and it will require the Australian government to eat large amounts of humble pie before things get back to normal.

Duty rates to rise

Governments are going to need to start replenishing their empty coffers - and to do it in a way that is morally justifiable. Alcohol is always an easy target, but particularly so now, given the pressure that has been exerted on health services worldwide.

Retailers, producers and trade bodies will complain that any rises are unnecessary, ineffectual and punitive. They will be right - raising alcohol duty would be a drop in the ocean of what is required. But, the symbolism of being seen to act and to do so in a health-encouraging way will be hard to ignore.

The wine category in 2020 - just-drinks' Review of the Year
Parents who reaped big savings when the Coalition's new childcare system began have found that rising fees are gobbling up the benefits.

Education Department documents show daycare fees are projected to rise 4.1 per cent a year for the next four years, far outstripping inflation. Labor predicts all the savings from the new system will be wiped out within a year, despite $9 billion in annual subsidies.

Davina Borrow-Jones, with son Lucas, 3, has a legal practice specialising in advice for mothers who start small businesses and has found that childcare fees are a big barrier for women. Credit:Sam Mooy

Childcare centre fees rose 6.1 per cent on average between mid-2018, when the new system began, and the March quarter of 2020, the most recent quarter for which data is available. Family daycare fees rose 5 per cent over the same period.

But the benchmark hourly fee that subsidies are based on grows in line with the consumer price index; and since the system began, the CPI has increased just 2.7 per cent.
Nothing was known about his fate since his arrest in August 2019. Convicted of provoking trouble and defaming the Chinese Communist Party, he was given an 18-month sentence. He will be released on 11 February. He is known for his interviews with Ai Weiwei and support for dissidents Liu Xiaobo and Xu Zhiyong. China leads the world in jailing journalists.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Dissident journalist Zhang Jialong is serving an 18-month prison sentence for supporting anti-government protests in Hong Kong, which he started to do in 2014.

The Higher Peoples Court of southwestern Guizhou Province made the announcement yesterday, but Zhang was first taken into custody by police at his home in Guiyang on 12 August 2019, his wife Shao Yuan told the Apple Daily.

The sentence was imposed last May when the court convicted him of provoking trouble, a charge that is often used in China to justify the arrest of journalists, human rights activists and lawyers.

According to the charges, he posted and reposted false and libellous messages that defamed the Chinese Communist Party.

Taking into account the time already spent behind bars, Zhang, who was a Tencent News business reporter before his arrest, should be released on 11 February.

Right after his disappearance, the US State Department called for his immediate release.

Zhang is best known for his interviews with well-known Chinese dissidents, such as artist Ai Weiwei and food safety activist Zhao Lianhai.

In 2014 he also met with then US Secretary of State John Kerry, on a visit to China. During the meeting, he expressed support for political prisoners Liu Xiaobo and Xu Zhiyong, inviting the secretary to visit Lius wife, Xia.

Zhangs treatment is not unusual. In 2020, China topped the world for jailed journalists, this according to Reporters without Borders. Out of 387 journalists detained in the world, 117 are in China.
A man who was pictured casually sitting with his feet up on Nancy Pelosis desk during the storming of the US Capitol has been arrested.

Richard Barnett turned himself in to FBI agents at a sheriff's office in Bentonville, Arkansas, said FBI Little Rock spokesman Connor Hagan.

Barnett was detained in jail in the Washington County Detention Center in nearby Fayetteville, Arkansas, without bond pending an initial court appearance, Mr Hagan said. No lawyer had been is listed for Barnett in online jail records.

Ken Kohl, the top deputy federal prosecutor in Washington, said Barnett was charged for entering Ms Pelosi's office, where he "left a note and removed some of the speaker's mail".

Barnett, 60, faces three federal charges: knowingly entering or remaining in restricted grounds without authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and theft of public property or records. If convicted, he faces up to a year in federal prison.

Authorities say Barnett was among supporters of Mr Trump who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. Five people died because of the protest and violence, including a Capitol police officer.

Authorities said in court documents that they were able to identify Barnett in part through photographs taken by news media when he was inside the building.

Officials also used video surveillance from inside the Capitol and a video interview Barnett gave to a New York Times reporter in which he said: "I didn't steal (an envelope). ... I put a quarter on her desk, even though she ain't (expletive) worth it."

Barnett is from Gravette in northwest Arkansas. He has identified himself on social media as a Trump supporter and gun rights advocate.

Jim Parsons, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who served in Vietnam as a Green Beret, told The Associated Press that he has been a guest speaker at a couple of "patriotic gatherings" that Barnett also attended.

Barnett had an AR-15 rifle with him "to make sure things stay peaceful," Mr Parsons said. He called Barnett "a good guy. He's patriotic."
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 12:59:56|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday he won't attend President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration later this month, as the country is struggling to recover from a deadly spiral of chaos and violence engulfing the Capitol on Wednesday.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," Trump tweeted. Only three previous U.S. presidents didn't show up at their successors' inauguration. The last time was in 1869 when Andrew Johnson skipped the swearing-in of Ulysses S. Grant.

Biden, speaking from Wilmington, Delaware, responded on Friday that "it's a good thing" that Trump won't be at the ceremony on Capitol Hill on Jan. 20, while stressing that Vice President Mike Pence is "welcome" there.

Former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton will attend Biden's inauguration. Former President Jimmy Carter, the country's oldest living president at age 96, will not be there in the wake of a surging COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump is facing a barrage of bipartisan criticism for his role in the massive demonstrations that left five people dead, including a police officer, and dozens of others injured. The casualties came following a chaotic and violent intrusion into the Capitol by his supporters on Wednesday, when lawmakers were certifying Biden's victory.

More than a dozen individuals have been charged so far in the federal court in the District of Columbia over crimes committed at the U.S. Capitol, the Department of Justice said Friday amid ongoing investigations.

Trump's initial reaction on Wednesday fell short of condemnation of the unrest but continued to push unsubstantiated allegations that the 2020 presidential election was "fraudulent," although dozens of lawsuits by his campaign and allies had been dismissed over the past two months, mostly for a profound lack of evidence.

A growing list of the Trump administration's officials, including two cabinet members, have resigned in protest over the Capitol violence and Trump's response. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats are seeking to initiate proceedings to remove the president from office before he steps down.

In a press release on Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it is the hope of members of the House Democratic Caucus that Trump "will immediately resign," revealing that she has directed a panel to quickly take up a motion to impeach the president again.

House Democrats reportedly plan to introduce an impeachment resolution on Monday. A draft of the document includes one article of impeachment for "incitement of insurrection."

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy warned in a statement on Friday that impeaching Trump with just 12 days left in his term will "only divide our country more."

The House, led by Democrats, impeached Trump in 2019 after an inquiry triggered by a whistleblower complaint that raised concerns about the White House's interactions with Ukraine. The Republican-led Senate later acquitted the president, allowing him to continue holding office.

Daniel Goldman, a legal analyst serving as Congressional staff in the U.S. House, tweeted on Friday that it is "highly unlikely" that the lower chamber could impeach Trump and the Senate would hold a trial before the president leaves office.

Under mounting pressure, Trump on Thursday condemned the deadly violence at the Capitol, issued a call of unity, and vowed efforts to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.

"Now Congress has certified the results. A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power," he said in a taped video posted on Twitter.

The social networking service permanently shut down Trump's account in the wake of his two new posts on Friday, two days after temporarily blocking it given the turmoil on Capitol Hill and warning of a permanent suspension if he again violates the company's "Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies."

"Due to the ongoing tensions in the United States, and an uptick in the global conversation in regards to the people who violently stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, these two Tweets must be read in the context of broader events in the country and the ways in which the President's statements can be mobilized by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behavior from this account in recent weeks," Twitter said in a release.

"After assessing the language in these Tweets against our Glorification of Violence policy, we have determined that these Tweets are in violation of the Glorification of Violence Policy and the user @realDonaldTrump should be immediately permanently suspended from the service," it declared.

Trump switched to another account to lash out at Twitter and claimed that he and his team are looking at the possibility of "building out our own platform in the near future."

"Tonight, Twitter employees have coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left in removing my account from their platform, to silence me -- and YOU, the 75,000,000 great patriots who voted for me," he wrote. "I predicted this would happen. We have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon."

The new tweets were quickly removed from the page.

The U.S. Congress on early Thursday morning affirmed the Electoral College votes of the 2020 presidential election, in which Biden won 306 versus 232 for Trump. It takes at least 270 electoral votes to win the White House. Biden also won the popular votes by 7 million and more than 4 percentage points.

Biden finished naming his 24-member cabinet after announcing nominees for labor and commerce secretaries on Friday.

"Given what our country has been through the last four years and the last few days, and given the threats and risks in this world, they should be confirmed as close to January 20th as possible. There should be no vacancies at State, Defense, Treasury, and Homeland Security," the president-elect said.

"And as we remain in this dark winter of the pandemic, and with an economic crisis that's deepened, we have no time to lose on the entire team," he noted. Enditem
Senator Roy Blunt of the Republican Party and a member of GOP leadership, has declared that President Donald Trumps impeachment is not goi...





Senator Roy Blunt of the Republican Party and a member of GOP leadership, has declared that President Donald Trumps impeachment is not going to happen.

There is no way were going to impeach the President. Theres not the time to do it, the Missouri Republican said in an interview with local Kansas City TV station, KSHB.

When Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer were talking about it, its obviously just another political point trying to be made. Its disappointing. Itd be much more disappointing if people cant see that, Blunt said.

The House Democrats will as soon as Monday introduce articles of impeachment against Trump, according to CNN.

Speaker of the House, Democrats Nancy Pelosi had earlier called for the Presidents impeachment by invoking the 25th amendment for inciting violence.

The incumbent President until this moment has refused to acknowledge Bidens victory in the November 3 presidential election.

Trump had rejected the election, making unsubstantiated claims of election fraud and filed numerous court cases challenging the results from various states.

Having lost out in almost all the court cases, the President has been caught making prior efforts to stop the certification of the election result.

Notwithstanding, the US Congress on Wednesday certified Bidens victory amid attacks on the Capitol by the Presidents supporters.
CIFF Digital will provide a comprehensive virtual presentation of the fashion fair's exhibitors together with new ways to connect online

The organisers of the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF) have been forced to cancel the February edition of the event, but say plans are in place to launch an online platform to inform and connect fashion professionals across the globe.

The news comes amid the Danish government's extension of existing regulations and increasing coronavirus restrictions, which means all Danish trade show activity has been suspended until 28 February.

"Therefore, we have had to make the difficult decision not to host our February edition. This has in no way been an easy or voluntary decision, as we repeatedly hear from both exhibitors and visitors how much everyone is looking forward to finally meet again physically," CIFF organisers say.

The team does, however, plan to hold its physical summer edition in Copenhagen in August and says the news CIFF Digital showcase will allow brands and designers to present their latest collections to buyers and journalists virtually when physical contact is limited.

"The collaborative online portal is aimed to complement rather than co-opt the biannual fashion fair, fostering knowledge, connection, and trade at a time when we need it most," says Christina Neustrup, director of CIFF.

The platform will let visitors save, share, store and shop favourite brands and products, as well as providing new suggestions in line with search preferences.

Slated for launch at the end of January, to coincide with Copenhagen Fashion Week's FW21 edition, CIFF Digital can be accessed by brands through a six-month subscription service.
A box of AstraZeneca/Oxford Covid-19 vaccine vials are pictured at the Pontcae Medical Practice in Merthyr Tydfil in south Wales on Jan. 4, 2021. (Geoff Caddick/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite Bolsonaro Objection, China in Running to Provide Vaccine to Brazil

NEW DELHICompeting Brazilian politicians have ended up inviting both Chinas Sinovac and Indias Serum Institute for COVID-19 vaccines amid delays in the production of Brazils own vaccine.

Meanwhile, the countrys private clinics have turned to another Indian vaccine producer, Bharat Biotech, for 5 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine called Covaxin.

Brazil has the third-highest cases of CCP virus, but, despite having the capacity to produce the vaccine, the countrys administration couldnt achieve the timely production of a home-made vaccine.

President Jair Bolsonaros rival and contender in the 2022 presidential race, the governor of Sao Paulo, Joao Doria, invited Chinas Sinovac to supply its Coronavac vaccine for the 44 million residents of his province.

Coronavac, whose acquisition cost Doria $360 million (1.93 billion reals) was at the phase three trials at Sao Paulos Butantan Institute and was cleared by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), the countrys drug authority.

The administration of Coronavac will kickstart on Jan. 25 in Sao Paulo and the first group that will be vaccinated on that day will be health care workers, indigenous people, and the quilombo communities, reported The Rio Times. The quilombolas are the descendants of the Afro-Brazilian slaves.

The trial of Coronavac was earlier temporarily halted due to a serious adverse incident involving suicide by a clinical trial volunteer on Oct. 29. The incident was later found unrelated to the vaccine, and the trial was resumed, according to CNN reports.

Bolsonaro rejected Dorias proposal to import the Chinese vaccine right from the beginning. The Brazilian people will not be anyones guinea pig, Bolsonaro had said on social media channels.

Bolsonaro and Doria have had an adversarial relationship since the start of the pandemic, with each taking opposite stances regarding stay-at-home recommendations and restrictions on activity.

The Brazilian President had instead pinned his hopes on the inhouse production of the Astra Zeneca vaccine, which was also undergoing phase three trials in the countrys Fiocruz Institute controlled by the federal government.

But because the trials started late, everything from approval to procurement was delayed and the country decided to import Covishield made by Indias Serum Institute. Covishield is the Indian version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Bolsonaros opposition of Sinovac however didnt prevent Doria from sending it for domestic clinical trials. After the Chinese vaccine was successful in the trials, Doria sent it to Anvisa for approval.

I hope that Anvisa maintains its independence, its autonomy, for the sake of science and life, and that at no time takes into account any type of ideological or other types of pressure that prevents or delays its approval, said Doria while pointing at Bolsonaro, reported the Latin America Herald Tribune.

Meanwhile, only 47 percent of the Brazilians who participated in a poll by Datafolha said they would take a made-in-China vaccine while 50 percent said they wouldnt and three percent said they are undecided, reported Reuters.

Brazilian Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta (R) gives hand sanitizer to President Jair Bolsonaro, both using protective masks, during a press conference about government plans and measures about the CCP virus crisis in Brazil, at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on March 18, 2020. (Andre Coelho/Getty Images)

Second Deadliest Outbreak

The new year saw a deadly rise in the CCP virus cases as year-end holidays saw a record of 87,843 new cases, and this pushed Brazil to turn to India.

Early treatment saves lives. The emergency vaccine (after being certified by the @anvisa_oficial), and not mandatory, is on the way, Bolsonaro said in a message on Twitter in Portuguese on Jan. 4.

Meanwhile, Anvisa met with Laboratory Precisa Farmaceutica Ltd, a representative of Bharat Biotech in Brazil, to discuss authorization of the Indian vaccine for emergency use and its registration, according to an official release by Brazils Ministry of Health on Jan. 4.

Bharat Biotec is also in talks with the Brazilian Association of Vaccine Clinics (ABCVAC) that represents 70 percent of the countrys private market and that wants five million doses of Bharat Biotechs Covaxin.

The president of ABCVAC Geraldo Barbosa and members of the board of directors of the association traveled to India and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian producer, according to a release by the association.

Covaxin is expected to be launched in the market in February and will arrive in Brazils private market by mid-March after passing regulatory procedures by Anvisa.

Initially the news was that Brazilian private clinics would not have doses available, but with the entry of this new player into the market, we had the opportunity to negotiate. We are very happy to have the real chance to contribute to the government in vaccination coverage, using supplementary health to relieve public spending, Barbosa said in the release.
Columbia CU, Vancouver, Wash., announced at the end of 2020 it made a $15,000 donation to a nonprofit pediatric therapy clinic and $17,100 donation to local veterans groups.

The $15,000 grant donation was made to nonprofit Innovative Services NWs Pediatric Therapy Clinic to ensure resources continue to reach patients in need during an unpredictable time in the Clark County health sector.

Innovative Services NW provides developmental care for children and adults with disabilities throughout Southwest Washington. The Pediatric Therapy Clinic has been serving the special needs of children since 1978 with speech, occupational and physical therapy.

Its an honor for Columbia Credit Union to be able to contribute to the positive impact Innovative Services NW makes every day, said Columbia CU Chief Operating Officer Lindsey Salvestrin, who volunteers time on the board at Innovative Services NW. Ive had the privilege of seeing the difference that the Pediatric Therapy Clinic has on individuals and families within our communities firsthand. The pandemic hasnt changed the need for these services, so the ability to continue providing these therapies during this time is critical.
BRAZIL, Ind. (WTHI) - Police in Brazil need your help finding an armed robbery suspect.

According to police, it happened last Sunday at the Casey's General Store on West National Avenue.

Just before 5 am a man showed a gun and demanded money from the store clerk.

That person then left the store and drove away in a dark-colored SUV.

Police describe the suspect as a white male, thin build, with blue eyes, and around 5'2".

He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with dark-colored jeans. He was wearing a black face mask with a skull design.

If you have any information, call the Brazil Police Department at 812-446-2535.
Two of the men who went viral during the deadly riots at the U.S. Capitol have been arrested. One is Adam Johnson, a 36-year-old from Parrish, Florida, who went viral for a photograph that showed him smiling and waving while he carried House Speaker Nancy Pelosis lectern through the halls of Congress. He was wearing a wool hat with Trump written on top and the number 45 on the front. Johnson was taken into custody on Friday evening and charged with three crimes, including theft of government property, and is being held in Pinellas County, Florida. He has also been charged with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

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.

The warrant for Johnsons arrest cited reporting by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that found his social media posts. The paper talked to local Republican leaders who assured they had never seen Johnson before. He is registered without a party affiliation. Johnson is not affiliated with any party, records show he rarely voted over the years, and yet for some reason he decided to breach the Capitol, which no one had done since the 1800s by the way, and walk off with the Speakers lectern, writes Sarasota Herald-Tribune columnist Chris Anderson.

Another rioter who was featured on a lot of photos that went viral was also taken into custody. Jacob Anthony Chansley, also known as Jake Angeli, was arrested Saturday in Phoenix. Authorities say he was the shirtless man who was sporting red, white, and blue face paint while wearing a fur headdress with buffalo horns and wielding a spear. Angeli briefly made his way to the dais of the Senate chamber during the siege of the Capitol. Angeli, 33, who has a large following on social media, was immediately recognizable to Arizonans considering he had become a regular presence in political rallies over the past two years.

Advertisement

Angeli was reportedly the one who got in touch with the FBI on Jan. 7. Chansley stated that he came as a part of a group effort, with other patriots from Arizona, at the request of the President that all patriots come to D.C. on January 6, 2021, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. On Thursday, Chansley told NBC News that he didnt do anything wrong. I walked through an open door, dude, he said. He was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building without lawful authority and with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Advertisement

Advertisement

West Virginia Delegate Derrick Evans Films Self Breaking Into Capitol With Rioters pic.twitter.com/hA8Usmgciz  Cleavon MD (@Cleavon_MD) January 7, 2021

Authorities also arrested Derrick Evans, who was recently elected to the West Virginia Legislature. Evans, who recorded himself storming the Capitol and posted it live on Facebook, was taken into custody Friday and charged with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. On Saturday, Evans announced his resignation from the West Virginia House of Delegates. The past few days have certainly been a difficult time for my family, colleagues and myself, so I feel its best at this point to resign my seat in the House and focus on my personal situation and those I love, Evans said.

Advertisement

On Friday, the Department of Justice had announced federal charges against 13 others, including the Arkansas man who was photographed sitting on House Speaker Nancy Pelosis desk. Richard Barnett was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful entry, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, and theft of public money, property, or records.
Amid the threat of bird flu across at least six states in the country, over 100 crows have died in the last three to four days at a park in Delhi's Mayur Vihar. The park's take care said at least, 15 to 20 crows died on Saturday morning.

"A team from the Delhi government came to inspect the birds and took five samples for testing in Jalandhar," he said adding, the dead birds were buried in the park, however, sanitisation procedures are underway.

Earlier in the day, as many as 35 crows were found dead in Delhi, including two in Dwarka and 16 in Hastsal village of West district, following which the Delhi government collected samples to investigate for avian influenza.

According to sources from the Delhi Chief Minister's Office, four samples each were collected from Mayur Vihar and Hastsal and one was collected from Dwarka.

Meanwhile, the Animal Husbandry Department has been instructed to keenly monitor and observe the situation and ensure proper sampling. Following this, as many as 11 Rapid Response Teams have been formed by the Delhi government who are monitoring their assigned districts.

Dr Sunil Singh Tomar, Animal Husbandry Dept, Delhi Govt, said, "We have not seen anything alarming so far. A provision of compulsory health certificate from poultry farms is in place. For cross-checking, we also conduct sampling and random inspections on the birds."

The Union ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying said the Delhi governments animal husbandry department has reportedly taken precautions and sent samples to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases. The government urged the public and farmers to be careful and avoid misinformation about consuming chicken and eggs.

The Centre on Friday requested states and Union Territories to increase awareness regarding the safety of poultry and poultry products. It also issued appropriate advisories to restore consumer confidence affected by rumours.

Bird flu has been reported from at least six states including Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat.

(With inputs from agencies)

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
MP Anthony Albanese speaks to media during a press conference at the Unity Hall Hotel in Balmain in Sydney, Australia, on May 19, 2019. (Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese to be Discharged from Hospital After Car Crash

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said he will be released from the hospital on Saturday afternoon after a serious car crash yesterday in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville.

Will be discharged from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital this afternoon and continue treatment as an outpatient- thank you for all the good wishes and a huge thanks to the paramedics, police, doctors, nurses, orderlies, radiographers and other hospital staff  you are the best, he wrote on Twitter just after 2 p.m.

Will be discharged from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital this afternoon and continue treatment as an outpatient- thank you for all the good wishes and a huge thanks to the paramedics, police, doctors, nurses, orderlies, radiographers and other hospital staff  you are the best  Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 9, 2021

It is understood the 57-year-old Labor leader was driving when his Toyota Camry was T-boned by a Range Rover in a serious collision in Marrickville on Friday afternoon.

The ABC reported that emergency services received reports of a crash and were called to Hill Street in Marrickville at about 5 p.m. The driver of the Range Rover was a 17-year-old, police were told.

He has been taken to hospital to have precautionary x-rays, and is badly shaken but ok a spokesman from his office said.

The other driver was not hurt, it is understood.

NSW Police told ABC the driver of the Range Rover was travelling west along Hill Street when he struck Albanese.

The driver of the Toyota  was treated at the scene before being taken to RPA in a stable condition, Police said.

Officers attached to Inner West Police Area Command attended and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Enquiries are continuing.
Edel Murrin, Brenda ORiordan, recipient of the Joey Murrin Memorial Medal, Dr Janet Davies, deputy head of Campus, James OFlaherty, recipient of the Brendan OKelly Memorial Medal, and Carol OKelly

Graduates from Wexford Campus's Aquabusiness course have received their diplomas following a year which forced them to adapt to a new style of learning.

The only academic course of its kind in the country, the HDip in Aquabusiness was launched in 2018 and is specifically tailored for the next generation of seafood producers, managers and entrepreneurs.

The course has been popular with students from the beginning and Seamus O'Flaherty, who received this year's Brendan O'Kelly Memorial Medal as the first in class, said, 'It has a good mix of general business principles and knowledge, coupled with marine specific case studies. It's a great step-up for somebody working in a marine business.'

Seamus is the son of Jim and Valery O'Flaherty of Saltees Fish in Kilmore Quay. He graduated as a mechanical engineer in 2008 from Cork IT, then spent 10 years working as an engineering consultant and project manager across a range in industries in Australia.

He returned to Ireland two years ago with his wife Mel and kids to work in the family business, operating a fishing fleet and fish sales and logistics business.

The recipient of this year's Joey Murrin Memorial Medal is Brenda O'Riordan, who works with inshore fisheries development in Cork with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).

BIM has been steadfast in its support for the course backed by a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute and IFA Aquaculture has been a strong supporter from the start.

The course also received the endorsement of the South and East Fish Producers Organisation and the South and West Fish Producers Organisation and the Women in Fisheries Network in 2018.

This year's course got underway in late September and the two modules Marketing and Business Environment (economics) were completed in 2020.

However, interested candidates can sign up for one or more of the remaining three modules which will run in remainder of this academic year. The Law module is scheduled to commence in mid-January; Strategic and Innovation Management at the end of February and Financial Management and Planning in mid-April. The fee is 450 per module. Five modules and the project/placement taken over one or more academic years will lead to the award of the Higher Diploma.

There is a strong Kilmore connection to the course as the original idea came from Tomhaggard-native John Doyle, who is now farming in North Wexford. John was also instrumental in getting the new honours degree course in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness off the ground at Wexford Campus.
BEIJING - Chinese authorities have asked residents in two cities south of Beijing to stay home for seven days as they try to stamp out a COVID-19 outbreak in which more than 300 people have tested positive in the past week.

People wearing protective masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus take usually crowded escalators at a shopping arcade in Tokyo Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. The Japanese capital confirmed more than 2200 new coronavirus cases on Saturday. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency last Thursday for Tokyo and three other prefectures to ramp up defenses against the spread of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

BEIJING - Chinese authorities have asked residents in two cities south of Beijing to stay home for seven days as they try to stamp out a COVID-19 outbreak in which more than 300 people have tested positive in the past week.

The cities of Shijiazhuang and Xingtai in Hebei province are restricting people to their communities and villages and have banned gatherings, according to notices they posted on social media.

Hebei reported 14 more confirmed cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total in the ongoing outbreak to 137. It has found another 197 people without symptoms who tested positive. China does not include such asymptomatic cases in its confirmed count.

Beijing is requiring workers from Hebei to show proof of employment in Beijing and a negative COVID test before entering the nations capital. Chinese media reported hours-long backups at entry points on Friday.

In a separate outbreak, three more cases were reported in Liaoning province in the northeast, bringing the total there to 84 since the first cases surfaced about three weeks ago. Beijing has had 31 cases over the same period, though no new ones in the past 24 hours.

Thousands of Catholic devotees line up as they celebrate the feast day of the Black Nazarene at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in downtown Manila, Philippines, Saturday Jan. 9, 2021. Hundreds of church workers and police were spread around the area to maintain order and enforce strict social distancing health protocols. The annual procession has been cancelled amid the threat of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in one of Asia's biggest religious events. (AP Photo/Gerard Carreon)

In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region:

 India will kick off its coronavirus vaccination drive on Jan. 16 to stem the pandemic in the worlds second-most populous country. The Health Ministry said Saturday that priority will be given to healthcare and front-line workers, whose numbers are estimated to be around 30 million. They will be followed by those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities, numbering around 270 million, the statement said. Last week, Indias drugs regulator gave emergency authorization for the vaccine developed by Oxford University and U.K.-based drugmaker AstraZeneca, and another developed by the Indian company Bharat Biotech. AstraZeneca has contracted the Serum Institute of India, the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer, to make 1 billion doses of its vaccine for developing nations, including India. The Health Ministry said that both vaccines would be administered in two dosages. India is second in the world behind the United States with 10.4 million coronavirus cases, including 150,798 deaths, according to the ministry.

 COVID-19 vaccine shots will be free in China, where more than 9 million doses have been given to date, health officials in Beijing said Saturday. Ordinary people will not need to spend a penny, Zheng Zhongwei, a National Health Commission official, said at a news conference. The announcement cleared up confusion from a news conference nine days ago at which Zheng said it would be affordable, and a more senior official, Vice Minister Zeng Yixin, jumped in to say it would be free. The costs will be covered by a national medical insurance fund and government funds. About 7.4 million shots have been given since a drive began Dec. 15 to inoculate medical and transport workers and other key groups ahead of Lunar New Year, a major holiday in mid-February. More than 1.6 million shots had been given in previous months. Zeng, the vice minister, said the specific timing for a visit by a WHO expert team on the origins of the virus is being determined and that it would be joined by Chinese experts in Wuhan, the city where cases of the new coronavirus were first detected in late 2019. WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed disappointment earlier this week that the Chinese side had not finalized the needed permissions for the visit. Two team members who were already en route had to turn back. Tedros said in Geneva on Friday that he expects the dates to be set next week.

 Several regional governments in Japan have asked for a state of emergency declaration like the one issued by the prime minister to the Tokyo area to stem the surging rise in coronavirus cases. The heads of Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures in central Japan relayed their request to Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of coronavirus measures, in an online conference call on Saturday, Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters. There was no immediate decision, but the government panel of medical experts will study the situation, Yoshimura said. Japans state of emergency, which kicked in Friday for Tokyo and nearby Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba, centres around asking restaurants and bars to close at 8 p.m. It lasts for a month but can be extended. Gifu prefecture announced its own monthlong state of emergency Saturday. Other prefectures may follow suit. Japan has recently seen more than 7,000 new cases a day, with Tokyos daily cases topping 2,000. Overall, Japan has confirmed more than 270,000 cases, including over 3,900 deaths.

 Sri Lankan prison authorities have decided to free more than 100 prisoners who are serving jail terms because of their inability to pay fines, in an attempt to contain the spreading of the coronavirus within the crowded facilities. Some 4,121 inmates and 129 prison officers have tested positive for the virus at five prisons in different parts of the island nation. Sri Lanka's prisons are highly congested, with more than 26,000 inmates in facilities with a total capacity of 10,000. On Saturday, prison authorities said about 150 inmates who are serving jail terms because they could not pay the fines would be released under a special pardon announced by the government in order to ease the congestion. Authorities have been releasing prisoners on various grounds since December. So far, 10,227 prisoners have been released. Sri Lanka has confirmed a total of 47,304 coronavirus cases, including 225 deaths.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
Author Charles Martin challenges Christians to forgive like Jesus in divided society

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

In an increasingly divided society, New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin is challenging Christians to demonstrate Christ-like forgiveness  an act he believes has the power to turn the world upside-down, just like the first century believers.

What if we just forgave everybody, for everything, for all time, the same way Jesus forgives us? he said in an interview with The Christian Post. What if we forgave people who didn't deserve it? What if we forgive people who are currently sinning against us? What if we forgave, and then walked out in the sacrificial love of Jesus? If we did that, I believe the world would look really different.

A seasoned writer, Martin has written over 14 novels over the span of his 20-year career. His books have reached millions, with the 2011 romance-disaster novel The Mountain Between Us turned into a movie in 2017, featuring major Hollywood stars Idris Elba and Kate Winslet.

But while working on his 2016 fiction book titled Long Way Gone, Martin felt God calling him to use his gifts to push pause on fiction and tell the story of you and me.

So I decided to write the story of me and the Lord and what Hes taught me through His Word, he shared.

In 2019, Martin released his first non-fiction book, What If Its True?. Later this month, hell release the follow-up, They Turned the World Upside Down: A Storytellers Journey with Those Who Dared Follow Jesus.

The bestselling author told CP that his latest book examines what radical faith looked like in biblical times and what it looks like in 2021, drawing from the lives and examples of Jesus' disciples.

I previously examined what our lives would look like if we really believed Jesus gave us His authority and power, he said. Now, Im looking at how the faith and obedience of Jesus followers changed the world.

In his book, Martin follows the disciples as they follow Jesus instruction to spread the message of the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. From the Mount of Olives  where Jesus ascended to Heaven  to Pauls ministry in Thessalonica, the book looks at those who turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6) for the sake of the Gospel.

This is a movement that traveled 1,000 miles northwest of Jerusalem into the town of Thessalonica, Martin said. What did the Lord do in these people? This book is about their unbelief and how God moved them to belief  not just a belief that He is King, but also a belief in His Kingdom.

The author shares stories from his own life as a disciple, along with pivotal moments from Scripture, to encourage readers to engage with their faith in a new and inspiring way.



Every time I walk into Gods presence and I'm honest about the stuff that I bring with me, I feel like God looks at the places where my heart is hardened, callous, and unforgiving, and He says, Wil you let me have that? Will you let me take it away from you? You must forgive these people. Theyre broken, just like you. Now, love them.

Martin clarified hes not telling people to be a doormat, adding: Abuse, sin, and other issues need to be confronted and addressed, but as far as our response to people, our love should be stronger than their hate.

In his book, Martin encourages readers to get bloodied  referencing 1 John 1:7, which says it's the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

We as Christians talk about the blood of Jesus but we leave it in the bowl, we don't ever do anything with it, he said.

I'm trying to challenge people to step into the priesthood that the Lord has given them to actually believe that what Jesus did on the cross, He is still doing today. He's still cleansing. still forgiving, still breaking chains, still waking people up to the Father.

If Jesus followers truly believe that what He said is true, their lives will demonstrate world-changing faith, Martin contended. He pointed out that the apostles loved Jesus so greatly, they were willing to lose their lives for the Gospel.

If we as believers would just look at the burdens were carrying, the anger, the unforgiveness, and give them to the Lord and walk in forgiveness and repentance, it would turn this world upside down.
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
LEXINGTON, NC  Shanderick Dorsey admits there was a time not all that long ago when he believed the coronavirus wasn't real. At 18, and with his whole life seemingly still ahead of him, the energetic teenager whose friends call Shammy couldnt envision living with an illness that could strip him of his ability to walk or talk, or that would lead doctors to tell his mother there was a real possibility her son wouldnt live to see 19.

Dorsey certainly couldnt envision living that life  until he did.

For 95 days, Dorsey was confined to a bed at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, where he was rushed last April and where he remained in a coma for nearly two months. In the weeks before, Dorsey had been confined to his home in Lexington because his mother, Yateria Thomas, decided it wasnt safe for her family to leave the house because the rate confirmed cases of the coronavirus were popping up around North Carolina.

At the time, Thomas was the only one who would leave the house to go back and forth for work and to get necessities for her children, hell-bent on protecting them from the global pandemic that was gripping the country but that seemingly no one around her was taking seriously.

Dorsey didnt mind being relegated to his house, where his friends were able to come and go. Given his young age and the fact that he knew the people he was interacting with, Dorsey didnt figure there was any way the coronavirus would ever find him. Until it did.

Less than a month after the pandemic began, Dorsey suddenly wasn't feeling like himself. He could barely move around without experiencing shortness of breath. Soon, Dorsey  who suffers from asthma and sleep apnea  began coughing up large amounts of blood. On April 12, Thomas took her son to a local hospital, where doctors said he was having a heart attack and that he had double pneumonia. Further blood tests also showed that Dorsey had contracted the coronavirus despite all of the precautions his mother had put in place.

Story continues

I didnt believe it was real, Thomas told Patch in a Zoom interview on Friday. It was a shock and I was wondering, How could that have even happened? So when they called and said he had COVID, I wondered, how could that be?

Without realizing it, Thomas had herself contracted the COVID-19 virus and had brought it into her home. But because she showed no symptoms of the virus, she continued to go about her daily business, working each day before returning home to her family. Now diagnosed himself and hospitalized in Winston-Salem, where he had been transferred due to the severity of his condition, Dorsey braced for what he figured would be a 14-day stay, never believing his condition would worsen. Until it did.

-----

While his mother had seemingly taken every precaution to protect herself and her children from the coronavirus, Dorsey acknowledges he didnt take the pandemic seriously. Now, in the hospital, Dorsey began to wonder why COVID-19 had chosen him. At times, his newfound reality became too much to handle and the tears came without him knowing that, in a matter of days, his condition would become much worse than he or anyone ever imagined.

Shanderick Dorsey became like family to the staff at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital where he was hospitalized for 95 days last year. (Photo credit: Wake Forest Baptist Hospital)

The days that followed remain a blur to this day. Rather than getting better, Dorseys health quickly deteriorated. Because of coronavirus restrictions, Thomas was unable visit her son in the hospital, forcing her to rely on the 25 or 30 times a day she phoned the hospital searching for answers about her sons condition. As the virus settled into Dorseys body, his oxygen level plummeted and his blood pressure also dropped dramatically. Doctors informed Thomas that her son would be put on an ECHMO machine  a heart-lung device that provides prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to patients. A tube transports blood from the body to the machine, which then provides oxygen back into the body and allows the heart and lungs to rest.

Dorsey, who had gone into a coma days after he arrived in Winston-Salem, remained hooked up to the ECMO machine for a bit more than a month. The constant life support was needed as Dorseys body wasnt reacting the way it needed to, which made the procedure necessary to his survival, Thomas said Friday. For nearly two months, Dorseys day-to-day life became an extended roller coaster ride for his family. Like her son, Thomas found herself struggling and facing levels of hopelessness like she had never experienced.

Aint nobody but God who brought me through this, Thomas said Friday. "(At the time), I was trying to figure out, 'How can it be my baby?' I didnt understand, because hes a good kid overall. I would just sit there, and I couldnt take it all in. I had moments when I broke down. It was really hard, but I had a support system that was really there for me.

----

Thomas and Dorseys father were finally allowed to go see their son, as doctors feared he wouldnt survive. But the first visit didnt come until after weeks of Thomas calling the hospital every hour on the hour and then some, constantly checking in with hospital officials and doctors for updates on her sons health. While hospital regulations still didn't allow for regular visitors, doctors wanted to give Dorsey's parents a chance to say goodbye while their son still had life, although they couldn't guarantee how much longer that would last.

Shanderick Dorsey was hospitalized for 95 days after being diagnosed with the coronavirus. (Photo courtesy of Yateria Thomas)





Dorsey really became part of our ICU family, Ben Boger, a certified nursing assistant at Wake Forest Baptist said in story posted on Wake Forest Baptist Hospital's website. We went through so many emotions with his family  hed have days of improvement and then hed have days of setbacks. I remember putting my hand on his chest a few times and telling him, You got this man. At times, our staff was all he had, due to the limited visitor restrictions, and we really rallied behind him."



It wasnt until May 7  just two days before her birthday  when Thomas was finally permitted to see her son in person. With her son still in a coma, Thomas sat by his bedside and prayed after doctors warned it may be the final time she would see Dorsey alive. Unsure of her sons future, Thomas continued to pray, asking God to somehow spare her sons life. Within a few days of her first visit, Dorseys condition improved, which provided Thomas hope that her faith was being rewarded. But when Dorsey had yet another setback, doctors called Thomas and Dorseys father back  this time implore them to remove Shanderick from life support.

For every instance of Dorsey showing improvement, more hardships would set in again, leading doctors to fear for the worse. Her faith unshaken, however, Thomas refused to remove her son from life support. Even though Dorsey had emerged from the coma by this point, he was still heavily sedated and Thomas could sense he was responding to her prayers and what she believed was Gods hand.

----

By the first of June, Dorsey  who spent his 19th birthday in the hospital  was slowly responding but was unable to speak or walk. Doctors eventually inserted a valve that assisted with his speech. He remembers asking a doctor at the end of June how long he had been hospitalized and can remember breaking down when the doctor replied he had been there for 84 days.

He couldn't remember many of those days and weeks  and, even now, struggles to grasp everything he had endured. Dorsey knows he likely wouldn't be here without the care and concern of the medical professionals who watched over him and decorated his room with balloons for a birthday he doesn't fully recollect.

Shanderick Dorsey was hospitalized with the coronavirus and complications for 95 days, including his 18th birthday. (Photo courtesy of Yateria Thomas).





Before being released July 17 after 95 days of being hospitalized, Dorsey went through physical therapy to learn how to walk again. With his mother assisting him getting out of bed, Dorsey navigated his room and other spaces with the use of a walker. On a daily basis, before being allowed to return home, Dorsey told doctors he believed he would make more progress if he could leave the hospital, which took an emotional toll on his mood at a times.

They were trying to get me to work with physical therapy, and I didnt want to, Dorsey told Patch Friday. I was like, If yall let me go home, I promise yall Ill start walking again on my own. My mama kept telling me they werent going to let me go home until they started seeing some improvement.



He added: I cant see how people sit just in one spot without doing anything. Walking and talking is everything to me. If I couldnt walk or talk, I dont know what I would do.

Back at home, Dorsey struggled to relearn everyday aspects of life he had taken for granted for years. He would get up, but experienced pain in his legs because he had been hospitalized for such a long period. Dorsey said he was walking on his own within a week of leaving the hospital, keeping the promise he had made to his doctors back in Winston-Salem.

But Thomas was still required to care for her son in other ways. For several months after he returned home, Thomas bathed her son, cleaned his wounds and cleaned him up after he used the bathroom. A nurse would visit twice a week and suggested moving Dorsey to a nursing home. But knowing the way that COVID-19 settles in at long-term care facilities, Thomas refused, unwilling to put her son in an environment that could put him at risk of contracting COVID-19 again. Instead, Thomas chose to quit her job, knowing that after the ordeal her family had gone through, getting Dorsey back to being himself needed to be her top priority.

Dorsey has only returned to fully doing things on his own for the past three weeks. He is thankful to have spent the holidays with his family and appreciates little things in life like he never has before. He said Friday he finally is feeling like his old self  but not until after surviving an ordeal that nearly claimed his life and that stretched his mothers faith like nothing else.

It was hard, but it was worth it, Thomas said Friday. I wouldnt want it no other way. It was a battle when he came home from the hospital  he had to learn how to do everything all over again.  It was a hardship, but it was worth it at the end of the day. It was worth it to take care of my baby, and thats what I did.

Now, after initially not taking the coronavirus seriously, Dorseys attitude has changed dramatically. He never goes anywhere without a mask, and washes his hands and uses hand sanitizer multiple times over the course of a day. In an area of the country where others may still not accept the seriousness of a pandemic that has killed 368,000 Americans since March, Dorsey now lives his life in a much different way  just thankful to still be here.

His change of heart comes as a time when coronavirus vaccines are just starting to be distributed to health care professionals and front-line workers. It will still be months before the vaccines are readily available to the general public. But Dorsey  for one  will gladly spread the message of following guidelines designed to protect people from a virus that is still alive and well in United States 10 months after the pandemic began.

I dont take [the coronavirus] for granted no more, he said. Theres still too many people dying because of the coronavirus, and I aint going to go through it again. Now I know not to take stuff for granted and take stuff more seriously. At first, I didnt believe there was a virus going around."

And now?

Im just grateful I can see another year, Dorsey said.

This article originally appeared on the Greensboro Patch
Reliance Infrastructure has successfully divested its entire 74 per cent stake in Parbati Koldam Transmission Company Limited (PKTCL) to India Grid Trust (IndiGrid) for an enterprise value of around Rs 900 crore. The entire proceeds from the stake sale will be used for debt reduction, the company said in a regulatory filing.

"Reliance Infrastructure Limited (RInfra) announce the successful completion of sale of its entire 74 per cent equity stake in Parbati Koldam Transmission Company Limited (PKTCL) to India Grid Trust (IndiGrid) for an enterprise value of approximately Rs 900 crore. RInfra owns 74 per cent in PKTCL located in the state of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in joint venture with Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL)," RInfra said in its filing.

The deal was announced on November 28, 2020, with the signing of a definitive binding agreement between RInfra and IndiGrid. It was closed on January 8, 2021, with transfer of shares of PKTCL and receipt of sale consideration.

Utilising the sales proceeds for debt reduction, RInfra has reduced its consolidated debt by around 6 per cent from Rs 14,000 crore to Rs 13,100 crore, the company stated.

IndiGrid is India's first power sector Infrastructure Investment Trust, owning AAA-rated power transmission assets in India. With this acquisition, IndiGrid owns 12 operating power transmission assets with a total asset under management of over Rs 14,500 crore.

Reliance Infrastructure is one of the largest infrastructure companies, developing projects through various special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in several high growth sectors such as power, roads and metro rail in the infrastructure space and the defence sector. It is also a leading utility company having presence across the value chain of power businesses i.e. Generation, Transmission and Distribuion.

ALSO READ: Reliance Capital's total outstanding debt snowballs to Rs 20,380 cr in December

ALSO READ: Delhi HC asks SBI to maintain status quo on accounts of Anil Ambani's firms
The fallout of Twitter's permanent ban on President Donald Trump continued on Saturday, as his eldest son lashed out at the social media site and loyalists fled to alternatives such as Gab and Parler.

'The world is laughing at America & Mao, Lenin, & Stalin are smiling. Big tech is able to censor the President? Free speech is dead & controlled by leftist overlords,' Don Trump Jr said in a tweet on Saturday, urging followers to join his mailing list, 'In case I'm next.'

Twitter banned President Trump on Friday night, saying in a statement that recent Trump tweets amounted to glorification of violence when read in the context of the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot.

Though the company hasn't issued any further statements, it appears to be conducting a mass purge of any accounts connected with the 'QAnon' conspiracy theory, banning Trump loyalists Mike Flynn, Sidney Powell, and thousands of others.

Don Trump Jr ranted about his father's Twitter ban in tweets and a Facebook live video on Saturday. 'Free speech is dead & controlled by leftist overlords,' he said

The apparent effect has been to massively shrink the follower counts of high-profile conservative figures and Trump allies.

In a video message on Facebook, Don Jr claimed that he had lost 100,000 Twitter followers in the past day.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted an image of an analytical tool showing key elected Democrats gaining tens of thousands of followers, while key Republicans were losing them at the same rate.

'This is how you create an echo chamber...' Pompeo wrote.

Amid the bans, Trump loyalists appear to be abandoning Twitter in droves, signing up for Gab and Parler, social media sites that bill themselves as 'free-speech' alternatives to Twitter.

Gab claimed that it was seeing more than 10,000 new signups per hour on Saturday.

The Gab app was banned from the Apple and Google app stores years ago amid accusations that it was a cesspool of racist ideology.

Parler shot to #1 in Apple's App Store on Saturday, even as Apple threatened to ban the app imminently if it did not dramatically change its moderation policies

Meanwhile, the Parler social network has become a haven for far-right personalities who say they have been censored by other social media platforms.

Parler shot to #1 in Apple's App Store on Saturday, even as Apple threatened to ban the app imminently if it did not dramatically change its moderation policies.

Google on Friday banned the Parler app from its mobile store for allowing 'egregious content' that could incite deadly violence like that seen at the US Capitol.

'We're aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the US,' Google said in a statement.

Sites like Parler have attracted Republican lawmakers as well as the Trump campaign - but Trump himself has yet to sign up for any Twitter alternative.

After his personal account was banned on Friday, Trump took to the @POTUS account and floated the idea that he might build his own 'platform.'

Twitter quickly deleted that post and locked him out of the @POTUS account, which will be handed over to Joe Biden after he is inaugurated as president on January 20.

On Friday, Twitter permanently suspended Trump from its platform, citing 'risk of further incitement of violence.'

President Trump on Friday night found a loophole around his Twitter ban by using the @POTUS account. The tweets claimed that he may set up his own social media platform but were quickly deleted again

A game of whack-a-mole followed, with Trump tweeting from the accounts of various advisors, only to get their accounts banned.

Twitter says using another account to evade a suspension is against its rules.

In his tweets on Saturday, Don Jr pointed out that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who tweeted last year calling for 'the elimination of the Zionist regime' through 'firm, armed resistance,' still has multiple official Twitter accounts.

Khamenei was accused of advocating 'genocide' in Israel, but Twitter said that it deemed the remarks protected political speech.

The bizarre and unprecedented situation led actress Kirstie Alley, an outspoken conservative, to compare Twitter's crackdown on Trump and his allies to 'slavery.'

'ALL people should be concerned is the KEY here,' she tweeted, citing an American Civil Liberties Union statement expressing circumspect 'concern' about Trump's Twitter ban.

'It's true, the average person will no longer have a platform to speak their views. This is called SLAVERY. This censorship proves BIG TECH now holds the keys to the chains,' she continued.

The ACLU statement did not outright condemn Twitter's ban, but said that the power of social media companies to 'wield the unchecked power to remove people' should 'concern everyone.'

The civil rights group expressed its fear that 'Black, Brown and LGBTQ activists' could be 'censored' in a similar fashion.

Actress Kirstie Alley, an outspoken conservative, compared Twitter's crackdown to 'slavery'

Shannon McGregor, an assistant professor of journalism and media at the University of North Carolina, said the move lets Twitter try to curry favor with the incoming Biden administration.

Trump 'only has two weeks left in power, and that certainly makes it easier to deplatform the president,' she said.

Others saw a more ominous portent in Twitter's action. 'Big Tech is not going to stop with the president of the United States,' Kay James, president of the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, wrote in a tweet. 'They can ban you next and everyone reading this.'

In the Trump tweets cited by Twitter, Trump stated that he will not be attending the inauguration and referred to his supporters as 'American Patriots,' saying they will have 'a GIANT VOICE long into the future.'

Twitter said these statements 'are likely to inspire others to replicate the violent acts that took place on January 6, 2021, and that there are multiple indicators that they are being received and understood as encouragement to do so.'

Twitter said its policy enables world leaders to speak to the public, but that these accounts 'are not above our rules entirely' and cant use Twitter to incite violence. Trump had roughly 89 million followers.

Twitter shares fell roughly 4 percent in after-hours trading, reflecting concerns that the Trump ban might reduce usage and advertising sales.

Jonathan Greenblatt, who heads the Anti-Defamation League, said Friday that banning Trump was an 'excellent step' and 'a fitting end to a legacy of spewing hate and vitriol.' The ADL was part of a coalition of civil rights and advocacy groups on Friday calling for Twitter to ban Trumps account.

Tumkuru, Jan 10 : Karnataka Education Minister S. Suresh Kumar chased a bus belonging to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for refusing to pick up school students who were waiting at a roadside bus stop in Koratagere taluk of Tumakuru district.

On seeing the KSRTC bus refusing to pick up school-going children at a roadside stop despite their request, the minister, who was on the way to visit Madhugiri in Tumakuru district, chased the bus and blocked it on the state highway near the I.K. Colony in Neelagondana Halli limits of Koratagere taluk.

Pulling up the driver and conductor for their high-handedness and refusal to pick up school going students, Kumar not only sought explanation but also directed them to compulsorily stop and pick up school-going children on their route.

Reacting over the incident, KSRTC tweeted, "The matter has been forwarded to the respective division to examine and take necessary action."

Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio will see two new COVID-19 vaccination hubs launch Monday on the South and West Sides.

Eligible residents will be able to receive the vaccination on the South Side at the WellMed Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Center. To register for an appointment, call 833-968-1745.
Mr. Mulvaney told CNBC that the president was not the same as he was eight months ago, when they spoke more frequently. Left unstated was whether Mr. Trump was the same as he was four years ago, when Mr. Mulvaney called him a terrible human being ahead of the 2016 election.

Mr. Mulvaneys journey with the president highlights one of the most striking features of the ongoing Republican revisionism. Many in the G.O.P. warned publicly during the 2016 campaign that Mr. Trump was fomenting exactly the kind of violence that the country witnessed on Wednesday  concerns that were quickly set aside once he took office.

Of course, some Republican officials may be truly horrified by Mr. Trumps egging on of his supporters on Wednesday and his refusal to take immediate action to stop a violent takeover of the Capitol. Many of those same Republicans frequently offered private condemnations of his actions throughout his presidency  objections they studiously kept off the record.

But with less than 275 hours left in the Trump presidency, its hard not to see the political posturing embedded in their now-public condemnations.

Many inside and outside Washington are setting their sights on the new political reality to come with a Democratic-controlled government. After years of declining to police Mr. Trumps falsehood-filled and threatening social media posts, Twitter on Friday permanently suspended his @realDonaldTrump account due to the risk of further incitement of violence. Mark Zuckerberg had earlier barred the president from Facebook and Instagram through at least the end of his term.

Many of Mr. Zuckerbergs employees noted that Democrats had secured control of the Senate before he took the action.

But at this point, its an open question whether any powerful Republicans will pay a serious price for their implicit or explicit support of Mr. Trumps inflammatory rhetoric and dalliances with violence. So far, the penalties seem to be measured mostly in bad media coverage.
She's known to always rock a fashionable look.

And Molly-Mae Hague was sure to keep up with the trends as she flaunted her brand new 1,950 Gucci x The North Face jacket on Instagram on Friday.

The Love Island star, 21, posed up a storm as she modelled the padded jacket in her bathroom, penning: 'Chav chic and I'm here for it'.

'Chav chic': Molly-Mae Hague proved her fashion credentials as she flaunted her brand new 1,950 Gucci x The North Face jacket on Instagram on Friday

Molly-Mae covered her face as she showcased the eye-catching jacket, which boasts Gucci's recognisable logo all over the material and two large pockets.

The expensive coat, which was only released in the UK on Monday, also features a bright orange lining and The North Face's brand name across the chest.

Ensuring all eyes were on her latest treat, the reality star kept the rest of her ensemble casual by donning comfortable black tracksuit bottoms.

What a collection: The Love Island star, 21, also revealed she's the proud owner of a sweatshirt from the recently released line as well

Closeup: Molly-Mae gave her fans a closer view of the patterned jacket and tagged a personal shopper at Selfridges in the short clip

She also revealed she's the proud owner of a white sweatshirt from the collection and posted several snaps of bold pink box the new items came in.

After testing out her latest designer items, Molly-Mae and her beau Tommy Fury, both 21, cuddled up in the bathroom as they prepared to go to bed .

The influencer opted for comfort in a white, long-sleeved top and cream lounge pants as she took a boomerang for Instagram in the mirror.

She held her fingers in a 'peace' sign as she pouted and moved her head from side to side.

Quiet night in: Later on Friday, Molly-Mae and her beau Tommy Fury, 21, cuddled up in the bathroom as they prepared to go to bed on Friday night

Molly-Mae went make-up free, after earlier in the day showing off a spot on her chin, zooming in on her face and saying: 'That's a cute x' [sic].

The blonde beauty left her locks down and captioned the post with a line of 'Zzz' emojis, implying the pair were off to bed.

The boxer, meanwhile, left his shirt off as he stood behind Molly-Mae and placed his hands on her stomach.

'That's a cutie x': Molly-Mae went make-up free, after earlier in the day showing off a spot on her chin, zooming in on her face and saying: 'That's a cute x'

It comes after the pair looked every inch the happy couple on Thursday, as they celebrated their 18-month anniversary at home in Cheshire.

Making sure it was one to remember, Tommy treated his 'soulmate' to a surprise romantic evening complete with rose petals on the floor and a bouquet of flowers.

Molly-Mae appeared to be very impressed with Tommy's thoughtful efforts as she showed off the rose petals on their carpet.

The beauty revealed their initials had been made out of petals as well as a love heart, with the path leading to their dining table where a large bouquet awaited her.

Loved-up: It comes after Tommy treated Molly-Mae to a surprise date night at home in Cheshire on Thursday as the couple celebrated their 18 month anniversary

So sweet: The boxer gave his influencer girlfriend a stunning bouquet of flowers after putting rose petals around their flat

She gushed over her boyfriend's sweet actions, captioning the clips 'he brought date night home to us' and 'no words', before showing Tommy smiling on their sofa.

Tommy also shared his adoration for the star throughout the day as he shared a selfie of the duo kissing in a swimming pool.

He penned: 'Every minute is a blessing with you. Happy 1 year 6 months soulmate'

The boxer recently explained how Molly-Mae is 'the female version' of himself in an exclusive interview with MailOnline.

Gushing: Tommy also shared a snap with Molly-Mae, penning 'every minute is a blessing with you. Happy 1 year 6 months soulmate'

Romantic: He wrote their initials in rose petals and also made a love heart with candles in which showed Molly-Mae the way to their dining table and her main flowers

The boxer called his influencer girlfriend his 'dream girl' and 'soulmate' in a declaration of love as he revealed their plans for the future.

While promoting Holland & Barrett's PE nutrition line, he admitted it was love at first sight when he first met Molly-Mae. He said: 'Definitely [I felt love] when I first saw her.

'If you gave me a pen and paper to write down my dream girl it would be her. That's what I said a year and a half ago on the show and I wasn't lying.

'And it's just crazy really, because of her personality as I've got to know her inside and out, it's increased.

'She's the female version of me! Every day I feel like I love her even more, she's my soulmate.'

Impressive: Molly-Mae shared her astonishment over Tommy's romantic gesture as she shared the evening on Instagram Stories

Cosy: The couple enjoyed a quiet night in at their stylish flat, lighting the fire

Many Love Island couples have failed to make their relationships work after leaving the villa and returning to the real world.

When asked why their relationship has stood the test of time, Tommy explained: 'I think it was because there was no pressure on it. Molly-Mae and me, we're in it for the long haul so when you've got that it's easy going.

'Everybody was on Love Island for their own reasons, I was genuinely on there to find a relationship. I'd never even watched the show before.

'I didn't have a clue about what would happen so I had an "all or nothing" attitude. I think it's about how much commitment you give and we've both put the effort in.'

All smiles: The duo also spent their anniversary on a winter walk, with Tommy sharing a sweet selfie to Instagram Stories earlier on Thursday

As he discussed how their relationship has developed, Tommy confessed that they both have weird personalities and strange quirks which they never revealed to each other on the dating show.

He said: 'We're laughing every minute of the day, we take everything with a pinch of salt. If she's not pushing me over the settee, I'm pushing her over the settee.

'It's crazy really, thinking back to Love Island and then to now, I didn't know her at all compared to now. These days we're just so weird together.

'If we were that open at the start then "oh my god," but we've evolved over time. We've been living together for almost a year now and it's definitely gone by so fast.'

Picture of happiness: It comes after Tommy said Molly-Mae is 'the female version of me' in an exclusive interview with MailOnline

Looking ahead to the future, Tommy confirmed that marriage and having children is definitely on the cards.

The reality star continued: 'We're both young but I definitely want to get married and have a lot of kids.

'However, you can't put a time frame on things because it never goes to plan, so you might as well let it happen naturally.

'My dream would be to have six kids but I think Molly-Mae's limit is about two, I'm going to have to do some good bribing there!'
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.
Rescuers at a ski resort outside the Russian Arctic city of Norilsk have recovered the bodies of three family members killed by an avalanche overnight.

The press service for the Russian Investigative Committee's branch for the Krasnoyarsk territory and Khakassia announced the development on January 9 after a series of avalanches hit buildings at the Gora Otdelnaya ski resort outside of Norilsk.

It said the victims included a 45-year-old man, a 38-year-old woman, and an 18-month-old child.

It said a fourth victim from the same family, a 14-year-old boy recovered from under the snow, was rushed to Norilsk hospital in grave condition on January 9. He was said to be suffering from severe frostbite.

The Investigative Committee said it had launched a criminal case into the incident to determine whether the ski resort was negligent by providing services that failed to meet safety requirements.

Video released by Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry showed rescuers working during the night to shovel snow off a building that had been buried.

On the morning of January 9, the ministry's branch in Siberia's Krasnoyarsk region, which includes Norilsk, said all missing people had been found and that it was ending the search-and-rescue mission.

Based on reporting by Interfax and AFP
The Tyndalls and the Hills from Bray

While the official Bray Lions Charity Sea Swim was called off this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, a number of brave souls decided to go for a refreshing dip on New Year's Day.

Dozens of locals made their way to the seafront for a swim in the chilly Irish Sea.

The annual organised events would normally see hundreds of swimmers and crowds of supporters gather for a bracing start to the year and to help local charities.

That was unfortunately not to be this year. Family groups went for their own private swims, at a safe distance from everyone else. Some enjoyed a hot drink on the shore, preferring to stay on dry land.

Meanwhile, president of Bray Lions Club Danny Bohan has said that the Bray Lions Club Charity Sea Swim will be back next year

This would have been the 38th annual swim and this was the first time in its history it has been cancelled altogether.

'We are already planning a bigger and better swim which will take place on New Year's Day 2022,' said Danny.

The event has been postponed a number of times due to weather, in 2009, 2014, and 2017 and possibly earlier years, but has never been cancelled altogether.

The annual swim has raised in excess of 370,000, all of which has been donated to a wide spectrum of local causes.

* More photos in the January 6th edition of The Bray People and The Wicklow People newspapers
Whats new at Jacksonville Public Library:

ADULT FICTION

Midnight Train to Prague by Carol Windley: In 1927, as Natalia Faber travels from Berlin to Prague with her mother, their train is delayed in Saxon, Switzerland. In the brief time the train is idle, Natalia learns the truth about her father  who she believed died during her infancy  and meets a remarkable woman named Dr. Magdalena Schaeffer, whose family will become a significant part of her future.

ADULT NONFICTION

A Beginners Guide to Mushrooms: Everything You Need to Know, From Foraging to Cultivating by Britt Bunyard and Tavis Lynch: Never before have mushrooms generated so much interest for their health benefits and medicinal properties. There also is a new understanding of their crucial role in a healthy environment. If you are a newcomer, mycology  the study of mushrooms and other fungi  can seem daunting. While other field guides are geared toward experts with advanced knowledge or are regional in scope and aimed at only a few easy-to-recognize mushrooms, this book by veteran mycologists is a complete reference and guidebook to get you started identifying, cultivating, cooking and preserving mushrooms.

DVD

Sometimes Always Never: Alan is a stylish tailor with moves as sharp as his suits. However, hes spent years searching tirelessly for his missing son, Michael, who stormed out over a game of Scrabble. With a body to identify and his family torn apart, Alan must repair the relationship with his youngest son and identify an online player who he thinks could be Michael, so he finally can move on and reunite his family.

CHILDRENS PICTURE BOOK

Brenda is a Sheep by Morag Hood: Brenda is exactly like all of the other sheep, except for her gray fur, orange sweater and long teeth. The sheep think she is the best but, as she plans a sheep feast, the sheep work a surprise to remind her of where she belongs.

CHILDRENS PICTURE BOOK

Snow Dancer by Addie Boswell: Young dancer Sofia wakes up to a quiet, white world  its a snow day! She makes her way outside to the neighborhood park but it isnt long before the rest of the neighborhood comes out, too. With the help of a new young friend, Sofia is ready to show everyone what a snow dancer can do on a perfect day like this.

Did you know?

The library is hosting an adult Zoom program on How to Draw Basic Landscapes at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Illustrator Corinne Roberts will explain how to draw a basic landscape. The only items youll need to participate are paper, a pencil and an eraser. To register and receive Zoom access information, e-mail Sarah Snyder at ssnyder@jaxpl.org.
G42 Healthcare, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based Group 42, said it has conducted a SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing study that has identified the genomic source of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The study will help determine the spread and evolution patterns of the virus since the disease was first recorded in the UAE. The entire study will be published as scientific paper, which is now in final stages of production.

G42 had in July announced signing a MoU with two Israeli defense groups  Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries  to research and develop methods to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also last year, the healthcare subsidiary of G42 had signed a preliminary agreement with Israeli group NanoScent for the development, distribution and manufacturing of a test capable of detecting Covid-19 from the air exhaled.

The Abu Dhabi group said the study provided additional insights for sustainable screening of the SARS-CoV-2 dynamics and will help the country better prepare for future outbreaks.

By analysing the effect of community infections on the spread of Covid-19 in the UAE, researchers can better understand the viral mutations and gain insights into their role in sustaining the pandemic despite the stringent control measures put in place by health authorities, it stated.

G42 Healthcare pointed out that one of the key objectives of this longitudinal study is to assess the potential emergence of a more virulent subtype and its potential effect on the countrys infection control strategies as the pandemic progresses.

This is particularly timely and important considering the new, more infectious strain of the virus discovered in the UK, underlining the role of predictive analysis and data in enhancing response to the pandemic.

The viral genome sequencing was performed on 1,067 nasopharyngeal swab samples collected in Abu Dhabi between May and June 2020, in accordance with the local regulation and under the guidance of the Department of Health (DoH), Abu Dhabi. The analysis revealed unique genetic variations specific to the UAE virus strains and the patterns of the viruss introduction.

Results from this study will in turn translate into improvements in diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity. This might lead to re-designing of new PCR primers, that can be added into current primer pools, to target potential new viral mutations that might today be absent in imported kits currently on the market.

CEO Ashish Koshy said G42 Healthcare's latest endeavour strengthens its commitment to ensure impactful public healthcare solutions in the fight against the pandemic and raise the bar when it comes to accurate and reliable testing.

"For this study, we have capitalised on our strength of unparalleled genomics solutions, which is a key driver of the population genome program launched by G42 Healthcare in December 2019 under the guidance of the Department of Health, and that aims to create a reference genome specific to UAE citizens to enable a predictive, preventive and personalized healthcare system in the country, he noted.

A key player in the race to find a solution to the global pandemic, G42 Healthcare provided the technology to generate relevant and insightful data for this study.

Harnessing the power of AI and a well-established genomics lab, the project was furnished with short read sequencing technologies and the cloud computing resources required for the massive throughput of data, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
A weary sense of deja vu swept through the nation last week, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced another nationwide lockdown and urged us all to stay at home. In some ways it seemed like March 2020 all over again  without the good weather.

There are some major differences though, not least in construction. In spring, many builders' merchants and DIY chains responded to the lockdown announcement by closing outlets, while contractors remained unclear for weeks about whether or not they were allowed to work.

This time around there is no confusion. Building work will continue and merchants can stay open. The news is welcome for thousands of businesses, including Grafton Group, which owns outlets such as Selco, Buildbase and Leyland SDM.

Going up: Grafton should win out as families forced to stay indoors improve their homes and building suppliers benefit

The group also owns Woodie's and Chadwicks in Ireland and several brands in the Netherlands too.

Grafton is often lumped in with other large builders' merchants. In reality, it is rather different.

Grafton shares have managed to claw back most of the ground lost in the coronavirus crash

Its 17 businesses are decentralised, so each has a high degree of control. Chief executive Gavin Slark believes this encourages better relationships with their customers and suppliers  and he should know.

Having left school at 16, Slark entered the building trade straight away. He has now spent most of his career in the industry.

In March, he will have been chief executive of Grafton for a decade, an unusually long tenure among quoted companies and one that means he understands the group better than most.

In recent years, Slark has steered Grafton away from commoditised products, such as plasterboard, sand or cement, where volumes are high and margins are low.

Instead, Grafton has been expanding into areas where pricing is less competitive and profits tend to be greater.

Chains such as Buildbase still offer all the basics, but Grafton's other subsidiaries are more specialised.

Selco is known for its extensive range, with more than 14,000 products, designed to allow jobbing builders to enter any store and find everything they need for daily work, from bathroom lights to loft insulation to letterboxes.

In the Netherlands, Grafton has three divisions, each of which specialises in areas such as ironmongery or power tools.

Recent acquisitions closer to home also highlight Slark's growing interest in niche sectors.

Last month, Grafton made two purchases: StairBox, which makes bespoke wooden staircases, and Proline, which sells high-quality ironmongery. A family business based in Stoke-on-Trent, StairBox uses up-to-date technology so customers can design and visualise their new staircases online. Dublin-based Proline sells products from brass doorknobs to coat hooks, building on Grafton's market leading position in Ireland.

Grafton's wide spread of businesses offers a degree of resilience in these uncertain times, and the geographical spread helps too. About half the group's profits come from outside the UK and Slark is actively looking for deals in Northern Europe, where the building trade tends to operate in a similar fashion to the British Isles.

Grafton was not immune to the effects of Covid. When the March lockdown was announced, most of its stores closed and staff were put on furlough.

The final dividend for the financial year ending on December 31, 2019 was cancelled and there was no interim payout with half-year results for 2020.

Recovery in the second half of the year was fairly swift, however, and confidence within the business grew steadily in the final quarter.

A year-end update on Tuesday should sound an upbeat note about recent trading. And brokers expect Slark to restore the dividend with a 19p payout when annual results are announced next month.

Looking ahead, the latest lockdown edicts have caused some concern, especially in Ireland, where restrictions are even tighter than here. But the more time people spend at home the more they want to make their homes look good  and Grafton's businesses help them to do just that.

Midas verdict: Grafton is a well-run business with plenty of potential here and overseas. At 9.57, the shares are a good, long-term buy.

Traded on: Main market Ticker: GFTU Contact: graftonplc.com or 00 353 216 0600

Chandigarh, Jan 9 : The Border Security Force (BSF) deployed in Punjab's Amritsar sector apprehended six Pakistani nationals, who inadvertently crossed the border and entered into Indian territory, and later handed them over to the Pakistan Rangers on Saturday, the BSF said.

During questioning, it came to notice that they had crossed over to Indian territory inadvertently on Friday evening. Nothing objectionable was recovered from them.

The BSF approached the Pakistan Rangers and lodged a protest on the issue. On the request of the Pakistan Rangers, the apprehended Pakistani nationals were handed over to Pak Rangers at about 5.30 p.m. on humanitarian grounds, it said in a statement.

Last year also, six Pakistanis who inadvertently crossed the border were handed over to the Pakistan Rangers by the BSF, Punjab Frontier, on humanitarian grounds.
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.
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Variable clouds with thunderstorms - possibly severe in the afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms in the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Variable clouds with thunderstorms - possibly severe in the afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms in the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- The Castrigano sisters were raised in a household where the love of learning was instilled early in life. Nicole, 32, Noelle, 31, and Natalie, 24, have fond memories of their parents volunteering in their elementary school classrooms, attending field trips, and volunteering to teach religion classes at the familys local church. Seeing this positive influence made it clear to the sisters that they wanted to be educators.Growing up in North Olmsted, the trio graduated from North Olmsted High School. Nicole and Noelle graduated in 2006 (Noelle, a year younger, skipped a grade to graduate with her older sister Nicole), and Natalie graduated in 2014.

Nicole and Noelle went on to earn two undergraduate degrees, Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English, in 2010 from Baldwin Wallace (BW) University. Natalie earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education degree in 2017 from BW.

The similarities continue as the sisters earned the same graduate degree this year from BW, a Master of Arts in Education in Leadership in Technology for Teaching and Learning.

For our masters degree, we took all of the same classes together, said Nicole. It was fun and rewarding to be able to work alongside each other on group projects.

What makes their story even more interesting is that the sisters are all teachers in the North Ridgeville City Schools (NRCS). This is Noelles fourth year in North Ridgeville (11th overall in education). She teaches fifth-grade English language arts/social studies at the North Ridgeville Academic Center. Nicole is in her third year in the school district (11th in education) and she teaches sixth-grade math/science at the North Ridgeville Academic Center. Natalie is the new kid on the block in her first year with the district (fourth in education) and teaches eighth- grade STEM at Ranger High-Tech Academy.

We chose North Ridgeville City Schools because of their emphasis and value of teaching students technology skills, the districts STEM programs, and the opportunity for project-based learning in the classrooms, said Nicole. Due to the great timing of earning our graduate degrees in technology, we were able to effortlessly transition into virtual learning. We learned many engaging strategies and tools from the BW program that we are employing in our online classes.

Like many educators, the Castrigano sisters have had to adapt to the changes and challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The most challenging thing is not being able to see our students smiling faces in person each day, but we believe the district is making the most out of this atypical learning situation, said Nicole. We enjoy working for NRCS and have great rapport with our co-workers and administrators. We love being Rangers.

The Castrigano sisters also share their love of education with their cousin (dads are brothers), Kelsey, who is a second-grade teacher at Avon East Elementary School. Kelsey also attended BW.

Great job ladies and thank you for all you do for kids.

AVON

Christmas tree disposal: City workers will be picking up Christmas trees as part of the citys normal chipping service. Trees should not be placed in a bag, and trees larger than five feet should be cut in half.

Zoom yoga: Get in shape for the New Year by attending yoga classes via Zoom offered through the Lorain Public Library System. Yoga is offered at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21 (Yin or Slow Flow Yoga), and Jan. 28 (Family Yoga). Participants are asked to provide an email address when registering in order to receive a link to the Zoom sessions and register for each session separately. Pre-registration is required, go to lorainpubliclibrary.org/events.

Presidents list: Halle Molnar was named to the Presidents list at Trine University (Angola, IN). Molnar is majoring in biochemistry/pre-physician assistant.

AVON LAKE

Christmas trees: Workers are currently collecting Christmas trees this week. Ornaments, tinsel, and other decorations must be removed from the tree. Please do not put trees in plastic bags. If your tree is larger than six feet, it must be cut in half before placing on the curb.

Fast food location closes: Burger King, 519 Avon Belden Road, has closed its doors. No word on if another restaurant/business will occupy the space anytime soon.

Photography display: Stop by the Lorain County Metro Parks Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Road, Lagrange, now through through Jan. 29 (M-F 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to check out the photography of Avon Lake resident and school board member Ron Jantz. His winter theme celebrates being In the Moment. On display are photos of bald eagles, snowy owls, Lake Erie and other beautiful winter landscapes.

Shout-out: Thank you to all who participated within the Avon Lake Police Department during No-Shave November. Proceeds from the event supported two important local childhood cancer foundations doing great things - Prayers from Maria, and Smiles for Sophie Forever.

Deans list: Kasey ORourke has been named to the Deans list at the University of Evansville. ORourke is majoring in elementary education.

NORTH RIDGEVILLE

Pizza, pizza: The Little Caesars pizza chain will soon be opening a 2,048-sq.-ft. location at 35075 Center Ridge Road in the Ridgeville Plaza (near Aldi).

Tax prep assistance: Its hard to believe its time to file our 2020 taxes (deadline is April 15). The AARP is offering free tax prep assistance with IRS-trained and certified volunteers for federal and state taxes at the Senior Center on Tuesdays beginning Feb. 2 through April 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is provided for middle and low income taxpayers, as well as those 60-year-old and and older. This will be curbside drop-off and pick-up, 7327 Avon Belden Road, by appointment only. Participants are encouraged to have a cell phone handy so the tax prep volunteers can contact you to let you know they are finished with the return(s). To make an appointment, call 440-353-0828. If you get voicemail recording, leave your name and phone number and a staff member will call back to schedule the appointment.

Shout-out: Each year the North Ridgeville High School (NRHS) Entrepreneurship class creates a student/class business and sells a product. The project also serves as a fundraiser for the NRHS Entrepreneurship Scholarship. This year the students sold Ranger crewneck sweatshirts. The students raised over $1,400 for the NRHS Entrepreneurship Scholarship, which goes to a graduating senior interested in pursuing business courses in college. The students also donated a portion of the proceeds to the NRHS Special Education Department.

If you have news/information or a story idea youd like to share or a shout-out, please send an email to jshortavon@aol.com.

Read more from the Sun Sentinel.
Wexford hotels will face a bleak start to the New Year according to the chairperson of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) in the south east, Colm Neville.

The IHF said there is a projected collapse in room bookings for January and February, with booking levels of just 13 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively, for the first two months of the New Year.

The federation also said that December recorded historically low levels of occupancy, at just 27 per cent.

Based on the projected figures, the organisation said that hotels and guesthouses in Wexford are facing their harshest ever start to a new year due to a collapse in room occupancy.

Commenting on the matter, Mr Neville said the organisation is calling on the Government not to renege on its budget commitment to the sector and is urging the Government to review the operation of its Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) which currently excludes hotels.

The easing of inter-county travel on Friday, December 18 led to a marginal increase in bookings for the following week, however, hotels are still experiencing a dramatic fall in business compared to the same period last year.

'Traditionally, the four weeks of Christmas trading are absolutely vital to hotels in terms of sustaining them during the first few months of the following year, when business levels tend to be lower,' said Mr Neville.

'Business has been effectively wiped out this year due to Government restrictions while continued uncertainty over Covid restrictions is having a devastating effect on bookings for the start of next year,' he added.

Mr Neville said that an anomaly in how the Government has structured the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme means hotels are now being excluded despite a record fall in revenues, even where they meet the required 75 per cent drop in turnover.

'We are calling on the Government to review the operation of the scheme as a matter of urgency,' he said.

Mr Neville also pointed out that with the local authority rates waiver due to lapse now, the IHF is also seeking an extension of the period for a further six months, at least, until June 30.

'The time-period should coincide with business interruption due to Covid,' he said.

'After that, payment of local authority rates should be based on reduced levels of activity due to the crisis and until the industry has recovered,' he added.

Mr Neville said businesses cannot be expected to pay rates on historical turnover figures that do not reflect the significantly lower levels of business that hoteliers are experiencing.

'Pre-Covid, tourism in Wexford, of which hotels are a key component, supported 9,300 jobs and generated 227m in local revenues,' he said.

He commented that hotels and guesthouses appreciate the support shown by customers throughout what was a year of unprecedented challenges for the hospitality sector.
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.
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
Campbell- impacted by Covid

As we move into 2021, just-food continues to provide daily updates on how the Covid-19 pandemic is still affecting the world's packaged food sector  and how the industry's executives see the market and consumer behaviour taking shape in the months ahead.

Don't subscribe to just-food? Click here for a trial

This article is now closed. These rolling updates built on our previous bulletins, published throughout 2020.

Wednesday 10 March

Campbell expecting sales slowdown as world emerges from lockdown

US food giant Campbell Soup Co. has said it expects its full-year sales to fall as Covid vaccines lead to society opening up again.

It is forecasting fiscal 2021 sales will fall between 3.5% and 2.5% as consumers gradually return to their pre-pandemic lives and, by leaving their homes more regularly, reduce their reliance on ready-to-eat soups and snacks.

Reporting its Q2 results today (10 March), Campbell revealed that net sales rose 5.4% to US$2.28bn in the three months to 31 January, compared to the same period last year, but the company missed estimates of $2.30bn, partly because of declines in its foodservice segment due to the Covid lockdown.

Adjusted EBIT was up 8%, year-on-year, to $393m.

Mark Clouse, Campbell's president and CEO, said: "We delivered another quarter of strong results, with top-line growth in both segments - partly tempered by foodservice and supply constraints caused by Covid-19 - as well as continued growth in EBIT and EPS."

Thursday 4 March

Olymel's Alberta pork plant starts phased reopening

Canadian pork and poultry processor Olymel said its Red Deer plant in Alberta province will resume slaughtering operations today (4 March) as it plans a phased reopening following a temporary 14-day closure due to a Covid outbreak.

Cutting room operations will recommence on Friday, Olymel said in a statement, following inspections on Monday and Wednesday this week by Alberta Health Services (AHS), the Occupational Health and Safety authority (OHS), and the Environmental Public Health department.

"AHS made several recommendations aimed at adjusting and reinforcing certain measures that were already in place and gave the green light to gradually resume operations," the company said.

It added: "The employees that are needed to ensure that the gradual restarting of operations goes smoothly will be recalled in accordance with applicable collective agreement provisions. Since March 3, employee groups have been recalled to take part in training sessions covering all implemented health measures, adjustments and additions made to some of them, and the action plan developed for reopening. The training sessions also focus on the important role information plays in compliance with all the health measures that are in place at the plant."

Olymel, which is majority-owned by the Sollio Cooperative Group, will continue to work closely with AHS and the OHS throughout the entire gradual reopening process."

The processor said "most of the employees" who had Covid-19 have since recovered, while three "have unfortunately passed away".

"Although 1,370 employees at the Red Deer plant have been tested since January 1, 2021, AHS experts will be on site when operations resume and will offer rapid testing to anyone who has not tested positive and wishes to be tested," Olymel said.

--

Wednesday 3 March

Two Hilton workers die from Covid after outbreak at UK seafood plant

Two employees of UK-based Hilton Food Group have died after contracting Covid-19.

The workers were employed within the company's Hilton Seafood division and were based at a processing facility in Grimsby in north-east England.

--

B&G to invest in online operations following Covid sales surge

US-based B&G Foods has said it plans to invest in its e-commerce operation this year to build on sales momentum achieved during the Covid lockdown period.

Talking to analysts after the release of its full-year 2020 results, The Green Giant and Clabber Girl brands owner said online sales had grown substantially in 2020,

CEO David Wenner said: "The great majority of our brands grew in fiscal 2020 substantially because of the dramatic effects of Covid on consumer buying and dining patterns. E-commerce was a growing driver of those trends and we invested during the year to follow consumers as they bought more through various online means and we saw sales through those means of buying grow and return.

"Although, there's no precise way to measure this, using IRI and other data sources, we believe that our online sales grew by roughly 150%, albeit from a relatively modest base. We expect that trend to continue in 2021 and are investing further in building out our online presence and on marketing with various retailers on their site so that we can be at the forefront of this new way of selling."

B&G's 2020 net sales were up 18.5% to US$1.97bn, while its adjusted EBITDA was up by 19.4% to $361.2m.

UK government urges regular food industry Covid testing

The UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has called on the country's food manufacturers to introduce regular Covid testing for asymptomatic employees.

In a letter to food businesses signed by environment secretary George Eustice, it said: "We now have a roadmap to open up our communities and restart our lives, but we need to remain vigilant and continue to protect our sectors and the workforce as we go forward.

"That means taking all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection in the workplace."

Defra has called on employers to adopt the government's workplace testing programme.

"Providing the tests is quick and easy, and results are received rapidly. Employers should be aiming to test staff members twice each week," Eustice said in the letter.

The programme of free tests is open to all employers of more than 50 staff and will run until 30 June but firms must register by 31 March.

Tuesday 2 March

Lindt & Sprungli forecasts sweeter sales in 2021

Covid-19 soured Lindt & Sprungli's sales in 2020 but the Swiss chocolate maker is expecting its top line to recover this year.

The Lindor owner saw its sales fall more than 6% on an organic basis last year, with its retail business hit by lockdown-related closures and gift sales hampered by families being less able to get together.

However, Lindt today (2 March) forecast a 6-8% rise in its organic sales in 2021. The upmarket chocolatier added it's "convinced that it will master the current economic downturn and emerge even stronger from this global crisis".

In 2020, Lindt's sales fell 10.9% on a reported basis to CHF4.02bn (US$4.38bn), which equated to a 6.1% decline on an organic basis.

The company's EBIT tumbled to CHF420.3m, contributing to a 37.5% slide in net income to CHF320.1m.

Lindt's EBIT margin was 10.5% and the business today forecast that would return to 13-14% this year.

During 2020, Lindt's online sales doubled to account for around 5% of its business.

--

FrieslandCampina profits hit by Covid-19

Dutch dairy major FrieslandCampina said that the coronavirus pandemic has led to it recording a "significantly lower profit" in it full-year 2020 results.

Announcing its results this morning, the dairy revealed its profit has declined by 71.6% year-on-year to EUR79m (US$95m).

Revenue also declined, by 1.4% to EUR11.1bn.

CEO Hein Schumacher said: "The direct and indirect impacts of the corona pandemic that really became evident within the company starting in March, overshadowed the excellent results in the first quarter.

"FrieslandCampina's operating profit was hard hit by this."

He added: "While there is light at the end of the tunnel now that vaccination programmes are getting underway throughout the world, for the next couple of months we are still totally immersed in the corona crisis. In the first half of 2021, the results will therefore still be under pressure."

Monday 1 March

Coming to the crunch during Covid-19  UK snack bars deep dive, part one

On our analysis pages today, Andy Coyne takes a close look at the UK snack bar category and at how it has adapted to the unique trading conditions created by Covid lockdown restrictions.

Many people have assumed the UK snack-bar category would have come under significant pressure over the last year as the on-the-go market has been hammered by the slump in mobility wrought by Covid-19, with a huge chunk of the population working from home, emptying city centres with their express supermarkets and meal-deal outlets.

However, the stats suggest UK snack bar manufactures have adapted to change more successfully than was widely thought.

--

Maple Leaf to relaunch plant-based brands after Q4 sales disappointment

Canada's Maple Leaf Foods is planning to relaunch its Field Roast and Lightlife brands after seeing sales from its meat-free division slow  while the company also pointed to the pandemic as a factor in the "category deceleration" it saw.

Friday 26 February

A2 Milk Co. has reacted to pressure on its sales in China, a key market for the New Zealand-based dairy and infant-formula business, and lowered its forecasts for annual sales.

The changes to the forecasts came alongside half-year financial results that included a slide in sales and profits.

In the first six months of the company's current financial year, revenue fell 16% to NZD677.4m (US$491m), with its EBITDA down 32.2% at NZD178.5m. A2 Milk Co.'s net profit after tax stood at NZD120m, versus NZD184.9m a year ago.

A factor in the first-half results was, A2 Milk Co., said "challenges resulting from Covid-19 disruption experienced in the daigou/reseller channel with a flow on impact to the cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) channel".

Wednesday 24 February

Trident Seafoods resumes operations at Alaska facility

US-based Trident Seafoods has resumed operations at its Akutan, Alaska, processing plant following a Covid outbreak-enforced temporary closure.

The outbreak among its employees at the plant, which processes seafood such as crab and pollock, spurred a pause on operations on 21 January but now the facility is back up and running.

Trident said surveillance testing, symptoms screenings, PPE and distancing protocols will remain in place.

It added that additional measures are in place to support a swift response if Covid-19 risk is detected again in the future. These include a redesign of shift and break schedules to limit instances of close contact and capacity limits to allow distancing in all areas outside work stations.

Stefanie Moreland, the company's VP of government relations, said: "The management team on site has been working to make sure these operational changes do not come as a surprise, and to ensure our employees know their safety is our priority."

Monday 22 February

UK food manufacturers respond to roadmap for easing lockdown

After UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson this afternoon (22 February) set out the Government's "roadmap" for removing lockdown measures, the trade body representing food manufacturers in the country has given its response.

A phased timetable includes a plan to allow hospitality venues to serve punters outside from 12 April at the earliest, the Government said.

From 17 May at the earliest, indoor hospitality is slated to re-open. Hotels, as well as indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, are also lined up to open again from this date.

Next week, UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce the country's Budget, which will include details on how the Government plans to support businesses and employees affected by the lockdown measures and the phased lifting of the restrictions.

The measures announced today apply to England but the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are setting out similar plans.

Ian Wright, the chief executive of The Food and Drink Federation, the association representing food and soft-drink manufacturers in the UK, said: "It is disappointing but wholly expected that the Prime Minister's roadmap shows no signs of taking account of any input from business.

"For a great many of the food and drink manufacturers supplying the hospitality and food service sectors, a return to 'business as usual' seems an awful long way off. As such, it is only correct that the Chancellor outlines significant extensions to the furlough and credit insurance schemes as part of his Budget announcement next week. The food and drink industry is the UK's largest manufacturing sector. It will therefore be key to the country's economic recovery, with a footprint in every region.

"Now is the time for government to provide additional support to ensure those businesses most at risk can play their part in putting the country back on its feet."

--

Australian rice grower SunRice warns of possible sales pressure

SunRice Group, an Australia-based rice grower, has warned disruption to shipping traffic linked to Covid-19 could impact its sales in the second half of the fiscal year, exacerbating what it says are already "difficult market conditions" driven by the pandemic.

--

Olymel shifts production to US after Canada plant closure

The Canada-based pork processor, which has had to temporarily close a factory after a Covid-19 outbreak among staff, has issued an update on the changes it has made to production.

Olymel said its hog production division, which supplies the Red Deer plant in Alberta now closed, will "move a substantial amount of company-owned production" to the United States to create enough plant capacity.

The company, majority-owned by Sollio Cooperative Group, made the comments in a statement framed as a "message to Alberta pork producers".

It said: "The temporary shutdown of Olymel's hog slaughtering, cutting and deboning plant in Red Deer is affecting the many Albertans hog producers, including Olymel's company owned farms that ship market hogs to Red Deer on a weekly basis. The company understands the strain this has put on their operations as we estimate the backlog to be approximately 80-90,000 animals. The company has implemented several strategies to mitigate the impact as much as possible including a clear path to reducing the backlog as quickly as possible."

The meatpacker added: "With the added capacity Olymel anticipates that the backlog of market ready hogs will be cleared up within 4-5 weeks after the plant is able to resume activities."

Last week, Olymel said its hog slaughtering, cutting and deboning plant in Red Deer had seen "a resurgence of positive cases of Covid-19 among plant employees".

Olymel said that, despite close collaboration with Alberta Health Services to deal with the problem, it believed the conditions meant it could not continue normal operations in a safe and efficient manner.

The company, which has suspended all pending deliveries at the plant until further notice, has not said how many workers have been affected by the outbreak.

19 February

Fazer assesses staff count again at Finnish candy plant

Finland's Fazer Group is planning another round of potential lay-offs linked to Covid-19 at its confectionery plant in the city of Vantaa, located in the south of the country.

18 February

US meal-kit firm Blue Apron sees sales soar during lockdown

Blue Apron, the US meal-kit firm saw its year-on-year sales increase by 22% in Q4, 2020, to US$115m, partly as a result of stay-at-home consumers ordering its products during the Covid-19 lockdown.

But the company has cautioned that growth levels may dip as lockdown restrictions ease.

The fourth quarter marked the third consecutive quarter of double-digit year-on-year year increase in net revenue for the business.

The company said that there have been changes in consumer behaviour due to the pandemic as customers ordered more frequently and added more meals per order.

"Since late March 2020, Blue Apron has experienced increased demand for its meal kits reflecting, in part, changes to consumer behaviour in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to meet the increased demand, the company continued to focus on increasing capacity at its fulfilment centres, including hiring new employees, increasing wages for frontline workers, and temporarily reducing menu options, which limits the need to change production lines and allows for more time to pack meal kits," it said.

But it added a note of caution.

"Management continues to monitor the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the company's business, including changes to consumer behaviour relating to cooking at home. While the company believes that a portion of the increased demand it has experienced over the last few months can be sustained through the first half of 2021 and potentially beyond, this will likely occur at varying levels as the impact of the pandemic changes over time," it said.

16 February

Canada's Olymel temporarily closes Alberta meat plant

Canadian meatpacker Olymel has announced the temporary closure of its plant in Red Deer, Alberta, following a Covid outbreak

The hog slaughtering, cutting and deboning plant has seen "a resurgence of positive cases of Covid-19 among plant employees", Olymel said in a statement.

Olymel said that, despite close collaboration with Alberta Health Services to deal with the problem, it believes that the conditions are such that it cannot continue normal operations in a safe and efficient manner.

After notifying the union, Olymel management drew up a temporary closing plan for an indefinite period. Over the next few days, plant management will mobilizs the staff necessary to cease operations and complete the facility closure as soon as possible.

Olymel said it will strongly encourage all staff to get tested before returning to work. In the meantime, it will continue ongoing investigations to determine what may have caused such a large outbreak of Covid-19 cases since 20 January.

Olymel, which has suspended all pending deliveries at the plant until further notice, has not said how many workers have been affected by the outbreak.

15 February

JBS reveals 700 workers vaccinated at US plant

Brazilian meat giant JBS has announced that 700 workers at its Beardstown, Illinois, pork production facility in the US have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

In partnership with the Cass County Health Department, employees were vaccinated on site at the plant in what is understood to be the largest vaccination effort to date at a US red-meat facility.

Bob Krebs, president, JBS USA Pork, said: "We remain committed to providing a safe working environment for our team members and doing all we can to ensure our workforce across the country is given the opportunity to be vaccinated as soon as possible. They have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to provide food for all Americans, and their access to the vaccine should absolutely be prioritised."

Vaccination at the Beardstown facility is voluntary and all employees who choose to be vaccinated receive a US$100 incentive bonus. Vaccines were administered on site by trained third-party nurses and the second dose of the vaccine will be provided to Beardstown workers in March.

--

2 Sisters poultry plant in Devon comes down with cases again

2 Sisters Food Group's Willand plant in Devon, south-west England, has once again seen a number of cases of Covid-19 following a bout of infections at the same site last summer.

The poultry-processing facility in the town of Cullompton, which employs around 1,000 workers, saw a cluster of cases emerge a few days ago.

Local media reported workers as saying a testing centre had been set up in the car park of the plant.

A spokesperson for the 2 Sisters' Cullompton site said in a statement provided to just-food: "Colleague safety remains the number one priority at our Willand site.

"We are currently working closely with external agencies and are offering our colleagues the opportunity of voluntary Covid-19 testing. This testing opportunity further strengthens our Covid prevention measures, which have been in place for almost a year and are regularly independently assessed."

12 February

US baker Flowers Foods sees sales going stale in 2021

Another major US-based food company is, perhaps unsurprisingly, cautioning its sales in 2021 may fall after pandemic-fuelled growth in 2020.

Flowers Foods, one of the country's largest bakery businesses, has forecast a 2-4% decline in its sales in 2021 after a 6.4% rise last year, which was also helped by an extra selling week.

As well as lapping a year when Covid-19 boosted at-home consumption, Ryals McMullian, Flowers' president and CEO, said other factors could also dampen sales.

"Our guidance for fiscal 2021 incorporates our expectation of some mix reversion during the year as the impact of the pandemic dissipates, as well as the potential for a higher promotional environment, back-half commodity headwinds, and investment to implement our digital initiative. Partly offsetting those factors are expected benefits from our brand investments and continued savings from portfolio optimisation and operational efficiencies. We are investing in our business at a time when visibility may be more limited than normal, but it is clear that we are on the right path."

Flowers, home to brands including Dave's Killer Bread and Tastykake, generated sales of $4.39bn in 2020. The company's net income fell 7.4% to $152.3m amid expenses linked to a pension-plan settlement. Income from operations stood at $321.5m, up from $225.4m in 2020.

Expo West goes digital, while Expo East will go ahead in person in September

Expo West, the annual organic food industry event normally held in March in Anaheim, California, will now be held virtually in May after the organisers decided against holding a physical gathering due to Covid-19.

The event had been pushed back to May, but will now be held digitally instead from 24-27 May, Informa Market's New Hope Network, which organises the trade fair, said.

Meanwhile, New Hope is promoting its "enhanced" Natural Products Expo East trade show as an opportunity for people to get together in person, designed to serve both Expo East and Expo West customers. It will be held from 22-25 September in Philadelphia.

11 February

Kellogg expects dip in underlying sales in 2021

With lockdowns seeing most meals switch to being made and eaten indoors, breakfast-cereal giant Kellogg saw its sales rise in 2020  but the US group is forecasting a decline this year.

The Corn Flakes and Coco Pops owner today (11 February) forecast its net sales would fall 1% on an organic basis in 2021, pointing to a comparison with "unusually-strong, Covid-related growth" last year. In 2020, Kellogg's net sales rose 6% in on an organic basis to US$13.8bn.

Kellogg, home to brands including Pringles snacks and Eggo frozen waffles, said a 1% decline would still mean "a two-year compound annual growth of about 2.5%".

The company also said it expects its adjusted operating profit to fall in 2021, forecasting a drop of around 2%, Again, Kellogg pointed to Covid-19 but also said the 2020 fiscal year had 53 weeks.

In 2020, Kellogg's adjusted operating profit rose 2.6% to $1.81bn. The company made a net income of $1.25bn in the year to 2 January 2021, up from $960m 12 months earlier.

10 February

Londoners leading surge in home delivery of snacks during lockdown - research

New research has revealed a surge in the home delivery of snacks in London during the Covid lockdown period.

Analysis firm The NPD Group's research showed that demand for home delivery of snacks and coffee in London was up by 95% in 2020 compared to the previous year.

This is significantly ahead of the 11% increase in orders placed by families across the country as a whole.

Dominic Allport, insights director (foodservice) at The NPD Group said: "The main reason is the greater use of delivery subscriptions such as Deliveroo Plus in the capital, where customers pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited free deliveries.

"As these subscriptions become increasingly common across the country, we expect to see a growth in people ordering snacks and drinks to be delivered to their homes more regularly."

The average amount spent per person on snack delivery increased by 20% nationally in 2020 vs. 2019 to reach GBP5.66. The number of items bought during each snacking occasion in London has increased significantly and is now +18% higher than the national average.

Allport added: "Once lockdown is over, this trend is likely to remain embedded in the population."

Danish Crown closes German slaughterhouse after 13 Covid infections

Meat processor Danish Crown has closed a beef slaughterhouse in Germany for a week after 13 of the approximately 300 workers tested positive for Covid-19.

The facility in the town of Husum, situated in the county of North Frisia near the border with Denmark, has been shut as a precautionary measure to prevent the further spread of the virus, a spokesperson for Danish Crown confirmed.

Danish Crown plans to reopen the site on 14 February subject to prevailing conditions at the time.

--

8 February

Covid cases identified at Cargill meat plant in Canada

US agri-food giant Cargill has seen a small number of its employees at a meat plant in Canada test positive for Covid-19.

Some six employees at the company's High River facility in Alberta have tested positive for the virus, Cargill told just-food. They are in isolation and receiving medical care and support.

The High River facility, which employs more than 2,000 people, is continuing to function as normal.

It is the second Covid outbreak at the plant. It was shut down for two weeks in April 2020 because of an outbreak that affected more than 350 of its workers and saw two employees die.

In relation to the newly-announced Covid cases amongst its High River workforce, a Cargill spokesperson said: "We continue to learn how to help slow the spread of the virus and are working with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to add safety measures as they become available to safeguard our valued co-workers."

5 February

2 Sisters recruiting 500 workers as pandemic pushes up poultry demand

2 Sisters Food Group plans to hire hundreds of workers to meet growing demand for poultry products in the UK with consumers confined to the home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With factories situated around the UK, 2 Sisters said it had hired approximately 800 workers over the past 12 months to across the entire business to cater to the increased demand.

But Covid has also taken a toll, with a number of sites seeing staff test positive for the virus.

3 February

Premium Brands-owned Belmont Meats shuts Toronto plant amid Covid outbreak

Belmont Meats, a protein business owned by Canada's Premium Brands Holdings, has seen an outbreak of Covid-19 at its factory in Toronto.

The Toronto Public Health agency said 78 cases of the virus have been confirmed at Belmont's North York site, a district in Toronto, and two of those workers have been identified as having the B.1.1.7 strain of the virus, a variant that first appeared in the UK.

--

Baxters to close visitor centre and retail outlet in Scotland

Baxters Food Group, the UK-based soups-to-condiments maker, plans to close its visitor centre, restaurant and retail outlet in Edinburgh, Scotland, as the pandemic curtails foot traffic across the hospitality sector.

The Highland Village centre is located in the same village as Baxter's headquarters in Fochabers, Moray, in north-east Scotland. The site employs around 30 people, according to a media report, all of whom face the prospect of losing their jobs.

2 February

Nestle seeking to help with Covid vaccine rollout

Food giant Nestle is seeking ways to help with the Covid-19 vaccine programme in countries in which it operates.

News agency Reuters reported the Switzerland-based company's chief executive Mark Schneider as saying that while it has already donated to the Red Cross and other organisations to help cover the financial cost of vaccination programmes, it wants to go further.

Schneider told the Forum Horizon event in Lausanne: "We will also try to find ways to either sponsor the payment for the vaccine or sponsor the way it gets applied in communities where we are present.

"The price of a vaccine for an advanced economy is negligible...but to a developing country which has been struggling already with all the impacts of Covid, on top of that to pay for the vaccine and for the services to get it applied is going to be very significant," he said.

Reuters reported that the specific details of how Nestle will help still need to be worked out, according to Schneider, who described the project as a "work in progress".

1 February

US Congress probing meatpackers over Covid deaths

A US Congress panel is investigating three of the country's largest meatpacking businesses in relation to worker deaths at their facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

--

Muller reports fatality at another UK plant

Another UK plant owned by Germany headquartered dairy giant Muller has been affected by Covid-19.

An employee at the facility run by Muller Milk & Ingredients in Droitwich, a town in the English Midlands county of Worcestershire, has died from the virus, although the staff member had been off work since 30 December due to a "personal matter", a company spokesperson confirmed in a statement.

A further 26 workers are currently self isolating out of a total employee count in Droitwich of 607.

"It is important to stress that fresh milk processing is highly automated, ensuring no risk to products," the statement read.

26 January

Greencore's food-to-go revenues slide in Q1 amid lockdowns

Greencore, a major supplier of food-to-go products to UK retailers, has reported an across-the-board drop in revenues for the group and its business units due to Covid-19-related restrictions.

In a trading update this morning (26 January) for the first quarter to 25 December, the Ireland-based private-label manufacturer said reported group revenues fell 15% to GBP312.7m (US$425.9m) and were down 15.1% on a pro-forma basis, "impacted by the reduction in mobility arising from tiered restrictions and lockdowns in the UK".

The food-to-go category saw reported and pro-forma revenues decline 21.7% to GBP188.5m, while other convenience foods fell 2.1% to GBP124.1m.

"[The] latest lockdown significantly impacting demand in food-to-go categories, though not as marked as the initial lockdown in March 2020. Currently, pro-forma group revenue is approximately 20% below prior year levels, with performance in food-to-go categories down approximately 35% on [the] prior year, while other convenience categories remain stable," Greencore said.

"The recovery in demand that was evident at the end of FY-20 was impeded by the tiered regional restrictions on mobility introduced across the UK in October, and then by a subsequent national lockdown until early December, followed by the implementation of tiered regional lockdowns."

Greencore also provided an early assessment of the impact of a free trade deal reached between the UK and the EU on Christmas Eve.

"The operational impact has been modest to date as the group had completed extensive Brexit planning and was well prepared for any near-term volatility in the supply chain.

"The ongoing uncertainty regarding the duration and impact of Covid-19 on the group's trading environment, and in particular on demand in its food-to go-categories, continues to make it difficult to predict FY-21 performance. In this context, the group's financial guidance remains suspended."

--

Chocolate maker Godiva to close North America retail outlets

Chocolate maker Godiva, owned by Turkey's Yildiz Holding, plans to close or sell its 128 retail stores in the US and Canada after consumers switched to online purchases during the pandemic.

"Demand for the in-person shopping experience offered through Godiva's brick-and-mortar locations has waned as a result of the pandemic and its acceleration of changes in consumers' shopping behaviour. In response to these market dynamics, Godiva will exit its 128 brick-and-mortar locations in North America, partially through sales and partially through closures, by the end of the first quarter," it said in a statement.

However, Godiva's products will still be available online in those North American markets, along with grocery and drug stores and other retail outlets. Europe, the Middle East and China are not affected by t

25 January

Food companies among UK Covid testing scheme

Meat company Moy Park and sugar refiner Tate & Lyle Sugars are among what the UK says are "dozens" of employers in the country to have signed up to a scheme testing workers without symptoms who cannot work from home.

Lateral flow tests are being used to see if staff have Covid-19 without realising they are carrying the virus. The UK government said around one in three infected people have no symptoms and may be unknowingly spreading the virus.

More than 730,000 tests have been distributed across the UK public and private sectors so far. Frozen-food group Apetito and cheese-products maker Primula are also among the companies to have joined the scheme.

Gerald Mason, senior vice president of Tate & Lyle Sugars, said: "Mass testing has really helped us get one step ahead of the virus by identifying colleagues who were infectious but showed no symptoms. This has been especially welcome over the last few weeks at our east London factories as the levels of virus in the local area have been extremely high."

22 January

Trident Seafoods closes Akutan plant for three weeks

Trident Seafoods, which claims to be the largest vertically-integrated seafood harvesting and processing company in North America, has had to temporarily close a plant in Alaska amid a number of Covid-19 infections.

The first of four cases at the processing facility in Akutan became apparent last weekend with an employee testing positive, and the other infections were discovered when the worker's three room mates were tested. All four had tested negative for the virus two weeks earlier.

In a statement issued yesterday (21 January), privately-owned Trident, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, said it will pause operations for three weeks while it undertakes "comprehensive" testing and to "support a preventative quarantine" for the 700 workers.

--

JBS, Pilgrim's Pride offer US workers $100 vaccine incentive

Meat packers JBS and Pilgrim's Pride are offering to give US employees a US$100 bonus if they voluntarily take a Covid-19 vaccine.

"The new initiative is designed to encourage maximum participation in the Biden administration's accelerated pandemic response efforts and ensure that every JBS USA and Pilgrim's team member who wants to get vaccinated can do so as soon as vaccines are made available," the two companies said in a joint statement.

JBS, headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the majority-owner of US poultry processor Pilgrim's Pride. Both companies have, in the recent past, reported Covid-19 cases at their plants in the US and the UK.

"With nearly 66,000 US team members, we are hopeful this initiative will lead to high vaccination participation rates that will benefit our workforce and the rural communities and cities in which they live and work across America," said Andre Nogueira, the CEO of JBS' US division.

"Throughout the pandemic, JBS USA and Pilgrim's have adopted industry-leading measures to protect our essential frontline workers who continue to provide food for the nation. Our goal in offering this extra pay to our team members is to remove any barriers to vaccination and incentivise our team members to protect themselves, their families and their co-workers."

China confirms first cases of Covid among meat workers - report

China has reportedly detected its first cases of Covid-19 among meat workers, with ten confirmed cases at a poultry factory owned by Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Foods.

The facility in question is located in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province in China's north-east region.

Reuters reported from an official Chinese news briefing that a further 28 employees at the plant, along with three family members, were asymptomatic amid a wider community outbreak in the region. The news agency added that samples taken from inside the slaughterhouse, its cold storage area and the outside of product packaging earlier this week came up positive for the virus.

Officials at Charoen Pokphand's Bangkok headquarters "made no immediate comment", Reuters said.

21 January

Muller hit by Covid-19 infections at UK plant, worker dies

Unternehmensgruppe Theo Muller, the Germany-headquartered dairy giant, has confirmed a slew of Covid-19 infections at one of its UK plants, along with the death of an employee.

20 January

Trident Seafoods reports cases at Alaska plant

Trident Seafoods, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, has reported four cases of Covid-19 at a processing plant in Akutan, Alaska, despite "rigorous preventative measures".

CEO Joe Bundrant, the son of Trident's founder Chuck Bundrant, said in a statement: "Health and safety are our absolute priority. We have said from the beginning of this pandemic that if we have an issue, we're going to shed a light on it. We want to be sure people are aware and know that we are taking this very seriously."

The first case became apparent last weekend with an employee testing positive, and the other infections were discovered when the worker's three room mates were tested. All four had tested negative for the virus two weeks earlier.

One of the workers is currently in hospital, while the three others are self-isolating.

Stefanie Moreland, Trident's vice president of government relations and sustainability, said the company is working to try and establish the source of the infections among the 700 staff at Akutan.

"We have notified the state of Alaska, the city of Akutan and our medical partners and are coordinating with all to conduct further tests, implement protocols and contain exposure," Moreland said.

19 January

Lindt & Sprungli annual sales drop on pandemic-related challenges

Lindt & Sprungli, the premium chocolate maker based in Switzerland, has reported a 6.2% decline in annual organic sales to CHF4.02bn (US$4.53bn).

The drop  minus 10.9% on a reported basis - was put down to "major global challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic", namely the closure of its store network and reduced shopping visits, and also strength in the Swiss franc.

Still, the decline in organic sales was within the company's expectations for a 5% to 7% decrease (Stifel -5.2%), while the company said it notched up market share gains in "practically all countries" in which Lindt & Sprungli operates.

"The global restrictions and regulations to contain the pandemic unfortunately had an impact on important areas of Lindt & Sprungli's business. The restrictions on the foodservice area in North America and the traditional speciality stores in Italy had a major impact on sales. The travel retail business also recorded a sharp drop in sales due to the restricted air traffic," it said in a statement.

Sales in Europe fell 2.9% on an organic basis and were down 6.8% in North America. It was worse in the rest of the world segment, where sales dropped 16.1%, although China and Japan posted growth.

Lindt & Sprungli said the medium- and long-term organic growth targets remain unchanged at 5-7% per year, while the operating profit margin of 10% realised in 2020 is expected to "return to a level of around 15% in 2022".

18 January

UK trade bodies lobby government to support foodservice suppliers

A group of trade associations are pressing the UK government to provide financial support for food manufacturers supplying the out-of-home sector, warning they risk going out of business without some form of aid.

The 18-strong group is led by the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) which have written a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak and other government ministers pointing out how pubs, restaurants and cafes have received extended financial support but the businesses that supply them have not.

They are calling for an extension to the 12-month exemption period for local business rates for companies operating in the hospitality and foodservice sector and the introduction of capital and tax break allowances aimed at retaining staff.

The group is also pressing the Government to formalise the deferment of PAYE and NI payments until the end of 2021 for the sector. And to increase the level of funding for the Additional Restrictions Grant and to make the funding accessible, along with providing grants for those companies that have had to dispose of stock because of lockdown restrictions.

BFFF CEO Richard Harrow said: "England's national lockdown, plus restrictions in the UK's other nations, have been devastating for our many businesses supplying the hospitality and foodservice markets and they are facing a bleak winter. Their continued existence will be critical as the economy starts to recover."

14 January

Bakkavor annual revenues decline on pandemic impact  trading update

Private-label fresh food supplier Bakkavor has said revenues fell in the fiscal year through December amid a new round of Covid-19-related lockdowns in the final quarter.

In a trading update today, the London-based business said group revenues were down 4.9% on both a reported and like-for-like basis in the 12 months ended 26 December ahead of the final results on 16 March. The decline was more protracted in the UK, where like-for-like sales fell 5.3%.

On the international front, revenues dropped 21.6% in China, which was the Bakkavor division "most severely impacted by the pandemic", offsetting a 12.7% increase in revenues in the US.

Bakkavor currently anticipates adjusted EBITDA will be in line with the previous annual print of GBP138m (US$188.3m).

CEO Agust Gudmundsson said: "Notwithstanding the ongoing impact of Covid-19, we have a sound business model and solid platform that leaves us well-placed to navigate the current environment and achieve long-term sustainable growth."

11 January

Maple Leaf Foods to acquire facility for plant-based unit Greenleaf

Canadian meat processor Maple Leaf Foods is set to purchase a production facility in the US for its plant-based unit Greenleaf Foods amid challenges to its expansion strategy in the country caused by Covid-19.

8 January

Cases rise at 2 Sisters' Coupar Angus facility in Scotland

2 Sisters Food Group, a UK-based poultry processor, has seen the number of Covid-19 cases rise at its Coupar Angus facility in Scotland.

Earlier this week, the company reported five infections amongst workers at the poultry plant in South Lanarkshire and now, according to NHS Tayside, the number has since climbed to 30.

The same site had to be closed temporarily last August after a number of employees tested positive.

A spokesperson for 2 Sisters said the company had nothing to add to the statement from NHS Tayside when contacted by just-food.

Dr Emma Fletcher, a director of public health for Tayside NHS, said a "comprehensive risk assessment" has been conducted at the facility a noted the safety measures 2 Sisters has put in place to protect workers.

"For several reasons the public should be reassured that it is possible for the factory to remain open at this time as we are in a very different position to when there were Covid-19 cases at the factory last August. The rate of community infection is much higher compared to August's outbreak," she said.

"The factory is continuing to work closely with NHS Tayside's Public Health team and Food Standards Scotland to help manage the situation."

7 January

BMPA urges UK government to prioritise meat workers for vaccines

The British Meat Processors Association is urging the UK government to prioritise "frontline workers in meat factories" for the coronavirus vaccines.

"The risk of more rapid spread of the virus amongst key workers, coupled with expected disruption of food supplies at our ports as the full effects of Brexit begin to unfold, pose a severe challenge to the industry and to the smooth running of the nation's food supply chain," the BMPA said in a statement today.

As well as the meat industry, BMPA members also include some of the major UK supermarkets, food retailers and ingredient suppliers. It said there is an increased risk that meat plants could close as the new strain of coronavirus pushes up absenteeism rates, which could possibly lead to food shortages.

"Given the specialised nature of the meat-processing industry, if absences go above a certain level, it becomes impossible for a plant to continue operations. If this starts happening, plants would be forced to close entirely and a sizeable chunk of food supply would disappear from supermarket shelves," it said.

Nick Allen, the CEO of BMPA, continued: "As the new coronavirus variant takes hold across the whole of the UK, we are hearing widespread reports of rapidly rising absences in the food-supply chain. In some cases, notably in the supermarket sector, companies are seeing a tripling of staff having to take time off work through illness or enforced self-isolation.

"We are therefore calling on Government to include meat-factory workers in the initial roll-out of vaccinations. This would provide much-needed protection and comfort to this at-risk group and the communities in which they live, as well as ensuring that the critical food-supply chain continues to run smoothly."

6 January

Thai Union says all plants operating amid dozens of Covid cases

The seafood giant has issued a statement to say it is "proactively testing" employees in a province south west of Bangkok and confirmed some 69 of its staff at its sites in the region have tested positive for the virus.

Thai Union Group said it had tested 23,630 out of 27,552 employees in the province of Samut Sakhon, with the rest of the workers to be tested by next week.

"We have comprehensive protocols in place in case of positive test results; these protocols include ensuring taking care of the affected employees while isolating them according to government guidelines, identifying and testing close contacts and deep cleaning of visited work areas," Thai Union CEO Thiraphong Chansiri said. "It is very important to note that, due to the extremely small number of impacted employees, all Thai Union's factories currently remain open and operational at capacity."

Samut Sakhon province is one of the regions the Thai government has designated as a "red zone", or area with high infection rates. It is also Thailand's chief hub for seafood production.

--

Foster Farms faces lawsuit from workers union over Covid-19 safety

The US poultry processor, has become the subject of a lawsuit filed by the United Farm Workers union, which claims the company "refused" to follow safety guidelines after a number of workers died from Covid-19 at two of its plants in California.

5 January

UK announces grants for retail, foodservice businesses

The UK government has said it will make available "one-off, top-up grants" to the country's retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in the wake of the country's the fresh lockdown measures.

Firms can apply for grants worth up to GBP9,000 (US$12,200), with the Government suggesting the cash will benefit more than 600,000 companies.

"This will help businesses to get through the months ahead  and crucially it will help sustain jobs, so workers can be ready to return when they are able to reopen," Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, said. "Throughout the pandemic we've taken swift action to protect lives and livelihoods and today we're announcing a further cash injection to support businesses and jobs until the spring."

The UK's furlough scheme had already been extended until the end of April.

--

2 Sisters plant operating "as normal" amid Covid cases

The UK food manufacturer has reported a fresh clutch of positive cases of Covid-19 at a plant in Scotland that was hit by the virus during the summer.

2 Sisters said its Coupar Angus facility was "working as normal", with five of its staff having tested positive.

Last August, the site, located in south Lanarkshire, halted production for two weeks to after a number of employees caught the virus.

--

Cargill re-opens Covid-hit Canada plant

The US agri-food giant has resumed production at a meat plant in Canada closed before Christmas due to dozens of cases of Covid-19 among staff.

Cargill called a halt to output at the facility in Ontario in the week before the festive period. The company said at the time around 60 of its workers at the site in Guelph in Ontario had been diagnosed with Covid-19 amid a "community spread" of the virus.

Approximately 1,000 staff are employed at the factory, which is located in the city of Guelph. According to the Cargill website, the plant processes 1,500 head of cattle per day and is one of its two beef facilities in Canada. Combined, the plants make up 55% of the beef processing market in Canada, Cargill says.

"The health and safety of our employees continue to be our top priority," Cargill said in a statement on the re-opening of the factory. "In addition to safety measures we implemented at our facilities months ago, we have taken time during the idle to conduct a full, deep-clean of the facility as an additional step to respond to the community-wide impacts of the virus."

Like food manufacturers across the industry, and particularly in the meat sector, Cargill saw its production affected in the early months of the pandemic after positive cases were diagnosed among staff.

4 January

Nestle to expand US site to meet Covid demand

Nestle is to up the production capacity of a plant in the US to meet changes in demand sparked by the virus.

23 December

FDF calls for compensation for exporters following border "chaos"

UK industry association The Food and Drink Federation has called on the country's government to compensate businesses affected by the closure of the border between Britain and France.

21 December

"We see consumer behaviours evolving in ways we think will stick beyond the pandemic"  General Mills' CEO Jeff Harmening on H1 results

General Mills reaped rewards from Covid-19 shopping behaviours in its fiscal first half as organic growth notched up a print of 8% compared to last year's flat performance. And the benefits look set to continue judging by the emergence of a new strain of the virus in the UK and Italy, while the US still grapples to contain the disease. Simon Harvey looks at the key talking points behind the results.

--

FDF warns of disrupted food supplies as France closes border with UK

The Food and Drink Federation is warning that supplies of food into the country face disruption as a result of France closing its border with Britain.

18 December

Cargill halts output at Canada meat site amid Covid-19 cases

Cargill has called a halt to production at a meat-processing facility in Canada after dozens of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

The US agri-food giant said around 60 of its workers at the site in Guelph in Ontario had been diagnosed with Covid-19 amid a "community spread" of the virus. Approximately 1,000 staff are employed at the factory.

--

Tyson Foods in spotlight over Covid protective measures

Following cases of Covid-19 at a number of Tyson Foods' meat plants since the virus erupted, the comptroller for New York City is calling on the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate the company's methods to protect workers.

Comptroller Scott Stringer has criticised Arkansas-headquartered Tyson of "flagrantly misrepresenting its poor pandemic response" to investors.

He has called out Tyson's Form 10-K, a financial results document presented to the SEC annually, for containing scant information on the company's workplace safety measures.

Tyson has been plagued by Covid-19 infections at a large number of plants, some of which have been forced to temporarily shutdown or pause production as the appropriate cleaning and sanitisation processes are carried out. The affected sites have included factories in: Portland, Maine; Waterloo, Iowa; Goodlettsville and Shelbyville, Tennessee; Pasco, Washington; Dakota City, Nebraska; and Longansport, Indiana.

Six workers died from coronavirus at the Waterloo site, which witnessed more than a 1,000 infections.

"There is human cost to Tyson's failures  preventable deaths, hospitalisations and sick workers," Stringer said in a letter to Tyson. "These failures have material impacts on its business operations that carry serious risks for shareholders."

Tyson has yet to respond to just-food's request for comment.

17 December

Tyson Foods sacks seven managers linked to Covid-19 betting pool

Tyson Foods has sacked seven plant management employees at the US meat giant's site in Waterloo, Iowa, following an independent probe into a betting pool linked to Covid-19 infections.

16 December

Greencore's Nottingham factory hit by Covid

Greencore, a food-to-go manufacturer headquartered in Ireland, has a "number" of Covid-19 cases at a UK plant in the county of Nottinghamshire.

In a statement, the ready-meals to sandwiches maker said coronavirus infections in the Bassetlaw district in north Nottingham have been rising and Greencore now has an unspecified number of cases at its Manton Wood facility. All are currently self-isolating.

"We have arranged for testing to be carried out at the site, and have wide-ranging social-distancing measures, stringent hygiene procedures and regular temperature checking in place," the statement read. "We are liaising closely with the Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire County Council and Public Health England. Our thoughts are with all those affected, who are currently recovering at home, and we will continue to monitor their welfare as the situation develops."



Jonathan Gribbin, a director of public health for Nottinghamshire County Council, added in the same statement provided by Greencore: "We have been carefully studying the cluster of cases across Bassetlaw district. We are working with Greencore and Public Health England to provide testing and to understand more about how people are acquiring the infection. Greencore has an extensive range of controls in place, has responded quickly and decisively to the situation and is working closely with us."

Other Greencore sites have seen cases of Covid during the year.

15 December

EU food-manufacturing workers "should be priority for vaccines"

FoodDrinkEurope, the trade body for representing food manufacturers operating in the EU, has called on the bloc's member states to take up a recommendation from The European Commission to include workers in the agri-food sector as "a priority group" for vaccines against Covid-19.

A joint statement issued with European trade union federation EFFAT said the Commission had provided guidelines to member states when developing their vaccination strategies and had included agriculture and food sector workers as one of six priority groups.

"The approval and availability of vaccines against Covid-19 is a huge step forward in the fight against the global pandemic. Vaccinating the entire EU population will take significant time, and due to the limited number of doses available not everybody can be immunised immediately," the statement read.

"Food security can only be ensured when the health and safety of the workers in the food and drink industry is protected and production can run smoothly. This holds true in the workplaces, as well as when considering a vaccination strategy."

Quoting an unnamed German government source, Reuters said The European Medicines Agency is set to issue a positive verdict on the first Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine next Wednesday (23 December).

9 December

Six new Covid cases confirmed at Bakkavor's Tilmanstone plant since Friday

Bakkavor, a UK private-label supplier, has said its salads plant in south-east England where two workers have unfortunately died after contracting Covid-19 has seen a further six new cases since last Friday (4 December), although numbers are declining.

A two-day mass-testing exercise was started at the Tilmanstone site in Kent on Monday (7 December) with 375 staff out of a workforce of "over 900" tested so far. In an update provided by Bakkavor yesterday afternoon, the company said 48 employees are now off work having tested positive, with another 44 self-isolating as a precautionary measure.

The testing programme was due to end at midnight yesterday. The Tilmanstone plant is currently operating at "reduced capacity", the company said, although a spokesperson for the business told just-food it is "a temporary adjustment, [with] no impact on service levels".

Bakkavor said in a statement: "As a business, we have fully followed PHE guidelines for the duration of the pandemic. We are currently working closely with Public Health England (PHE) South East and Kent County Council to monitor the situation and we will take whatever appropriate action is necessary to limit the spread of Covid-19 and to ensure that our staff on site are safe. We will follow PHE advice and, if and when further steps need to be taken, we will communicate any new developments."

--

4 December

Bakkavor to test all staff at Covid-hit plant

The UK private-label manufacturer is to test all staff working at a factory in south-east England for Covid-19 in the wake of two employees at the site dying after being diagnosed with the virus.

After talks with local government and health officials this week, Bakkavor will start conducting the tests at the facility, located in Tilmanstone in Kent, on Monday.

On the two members of staff who died, the company said: "We have sadly had two colleagues pass away following positive tests for Covid-19. These were valued members of our team and we are doing everything to support their families during this tragic time. At this early point in our investigation there is no evidence that either case was contracted in the workplace."

More than 900 employees work at the factory, which manufactures salad products. Bakkavor said 59 staff that have tested positive for Covid-19 are off work and a further 54 are self-isolating as a precautionary measure.

--

Survey reveals Covid, Brexit outlook for UK hospitality

A UK business survey reveals Covid-19 has "wrecked confidence" among company chiefs in the hospitality industry, with the majority (82%) downbeat on prospects for the coming year.

The poll by Manchester-based research consultancy CGA and Fourth, a provider of cloud-based cost control solutions to hospitality, shows the figure was up from 40% in a similar survey conducted in February.

"Extended restrictions on trading and socialising over the autumn have led more than a quarter (27%) of multi-site business leaders to predict their groups will be unviable within the first six months of 2021 if current levels of support continue. Single-site businesses are at even greater risk of failure," the survey reveals.

Looking at the impact on the hospitality sector when the Brexit transition period ends this month, the majority of company chiefs anticipate a hit to profits (65%) and increased costs on imports (80%).

In terms of investment, the survey of 121 business leaders across management roles, reveals "widespread closures" are expected next year, with 38% having no plans to open new sites. "Substantial market churn, especially in London, where closures of offices, retail and tourist venues has hit footfall, can be expected," the researchers said.

CGA's research and insight director Charlie Mitchell said: "As we near the end of hospitality's toughest year in memory, the bleak picture of the sector will come as little surprise. Suffocating restrictions across Britain will devastate trading in what should be businesses' busiest time of the year.

"Leaders' optimism is at least rising from the rock bottom level of our last survey, and news of a vaccine is a reason for cautious hope of recovery in 2021. However, this week's Tier 2 restrictions in England and strict new limits in Wales could be fatal for smaller business in particular, making the case for more relaxed trading conditions and better government support even more urgent."

3 December

Second Covid death reported at Bakkavor salad plant

A second employee at a UK salad plant owned by private-label major Bakkavor has died after contracting Covid-19.

--

PepsiCo 'temporarily closed US plant due to Covid outbreak'

US food and beverages giant PepsiCo is reported to have temporarily closed a Frito-Lay snacks plant in its home market due to an outbreak of coronavirus.

On Tuesday (1 December), media outlets in the US quoted Clark County officials as confirming 17 cases among employees at the plant in Vancouver, Washington State.

Public health officials said the first worker tested positive on 29 October. PepsiCo confirmed in a statement emailed to local media that multiple employees had tested positive for the virus although it did not list a specific number.

It described the decision to close the Vancouver plant as "a precautionary measure and in partnership with the Clark County Health Department". It said that the plant was being sanitised during the closure.

Reports suggested the plant was closed from 25 November but was due to re-open on Tuesday evening.

just-food has asked PepsiCo for an update on the situation at the plant.

1 December

Union calls for mass testing at Bakkavor UK site after Covid outbreak

The GMB trade union has called on private-label major Bakkavor to introduce mass Covid-19 testing at a salad facility in southern England after an outbreak of the virus among workers there.

--

BRF plant hit by Covid outbreak cleared to resume exports to China

A plant in southern Brazil operated by meat major BRF has been given the all-clear to resume exports to China following an earlier Covid-19 outbreak.

BRF said on Monday (30 November) its Lajeado pork unit has been authorised to resume exports to China, according to a statement sent to news agency Reuters.

The plant, which saw an outbreak of the virus among workers in May, employs about 3,000 people. The unit should resume exports over the coming days, the statement said.

"After an inspection by the Chinese authorities, it was possible to prove the commitment that all of us at BRF have always had regarding the health and safety of our employees and our products," Reuters quoted BRF as saying.

The news agency reported that least three other Brazilian meat factories remain blocked by China over coronavirus concerns, All are located in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul.

BRF's Lajeado unit had been suspended by China since July.
Istanbul, Jan 9 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the mass vaccination process against the Covid-19 pandemic would soon start.

Speaking to reporters in Istanbul after Friday prayers, Erdogan said that Turkey's Health Ministry has been continuing its works to launch the vaccination process in line with a calendar, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Currently, we have three (vaccine) sources, namely from China, Germany, and our domestic (products)," Erdogan said.

The first shipment of three million doses of China's SinoVac Covid-19 vaccine had arrived in the Turkish capital Ankara on Dec. 30, 2020.

Erdogan noted that Turkish authorities are also in talks with the Germany-based BioNTech to obtain its Covid-19 vaccine.

The Turkish Health Ministry had earlier announced that Turkey would purchase up to 30 million doses of BioNTech's vaccine, which was developed jointly with the US firm Pfizer.

Erdogan noted that "we will obtain the vaccines and medicines at all costs." Turkey's Health Minister Fahrettin Koca has recently sent a notification, which included the details of the process, to all the provinces and asked both public and private health centers to reserve proper vaccination areas.

Meanwhile, the trials of Turkish-made Covid-19 vaccines are still going on.
The popular Glendalough Hotel has seen its annual turnover slashed to just 30 per cent of normal as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions.

The shocking loss is jeopardising the business said Senator Pat Casey who owns the hotel.

In light of the Level 5 restrictions being re-introduced Senator Casey said there is no evidence to prove that the hospitality sector is a major contributor to the spread of pandemic.

Senator Casey said he is extremely frustrated with what he regards as the unfair way in which the hospitality sector is being treated.

'I cannot express the words at the moment about the way the hospitality sector has been treated. These are people's livelihoods and families are being affected. This yo-yo effect is driving us insane and crazy. It is all about personal responsibility.

'I was in a shopping centre the other day and while the shop staff were behaving correctly, the open space in that centre was packed with people so I left. It is about taking personal responsibility but my frustration is that we, as a sector, have not been given that opportunity.

'The hospitality sector, whether it is a wet pub, a dry pub or a hotel, cannot be blamed for this pandemic or the exponential factor that has caused the increase in the number of cases but our businesses are going down the Swanee every additional day this action is being taken. Our survival is in question.'

The opening and closing of different sectors is also proving unfair to staff, who return to work only to be told that another shutdown will take place earlier than expected or first stated.

'It would be better if we were told to stay closed rather than opening and shutting again,' said Deputy Casey.

'It's difficult enough to entice staff back to work. Prior to the last lockdown it appeared they would have at least 23 days of work, then you have to tell them it has actually been reduced to ten days, before it is finally reduced to five days.

'There needs to be more of a focus on how the yo-yo effect of opening and closing is impacting on individuals. People are on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the uncertainty over how long things can stay open is putting people off from returning to work.

'A lot of people are moving onto different sectors and the labour pools within the hospitality sector are diminishing.'

Senator Casey estimates that takings for the Glendalough Hotel for 2020 are only at 30 per cent of the annual turnover expected each year.

'We were up to around 80 per cent in July and August, while we were at nothing from March to July. Then further restrictions were announced.

'We are at around 30 per cent of our annual turnover, which is a big worry. We still have operational expenses we have to keep paying.'

The Government and the Revenue have developed a warehouse for deferred VAT and payroll taxes debts associated with the COVID-19 crisis. Some 1.7 billion has already been lodged.

Senator Casey feels the September deadline will reveal the true extent of the impact Covid has had on businesses.

'The deadline has been deferred to September of this year but will all businesses be able to pay it'? asked Deputy Casey.

'Businesses are operating at a deficit every week. Come next September a lot more than 1.7 billion will have been lodged.

'I think a lot more will have to be done to facilitate businesses. The number of businesses able to pay September will give us an idea of just how viable businesses are after suffering such a disastrous year.'

Senator Casey again stresses that no evidence has been produced to show that the hospitality sector has played a role in the rising number of Covid cases

'Where is the evidence that shows the hospitality sector is the cause of this pandemic? It does not exist. We are not any different from any other sector but we are being victimised.

'I am totally frustrated and annoyed. My family business is being jeopardised again, not because of what we have done. We did everything we were asked to do. The sector has done everything it was asked to do.'
A break in the rain afforded an opportunity to get outside this week, and for many in the Portland area that meant a long-awaited return to Eagle Creek.

The Eagle Creek Trail, long considered one of the best hiking trails in Oregon, reopened on New Years Day more than three years after closing due to the devastating Eagle Creek fire. In the week since, crowds have flocked to the hiking trail for a glimpse at the majestic waterfalls and moss-covered cliffs that made the area famous in the first place.

On Thursday, crowds flocked to the hiking area, taking advantage of a break in the rain to get outside. All parking areas around the trailhead filled before 9 a.m., and foot traffic along the trail remained steady throughout the morning and afternoon. The crowds and limited parking compound the challenges of hiking the Eagle Creek Trail, a treacherous trail that requires people to take precautions both before and during their excursion.

READ MORE: What you need to know before hiking the reopened Eagle Creek Trail

Anyone who has hiked through the Columbia River Gorge since the Eagle Creek fire will be unsurprised by the scene at Eagle Creek. The wildfire burned in a mosaic pattern, with some areas badly burned while others seem untouched.

The forest around Eagle is noticeably thinner than it was before the fire, with less brush beneath the trees and many dead, blackened trunks that will eventually fall, thinning out the forest even more. While theres more severe damage on the hills across the creek, much of the forest alongside the trail has fared well. There are still healthy patches of ferns, and green moss still coats the drizzling cliffs.

A hiker crosses one of many bridges over Eagle Creek along the Eagle Creek Trail. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Mist hangs over the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, as hikers return more than three years after the trail closed due to the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Hikers pass through a rock tunnel behind Tunnel Falls.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Aside from a few big logjams and one massive landslide below Punch Bowl Falls, Eagle Creek itself still flows magnificently  especially following the winter rain.

Rain remains the biggest environmental challenge facing the Eagle Creek Trail, often causing landslides and rockslides that have long plagued the area. Stream crossings can be another problem during the rainy season, some of which require tricky crossings across logs and slippery rocks.

U.S. Forest Service officials ask that people avoid burn areas like the Eagle Creek Trail following heavy rains or winter storms. Hikers should also show up prepared with the ten essentials and proper clothing, like rain jackets and waterproof hiking boots.

Face masks are also required on the Eagle Creek Trail when people unable to keep at least six feet from those not in their household, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Given the extremely narrow trail and crowded conditions, its impossible to maintain that distance while passing other hikers. On Thursday, almost all hikers wore face coverings, pulling them up while passing others or keeping them on the whole time.

Making the Eagle Creek Trail safe to reopen was a significant achievement for officials in the Columbia Gorge, following several years of collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, with work done by the Pacific Crest Trail Association, Trailkeepers of Oregon, Washington Trails Association and Friends of the Columbia Gorge, forest officials said, allowing hikers to once again access one of Oregons oldest and most storied hiking trails.

Burned logs have been cut by rail crews to allow passage along the Eagle Creek Trail, more than three years after the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A burned tree stands above Punch Bowl falls along the Eagle Creek Trail.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Cables are anchored in one of many cliff walls, from which water drizzles during the rainy season. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The Eagle Creek Trail was constructed with the Eagle Creek Campground, the first developed campground on public lands in the United States, which opened to the public in 1916. Crews built the trail by blasting the basalt cliffs over Eagle Creek near its confluence with the Columbia River, offering easy public access to one of the most scenic waterfall corridors in the Pacific Northwest.

In its first season open to the public, Eagle Creek drew 15,000 people, according to an Oregonian article at the time. By the 1920s, it drew 1,000 visitors a day from all over the world. And while the original campground was soon demolished, the Eagle Creek Trail remained, becoming a popular destination among day hikers and tourists traveling through the Columbia Gorge.

On Sept. 2, 2017, the trail gained fame as the ignition point of the Eagle Creek fire. A teenager started the fire after tossing a firecracker into a canyon off the trail, igniting a blaze that burned more than 48,000 acres in the Columbia River Gorge, torching forests around popular hiking areas on the Oregon side of the river. Hundreds of people were evacuated, and 176 hikers required rescue as the blaze quickly spread.

Trail crews had to cut downed logs, replace bridges and contend with ever-present landslides and rockslides. In April, 2019, the Pacific Crest Trail Association posted a video on Twitter showing a massive rockslide cutting across the trail, leaving trail crews to stand and watch. And while landslides have been a bigger problem after the fire, they have always been an issue in the area. In 2017, a landslide completely washed out a viewpoint overlooking Metlako Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail.

Twister Falls cascades beside the Eagle Creek Trail.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A new sign for the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness is nailed to a burned tree along the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, as hikers return more than three years after the trail closed due to the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A hiker rests on the banks of Eagle Creek, just past Twister Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

With the trail now secure (barring future landslides) people can now visit the many sites along the Eagle Creek Trail, including the many waterfalls for which its famous. Hikers can find Punch Bowl Falls, Tunnel Falls and Twister Falls along the trail, as well as the many spectacular unnamed falls and the dozens of seasonal plunges that cascade down the cliffs during the rainy season.

The Eagle Creek Trail runs a full 13.1 miles one way, from the main trailhead to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail at Wahtum Lake. Most hikers either turn around at Twister Falls about 6 miles in, at High Bridge after 3.6 miles, or at Punch Bowl Falls only two miles from the trailhead.

Even a short hike along the Eagle Creek Trail is enough to inspire awe in even the most experienced hikers. The scenic beauty in this pocket of the Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregons finest, and is truly a world-class attraction.

Thats good to keep in mind when you inevitably share the trail with a hundred other hikers. Its been a long three years since Eagle Creek closed, and people from around the region will be itching for a chance to revisit.

The Eagle Creek Trail is located off exit 41 on Interstate 84. There are three approved parking areas: one at the trailhead itself, another along N.E. Eagle Creek Loop and a third by the Cascade Salmon Hatchery. Parking is $5 per vehicle, or free with a Northwest Forest Pass or other federal lands passes.

--Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB
Chino, CA (91710)

Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High near 80F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 56F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Facebook (FB), Twitter (TWTR), and other social media sites should be held accountable for helping to stoke the divisiveness that led to Wednesdays attack on the Capitol, according to a former Obama adviser who has also worked for Facebook.

Dozens of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol seeking to overturn the 2020 election results after the president used a nearby rally and his Twitter account to spread lies about the election and incite violence among his followers.

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever! Trump wrote in a now-deleted tweet.

Four people died during the attack, including a U.S. Air Force veteran who embraced conspiracy theories on her own social media accounts. A fifth person, a Capitol Hill police officer, died on Thursday night from injuries sustained during the riot.

I think they should be held responsible. I think they are, in large part culpable for all the harm, all the hate, all the death that we saw yesterday, Dipayan Ghosh, co-director of the Harvard Kennedy School Digital Platforms & Democracy Project, told Yahoo Finance Live on Thursday.

WASHINGTON DC, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES - 2021/01/06: Pro-Trump protesters seen on and around Capitol building. Rioters broke windows and breached the Capitol building in an attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election. Police used battons and tear gas grenades to eventually disperse the crowd. Rioters used metal bars and tear gas as well against the police. (Photo by Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

A former economic adviser under President Barack Obama and the former Facebook privacy and public policy adviser, Ghosh, as well as a growing number of scholars, is calling for social networks to face consequences for enabling the spread of the lies, hate speech, and conspiracy theories that led to the Capitol attack.

According to Ghosh, the machine learning algorithms that serve up the content users see on social media platforms to bring in advertising dollars have gone out of control, and need to be reined in.

To get it back under control, we need to put not the commercial interests of companies like Facebook as the objective for these algorithms, but rather the public interest, what we want to see, what is socially acceptable political speech and content on thinks kinds of platforms, he said.

In the midst of the attack on the Capitol, Trump posted a video as well as statements on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (GOOG, GOOGL) further fanning the flames of violence by falsely asserting the 2020 election had been stolen from him, prompting the sites to remove his posts or block him entirely.

Facebook, on Thursday, took the extraordinary step of suspending Trumps accounts on Facebook and Instagram indefinitely, while Twitter initially suspended his account for at least 12 hours. Twitter permanently banned Trump on Friday.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The move by Facebook marks a complete turnaround for CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who for years, said he would allow politicians and political advertisements to continue to lie on his platforms, because he didnt want the company serving as the arbiter of truth. Facebook has said it would only place warnings on posts or remove them if they could result in real-world harm.

MIT management professor Sinan Aral, meanwhile, told Yahoo Finance Live on Wednesday that hes concerned about what social media platforms, which the Trump supporters used to help organize their movements, could bring about in the coming days and weeks.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

What Im really concerned about ... is whats going to happen next, whats going to happen tonight. Whats going to happen in the next two weeks before the Inauguration, and what is the information role in what happens tonight and in the next two weeks? said Aral, author of The Hype Machine: How social media disrupts our elections, our economy, and our health  and how we must adapt.

Whats Facebooks role? ... Whats Twitters role? he added. How can we subvert the information, motivation, and mobilization of this kind of violence?

According to Ghosh, legislation could be the answer, including changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which gives social media sites broad protection from legal liability for content posted on their sites.

I would expect that Democrats will team up with the Biden administration, maybe even moderate Republicans, will team up with the Biden administration, and try to do something about Section 230, he said, adding that lawmakers could also investigate social media companies data collection practices.

Such an outcome could be more likely to come to fruition as Democrats will control both Houses of Congress and the White House when Biden takes office on Jan. 20.

Editors note: This article was updated on Jan. 10 to reflect the death of a Capitol Hill police officer and the news that Twitter had banned Trump permanently.

Got a tip? Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com over via encrypted mail at danielphowley@protonmail.com, and follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.

More from Dan:

Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit.
Geneva, Swtizerland (PANA) - The UN human rights office, OHCHR, is urging authorities in Uganda to ensure elections next week are free and peaceful, noting that the arrest of opposition candidates and their supporters are among several worrying developments ahead of the vote
(CNN)  The US reported more Covid-19 cases and deaths in the last week than any previous seven days during the pandemic, data showed Friday morning.

And more than 4,080 US coronavirus deaths were reported on Thursday alone -- the most ever reported in a single day during the pandemic and the first time the daily tally rose above 4,000, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) data showed.

In other words, even though the US is working to distribute vital Covid-19 vaccines -- a process criticized as being too slow -- the pandemic generally isn't showing signs of slowing down, and the virus is advancing with alarming speed in some areas, the White House coronavirus task force said in its report to states this week.

In Los Angeles County, where some ambulance crews have been reported to wait for hours with their patients outside hospitals because the facilities are overwhelmed, one person is dying of Covid-19 on an average of every eight minutes, officials said.

"We're seeing heroes in our hospitals, we're seeing angels in our ambulances, stretched thin to just deal with the onslaught right now," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Thursday.

Hospitals in the county are now preparing to ration care with triage officers who will decided which patients will receive care, with a focus of "doing the most good for the most people," according to new guidelines issued by the LA County Department of Public Health.

Texas reported record-high Covid-19 hospitalizations statewide for the fifth day in a row Thursday. Hospitals in Dallas County -- the state's second largest county -- had just 13 adult ICU beds available on Wednesday, County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a tweet.

The US has averaged about 228,400 Covid-19 cases a day over the last week as of Thursday -- an all-time high, and more than 3.4 times a summertime peak set in late July, JHU data shows.

And the country has averaged 2,764 deaths a day over the last week -- the highest figure of the pandemic, according to JHU data.

Hospitalizations also are soaring. Some 131,889 Covid-19 patients were in US hospitals on Friday -- the third-highest figure recorded, the Covid Tracking Project data show.

No evidence yet of new US variant, CDC and researchers say

In a report this week, the White House coronavirus task force speculated there may be a "USA variant that has evolved here" that spreads more easily than the known variant.

"This fall/winter surge has been at nearly twice the rate of rise of cases as the spring and summer surges. This acceleration suggests there may be a USA variant that has evolved here, in addition to the UK variant that is already spreading in our communities and may be 50% more transmissible," the report said.

So far, there's no evidence of a US variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and academic researchers said Friday.

"Significant continued deterioration, from California across the Sunbelt and up into the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, despite low testing rates during the holidays, suggests aggressive community spread," the task force report said.

But a CDC spokesman said that "researchers have been monitoring US strains since the pandemic began, including 5,700 samples collected in November and December. To date, neither researchers nor analysts at CDC have seen the emergence of a particular variant in the United States" like those identified in the UK and in South Africa.

Trevor Bedford of the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, who helps maintain a database of genetic mutations in the coronavirus, said he saw no evidence of a homegrown US strain that is spreading more aggressively.

The CDC did say at least 63 cases of a variant first identified in the UK have been recorded in eight US states. This includes at least 32 cases in California, 22 cases in Florida, three cases in Colorado, two cases in Connecticut, and one case each in Georgia, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania.

The agency says this does not represent the total number of cases circulating in the US, but rather just those that have been found by analyzing positive samples.

Biden intends to release nearly all available vaccine doses

While vaccinations have been happening for several weeks, experts have said it will be months before they're widespread enough to make a meaningful impact in the pandemic's course.

Meanwhile, President-elect Joe Biden aims to release nearly every available dose of the coronavirus vaccine when he takes office, a break with the Trump administration's strategy of holding back half of US vaccine production to ensure second doses are available, CNN's Sara Murray reported Friday.

Releasing nearly all vaccine doses on hand could allow more people access to a first dose during a given time.

It could also be a risky strategy, as the vaccines from both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna require two doses, administered 21 days or 28 days apart, respectively, and vaccine manufacturing has not ramped up as rapidly as many experts had hoped.

"The second dose is absolutely critical," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said Friday.

"The President-elect believes we must accelerate distribution of the vaccine while continuing to ensure the Americans who need it most get it as soon as possible. He supports releasing available doses immediately, and believes the government should stop holding back vaccine supply so we can get more shots in Americans' arms now," said TJ Ducklo, a spokesman for Biden's transition.

A transition official said the Biden team believes that vaccine manufacturers will be able to produce enough second doses in a timely fashion while administering first doses to more Americans.

The Trump administration has said it's necessary to hold back doses, to ensure Americans who receive the first course of the two-dose vaccine will be sure to have access to a second dose.

But that had sparked a debate about whether a better strategy would be releasing all available doses as quickly as possible, particularly amid rising death and hospitalization rates.

A study published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that administering first doses of a Covid-19 vaccine to more people quickly, instead of withholding available supply for use as a second dose, may reduce the number of new cases.

And World Health Organization advisers said Friday that a second dose of Pfizer and BioNTech's vaccine can be delayed as long as six weeks if need be. That's based on "currently available clinical trial data," the WHO guidance document said.

Moderna also believes a second dose of its vaccine can be given effectively 21 to 42 days after the first, a spokesperson for the company told CNN.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Friday he agreed with Biden's plan, but wants "assurances the second dose will be there."

6.7M first doses administered so far

Nearly 6.7 million people have received their first doses of a vaccine and more than 22 million doses have been distributed, the CDC said Friday.

Federal officials had said 20 million people would have received first doses by the end of December.

Some health leaders said states need more money and more staff in order to be able to administer the vaccines fast enough.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said states, cities and territories had been given just $340 million to build the infrastructure for vaccine rollouts up until the end of the year.

"That is clearly insufficient to accomplishing what we're trying to accomplish," Levine said.

President Donald Trump signed a $900 billion Covid-19 relief package in December that includes funds for vaccine rollout, something health leaders were "absolutely thrilled" about, Levine said.

The money will be "critical for several aspects of our response," Levine added, including contracting with companies to do community vaccine clinics.

FDA: New mutations can cause false negative test results in some cases

The US Food and Drug Administration has alerted health care providers and labs that genetic variants of the novel coronavirus -- including an emerging variant first detected in the United Kingdom -- could lead to false negative Covid-19 test results.

False negative results can occur with any molecular test for the detection of the virus if a mutation has occurred in the part of the virus's genome that the test examines, the FDA said Friday.

But the risk that these mutations will impact overall testing accuracy is low, the FDA said. If Covid-19 is suspected after a negative test, repeat testing should be done with a different test, the agency recommends.

The agency noted three Covid-19 tests authorized in the United States may be impacted by genetic variants -- MesaBiotech Accula, TaqPath Covid-19 Combo Kit and Linea Covid-19 Assay Kit -- "but the impact does not appear to be significant."

Since the TaqPath and Linea Covid-19 tests detect multiple genetic targets, the overall test sensitivity should not be impacted, the FDA noted. However, if certain patterns emerge in individual results from those tests, labs might consider further genetic sequencing of specimens.

That "may help with early identification of new variants in patients to reduce further spread of infection," the FDA said in its letter to labs and health care providers, noting that the UK variant has been associated with an increased risk of transmission.

"The FDA will continue to monitor SARS-CoV-2 genetic viral variants to ensure authorized tests continue to provide accurate results for patients," FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said, referring to the name of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "One-week US Covid-19 case and death totals are higher than ever"
WILLIAMSPORT-The Harrisburg area activist known for burning a combination Trump/confederate flag in protest has won a round in his bid to collect monetary damages from Lewisburg.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann Friday reinstated the damages part of Gene Stilps suit he had dismissed Dec. 21.

It altering his judgment, Brann let stand his decision not to grant the preliminary injunction the Middle Paxton Twp. resident sought to prevent Lewisburg from enforcing its burn ordinance.

The judges reasoning for dismissing Stilps suit in December was except for very unusual occasions not present in this case federal courts should not enjoin a previously filed state criminal prosecution.

Stilp, 70, was found guilty and fined $1 for violating Lewisburgs ordinance by burning flags in a steel container on March 12.

He is appealing the conviction to Union County court claiming the ordinance amounts to a restraint of free speech.

In his December order, Brann found the constitutional claims could be addressed in county court.

Stilp argued the judge erred in dismissing his claim for damages because they cannot be awarded in a criminal case should he win his appeal in Union County.

The judge agreed, reinstated the claim for damages but stayed all activity pending the outcome of the criminal case appeal./p

Stilp has burned flags in more than two dozen communities in protest of what he calls President Trumps horrible values on racism, bigotry, hatred, white supremacy and ethnic intimidation.

He has filed federal lawsuits after being charged criminally claiming the ordinances violate his First Amendment right of free speech.

He has settled a number of the suits including those with Middleburg that revised its ordinance, Mifflinburg and Harrisburg.
Type address separated by commas

Your Email:

Military personnel from U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons along with those of allied nations Australia, Canada, India and Japan will be on Guam in the next few weeks.

The stay will be for the duration of Exercise Sea Dragon 2021, an annual multinational exercise, according to Joint Region Marianas.

Officials didnt say how many service members will be on island and staying in local hotels, but they did note there are COVID-19 procedures in place to help ensure the safety of visiting service members and the community.

According to the press release, all participants are required to enter a 14-day restriction of movement sequester in their home country in order to insulate and protect themselves from potential infection within their country.

Then, no more than 72 hours before traveling to Guam, participants must receive a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test result.

When they arrive in Guam, exercise participants will be placed in a supplemental restricted movement status for 14 days.

During this supplemental restriction of movement, service members will only be allowed to travel to and from their on-base workplace and their off-base lodging, with restricted movements once on base, the press release states.

Off-base activities are prohibited for all exercise participants to further prevent the spread of COVID-19, officials stated. This restriction will be strictly enforced and is for the health and safety of both the local community as well as the service members involved in the exercise.

All government of Guam Pandemic Condition of Readiness and Executive Order guidelines and military public health orders apply and any service member suspected to be in violation will be investigated and held accountable, if appropriate, JRM officials added.
Denton, TX (76205)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 87F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 66F. S winds shifting to NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Kia launched a new logo and tagline this week

Happy New Year! Snow on the ground at DepEd Towers, though melting fast, and 2021 has to be better than The Year Whose Number Should Not Be Repeated. Huh? So, with heavy heart, I note the most-read story on just-auto this week is not good news about beleaguered Japanese automaker Nissan which is to make more cuts in Europe. Reports suggest the struggling Japanese automaker will cut its distribution operations in 30 countries worldwide, most of which are in eastern Europe, and will outsource those operations, as well as some manufacturing operations, to its global alliance partner Renault. The company's Avila plant in Spain will also cease manufacturing and instead be converted it into a warehouse. These measures are seen as a continuation of the management's strategy of returning the automaker to profitability and reversing the rapid expansion overseen by former chairman Carlos Ghosn. This includes plans to cut global capacity and models by 20% and slash annual operating costs by JPY300m over the next three years. Shame, I have always liked the brand, which I have known right back to early 1960s Datsun days (when Nissan was a separate brand for a former Prince model called Gloria) and have even owned a 1980s model, which was perfectly satisfactory. Let's hope all the restructuring works. And we keep our UK plant now a tariff-free trade deal with the EU has been struck.

Our in-depth interviews with key industry innovators always go down a treat with you lot and one this week was no exception. Innoviz Technologies develops and manufactures solid-state LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors and perception software that enable the mass production of autonomous vehicles (AVs). The Israeli startup is going public in a US$1.4bn reverse merger with Collective Growth. We caught up with Omer Keilaf, co-founder and CEO of Innoviz to learn more about its sensor technologies, investment plans and how the marketplace for LiDAR is evolving.

A reminder, in 2021, we still aim to bring you the latest news and intelligence on the speed, nature and shape of the automotive sector's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This regularly updated article follows on from our COVID-19 daily update article that covered rapidly unfolding crisis developments and their immediate impact on autos (first published 12 March 2020).

Following on from the EU free trade deal, the UK is, and has been, busily sorting many others with countries outside the EU. Ford, unsurprisingly, has welcomed the inking of a free trade deal between the UK and Turkey - a trading relationship which is particularly important to its European light commercial vehicles (LCVs) business because Transits - the UK's top selling light commercial vehicle models - are made there. The UK and Turkey now have locked in tariff-free trading arrangements, which will support a trading relationship worth GBP18.6bn in 2019. The UK government says the agreement lays the groundwork for a more ambitious UK Turkey trade relationship in the future. The deal will secure existing preferential tariffs for the 7,600 UK businesses that exported goods to Turkey in 2019, ensuring the continued tariff free flow of goods and protecting vital UK-Turkey supply chains in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

India's Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd was in talks with a potential investor to sell a controlling stake in its bankrupt South Korea SUV manufacturer SsangYong Motor, according to media reports this week. SsangYongMotor filed for court receivership on 21 December after it failed to meet its considerable debt repayment obligations. The company's global sales fell by 19% to 96,763 units in the first 11 months of last year, mainly due to weak overseas sales. Mahindra &Mahrindra has stated for some time that it does not intend to invest further in the South Korean automaker and has been looking for a new strategic investor for over a year.

Being so reliant on European markets - specifically Spain, Germany and the UK - Seat has been hard hit by COVID-19. Production at the company's Martorell base fell by almost a third last year and for various reasons the record of half a million cars produced in 2019 is unlikely to be broken in 2021. Still, the brand's line-up is fresh, Cupra as a high-margin spin-off is working and the future vehicles cupboard is the very opposite of bare.

With more than 99% of votes in favour, PSA and FCA shareholders have finally approved the long-awaited merger of the two companies. The new automaker group will be called Stellantis and will bring familiar brands such as Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Dodge, Jeep, Opel, Alfa Romeo and Maserati under the same leadership. The merger will reduce costs for both groups thanks to platform and component sharing, and joint R&D expenditure. The deal comes at a time when pressure on auto groups is high thanks to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and developing megatrends including electrification, connectivity and autonomous vehicles vying for attention. While those challenges affect all auto players, Stellantis' leadership will be hoping the newly merged group can tackle some of the specific weaknesses that affected FCA and PSA prior to the agreement.

It's not just Nissan retrenching: Honda Motor plans to withdraw from the Russian car market as part of a global efficiency drive, according to reports in Japan. The automaker's sales in Russia are estimated to have fallen to less 1,500 vehicles last year, while total vehicle sales in this market fell by just over 10% to 1,346,351 units in the first 11 months of 2020. The reports suggest the company will cease supplying new cars to official dealers in Russia in 2022, but it will continue to supply motorcycles and power equipment, and will continue to support the existing aftersales and spare parts networks. The company does not have a vehicle assembly plant in Russia and supplies this market from its global operations. Late last month Honda also announced plans to consolidate its vehicle and related component manufacturing operations in India at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, with immediate effect. This plant has an installed annual production capacity of 180,000 units.

Kia this week revealed its new corporate logo and global brand slogan which, it said, "signify the automaker's bold transformation and all new brand purpose". "The introduction of the new logo represents Kia's ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business." The new logo is supposed to resemble a handwritten signature: "The rhythmical, unbroken line of the logo conveys Kia's commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The rising gestures of the logo embody Kia's rising ambitions for the brand, and, more importantly, what it offers customers." Ho Sung Song, president and CEO, said: "The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast changing industry."

Daimler plans to launch production of a small battery-powered SUV in China under its Smart brand from 2022, according to local reports citing a senior executive at the company. Smart, better known for its two-seater micro-cars, plans to enter the Chinese market with a "spacious yet compact, fully electric SUV", according to Daniel Lescow - vice-president of global sales, marketing and aftersales of Smart Automobile.

Tesla will continue buying batteries from longtime supplier Panasonic until at least 2022 despite the EV maker's plans to produce its own cheaper alternative, a media report said. According to Nikkei Asia, Tesla revealed it had signed a new pricing agreement with Panasonic for lithium-ion batteries. However, it did not specify whether this involves the 4680 battery cell, a more cost efficient unit that Tesla unveiled in September last year, which the company said would significantly reduce the cost of electric vehicles.

South Korea's LG Energy Solution, the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, has signed an agreement with the Indonesian government to invest in a global production hub for lithium ion batteries, according to media reports. The memorandum of understanding was said to have been signed in Seoul on 18 December following more than a year of negotiations between the two parties. LG is looking to tap into Indonesia's vast nickel reserves and has agreed to invest in an integrated EV battery production operation to supply global markets.

Have a nice weekend (and a better year in 2021)

Graeme Roberts, Deputy Editor, just-auto.com
When Alex Trebek, the longtime host of the game show Jeopardy! announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2019, I did something that I have never done for any other celebrity: I wrote and mailed him a card wishing him well.

I wasnt the only one. Fans around the world sent him cards and best wishes as they learned of his illness. (In fact, he received so many that he was overwhelmed and asked fans to stop sending him cards. Sorry, Alex.) Jeopardy! and its host hold a special place in the hearts of many people, the show is one of the last places in America where facts were still facts, and its genial host was there to shepherd three contestants through categories of knowledge and trivia until one triumphed over the others during Final Jeopardy.

To watch Alexs last Jeopardy! episodes these past few days has been an odd experience in what is already an absolutely bizarre week. They were filmed in late October for the week of Christmas, and so they are a form of time travel.

The Jeopardy! host died on Nov. 8, but in these episodes, its almost as though he was still alive, still here to give his audience new memories and experiences. As a fan of Jeopardy! for many years, Ive been cherishing these episodes as much as possible.

In California, you could count on the show to come on every evening at 7 p.m., followed by Wheel of Fortune at 7:30 p.m. In other television markets, the show airs during the day, which seems sacrilegious because personally, my evenings revolve around Jeopardy! I would look forward to relaxing and enjoy learning new facts about our world most evenings, even on Saturdays, when reruns air  this is what counts for excitement in pandemic times.

The show, and Alexs clear enunciation (genre, anyone?), holds a particularly special place in the lives of the many immigrants. I immigrated to the United States as a 5-year-old, and in Hong Kong, my hometown, the only English words I knew were good morning. The entire time I have lived in the United States, Alex has been on television (he started hosting in 1984).

After we came to America, I was an ESL student for many years. One thing that many Americans dont know is that when youre an immigrant, you may spend a lot of time picking up the language, but youre not going to know the same cultural touchstones that other Americans may know through their parents. That could be everything from Archie Bunker in "All in the Family" to even the Beatles (my parents prefer Cantonese opera). And so like many other immigrants, Alex and Jeopardy! taught me English  and they also taught me what Americans considered important in their culture.

One contestant, Burt Thakur, told Alex what an impact he and the show had in a post-game moment that went viral:

In the episode that aired last night, Alex remarked on how it was Christmas Eve  it was originally scheduled to air on that day  and how shopping had shifted over the years from brick-and-mortar to online. He reassured us that 'Jeopardy!' would remain the same.

But after tonights episode, it wont. Although well have a new host on Monday, starting with Ken Jennings, who holds the record for the most Jeopardy! games ever won, it wont be the same.

And so we are here now, after 36 years, at episode number 8,260. The very last episode with Alex.

Jeopardy! has released a tribute to its late long-time host for tonight, capturing his mustache adventures, costume changes, and his evolution from the goofy dark-haired '80s to the distinguished senior statesman of game shows that we remember now.

Alex didnt know that this would be his final episode. And so, he says, just as he would always say for a show that would air on a Friday, Well see you again next week.

It holds a special poignancy tonight. For the first time in a long, long time, we wont be seeing Alex again next week.

So long, Alex. Thank you.

Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves doesnt think Donald Trump should be removed from office, but said Friday the president should effectively resign and keep a low profile for the remaining 12 days in office.

He effectively needs to resign and what I mean by that is that effectively he will not be out there talking, speaking, wielding the full authority and power of the White House. Maybe technically finding a way to hand over the keys to (Vice President Mike) Pence, Graves told WWL radios Dave Cohen, who was sitting in for host Newell Normand, during an 18-minute interview Friday.

But forcing Trump to leave office earlier either by cabinet secretaries invoking the 25th Amendment or by the U.S. House approving articles of impeachment, which are being drawn up, would just further the divisiveness that led to the rampage at the U.S. Capitol. Four were killed Wednesday when Trump supporters pored into the Capitol hoping to stop the official ratification of state-certified Electoral College votes that made Joe Biden president-elect.

Biden will be sworn in as president on Jan. 20. Trump will not be attending the inauguration, which Graves took as an indication the president wants to calm things and may tone down the rhetoric and perhaps do a better job apologizing.

Graves is one of the six Republicans in Louisianas congressional delegation. He voted to accept Arizonas electoral votes but not Pennsylvanias in the failed bid to deny Biden the presidency.

He was on the House floor when leadership was abruptly evacuated, police drew their weapons and the doors a president walks through to deliver the annual State of the Union address was rattled by rioters breaking into the chambers.

The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Graves put a lot of the blame on Trump.

All of these were just senseless, senseless deaths that should not have happened, which of course goes back to what in my opinion was a big part of this and it was the ridiculous comments the president made on the Ellipse near the White House, Graves said.

+8 Heres how Louisianas congressional delegation evacuated as rioters invaded the Capitol As a mob of rioters descended Jan. 6 upon the U.S. Capitol, Congressman Steve Scalise was making his way through a maze of tunnels.

At a rally of supporters held before the congressional ceremony accepting the Electoral Votes, Trump again claimed falsely that the election had been stolen  an egregious assault on our democracy. He said some Republican lawmakers were weak for not backing attempts to block acceptance of the Electoral College votes from some states, adding you will never take back our country with weakness. He urged followers to head to the Capitol.

Prior to Trump speaking, his lawyer, former New York City mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, addressed the crowd, calling for trial by combat and the presidents eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. shouted to opponents: Were coming for you.

By conveying to these people that they had the ability to protest this over the top, meaning to protest this into a scenario where the election would be overturned, that was an awful, awful thing that those people did in suggesting that this was even remotely possible, Graves told WWL.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
US lifts 'self-imposed restrictions' on Taiwan

"Executive branch agencies should consider all 'contact guidelines' regarding relations with Taiwan previously issued by the Department of State under authorities delegated to the Secretary of State to be null and void," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. File photo: RTHK

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday said he was lifting restrictions on contacts between US officials and their Taiwanese counterparts, a move likely to anger China and increase tensions between Beijing and Washington in the waning days of President Donald Trump's presidency.



China claims democratic and separately ruled Taiwan as its own territory, and regularly describes Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in its ties with the United States.



While the United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taipei, the Trump administration has ramped up backing, with arms sales and laws to help it deal with pressure from mainland China.



In a statement, Pompeo said that for several decades the State Department had created complex internal restrictions on interactions with Taiwanese counterparts by American diplomats, service members and other officials.



"The United States government took these actions unilaterally, in an attempt to appease the Communist regime in Beijing," Pompeo said in a statement.



"Today I am announcing that I am lifting all of these self-imposed restrictions," he added.



The US ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, will visit Taiwan next week for meetings with senior Taiwanese leaders, prompting Beijing to warn on Thursday they were playing with fire.



Chinese fighter jets approached the island in August and September during the last two visits: by US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach, respectively.



The United States is Taiwan's strongest international backer and arms supplier, and is obliged to help provide it with the means to defend itself under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.



"Todays statement recognises that the US-Taiwan relationship need not, and should not, be shackled by self-imposed restrictions of our permanent bureaucracy," Pompeo said. (Reuters)
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Hundreds of National Guard troops on emergency mobilization orders began arriving Thursday to reinforce security in the city a day after the violent breach of the U.S. Capitol that left five dead.

Supporters of President Donald Trump became an angry mob Wednesday afternoon and forced their way into the Capitol building, terrifying lawmakers and halting the official count of Electoral College votes to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Nugent, the command sergeant major of the Maryland Army National Guard, was working at headquarters when his wife called and told him to turn on the news.

Read Next: Air Force Brass Order Removal of All Offensive, Non-Inclusive Patches, Mottos and Emblems

"She said, 'Are you watching the news? Do you see what is happening?" Nugent told Military.com, adding that he was stunned at the footage. "I was shocked, I was sad, and I was angry; things like that do not happen in the United States of America. We are a nation of laws and a nation of law and order. That was not supposed to happen."

The Pentagon has authorized up to 6,200 Guard members from Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania to deploy to D.C. on federal status to maintain security through Inauguration Day.

Staff Sgt. Ronald Vasquez (left) and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Daniel Wood of the D.C. National Guard stand a security post across from the U.S. Capitol as supporters of President Trump drive by in a red pickup flying a Trump flag on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. (Matthew Cox/Military.com)

Most Guard members in Maryland were at home when the call came at approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday to pack their rucksacks with cold weather gear and be ready to move out by 6 a.m. Thursday.

Cpl. Daniel Morozevich, a 37-year-old infantry team leader with the Maryland Guard's Delta Company, 175th Infantry Battalion, said he was at home taking down his Christmas tree as he watched Trump supporters enter the Capitol on the news.

He spent most of the night getting ready to depart Thursday morning.

"I had just moved into a new house, so everything was in boxes," Morozevich said. "So, it took me some time ... to pull out all my cold weather gear and throw it in a ruck."

Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard, said she started telling staff to begin preparing after watching the situation in D.C. deteriorate on the news.

"For me, I am always going to be prepared," Birckhead told Military.com. "We don't want to be late to need, so anytime we see our neighbors right next door [in trouble], we say, 'OK, there is a possibility.'"

About 500 Maryland Guard soldiers, many from the 175th Infantry and the 115th Military Police Battalion, arrived at the District of Columbia National Guard Armory building by bus and tactical vehicle Thursday.

"Because of what has been going on with COVID-19 operations, we are at a high state of readiness already, so it really didn't take much to say, 'I need to shift this group of people to do this' because we are already rolling in to support the Inauguration, and those soldiers were already coming in next week," Birckhead said.

Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard, talks with 2nd Lt. Carter Brockman, a signal officer with the 115th Military Police Battalion, as the 500-member Maryland Guard contingent sets up operations outside the D.C. Armory after deploying to D.C. Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 to help with security in the aftermath of Wednesdays riot. (Matthew Cox/Military.com)

Maryland Guard troops will wear Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms without tactical gear, she said.

"Soldiers do not have weapons ... no body armor," she said, adding that the contingent brought riot shields and protective facemasks if the need arises.

"We are guarding on the Hill. We are going to be specifically around the Library of Congress, the Senate and House office buildings in support of the Capitol Police."

Before leaving, Birckhead, who has served in the Guard for more than 25 years, reminded her soldiers to maintain their professionalism, saying this mission is "what it means to serve our country."

"We are not political; we are apolitical, and we are here to serve the citizens of the nation and of the region," Birckhead said. "We are here to serve. We are here in support of the D.C. National Guard, the Capitol Police and the District of Columbia,, and that is what we are here to do.

"And they were like, 'Got it, ma'am.'"

On Monday, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy authorized a request from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for Guard support, sending 340 Guard troops into the city to man roadblocks and stand posts at Metro stations.

On Wednesday, Trump addressed thousands of supporters who showed up to support the president's unsubstantiated claim that massive voter fraud had stolen his victory. Trump urged the crowd to march on the Capitol, which they soon did, breaking down temporary barriers and pushing past federal police to storm the building.

Lawmakers were forced to shelter in place as Trump supporters walked through the halls, destroying offices and breaking windows.

Shortly after the chaos, many in Washington criticized the security plan, raising questions about why there weren't more security measures in place prior to the well-announced event.

A female Air Force veteran was shot and killed in the riot, and two men and another woman died of medical emergencies. On Thursday evening, U.S. Capitol Police announced that an officer had died of injuries sustained during the incident.

McCarthy defended the decision to stage just a few hundred National Guard members around the city before the breach, saying that the Army was given unclear information about how many protesters would be in Washington, D.C., this week.

Later in the evening, the Pentagon activated all 1,100 D.C. Guard members to reinforce police.

Staff Sgt. Eric Kuper, a 42-year-old D.C. Guardsman, was working at the D.C. Armory on Wednesday in his Active Guard Reserve (AGR) status job, preparing orders for fellow soldiers.

By Thursday morning, he was standing post in a dispersed line with other D.C. Guard members across the street from the Capitol as workers erected seven-foot tall security fencing.

Trump supporters occasionally drove by in cars with Trump flags hanging out the windows.

"We are just trying to make sure people are safe while the fencing is being put up," Kuper told Military.com.

He said he was surprised by what happened Wednesday just as he was during the riots that occurred in June in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, a Black man, in the custody of Minneapolis police.

"Whether I was in the Guard or not, I didn't think I would see that, nor did I think I would see what happened in June," he said. "This has been a crazy six months. I am happy to serve my country and do my job. If anything is our job, this is certainly our job."

Morozevich echoed Kuper's sentiment.

"Everyone has a right to say what they want to say and practice their freedom of speech. It's a federal building, it is paid by tax dollars and essentially it is open to the public as long as they follow the rules," he said. "They can come in and watch the proceedings that go on, but they can't stop the democratic process from taking place. They can't instill fear into our elected officials. So whatever we need to do to maintain the peace, to maintain the government and to allow the democratic process to function in this country -- that is what I took an oath for."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related: Military Leaders Say 'Tremendous Confusion' Delayed Response to Capitol Siege
After a Pride mural was vandalized with graffiti from a white supremacist group, community members want to make one thing clear: Hate has no place in Bellefonte.

The rainbow mural  located on the side of Jakes Cards and Games  was defaced with propaganda from " Patriot Front, which the Southern Law Poverty Center recognizes as a hate group, and the text, Not stolen. Conquered. Stickers with the same image and message were also posted in at least 10 locations in State College Borough on Friday.

The ripples from Wednesdays assault on the Capitol have reached us here in Bellefonte  thugs have desecrated our Bellefonte pride mural, the business wrote in a Facebook post Friday. Jakes has always stood for tolerance and inclusion, and we reject the selfish hatred that motivates such acts.

In a matter of hours, the post had been shared more than 70 times, and dozens of Centre County residents offered to help clean and repaint the mural, which was installed in June.

Once repainted, Bellefonte resident Laura Shadle said the wall will be righteous, glorious, an even more profound artistic endeavor displaying unconditional love for all community members.

Fight hate with beauty, fight fire with magic, Shadle tweeted.

After thousands of rioters pushed through Capitol police on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.  breaking windows, climbing balconies and stealing from federal offices  some local officials held President Donald Trump responsible for the violence. Citing years of hateful rhetoric, community leaders said the insurrection  which resulted in five deaths  has left some feeling emboldened to give voice to hate.

This is disturbing and disgusting, but I wish it was surprising, county Controller Jason Moser tweeted. This country still has 400 years of white supremacy to reckon with, but Bellefusians will rise above and show the love and compassion that exists here.

The Southern Law Poverty Center recognizes Patriot Front as a hate group formed in 2017 by a Texas teenager who broke off from a neo-Nazi group called Vanguard America. Patriot Front is known for supporting homophobia, white supremacy, antisemitism and fascism.

Hate has no place in Bellefonte, Commissioner Michael Pipe tweeted. In June 2020, we lit up the courthouse with (rainbow lights) to celebrate LGBT Pride Month. Maybe well celebrate early this year.

Jakes said it has always stood for tolerance and inclusion, but the businesses condemned selfish hatred that motivates such acts.

Lets take this opportunity to come together as a community and state for everyone to see that hate has no place in Bellefonte, the post said.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures continued to move higher on Friday with last Februarys high at $53.60 well within reach. Investors continue to look beyond rising coronavirus cases, instead choosing to focus on the prospect of lower supply after Saudi Arabia pledged to cut output in February and March. Also underpinning the crude oil market is this weeks reported drawdown in U.S. crude stockpiles although one could argue that a spike in gasoline supply may have been offsetting news.

The surprise Saudi cut is keeping bulls at the helm of the energy complex, said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM. It will take a brave man to bet against the current bullish run of play.

Oil Prices Underpinned After Saudi Arabia Announces Voluntary Production Cut

Oil prices continue to rise in response to Saudi Arabias decision to make a big voluntary production cut.

Saudi Arabia, the worlds biggest oil exporter, said earlier in the week it would make additional, voluntary oil output cuts of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in February and March, after a meeting of OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers, including Russia.

OPEC+ agreed most producers would hold output steady in February and March while allowing Russia and Kazakhstan to raise output by a modest 75,000 bpd in February and a further 75,000 bpd in March.

US Energy Information
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.
Here we go again. Its a dangerous thing, this prediction business. How many of last years stars of tomorrow got their chance in 2020? How many more will have to wait just a little longer for their big break?

The silver lining, of course, is that Ireland has never before been home to such a vast and magnificent line-up of actors, writers and directors.

Some of them have already started to make a name for themselves on the world stage, including Barry Keoghan, Jessie Buckley and Niamh Algar.

The pandemic may yet continue to play havoc with shoots and schedules, but we can always hope that our most talented artists will finally get a chance to shine over the next 12 months.

Keep your eyes open: these are the Irish film-makers on their way to superstardom.

Aisling Franciosi





Hardly a newcomer, the 27-year-old Dubliner has already impressed in some of the most acclaimed shows on television.

Franciosi dug deep as series regular Katie Benedetto on The Fall, opposite Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson. She played the part of a teenage Lyanna Stark on Game of Thrones.

Her cinematic breakthrough arrived in the form of Jennifer Kents The Nightingale. The harrowing, Australian western tells the story of a 19th century Irish convict in Van Diemens Land, who seeks revenge on the British colonists who murdered her family.

More recently, Franciosi picked up stellar notices for her turn as Sister Ruth in the BBCs unexpected adaptation of Rumer Goddens Black Narcissus.

She will next be seen alongside Sandra Bullock and Viola Davis in Nora Fingscheidt and Christopher McQuarries Netflix remake of the 2009 ITV drama Unforgiven. Hell of a line-up, hell of a CV. Remember the name.

Clare Dunne





Expand Close Clare Dunne. Photo: Kyran O'Brien / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Clare Dunne. Photo: Kyran O'Brien

A veteran of the stage, the brilliant Clare Dunne should have gone supernova in 2020. Alas, her critically commended, homegrown drama Herself suffered the same fate as most Irish releases, and was pushed out to 2021.

Co-written by and starring Dunne, and directed by Phyllida Lloyd (The Iron Lady, Mamma Mia!), Herself tells the story of a Dublin woman who finally leaves her abusive husband and, with no other options available, decides to build a house for her children with the help of her local community.

Its a strong, optimistic display and Dunne is terrific in the lead. The film was a surprise hit at last years Sundance Film Festival, where Amazon Studios acquired US distribution rights. Is that awards buzz we can hear in the distance? Perhaps. Whatever the case, Herself looks set to become the DIY hit of the year  and youll be hearing a lot more from Dunne.

Paul Mescal





Expand Close Paul Mescal. Photo: Frank McGrath / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Paul Mescal. Photo: Frank McGrath

Yes, we know what youre thinking. Isnt he already a superstar? Didnt he receive an Emmy nomination? Wasnt he in GQ a couple of months back, sporting a 10,000 fleece?

Heres the thing: the inimitable Mescal is still riding off the beautiful high of Normal People. The Kildare lad had a better 2020 than most, but 2021 will be the year when he finally makes his next move. Were excited.

Read More

First up, his big-screen debut in Maggie Gyllenhaals forthcoming adaptation of the 2006 Elena Ferrante novel The Lost Daughter, which also stars Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley and Ed Harris.

After that, we will see him opposite rising star Melissa Barrera in Benjamin Millepieds contemporary reimagining of Georges Bizets 19th century opera Carmen. Well, we already know the chap can sing. Oh yes, this could very well be Mescals year. Again.

Lee Cronin





Expand Close Director Lee Cronin / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Director Lee Cronin

Remember The Hole in the Ground? Lee Cronins impressive 2019 supernatural offering did exactly what it was supposed to do, unnerving both Irish and international audiences and sealing the deal on Cronins status as a promising new voice in independent horror.

It was no surprise, then, when the great Sam Raimi handed him the keys to the Evil Dead franchise, with the legendary Bruce Campbell telling Empire magazine during the summer that everything was already in place, despite Covid restrictions.

Were going to get that sucker out as soon as practical, he said. Yep, Evil Dead Rise is on the way, and one of our own is behind the camera. How cool is that?

Fionn OShea





Expand Close Fionn O'Shea / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Fionn O'Shea

There are two things you should know about Fionn OShea. One: he played Jamie, aka that guy who you wanted to punch, in Normal People. Two: the real Fionn OShea is a much nicer guy than Jamie.

Indeed, OShea, who first came to our attention in John Butlers sorely under-appreciated teen drama Handsome Devil, has already shared the screen with Jamie Dornan (The Siege of Jadotville), Jason Clarke (The Aftermath) and Iain Glen (Jack Taylor). Hes doing well, then.

But his stand-out performance was in David Freynes tender and triumphant 2020 dramedy Dating Amber.

Next on the OShea roster, weve got Wolf (Nathalie Biancheris arthouse shocker, with George MacKay and Lily-Rose Depp) and Cherry (high-octane thrills, courtesy of the Russo brothers, starring Tom Holland). Onwards and upwards, Fionn.

Lola Petticrew





Expand Close Lola Petticrew / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Lola Petticrew

The Amber in Dating Amber, the great Lola Petticrew is off to a flying start.

The heart and soul of Shelly Loves beautiful mother-daughter comedy A Bump Along the Way, and a vital component of the BBC Three mini-series My Left Nut, Petticrew has already shown herself to be a smart, witty and sensitive performer, with remarkable presence and pristine comic timing.

She too is on the Wolf cast sheet and is also set to star alongside Jodie Turner-Smith as Jane Seymour in a forthcoming Anne Boleyn series.

Oh, and Petticrew and OShea (theyre best buds in real life) are currently working together again on a secret project.

Donall O Healai





Expand Close Donall O Healai / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Donall O Healai

Tom Sullivans ambitious, Irish-language famine drama Arracht has been chosen as the official Irish entry for Best International Feature Film at this years Oscars.

It stands a decent chance of being shortlisted too. Whatever happens, Arracht (which is due to land in Irish cinemas in April) should make a star out of its leading man, Galway native O Healai.

Read More

The award-winning, Screen International Star of Tomorrow is every bit as commanding as youve heard, and he has it in him to go the distance. Casting agents, take note: youre looking at the next Cillian Murphy.

Cathy Brady





Expand Close Director Cathy Brady / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Director Cathy Brady

Might this be the year that the Newry film-maker finally unveils her feature debut, Wildfire? Brady, renowned for her short films, has been working on the project  a story of two sisters growing up on the Irish Border  for seven years now.

After a rousing reception at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, surely it wont be too long before Wildfire (which features the late Nika McGuigan in a starring role) reaches Irish cinemas. Expectations are high, and Brady has waited long enough. Its time for her close-up.

Five more to watch

Eanna Hardwicke

A sinister estate agent in the 2019 film Vivarium and the tragic best friend in Normal People. Its time for Hardwicke to take the spotlight.





Lara McDonnell

The Artemis Fowl star reunites with Kenneth Branagh and Judi Dench on the British drama Belfast.

Emer Reynolds

One of Irelands best documentarians, Reynolds makes her feature directorial debut this year with Joyride, starring Olivia Colman.





Hazel Doupe

The star of Carmel Winters Float Like a Butterfly recently wrapped shooting on Kate Dolans domestic horror You Are Not My Mother.





Amybeth McNulty

Expand Close Amybeth McNulty / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Amybeth McNulty

The Anne with an E star returns as a drug-addicted teenager in Colum Eastwoods thriller Black Medicine.





London: Australians trying to get home from overseas are urging the government to establish a reliable quarantine system after a wave of flight cancellations were triggered by new caps on arrivals due to the mutant strain of COVID-19.

Stuart Kemp, 31, and his English wife had booked flights, quit their jobs and shipped their belongings home to Melbourne at the end of six years of living and working in Britain.

Stranded Australian Stuart Kemp. Credit:

But on Friday Mr Kemp woke up to an email from Malaysia Airlines cancelling his flight following the national cabinet's decision to halve quarantine places in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, on top of the already halved capacity in Victoria.

The changes were triggered after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk ordered Brisbane into a three-day lockdown on learning that a cleaner working in hotel quarantine had tested positive for the more transmissible strain of COVID-19 that is ravaging Britain.
A newly sworn-in West Virginia delegate has been arrested on two federal misdemeanors, joining the list of MAGA supporters arrested during Wednesday's riots at the Capitol.

Republican West Virginia State House member Derrick Evans, 35, has been charged with entering a restricted public building and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, WSAZ reported.

The charges stem from Evans involvement in the riot, which was captured in a Facebook Live video he took of himself as he entered the Capitol building during the riots and shouting, 'Were in! Were in! Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!'

WATCH | My live report on the arrest of WV Delegate Derrick Evans.



Hes facing federal charges for his alleged involvement in the riots at the U.S. Capitol. #WSAZ



READ MORE VIA @WSAZnews: https://t.co/Wc6ITrDoec pic.twitter.com/bHgvPSz9DZ  Chad Hedrick (@WSAZChadHedrick) January 9, 2021

West Virginia delegate Derrick Evans is pictured being arrested at his home in West Virginia Friday. He's facing two federal charges in connection with Wednesday's Capitol riot

A woman claiming to be Evans' grandmother 'thanked' Trump for inciting the riot

Evans (center) is show while in FBI custody after he was arrested at his home in West Virginia

West Virginia Republican state Del. Derrick Evans exits the Sidney L. Christie U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building after being arraigned, Friday

The affidavit, obtained by the news station, notes that during the live video, Evans can also be heard chanting to people in the doorway and the front of the of the crowd of rioters saying, 'Move! Move! Move!'

FBI agents were spotted arriving at Evans home in Prichard, West Virginia, Friday afternoon and taking him into custody.

As Evans, wearing a Tolsia Rebels high school sweat suit, was escorted to a car and driven away by authorities, a woman emerged from the house and told WSAZ that she was his grandmother.

She said that 'He's a fine man,' referring to Evans.

'And thank you, Mr. Trump, for invoking a riot at the White House,' she added.

Evans was taken to a federal courthouse in Huntington, West Virginia, for a hearing Friday and released on a personal recognizance bond. Evans is charged in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, WV Metro News reported.

West Virginia Del. Derrick Evans filmed himself entering the Capitol building (left). Evans is also pictured at right

The federal affidavit against Evans noted that prior to Wednesday's riots, Evans had a meme stating 'A storm is coming, and there is nothing the left can do to stop it!' on his Facebook page on New Year's Eve.

On December 30, 2020, Evans was also said to have posted a meme with a picture of President Trump and the statement: 'Take America back. Be there. Be Wild. D.C., January 6th 2021.'

In the video, the affidavit noted, Evans could be heard telling other riots not to vandalize anything, WSAZ reported.

On Wednesday, after the riot, Evans posted a statement on his Facebook page which read: 'I want to assure you all that I did not have any negative interactions with law enforcement, nor did I participate in any destruction that may have occurred.'

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has said that Evans should resign from his delegate position.

Evans' lawyer has said that Evans will not do that in a statement on Thursday.

The charge of entering a restricted government building is a misdemeanor offense, which could lead to fines. The penalty could increase, however, 'the offense results in significant bodily harm,' according to WV Metro News.

The second charge against Evans is also a misdemeanor and could result in six months of jail time if he's convicted.

Evans is one of several people arrested in connection with the MAGA riot, including Richard Barnett, 60, who was pictured putting his feet up on Nancy Pelosi's desk and Lonnie Coffman, 70, who brought 11 Molotov cocktails, two handguns and an assault rifle to the Capitol that day.

Richard Barnett, 60, has been charged with unlawful entry

The DoJ announced on a call with reporters on Friday afternoon that 13 people had been charged including Barnett, who had also left a threatening note on Pelosi's desk Wednesday.

Barnett, who proudly referred to himself as a white nationalist on social media, was charged with unlawful entry. He was taken into custody at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. It's unclear where he now is or if he'll be extradited but he is in custody.

He has been charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful entry; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and theft of public money, property, or records.

Coffman has also been arrested after police found his red GMC pick-up truck near the RNC - where a pipe bomb was left. He has not been charged over the pipe bomb but cops found two handguns, 11 Molotov cocktails and an M4 carbine assault rifle in his vehicle.

He has been charged with possession an unregistered firearm (destructive device) and carrying a pistol without a license.

Officials on Friday called what he had produced 'homemade napalm' and said the Molotov cocktails

The MAGA rioter who put his feet up on Nancy Pelosi 's desk was arrested along with a man who brought 11 Molotov cocktails, two handguns and an assault rifle to the Capitol on Wednesday

More than 80 people have been arrested in total and 55 are being pursued on federal charges, officials said on the call.

THE RIOTERS AND THEIR CHARGES Cleveland Meredith - making interstate threats to Nancy Pelosi Richard Barnett - breaking into Pelosi's office Lonnie Coffman - possession of an unregistered firearm and carrying without a license. He had 11 Molotov cocktails in his truck. Mark Leffingwell - entering a restricted building, punching a cop Christopher Alberts - carrying a 9mm gun Joshua Pruitt - entering restricted building Matthew Council - entering restricted building, disorderly conduct Cindy Fitchett - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct, violent entry Michael Curzio - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct Douglas Sweet - entering a restricted buulding , disorderly conduct Bradley Ruskelas - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct Terry Brown - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct Thomas Gallagher - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct Derrick Evans - entering a restricted public building and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds Advertisement

Dozens more remain free and the FBI is scrambling to catch them with public appeals for help and rewards for information after Wednesday's disastrous attempts by law enforcement to control the crowd.

Their failure to arrest the rioters - many of whom had guns and overpowered them - has outraged millions of Americans who compared the soft touch to the harsh crackdown by police on BLM protesters during the summer.

The cops found Coffman's vehicle and searched it after securing a perimeter in the area surrounding the DNC and RNC, where two pipe bombs had been left.

The bomb squad had been called in to help with that.

It was during a sweep of the area that they found Coffman's van.

'One black handgun was recovered from the right front passenger seat of the vehicle.

'After locating the black handgun, officers proceeded to search the rest of the pickup truck, including the bed of the truck, which was secured under a fabric top.

'During the search of the cab of the truck, officers recovered, among other things, one M4 Carbine assault rifle along with rifle magazines loaded with ammunition,' the affidavit supporting his arrest says.

Coffman was arrested after approaching cops in a female friend's car, asking if he could access his vehicle again.

He asked them: 'Did find the bombs?' which the cops thought was a reference to the materials in his car but he says was in reference to those left outside the DNC and RNC.

The cop who Leffingwell is accused of punching signed his arrest affidavit.

In it, he describes how he attacked him in the Captiol building.

'In the course of this effort and while inside the Capitol building, I encountered an adult male who later identified himself to me as Mark Jefferson Leffingwell.

'Leffingwell attempted to push past me and other officers.

'When he was deterred from advancing further into the building, Leffingwell punched me repeatedly with a closed fist.

The DoJ announced on a call with reporters on Friday afternoon that 13 people had been charged including Richard Barnett, 60

'I was struck in the helmet that I was wearing and in the chest.

'Working with other officers, I was able to gain control over Leffingwell, who attempted to struggle while being detained.

'I transported Leffingwell to United States Capitol Police headquarters for processing,' the cop, Daniel Amendola, wrote.

Another cop described seeing a 'bulge' in Christopher Alberts' pocket which he recognized to be a handgun at 7.25pm, more than an hour after the curfew had been put in place.

'While pushing Alberts towards the line, I tapped the bulge with my baton and felt a hard object that I immediately recognized to be a firearm. At the time, Alberts was also wearing a bullet-proof vest and carrying a backpack,' officer Dallan Haynes wrote.

Pruitt was among a group of people who refused to leave the Capitol after the 6pm curfew. Council was among the group that pushed a barricade down to get into the building.

Cindy Fitchett, Michael Curzio, Douglas Sweet, Terry Brown, Bradley Rukstales, and Thomas Gallgher are charged in the same complaint for refusing to leave.

No one has been arrested yet in connection with the death of Capitol cop Brian Sicknick, 42, who died in the hospital after being hit, allegedly in the head, with a fire extinguisher.

'This is an ongoing investigation we're working this with our partners to ascertain what happened in that situation.

'We are 100 percent on it and are getting to those answers,' FBI Washington Field Office ADIC Steven D'antuono said.

Sicknick was himself a Trump fan who posted on social media about his support of the President.
The Chinese government is facing fresh accusations of a cover-up after officials deleted crucial online data about the laboratory suspected of being the source of Covid-19.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that hundreds of pages of information relating to studies carried out by the top-secret Wuhan Institute of Virology have been wiped.

Details of more than 300 studies, including many investigating diseases that pass from animals to humans, published online by the state-run National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) are no longer available.

Shi Zhengli, the Wuhan-based scientist noted for her trips to gather samples in Chinas bat caves

The deletion of key evidence has reignited fears that China is trying to whitewash the investigation into the origins of the virus.

It comes after President Xi Jinping last week blocked investigators from the World Health Organisation entering the country in a move that drew international condemnation. Meanwhile, state media outlets have published hundreds of stories claiming that the virus did not even originate in the city of Wuhan.

As part of the NSFCs purge of online studies, it has deleted all reference to those carried out by Shi Zhengli, the Wuhan-based virologist who has earned the nickname Batwoman for her trips to gather samples in bat caves.

The P4 laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province

Studies key to any investigation into the source of the virus, including one into the risk of cross-species infection from bats with Sars-like coronaviruses, and another looking at human pathogens carried by bats, have also disappeared.

Last night, former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said The Mail on Sundays revelations were another example of a Chinese cover-up.

China is clearly trying to hide the evidence, he added. It is vital that there is a thorough investigation into what happened but China seems to be doing all it can to stop that happening.

We dont know what was going on in that laboratory. It may well be the case that they played around with bat coronaviruses and made some kind of mistake. Unless China opens itself up to scrutiny, the world will assume they have something to hide.

It is not the first time that China has been accused of suppressing vital evidence about the origins of the virus.

Days before the WHO was alerted to the outbreak of Sars-like pneumonia cases in Wuhan in December 2019, the Wuhan Institute of Virology began altering its database of viral pathogens.

The Wildlife-borne Viral Pathogen Database was unique because it included information on virus variants in other wild animals.

Among the changes, which experts believe were made to throw investigators off the scent, keywords such as wildlife or wild animals were deleted.

The title was changed from Wildlife-borne Viral Pathogen Database to Bat And Rodent-borne Viral Pathogen Database. The term wild animal was replaced with bat and rodent or bat and rat.

Other terms connecting the database with the outbreak were also wiped. Emerging infectious diseases and cross-species infection were used in the original version.
What's Happening?

There is a theme which I have followed for some years and it is showing no signs of stopping. It is the rise of the oriental consumer.

For we occidentals, the Far East is often seen as a luxurious holiday destination providing skinflints like me with the opportunity to buy excellent fake handbags.

These usually look impressive until examined by one's partner, who smells a rat.

Investing opportunity: The balance of global wealth has already started to change

Why Does It Matter?

The pandemic, as we know, emanated from China and spread rapidly throughout the region. However, having had previous experience of similar outbreaks such as SARS and MERS, the organisational efficiency of many eastern states was a wonder to watch.

This meant that the disciplines of mask wearing and social control were far more acceptable and understandable to the local populations, in stark contrast to the cynical attitudes by many in the West who subsequently paid the price in being affected more heavily.

What this meant was that although all the economies in the ASEAN region were affected, many took the discipline in their stride.

Both global trade and their wider economies took a hit, but domestic consumer demand was not bashed in the same way, although those involved in the tourism industry were devastated.

What Should I Do?

There are two things to note here. First, the growing strength and wealth of this region's middle class (including some of my family, I must disclose), and second, that with the line of vaccines seeming to be growing, tourism will return and those empty sites will fill up.

The balance of global wealth has already started to change, and not just because of China.

Singapore has been growing as a very effective financial hub for several decades. Now, with increasing compliance controls in the US and UK, greater attention into what goes into the vaults of Switzerland, and the Chinese wishing to move funds offshore and beyond Hong Kong, this city state is seeing far greater inflows of investment.

For the confident, although this is not to do with making money but rather saving on holiday costs, booking a trip now could prove very beneficial.

Any Suggestions?

Picking stocks in Asia is a mug's game at this distance. You either find a good fund manager or a good value ETF to track the indices you want.

For an active manager I like Stewart (no relation) Investors' Asia Pacific Leaders Sustainability fund for proven performance and consistency.

However for a greater spread of risk and less cost, the Global X FTSE South East Asia ETF gives good exposure to the leading ASEAN nations.

Justin Urquhart Stewart co-founded fund manager 7IM and is chairman of investment platform Regionally
Robert Branca, who owns two dozen Dunkin locations in Massachusetts, said that business picked up steadily over the summer but that it had tailed off since then. A handful of his stores have closed for good, as have some other restaurants in which he was a partner. Others are on the edge.

I have a few on the bubble that might not make it, especially as sales have tailed down through the winter, he said.

The course of the virus in coming months will be critical, Mr. Branca said. But the vaccine rollout is even more important: Once his staff and customers feel safe interacting face to face again, he expects business to pick up. Even then, though, it will take time to rebuild from months of depressed sales.

If you dont go out of your house today, youre not going to buy two cups of coffee tomorrow, he said. Youre never making that back up.

Mr. Branca said he welcomed the latest congressional relief package, which offered direct help to small businesses and put money in customers pockets. It also extended unemployment benefits for millions of Americans who faced an imminent loss of income at the end of the year.

But the help came too late to save thousands of small businesses or to save many families from lasting financial harm.

Some of the damage has already been done, said Diane Swonk, chief economist at the accounting firm Grant Thornton. Were going to have to focus on healing, not just rebounding, from this crisis, because the wounds are deep.
Financial terms not disclosed

Jimmy's Cookies in New Jersey is poised to acquire the artisan bread brand Ecce Panis from US food giant Campbell Soup Co., with a deal expected to be secured before the end of the month.

Jimmy's, which supplies retail, foodservice and private-label customers in the US with "gourmet" cookies and dough, will also take control of a 113,000 square-foot bakery owned by Ecce Panis in South River, New Jersey. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Campbell Soup Co. said via a statement provided to just-food that the company had agreed terms for the Ecce Panis brand and manufacturing facility, and suggested the business falls outside of its strategy focus following a deal for US snacks firm Snyder's-Lance in 2017.

"With the acquisition of Snyder's-Lance, our growth strategy is focused on unique and differentiated brands within our snacking and centre-of-store bread categories," the statement read.

Clifton-based Jimmy's said in a media statement it will continue to produce the full range of Ecce Panis products, which includes stone baked artisan breads and rolls sold throughout the US in in-store bakeries and retailers. The addition of the bakery also provides additional capacity for its own cookies, the company said.

Howard Hirsch, Jimmy's CEO, added: "The addition of the Ecce Panis brand is consistent with our strategy to drive growth through expanding and diversifying our product line. Artisan breads represent a fast-growing segment of the bakery category and will complement our cookie business, providing customers with a full range of premium baked goods from a trusted partner."


WASHINGTON: The U.S. intelligence community got larger on Friday with the addition of the U.S. Space Force.

The Space Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Enterprise became the 18th member of the intelligence apparatus. It has not been expanded since 2006 when the Drug Enforcement Administrations intelligence unit became a member.

This accession reaffirms our commitment to securing outer space as a safe and free domain for Americas interests, National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe said during an afternoon ceremony with Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond.

In December 2019, President Donald Trump celebrated the launch of Space Force the first new military service in more than 70 years saying that space is the worlds new war-fighting domain.

Making it a co-equal member of the intelligence community aims to improve the access and sharing of information across the nations intelligence agencies and give it clout in advocating for intelligence funding to protect the U.S. in space.

For the military, Space Force answers a need to more effectively organize for the defense of U.S. interests in space especially satellites used for navigation and communication. A Pentagon report asserted that China and Russia have embarked on major efforts to develop technologies that could allow them to disrupt or destroy American and allied satellites in a crisis or conflict. Space Force is not designed or intended to put combat troops in space.

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
Flight tracking data showed the Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 plunged into a steep dive about four minutes after it left Soekarno-Hatta international airport

A Sriwijaya Air passenger aircraft carrying 62 people lost contact with air traffic controllers minutes after taking off from Indonesia's capital Jakarta and is suspected to have crashed into the sea on Saturday. Debris found by local fishermen was being examined to see if it was from the missing plane, officials said.

Indonesia transportation minister Budi Karya Sumadi said the jet, Flight SJ182, was delayed for an hour before it took off at 2.36 pm (local time). The Boeing 737-500 disappeared from radar four minutes later, after the pilot contacted air traffic control to ascend to an altitude of 29,000 feet (8,839 meters), he said.

Sixty-two passengers and crew were on board, including 10 children, Sumadi told reporters.

Flight tracking data showed the Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 plunged into a steep dive about four minutes after it left Soekarno-Hatta international airport.

The airline said in a statement that the plane was on an estimated 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesias Borneo island. The plane was carrying 50 passengers and 12 crew members, all Indonesian nationals, including six extra crew for another trip.

Sumadi said a dozen vessels, including four warships, were deployed in a search-and-rescue operation centered between Lancang island and Laki island, part of the Thousand Islands chain just north of Jakarta.

Locals heard 'thunder-like explosion', say rescue officials

Bambang Suryo Aji, the National Search and Rescue Agencys deputy head of operations and preparedness, said rescuers collected plane debris and clothes that were found by fishermen. They handed the items over to the National Transportation Safety Committee for further investigation to determine whether they were from the missing plane.

A commander of one of the search-and-rescue ships who goes by a single name, Eko, said that fishermen found cables and pieces of metal in the water.

The fishermen told us that they found them shortly after they heard an explosion like the sound of thunder, Eko was quoted by TVOne as saying, adding that aviation fuel was found in the location where the fishermen found the debris.

Aji said no radio beacon signal had been detected from the 26-year-old plane. He said his agency was investigating why the plane's emergency locator transmitter, or ELT, was not transmitting a signal that could confirm whether it had crashed.

The satellite system owned by neighboring Australia also did not pick up on the ELT signal from the missing plane, Aji said.

Solihin, 22, a fisherman from Lancang Island, said he and two other fishermen heard an explosion around 30 meter from them.

We thought it was a bomb or a tsunami since after that we saw the big splash from the water after the explosion. It was raining heavily and the weather was so bad. So it is difficult to see around clearly. But we can see the splash and a big wave after the sounds. We were very shocked and directly saw the plane debris and the fuel around our boat, he said.

Tracking service Flightradar24 said on its Twitter feed that Flight SJ182 lost more than 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) of altitude in less than a minute, about four minutes after takeoff.

This is what we know about Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 based on ADS-B data. Route: Jakarta to Pontianak

Callsign: SJY182

Aircraft: Boeing 737-500, PK-CLC

Take off: 07:36 UTC

Highest altitude: 10,900 feet

Last altitude: 250 feet

Signal lost: 07:40 UTChttps://t.co/fNZqlIR2dzpic.twitter.com/CPzFJdsuJZ  Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 9, 2021

Relatives wait for updates at Jakarta airport

Distraught relatives waited nervously for news at the city's airport. "I have four family members on the flight  my wife and three children," Yaman Zai said as he sobbed. "(My wife) sent me a picture of the baby today...How could my heart not be torn into pieces?"

Among the other passengers was Agus Minari and her husband who were on their way back to Pontianak after visiting her son and attending a funeral in Java, according to her cousin Deni Triady.

"The family is deeply shocked," Triady added.

Russian president Vladimir Putin also issued a statement offering his "sincere condolences" over the incident.

Airline says plane was airworthy

Sriwijaya Air President Director Jefferson Irwin Jauwena said the plane was airworthy. He told reporters that the plane had previously flown to Pontianak and Pangkal Pinang city on the same day.

Maintenance report said everything went well and airworthy, Jauwena told a news conference. He said the plane was delayed due to bad weather, not because of any damage.

It was raining at Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta International Airport when the plane took off for Pontianak, around 740 kilometers (460 miles) away.

Television footage showed relatives and friends of people aboard the plane weeping, praying and hugging each other as they waited at airports in Jakarta and Pontianak.

Chicago-based Boeing said on its Twitter feed that it was aware of the incident. It said it was closely monitoring the situation and working to gather more information.

The twin-engine, single aisle Boeing 737 is one of the worlds most popular planes for short and medium-haul flights. The 737-500 is a shorter version of the widely used 737 model. Airlines began using this type of plane in the 1990s, with production ending two decades ago.

Sriwijaya began operations in 2003 and flies to more than 50 destinations in Indonesia and a handful of nearby countries, according to its website. Its fleet includes a variety of 737 variants as well as the regional ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop plane.

The airline has had a solid safety record until now, with no onboard casualties in four incidents recorded on the Aviation Safety Network database, though a farmer was killed when a Boeing 737-200 left the runway in 2008 following a hydraulic problem.

Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelago nation, with more than 260 million people, has been plagued by transportation accidents on land, sea and air because of overcrowding on ferries, aging infrastructure and poorly enforced safety standards.

In October 2018, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet operated by Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea just minutes after taking off from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. The plane involved in Saturday's incident did not have the automated flight-control system that played a role in the Lion Air crash and another crash of a 737 MAX 8 jet in Ethiopia five months later, leading to the grounding of the MAX 8 for 20 months.

The Lion Air crash was Indonesia's worst airline disaster since 1997, when 234 people were killed on a Garuda airlines flight near Medan on Sumatra island. In December 2014, an AirAsia flight from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea, killing 162 people.

Indonesian airlines were previously banned from flying to the United States and European Union for not meeting international safety standards. Both have since lifted the ban, citing improvement in aviation safety and greater compliance with international standards.

The budget airline, which has about 19 Boeing jets that fly to destinations in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, said only that it was investigating the loss of contact.

In October 2018, 189 people were killed when a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX jet slammed into the Java Sea about 12 minutes after take-off from Jakarta on a routine one-hour flight.

With inputs from agencies
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.
For weeks, intensive care nurse Suzie Minnich has labored on the front lines of the Bay Areas latest COVID-19 surge in the heart of the regions crisis: Santa Clara County.

An astonishing 154 people a day have been admitted to ICUs in Santa Clara County on average in January, and Minnich, the nurse manager of two ICUs at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, said dealing with the flood of patients is like working in quicksand.

I make one bed, and two patients are already waiting for it, she said.

The number of people in the countys ICUs is nearly seven times higher than in October before the holidays, and hospital officials estimate that at least half of those patients have COVID-19.

The deluge of people needing critical care is prompting administrators to bring in doctors from outside the ICU to help.

Normally, we would not even consider doing that because these doctors are not trained as well to care for these kinds of patients, said Dr. Cliff Wang, chair of Santa Clara Valley Medical Centers Department of Medicine.

But these are extraordinary times, he said, and those doctors are able to take on tasks that free up the ICU doctors, such as calling families about a patients condition.

Santa Clara County hospitals are by far the hardest hit in the Bay Area, with 37% more new patients arriving daily into its ICU beds than in the next most saturated county, Alameda, which is seeing an average of 113 new ICU patients a day this month, up from 19 a day in October.

Although Santa Clara County is struggling with the highest number of new ICU patients each day  its the largest county in the Bay Area, with 2 million residents  every county in the region has seen a tremendous jump since before the holidays, with increases that are nine, 10 and even 17 times higher in some counties.

The rising numbers suggest that many people simply ignored public health experts who implored them to stay home over the holidays, if not to spare themselves from disease, then to keep ICU beds available for emergencies, from car accidents to heart attacks.

Not everyone listened.

Over Christmas was the worst week of nursing Ive had in 10 years, said John Pasha, a coronary ICU nurse who works the night shift at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. A decade ago is when Pasha traveled to Haiti to help out after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake destroyed much of the country.

In some ways, he said, this surge is even worse than that.

Ive never seen someone go into respiratory arrest faster than someone with COVID-19, Pasha said. This person was saying they were having trouble breathing. I looked away and turned back, and the person was dead.

Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle

That is COVID, he said. Thats whats scary.

Intensive care units, with their specially trained doctors and nurses, accept only the sickest of the sick. All ICU patients have their own room. Each person is surrounded by life-saving machinery, sometimes up to 15 IV pumps. Wires connect the patient to a monitor that beeps and flashes a constant stream of vital data about oxygen levels, heart rhythm, breathing rates and body temperature.

And now, as families are barred from visiting patients, the mix of equipment includes tablets on stands so that those visits can happen virtually.

By California law, each ICU patient can share a nurse with only one other patient. But because of the surge, and over the objection of nurses who call it unsafe, state officials are now allowing hospitals to apply for a waiver to these ratios.

Despite the limits, a patients cramped ICU room is often a crowded place as nurses and technicians collaborate to safely turn the patient over sometimes twice a day, or when a team of doctors and other experts surround a patient, fighting for that persons life.

Minnich said that at least half of the ICU patients at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center have COVID, many of them in their 40s and 50s  a younger group than she saw last spring.

Pasha, Minnich and Wang all described their ICU colleagues as tired beyond belief.

People are drained. Exhausted. Everybody is running on reserve, Wang said. The additional shifts means you arent home on a regular basis  and you dont sleep as well because you know you could get called in at any time.

The difference from the usual experience of dog-tiredness in the ICU is that now there are so many patients, you dont really have time to recover, he said.

The other day, Minnich was walking down the hall and saw a nurse beside the IV pump outside his patients room gazing off somewhere, his shoulders hunched.

He looked exhausted, Minnich said. I said, Are you all right? Do you need help? He goes, No, Im OK. I said, You want this all to be over, dont you. He said, YES!

Five ICU beds have been added to the 40 that Minnich usually oversees, she said, and theres no guarantee the unit wont be expanded again. She manages about 140 nurses.

Across town at Good Samaritan, Pasha works 12-hour shifts with no meal breaks, he said. We cant leave our patients because we dont have people to replace us. There is no break nurse. We usually have one rapid-response nurse who can come if a patient is getting worse. We dont have that anymore. There are no extra hands.

ICU admissions Santa Clara County hospitals are the hardest hit in the Bay Area, but all counties are facing big spikes in ICU admissions. The numbers below compare average daily ICU admissions in October and January. Santa Clara County: Oct.: 24. Jan: 154, nearly seven times higher. Alameda County: Oct.: 19. Jan.: 113, six times higher. Contra Costa County: Oct.: 7. Jan.: 66, 10 times higher. Napa County: Oct.: 1. Jan.: 17, 17 times higher. Solano County: Oct.: 4. Jan.: 38, nine times higher. Marin County: Oct.: 1. Jan.: 7, seven times higher. San Francisco County: Oct.: 10. Jan.: 57, six times higher. San Mateo County: Oct.: 6. Jan.: 41, six times higher. Sonoma County: Oct.: 6. Jan.: 19, three times higher. Source: Chronicle analysis of California hospitalization data See More Collapse

Patients can remain in the ICU for weeks at a time, sometimes more than a month, Minnich said, which is long enough for the doctors and nurses to get to know them and care about them.

Think about that, she said. Youre with somebody every day for two to six weeks. Youre taking care of them. This is someone who has a life. They have people who care about them and love them. They have hobbies. They had a life before they came to the ICU, and now theyre very sick.

People hear about numbers. But theyre not numbers. Theyre people. The losses have been way too many. And those who survive, many will face lifelong disabilities. Its not going to be over for them.

Dr. Ahmed Kamal, Santa Clara Countys COVID-19 director of health care preparedness, warned this week that relief from the post-holiday surge is not yet in sight, despite the arrival of vaccines.

As awful as it is, things could get worse, he said, adding that the county has not been in a situation where two people are gasping for breath and only one gets a ventilator.

But we could get there.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
Jia Lissa comes to Luke Hardy's flat, and after he takes her coat, he asks her if she'd like a drink. "After," she purrs.

He's confused. "After what?"

"After sex," she says mater-of-factly, kneeling down and opening Hardy's pants. When she stops long enough to suggest going to his room, he is more than ready to continue.

Clea Gaultier interrupts her shopping trip for some afternoon delight with her tootsie-on-the-side Megane Lopez. "I only have two hours," Gaultier says. Good thing the mood-setting candles are already lit in the boudoir. Saves time. Their Sapphic set-to is followed by a way-hetero scene where Anissa Kate coquettishly phone-invites Lorenzo Viota, Ricky Mancini and Rico Simmons over for a get-together, introducing the guys as they awkwardly survey each other, then stripping down to her black lacies and chirping, "Lets have some fun." (Kate seems to be sharing digs with Luke Hardy. Pay no attention.) The guys make the most of it, with plenty of actionincluding a d.p.before the facial finish.

College sweeties Nelly Kent and Tiffany Leiddi chance-meet in Paris and make plans to hook up again, "As long as my husband is there" (Mancini, back for seconds). In the closer, Lopez follows a hookup app to Kristof Cale's place, refusing a preliminary drink and suggesting they go straight to his room. Offbeat angles highlight this scene, including a closeup of Lopez's pleasure-contorted face and a close shot of her idle pussy as she blows him in the background.

Director Herve Bodilis likes to shoot unobtrusively here, in long shots and through doorways, giving the impression of being in the right place at the right time and getting an eyeful. Understated lighting and on-the-mark editing reinforce that style, along with condoms making the casual sex seem even more casual.

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.
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN (UroToday.com) - Following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is routinely used to monitor renal function.

Actual GFR, however, as measured by 99MTc-DTPA (iGFR), is more accurate but not routinely measured at most institutions. The authors report the accuracy of eGFR compared to iGFR measurements and long-term trends in renal function following cystectomy and urinary diversion. eGFR and iGFR were identified and compared among 166 patients following cystectomy.

In total, 614 paired iGFR and eGFR results were analyzed. A significant linear correlation between iGFR and eGFR was observed (r=0.792, p < 0.0001). The iGFR:eGFR ratio correlated inversely with increasing age (r=-0.42, p < 0.0001). Overall, better renal function was associated with a higher level of underestimation by eGFR. Of 85 patients with at least 5 years follow-up and multiple iGFR measurements, 79.8% experienced an overall decline of at least 1% of baseline function (92.9% overall decline). In 22.4% of these 85 patients, a decline of at least 10% in iGFR occurred and was missed by eGFR measurements, which overestimated true renal function. 65.6% of total overestimations occurred in patients with an iGFR range between 45 and 89 mls/min/1.73m2. Correlation between renal function and level of overestimation by eGFR was not statistically significant (r=0.00049, p=0.9368).

In conclusion, eGFR is more likely to underestimate true renal function in younger patients, and greater underestimations occur as iGFR increases. Overestimations are more common in clinically relevant ranges, and significant loss in older patients can still occur, undetected, if eGFR is used in isolation. In order to detect early signs of nephron damage, the authors recommend serial iGFR measurement for a short period following cystectomy and ileal loop diversion.

Presented by C. D. Tait at the 29th Annual European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress - April 11 - 15, 2014 - Stockholmsmassan - Stockholm, Sweden.

Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Urology, Salford UK

Written by Jeffrey J. Tomaszewski, MD, medical writer for UroToday.com
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.


TOKYO - The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry will provide support to medical institutions amid a bed shortage caused by the latest surge in novel coronavirus infections.

Support will include funds for the "zoning" of intensive care units (ICUs) with partition walls and constructing prefabricated wards for the treatment of covid-19 patients.

The government hopes to secure hospital beds as swiftly as possible at existing medical facilities and sites and ensure the availability of treatment for patients with covid-19 and other medical conditions.

The ministry has notified prefectural governments and related bodies that it plans to cover all necessary costs.

Prefectural governments had 3,582 hospital beds exclusively for severe covid-19 patients as of Wednesday. However, about 17,000 ICU and similar functioning beds are available across Japan and their effective use is urgently needed.

Such beds are often in large wards. If they are used for the treatment of covid-19 patients, it will not be possible to treat patients such as those with heart disease or cancer because of the increased risk of infection.

The ministry will provide institutions with support to erect partitions made of plywood or vinyl to divide ICU units and install negative pressure devices that control airflow as part of infection prevention measures.

The support will be provided through an emergency comprehensive support grant being allocated to medical institutions by prefectures. The grant will also fully subsidize the cost of erecting and furnishing prefabricated buildings on hospital grounds.
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.
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.
Mumbai: Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut and her sister Rangoli Chandel appeared before the Bandra Police on Friday (January 8), pursuant to a Bombay High Court order in connection with a sedition case filed against them, a lawyer said.

"As directed by the Bombay HC, they reached the Bandra Police Station at around 1 pm to record their statement," lawyer Ravish Zamindar, advocate representing the complainant Munawwarali S. A. Sayyed, told IANS.

After recording their statement for over two hours, the sisters came out and Kangana tweeted a video statement on her visit to the police station.

"Why am I being mentally, emotionally and now physically tortured? I need answers from this nation... I stood for you, its time you stand for me. Jai Hind," she tweeted.

"If you are anti-India you will find a lot of support, work/rewards, and appreciation. If you are a nationalist then you will have to stand alone, be your own support system and appreciate your own integrity. After hours of grilling at the police station on my way to Bhopal," Kangana tweeted after her statement was recorded.

It maybe recalled that in November 2020, a division bench comprising Justices S.S. Shinde and M.S. Karnik had accepted advocate Rizwan Siddique's undertaking that the two Ranaut sisters would report to the Mumbai Police on January 8 in response to the summons served on them.

The court had also barred the two sisters from making any "instigating statements" on social media platforms to the subject matter in the FIR lodged by the police, Zamindar added.

The Bombay High Court orders came on a plea filed by Ranaut-Chandel seeking to quash the police FIR, lodged on October 17 on the directions of Bandra Court Metropolitan Magistrate J.Y. Ghule over alleged hateful social media posts made by the duo.

Following the FIR, the sisters were issued summons by the Bandra Police to appear on three different dates which they skipped on various grounds. After the third summon, they had moved the Bombay HC.

"Among the charges are those under Section 124-A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code... besides spreading communal hatred and falsehoods. The police have already recorded the statement of Sayyed in this connection in October," Zamindar said.

A Bollywood casting director and fitness trainer, Sayyed had accused Kangana and Rangoli of defaming the film industry, portraying the people working in it in bad light with allegations of nepotism, drug addiction, communal bias, and attempting to drive a wedge between artistes of different communities, calling them murderers, insulting religions, etc. on social media and through their public utterances.

In his complaint, he also charged the Ranaut sisters with seeking to create a 'Hindu-Muslim divide' through objectionable comments, citing Rangoli's remarks like "make the mullahs and secular media stand in line and shoot them down; history may call us Nazis, who cares" to prove his point.
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!

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.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A total of 416 people were killed in 2020 in Libya, as a result of military operations, stray bullets, random shells and landmines, the National Human Rights Commission, a Libyan non-governmental organization, said on Saturday
S ixteen people have been arrested and 22 received fines after a crowd of anti-lockdown protesters marched on south London.

A group of around 30 people took to Clapham High Street on Saturday afternoon chanting take your freedom back.

Fellow members of the public responded with fury, with one woman shouting from her car: Theres a pandemic going on, you t***s.

The protest took place after the capitals mayor Sadiq Khan declared a major incident as the rising tide of coronavirus cases threatens to overwhelm the capitals hospitals.

Police detain a man during the anti-lockdown protest in Clapham Common / PA

The Metropolitan police said 16 demonstrators were arrested for suspected breaches of Covid-19 regulations over the course of the day.

The force added that 22 fixed penality notices were also issued.

Dozens of officers were deployed to Clapham Common to try and contain the protest, which was organised by the group StandupX and began shortly after midday.

Bystanders called the maskless protesters idiots as they headed east towards Stockwell.

The small group of demonstrators eventually returned to Clapham Common park before being dispersed by police.

NHS England figures showed the number of Covid patients in London hospitals stands at 7,277, up 32 per cent on the previous week.

Around eight in 10 recent positive cases of Covid-19 in London and eastern England could be the new variant discovered in the UK, according to the ONS.

The Met tweeted: 12 people have been arrested for breaching Covid regs at a protest in #ClaphamCommon for today. All have been taken into custody.

Others in attendance were dispersed. The policing operation continues. Gathering for the purpose of a protest is not an exemption to the rules & and people looking to attend may face enforcement action.

A protester is arrested by Police on Clapham Common / Getty Images

Meanwhile, three people were arrested on suspicion of breaching lockdown rules at a separate protest in Bournemouth town centre, Dorset Police said.

At least seven fixed penalty notices were issued by officers during the event, the force added.

Dorset Police chief constable James Vaughan said: I condemn the actions of these selfish individuals who knowingly flouted the lockdown restrictions to carry out this protest activity.

Their reckless actions come at a time when our county is facing its highest number of cases since the beginning of this pandemic.

Anti-lockdown Hyde Park protest - in pictures 1 /12 Anti-lockdown Hyde Park protest - in pictures Police handcuff and detain a protester in Hyde Park, London PA Police lead away Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour leader PA Police talk to protesters in Hyde Park PA A protester in Hyde Park, London PA Police handcuff and detain a protester in Hyde Park PA Police handcuff and detain a protester PA Police lead away Piers Corbyn PA A protester in Hyde Park PA Police at the anti-lockdown protest in Hyde Park in London PA A protester in Hyde Park PA Police in Hyde Park in London as protesters gather PA Police in Hyde Park in London as protesters gather PA

The London protests were planned after England entered a period of strengthened coronavirus restrictions, including a stay at home message from the Government.

The group was also involved in a protest in Parliament Square earlier this week in which 21 people were arrested, and its social media accounts called for thousands to join the march.

However, an open letter from Scotland Yard said the force was aware of groups looking to gather to protest, and strongly advised people not to attend any public meetings.

It read: The MPS strongly advises people not to attend any gathering, for the protection of yourselves and others.

We are still in the middle of a global pandemic.

London mayor declares major incident with coronavirus spread out of control

The statement added: Police officers will take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.

It is your responsibility to check the current position and ensure you are not committing an offence by being involved in a gathering.

We urge anyone arranging a gathering to inform your local police.

It comes after the Met warned Londoners breaching Covid legislation are increasingly likely to face fines.

The force said the public should expect officers to be more inquisitive about why they are out and about during Englands third national lockdown.
Republican lawmakers from the US House of Representatives have warned the Democratic Party against pursuing the impeachment of outgoing President for his role in Wednesday's breach of Capitol by pro-Trump supporters at Capitol Hill.

"I'm opposed to impeachment. I think at this point in time, it's more important to focus on healing and doing a peaceful transition of power as the president himself has conceded where we are and impeachment just inflames those that believe this election has been stolen. And it's time to move forward," Representative Tom Reed from New York told The Hill.

Another GOP lawmaker said they felt that impeachment could further inflame extremists' worst instincts, stating that they need to affirm that they are taking voters' concerns about the security of elections seriously and dispel conspiracies to build confidence in the democracy.

The Hill reported that House Democrats have indicated they are prepared to move forward with articles of impeachment as early as next week if Vice President Mike Pence does not invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Friday released a statement calling for unity and a smooth transition of power.

"Impeaching the President with just 12 days left in his term will only divide our country more. I have reached out to President-elect [Joe] Biden today and plan to speak to him about how we must work together to lower the temperature and unite the country to solve America's challenges," he said.

McCarthy added, "The coronavirus is still coursing through our communities, businesses and workers are facing unprecedented stress, and children are falling behind. Threats from adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran are increasing. As leaders, we must call on our better angels and refocus our efforts on working directly for the American people. United we can deliver the peace, strength, and prosperity our country needs. Divided, we will fail."

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Friday night that if Trump does not resign she has directed the Rules Committee to quickly take up a motion to impeach Trump as well as legislation to create a commission that can declare that the president is "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office."

Chaotic and violent scenes erupted at the Capitol on Wednesday as supporters of Trump stormed the building to protest the Electoral College vote, forcing a lockdown and various confrontations with police. At least five people died in the melee.

Wednesday's violence came hours after Trump encouraged his supporters to fight against the election results as Congress was certifying Biden's victory in the November vote.

(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.)
Water bottles, clothing, Trump flags, even a U.S. flag littered the ground inside the U.S. Capitol after a mob backing President Donald Trump ransacked the building.

New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim walked amid the mess shortly after voting to certify Joe Bidens victory over Trump  and felt the weight of the day wearing on him  when something motivated him to clean up the debris.

I was just really affected emotionally. I felt this kind of heightened, kind of supercharged kind of patriotism that I just felt take over, he said in an interview.

It was then he noticed police officers putting pizza boxes in trash bags, so he asked for one, too, and began cleaning up.

When you see something you love thats broken you want to fix it. I love the Capitol. Im honored to be there, he said. This building is extraordinary and the rotunda in particular is just awe-inspiring. How many countless generations have been inspired in that room?

"It really broke my heart and I just felt compelled to do something.  What else could I do?

The image of Kim crouched down clearing away litter bookended a violent, historic day that saw an angry mob smash through police lines, break windows and wrench open doors as they sieged the building, not long after Trump said at a rally they should show strength and fight against Congress certification of Bidens win.

Kim, a second-term Democrat from a district Trump won twice, wasnt looking for publicity, according to one colleague who came upon him and didnt recognize him at first.

I think it was 1 in the morning, said fellow New Jersey Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski. There were a couple National Guardsman and I noticed somebody on his hands and knees leaning under a bench to pick something up and it was Andy all by himself, just quietly removing debris and putting it in a plastic bag. He was clearly not doing it for an audience.

It was for me the most poignant moment of the long night.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Kim represents the very best of New Jersey and our nation.

Tom MacArthur, the former GOP representative from New Jersey that Kim beat in a close race in 2018, was heartened by his successors action. It was MacArthur who had helped shepherd the GOP effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act through the House and who stood alongside Trump and others at the White House to celebrate, though the effort failed. Kim ran in part on the popularity of Barack Obamas signature health care law.

Kim represents the 3rd District, which stretches from the Philadelphia suburbs along the Delaware River in the west, across New Jerseys pine barrens to seaside Ocean County.

He launched his campaign in 2017, returning to live in the southern New Jersey town he grew up in after a career in Washington and abroad.

A University of Chicago graduate and Rhodes Scholar, Kim served from 2013 until 2015 as the Iraq director for the Obama administrations National Security Council.

Before that, he was the Iraq director at the Pentagon within the defense secretarys office. He also previously served as a civilian adviser to generals David Petraeus and John Allen in Afghanistan.

The son of Korean immigrant parents, he became the first Asian American to represent New Jersey in Congress after he was elected in 2018.

On Thursday, he reflected on how he, a person of color, was cleaning up after people who waved white supremacist symbols like the Confederate flag during the melee. He said he hadnt considered race at the time.

But he thought for a moment and added: Its so hard because we dont look at each other and see each other as Americans first, whether its race or ethnicity or religion or political party thats getting in the way of us being able to have that shared identity that forged our country and is necessary for us to be able to continue.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Right Steps Child Development Centers is opening a new location in downtown Lafayette. Located between 7th and 8th street at the Central Presbyterian Church, the childcare center will help address the shortge in downtown Lafayette.

"We are a childcare desert in downtown Lafayette which probaby would surprise a lot of people," Debi DeBruyn, President and CEO of Right Steps said.

"It's needed in the community, we have so many children that still need care."

The new location is scheduled to open in early Feburary. DeBruyn says the location will have 45 students and ages from infants to pre-kindergarten.

Right Steps is in need of workers for the new childcare center. Those interested in helping should visit their website and apply.
President Donald Trump said he would not attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, putting an end to the questions of whether he would be present at the event or not.

Trump tweeted Friday that he will not be going to the inauguration on Jan. 20, according to an NBC News report. Biden replied to Trump's statement and said that Trump skipping his oathtaking was one of the few things that they agreed on.

"One of the few things he and I have ever agreed on... It's a good thing, him not showing up," Biden said in a report.

Instead, Biden invited Vice President Mike Pence to the inauguration. However, the vice president's press secretary, Devin O'Malley, said that Pence and the second lady had not yet made a decision.

"If the - the vice president is welcome to come, would be happy to have him come and to move forward in the transition," Biden said in a Washington Examiner report.

Related story: Trump Intends to Run 2024 Presidential Campaign on Biden's Inauguration, Report Says

Trump Skipping Biden's Inauguration

Trump announced hours before Biden's address on Friday that will not be attending the inauguration of the president-elect. Reports said that the president is planning to fly in Scotland days before and that he would hold a competing rally in Florida.

Reports further noted that Trump will announce a bid for the 2024 Republican presidential primary campaign in Florida. However, the White House denied both affairs.

Trump will be part of the presidents who skipped the inauguration of their successors, such as John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Johnson. Richard Nixon also departed the White House after his resignation and did not attend Gerald Ford's swearing-in.

Trump will be the first outgoing president since 1869 to be absent in his successor's inauguration, according to a Business Insider report.

Top Republican official, Sen. Rick Scott, publicly urged Trump to attend the inauguration, saying that doing so is a critical part of the tradition of peaceful transfer of power in the United States.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses have all said that they will be attending Biden's inauguration. But former President Jimmy Carter, who is 96, and his wife said that they would not be traveling for the inauguration event.

Biden Inauguration Plans

The recent U.S. Capitol breach and riot intensified scrutiny over security at the upcoming inauguration ceremony for Biden.

Plans for the Jan. 20 event were already minimized due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol raises new questions about the preparedness to welcome the new president, according to an ABC News report.

The congressional leaders responsible for the organization of the event have insisted that the events will push through. Sens. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn, jointly stated that the attack on the Capitol will not stop them from affirming to Americans and the world that the country's democracy endures.

Security forces have already been enhanced because of the riot that took place on Wednesday, in which five people died, including a Capitol police officer.

For the next 30 days, around 6,200 members of the National Guard from Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and Maryland will be supporting the Capitol Police and other law enforcement in Washington D.C.

Related story: President-Elect Joe Biden's Inauguration to Spend Astounding $7.5 Million on Security Company


Around 15-20 dead crows were discovered at a park in Delhi's Mayur Vihar Phase III amid a bird flu scare in the country. Samples taken from the dead crows have been sent to Northern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Jalandhar in Punjab to determine whether the crows were carrying the bird flu or not.

The caretaker of the park has stated that as many as 200 crows have died in just the past week.

Tinku Choudhury from Central Park in Mayur Vihar, told ANI, "Nearly 200 crows have died here till now. Sanitation drives are being carried out and we've shut it for visitors. Bodies of five crows were taken away by officials yesterday and they've been sent to Jalandhar for testing."

Dr Sunil Singh Tomar of the Animal Husbandry Department has stated that scores of crow carcasses have been discovered in Delhi during the ongoing bird flu scare. He said, "We are instructed to keenly monitor, observe the situation and ensure proper sampling. 11 Rapid Response Teams have been formed by the Delhi govt who are monitoring their assigned districts".

Earlier, an official from the animal husbandry unit had stated that around 50 birds, most of which were crows, have died in the last three to four days Dwarka, Mayur Vihar Phase 3 and Hastsal village in West Delhi. On Friday, two dead crows were discovered in DDA Park, Dwarka. A sample from the dead crows has been sent for further investigation. Meanwhile, 16 dead crows were found dead in DDA Park, Hastsal Village.

Dr Rakesh Singh from the animal husbandry unit said, "We received information about the death of crows in Dwarka, Mayur Vihar Phase 3 and Hastsal village in west Delhi. However, it is yet to be ascertained if bird flu infection is the reason."

"On the directions of Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, a rapid response team was rushed to Central Park in Mayur Vihar Phase III. Seventeen crows were found dead in the park and four samples were collected. The remaining carcasses were disposed of through deep burial method," a government statement read.

Also Read: Bird flu outbreak: Does it spread from human to human?

Also read: Bird flu outbreak: Is it safe to eat eggs, chicken?

Also read: Bird Flu outbreak: States on 'high alert' as thousands of ducks, poultry birds die across India
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 21:17:42|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Medical officials prepare at the SJ-182 flight crisis centre at Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 9, 2021. A passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air carrying over 60 people crashed into waters off Jakarta on Saturday. Human body parts and debris of the plane were found, Captain EKo Surya Hadi, commander of Trisula coast guard ship, told a local TV. The Boeing 737-500 plane was carrying 62 people, including 56 passengers and six crew members. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B)

JAKARTA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- A passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air carrying over 60 people crashed into waters off Jakarta on Saturday.

Human body parts and debris of the plane were found, Captain EKo Surya Hadi, commander of Trisula coast guard ship, told a local TV.

The Boeing 737-500 plane was carrying 62 people, including 56 passengers and six crew members.

"We found body parts, life jackets, avtur (aviation turbine fuel) and debris of the plane," he told the local TV.

The SJ-182 flight, which was flying to Pontianak city in West Kalimantan province, crashed at around 2:40 p.m. local time (0740 GMT) after taking off from the Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta, Surya said.

The ill-fated plane of the Indonesian budget airline lost contact with air traffic controllers after taking off from Jakarta on Saturday afternoon, spokesman of the National Search and Rescue Office Yusuf Latief told Xinhua.

Rescue teams were heading to the scene after receiving information from the AIRNAV Indonesia, which is responsible for providing all air traffic control services across Indonesia, he added.

On Oct. 29, 2018, all 189 people aboard were killed after a Boeing 737 Max plane of Indonesia's Lion Air crashed into the Java Sea shortly after taking off from Jakarta.

In December 2014, an AirAsia plane crashed into sea en route from Indonesia's second biggest city Surabaya to Singapore, killing all 162 people aboard. Enditem
Southern provinces still submerged by floods

PATTANI: The monsoon in the southern region has now started to ease, but many areas especially those near the Pattani river remain submerged by flood waters. The water level in the Pattani river has been rising since a reservoir upstream had to start discharging water.

weatherdisasters

By National News Bureau of Thailand

Saturday 9 January 2021, 10:14AM

Photo: NNT

The water level in the Pattani river this morning (Jan 9) was close to overflowing into areas beside it, much of it water discharged from the reservoir at Bang Lang Dam upstream. It is likely that water will flood business areas in Pattanis city center, if water from Yala flows in this direction over the next couple of days, reports state news agency NNT.

The main road accessing villages in Paka Harang subdistrict has been cut by the flood, forcing villagers to use boats as their prime mode of transport. Villagers have already stocked up on food as they expect this years flooding season to last longer than usual. Already in this area, many villages are now submerged by flood water, with about 280 households now affected.

In Yarang district at Yala-Pattani provincial border, 14 villages have been flooded, with the water levels continuing to rise rapidly. Local authorities have assisted in the evacuation of villagers and the relocation of their belongings to safer areas. They are now monitoring the situation round the clock to assist villagers.

In Yala province, torrential rains that had previously hit the province stopped yesterday. The situation has improved to the point that some flooded roads can now open for traffic, with only some areas by canals and rivers still submerged.

Meanwhile, villagers in areas along the Pattani river have continued to be affected by the overflowing river, as the river is now receiving water discharged by Bang Lang Dam upstream. Some roads including access roads to the city center are still flooded in one-meter deep water.

Raman district in Yala is one of the water receiving areas now submerged by floodwater. A local ranger unit has coordinated with related government agencies to deliver essential items to villagers, as well as transferring bedridden patients at home to hospitals. They have also launched a campaign to deliver gifts to local children to celebrate this years Childrens Day today (Jan 9).
The week saw multiple new launches as car companies got busy in the new year, looking for a fresh start after the coronavirus pandemic that hit the auto industry hard, forcing almost every company to hike prices. More on this later, take a look at what else made headlines during the week:

Mercedes-Benz launches S-Class Maestro, Audi launches new A4

With the Mercedes-Benz S-Class set for a departure this year, the company has decided to give it one last edition, the Maestro Edition.

German luxury carmaker Audi on January 5 launched the new version of its popular sedan A4 in India, with prices starting at Rs 42.34 lakh (ex-showroom).

Toyota launches new Fortuner

Toyota Kirloskar Motors has launched the facelifted version of the Fortuner with prices starting at Rs 29.98 lakh, which is Rs 1.32 lakh more than the outgoing model. The top-end Fortuner is priced at Rs 37.43 lakh. All prices ex-showroom pan India except Kerala.

Toyota has added a new version of the Fortuner called Legender. Priced at Rs 37.58 lakh, the Legender is essentially a sportier version of the Fortuner but is powered by the same diesel engine as the Fortuner.

Tata Motors reintroduces Safari brand

Tata Motors has rebranded the upcoming seven-seater Harrier as Tata Safari after having scrapped the old name Gravitas. The SUV is set to go on sale in the last week of January.

With this change, Tata Motors has brought the Safari brand back into its portfolio after 14 months. The Mumbai-based company stopped the production of the Safari Storme in late 2019.

India to fall short of E2W sales

Only 3 percent of the 1 million electric two-wheelers targeted by the government under an incentive scheme launched in 2019 have been sold so far this year, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), said.

Phase 2 of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME 2) scheme launched by the government in April 2019 envisages cumulative sales of 1 million electric two-wheelers by March 2022

MG launches new Hector, BMW launches Mini 3-door

MG Motor India on January 7 launched the seven-seater version of its popular SUV Hector priced between Rs 13.35 lakh and Rs 18.33 lakh (ex-showroom), as it enhanced its product portfolio to sell 50,000 vehicles in the country this year.

German luxury carmaker BMW said on the same day it launched a special edition of MINI three-door hatchback in India priced at Rs 41.7 lakh (ex-showroom).

Mahindra, Mercedes hike prices

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) on January 8 announced a hike in prices of its range of personal and commercial vehicles by around 1.9 percent with immediate effect.

Premium carmaker Mercedes-Benz India said it is hiking its car prices by 5 percent from January 15, owing to the currency depreciation and increasing input costs that had pushed up the overall production cost.

Robust demand which has continued into the new year has empowered car makers to carry out hikes across segments. In addition to M&M and Mercedes-Benz, Maruti Suzuki, Renault, Volkswagen, Nissan and Hyundai, too, have raised prices.

Carmakers blame a variety of reasons for increasing the prices, including depreciation in the rupee, rise in commodity rates, price hikes by parts manufacturers and increased logistics costs.

Though fuel prices are touching new highs every day, the need for personal transport and rock bottom auto finance rates are pushing demand for new cars. The surge has come on the back of a reduction in vehicle discounts.

Carmakers are operating their factories at full capacity as demand continues to outstrip supply. About half a dozen models such as Mahindra Thar, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Creta, Hyundai i20, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Swift have a waiting period ranging from a few weeks to 10 months.
FrieslandCampina - said to be mulling stake sale in yogurt venture

Dutch dairy major FrieslandCampina is reportedly weighing up a sale of its 50% stake in Thailand yogurt business Betagen.

The cooperative became co-owner of Betagen through a joint venture with locally-based Thai Advanced Food back in 2007 but, according to a report from news agency Bloomberg, it is now pondering an exit.

Bloomberg, citing "people with knowledge of the matter," suggested FrieslandCampina could raise up to US$500m through selling its stake in the business, which produces yogurts and yogurt drinks.

Its report said the Dutch company is working with an adviser to identify a buyer for the stake in the joint venture.

Since 2007, Betagen, which manufactures FrieslandCampina brands including Dutch Lady and Friso, has expanded into neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.

Get the best in data analysis & reporting - Alchemer. Please take my survey now

The Attasakulchai family, which owns Thai Advanced Food, has a pre-emptive right to acquire FrieslandCampina's stake in Betagen before it is offered to other prospective suitors, Bloomberg's sources said.

But those sources added that deliberations for the divestment are at an early stage and FrieslandCampina could decide to retain its stake in the business.

When contacted by just-food, a spokesperson for the Dutch cooperative said: "It is FrieslandCampina's policy not to comment on rumours and speculation in the market."
Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community.

Submit here
The law firm of Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman has reached a settlement agreement on behalf of client Lamar West in his civil rights case against Irvine, California Mayor Christina Shea.

The City of Irvine will pay a sum of money to Mr. West on behalf of Mayor Shea to settle allegations that the mayor violated Mr. West's First Amendment rights by blocking him from posting on her personal Facebook profile after West was critical of online comments Shea made concerning the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

Filed on July 20, 2020, the complaint alleged Mayor Shea used her Facebook profile as a public forum and committed viewpoint discrimination and censorship when she blocked Mr. West from engaging in open discourse on systemic racism and police misconduct. Mr. West further alleged that Mayor Shea blocked several other commenters from her Facebook profile.

The allegations in the lawsuit stem from the events that came in the wake of George Floyd's death. Days after Floyd's death and the protests throughout the country, Mayor Shea posted a message on her Facebook profile saying she received several emails from Black Lives Matter that asked her to cut public safety funding and allocate the money to community programs designed to combat homelessness, among other issues.

Shea's message which has since been deleted read:

"We have been named one of the Safest Cities in America for 15 years in a row and I will not agree to reduce our public safety funding especially after seeing the violence we have endured as a nation this past week  If you are coming into Irvine to promote an agenda, and protest for lesser public safety protection, best you turn around and find another city to compromise"

Mr. West was one of more than 100 people to respond to the mayor's comment:

"Like other educated people have mentioned it's okay for you to support the movement and not defund the police but you don't want to do either. I can hear the racist ancestors of yours in this post and it's sickening. Enjoy your position while it lasts"

Shea responded by blocking Mr. West and several other individuals who made critical comments of her official capacity as mayor. Mr. West and others asked to be unblocked but Mayor Shea refused. Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman then sent a demand letter requesting Shea to unblock Mr. West from her profile, explaining that she could not censor Mr. West's viewpoint as she had created a public forum on her Facebook profile. Per the complaint, Mayor Shea did not respond to the letter, did not unblock Mr. West, and only modified her public profile with the description "this is not a government page"

In response to the lawsuit, Mayor Shea filed a motion to dismiss that was denied. In his ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Cormac J. Carney wrote that Mr. West "plausibly alleges that Defendant blocked him from her Profile solely because he expressed a view she did not like. Governmental viewpoint discrimination has long been prohibited by the First Amendment"

Once the motion was denied, the two sides entered into negotiations, resulting in the settlement which became final on December 7, 2020.

The City of Irvine issued the following statement concerning the settlement on Dec. 9, 2020:

Statement Regarding West v. Shea Matter

Wednesday, December 9, 2020





The City of Irvine recently paid a substantial sum to settle a lawsuit arising from former Mayor Christina Shea's use of her personal Facebook profile. Mayor Shea chose to block users and delete postings relating to the Black Lives Matter movement during the protests last summer. One of the blocked users, Lamar West, sued former Mayor Shea in federal court, claiming she violated his free speech rights. Because Mr. West alleged the Mayor's activities amounted to government action, the City was required by law to defend the lawsuit.

Even though the case ultimately settled with no admission of liability, the City incurred over $80,000 in legal fees to defend the lawsuit, and spent almost $40,000 more in settlement. While arguments can be made that the City could have successfully defended the lawsuit at trial, there can be no question that this whole situation could have been avoided had former Mayor Shea not blocked the users and deleted the posts.

The City of Irvine holds itself to high standards. It encourages robust discussion of important public issues, and it disapproves of actions that silence the voices of those with opposing points of view. Putting aside the question of what is "legal," the City believes that former Mayor Shea's actions did not meet the City's standards and expectations.

Mr. Esfandiary, Monique Alarcon, and Timothy A. Loranger from Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman represented Mr. West in his case.

"It was an honor to represent Mr. West in this important case, which should serve as a strong warning that elected officials cannot censor dissenting voices on the internet," says Mr. West's attorney, Pedram Esfandiary.

About Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman

Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman is an award-winning law firm representing individuals in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, class actions, mass torts, whistleblower claims, police misconduct and more. The firm's attorneys have earned a reputation for winning big cases and breaking new legal ground. Across all areas of practice, Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman has won over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients in the United States and around the world.
A court here in Maharashtra has handed a two-year jail term to two nationals of Bangladesh for staying illegally in Thane district, as per the order made available on Saturday.

The convicts, identified as Marup Mujubi Shaikh and Ali Kalam Shaikh, were convicted under provisions of the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act by Thane assistant sessions court judge PM Gupta on January 2.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each of the convicts.

The judge ordered the jail authorities concerned and officer in charge of Kashimira police station to take necessary steps to deport the duo to Bangladesh on the expiry of their sentence.

Marup and Ali were arrested by the Kashimira Police in Thane district during a raid on September 1, 2018, the court was told.

The duo pleaded guilty to the crime, the prosecution said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Vulnerable populations aged 65 and over Americans are having difficulty setting online appointment for COVID vaccine rollout as some health systems plan to use apps and programs.

While technology may be a great way to manage appointments, elderly Americans might have limited access with it, particularly those who do not own a smartphone.

Vulnerable populations having difficulty setting appointments

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's visiting research scientist Angela K. Shen who previously worked at the US Department of Health and Human Services offered her recommendations on how the U.S. should distribute vaccines equitably. She wrote in her report that older adults should get the vaccine first without having to pay for it.

However, since CVS Health would require people to set an appointment via the app or online while it administers 20 to 25 million jabs every month in the U.S. while Beaumont Health asks the elderly to access the hospital's online portal to set an appointment.

Shen also said using online appointments to get access to vaccines disadvantages rural communities and older Americans who lack access to fast internet. Instead, she advised healthcare systems focus on providing vaccines to large part of the population, which might require using technology likes mobile apps.

Shen said authorities can tweak strategies that are not working to reach those who were missed. She urged having different methods to reach various groups like in Colorado where seniors from disadvantaged areas got first access in drive-through vaccination clinics. The US then used paper cards to remind people when the second dose is due.

Moreover, Shen noted that high-risk communities should remain wearing masks and following social distancing rules if older populations still have uneven access to vaccines. She added that not all elderly people who do not use a cell phone are at higher risk.

"It depends on what actions you yourself are doing," Shen told Business Insider, adding that plenty of older people use technology while others still do not.

Meanwhile, governments should employ more in-home providers to administer the vaccines to 2 million people over 65 who cannot leave their homes.

Read also: Virologist Uses $2 Head Lice Treatment Against Coronavirus, Reducing COVID-19 Deaths by Up to 80%, Leaked Data Shows

5 ways to boost COVID Vaccine Rollout

After the U.S. was only able to rollout the vaccine among 2.8 million Americans at the end of 2020, the Food and Drug Administration is encouraging the vaccinating elderly Americans to speed up the jab distribution. This is far less than the initial goal of 20 million. NPR suggested five ways to enhance the vaccination process.

Get access to more vaccines with other simpler jab candidates. Ensure sufficient funding for the COVID vaccine rollout. Open up mass vaccination sites to hold thousands of people daily. Hold wider, more stringent public awareness campaigns. Ensure a steady supply of vaccine doses.

COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan: How elderly could access it?

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told reporters that states do not need to complete vaccinating all healthcare providers before giving out opening vaccinations to vulnerable populations, particularly the older population.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people 75 and older have eight times higher risk of getting hospitalized after acquiring COVID-19 and are likely to die 220 times more than those aged 18 to 28. The US should already administer the oldest groups before gradually rolling it out among the younger people to reduce hospitalizations and deaths.

Related article: If COVID Vaccine Delivery Accelerates, Herd Immunity Possible by July, Life to Normalize by Fall 2021 - Fauci Says

This is owned by Tech Times

Written by CJ Robles

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Terrorism in the Richmond District in 1927

WNP member Paul Rosenberg did some research on a 1927 explosion on Balboa Street near 15th Avenue.

"Jesse Brown Cook began as a San Francisco police officer and worked his way up to police chief (1908-1910) and, later, served on the police commission. His collection of photographs from 1895 to 1936 at the UC Berkeley Bancroft Library runs to about 8,000 images and about half are digitized and available online. I found this example of 'terrorism' in the Richmond District around the time of the Sacco-Vanzetti executions on August 22, 1927.

"Although the photos are great, Mr. Cook was not the best caption person. His captions contain misspellings and other errors. He places the incident on August 30, 1927, but it actually took place around midnight July 30-31, 1927. He also got the name of the person killed in the explosion wrong. Such errors make follow-up in the newspapers of the time and the death records most challenging."

Photos of the incident on the UC Berkeley Site:

http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/tf6c60095w&brand=oac/

http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/tf2w1007xb&brand=oac/

Transcriptions of newspaper articles about the incident:

San Francisco Examiner, Sunday, July 31, 1927, Front Page:



1 KILLED, 1 NEAR DEATH AS AUTO EXPLODES; POLICE SUSPECT BOMBING

Mystery Blast Wrecks Car, Mutilates Driver, Companion, Critically Injured, May Live

One man was instantly killed and another was so horribly mangled that he may die in a terrific explosion---perhaps caused by a bomb---in an automobile on Balboa street, between Fourteenth and Fifteenth avenues, just before midnight last night.

The blast---no one yet knows what caused it---rocked the entire neighborhood, and all the windows in the houses on that block were blown out.

The occupants of the car were not positively identified at an early hour this morning, but from insurance blanks found around the car it was thought that one of the men might be Angelo C. Luca, an insurance man, who lives at 1865 Green street and who drove a car similar to the one destroyed by the explosion.

Clothes Blown Off

Both men were found outside the car by people of the neighborhood who rushed to the scene of the explosion. They were terribly burned and mangled, and the clothes had been blown from their bodies. Wires overhead had fragments of garments hanging to them and the car itself, from the dashboard back, was utterly demolished.

There were no witnesses to the explosion that the police could find last night. The first intimation of the tragedy was the deafening explosion, which was heard for a distance of fully a mile.

Police rushed to the scene and after a first investigation declared that the blast was probably the result of dynamite, which, they said, must have been in the car.

Body Blown 30 Feet

One body was found beside the car, which may have been running at the time of the blast, or may have been parked on Balboa street. It was about two feet from the curb and heading in the proper direction.

The other body was about 30 feet behind the machine, lying in the road.

The man who was still living was taken to the Park Emergency Hospital, where it was found that both of his legs were broken and he was badly burned. There was scarcely any clothing on his body, and nothing to identify him.

Mrs. Angelo Luca stated that her husband drives a car similar to that destroyed by the explosion. She said that her husband was out last night on insurance business but she did not know where he was.

San Francisco Examiner, Saturday, August 27, 1927, Front Page



SUICIDE, NEW BOMB THEORY

A death plot against Captain of Detectives Duncan Matheson [later San Francisco Treasurer] was responsible for the bomb explosion on the night of July 30, according to information given the police last night. Dominick Caffodio was instantly killed when the bomb exploded and Angelo C. Lucca, 1865 Green street, with Caffodio, in an automobile, was seriously injured. The blast occurred at Fifteenth avenue and Balboa street.

According to the story given the police by a war veteran and native of San Francisco. Caffodio was a member of an anarchist group, but was trying to escape the terrorists. He was selected by lottery to hurl the bomb, the police were told, but deliberately touched it off prematurely and ended his own life.

The story told by the police informant came to him, he said, through his wife who, in turn, obtained the information from an Italian girl claiming to be Caffodio's cousin. The story is being investigated by the police.

Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places!
Education Minister Norma Foley, teacher unions and other education partners have agreed they want the Leaving Cert to go ahead  but they are no closer to getting sixth years back into the classroom.

Less than 24 hours after teacher unions pulled the plug on plans to reopen schools on Monday for 60,000 Leaving Cert students and 18,000 pupils with special needs, a new round of talks was under way in an effort to find

agreement.

Ms Foley had separate meetings with the education stakeholders from primary level and post-primary level, which were later described by several participants as positive and constructive.

When the new school term kicks off belatedly on Monday, it will be a return to remote learning for the more than 900,000 pupils, until the end of January at the earliest.

Read More

While yesterdays meetings agreed there should be a return to the classroom at the earliest opportunity, with priority for Leaving Cert students and special needs pupils, there was no discussion about the circumstances in which that would happen.

At a meeting on Thursday, public health experts told the education stakeholders that schools were safe and that they had no difficulty with the limited return, involving 1.6pc of the population, proposed for Monday.

However shortly afterwards, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) said it had not received

sufficient assurances, particularly around the new Covid variant, while the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) also expressed health and safety concerns.

Both unions instructed their members not to co-operate.

Parents of children with special needs have been devastated they are not returning to school on Monday.

Ms Foley told yesterdays meetings she wanted to put measures in place immediately to ensure a meaningful continuity of education for these pupils.

The minister is meeting representatives of three advocacy organisations  Inclusion Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland and the autism charity, AsIAm  on Monday to discuss the

situation.

AsIAm chief executive Adam Harris said they wanted home tuition to be made available to every student enrolled in

special classes and schools and to students in mainstream education who were unable to learn remotely.

At yesterdays meeting with second-level representatives, Ms Foley also asked about the Leaving Cert and whether everyone shared the objective of holding the traditional exams.

Her message was that if exam candidates dont get back to school soon, there will need to be discussion about a Leaving Cert Plan B.

There was a consensus around holding the exams, but she said it must be backed up by actionable commitments.

The discussions between the sides will continue but no timelines has been set and, with current record high Covid infection rates and ongoing uncertainty about its progress, no one was hazarding a guess as to when even students deemed as priority might be back in school.

Last year, the traditional June exams were replaced by a system of calculated grades, which proved highly controversial and is currently the subject of about 50 High Court actions.

This years Leaving Cert candidates have already suffered serious disruption having been out of schools from March to June last year.

While they returned to the classroom in September, stress levels have been high.
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 Minister for Health has announced an acceleration of Ireland's Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Minister Stephen Donelly said it is hoped to finish the first phase of vaccination of frontline health workers and residents of nursing homes by the end of January.

By the end of this week, our plan is to have given over 40,000 vaccines to frontline healthcare workers and nursing home staff and residents, the plan is on target.

Were now going to accelerate our plan for residents and staff in long term residential care facilities  this means nursing homes as well as mental health and disability residential centres.

We had planned to vaccinate all 75,000 residents and staff with the first dose of the vaccine by the end of January. Were now accelerating this plan to finish earlier, meaning that the first dose will be given to all residents and staff in the next two weeks.

Were mobilising 65 vaccination teams including hospital vaccinators, community vaccinators, school vaccinators and the National Ambulance Service. Vaccinations will take place seven days a week.

Weve decided to use some of our one week buffer as our supply of vaccines has been constant and weve received solid reassurance from Pfizer that this will continue to be the case.

Speed is of the essence and this is especially true for the most vulnerable people in our society, he said.

A statement said the Minister also noted todays announcement by the European Commission in relation to additional doses of Pfizer/BioNTechs vaccine under the Advance Purchase Agreement negotiated on behalf of Member States.

Minister Donnelly said this is good news for Europe.

More than 8,000 people were confirmed as having contracted the virus on January 7 in the latest figures published by NPHET.

Minister Donnelly also welcomed the agreement between 16 private hospitals and the HSE to provide additional hospital capacity to HSE, to deal with the surge in Covid-19 cases and any further surges in the pandemic, if they arise within the next 12 months.
Newly-released video shows Oregon Rep. Mike Nearman exiting the Oregon State Capitol building on December 21

As he leaves, far-right demonstrators brush past him and enter the building

The protestors are then seen fighting with police who are trying to eject them

Four people were arrested and police were pepper sprayed during the incident

Newly released security video shows an Oregon lawmaker holding the door open for armed, far-right demonstrators to illegally enter the Oregon State Capitol building last December.

The footage from inside the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem, Oregon, shows Republican Rep. Mike Nearman leaving the building at about 8.30am on December 21, 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT

On that day, lawmakers were holding a special session to address the coronavirus pandemic. The building was closed to the public.

Rep. Mike Nearman is seen leaving the Oregon Capitol building at about 8.30am on December 21, 2020. As he leaves, he pushes open the door and far-right protesters slip past him

The protesters are seen inside the Capitol building, holding open an inner door and gesturing for fellow protesters to enter the building, too

Click here to resize this module

Nearman is seen in the video pushing open an interior set of doors, before quickly crossing a short vestibule to get to the street-side door.

As Nearman pushes the street door open and exits the building, a casually-dressed man - carrying an American flag - brushes past Nearman and hurries into the Capitol building, managing to catch the interior door before it closes. A second casually-dressed man then appears, propping open the street door.

Both men can be seen gesturing for people outside, off camera, to enter the building. Within seconds, people - identified as being far-right protesters - are seen trickling into the building.

It takes about 30 seconds for state police officers to rush into the lobby from a different part of the building and forcibly push the interlopers back out onto the street.

Seconds later, protesters can be seen arguing with the police and trying to push their way back into the building, by which point Salem police and state troopers have also arrived as backup for the state troopers.

Oregon State Police are seen rushing into the vestibule to ward off protesters who are inside

Police are then seen gathering to fend off the protesters who've tried to enter the building

On Thursday, it was announced that Nearman (pictured) is being investigated by Oregon State Police for holding the door open to the state Capitol building

Nearman

Far-right protesters are seen clashing with police outside the Oregon Capitol Building on December 21 as they tried to enter the building which was closed to the public

Police are seeing being sprayed with mace by far-right protesters on December 21 outside the Oregon State Capitol building

Trump supporters are seen waving flags outside the Oregon Capitol building December 21

A demonstrator is seen screaming at Salem Police while trying to get inside the Capitol building on December 21 during the far-right protest

During the incident, police were pepper-sprayed and four protesters were arrested.

On Thursday, House Speaker Tina Kotek confirmed that Nearman 'did open a door to let demonstrators into the building,' and said that 'was a serious, serious breach of public trust,' KOIN reported.

Some of the protesters were reported to have been armed and Nearman is now being investigated by Oregon State Police.

'We have consulted employee services as well as the Legislative Equity Office about "Is this a hostile workplace violation? Should it go through the conduct committee?" That's a potential,' Kotek said, according to KGW.

ADVERTISEMENT

'First, we've been waiting to give a little bit of space for Oregon State Police to conduct their criminal investigation.'

A spokesman for Oregon State Police told the news station charges in this case would be decided by prosecutors.

The demonstrators, some of which were carrying rifles and several of whom were not wearing face masks, were attempting to disrupt the special session that was being held as part of their objections to Oregon's coronavirus restrictions, the Oregonian reported.

Demonstrators were said to have physically attacked journalists who were on site during the incident and at least one person was arrested after trying to enter the building by breaking a window in a door.

Among those who were able to get inside the building was Joey Gibson, the leader of the far-right group Patriot Prayer. He has been previously accused riot following a brawl at a bar in Northeast Portland and has been involved in multiple, recent right- and left-wing clashes in Portland.
Hogan said he was in the middle of a videoconference with the Japanese ambassador to the United States when his chief of staff came in to tell him that the U.S. Capitol was under attack. Hogan said he immediately excused himself from the videoconference and convened an emergency meeting to mobilize state troopers and the National Guard.

London is facing the biggest threat of the pandemic so far as the NHS buckles under the strain of Covid cases

The Mayor warned that one in 30 residents across the capital are currently estimated to be infected

It comes amid claims from scientists that current lockdown measures are too 'lax' and need to be tightened

Some of London's most famous landmarks were eerily quiet today at the start of the first weekend of Britain's third national lockdown, as calls for even tighter restrictions continue to grow.

Scientists warn the current measures are too 'lax' and can't contain the new coronavirus variant, so are demanding stricter rules as 'interactions are now riskier' than in the first wave of the pandemic.

ADVERTISEMENT

One expert revealed today that around 90 per cent of the population are sticking to regulations, and that appeared the case in the heart of the capital as haunting pictures this morning showed some of its biggest landmarks, including Leicester Square, China Town and Westminster Bridge laid deserted.

Despite that, there were crowds of people were out and about in Clapham, even though shops are closed, while traffic data from TomTom shows congestion levels have been greater today than they were last Saturday - a trend replicated across the week, despite Monday's announcement of a new lockdown.

It emerged yesterday that London is facing the biggest threat of the pandemic so far as the NHS buckles under the strain of coronavirus cases, with a major incident declared in the capital by Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The city is one of the main hotspots of the latest wave of the virus which saw deaths reach a record high yesterday, with its spread now 'out of control' in the metropolitan area.

Mayor Sadiq Khan warned that more than one per cent of the city's nine million residents tested positive for Covid last week, with one in 30 residents currently estimated to be infected.

In the worst-hit boroughs, it is feared the rate is as high as one in 20 and startling figures also show that hospital admissions rose by a quarter in the first week of January.

More than 7,000 NHS beds across the capital are currently occupied by Covid patients - 35 per cent higher than the busiest day of the pandemic in the spring.

Westminster Bridge was empty this morning after Mayor Sadiq Khan declared a major incident in London during the third Covid lockdown

Coventry Street was empty this morning after Mayor Sadiq Khan declared a major incident in London during the third Covid lockdown

Victoria embankment was quiet this morning after Mayor Sadiq Khan declared a major incident in London during the third Covid lockdown

China Town was empty this morning after Mayor Sadiq Khan declared a major incident in London during the third Covid lockdown

Click here to resize this module

Piccadilly Circus was empty this morning after Mayor Sadiq Khan declared a major incident in London during the third Covid lockdown

Leicester Square was empty this morning after Mayor Sadiq Khan declared a major incident in London during the third Covid lockdown

People wait to buy coffee in Clapham People out and about Clapham, South London today after a major incident was declared in the capital yesterday

Growing calls for even tighter lockdown restrictions did not stop crowds of people descending on south London today

Traffic data from TomTom shows congestion levels have been greater today than they were last Saturday - a trend replicated across the week, despite Monday's announcement of a new lockdown

Professor Kevin Fenton, London regional director of Public Health England, said the more coronavirus patients the NHS has to deal with, the more difficult it is to keep other services open.

ADVERTISEMENT

He told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'This is the challenge with the Covid pandemic and why we have been asking the population to really reduce mixing, to stay at home, to reduce the number of Covid infections because of the knock-on impact of this disease.

'Not only do you put severe strain on the health system but you prevent other health conditions that may also need urgent or important treatment from being able to access those services at the time.

'That's why all messages to stay home at this time are so critical for us to get over this hump, to really keep this epidemic out and begin to get back to some normalcy as we approach the spring.'

Prof Fenton admitted there were 'things we could do better' to reduce the number of infections, including greater compliance with mask wearing and social distancing when using public transport and shopping for essential goods.

He added that people doubting the seriousness of the situation need to read and listen to the words of NHS staff and Covid-19 patients.

'I would encourage people to read, look at the programmes that you're running on TV where you're interviewing doctors, where you're interviewing patients who've had this very severe disease and are suffering from the long-term effects of it,' he said.

'This is the reality and that is the truth. So the advice would be listen, read, but stay at home. Protect yourself, protect your families.'

The comments come as doctors in the capital said a critical shortage of beds meant some hospitals were implementing emergency guidelines to prioritise treatment for patients with the best survival chances.

ADVERTISEMENT

This means younger patients will be offered critical care over the elderly, who are less likely to survive.

And intensive care medics on Britain's Covid frontline are 'extremely worried' that case totals will keep increasing until the NHS 'simply won't be able to cope with it' as Britons keep flouting lockdown.

Data shows just 30 per cent of people exhibiting Covid symptoms are actually staying at home, claiming work, caring responsibilities or the need to buy supplies force them out the house.

Intensive care consultant Professor Rupert Pearse - who works at the Royal London Hospital in the hard-hit capital - said Britons are not following the rules like they were 'in the first wave' putting enormous pressure on the already-overwhelmed health service.

Classes in the Wilkes County Schools will start on Aug. 23 and end on May 25 in 2021-22 as a result of a calendar approved by the Wilkes Board of Education on Feb. 1.

Kim Kardashian is currently closing the book on a couple of huge chapters in her life.

The reality TV star is reportedly preparing to divorce Kanye West, while bidding farewell to her star-making show Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

She shared a drink with the KUWTK crew Friday, as they raised a glass after filming the final episode of their E! show's 20-season run, which premiered back in 2007.

Raise a glass: Kim Kardashian shared a drink with the KUWTK crew Friday, as they raised a glass after filming the final episode of their E! show's 20-season run, which premiered back in 2007

The 40-year-old appeared in a video on the show's Instagram, captioned: '20 Seasons. 14 years. Bible, we cant believe today is the last day of filming for #KUWTK. Final season coming soon to E!'

ADVERTISEMENT

She sat in her backyard with a plastic cup of champagne in her hand, addressing her fans: 'Hey guys, we just finished filming forever... like forever, ever. We're done. We're never filming again. Is that so crazy?

Click here to resize this module

'So, we're having a drink with the crew in my backyard, hanging out. Cheers to... I don't know, 15 years, 20 seasons of craziness and lots of love.'

Kim has been documenting the final day of filming on Instagram, beginning with her 'last Keeping Up with the Kardashians mic-ing of life.'

Final day: The 40-year-old appeared in a video on the show's Instagram, captioned: '20 Seasons. 14 years. Bible, we cant believe today is the last day of filming for #KUWTK. Final season coming soon to E!'

That's a wrap! She sat in her backyard with a plastic cup of champagne in her hand, addressing her fans: 'Hey guys, we just finished filming forever... like forever, ever. We're done. We're never filming again. Is that so crazy?'

Cheers: She added: 'So, we're having a drink with the crew in my backyard, hanging out. Cheers to... I don't know, 15 years, 20 seasons of craziness and lots of love'

Behind-the-scenes: Kim has been documenting the final day of filming on Instagram, beginning with her 'last Keeping Up with the Kardashians mic-ing of life'

Personalized: She also showed off some cute place settings at their last lunch, each family member's plate featuring a cookie decorated with their face

Sweet tooth: Their friend Christina Milian's food truck Beignet Box also paid a visit, providing some powdered sugar-coated treats for the farewell

Fond farewell: 'It's a wrap! Not on the tears or the drinks tho,' she wrote with a photo of the party's liquor selection, adding: 'Officially sobbing. Grateful for every single second'

She also showed off some cute place settings at their last lunch, each family member's plate featuring a cookie decorated with their face.

Their friend Christina Milian's food truck Beignet Box also paid a visit, providing some powdered sugar-coated treats for the farewell.

'It's a wrap! Not on the tears or the drinks tho,' she wrote with a photo of the party's liquor selection, adding: 'Officially sobbing. Grateful for every single second.'

It comes amid reports that she and husband Kanye West, 43, are getting a divorce after six years of marriage.

A source told Us Weekly that Kanye is jealous of the time she's spending with their four children: 'Kanye is jealous of the amount of time Kim has dedicated to prison reform and the kids. Kanye wanted the family to move to Wyoming full-time.

Calling it quits: It comes amid reports that she and husband Kanye West, 43, are getting a divorce after six years of marriage (pictured in November, 2019)

Doting mom: A source told Us Weekly that Kanye is jealous of the time she's spending with their four children

Big move: The insider said: 'Kanye is jealous of the amount of time Kim has dedicated to prison reform and the kids. Kanye wanted the family to move to Wyoming full-time. It's where he sees this direction of his life going. Kim just doesn't see their lives full-time in Wyoming'

'It's where he sees this direction of his life going. Kim just doesn't see their lives full-time in Wyoming.'

They also said that although the couple has been working on their marriage in counseling, they 'havent had a joint session together in a while.'

ADVERTISEMENT

'Kim has continued to meet with their marriage counselor in solo sessions. Kim's singular focus is about how this will impact the kids, and Kanye has been receptive to engaging in those discussions.'

Multiple outlets have reported that Kim is working with divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, who handled her divorce with Kris Humphries, 35, in 2011, after 72 days of marriage.

Making it work: They also said that although the couple has been working on their marriage in counseling, they 'havent had a joint session together in a while' (pictured in May, 2013)

Divorce court: Multiple outlets have reported that Kim is working with divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, who handled her divorce with Kris Humphries, 35, in 2011, after 72 days of marriage (pictured in May, 2012)

Final straw: Meanwhile, Page Six reported that Kanye's failed presidential run was 'the final straw' for Kim, amid their struggle to make the marriage work (pictured in July, 2020)

Meanwhile, Page Six reported that Kanye's failed presidential run was 'the final straw' for Kim, amid their struggle to make the marriage work.

A source said that the SKIMS mogul 'needed to end the marriage for the sake of her kids and her own sanity.'

Things seemingly came to a head in July, when Kanye revealed that they almost had an abortion when she was pregnant with North, ultimately sparking rumors of a divorce.

Kim and Kanye tied the knot in Florence, Italy back in May of 2014, and they share daughters North, Chicago, two, sons Saint, five, and Psalm, one.

Co-parents: Kim and Kanye tied the knot in Florence, Italy back in May of 2014, and they share daughters North, seven, Chicago, two, sons Saint, five, and Psalm, one
Posted Saturday, January 9, 2021 6:50 am

A dispute between Washington state Republicans and Gov. Jay Inslee over the state's reopening strategy has threatened to slow unemployment benefits to some jobless workers and raise costs for some employers.

Earlier this week, state Republican leaders, frustrated over Inslee's restrictions on restaurants and other businesses, refused to extend several of the governor's emergency measures, including ones that hasten payment of unemployment checks and reduce some employers' costs.

As a result, jobless Washingtonians who apply for benefits starting Sunday may wait an extra week for their first benefit checks and may also miss one of the $300-a-week federal payments Congress authorized in December. Employers, meanwhile, could see higher costs for a SharedWork program that has compensated workers whose hours have been cut due to the pandemic.

Republicans' actions, which come just days before Monday's start of the state legislative session, drew sharp criticism from labor leaders and from Democrats.

"I think it's very damaging to people who are trying to get their unemployment benefits," said House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, who noted that job losses due to the pandemic are again on the rise. "I don't understand the choice on this one, at all."

But state Republican lawmakers said they refused to extend Inslee's emergency proclamations partly to pressure the governor over a plan to reopen businesses closed or partly closed by COVID-related restrictions.

The decision was "largely driven by frustration with the governor over the continued shutdowns of restaurants and unwillingness to have a discussion with us and with the hospitality [sector] and find a way to get them at least partially back open," said state Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia.

The dispute comes on the eve of a legislative session widely expected to be contentious as lawmakers and the governor address a state battered by 10 months of pandemic and a deep recession.

The fight also reflects the narrowness of political options of Republicans, who have minorities in both the state House and Senate.

Emergency proclamations can be extended only with unanimous agreement from leaders of both parties in both chambers when the legislature is not in session. Until now, that consent has allowed multiple extensions for a variety of emergency proclamations.

Among these was a proclamation that let the state use emergency federal dollars to pay for the SharedWork program. As of Jan. 2, nearly 100,000 workers at 3,700 employers were enrolled in the program. Without the proclamation, Washington must charge employers for using SharedWork.

Another emergency proclamation removed the state's so-called waiting week for jobless benefits. Ordinarily, state law requires unemployment claimants to wait a week after filing a claim before receiving their first payment  in part to let the state Employment Security Department (ESD) verify the claimant's identity and work history.

But under the federal CARES Act, enacted last March, Congress agreed to pay unemployed workers for that first week if states waived their waiting-week requirements, which Inslee did in March via an emergency proclamation.

Because of the waiver, unemployed Washingtonians often could get their first benefit check within three or four days after filing a new claim, instead of 10 or 11 days. Without the extension of emergency proclamation, however, new claimants will again have to go a week without state benefits  and they also won't get the $300 federal payment for that week, ESD officials said.

That prospect drew sharp condemnation by labor advocates, who noted that layoffs are likely to worsen during the winter. "This is just leaving money on the table that would be helping people during a crisis," said Joe Kendo, government affairs director with the Washington State Labor Council.

Last week, Washingtonians filed nearly 30,000 new claims for unemployment benefits. As of Dec. 26, 281,328 people in the state were receiving benefits.

Until this week, Republicans had been loathe to touch Inslee's unemployment proclamations, and instead had joined their Democratic counterparts in repeatedly extending both the SharedWork and waiting-week measures.

But Republicans said they decided to withhold consent as a way of objecting to Inslee's recent extension of business restrictions and his plan to slowly reopen businesses based on public health data  a plan some Republicans think is flawed.

Braun said he and other Republicans told the governor's staff that "if you're just going to extend [restrictions] again without any clear path to get reopened, then we were not going to extend any proclamations."

Braun also said many Republicans objected to Inslee's increasing reliance on executive orders instead of legislation to address the pandemic. "We've been very reluctant to push back on individual proclamations," Braun said. "But our frustration with being marginalized by the governor is growing."

Republican tactics drew a rebuke from the governor's office. "Look, if legislators want to express their frustration  we are very open to hearing it (and have ... and will continue to)," said Inslee spokesperson Tara Lee in an email Friday. "That's reasonable. However, if they are using their frustration with the governor to essentially hurt Washingtonians by denying them things like benefits for unemployed workers ... then, that is hugely problematic."

Republicans said their objections weren't just tactical. Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, said lawmakers were also concerned that waiving the waiting week had given the ESD less time to scrutinize unemployment claims for issues such as the identity fraud that resulted in the theft of $600 million last year.

Bringing back the waiting week "gives ESD time to vet the claim ... so we don't have so many backlogged or fraudulent claims," Mosbrucker said.

State House Minority Leader J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, who formally declined to extend the waiting week proclamation, did not respond to requests for comment.

In theory, lawmakers can end the impasse over unemployment benefits by enacting legislation that turns the emergency proclamations into state law. Senate Democrats intend to introduce such a bill early in the legislative session.

But it's not clear how long that process might take or how long newly jobless workers might have to wait an extra week to get benefits or miss out on the $300 federal benefit. Jinkins said one question is whether Democrats decide to address the waiting week issue with a stand-alone bill or as part of a larger measure, which can more easily get bogged down. But, she said, it also "depends on ... how Republicans engage on them and things like that."

___

(c)2021 The Seattle Times

Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 14:47:24|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

The security staff are seen near the U.S. Capitol building a day after supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump stormed it in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

- Biden said "it's a good thing" that Trump won't be at the ceremony on Capitol Hill on Jan. 20, while stressing that Vice President Mike Pence is "welcome" there.



- Trump is facing a barrage of bipartisan criticism for his role in the massive demonstrations that left five people dead.



WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday he won't attend President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration later this month, as the country is struggling to recover from a deadly spiral of chaos and violence engulfing the Capitol on Wednesday.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," Trump tweeted. Only three previous U.S. presidents didn't show up at their successors' inauguration. The last time was in 1869 when Andrew Johnson skipped the swearing-in of Ulysses S. Grant.

Biden, speaking from Wilmington, Delaware, responded on Friday that "it's a good thing" that Trump won't be at the ceremony on Capitol Hill on Jan. 20, while stressing that Vice President Mike Pence is "welcome" there.

Former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton will attend Biden's inauguration. Former President Jimmy Carter, the country's oldest living president at age 96, will not be there in the wake of a surging COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump is facing a barrage of bipartisan criticism for his role in the massive demonstrations that left five people dead, including a police officer, and dozens of others injured. The casualties came following a chaotic and violent intrusion into the Capitol by his supporters on Wednesday, when lawmakers were certifying Biden's victory.

Supporters of sitting U.S. President Donald Trump gather at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 5, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

More than a dozen individuals have been charged so far in the federal court in the District of Columbia over crimes committed at the U.S. Capitol, the Department of Justice said Friday amid ongoing investigations.

Trump's initial reaction on Wednesday fell short of condemnation of the unrest but continued to push unsubstantiated allegations that the 2020 presidential election was "fraudulent," although dozens of lawsuits by his campaign and allies had been dismissed over the past two months, mostly for a profound lack of evidence.

Security staff in the U.S. Capitol building reacting to the chaotic situation in a video feed from NBC news is displayed on a screen in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, on Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

A growing list of the Trump administration's officials, including two cabinet members, have resigned in protest over the Capitol violence and Trump's response. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats are seeking to initiate proceedings to remove the president from office before he steps down.

In a press release on Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it is the hope of members of the House Democratic Caucus that Trump "will immediately resign," revealing that she has directed a panel to quickly take up a motion to impeach the president again.

House Democrats reportedly plan to introduce an impeachment resolution on Monday. A draft of the document includes one article of impeachment for "incitement of insurrection."

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy warned in a statement on Friday that impeaching Trump with just 12 days left in his term will "only divide our country more."

The House, led by Democrats, impeached Trump in 2019 after an inquiry triggered by a whistleblower complaint that raised concerns about the White House's interactions with Ukraine. The Republican-led Senate later acquitted the president, allowing him to continue holding office.

Daniel Goldman, a legal analyst serving as Congressional staff in the U.S. House, tweeted on Friday that it is "highly unlikely" that the lower chamber could impeach Trump and the Senate would hold a trial before the president leaves office.

Under mounting pressure, Trump on Thursday condemned the deadly violence at the Capitol, issued a call of unity, and vowed efforts to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.

"Now Congress has certified the results. A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power," he said in a taped video posted on Twitter.

The social networking service permanently shut down Trump's account in the wake of his two new posts on Friday, two days after temporarily blocking it given the turmoil on Capitol Hill and warning of a permanent suspension if he again violates the company's "Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies."

"Due to the ongoing tensions in the United States, and an uptick in the global conversation in regards to the people who violently stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, these two Tweets must be read in the context of broader events in the country and the ways in which the President's statements can be mobilized by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behavior from this account in recent weeks," Twitter said in a release.

"After assessing the language in these Tweets against our Glorification of Violence policy, we have determined that these Tweets are in violation of the Glorification of Violence Policy and the user @realDonaldTrump should be immediately permanently suspended from the service," it declared.

Trump switched to another account to lash out at Twitter and claimed that he and his team are looking at the possibility of "building out our own platform in the near future."

"Tonight, Twitter employees have coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left in removing my account from their platform, to silence me -- and YOU, the 75,000,000 great patriots who voted for me," he wrote. "I predicted this would happen. We have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon."

The new tweets were quickly removed from the page.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (L, rear) and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (R, rear) take part in a joint session of the Congress to certify the 2020 election results at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 6, 2021. (Erin Schaff/Pool via Xinhua)

The U.S. Congress on early Thursday morning affirmed the Electoral College votes of the 2020 presidential election, in which Biden won 306 versus 232 for Trump. It takes at least 270 electoral votes to win the White House. Biden also won the popular votes by 7 million and more than 4 percentage points.

Biden finished naming his 24-member cabinet after announcing nominees for labor and commerce secretaries on Friday.

"Given what our country has been through the last four years and the last few days, and given the threats and risks in this world, they should be confirmed as close to January 20th as possible. There should be no vacancies at State, Defense, Treasury, and Homeland Security," the president-elect said.

"And as we remain in this dark winter of the pandemic, and with an economic crisis that's deepened, we have no time to lose on the entire team," he noted. 
T

he Japanese were keen to broadcast that prime minister Shinzo Abe was the first foreign leader to meet Donald Trump after he got to the White House. The Indians were happy to publicise that Narendra Modi was the first to be invited for a working dinner at the White House. Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Israels Benjamin Netanyahu basked in their countries being chosen by the US president for his first official visit in office.

There was a steady roll call of heads of state welcoming Trump, among them Vladimir Putin who allegedly helped him win the 2016 election; Kim Jong-un, who outmanoeuvred him diplomatically; Chinas Xi Jinping, who the US president flattered in his tweets while there was a trade war looming between the two countries; Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while he was crushing dissent at home; Theresa May and Boris Johnson who were desperate for an American trade agreement after Brexit.

Meanwhile, the presidents family was busy making money from business deals abroad. His son Donald Junior travelled to Indonesia on a Trump-branded resorts project. He visited India to sell condominiums in a Trump-branded tower. Trumps daughter, Ivanka, who retained a stake in a family business while a White House adviser, received trademarks in China related to her fashion ventures. Her husband, Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to the president, maintains a stake in his family business, which had sought investors in China and the Middle East.

But in the space of one tumultuous, violent day in Washington, the Trump connection, politically and commercially, has plummeted in value, becoming something toxic after the president incited a mob of his supporters, including white supremacists and neo-Nazis, to attack the Capitol.

There are increasing calls, from Republicans as well as Democrats in Congress, former intelligence chiefs and military officials, that the 25th amendment to the constitution is invoked to declare the president unfit for office. House speaker Nancy Pelosi has warned she will initiate impeachment proceedings if vice president Mike Pence fails to act. Resignations from people within his administration, in protest at Trumps behaviour, have continued, with education secretary Betsy DeVos becoming the second cabinet member, after transportation secretary Elaine Chao, to leave.

Others to go include deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger and Mick Mulvaney, the former chief of staff and current special envoy to Northern Ireland. There are reports that national security adviser Robert OBrien, who took over from the recently departed John Bolton, is also considering leaving, along with deputy chief of staff Chris Liddell.

Trumps defeat in the election was a big blow to those who had invested in him from abroad. But it was not necessarily a terminal one.

Trump could have remained a powerful and vocal presence in the background, with a Republican Party he had remodelled to fear and support him, on course to be in charge of the Senate and block Joe Bidens administration on a number of fronts, including foreign policy and defence.

There was also the possibility Trump would run again in 2024. And who is to say that the man who polled 73 million votes this time would not do well against a Democrat incumbent hamstrung in Congress, unable to implement its programme fully, and having to cope with the huge economic and social cost of the coronavirus pandemic?

Donald Trump and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu (EPA)

That prospect of Trump redux seems remote now. The outgoing president managed almost single-handedly to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory in Georgia, hitherto a Republican bastion, through his antics. His record now is losing the White House, the House of Representatives and the Senate, in one term, something unequalled since Herbert Hoover at the time of the Depression in 1932.

Trumps first venture into Twitter after his suspension from the social platform was to blame the mob he had incited to riot for the violence, charging their actions as heinous and claiming he was outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem of the Capitol siege that he incited, and saying those who broke the law will pay. His desire, he professed, was for a smooth, orderly transition to Joe Bidens administration.

This may have been an effort to head off the 25th amendment or an impeachment process or possible prosecution for incitement over the Capitol assault. But not unexpectedly it drew cries of betrayal on social media from his supporters.

Some said they had received a punch in the gut and a stab in the back. One said I feel like puking while another concluded he fooled us, he was always part of the swamp. Some of Trumps high-profile cheerleaders were also abandoning him, with the Fox News host Tucker Carlson saying he believed his political shelf life was over.

Considering all this, it seems unlikely, at the moment, that Trump will be able to seamlessly restart his political career or that foreign states would be banking on him doing so.

There were condemnations of the assault on the houses of Congress from some of the governments abroad which have cultivated Trump but, in most cases, an avoidance of blaming him directly, although Boris Johnson was one of the exceptions to this.

Some countries have undoubtedly benefited from Trumps presidency. His administration has played a key role in Israel establishing formal diplomatic relations with the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. The US embassy was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, in a great propaganda boost for Netanyahu.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman was protected by the Trump administration over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and both Saudi Arabia and the UAE over their conduct in the Yemen war.

But the chances of Trump carrying out an attack on Iran during his last days in office, as the Saudis and the Israelis reportedly lobbied him to do, has now all but disappeared in the aftermath of the violence in Washington, and the subsequent dissipation of the departing presidents authority.

Other beneficiaries included Erdogan whose hands were freed in Syria by Trump pulling out US troops, and Kim Jong-un who continued with his missile programme in North Korea without facing additional sanctions from the US.

Pro-Trump protesters clash with police outside the Capitol on Wednesday (Reuters)

The Trump administration focused on strengthening its partnership with Japan and India, as well as Australia, in the Indo-Pacific, as a counter to Chinese hegemonistic expansion. But Barack Obama was also seeking to do that before being sucked back into the Middle East with the rise of Isis.

There have been no major concessions for Japan and India in terms of the stand-off on trade with the US. A trade deal did not materialise for Britain either and it remains unclear how soon it can take place under Joe Biden who has pronounced that it is not a priority.

There was a surge of efforts by a number of states to get Donald Trump onside when became president, that is the case with all new US presidents, but perhaps more so in the case of Trump because of the transactional view he took on forming policies, commented Robert Emerson, a British security and foreign policy analyst.

Some countries undoubtedly did well out of this, but there is a question of how long-lasting their achievements will be with Trump and his people now no longer in power and providing support. The rush has already started for foreign states to get alongside Bidens people, and this should accelerate now that Trump has had to accept a normal transition to the new administration.
After Trumps Last Stand, Left Seeks Revenge

Commentary

However dishonest and inept the 2020 election was or may have been, let us stipulate that it is over, that Joe Biden will take the oath of office on Jan. 20, and that the tumultuous presidency of Donald Trump is now effectively ready for the history books.

The question now is, what comes after?

Jan. 6 marked Trumps Last Stand and, true to form, he fought to the end, both for himself and, however inelegantly, for the U.S. Constitution in the teeth of an electoral system that is unwieldy, arbitrary, and ripe for abuse. If nothing else emerges from this experience, its the realization that our scattershot methods of choosing a president need to be regularized and rendered as fraud-proof as possible. One confirmed and eligible citizen, one vote, one time, on one day would be a good place to start.

Still, there was never the slightest chance that Vice President Mike Pence was going to overturn the state-certified votes of the Electoral College during the ceremonial opening of the ballots during the joint session of Congress. In his own eyes, and in the opinion of constitutional scholars, he simply didnt have the power.

Much about the disturbance at the Capitol, during which a woman named Ashli Babbitt of San Diego was shot at close range and killed inside the building by a Capitol Police officer, remains unclear. Who organized the attack on the building? Was the demonstration infiltrated (as seems highly likely) by agents provocateur from Antifa? Why werent the Capitol Hill police better prepared?

(Where are the calls on the left for justice for Babbitt? The name of Heather Heyer, who was accidentally killed in Charlottesville, Virginia, during the 2017 clashes there, is consistently evoked on the left, as are, of course, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, secular martyrs to the BLM cause. Will the cop who shot her ever face charges, or even be identified? Does anybody besides her family care?)

Peaceful Assembly

True, the president had earlier addressed his supporters on the Ellipse, his resentment over what he views as a stolen election both visible and audible. But there was nothing treasonous about either his attempts to challenge the electoral votes or the large crowd of his supporters exercising their constitutional right to assembly in support of its candidate. Peaceable assembly is a time-honored American traditionwhere would the civil-rights movement be without it?

For almost a year, weve heard from the left that the violent and destructive BLM/Antifa riots that broke out across the country last year were mostly peaceful, and by those elastic standards, so was the Jan. 6 demonstration. Those responsible for the violence must be punished to the fullest extent of the law, but to claim that anyone participating in the demonstration should now be identified and canceledas the media is now doingis the essence of retaliatory fascism.

Similarly, the parliamentary maneuvers by a group of Republicans to challenge the validity of the contested states electoral votes and to try to debate them were fully constitutional. There is, in fact, ample precedent, most recently by the Democrats in 2016, 2004, and 2000all Republican victories. But those challenges, led by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, died in the aftermath of the riot that same evening, and thus, Biden is now officially and constitutionally president-elect.

Media Invested

Wuz we robbed? Its very likely, given the suspicious circumstance of Bidens materializing popular votes in precisely the swing states that were needed for victory. And while the multiple lawsuits contesting those votes have been consistently thrown out in various courts (including, disgracefully, the Texas suit presented to the U.S. Supreme Court), they were dismissed on procedural grounds, and the evidence remains to this day unheard.

In the aftermath of Bush v. Gore in 2000, the Florida counts were analyzed independently several times after Bush had been sworn in, and each review showed a narrow Bush victory. The election of 2020 deserves no lessbut dont hold your breath waiting for the media to do its duty. The media has spoken on the subject and will now draw a curtain of silence around the issue. Its simply too invested in the Democratic Party for it ever to return to the days of objective journalism.

Indeed, until the Democrat/Media Complexwhich includes the partisan big tech outlets of Google, Facebook, and Twitteris broken up and destroyed, American democracy will remain imperiled. In a functioning two-party system, its unacceptable that one party can declare its rival anathema and have nearly 100 percent of the mainstream media outlets cheer on its totalitarianism. That way lies the one-party states of communist China and the old Soviet Union, which apparently are the models for contemporary Democrats.

Blood in the Water

But the left now smells blood in the water. Despite their underwhelming performance in the congressional elections, the Democrats find themselves in the barest possession of the Congress as well as the White Housebut they will act as if they had a mandate on the landslide lines of Nixon in 1972 and Reagan in 1980. And they want revenge.

Its not enough for their repellent leaders, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), that Trump must leave office in less than two weeks. They want him gone now, before his term is up; they want to humiliate him and expel him from the White House either via the 25th Amendment or by a second impeachment, as Pelosi now says she endorses.

In addition, the president has been suspended from Twitter as well as Facebook, thus cementing the role of social media as arbiters of official orthodoxy. State lawsuits also await him and his family the moment he leaves 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The prospect of Trumps organizing a competing event as Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20, and spending the next four years rallying his supporters against the BidenHarris administration, or forming a third party, absolutely terrifies the Permanent Bipartisan Fusion Party of Republicans and Democrats. They need to destroy him politically as well as personally.

But why should his exit be any different from his entrance? The Washington Post was advocating his impeachment on the day of his inauguration. Members of the intelligence community and political officials, including perhaps Barack Obama and Biden themselves, sicced the FBI on Trump during his campaign, monitored his communications, set perjury traps for his incoming officials, opened an entirely bogus Russian collusion investigation they knew was false, and impeached him over a phone call to the Ukraine that threatened to expose the breathtaking extent of the Biden familys corruptionsomething the disgraceful legacy media covered up as well.

There was never any goodwill, nor honeymoon, nor even any common decency.

For the 70 million-plus Trump voters, what to do now? Bitter as it is, accept the loss, reassess their relationship with the Republican Party, learn to organize at the grassroots level, and develop a donor base that will finance and support ideas instead of candidates, and then find the men and women who embody our core principles of liberty and equal justice under the law and nominate them. Either that, or start a new party, one explicitly dedicated to the preservation of the Constitution.

And most of all, pray for the health of Joseph R. Biden Jr., who will be 82 years old when his term finishes. Because if you really want to be driven mad, contemplate this: Kamala Harris, president of the United States.

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, was recently published.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Lawyers for the city of Baton Rouge want a judge to relocate the upcoming trial in the Alton Sterling wrongful death lawsuit to another parish, arguing that the local jury pool has been poisoned by media coverage and recent protests over police brutality.

The motion to switch venues was filed shortly after The Advocate reported in November that the city-parish had offered a $2.5 million settlement to Sterling's five children, who lost their father in a 2016 police shooting that ignited protests nationwide and continues to divide the city today.

The offer came after the Metro Council, which had repeatedly debated the merits of a taxpayer-funded settlement, rejected a $5 million proposal recommended by a mediator selected by the city-parish.

In a memo filed before Judge William Morvant in the 19th Judicial District Court, the city's attorneys argue the disclosure of the $2.5 million offer incorrectly implied an "admission of liability" on their part which could bias a jury against them.

In Alton Sterling suit, East Baton Rouge offering $2.5M settlement -- half of original proposal Just weeks after the East Baton Rouge Metro Council rejected a $5 million settlement with the family of Alton Sterling, lawyers for the city-p

They're asking that the trial  currently scheduled for March 1  be moved to a parish with a "similar ethnic mix for a jury pool" that's outside of The Advocate's primary area of circulation. They suggested Claiborne, Morehouse, St. James, St. John the Baptist or Tensas parishes.

Parish Attorney Andy Dotson also cited this summer's Black Lives Matter protests as potentially damaging to the case and asked that the trial take place in a parish that didn't experience demonstrations against police misconduct.

The city's attorneys have repeatedly complained about the media's coverage of the pending lawsuit and have accused the plaintiff's attorneys of attempting to try the case "in the court of public opinion."

They successfully lobbied Morvant on Nov. 9 to issue a "gag order" prohibiting participants in the case from speaking to the press on issues that are not of public record.

In the most recent filing, Dotson asked Morvant to find the plaintiff's attorneys in contempt of court for violating that order, alleging without evidence that The Advocate relied on them as its source when reporting on the $2.5 million offer of settlement.

Brandon Decuir, one of several attorneys representing Sterling's children, did not immediately return calls seeking comment on the change of venue request.

A change in venue is more often associated with criminal cases and is "almost unheard of" when it comes to civil cases, Dotson acknowledged in his memo to the court. Still, Dotson said a fair and impartial trial is no longer possible in East Baton Rouge Parish given the publicity the case has garnered.

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

Sterling, a 37-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by a police officer in the summer of 2016 during an altercation outside the Triple S Food Mart on North Foster Drive. The lawsuit, filed in 2017, alleges that the shooting exemplified long-standing problems of racist attitudes and excessive force among Baton Rouge police officers.

It also argues that the officer who fired the shots, Blane Salamoni, violated Sterling's constitutional rights and that BRPD and the city of Baton Rouge were negligent in their hiring and training practices.

Video footage of the brief encounter shows Salamoni tackling Sterling, struggling to gain control of his arm, yelling that Sterling had a gun, and then firing his own weapon, all in rapid succession. That chain of events is what led state and federal prosecutors to decide against pressing charges against either officer, though BRPD internal investigators concluded Salamoni had used excessive force.

Morvant recently rejected a motion filed by Salamoni's attorneys to throw out the case against him, noting that it'll be up to a 12-member jury to decide whether his actions were reasonable. Morvant previously dismissed Howie Lake II, another officer at the scene, from the case.

How much is the Alton Sterling case worth? Here are the complex factors that could decide More than four years after the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling, and numerous failed attempts to settle the resulting wrongful death la

On Monday morning, Morvant will consider the motion to move venues alongside a number of other outstanding legal questions.

That includes a motion by Salamoni's attorneys to clarify whether the city will be on the hook for any damages assessed against Salamoni. The police union's contract says the city will indemnify officers sued in connection with activities occurring during their employment.

The city's lawyers are also asking Morvant to decide whether there will be a cap on payouts if a jury decides that the city is liable for the wrongful death and survival action claims lodged against them. They argue that the maximum payout is $1 million, and said clarity on the issue could assist in settling the matter. The plaintiff's attorneys replied that such a ruling on caps is premature.

The results of Monday's hearing are sure to linger regardless of their result.

Council Member Chauna Banks is set to introduce an item at the council's meeting next Wednesday to discuss the proposed change of venue. An outspoken supporter of settling the case, Banks said she was blindsided by the city's motion, and said council members should have first been notified.

"How is it that you try to do something as serious as changing the venue without consulting your clients?" Banks said in an interview.
Although satellite Internet technology has advanced far beyond its initial capabilities, some experts have advised that the emerging broadband solution still has limitations that local and state stakeholders should consider.In recent months, satellite Internet has been all over the news, particularly in events involving Elon Musks Starlink broadband service and government projects. Last fall, Starlink was used in Washington to connect a fire-devastated rural area as well as the Hoh Tribe Reservation. In December, SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, took home $886 million in federal funds to provide service to more than 600,000 locations across the country.Carl Russo, CEO of telecommunications company Calix, said for very rural places that have no access to other solutions, satellite Internet makes sense. But in less isolated areas, satellite cant offer what fiber and wireless technology like 5G can.As such, Russo describes satellite Internet as a complementary, not a competitive, technology.You get a lot of noise around it [satellite Internet], Russo said. Its just another technology that has an application set  I would no sooner tell you to put fiber in the Sahara than I would tell you to address New York Metro with satellite.Starlinks low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have limitations based on physics and math. LEO satellites zip around the planet at very high speeds, which presents the complication of staying connected to whatever satellite is flying over an area on the ground. To provide a contrast to this challenge, Russo mentioned how a driver on a phone stays connected by linking up to the nearest cell tower.This is the exact opposite: youre standing still and all the antennas are moving, Russo explained. Trust me, the driver moving is a lot easier math.SpaceXs initial application to the Federal Communications Commission stated that each Starlink satellite would have the capacity for 17 to 23 Gbps, or an average of 20 Gbps. With Starlink's plan for 12,000 satellites, the total capacity would be 240,000 Gbps based on the average.On the surface, that number looks like a lot of Internet, Russo said. However, if one considers that LEO satellites are always moving, and that America makes up two percent of Earths surface, only 240 satellites, or 4,800 Gbps, would be available to the United States at a given time.Any small city would obliterate that [Internet capacity], Russo said.In a recent interview with Yall Politics , Brandon Presley, northern district commissioner of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, expressed doubt that Starlink would be able to compete with fiber providers.SpaceX is not offering the same quality product, Presley told Yall Politics, comparing SpaceXs service to other FCC-funded projects in Mississippi. [Musk] only wants the baseline speed requirement. He did not meet the speed requirement for gigabit speed.From a competitive standpoint, another potential drawback for Starlink is the cost, which includes a charge of $499 for equipment.If youre able to get service from a rural electric cooperative, youre getting a gigabit service and you dont have any equipment costs like that, said Presley, again making reference to funded projects in Mississippi. In every place that SpaceX received money you can pretty much see that there was no fiber option offered.Are there some possibilities for SpaceX out there? Certainly, but theyre in the beta testing phase in many places and there are so many unknowns as to when youre going to get to critical mass on that, Presley added.To his credit, Musk has implied that Starlink is more complementary than competitive.I want to be clear, it's not like Starlink is some huge threat to telecos, Musk said during a session at the SATELLITE 2020 Conference and Exhibition. I want to be super clear. It is not. In fact, it will be helpful to telecos because Starlink will serve the hardest-to-serve customers that telecos otherwise have trouble doing with landlines or even with ... cell towers.Still, the excitement behind Starlink can sometimes give people the wrong impression.You always hear noise when these things happen, Russo said. Theres a lot of people who dont take the time to do the homework on the physics and the economics.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Twitter Inc late Friday quickly deleted new tweets from U.S. President Donald Trump from an official government account after the social media site had banned his personal account.

Reuters

Trump tweeted, "We will not be SILENCED!" from the @POTUS government account, with 33.4 million followers, after Trump's @realDonaldTrump personal account was permanently banned by Twitter. "Twitter is not about FREE SPEECH," Trump wrote in the now-deleted tweets, adding that he is considering building his own social media platform in the near future.

President-Elect Joe Biden Welcome's Trump's Decision Not To Attend Inauguration

President Donald Trump said Friday he will skip President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, refusing to fulfill the outgoing president's traditional role in the peaceful transition of power and undercutting his own message just one day earlier on the need for "national healing and unity."

Reuters

Trump, who has not appeared in public since a violent mob of his supporters besieged the Capitol on Wednesday and tried to halt the transfer of power, will be the first incumbent president since Andrew Johnson not to attend his successor's inauguration.

Government Doubles Down On Farm Laws, Say Won't Repeal Them

The Centre on Friday told unions opposed to the new farm laws that the legislations could not be repealed.

BCCL

The government side argued it was ready with amendments and concessions but would not repeal the laws, implying that the unions could consider whether they might arrive at a better deal with the Centre or in the SC.

Nirav Modi Was Running Ponzi-Like Scheme, UK Court Told

Nirav Modi is responsible for overseeing a "ponzi-like scheme" that caused enormous fraud to India's Punjab National Bank (PNB), the UK court hearing final submissions in the extradition case was told on Friday.

Reuters

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, focusing on laying out the prima facie case of fraud, money laundering and perverting the course of justice against the 49-year-old jeweller.

10 Children Killed, 7 Rescued After Fire In Maharashtra Hospital

Ten babies have died after a fire broke out at a hospital in Maharashtra at around 2 AM.

ANI

"Ten children died in a fire that broke out at Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital at 2 am today. Seven children were rescued from the unit," Pramod Khandate, Civil Surgeon, Bhandara, Maharashtra, was quoted as saying by ANI.

Bird Flu Scare Hits Delhi After Suspected Deaths

Delhi has reported over 35 bird deaths in the past 72 hours.

BCCL

Samples have been collected from Hastsal and Dwarka's Sector 9 in south-west Delhi and Mayur Vihar Phase-III in east Delhi for testing.
3. The Nazarites are introduced in this book.

Nazarite is a term that refers to someone from the Hebrew faith and ethnicity who makes a vow of service to God. The vow can be temporary, or life-long. It involves a three-prong promise: not to consume alcohol from grapes, not cutting your hair, and avoiding all human corpses.

While the concept was introduced in the Book of Numbers, the Bible does not mention one until the story of Samson. He committed himself to Gods service, who endowed Him with supernatural strength. Samson was alive when the Philistines were the primary antagonists against the nation of Israel. He famously fell in love with Delilah, who seduced him into revealing the secret of his strength, and how to weaken him. He was granted an opportunity of redemption, and defeated the Philistines by pushing over the columns in the temple, killing everyone inside.

His story is found in Judges 13-16. Though they do not make many prominent appearances, when they are mentioned, the spiritual state of the nation can be seen through the behavior of the Nazarites. For example, the prophet Amos highlights the decline of the nation by stating, But you made the Nazirites drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, You shall not prophesy (Amos 2:12).

4. Women played important roles in Gods plan to redeem Israel during the period of the judges.

Early in the book of Judges, the second judge Ehud secures eighty years of peace for his people. After he dies, trouble falls again, and the Canaanites invade, threatening to enslave the Israelites. During this time, God raised up a prophetess named Deborah. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment (Judges 4:5).

She functioned as judge, and when the time came to face the Canaanites, she summoned the military leader Barak. The two of them guided 10,000 men to victory. Another woman finalized this victory. When the leader of the Canaanites fled the battlefield, a woman named Jael brought him into her tent, and killed him by driving a peg into his head. Both women also received the credit for their participation.

God raised these women up in times of need. As mentioned previously, God also used Ruth during the period of the judges, who became a part of the bloodline of Jesus Christ.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Ivan Balvan


YEREVAN, JANUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. 225 people, who have left their homes in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) due to the recent war, have returned to the homeland in one day accompanied by the Russian peacekeepers and the military police, the Russian defense ministry reports.

So far, a total of 48,059 people have returned to Artsakh.

Russian peacekeeping contingent has been deployed in Nagorno Karabakh according to the November 10, 2020 decree of the Russian President.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
CORK University Hospital is suspending all non time-sensitive services for the next fortnight until January 24 as Cork recorded the highest number of Covid-19 cases in one day yesterday.

Due to the rapid increase in patients with Covid-19 being admitted to hospitals, and the projections of a continued increase in the coming weeks, CUH has suspended all inpatient, day case, and outpatient services.

Emergency and urgent time-sensitive procedures and care, including cancer care, will continue to be provided. Hospital management said they are experiencing a significant increase in demand, including critical care related to Covid-19.

CUH confirmed that while a considerable number of staff are unavailable for reasons related to Covid-19, some staff have been redeployed to critical areas and have been asked to defer annual leave, while all flexible working time arrangements are also being reviewed:

We still have an influx of patients coming in and we have to deal with that.

It came as a record 1,374 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Cork. The number of cases confirmed nationally was 8,248  another record  and 20 additional deaths were reported.

Michelle Kingston, an emergency department nurse at CUH, said they are struggling as a result of the staff who are unable to work.

A lot of our staff are out sick with Covid or out because of contacts. Thats the challenge for us, she said.

HSE chief operations officer, Anne OConnor told RTE that they are concerned about a number of sites in Cork.

We have scaled back on non-Covid work on much of our sites, we are prioritising Covid and there are risks in that both for people who havent been able to access services and had appointments cancelled this week.

Dr OConnor said that the HSE is preparing for 2,500 coronavirus patients in hospital, with up to 400 people in ICU in the coming weeks.

The cancellation of non-time dependent services including inpatient, day case, and outpatient services at CUH came into effect on Friday and it is expected to remain in place until January 24.

Meanwhile, the Inmo has called for new critical emergency protocols as hospitals prepare for the number of Covid-19 patients to rise over the coming weeks.

The nurses and midwives union have described the severe pressure that has been placed on the health service due to understaffing and the increased number of patients with the virus.

They have called on the HSE to put together new emergency protocols to combat the virus, including measures such as additional PPE provision, a drastic reduction in footfall throughout hospitals and 24/7 senior management presence across the health service.

INMO General Secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha, said that the HSE need to ramp up safety plans and introduce critical emergency protocols.We have safety protocols that have been tweaked since March of last year  the level of pandemic we face now means many need a total overhaul or serious upgrade. The EU biological agent directive was adopted in Ireland in November. It requires the HSE to risk assess and adopt their approach to staff safety - this is the ask and the requirement, she said.

Foreign companies will not be allowed to test Covid-19 vaccines on the Iranian people, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday, a day after Iran's Supreme Leader banned vaccine imports from the United States and Britain.

"Foreign companies wanted to give us vaccines so they would be tested on the Iranian people. But the health ministry prevented it," Rouhani said in televised remarks, without naming the companies or giving further details.

"Our people will not be a testing device for vaccine manufacturing companies," he added. "We shall purchase safe foreign vaccines."

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's highest authority, said on Friday the US and Britain were "untrustworthy" and possibly sought to spread the infection to other countries.

Iran could obtain vaccines from other reliable places, he added, without giving details. China and Russia are both allies of Iran, the Middle East country hardest hit by the coronavirus.

Khamenei repeated the accusations in a tweet that was removed by Twitter along with a message saying it violated the platform's rules against misinformation.

Iran launched human trials of its first domestic Covid-19 vaccine candidate late last month, saying it could help the country defeat the pandemic despite US sanctions that affect its ability to import vaccines.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been on the rise since 2018, when President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal and re-imposed sanctions.
The building known as De Bruns in Balbriggans Bridge Street is one of the properties acquired by Fingal County Council in a major boost to the re-development of key areas of the town. Pic by Fintan Clarke

An artists impression of redevelopment plans for the Home Nightclub  also known as OSheas  at Balbriggan Harbour. It is one of the properties acquired by Fingal County Council

The council has given an update on the progress of the socio-economic plan for Balbriggan, better known as 'Our Balbriggan'.

According to the local authority following recent acquisitions of key buildings in the town, Project Management Consultants have been appointed, and work is commencing on the preliminary surveys and studies required to advance projects.

Of the several projects listed in the plan, including the re-imagination of the Harbour area, re-development of Quay Street and the conversion of Nos. 2 to 4, Dublin Street to develop and strengthen a Civic, Creative Digital Town Quarter are commencing.

As part of the Local Economy Pillar and in conjunction with the Fingal In It Together & Shop Local initiatives, the Our Balbriggan team developed and promoted a series of short videos in November and December, profiling small business owners in the town which reached substantial audiences across social media platforms.

The Our Balbriggan Placemaking Fund launched in October received 17 applications.

The fund was established to make Balbriggan an even better place to live, work and play by encouraging groups, businesses, clubs, artists and individuals who operate within Balbriggan with a good idea on transforming a space, large or small. Offers of allocations will issue shortly, according to the council.

The EU URBACT IPlace 2nd Transnational Meeting took place online, hosted in Slovenia. Business Incubator, partner cities, which include Balbriggan, participated in discussions on Local Economic development, competitiveness and co-operation.

Participants learned how to prepare and implement an online hackathon which will be rolled out in Balbriggan in 2021.

Work to progress plans across the Pillars of Local Economy, Public Realm, Education, Training & Employment & Community Affairs & Integration continue.

Programme Office Staff support pillar chairs and continue to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders to ascertain new and emerging needs in light of COVID-19 restrictions and to formulate any new responses arising from these.

The Our Balbriggan project is also one of 10 finalists for a top European award by The Innovation in Politics Institute, a Vienna-based organisation.

Our Balbriggan have been short-listed for the prestigious award in the Democracy Category which honours political work that increases participation of citizens in opinion forming and decision making and enables politicians from different countries to share best practice, to network and to build bridges.
Police fear a 'large predator' may be behind the savage killing of three sheep at a farm in Cheshire.

Officers are investigating the triple sheep killing in Marton, Salterswall, in the Winsford district on Friday.

They say they're working on a new case that has 'extremely unusual elements' after Cheshire Police's Rural Crime Team attended the scene.

Officers are investigating the triple sheep killing in Marton, Salterswall, in the Winsford district on Friday

Posting on social media, they said they believe the attack occurred overnight between 9pm on January 7 to 8.30am on January 8.

One sheep and two lambs were killed near the farmhouse and police said the rest of the flock were unharmed.

Officers are appealing to the public for information to help find out what happened to the animals.

In a Facebook post, an officer wrote: 'Today PCSO Smith and myself have attended a triple sheep killing in Marton, Salterswall, Winsford district.

Police fear a 'large predator' may be behind the killing of three sheep at a farm in Cheshire after another attack in the area last month (pictured)

'This attack occurred overnight from around 9pm yesterday (January 7) and 8.30am today (January 8th).

'One sheep and two lambs, killed near the farmhouse with the rest of the flock unharmed.

'There are some extremely unusual elements in the case and a thorough investigation is currently underway to establish the full circumstances and to identify the offender/s.

'If you saw anything suspicious in the Marton area: any persons or vehicles: particularly along Dalefords Lane or Cinder Hill then please get in contact asap via 101 & quote IML-890541 / PC Moss.'

Police have released images of 30 sheep that were also killed in fields near the small village of Utkinton, Cheshire, between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Rural Crime Team believe a pack of out-of-control hounds chased the terrified flock to exhaustion before mauling them to death.

Police have released images of 30 sheep that were also killed in fields near the small village of Utkinton, Cheshire, between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (pictured)

The news also comes after another unusual case involving the death of a number of sheep on a farm in Cheshire last week.

Police are now investigating whether a 'larger predator' rather than a dog was behind the attack.

Officers visited the farm on December 30, and spoke to the farmer, who it is understood told them of past sightings of what looked like a big cat in the area.

Six of the livestock had died and four had been seriously injured and had to be put to sleep.

The attack which left 30 sheep dead on Christmas Day (pictured) is the first in a series of incidents involving the death of sheep in the Cheshire area

A post by the force said: 'The area has very little human interaction and at the moment the thought is very much on a larger predator and not as initially thought, a dog attack.'

Police also said the farmer had confirmed 'sighting some years ago of a very large black cat type.'

The post was later removed. Cheshire Police has not confirmed why, but has not disputed the contents of the officer's post.

A spokesman said: 'Police received a report at around 3pm on 30 December 2020 that a number of sheep had been killed at a farm in Macclesfield.

'Officers initially spoke with the farmer over the phone and later visited the site.

'The farmer had found that six sheep had died and that another four had sustained serious injuries. The sheep were later put down due to their injuries.

'It is not known what caused the injuries to the sheep and enquiries are ongoing.'
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region

Listen to article

The United Kingdom is imposing a ban on travellers entering England from 11 African countries for an initial period of two weeks, the government has said.

In a statement on its website, the government explained that the decision was taken in a bid to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus (COVID-19) variant identified in South Africa.

While Nigeria is excluded from the list, all the affected countries are in the southern region of the continent.

They include Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola, as well as Seychelles and Mauritius.

The UK stated that new evidence has shown that there was an urgent need to halt travel from the countries, adding that entry into England would be banned to those who have travelled from or through the countries in the last 10 days (as of Thursday).

The move, in addition to the travel ban imposed on South Africa on 23 December 2020, follows new data on the steep rise in incidence of the new variant, that has vastly increased the risk of community transmission between nine other southern African countries, as well as the Seychelles and Mauritius, which both have strong travel links with South Africa.

Urgent restrictions are, therefore, now needed to prevent the spread of this strain in the UK. The measures will be in place for an initial period of two weeks while the scientific data and alternative ways to protect the UK and our partners in Africa are reviewed, the statement read.

The government, however, stressed that the ban does not affect British and Irish nationals, as well as longer-term visa holders and permanent residents in the UK.

It said such persons would be able to enter but would be required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival along with their household.

Following the ban on the countries, the UK said it has removed Botswana, Seychelles and Mauritius from its travel corridor list, with the changes taking effect from 4am on Saturday.

The statement added,

Any exemptions usually in place  including for those related to employment  will not apply and those British nationals arriving into England from the other southern African countries, Seychelles and Mauritius after 4am on Saturday 9 January cannot be released from self-isolation through Test to Release.

People sharing a household with anyone self-isolating from these countries will also have to self-isolate for 10 days.

Ministers have also removed Israel (and Jerusalem) from the government's travel corridor list, as data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and Public Health England has indicated a significant change in both the level and pace of confirmed cases of coronavirus.

The decision to remove Israel (and Jerusalem) has been made following a sustained and accelerating increase in COVID-19 cases per 100,000 of the population, similar in trajectory to the UK.

National restrictions for England introduced on 6 January 2021 remain in place meaning everyone must stay at home unless travelling for a very limited set of reasons, including for work.

This means people can no longer travel to take holidays or travel internationally unless for work or other legally permitted reasons. Those in breach of the rules face penalties starting at 200, rising to a maximum of 6,400.

People in all countries affected by the travel ban are encouraged to follow the local rules and check FCDO travel advice for further information.

All travellers, including those from exempt destinations, will still be required to show a complete passenger locator form on arrival into the UK unless they fall into a small group of exemptions.

(Channels TV)
The head of the Food and Drug Administration is urging states to start offering COVID-19 vaccines to more people in order to speed up the glacial pace of the US vaccination effort.

Unexpected vaccine resistance from top-priority health care workers and red tape from rigid state vaccination plans have dragged the pace of the rollout. Just 6.25 million Americans have received their first doses of vaccine.

'We've heard in the press that some folks have said, 'OK, I'm waiting to get all of my health-care workers vaccinated. We have about 35 percent uptake of the vaccine,'' said FDA Commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn at a Friday Alliance for Health Policy meeting.

'I think it reasonable to expand that.'

More than 21 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been distributed to states, but fewer than 30 percent of them have been used.

Although health care workers and nursing home patients are considered top priority for vaccination, insisting upon only vaccinating them is creating a bottleneck in the rollout with up to 80 percent of nursing home and hospital staff are refusing shots.

FDA Commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn said he 'strongly encourages' states to vaccinate more people, expanding COVID-19 shot access beyond health care workers to speed the rollout

The US has vaccinated less than two percent of it population. Many of the states that lag furthest behind have the strictest programs for who can be vaccinated when

Hundreds of elderly people are lining up for coronavirus vaccines in Florida where a shortage of workers to administer shots is holding up the rollout there

'I would strongly encourage that we move forward with giving states the opportunity to be more expansive in who they can give the vaccine to,' Hahn said.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, for example has been adamant that no one in his state cut the line ahead of health care workers and nursing home patients.

But the state has only used about 38 percent of its doses. One clinic even had to throw out four doses of vaccine that were left out too long while staff waited for eligible recipients.

None came.

After that incident and calls from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio for state to expand eligibility, Cuomo finally revised rules so that people over 75, first responders, public transit and safety workers can now get vaccinated starting Monday.

Other states, such as Mississippi, which has given the smallest percentage of its vaccine doses of any state, with similarly strict priority groups have hit the same problem.

Hahn's call echoes that of Health Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar's comments earlier this week.

He warned states against 'micromanaging.'

'There is no reason that states need to complete, say, vaccinating all health-care providers, before opening vaccinations to older Americans or other especially vulnerable populations,' he said during a Wednesday press conference.

The Family Health Center of Harlem (above) was forced to thrown out four doses of the Moderna vaccine after staffers refused the shot and no eligible recipients could be found

'If they are using all the vaccine that is allocated, ordered, distributed, shipped and they are getting it into health-care providers' arms, every bit of it, that's great.

'But if for some reason their distribution is struggling and they are having vaccine sit in freezers, then by all means you ought to be opening it up to people 70 and older.'

States that have implemented more flexible vaccine distribution plans have raced ahead of others.

Connecticut, for example, considered everyone from doctors to school nurses and custodians part of its highest priority vaccine group.

The state has used about 60 percent of its coronavirus vaccines, whereas New York - with its previous restrictions for just front line workers like ICU nurses and nursing home residents - has used half as many of its allotted doses.

President-elect Joe Biden is also hoping to speed vaccinations by releasing virtually all available doses of coronavirus vaccines as soon as possible, rather than holding back half the supply for booster doses, as the Trump administration has done, a transition team spokesperson told CNN.
Wants 13A and Provincial Council elections

Seeks to respect mutual sensitivity

Public Security Minister says Indian EAM interfering in internal affairs

Speculation over new portfolios



India cautioned this week that it is in Sri Lankas own interest to fulfil commitments made to New Delhi on meaningful devolution, including the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

This, in essence, is the most important message Indian Foreign Minister, Dr Subramaniam Jaishankar, delivered to government leaders during a two-day visit to Colombo. A former distinguished career diplomat, who also served in Sri Lanka, reminded that our support for the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka is longstanding, as indeed for an inclusive political outlook that encourages ethnic harmony.

The visit came as the partner leaders of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Nidhas Sandhanaya (SLPNS) decided to put off Provincial Council (PC) elections. This is until a new constitution for Sri Lanka, now being formulated by an experts panel, is discussed with various stakeholders, and later adopted by Parliament. Added to that is the raging Covid-19 pandemic. This was confirmed to the Sunday Times last week by Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. Earlier, the matter figured at a cabinet meeting where three ministers  Dinesh Gunawardena, Wimal Weerawansa and Bandula Gunawardena  opined that the polls should be put off until a new constitution was in place. In this backdrop, several government leaders have spoken publicly about the need for changes to the 13th Amendment and on the structure of Provincial Councils.

Though Jaishankar said that his visit was the result of an invitation extended a year ago when Foreign Minister Gunawardena was in New Delhi, there is little doubt that it was hurriedly arranged. The Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had less than three days to put together the arrangements. Earlier, South Block (where the Indian External Affairs Ministry is located) had sought a date for a visit in late November last year. However, it was pointed out to New Delhi that one of the government leaders was unwell. There had been a reminder thereafter in late December where the available dates were sought and obtained.

Jaishankars statement was extremely nuanced and to the point. The operative paragraph in this regard said, As we promote peace and well-being in the region, India has been strongly committed to the unity, stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Our support for the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka is longstanding, as indeed for an inclusive political outlook that encourages ethnic harmony. It is in Sri Lankas own interest that the expectations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace, and dignity within a united Sri Lanka are fulfilled. That applies equally to the commitments made by the Sri Lankan Government on meaningful devolution, including the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The progress and prosperity of Sri Lanka will surely be advanced as a consequence.

These remarks demonstrate that India continues to hold that the aspirations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace, and dignity remain unfulfilled in Sri Lanka. This has been reiterated by underlining the need of the Sri Lanka government to deliver its commitment to meaningful devolution, which has been deftly connected to the controversial 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The Indian External Affairs Ministers observation that the progress and prosperity in this country being consequential to devolution is an added feature. Does this mean that Indias future cooperation and assistance to Sri Lanka would be dictated to some extent by this aspect? Cognisance would need to be taken of the underlying messages delivered to ensure robust bilateral relations with India.

Another key reference in the statement is: I carry the message of an India that will always be a dependable partner and reliable friend, open to strengthening its relationship with Sri Lanka on the basis of mutual trust, mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity. This illustrates that EAM Jaishankar has whilst outlining the basis of strengthening relationship between the two countries (as being through mutual trust, interest and respect), which are already stated principles, in this instance, sought to introduce a new characteristic of mutual sensitivity. It cannot be ruled out that this initiative could be in relation to Indias message on meaningful devolution together with the implementation of 13A. Hence, Indias position based on strengthening the bilateral relations has been clearly stated.

It is important to note that External Affairs Minister Jaishankar read out a statement at what was described as a news conference. He was followed by Foreign Minister Gunawardena adopting the same format though what he said resembled more a farewell speech. Seeking further elucidation of the respective positions, both of India and Sri Lanka, was not possible since no questions were taken. Journalists attending the event were advised earlier that they should undergo PCR tests. Some did not turn up. In order to ensure a wider reach of their message, the Indian High Commission in Colombo arranged for a live streaming of the event on the internet.

There was no direct response from Foreign Minister Gunawardena to the assertions made by EAM Jaishankar. The only reference, in a three-page statement, was: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa firmly stated that he is committed to the wellbeing progress and opportunities of all our citizens Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and all. During our talks, we focused on multiple areas of mutual cooperation in the identified sectors of economics, finance, trade, commerce, defence, security, and fisheries, cultural and particularly on the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the post-Covid  19 era that we are moving forward to and efforts we have jointly taken since the outbreak last year.

In lacklustre remarks, Foreign Minister Gunawardena noted that Sri Lanka was blessed thrice by the visits of Gautama Buddha 2600 years ago. He added, the arrival of Mahinda Maha Thera and Sangamitta Thera, son and daughter of Emperor Asoka the Great of Bharatha, established the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka. The immense cultural bonds strengthen our friendship at all times. Furthermore, today our two nations are the foremost parliamentary democracies in Asia.

FM Gunwardena declared that Sri Lanka has sought Indias partnership for our economic revival, stability through enhanced investments in different sectors of the economy. Of course, as neighbours and being littoral states of the Indian Ocean, we discussed defence and security related matters, as well as the issues related to maritime and fisheries sectors.

Among the other salient points made in the five-page statement of EAM Jaishankar were:

= There are many proposals under discussion, including infrastructure, energy, connectivity etc. Their early implementation is obviously in mutual interest and would definitely accelerate Sri Lankas economic recovery. We have discussed some important opportunities including special zones for pharmaceutical manufacturing and also in tourism.

= India and Sri Lanka have a long history of ensuring maritime security and safety. India has been the first responder in emergency situations. We stand ready to enhance Sri Lankas capabilities to meet growing maritime and security challenges.

Among matters that have engaged the attention of the Experts Committee now drafting the new constitution, is the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The Committee has examined some modifications. However, there is no finality so far. In the case of Provincial Councils too, the Committee is mulling over certain changes. This is besides the outstanding issue over the electoral system under which PC elections should be held. As matters stand now, polls cannot be held until amending legislation is introduced. This raises a billion-dollar question  will the ruling alliance heed the Indian concerns or go ahead with what is now on the drawing boards for a new constitution?

Views within the Government are diverse  one influential section is of the view that New Delhis concerns should be addressed. This is mainly on the grounds that 13A, including the Provincial Councils, is the outcome of the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement of 1987. President J.R. Jayewardene, who signed the agreement with Premier Rajiv Gandhi, agreed to the measures. Thus, there is a commitment from one sovereign nation to another. They also contend that it was unwise to antagonise a powerful neighbour. There is another influential group that holds the view that it was time for the Government to carry out what is necessary for the greater good of the country and the vast majority of her people. The latter has gained some traction.

One of those who hold the latter view is Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekera, a confidant of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He is a one-time Navy officer who also served as Director, Naval Operations, during the separatist war. At various public fora, he has called for the abolition of 13A and thus the Provincial Councils system.

The Indian External Affairs Minister cannot interfere in our internal affairs. It is true that India is a friendly country. They can raise issue at international fora but they cannot force us to implement 13A, he told the Sunday Times. He argued that President Jayewardene had forced the 13A on us.

The remarks that they can raise issue at international fora, quite clearly, are not in keeping with the Governments goals. Firstly, the Government does not expect India to raise issue over domestic matters at any international fora. To the contrary, it would expect India to support Sri Lanka. This becomes relevant at the March sessions of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. In fact, the UNHRC Secretariat is still awaiting Sri Lankas reactions and comments over the UN Human Rights High Commissioners draft statement which was sent to Colombo months earlier. She is expected to deliver this when the UNHRC commences sessions in March.

Weerasekera added: India cannot force us to implement 13A or conduct our elections. They can propose but cannot force us. Our political leaders will decide. The time is also not suitable because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The Government has decided to wait until a new constitution is formulated. The new constitution will have changes in the electoral system. Therefore, the provincial election system would also change.

Tamil leaders, however, welcomed EAM Jaishankars stance. Tamil National Alliance (TNA) front liner Abraham Sumanthiran told the Sunday Times, We thanked him for the no change of policy taken by the Indian government reiterating the implementation of 13A and Sri Lankan commitments. The TNA delegation also gave him a copy of the partys constitutional proposals it sent to the Committee of Experts. This came during a meeting with a TNA delegation headed by Rajavarothayam Sampanthan. Sumanthiran said, He (Jaishankar) was concerned about the delay in conducting PC elections. He was of the view that elections must be held as early as possible.

The economic development of Northern and Eastern parts of the country was among the other topics. The TNA delegation said they would welcome public or private partnership-led investments in the former war-torn areas to improve the livelihood of the people. This is a welcome request. Since the end of the separatist war, there are thousands of youths with no employment. Making matters worse is the rise in liquor consumption as well as drug abuse. No major development projects have taken shape. However, it must be noted that such investment should come through the central government.

Mavai Senathirajah, leader of Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi -ITAK  (a partner of TNA) told the Sunday Times, We discussed in detail issues that are critically important to the Tamil people. It is welcoming to note that the Indian External Affairs Minister also made it clear to the Government of its commitment to implement the 13th amendment and go beyond that to resolve the ethnic conflict as promised to India in the past. Both parties have decided not to publicize the things discussed but I assure you that all the critical issues faced by the Tamil community were taken up, Senathirajah said when asked to be specific on the contents. The meeting which began at 9.30 a.m. went on for more than one hour at the Indian High Commission premises at Galle Face.

Suren Surendiran, spokesperson for the London-based Global Tamil Forum said in a statement that Minister Jaishankars reference that  commitments made by the Sri Lankan government on meaningful devolution, including the 13th Amendment is immensely significant.

The main opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) appears to be in favour of only some parts of 13A and opposed to others. Last Monday, just a day ahead of EAM Jaishankars arrival, SJB leader Sajith Premadasa had a briefing for select editors of newspapers. Most represented the Sinhala media. Ariyananda Dombagahawatte, Editor of the Irida Lankadeepa, asked him what the SJB stance on 13A and the Provincial Councils were. He replied that his party stood for both. Siri Ranasinghe, Editor of the Lankadeepa interjected to ask, what about Police powers? Premadasa replied As I said before, we are in favour of all what has been given. We are not for the others. That meant, not only police powers but the SJB was also opposed to land powers being given to Provincial Councils. In other words, the SJBs position vis-a-vis 13A and PCs is conditional. Endorsing the position was SJB General Secretary Ranjit Madduma Bandara who said, There is no need for provincial police powers. The police have to remain as it is today. Funny enough, such positions of the SJB are never made public through statements nor explained in Parliament.

Since arriving in Colombo on an Indian Air Force (Brazillian built) ERB 135 Embraer VIP aircraft last Tuesday, Jaishanker has had a string of engagements. The main one on Wednesday was with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa where all key issues were discussed. Accompanying him on his main engagements was Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay. He also met representatives of the business community. On Wednesday night, EAM Jaishanker was hosted to dinner at the Wijerama residence of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. The only minister to take part in the event was G.L. Peiris. Conspicuous by his absence was Foreign Minister Gunawardena.

Just 24 hours before the dinner-meeting, Premier Rajapaksa made a statement in Parliament over the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port. He said there was no decision to vest the ECT in its entirety or partially with a foreign entity or hand over its management. Those remarks, obviously ahead of meeting Jaishankar, are quite significant. Premier Rajapaksa charged that the previous Yahapalana government had concluded a deal for the ECT without involving the Ministry of Ports and Shipping. There were reports of an understanding reached between Indias Adani Group and John Keells for a joint venture for the ECT.

Maritime security, one of the areas of discussion between India and Sri Lanka, also assumed a new dimension in the light of new developments. One is not too sure whether the Foreign Ministry which has been dabbling in this subject at length in the recent months has factored in some realities. There are experts who say that in the coming years, the geostrategic importance of Sri Lanka will incrementally decrease to a arising Mauritius which could offer strategic outposts (for naval and military purposes) across Indian Ocean. That would see a lowering in Sri Lankas own geographic position from a strategic standpoint though it will remain an important port for shipping.

India has a special relationship with Mauritius, an island state off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It has an Indian population of 70% with political and administrative power vested with the indigenous Indian population. India permitted Mauritius to host the secretariat of two important Indian Ocean organisations namely the Indian Ocean Rim association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) in their capital, Port Louis.

Mauritius which permits the operation of offshore companies is a tax avoidance jurisdiction. In 2018 Mauritius was the second largest FDI contributor to India. In 2019, Mauritius has become the fourth largest FDI contributor with the US and Singapore leading in FDI flows to India. These funds are primarily from offshore companies taking advantage of tax benefits in Mauritius.

Much of the maritime assets of the Mauritius Coast Guard including an Advanced Patrol Vessel (APV) are from India. The recent determination of the arbitral tribunal constituted (under Annex VII) to the 1982 United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (March 2015) on Chagos Archipelago (Diego Garcia), continued occupation of the islands by Britain is untenable and it is likely that Mauritius will get sovereignty under the condition that US maintains the military base in Diego Garcia.

Such a concession by Mauritius to the US will grant Mauritius a status of an associate of the Quad (United States, India, Japan and Britain) and will yield significant clout in Indian Ocean affairs. It must be noted that Mauritius sponsored the resolution against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council together with the United States. It also boycotted the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in Colombo. These turns of events will give Mauritius the largest area of an Extended Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Indian Ocean and have islands dotted from southeast Africa to Central Indian Ocean. There are no Indian Ocean organisations based in Colombo, though Colombo is the centre of the Indian Ocean. As an example, India established the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean (IFC-IOR) making the Sri Lanka Maritime Rescue Co-ordinating Centre (MRCC) insignificant. Again, this is taking away any Indian Ocean role for Sri Lanka.

The establishment of a Permanent Secretariat for the Trilateral Maritime Agreement (India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka) to which very soon Seychelles and Mauritius will join can make Sri Lanka the epicentre for strategic discussion on Indian Ocean affairs. This is an aspect which has to be looked into.

Fast-tracking development process

Other than EAM Jaishankars visit, a significant event at Temple Trees on Thursday was a meeting to fast track the development process. It was initiated by Basil Rajapaksa, who is heading the Presidential Task Force on Economic Recovery. Besides him, both President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa took part in the event that lasted nearly two hours. Government MPs and officials numbering more than 800 also took part in the event.

Premier Rajapaksa gave way for President Rajapaksa who arrived late. He called upon state sector officers not to take umbrage under rules and regulations but to help the public whenever and wherever possible. He exhorted that they should take a pragmatic view. Premier Rajapaksa was to point out that budgetary allocations made for development work were available and they should be utilised.

President Rajapaksa is to give high priority to the development process. He is to soon name senior Army personnel as Additional Secretaries to development-oriented ministries to carry out his programme of work. This is besides naming

Senior Army offices as Co-ordinating Officers to the 25 districts to help counter the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Government this week announced that a new Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Corps has been set up. Previously such tasks were carried out by the Armys Works Services Regiment. The focus of this new unit is to enhance agricultural production.

Amidst these developments, government sources speak of the likelihood of an induction of a few more MPs with special tasks as part of efforts to expedite development tasks. Though slated to take effect later this month, no firm decision has yet been made, these sources added. Nor has the format of such appointments been decided upon. Since there are constitutional restrictions on the number, a national government, a possible way out, is also being looked upon.

Another significant development this week is the Government laying to rest the issue over burial of Muslims who are Covid-19 victims. Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told Parliament on Thursday that in keeping with regulations, all bodies will be subject to cremation. In remarks made earlier, she also disowned any knowledge of a new committee that had re-examined the question of burials.

It was only last Monday, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Britains Minister of State for South Asia, and the Commonwealth, announced that he had summoned Sri Lanka High Commissioner in London, Saroja Sirisena to express his governments concerns. He said last November, he had also spoken on the telephone to Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. The UK High Commissioner in Sri Lanka too had raised concerns with the Government on December 22, he said.

In a three-page despatch to the Foreign Ministry on January 2, seen by the Sunday Times, Ravinath Aryasinha, Sri Lankas Ambassador to United States, has said that despite two reports he sent earlier to the Foreign Ministry on Covid-19 related human bodies of Muslims, the Embassys request four days in advance, for an update on this fast-moving issue, to be used at this meeting, that none was received. The meeting he is referring to was held with a group of Sri Lankan Muslims on December 30 last year on Covid-19 related Muslims who die in Sri Lanka.

The report listed ten different issues, Aryasinha, the former Foreign Secretary, said, I noted that unfortunately this issue has got politicised, which is not helpful in finding the correct solution to the problem. GoSL is engaged with the Muslim community to find an amicable solution for this matter, based on scientific advice  as made abundantly clear by both HE President and Hon. Prime Minister and even the consideration of the option of conducting these burials in the Maldives, respectful of the religious sensitivities. So here is proof, from the former Foreign Secretary, that a request was indeed made to the Maldives for Muslim burials. This is despite the denial by co-cabinet spokesperson Minister Ramesh Pathirana. He blamed the social media for what he called the false reports. It is such remarks that chip away the Governments credibility and cause disbelief among people.

The raging Covid-19 pandemic, as expected, has telescoped into 2021 requiring the continued attention of the Government and necessitating funds to fight on. In this midst, this weeks developments show that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and other leaders of the alliance are now saddled with more challenges than expected. Those are enormous indeed.
Since the start of the pandemic, many people have spoken about us all being in the one boat. However, the shock announcement that special schools and classes would not reopen, despite reassurances from Government throughout the last week, has proven this is not the case.

We may all be in the one storm, but the suffering of a student with additional needs is not something everyone has had to contend with.

School and learning is vital for everyone. In the words of Taoiseach Micheal Martin, it is the great equaliser. For most children, it is possible for this learning to pause, or even move online for months. It may impact on grades, and young people might understandably miss their friends, but life will go on and, in time, go back to normal.

For autistic young people, and children with additional needs more generally, this is not necessarily the case.

Those of us who are autistic develop differently to other people. This means core skills that we all use day to day, from communicating with other people to managing change or making friends, require explicit teaching.

This demands continuing effort and vast quantities of energy. We know this because of how our world works.

Our young people are at a disadvantage from birth compared to their neurotypical peers. Everything takes more work and nothing comes without a fight.

During the initial closure period in 2020, families understood that a loss of routine and predictability, which is so vital for autistic people, was a cost which would have to be coped with. We would all have to pull on the green jersey and be done with it.

Ten months and a major loss of educational and therapeutic support later, it simply cannot be allowed to continue.

Children with additional needs have suffered greatly. Remote learning, where it was made available during the last lockdown, did not work for many of our young people with cognitive differences.

Some 61pc lost key skills in areas such as personal care, communication and self-regulation. That has developmental and quality-of-life implications far beyond the present pandemic.

Read More

In a joint survey between AsIAm, Inclusion Ireland, and Down Syndrome Ireland, 79pc of families told us that their children would need in-school support if closures were to reoccur. Many also reported their children requiring far greater support in school this year compared to last.

For the 18,000 young people attending special classes and schools, and the majority of their peers who attend mainstream classes, the closure period was about much more than algebra or Shakespeare. It was about losing access to what is often the only paltry supports made available to you by the State. It was also about having to struggle to cope, interact and live daily.

Across Europe, our neighbours didnt make the same mistake. They recognised that if providing vital education to the most vulnerable wasnt essential, then it was hard to identify what was. They have made provision (in many cases, schools and classes for children with additional needs have never closed) and they have done it safely. Just as we did since last September and just as public-health advice indicates that we can continue to do.

So, ten months after the pandemic took hold in Ireland, there is much blame to be shared. The reality is too many will not receive vital support on Monday. There seems to be something of a blame game between unions and departments.

Our families have no interest in this. Children with additional needs dont have the time. We need the adults engaging in the coming days. The department and stakeholder groups need to focus on finding a solution for us.

We need to see children with additional needs prioritised to return to school as a matter of urgency.

In the meantime, we need Education Minister Norma Foley to engage with the disability community and put in place a suite of supports to help our young people manage, as best as they can, while the adults fix this.
Senator Cory Bookers Justice for Black Farmers Act envisions a special program for black farmers, based on his claim that systemic racism within the USDA has robbed them of their land and the accumulated wealth of generations. Only a fraction of that claim is true, and it is only true due to Democrat actions.

Fact check in aisle three! The 1920 census records 949,889 Colored (of which 24,181 were not black) farmers in the United States, 99% of them in the South. They farmed 45 million acres. The 2017 agricultural census shows 35,470 blacks (alone or with other races) farming on 4.6 million acres, mostly in the South.

Thats a drop of 96% in the number of black farmers and 90% in acreage. Over the same period, black ownership (full or part) of the farmed land increased from 23% to 91%. One hundred years ago, more than 75% of black farmers did not farm their land; they worked as managers, tenants, sharecroppers, or cash/piecework employees on farms that others owned.

For comparison, 5.5 million whites farmed 911 million acres in 1920. Today almost 2 million whites farm 850 million acres with ownership nearly doubling from 56% to 94%. Overall, in the US, acreage in farms declined by about 6% while the number of farmers fell by 68%. Most farmers today own their farms.

Everything would have been vastly different for black farmers, and blacks in general, and really for all Americans, if a Democrat had not assassinated President Lincoln. The Democrat who succeeded him almost immediately voided General Shermans Article 15 promise to give 40 acres and a mule to freed slaves.

Think how giving potentially hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of former slaves the opportunity and means to become productive property owners would have charged the engine of commerce and community-building! America would have immediately become and stayed bigger, bolder, richer, and happier if the Democrats had not seized power and spent the next 100+ years persecuting and impoverishing blacks for becoming free. Thanks, Dems.

After the Civil War, Democrats slowed the Reconstruction to a crawl; wrote, passed, signed, and enforced all the Jim Crow legislation; created the KKK; carried out lynchings; and suppressed black voting. The Democrat Party opposed the 13th amendment abolishing slavery, and not one Democrat in Congress voted for either the 14th amendment giving citizenship to freed slaves or the 15th amendment giving all races the right to vote.

Talk about sore losers. I wonder, is this the sort of thing conservatives have to look forward to during the next century as payback for Trumps 2016 victory?

The Democrat Party is historically a party of oppression and segregation. At the time of the Civil War, Democrats owned all but a handful of the millions of slaves and carried out all the horrors associated with that.

Their post-war actions echoed what they had done decades earlier while negotiating reservations in bad faith with Native Americans and forcing the Trail of Tears death march. Those same actions foreshadowed Democrats opposing womens suffrage, interning the Japanese, fighting against civil rights legislation, and literally standing in the way of desegregating schools.

The Democrats inherited 9,000 advisors in Indochina and within a few years had over 535,000 American soldiers on the ground at one time. My generation certainly viewed the ramping up of the draft under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson as oppressive.

Back to agriculture. Lets look at 100 years of change in American farming. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl took their toll on farming and farmers of all races. War also disconnected men from the land  one million blacks served in World War II, 600,000 in the Korean War, and 300,000 in Vietnam. And as that WWI song asks, How are you going to keep them down on the farm after theyve seen Paree?

Industrialization drew many farmers to the cities for steadier work, higher pay, better schools, and a less grueling lifestyle. Modernization brought labor-saving farm machinery that replaced hand planting, cultivation, and harvesting; and the introduction of herbicides and pesticides did away with a lot of weeding and manual control. Economies of scale came into play so that farmers profited best with more land in fewer hands, with fewer workers.

FDR took a great toll on black farmers. His 1933 Agricultural Adjustment Act paid farmers to fallow land to prop up the plummeting price of cotton. The plan called for payments to farmers, including tenants, but Democrat Party senators argued successfully to the Secretary of Agriculture they should only go to landowners, who then had no need for workers on fallowed land. This bill created the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, which became the primary vehicle for the USDAs racism of the time.

Similarly, the 1935 Social Security Act, modified at Democrats demand, initially excluded agricultural and household workers. The vast majority of working blacks were in these two categories. They werent covered until the early 1950s.

The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 similarly excluded agricultural and domestic workers. Is it any wonder that the 1930s saw a drop of more than 25% in the number of black farmers? Thanks again, Dems.

Pete Daniel, writing in Dispossession, Discrimination against African American Farmers in the Age of Civil Rights (2013), offers a heart-wrenching view of the treatment of black farmers at the hands of local, and sometimes national, USDA officials. He describes these officials as white and notes it was happening in the South, so it can be understood that all of these officials were Democrats.

Even after the passage of civil rights legislation, USDA staff continued to deny services to black farmers in parts of the South, especially if they ran for office, joined civil rights organizations, or participated in farmer cooperatives. Was this systemic racism? No, in that it was not prescribed by regulation; but yes, in that a significant segment of the USDAs Southernbased staff did this.

Times have changed, and it appears that the behemoth USDA has responded to fundamental legal changes. That cohort engaged in systemic racism in the second and third quarters of the 20th century is gone. Rules and processes are firmly in place to address discriminatory incidents in delivering federal services and dealing with todays bad actors violating federal laws and guidelines.

The Obama administration paid out $4.4 billion to settle complaints about the Pigford discrimination against black farmers, as well as discrimination against other groups, arising between 1981 and 1996. By all accounts, that compensation program was rife with fraudulent claims. Interestingly, there has been much criticism of the Obama administration for its treatment of black farmers, even after Pigfords settlement.

If this legislation is viewed (by some) as a fraction of reparations owed, then the question arises whether the US taxpayer, including tens of millions of immigrants since 1865 and their children, should be on the hook for a century of evil perpetrated by a single party. Rather, doesn't fairness dictate that that party, and its ideological offspring, cover those costs alone?

Hat tip: Dinesh DSouza

Authors credit  Anony Mee is a retired public servant.

IMAGE: Black farmer Alachua County, Florida 1913. Public Domain.
Two big Washington DC airports have bolstered security as Trump supporters start going home after the Capitol breach.

Ban Capitol rioters from future flights

The U.S. airlines and law enforcement agencies tighten security at Washington DC airports as Trump supporters return home after invading the Capitol Wednesday. A top lawmaker urged officials to ban anyone who has joined the riot from flying, Daily Mail reported.

Amid the outrage at the mob of MAGA protesters, the beefed-up security comes at Dulles International and Reagan National airports. Passengers could expect to see increased security enforcement presence when they travel through the airports, a Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority spokesperson said.

American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines said they are working with law enforcement agencies in keeping the safety of their passengers and would continue the enforcement of mask policies on flights. Staffing has also increased at the United and American airports.

Besides, their crew has moved away from downtown DC hotels earlier this week. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines says it expects customers to adhere to the applicable law, crew member instructions, and federal regulations while traveling.

Bennie Thompson, Democratic chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee suggested that rioters who will be identified having entered the Capitol building be banned from future flights.

In a statement, Thompson said they already saw reports of "unruly mobs" on the way to Washington DC. "It does not take much imagination to envision how they might act their way out of DC if allowed to fly unfettered," he added.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) International calls for strict penalties for passengers, in a news release, who was involved in the assault and other disruptive behavior on airports, The Washington Post reported. The AFA represents almost 50,000 flight attendants in more than 17 airlines, including United airlines.

Read also: Trump Calls for 'Healing,' Condemns US Capitol Siege

A lawmaker urged to add the Capitol rioters to the 'no-fly' list

The Democratic chairman urged the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to add rioters to the federal no-fly list. The Terrorist Screening Center manages the 'no-fly' list which includes names of people who are restricted to board commercial aircraft for travel into, within, or out of the United States.

Following the September 2001 terrorist attacks on Washington, Dc, Pennsylvania, and New York, the list was created. However, civil libertarians criticized the list saying that the added names were made without due process.

In October 2019, the massive secret criteria that the government uses for adding suspected terrorists upheld by the federal appellate court after four people filed suit. The federal; government hides the number of people on the list, but it was discovered in 2014 that at least 47,000 names were listed in it.

On Wednesday, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), Sara Nelson, who represents workers at 17 airlines, said, "Acts against our government, our democracy, and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these people from the freedom of flight."

American Airline announced Thursday that it will no longer serve alcohol from the nation's capital after flight attendants "were forced to have talks with passengers exhibiting politically motivated aggression to other crew and passengers.

According to CNN the airline's statement said that they are working with airport authority partners and local law enforcement in ensuring the safety of the travelers and crew on the ground and in the air.

Also read: Top White House Officials, Including Deputy Press Secretary, Resign in the Wake of Capitol Breach

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Panaji, Jan 9 : Former Goa RSS chief Subhash Velingkar on Saturday said the BJP regime in Goa was as vengeful as the atrocity-ridden regime of Pakistan in erstwhile East Pakistan (Bangladesh).

Velingkar also said despite his numerous agitations and anti-government campaigns against past Congress regimes in the state, the Congress leadership had not launched a vendetta against its opponents, like the incumbent regime led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

The former Goa RSS chief's comments come two days after his son Shailendra Velingkar was booked and arrested under non bailable sections, including attempt to murder, for his participation in protests against an upcoming IIT-Goa campus in North Goa's Melaulim village, which turned violent on Wednesday.

"The current BJP regime takes revenge on people who believe in the same political ideology, simply because they oppose some of the government's decisions. This is just like the atrocities committed by Pakistan on their own people in Bangladesh, when it was erstwhile East Pakistan and a part of the same country. This government is similar," Velingkar told reporters.

The former state Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief's son is one of the more than 20 people who have been booked for attempt to murder, deadly assault, criminal conspiracy, among other non bailable sections following the violence on Wednesday at the proposed Indian Institute of Technology-Goa campus site in Melaulim, located around 50 km from Panaji.

Subhash Velingkar has said that top Goa BJP leaders have been running a vendetta campaign against him, ever since he took on former Defence Minister and ex Goa Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar over policies promoted by the latter's state government from 2012-2019, which the ex-RSS chief has maintained were against state and national interest.

"I can relate from experience. I am against the Congress. I believe that the Congress has sold the country outright. I was the RSS chief when the Congress was in power in Goa. We expanded the RSS during the Congress tenure. But the Congress has never targetted us or took revenge despite all kinds of allegations we levelled against them," Velingkar said.

"Even today, I am on good terms with Congress leaders, although they know I am their political opponent. But their regime was not blood thirsty. They did not exact revenge on their own people, like this regime does," Velingkar said.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has justified the attempt to murder case filed against all the accused persons who have incited violence.

"So many police personnel including women had to bear injuries because they were attacked by sticks, sharp weapons. Some of them even flung masala-laced water in the eyes of the police. How can you treat police like this?" Sawant said.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
The Daily Beast

NBCSeth Meyers on Wednesday reacted to the recent news that the Manhattan District Attorneys office has convened a grand jury to consider issuing indictments in the investigation into former President Donald Trumps business dealings.Meyers began by drawing a throughline from this case to all the other figures in Trumps orbit who ended up in trouble with the law.Its just basic logic that if youre surrounded at all times by that many criminals, theres a solid chance youre also a criminal, Meyers said. He then likened Trumps situation to that of the frontman of a band denying that hes actually in a band.Still, Meyers said he wouldnt be surprised if the ex-president emerges relatively unscathed.Trump always manages to wriggle out of a jam, the late-night host said. Hes like the David Blaine of crime. If he ever goes to trial, hell just regurgitate a frog that has Not Guilty written on its back. If the feds ever come for him, hell hide out in a glass box over the [River] Thames.But if Trump himself may end up OK, that might not be the case for his family.Meyers said he would totally believe it if this investigation caused Trump to throw those close to him under the bus. You think he named his eldest son after himself for sentimental reasons? Meyers asked. He did it so there would be a second Donald Trump to pin the blame on.Commentators have also been discussing the likelihood that Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg will flip on Trump.Im guessing when you work for Trump, you start thinking about flipping as soon as you get the gig, Meyers said. Its like when youre in the middle of a job interview at Little Caesars and youre already fantasizing about how youre going to quit.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.
(Natural News) A 41-year-old pediatric nurse from Portugal dropped dead not long after being injected with the first dose of Pfizers Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

Reportedly in perfect health prior to getting jabbed, Sonia Azevedo, a mother who worked as a surgical assistant at the Instituto Portugues de Oncologia cancer hospital in Porto, was one of 538 healthcare workers at her facility who received the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech China virus jab on Dec. 30.

The day after receiving her shot, New Years Eve, Azevedo had dinner with her family. The following morning, Azevedo was found dead in her bed, which was a total shock to everyone who knew her and the prior state of her health.

I want to know what caused my daughters death, stated her father Abilio to the Portuguese tabloid Orreio da Manha.

According to Abilio, his daughter was well and happy, and never drank alcohol and didnt eat anything special or out of the ordinary.

Initially, Azevedo was so proud to have been among the first to receive the vaccine that she took a picture of herself and made it her Facebook profile picture, along with the words: Covid-19 vaccinated.

We dont know what happened, Azevedos daughter, Vania Figueiredo, also told the paper. It all happened quickly and with no explanation.

I didnt notice anything different in my mother, Figueiredo added. She was fine. She just said that the area where she had been vaccinated hurt, but thats normal.

According to the hospital, Azevedo had not suffered any adverse side effects after being vaccinated. But as noted by at least one Twitter user, death is a pretty serious adverse side effect.

Denmark, U.K. both consider delaying second dose of Pfizer jab due to safety concerns

Thus far, the Pfizer-BioNTech WuFlu vaccine is the only one to have been given emergency use authorization by the World Health Organization (WHO). This means that it has been cleared for widespread use by the United Nations and other transnational health bodies.

In a statement, Azevedos hospital offered its sincere condolences to her family and friends, adding that [t]he explanation of the cause of death will follow the usual procedures in these circumstances.

Portugal, which has a population of around 10 million, has reported some 427,000 cases of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) thus far. More than 7,100 deaths have been attributed to infection.

Because of the many reports of injury and death that continue to flood headlines, the governments of both Denmark and the United Kingdom are considering a moratorium on the second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab until more is known about how it might affect people.

The goal was to give a second dose to everyone who received the first dose after a 21-day delay. However, that delay could be extended if it is determined that the jabs are a high-risk endeavor that may lead to a flood of new injuries and deaths.

Pfizer and BioNTech, upset about this, issued their own statement indicating that safety and efficacy of the vaccines have not been evaluated on different dosing schedules. In other words, the two companies still want patients to be injected at the 21-day mark.

These are near-term effects, wrote one Zero Hedge commenter. Should be a real hoot when the long-term effects begin to manifest.

I entertain the hypothesis that the mRNA hacking could result in a change of DNA programming, wrote another. Then, these long-term effects will either result in hyper-aggressive degenerative mutation, or this is how we get zombies.

More related news about people being harmed and killed by Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines can be found at VaccineInjuryNews.com.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

RT.com

RT.com

NaturalNews.com
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
Stop Trivializing The Term 'Coup': Notes From The Edge Of The Narrative Matrix

January 08, 2021 " Information Clearing House " - - Stop trivializing the term "coup". It's a real thing the US government really inflicts on other countries in a way that actually does topple governments and cause immense destruction. You cannot take over the US government with a small squadron of wingnuts. That's not a thing.

A coup attempt doesn't have to be successful for that term to be legitimate, but it does have to have some possibility of success. Trump has no more likelihood of being in office after January 20th than I do; he's got nothing resembling the kind of support from the military, political establishment, oligarchs and other backing he'd need to accomplish such a thing.

I hereby declare the US election invalid and I, Caitlin Johnstone, am the new President of the United States.

Have I just instituted a "coup"? Or does my complete inability to put such a claim into effect make the use of that term silly?

And now Trump has conceded. My what a funny looking coup.

No Advertising - No Government Grants - No Algorithm - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Newsletter



It's very telling how fast the plutocratic media have been to use the word "coup" to describe some idiots interrupting congress for a few hours, since they bend over backwards to avoid using it when their government enacts blatant coups of infinitely greater destructiveness.

Here are some of the headlines from when the US-backed coup in Bolivia was taking place:

Bolivian President Evo Morales steps down following accusations of election fraud proclaims CNN. Bolivias Morales resigns amid scathing election report, rising protests reports The Washington Post. Bolivian Leader Evo Morales Steps Down says The New York Times. Bolivian President Evo Morales resigns amid fraud poll protests declares the BBC. President of Bolivia steps down amid allegations of election rigging we are informed by Telegraph. Bolivias President Morales resigns after backlash to disputed election says the Sydney Morning Herald.

In reality Morales was forced from office by the military after winning a legitimate election, which is exactly the thing that a coup is. This has never been anywhere remotely close to a possible outcome for Trump, but since it doesn't interfere with imperialist agendas they're allowed to use it.

Narrative managers have been falling all over themselves to tell us that conspiracy theories on the internet are going to get everyone killed. They want conspiracy theories censored, especially the ones about how the government murders people around the world and lies about it. FYI your government is many orders of magnitude more dangerous, deceitful and deadly than even the craziest conspiracy theories.

Also, nobody who spent years saying the highest levels of the US government had been taken over by Russia has any business bitching about conspiracy theories.



Modern liberalism is just QAnon for people with diplomas on their walls.



The left is always the real target of pushes for more censorship and surveillance. They're not worried about rightists, who support most of what the establishment wants and who can be manipulated into compliance with a simple 8chan psyop. They're worried about the faction that wants to dismantle the oligarchic empire.

Rightist wingnuts are always used to justify policies that are designed to neuter the left. That's why any leftist who's cheered internet censorship for the wingnuts has been applying their own muzzle on behalf of the authoritarians. Many still don't realize this.

Sometimes things happen that make people frightened and angry, and there's a major push (always spearheaded by the plutocratic media) for more authoritarian government control to shut down the bad guys. You can choose to get swept up in that frenzy. Or you can choose not to.



Just so we're clear, the policing lesson of the Capitol Hill riots was not that cops should have been more brutal with the Trumpers, it was that they should have been much more restrained during the BLM protests but chose not to be. Don't let them troll you into cheering for police brutality.



None of Trump's post-election shenanigans rank anywhere near the top ten worst things he's done while president. Mass media coverage hasn't reflected this fact because they regard imperialist warmongering as normal presidential stuff and don't regard its victims as human.



It will never stop being hilarious when Americans rend their garments about the death of a "democracy" that does not exist.



Americans finally discover they can storm the Capitol to demand what they want, and they do it to defend a corrupt plutocrat.



Americans think only about America while their rulers think only about conquering the rest of the world.



What's it going to take to get American progressives to understand that the Democratic Party is explicitly and deliberately rigged against progress? It's simply not the tool for advancing progressive agendas. It's like watching a kid try to open a can of beans using a sneaker.



FYI you don't actually need to keep begging for the permission of condescending gatekeepers to push progressive agendas; you can just do it. They're not the left's supervisors, they're just people who speak in a forceful and assertive tone. You are the left.



You're trained to see one mainstream political faction with all its politicians, pundits and rank-and-file members versus the other faction with all its politicians, pundits and rank-and-file members. Really it's the politicians and pundits of both factions versus everyone else.



While the poor have been inundated with religions glorifying poverty, meekness and obedience, the rich have been circulating their own private doctrines among themselves about why it's fine for them to have so much while everyone else has so little. They have their own religions.



Feel free to reject anything at all about your society, your culture, or any traditional relic at all. Our species is now staring down the barrel as a result of everything we've done up to this point. The old ways have failed. They are demonstrably bad. Try something new.

Unless we make drastic changes, and make them approximately now, we will likely go extinct due to climate chaos or nuclear war. Everything that brought us to this point has failed as spectacularly as anything can fail. Don't cling to the old ways. Bring in the unprecedented.



Trust is a very simple thing: you can trust people to act out the behavior patterns they normally act out. Behavior patterns are generally pretty trustworthy. You can trust nurturing people to do nurturing things, and you can trust destructive people to do destructive things. As long as you're trusting someone to do what they normally do instead of what they don't normally do, your trust will probably be well-placed.



We're so far from justice that even the table scraps of "You're too crazy to extradite" are welcomed. You want justice? Free Assange, shower him with awards and compensation, and lock up everyone who helped persecute him. That would be justice. Then you'd be getting somewhere.



We fight on.

Sometimes it knocks the wind out of us.

Sometimes it knocks us down.

And we lie there and blink a minute.

Just lie there.

And then, after a bit, the air begins sucking back into our lungs.

And the strength returns to our limbs.

And we get up.

And we fight on.

Caitlin's articles are entirely reader-supported, so if you enjoyed this piece please consider sharing it around, liking her on Facebook, following her antics on Twitter, checking out her podcast, throwing some money into her hat on Patreon or Paypal, or buying her book Woke: A Field Guide for Utopia Preppers. https://caitlinjohnstone.com
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.
Cannes featured Bengali movie released here VimukthiJayasundaras Bengali movie Chatrak View(s): View(s):

The prestigious Cannes award winning director Vimukthi Jayasundaras Bengali movie Chatrak or Mushroom is now being screened at cinemas around the country. Released in Lite cinemas including Amity Lite Maharagama and Vista Lite Ja-ela, this 2011 film was made on an invitation by a Bengali film producer. It was screened at a number of international Film Festivals including Directors Fortnight at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

The first Sri Lankan to win the prestigious Camera dOr at Cannes Film Festival in 2005, for his debut feature Sulanga Enu Pinisa or The Forsaken Land, Vimukthi has made a number of short films anddocumentaries since then.

Described by critics as one of the boldest film ever made in India, Chatrak, discusses deep issues like industrialization and development and human relationships.

The film narrated around Rahul (Sudeep Mukherjee), a Bengali architect working at construction sites in Dubai. He returns home to Kolkata after several years. His girlfriend, Paoli (Paoli Dam), has been waiting for his return.

Rahuls seemingly successful life is overshadowed by the search for his brother (Sumeet Thakur), said to now be mad and living in the forest, where he sleeps in the trees and subsists on vegetation. This brother befriends a French soldier in the jungle. Rahul and Paoli journey in search of his lost brother.

Screenplay written and directed by Vimukthi, Chatrak is produced by Vinod Lahoti.

Musical score by Roman Dummy, editor of Chatrak is Julie Beziau and the cinematographed by Sri Lankas Channa Deshapriya.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey have received almost 1.4 million doses of coronavirus vaccine, but hundreds of thousands of the shots had not been used as of Friday, making for a slow first four weeks of the long-awaited rollout.

As questions abound about how long it will be before the vaccine is widely available  only health-care workers and nursing home residents are eligible right now  and the death toll climbs here and nationwide, some of the doses that have already made it to the states seem to have gotten stuck in the wings.

Less than a third of doses delivered to Pennsylvania and New Jersey had been administered, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although officials in both states say the tally is undercounted due to reporting lags and say their pace is already accelerating.

Friday brought signs that the effort was ramping up as promised: In the first three weeks of vaccine distribution, more than 160,000 doses were reported to have been administered in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. By Friday, that number had increased by about 110,000.

Standing up this complex new program, right at [the holidays], posed a challenge, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine said Thursday. Pennsylvania and all [the states] are gearing up this week and  I think this program is going to gear up and roll out really well.

The states health leaders dont dispute, though, that a significant number of doses shipped to hospitals, pharmacies, and health centers have not yet been used, with reasons ranging from the unique and unprecedented nature of this pandemic and the enormous complications of administering a highly perishable vaccine to health-care workers reluctance to trust the vaccine.

 READ MORE: Who gets the COVID-19 vaccine next, and when? Pa. and N.J. are working on it.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey health officials detailed logistical roadblocks in interviews with The Inquirer and at news briefings this week. Hospital leaders in the region also offered a window into the challenges playing out as health-care workers try to get the shots into the publics arms.

New Jersey has set a goal to give 67,000 to 80,000 shots a day, but Pennsylvania officials couldnt say what their target is. At the current rate, getting a first dose to enough Pennsylvanians to approach herd immunity, not including Philadelphia, will take almost 2 years, an Inquirer data analysis shows.

Its really hard to set a goal when theres so many unknowns related to how we would meet that goal, said Pennsylvania Department of Health spokesperson Rachel Kostelac. We are building a road map to vaccinate as many Pennsylvanians as is safely possible at any given time, but while were building that road map, were also building the road simultaneously.

 READ MORE: How to sign up for a Philly COVID-19 vaccine alert that will tell you its your turn

The challenges are being reported across the country: Fewer than a third of shots shipped across the United States have actually been administered, according to the CDC, though the numbers are slightly undercounted because of delays in reporting.

As of Friday, 6.7 million people in the United States had received their first shots  a far cry from the 20 million the federal government said by the end of 2020.

Theres a lot of interest about the pace of distribution of vaccines across the country, I think in part because the federal government set expectations that were unreasonably high, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said. We would like to have more vaccines in peoples arms right now, but were doing the best we can.

A significant limitation

The vaccine promises to bring relief to a tragic year that has seen more than a million infected and more than 34,000 killed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. But health officials have warned for weeks that the limited supply of the two vaccines, made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, would mean weeks of waiting for many as the states vaccinate the population in phases.

While most local and state officials, including Levine, say the biggest challenge will be getting enough doses made and distributed to vaccinate the majority of Americans, the challenges to using the doses that have already arrived in the states are a little more complex.

Difficult delivery, staffing, scheduling, storage and handling requirements, and pandemic-related constraints make inoculations much harder than simply putting up a tent, inviting in the crowds, and jabbing arm after arm. Plus, a lack of funding hampered state health departments, officials said, while hospitals are strained by vaccinating staff even as they have responded to the fall-winter surge in COVID-19 cases.

Starting during the holidays also posed a significant limitation, and it has been hard to predict exactly how many doses will arrive from the federal government each week, Levine told reporters on a call Thursday.

She stressed that the pace would speed up and said this week that the state was not behind in its rollout to health-care workers and nursing home residents.

My expectation would be if you roll this forward a month, youll have more vaccines in distribution, youll have more people being vaccinated, and the process itself will work out some of those kinks, said Steve Tracey, executive director for Center Supply Chain Research at Pennsylvania State University. Id say its probably going as well as should be expected.

Experts said better planning at the federal level, including stronger guidance for states and more funding, could have improved the rollout. Leaving so much up to the states  as the Trump administration has done since the beginning of the pandemic  has resulted in a pluperfect disaster, said William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, because each state has been free to develop its own distribution priorities, some wildly different from others. Meeting such varied demands creates logistical nightmares, he said.

The CDC did not reply to questions Friday.

About one million people in Pennsylvania are eligible to be vaccinated in the first phase, the state says, plus up to 130,000 in Philadelphia. As of Tuesday, about a quarter of a million people had been vaccinated statewide. New Jersey has received more than 572,000 doses and administered more than 155,000, although Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said this week that state officials believe the number to be a significant undercount.

Most states have distributed a roughly similar number of first doses per capita, according to the CDC, though some are lagging more and others performing better.

Philadelphia, in fact, is performing better than most large cities. The city has vaccinated almost 2,000 people per 100,000 as of Jan. 5, an Inquirer analysis found, a better rate than in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Houston.

Still, unless shipments speed up, it will take more than a year to vaccinate everyone in Philadelphia, Farley said.

A balancing act

Those administering the vaccine are engaged in a balancing act. They have to weigh their supply with estimates of the number of people to be vaccinated each day, try to ensure they have enough to meet their vaccination schedule, and provide second doses on time for the people who have received their first shot. (To complicate matters, the Pfizer vaccine, once processed for injection, is viable only for six hours.)

Im careful not to overcommit, said Tony Reed, chief medical officer for Temple University Health System. The last thing I want to do is have someone sitting there with their sleeve rolled up and say, Sorry, I have no vaccine left.

And giving out the vaccine requires the availability of staff  often at hospitals already strained by the pandemic. At Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, vaccination sites include five people doing injections, two people gathering information from those getting shots, two greeters  one to take temperatures and another doing crowd control  and a manager, along with pharmacy personnel, president Steven Sivak said.

In addition, some vaccine providers have not started giving out doses theyve received because theyre still preparing, said Cindy Findley, who is overseeing Pennsylvanias vaccine rollout for the Department of Health. And all providers are now required to keep at least 10% of the doses they receive in reserve for health-care workers not affiliated with hospitals.

Reluctance to take the vaccine also accounts for some of the unused doses, whether due to health-care workers unwillingness to risk side effects  which are generally mild  over the holidays, or some peoples distrust of the vaccine, which was developed in less than a year.

Even though the vaccines have been produced at record speed, they have been tested on thousands of people in clinical trials, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for most people over age 16.

Neither New Jersey nor Pennsylvania said exactly how much hesitancy to take the vaccine contributed to the number of unused doses, but both mentioned it as a factor. Persichilli mentioned that there was more resistance in South Jersey than in the northern part of the state.

Hospitals locally have had workers wary of receiving shots.

I had a small handful of people who in the first couple of weeks said, I want to wait until mid-January, said Reed of Temple. Is that because of the holidays, [or] mistrust  Im not going to push and pry.

Temple is going department by department to encourage workers to be vaccinated, though hospital officials have not said they will make vaccination mandatory.

 READ MORE: When can I get the coronavirus vaccine? Here's what we know so far.

We want everybody to feel like they should and can get this, Reed said.

As more people get the vaccine, Persichilli said, concerns will likely fade: Last week, a survey of New Jersey residents found 60% were willing to take the vaccine, compared with 40% in November.

Ramping up

Health officials acknowledge the current rate of vaccination must improve, but Pennsylvania wouldnt be specific about what its target is. New Jersey, though, said typically if a facility giving injections doesnt get through 65% of its supply each week, the state Health Department calls to find out why some doses werent used.

For the state to accelerate its own distribution to vaccine providers, it needs more doses, officials say.

Its hard to ramp up when you dont have the vaccine, Findley said. We have partners that weve been engaging with, getting them ready, prepared to receive vaccine, but if we dont have the vaccine to give them, we pretty much cant move very far.

Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, predicted Tuesday that the country could soon be giving one million vaccinations a day. He said President-elect Joe Bidens plan to vaccinate 100 million people in his first 100 days in office was very realistic.

On Friday, Biden proposed distributing to the states all the vaccine held by the federal government, which would include reserves intended for second doses. Levine said that plan would work as long as second doses will be available.

Were all on the same page of wanting to get these vaccines out as quickly as possible, Gov. Tom Wolf said Friday.

Staff writers Erin McCarthy and Allison Steele contributed to this article.
Denton, TX (76205)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 87F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 66F. S winds shifting to NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

(Bloomberg) -- Three men who allegedly took part in the riots at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday have been charged in federal court in Washington, the Justice Department announced.

Jacob A. Chansley, also known as Jake Angeli, was charged with illegally entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, and with violent entry and disorderly conduct on the Capitol grounds, the department said in a statement on Saturday.
Advertisement

President Donald Trump's cabinet is unlikely to remove him from office in the final days of his term, but the White House is operating under a 'de facto 25th Amendment' with cabinet members essentially ignoring Trump, a reporter claims.

Several top cabinet members are vowing to remain in the administration through January 20, when Trump's term ends, but are 'operating as if he is not the president,' administration officials told Axios reporter Jonathan Swan.

'The reality is, based on my reporting over the last 48 hours, is the idea of a 25th Amendment, while it was raised in the heat of Wednesday, it was never seen as a serious possibility by members of the cabinet,' Swan told MSNBC on Friday.

'But what has happened instead is kind of a de facto 25th Amendment,' Swan added of Trump's cabinet. 'They are operating as if he is not the president, many of these senior officials, ignoring him and staying away from the West Wing, staying away from him hoping that he doesn't call.'

Even if his agency heads ignore and shun him, Trump still wields awesome power in the form of the Gold Codes, which authorize the launch of nuclear missiles. Though Speaker Nancy Pelosi has pleaded with the military to revoke Trump's access to the nuclear codes, it is seen as impossible while he remains in office.

Several top cabinet members are vowing to remain in the administration through January 20, when Trump's term ends, but are said to be 'operating as if he is not the president' and ignoring him as they run their agencies

'But what has happened instead is kind of a de facto 25th Amendment,' reporter Jonathan Swan (above) said of Trump's cabinet. 'They are operating as if he is not the president'

Swan said that the situation 'raises really uncomfortable questions about the chain of command and where we're at right now with the government.'

He said that cabinet members are 'just continuing to run their agencies and run the government without his involvement.'

'And with a steely  and much more steely now  resolve that should he issue any orders that they deem dangerous or unlawful, they will flatly refuse those orders. That's where we're at,' he added.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao resigned in disgust after Trump's loyalist rioted at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, leaving a police officer and four others dead in the chaos.

Other top cabinet members are vowing to stay on to prevent Trump from taking dangerous actions in his remaining days in the White House.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo intends to finish out the term, a source briefed on his thinking told Axios.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reportedly intends to finish out the term, at the urging of Senate Republicans who want to ensure guardrails in Trump's final days

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was said to be among those cabinet members considering invoking the 25th Amendment, but this is seen as unworkable by members

National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone have also been urged by Senate Republicans to remain in office for the sake of national security.

With just 11 days left in Trump's term, cabinet members are said to view invoking the 25th Amendment as technically unworkable and bad for the country.

The Constitutional amendment allows the cabinet to designate the Vice President as Acting President with a majority vote, and was written for situations in which a president is medically incapacitated.

Trump's deepening political isolation is also extending to Congress, where former Republican allies are publicly abandoning him.

Longtime Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham said Thursday that the president must accept his own role in the violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol.

The South Carolina Republican was greeted by chants of 'traitor!' from a mob of Trump loyalists in response to his disavowal.

Longtime Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham said Thursday that the president must accept his own role in the violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol

Despite isolation, Trump retains the nuclear codes Though Speaker Pelosi has begged the military to revoke Trump's access to nuclear codes, there is no way to do so while he remains in office. The U.S. president has sole authority to launch nuclear weapons, using the Gold Codes and the nuclear football. The Gold Codes are generated daily by the NSA, and carried by the president at all times on a small plastic card. The nuclear football is a portable communications system that allows the president to transmit the launch codes. Sole authority over nuclear launches is vested in the president for reasons of speed, ensuring the U.S. can retaliate without hesitation if attacked. Advertisement

One GOP senator who has split with Trump in the past called on him to resign and questioned whether she would stay in the party.

'I want him out,' Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska told The Anchorage Daily News. 'He has caused enough damage.'

'At this point, I wont defend him anymore,' said Ari Fleischer, a former White House press secretary for George W. Bush and a GOP strategist who voted for Trump. 'I won't defend him for stirring the pot that incited the mob. He's on his own.'

Trump still does still have supporters, especially among the many rank-and-file Republican voters and conservative activists outside the Beltway.

On Thursday morning, there was loud applause and shouts of 'We love you!' when Trump phoned into a breakfast meeting of the Republican National Committee in Florida.

'The vast majority of the committee is in full denial,' lamented Republican National Committee member Bill Palatucci, of New Jersey, who attended the breakfast.

'They're willing to condemn the violence, but without any reference to the president's role in any of it.'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday announced a single article of impeachment against Trump, on the charge of incitement of insurrection, and vowed to introduce it on Monday if Trump's cabinet does not remove him.

Pelosi also told her Democrat colleagues Friday that she phoned the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to discuss 'precautions' to prevent Trump from starting a war or accessing nuclear launch codes.

She said she had asked Army General Mark Milley how to keep an 'unhinged president' away from the nuclear codes and stop him from launching a unilateral military action.

Notably, she did not reveal what response Milley provided, or whether any security guardrails have been established.

'The situation of this unhinged President could not be more dangerous, and we must do everything that we can to protect the American people from his unbalanced assault on our country and our democracy,' she wrote.

Practically, it is viewed as impossible to revoke Trump's access to the nuclear Gold Codes while he remains in office. Sole authority over nuclear launches is vested in the president as a deterrent, insuring that the U.S. can retaliate in mere minutes if any nuclear weapons were ever launched at America.

Using the Gold Codes, the president transmits authorization for nuclear launches to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the order is passed down through Strategic Command to field forces who initiate the launch.

By raising the prospect of a deranged Trump wildly firing off nuclear missiles, it is possible that Pelosi hopes to build support for her new impeachment push by painting him as a global security threat.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday introduced a single article of impeachment against Trump and vowed to bring it to a vote on Monday if Trump doesn't leave office

The latest draft of the articles of impeachment that will be formally introduced on Monday includes one article: incitement of insurrection

Pelosi also revealed that Vice President Mike Pence has not returned her call seeking to discuss the 25th Amendment, whereby he and a majority of the Trump cabinet might move to strip Trump of power and make Pence the 'acting president.'

It came as an increasingly isolated and angry Trump had his main public megaphone confiscated by Twitter, which permanently banned his account on Friday.

Twitter has long resisted pressure to suspend Trump's account, but said that after a 'close review' of the president's recent tweets, it 'had permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.'

Trump later used the official @POTUS government to lash out at Twitter, addressing the 75 million 'great patriots' who voted for him: 'We will not be SILENCED!'

His tweets from the @POTUS account, which will be transferred to Joe Biden after the January 20 inauguration, were deleted by Twitter almost immediately.

The permanently suspended Twitter account of U.S. President Donald Trump is seen on Friday

President Trump on Friday night found a loophole around his Twitter ban by using the @POTUS account. The tweets claimed that he may set up his own social media platform but were quickly deleted again

Twitter then played whack-a-mole as a desperate Trump tried to use his aides' accounts to reach his followers.

The Trump 2020 campaign Twitter account was the next to receive a suspension after it tweeted the president's message amid increasingly desperate efforts to reach his following.

Digital director for the Trump campaign, Gary Coby, was next on the chopping block after he appeared to change his username to Donald J. Trump and in a tweet, offered the handle over to the president's Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino.

'@DanScavino texting you my Twitter login  I already updated the profile pic, name, etc.' the tweet read. 'Feel free to use!'

Twitter has not commented on the suspensions since it announced the permanent ban on Trump's account on Friday evening.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Criticism: Mervyn Storey has hit out at a 30 fee for firearms licence holders

A former Stormont Minister has hit out at the PSNI after it introduced a new fee of 30 to be paid by firearms licence holders if they wish to keep an ammunition magazine for their weapon.

DUP North Antrim MLA and Policing Board representative Mervyn Storey said it was "an unjustified new tax on magazines of firearms".

The plan has also come in for criticism from TUV leader Jim Allister, who has written to the Chief Constable querying the plan.

Mr Storey said: "The emergence of this new licensing requirement for additional magazines will understandably be met with dismay by firearm holders across Northern Ireland who are already subject to a great deal of red tape and continue to act in good faith.

"The PSNI may hold legitimate concern about the purchase of these items in particular circumstances but it is hard to believe that the creation of a new tax to apply unilaterally is either a fair or proportionate way forward."

In his letter to the Chief Constable, Mr Allister said the magazine licence fee was "an intolerable and unwarranted burden".

"A detachable rifle magazine has no serial number or severable identity," he said.

"It is an inherent and indispensable part of the firearm. Hence, the legitimate expectation that when the firearm is licensed the magazine is licensed under the same licensing fee," the TUV leader said.

Responding, the head of PSNI Firearms and Explosives Branch Jonathan Howarth told the Belfast Telegraph: "This change complies with the Firearms (NI) Order 2004 and reflects recent EU Council Directive 91/477/EEC.

"The Firearms (NI) Order 2004 states all component parts must be listed on a Firearms Certificate.

"This change simply brings PSNI Firearms & Explosives Branch policy in line with what has always been required under the 2004 Order.

"There is no immediate additional cost in respect of recording existing magazines held. We are not conducting a retrospective exercise.

"Magazines should be notified at the next application.

"Fees are applicable when making an application for a variation (30) or re-grant with variation (98)."

Large restaurants providing prepared meals to supermarkets for sale is causing the Government some concern as it says this is adding to additional customer traffic at those supermarkets, as it wants less movement of people during the State of Emergency.

HOLYOKE  Among the three farms participating at the first Winter Farmers Market of this new year, D & R Farm offers a varied selection of vegetables, pastries, cookies, honey, meats and eggs raised on their farm located at 146 Thresher Road in Hampden.

Its owners, Diane and Robert Rollins have been in the business for the past nine years but for both Robert and Diane, working the farm has been a family tradition since they were children. According to Diane Rollins, Robert Rollins had already been raising turkeys since he was a child in the town of East Longmeadow.

Her parents taught her from a very young age how to grow produce and raise chickens. My father taught me to tune up the car and my mother to sew and knit and cook. The two of them taught us how to care for and cultivate the land, said Diane Rollins.

D & R farm is totally family-friendly. They raise about 300 meat birds a week and about 250 turkeys which by the end of Thanksgiving season were already sold out.

Atlas Farm and Red Fire Farm participated in the event as well with their organic products.

Richie Allium, Atlas Farms manager said that the farm has 100 hectares of space and a greenhouse where they produce green products such as lettuce and tomatoes.

All farmers accept EBT/SNAP/HIP and WIC programs for the convenience of all participants.

Among the varied selection of products that can be found at the Holyoke Farmers Market, honey, eggs, jam and original sauces prepared on the farms with their own tomatoes were available to all visitors.

Although 2020 was a difficult year for many businesses, Diane Rollins said her farm was blessed with being able to provide products available to the entire community.

It has been a blessing for us because as a farmer, people have been willing to come to us and we have a lot and God was very good to us. I grew so many vegetables that I even donated this year that I have never been able to. We donated to the food pantry here in Holyoke and Springfield, she said. They also donated 575 pounds of vegetables to two shelters and on several occasions, they were able to donate meat as well.

It is Diane Rollins hope that COVID-19 will be completely eradicated this year and she said she also hoped to be able to raise 20,000 birds a year and grow her business to the point of being part of the USDA and thus being able to sell her organic meats everywhere in US.

Our meat is phenomenal; it is tasty and juicy. The flavor is intense, and you fill up faster, because it has no filling or fat. My chickens have juice but no fat. We do not feed our chickens corn, only good things and insects because they enter and leave their coop freely, she said.

D & R Farm participate in the winter market every other weekend and will be back on Saturday, January 16.

The Holyoke Farmers Market was founded in 1979 and the Winter Farmers Market meets on the first and third Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Memorial War Building located at 310 Appleton Street in Holyoke. They follow social distancing guidelines as well as the number of people inside the building.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
NEW DELHI: Despite serious concerns raised by Pakistan's minority community and criticism by human rights activists, two Hindu girls have been forcibly converted to Islam in the neighbouring country within just two days.

It has been reported that a Hindu girl, identified as Ekta Kumari, has been forcibly converted to Islam by the notorious Muslim cleric Mian Abdul Khaliq (aka Mian Mithoo or Mithu), who is believed to be close to the Pakistan Army.

Ekta Kumari, a resident of Sibi, Balochistan, is a teacher by profession. Sources informed that Ekta, daughter of Anil Kumar, was allegedly kidnapped by a local Muslim Yar Mohammad Bhtto who also lives in Sibi.

Bhutto forced Ekta to travel to Dargah-e-Aliya Bharchundi Sharif in Dharaki in Ghotki district of Sindh province of Pakistan where she was converted to Islam by Mian Mithoo and christened her as 'Ayesha' and was married to Bhutto.

The other Hindu girl who forced to embrace Islam is Dhani Kohlahi. While in the case of Dhani Kohlahi, she was abducted from Juma Bazar and was also converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man. Her whereabouts are not known so far to her parents and police has not even registered their FIR against the accused, said sources.

Pakistans Hindu community is in shock and utter despair following back-to-back incidents of alleged forced conversation of two Hindu girls in two days thus also exposing the hefty claims of Imran Khan government of providing security and giving equal rights to the minority communities with that of the majority Muslims.

No action has been taken by the local police or the administration in both cases. In both cases, police had been dillydallying in even registering the FIR against the accused.

These sham marriages are actually just a means of sexual enslavement of the helpless Hindu minority girls, who are often abandoned, murdered, or sold off into prostitution.

Mian Mithoo is the Pir (head) of the influential Bharchundi Dargah (Islamic Sufi shrine) in Ghotki district of Sindh province. The cleric, who leads a lavish lifestyle and always travels with armed escorts, has been a member of Pakistans national assembly (MNA) from 2008-2013 representing the liberal PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party).

Later, he joined hands with PM Imran Khans PTI. Mithoo has earlier claimed that he has personally overseen the conversion of 200 Hindu girls, who voluntarily came to him to accept Islam.

He first shot into notoriety in 2012 after the forced abduction and conversion of a young Hindu girl Rinkle Kumari  daughter of a local school teacher Nand Laal.

Meanwhile, Karachi-based All Pakistan Hindu Panchayat has taken up the case of another Hindu woman Suneet Rathore who was also kidnapped and forcibly converted into Islam.

Live TV
The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
The row over transfer tests for primary 7 pupils is no closer to being settled after heated exchanges at the NI Executive.

The Education Minster faced further calls to cancel the process completely, with a single test, run by AQE, scheduled to go ahead on February 27.

But the decision looks like it is slowly being taken out of the hands of AQE and the minister with five schools already abandoning the test.

DUP leader Arlene Foster denied blocking a call to put the issue to a vote and it was agreed at the Executive meeting that Peter Weir will now present a paper on the issue at the end of next week.

This isnt about academic selection, the First Minister said. Its about parental choice. Parents make decisions to send their children to the appropriate place. Parents have the ability to make that choice.

If they choose to go down the route of academic selection thats a legal route and therefore any discussion about trying to get around that, and using Covid actually as an excuse to do that, is very, very wrong.

We heard from the Health Minister that there is no health reason why this shouldnt go ahead at this present time. There may well be later in February, but its important that is registered.

Executive processes are put in place to prevent a misuse of the any other business procedure. That is why a vote couldnt happen today. Other parties wanted a vote, but if you allowed that to happen then any majority of ministers could come along and raise any sort of issue without having looked at the policy implications or the procedures of looking at all the things that need to be considered before an Executive decision is taken.

Five schools have said they will abandon the transfer test for this year, despite AQEs plan for their test to go ahead.

Royal School Dungannon, Victoria College, Campbell College and Belfast Royal Academy all said on Friday they would not be proceeding. Strabane Academy had already indicated it would be using an alternative method to decide places for the 2021/22 intake of pupils.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey praised those schools and also urged that the planned test next month is cancelled.

Unfortunately there was a decision taken by some not to allow a vote to take place on this issue, I feel there would have been parties that would have backed my position, the Sinn Fein minister said.

I am calling on AQE, and on all of those that havent taken the decision yet, to show that leadership, compassion, and to cancel these tests, to work with teachers, with schools, with young people, with the minister and unions to find a way forward.

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle, chair of the Education Committee, said his party remained opposed to the transfer tests, but is committed to achieving a fair transfer solution. He said ideological considerations should be parked by everyone this year.

The minister needs to take the decision that it is not viable for transfer tests to happen and provide contingency criteria for this year only, he said.

The uncertainty and distress experienced has been unacceptable. Alliance is committed to working with the minister and all stakeholders for an urgent and fair resolution in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of the children involved.

Ulster Unionist education spokesperson Robbie Butler said the planned AQE single test was not a realistic option and instead proposed that pupils work could be used to decide their post-primary transfer.

Announcing the intention to hold a single transfer test on February 27, the AQE said the test would proceed provided it can take place in public health circumstances then prevailing.

The other private company running transfer tests, PPTC, has already cancelled all plans.
As many as 26 teachers and



two students have tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha's Gajapati district after the reopening of schools, prompting the administration to send a senior officer to the district on Saturday to take stock of the situation.

Though the development has sparked fears across the state, the administration has urged everyone not to panic as their samples were tested before the reopening of schools on Friday.

"There are 26 teachers and two students among the 31 persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Gajapati district in the last two days," Chief District Medical Officer P K Patra said.

A senior official of the School and Mass Education Department, however, said the detection of COVID-19 cases among students and teachers has nothing to do with the reopening of schools for students of classes 10 and 12.

"All these tests were conducted before the reopening of schools on January 8. The department had instructed school authorities to conduct COVID-19 tests of students and teachers if they exhibit symptoms," the official told PTI.

No school in the state has ordered COVID-19 tests within two days, he said, adding S&ME secretary Satyabrata Sahoo has asked senior officials to visit all the districts to oversee the situation.

The Gajapati CDMO said the fresh infections might have come from the migratory population from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

The S&ME Department said that all schools are being regularly sanitised.

The official of the department said the teachers and students who have tested positive for the infection will not be allowed to enter the schools and will remain in home or institutional quarantine as per the standard operating procedure.

The officer deputed to Gajapati will also ascertain whether the infected teachers and students had visited their schools in the last two days, 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.)
Plans for a new winery facility are shaking things up in Yamhill County. The facility will house the newly created Landlines Estates label while providing a new location for Montinore Estate. With pun intended, Montinore owner Rudy Marchesi calls the new project groundbreaking.

The project began with Montinore Estate partnering with the Ackley Beverage Group (ABG) in 2016. The move allowed the Seattle-based investment company entry to the Oregon wine industry while Montinore Estate acquired the resources they needed to expand.

The partnership started rolling with the purchase of Merriman Vineyard in November 2016. The 30-acre pinot noir and chardonnay vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area (AVA) was planted in 1999. The vineyard was re-named Tidalstar.

Tidalstar Vineyard is located atop a ridge at approximately 500 feet above sea level near Carlton. The vineyards east to southeast exposure provides grapes with warm morning sunlight to complement the evenings cool, natural acidity preserving temperatures. The vines are farmed with organic and biodynamic techniques.

Fruit from Tidalstar Vineyard is used to make wines under the Landlines Estates label. Landlines first wines were released in October 2020: three pinot noirs and a chardonnay. The four wines, all from the 2017 vintage, sell for $45-$80 each.

The quality of each wine justifies its asking price. Take the Landlines Estates Proper Motion Pinot Noir, for example. With bright acidity and aromas and flavors of blackberries, Rainier cherries, seared pork fat and saline, it is easily one of the best Willamette Valley pinot noirs Ive had in years.

The team responsible for making these wines includes Marchesi, his Montinore Estate winemakers, Stephen Webber and Benjamin Eyer, cellar master Chris Brack and Anna Matzinger of Matzinger-Davies Wine Company, Newberg. Veteran viticulturists Moss Bittner and Alejandro Corona lend their vineyard management expertise to the project.

The winemaking process at Landlines Estates is truly a team effort.

Its very collaborative, with everyone digging in. Im not directing anything. Im just asking questions and expanding thinking, Matzinger said. Its an approach Marchesi is fond of describing as no heroes, no Hollywood.

One thing the entire team agrees on is the uniqueness of Tidalstar Vineyards soil profile. On the surface, Tidalstars marine sedimentary soils are typical of the rest of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Below the surface is a different story. Dig down far enough, and you will hit iron-rich sandstone paved with large amounts of dense marine basalt described by Marchesi as crystalline in nature.

According to Marchesi, these soils merit special distinction.

The substrata gives the wines a unique flavor profile and textural quality found only in that area, Marchesi said. We believe that once more vineyards are planted there, and the wines receive more exposure, the area will likely qualify for its own sub-AVA.

In the meantime, Marchesi and his partners are expanding elsewhere in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. In March 2019, the ABG-Montinore Estate partnership purchased 176 acres on Northeast Laughlin Road in Yamhill. The property is located across the road from Saffron Fields Vineyard and just south of WillaKenzie Estate.

In addition to the 100,000-case winery, the property will include stand-alone tasting rooms for Landlines Estates and Montinore Estate. The partnership is patiently looking for opportunities to fill a third tasting room on the property.

We want multiple brands on this property to reflect the different parts of the Willamette Valley. This is a long-term project with a 100-year plan, Marchesi said.

Groundbreaking for the winery and three tasting rooms will take place this spring, with the tasting rooms expected to open in late 2021 or early 2022.

The property also features its own vineyard. Twenty-six acres of vines are already in the ground, with the remaining acres to be planted over the next year. The vineyard will eventually contain 80 acres of pinot noir and 20 acres of chardonnay.

While Marchesi and his crew plan to continue farming more than 100 acres of vineyards in the Tualatin Hills AVA, hes nostalgic about leaving his old Forest Grove winery and tasting room location in the rear-view mirror.

Ill miss being able to walk from my house through the vineyards to get to work each day, but Ill be happy to move into a facility better suited for the kind of hospitality we like to offer, Marchesi said. Our old tasting room has been in Forest Grove for 30 years. We have a lot of loyal customers from the local area that became friends over the years. We sure hope they will drive the extra 15-minutes to come to see us in Yamhill.

-- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine.
Parents have been urged to not send their children to school if they can help it after attendance rates soared above 50 percent in some areas on England.

Current guidance amid England's coronavirus lockdown allows any child whose parent is a key worker to attend school, even if their parent works from home.

But after criticism that the Department for Education's definition of key workers is too broad, parents have been urged by the department to 'honour the spirit' of the lockdown and to keep children at home where possible.

Those who qualify as key workers include workers essential to running the justice system, religious staff, food production workers, charity workers, and some employed by local government, utilities, communications and financial workers.

More than one in 30 secondary school pupils had coronavirus on Christmas day, figures reported by The Times show.

Just two weeks later, one in three schools in the UK had more than 20 per cent of pupils in on Wednesday.

Students at Oasis Academy in Coulsdon administer their own Covid tests today. The amount of students in classrooms is far higher than the first lockdown, it has emerged, leading to calls for the definition of key workers to be narrowed and for the Department of Education to encourage parents not to send their children to school if they can avoid it

Figures from Teacher Tapp showing that 35 percent of primary schools had at least 20 percent of pupils in school, and 15 percent of primaries had at least 30 percent.

Meanwhile, Geoff Barton, general secretary of ASCL, said: 'We are hearing reports that attendance in some primary schools is in excess of 50 per cent because of demand from critical workers and families with children classed as vulnerable under criteria which has been significantly widened.

'We are urgently seeking clarification about the maximum number who should be in school.'

In March, during the first lockdown, only 1 in 100 schools registered more than 20 percent of pupils in attendance on any given day.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show infections peaked a week after the end of term, with one in 27 secondary and one in 40 primary pupils in England.

In London, the rate was even higher, with one in 18 secondary pupils and one in 23 primary children.

Reacting to the news, teachers expressed their concern, while the independent Sage group warned that Covid-19 infections will continue to spread through classrooms where high numbers of children are attending.

'Schools are clearly driving infection amongst children, and then on to the wider community,' the National Education Union said to The Times. 'These figures are truly shocking and entirely the result of government negligence.'

However, children are also having more lessons at home than in the first lockdown, and schools are providing more online teaching, a survey by Parent Ping showed.

Meanwhile, the SAGE group is calling for the definition of key workers to be narrowed and for increased financial support or furlough to be given to those who cannot work amid a large demand for school places.

Pictured: Gavin Williamson, head of England's Department of Education. The department has urged parents to 'honour the spirit' of the lockdown and keep children at home where possible

The scientists, chaired by former chief scientific adviser Sir David King, warn that underprivileged children are being exposed to a 'greater risk of infection' due to the high number of pupils who are eligible to attend class.

The warning came after the Government told schools not to limit the number of children of key workers onsite during the national lockdown in England - and it said vulnerable children should be strongly encouraged to attend.

Headteachers have been reporting a high demand for places after students in schools and colleges - except children of key workers and vulnerable pupils - were told to learn remotely until mid-February.

Vulnerable children can include 'pupils who may have difficulty engaging with remote education at home' due to a lack of devices or a quiet space to study.

The report from Independent Sage says: 'First ... this undermines the whole point of school closures making the policy less effective and therefore extending the period of closure.

'Second, it exposes underprivileged children to still greater risk of infection.'

Addressing high demand from key worker parents, it adds: 'This is in danger of increasing the number in school to a point where the policy becomes less effective and the ability of teachers to deliver remote learning is undermined.'

Current guidance allows any child whose parent is a key worker to attend school, even if their parent works from home

Independent Sage is calling for the creation of a national education task force involving Government, councils, teachers, parents and students to 'create a more Covid-secure environment in schools'.

The report also calls for the Government to prioritise immediate provisions of laptops and internet access for every school pupil to ensure remote learning can take place during the tighter restrictions.

The Department for Education (DfE) guidance, released on Thursday, said children with at least one parent or carer who was a critical worker could attend class - even if parents were working from home.

Some councils and schools have been seeking to prioritise places for parents who were both key workers, or who worked in emergency services.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, is calling on the Government to allow 'reasonable levels of attendance' to be set by individual schools.

He said: 'Of course, schools will be trying to offer the maximum number of places to families, but they have been put in an impossible position. They cannot meet the demand created by Government and reduce social mixing in the way the Prime Minister announced.'

On Monday night Boris Johnson warned schools may act as 'vectors for transmission' causing the virus to spread between households, when he announced the closures.

Mr Whiteman is calling on the Government to set out how many pupils on-site is 'too many' if the virus is to be suppressed.

Full list of key workers to tackle the coronavirus pandemic Health and social care This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK's health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributors of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment. Gavin Williamson said yesterday any NHS worker - from medical to office staff and cleaners - will all be needed at work during the crisis. Education and childcare This includes nursery and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active. Teachers and teaching assistants are certain to required as are nursery workers so children of other key workers can be cared for. Key public services This includes those essential to the running of the justice system. This is expected to include judges, barristers and staff who keep the courts running including clerks and security. If jury-led trials continue jurors may be entitled to the same status during their duties. Religious staff are listed, which includes vicars or equivalent in other religions. Charities who are vital to supporting communities are also listed. The public sector, especially the NHS and social services, are supported by charities who care for people in the community. These workers are likely to be included. Those responsible for the management of the deceased, such as undertakers are listed. Journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting are also key workers because of their work informing the public. Local and national government This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response or delivering essential public services such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arms length bodies. This is a vague description but this is expected to include council workers such as refuse collectors, planners, environmental health and trading standards staff and workers in frontline roles in departments such as housing and benefits. Food and other necessary goods This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods. This means that farmers and other food producers will be given support. People working for supermarkets, either in stores, in delivery or lorry drivers taking products to stores are likely to be key workers. Pharmacists and those delivering pharmaceuticals are also expected to be given key worker status. Public safety and national security This includes police and support staff, vital to running the police service such as 999 call handlers or those in offices processing criminals or dealing with the Crown Prosecution Service, whose workers could also be classed as key workers. National Crime Agency staff are also listed and workers crucial to national security such as MI5 and MI6 staff are not listed, but will be included. Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel are listed. There is no more detail, other than saying all workers 'critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic'. This could cover thousands of MoD roles. Fire and rescue service employees, including support staff. Mountain rescue staff and other similar roles will likely be included Those considered crucial to maintaining border security at ports and airports are included, as are prison and probation staff. Transport This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass. Train, Tube and bus drivers will be asked to work to help key workers get to their jobs. The Department for Transport (DfT) said today it had agreed with rail operators across the country to scale back timetables from Monday as people change their travel habits to help stop coronavirus spreading. Core services will continue to run to help people attend medical appointments and allow emergency services and NHS staff get to work. Utilities, communication and financial services This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors. SOURCE: Gov.uk website Advertisement

He said: 'The Government acknowledges that schools do play a role in the transmission of the virus. Therefore, there comes a point when occupancy levels might be so high that they work against the efforts to bring down infection rates in communities, as is the national aim. '

Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said: 'If the Government is serious about having more children at school during this lockdown it should reduce bubbles and groups sizes to minimise transmission risks.

'However, with current staff already fully engaged in providing remote learning to the children at home, reducing bubble sizes will require more staff.'

It comes after the Children's Commissioner for England warned of 'clear disparities' in remote learning.

A Liverpool school yesterday said it had received a 'large number of complaints' about mothers and fathers making the attempts for their kids.

Leaders at Our Lady's Bishop Eton School revealed the alleged issue in a letter which said it received many of the complaints after an online lesson allowed parents at home to see which children were attending class in person.

And MailOnline have learned professions including wine traders have been claiming key worker status to get the classes for their family.

But it came as the Children's Commissioner for England said there were huge differences in remote learning opportunities being offered by schools.

Anne Longfield said it was 'not acceptable' that some children were unable to learn during lockdown and called for those learning remotely to have daily contact with their teachers.

The problem in Liverpool saw the school letter say it had been 'overwhelmed' with requests for key worker spaces for the latest national lockdown.

Responding to the complaints, the school said: 'On the application form the school asked parents for as much information as it was able to and has consulted with the local authority with regards to some of the applications.

'We can do no more; particularly when parents making such allegations will not provide the school with the information necessary to investigate them further.'

The school said that a 'persistent thread' in the complaints made it 'with regards to families who have a parent at home who is able to provide care, eg: working from home, not employed or on maternity leave.'

It added: 'Again, we would ask that if there is a parent at home, children are kept safe at home and out of the transmission chain.'

Elsewhere MailOnline has been told class sizes of keyworkers' children have grown since the last lockdown, with the definition of the exempt category being bent to fit demand.

Meanwhile a gap between offerings from UK schools has been exposed.

Some schools have said they will not do any live sessions at all for younger children - citing safeguarding issues and staffing constraints.

In contrast, others live-stream what is happening in the classroom with the children of keyworkers, including some interaction for youngsters at home.

Others have a structured timetable and live lessons as well as pre-recorded video clips in between.

A number of schools are reporting a higher turnout of eligible pupils on site - including children of critical workers and those classed as vulnerable - than in the March lockdown, prompting concerns about their ability to balance remote education with in-person teaching.

It came as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson set out his expectations for schools during the latest lockdown.

He said parents can contact Ofsted if they are unhappy with the offer and have previously raised concerns with their headteacher.

Ms Longfield said: 'Every child has the right to a good education and it is not acceptable that some children are unable to learn, through no fault of their own, because of a lack of technology, or because their home circumstances prevent them being able to work effectively.

'There are also clearly disparities between what schools are offering children in terms of remote lessons.

'I want the Government to commit to ensuring that all children have access to technical equipment and broadband to support remote learning, alongside an urgent review of guidance for schools to ensure make sure that children receive a broad and balanced curriculum, whether at home or at school.

'As a minimum, those children learning remotely should have daily contact with teachers.

'We know the negative impact the last long lockdown had on the wellbeing of many children and I want to see a speeding-up of the process of introducing mental health support and counselling in every school.'

Mr Williamson told the House of Commons on Wednesday that the schools watchdog will enforce legal requirements for state schools in England to provide high-quality remote education during the lockdown.

He said schools are expected to provide between three and five hours of teaching a day - and if parents feel their child is not receiving enough learning they should complain to the school first and then ultimately to Ofsted.

The Department for Education said it expects schools to have a digital platform, such as G-Suite or Microsoft Education, and to provide at least some of their remote teaching via video lessons - this can be done by school-led videos or using other providers like Oak National Academy.

Mr Williamson confirmed that children who do not have access to technology are seen as vulnerable and can attend school in person during the national lockdown.

One thread on the Mumsnet website showed that parents are concerned about the disparities in learning.

'I'm concerned about DD falling behind compared to the keyworker children in her class who are being taught by the teacher,' one parent wrote.

Another said: 'There seems to be big disparities in what the offers are.'

One parent said they felt 'so disheartened' with the offer from their school, writing: 'I have a Year 6 who's had a maths worksheet and two bite-size clips to watch today.

'It's the same provision as the last lockdown.

'I'm so disappointed; I thought it would be better this time round.

'Then I read on here about other primary age children having live lessons and a more structured timetable and it makes me so disheartened.'

Newly-released figures show that one in three schools in the UK had more than 20 per cent of pupils in on Wednesday. In March, during the first lockdown, only 1 in 100 schools registered as high a figure

Many pupils have to sit at home and access learning and lessons through a laptop or device

Another said: 'My Year 5 son is getting three 30-45 minute live lessons per day (his teacher working from home, with his children at home) plus the accompanying work, plus reading.'

And one parent said: 'Unfortunately we are just getting worksheets and links to bite-size.'

MailOnline reported on Tuesday how experts have warned of serious problems developing as England enters its third national lockdown, with one declaring 'The pandemic has created a mental health ticking time bomb'.

Draconian measures designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus variant will heavily impact many during the gruelling winter months.

Depression, anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are expected as the restrictions create a sense of terrible Deja Vu.

The blow comes especially hard due to the proximity of New Year, where many had believed the start of 2021 would signal more optimistic fortunes.

Michael Gove said the curbs on freedom would last for months, triggering more gloom among the public.

And children - after being told schools would be safe - face difficult home-learning after the U-turn by Boris Johnson and his government.

During his coronavirus news briefing today, the Prime Minister said approximately 12billion had been spent on NHS mental health care, with around another 19-20million contributed towards mental health charities.

Emma Thomas, Chief Executive at YoungMinds told MailOnline: 'The pandemic is deepening the crisis in young people's mental health and there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the impact could be significant and long-term.

'Young people tell us that they've struggled to cope with the changes and loss of coping mechanisms brought on by the pandemic, with many experiencing social isolation, anxiety, and fears around their future.

'Many lost access to mental health support during the first lockdown, while others chose not to look for help at a time when the NHS was under so much pressure. With the pandemic continuing through the winter and another lockdown confirmed, it's likely that more young people may struggle to cope.'

Britain on Friday suffered its deadliest day since the Covid pandemic began after health chiefs declared 1,325 more Covid fatalities and another record-high 68,053 infections.

The grisly death toll - which has doubled in a week and surpasses the 1,224 declared on April 21 in the darkest day of the first wave - takes the UK to the brink of almost 80,000 victims.

Experts fear the daily death counts will continue to spiral because of rocketing cases and hospitalisations, piling further pressure on Boris Johnson to speed up the sluggish vaccination programme designed to get Britain out of lockdown by mid-February.

Department of Health figures show the UK has recorded more than 50,000 cases for 11 days in a row, with the five worst days of the pandemic all occurring since the start of 2021. Cases have risen by almost 30 per cent week-on-week.

But a senior SAGE official today warned the actual number of Britons currently getting infected every day is closer to 150,000, claiming that the size of the second wave is now way worse than the first.

The source also fears England's third national lockdown will not slam the R rate down as it did in March because the country was dealing with a more infectious mutated strain and because adherence to the rules has dwindled.

Draconian measures announced two days ago have yet to have an effect on the crisis because it can take a week for patients to develop symptoms and get tested. But the SAGE official argued that the tough restrictions will curb the spread of the virus because they curb social interaction, which the virus thrives on.

In yet another sign that darker days lie ahead, No10s advisory panel today revealed the R rate could be as high as 1.4 in the UK or at the crucial mark of one, with outbreaks growing at similar speeds across all seven regions of England.

But the figure reflects the situation Britain found itself in before Christmas and not the current picture because of the data used to calculate it. SAGE last week estimated the figure  the average number of people each infected person passes the virus onto  was between 1.1 and 1.3.
Honda 2 Wheelers India today announced that Indias No. 1 selling scooter brand Activa has now created new first as the only scooter brand in the history of Indian two-wheeler industry to achieve 2.5 crore customers mark.

Noteworthy, 20 years ago when the scooter market in India was fast declining, Honda made its solo entry with its first two wheeler - the 102cc Activa in 2001 and the rest is history! Over the years, Hondas Activa brand accomplished many milestones on its way to achieve this remarkable feat in its latest BSVI avatar.

Activas journey of giving Wings to 2.5 crore Indian families & Activating India

Indias love story with the Activa has only gained strength with every generation. In just 3 years of its debut in 2001, Activa became the undisputed leader in the scooter segment by 2003-04. The next 2 years saw it cross the 10 lac cumulative customers milestone too.

Powered by true technology leadership and evolution ahead of times, it took the Activa brand 15 years to achieve the initial 1 crore customers in 2015. As scooter acceptability continued to rise, Activa brand accelerated the Activation of India on the move, and become the first choice of India families. Such is the popularity of the brand that the recent 1.5 crore customers were added with 3 times the speed i.e. in just five years.

Expressing gratitude on achieving this historic milestone, Mr. Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, Since its launch in 2001, be it the 100-110cc engine or the new more powerful 125cc engine, the secret of success of Activa family is Leadership that builds Trust. Since 20 years, Activa is at the forefront of technological innovation, sometimes even decade before it became the industry norm. Be it the Honda patented tuff-up tube and CLiC mechanism in 2001, Hondas Combi-brake system with Equalizer in 2009, revolutionary Honda Eco Technology (HET) for 10% mileage up in 2013, or even the smarter HET PGM-Fi engine powered by eSP and World First Tumble flow in BS-VI era; every generation of Activa brand continued to evolve, revolutionize the scooter segment and Activate India. We are happy to see that Indias love for the legendary Activa continues to reign supreme.

Sharing the uniqueness of Activa brands 2 decades journey Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director  Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, So much has changed around us during this period, but Activa still continues to remain the first love of Indian families, when it comes to owning a scooter. Very rarely does a two-wheeler transcend from just utility to an emotion which stirs and resonates with the soul of society, like Activa has. Honda is proud that Activa brand has been intrinsic to the activation of this great nation. Thank you India 2.5 crore times over, for making Activa the gold standard of your everyday ride.

Noteworthy, this incredible growth came on the heels of technological advancements that positioned Activa as pioneer in the two-wheeler industry. With every new generation of the legend which was born 20 years ago, Honda Activa has introduced Indian riders to advance global technologies ahead of time  be it Combi-Brake System in 2009 (a decade before the norms), Honda Eco Technology (HET) in 2013 or the enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology and 26 new patent applications in 2020 Activa 6G.

Activa  The 20 year exciting Journey of the Legendary brand
A man arrested near the Capitol Building during the pro-Trump riot had homemade napalm in his truck, police said.

Lonnie Coffman is accused of having 11 Molotov cocktails containing gasoline and the napalm as the mayhem unfolded, according to federal prosecutors.

Mr Coffman, 70, was arrested on gun and ammunition charges following the violent Trump riot in Washington DC on Wednesday.

He was detained by police after officers responded to a report of possible pipe bombs found in a pickup truck with Alabama plates.

When Mr Coffman could not get back to his truck , which was being searched by police, he described it and told them that it belonged to him.

Police officers told him they would help him find the truck and when they searched him found he had two handguns and the truck keys, according to officials.

Authorities say inside the truck they found the 11 petrol bombs, an M4 Carbine assault rifle and two handguns.

Mr Coffman, who is from Falkville, Alabama, has already appeared in court say federal prosecutors, but his file has not yet been unsealed.

The weapons were ready to go when Mr Coffman was arrested said acting US attorney for DC, Michael Sherwin.

Thousands of pro-Trump activists broke into the building, vandalised property and threatened lawmakers, who had to be protected by armed security.

The rioters managed to initially prevent the certification of the electoral college votes, but when the building was re-taken by law enforcement the House and Senate returned to confirm Joe Bidens victory.

US Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick was killed in the violence, one woman was shot dead inside the Capitol, and three others died of medical emergencies during the shameful events.

Mr Trump infamously initially refused to call in the National Guard and later released a video in which he told the rioters, we love you.

He later put out a second video a day later in which he finally condemned the violence but falsely claimed he immediately sent in the Guard.

Mr Trumps supporters even defecated inside the Capitol Building before tracking it around the offices of lawmakers.

The outgoing presidents rioters smeared their extremist excrement around the building, said sources in Senator Chuck Schumers office.
Who was really behind storming the Capitol?

By Steven Rader

The storming of the US Capitol turned into a political disaster for President Trump, and for those Republicans trying to get an accounting for the fraud in the November election. No thinking supporters of the president would have orchestrated it, although once started, crowd behavior which is often to be caught up in the spirit of the moment will usually take over. The motive to launch this break-in was with the left, which would benefit from it, not with President Trump, who would not.

So who was behind it and how can we tell? An extremely similar event in North Carolina's sister state of Moldova in April 2009 that was dubbed the Twitter Revolution offers a clue.

The Twitter Revolution was so named as it was the first major political event in the world organized through social media. The Communist Party had just won reelection in Parliamentary elections tainted by fraud, and students organized a mass protest, soon joined by supporters of the pro-western political parties, including their leaders who made speeches to the protesters. On the first evening, and the morning of the second day things were peaceful, but that all changed on the afternoon of that second day. First the Presidency and then the Parliament were stormed and vandalized. Part of the Parliament building was set on fire.

I had close to a front row seat for the Twitter Revolution and its aftermath. At the time I was running a program training the pro-western political parties in political campaign techniques. Our office was two blocks north of ground zero of the Twitter Revolution and I could see the flagpole on roof of the Presidency from my office window. I lived about five blocks southeast of where I happened. When things spiraled out of control, I sent the staff home for their safety.

The way things transpired April 6, 2009 in Chisinau, Moldova, as well as the blame game in the aftermath were uncannily similar to the incident at the US Capitol, down to the fact that in both cases there were efforts to pull down national flags and replace them with other flags from the government buildings. It is almost like someone studied the Twitter Revolution as a template for what happened atthe US Capitol.

The blame game right after the event has started off the same. The media blamed everything that happened on the groups that the protesters were openly supporting, President Trump in the US event and the pro-western parties in the Moldovan event. The Moldovan party leaders who addressed the protesters were blamed for inciting the incident, just as President Trump is similarly being blamed here merely for addressing the rally earlier. In Moldova, the government run TV channel put out an hour long documentary entitled Attack on Moldova putting the blame on the pro-western parties and broadcast it multiple times.

What ultimately was shown in Moldova after weeks of investigation and also likely happened in America was that provocateurs from the other side were the ones who initially breached the buildings, knowing from usual crowd behavior that some people from the main body of protesters would get caught up in the moment and follow them in. The initial breach of the buildings was a set up to blame the other side

What photos and videos showed in Moldova was that a group of people, all with large cloth sacks of rocks all showed up about the same time and in a coordinated effort attacked the Presidency. They later moved to the Parliament building and attacked it. None of these people were known initially to political or student activists, but some were later identified as Communist activists and others criminals who had been released early from jail to participate in the attack. The people changing the flags on the Parliament building were seen in a photo done with a telephoto lens. One was a policeman (from the Communist controlled police) and the other a Communist agitator who had been previously photographed with Communist protesters against several of the pro-western parties. Once his name was known, it also came out that his father had a high position with the Communist government.

So, it became clear that the instigators of the violent and destructive acts were Communist plants who anticipated correctly that once they got the ball rolling, usual crowd behavior would bring others into the fray. A similar scheme was very likely in play at the US Capitol with ANTIFA or BLM serving as the false flag storm troopers. Already, several people who were photographed in protests inside the Capitol during the riots have been identified as being previously photographed at BLM protests. One major far-left organizer, John Sullivan, a Utah resident who founded the far left Insurgence USA, which has ties to BLM, actually photographed the shooting of Ashli Babbit inside the Capitol and sent the photo out on social media. It will take time, probably, for photos to emerge of the initial break-in, but when they do, it will be critical to determine who those responsible really are and which side they are actually on. Those projecting a false flag persona often wear the gear of the side they are impersonating, so a thorough background investigation will be needed.

Unfortunately, American conservatives do not have the time that pro-western Moldovans did to establish who really were the instigators. A tight time frame has already led to the collapse of the efforts to get a real investigation of the election fraud on November 3. Even worse, the media bias in the United States is at least as bad as it was under the Communists in Moldova and they are likely to cover up the real story once it comes out. Another problem in America is too many Republican politicians have spines of jelly and will cave in to the media and Democrats.

Things came out well in the end for the pro-western parties in Moldova. Even cheating, the Communists had ended up one seat short of the super majority needed to re-elect their president, and under the Constitution, a new Parliamentary election had to be called. The pro-western parties got their message out, going around the media, and won that new election, forming the new government and putting one of their own in the Presidency.. Even if the real culprits are finally identified, it is unlikely that America will have such a happy ending to this travesty.
People in the small New Jersey hometown of Brian Sicknick are expressing their condolences following after the Capitol Police officer was killed Wednesday when a mob attacked the building.Sicknick grew up in South River, New Jersey and attended a nearby technical college. School administrators say his record shows Sicknick expressed an interest in joining law enforcement from an early age.

He enlisted in the National Guard six months after graduating high school in 1997, serving in Saudi Arabia and then Kyrgyzstan during the earliest months of the Iraq War. Joining the Guard was his means to joining law enforcement, his family said."His brother told me, 'Brian did his job,'" said John Krenzel, the mayor of Sicknick's hometown of South River, New Jersey.

Krenzel knew Sicknick's parents and described them as good people.Neighbor's of Sicknick's family were also shaken by the news."They're kind, and I'm sure their son is just as kind and sweet as they are." said Karen Magaw, who lives in the neighborhood. Sicknick's death has also shaken an entire nation as it grapples with how an armed mob could storm the halls of the U.S. Capitol as the presidential election results were being certified, sending hundreds of lawmakers, staff, and media fleeing for safety.

Videos published online show vastly outnumbered Capitol Police officers trying in vain to stop surging rioters, though other videos show officers not moving to stop rioters in the building.The Capitol Police has said in a statement that Sicknick was injured "while physically engaging with protesters." During the struggle, Sicknick, 42, was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher, two law enforcement officials said. The officials could not discuss the ongoing investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

(Image Credit: AP)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that there is nothing new in referring to Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar. His statement comes amid Congress's stiff opposition to renaming Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar, after the elder son of warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji.

When asked about the criticism by Shiv Sena's ruling allies Congress and NCP for referring to Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar on the chief minister's official Twitter handle, Thackeray asked, "What is new in that? We have been referring to Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar for several years.

"Aurangzeb was not secular. The word secular does not suit him," he added. The Shiv Sena president was speaking to reporters at his personal residence 'Matoshree' after inducting two BJP leaders from Nashik into his party.

Aurangabad, once the headquarters of the Dakkhan (Deccan) province in the Mughal empire, derives its name from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Reacting to the Chief Minister's remarks, state Congress chief and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat said, "Renaming a city brings no difference in the lives of the people. There is no development in it. We will convey our stand to the chief minister."

In 1995, Shiv Sena had first demanded that Aurangabad be renamed as Sambhajinagar.

A proposal to that effect was passed in the general body meeting of the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation in June 1995, which was challenged by a Congress corporator in the high court and later in the Supreme Court.

Two days back, the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office (CMO), in one of the tweets about cabinet decisions, had mentioned Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar.

However, Thorat had objected to it saying that the Directorate of Information and Publicity should not rename cities on its own and that it should remember that official work is a legal document.

Live TV
Volunteer's death in Bhopal not related to vaccine, may be of poisoning: Bharat Biotech

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 09: Vaccine maker Bharat Biotech on Saturday said the death of a volunteer in Bhopal, who took a shot of its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin as part of the Phase III clinical trials, was not related to the medication.

"As per the post-mortem report issued by the Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal that the site received from the Bhopal Police, the probable cause of death was due to cardio respiratory failure as a result of suspected poisoning and the case is under police investigation as well," the Hyderabad-based firm said in a statement.

The volunteer passed away nine days after the dosing and preliminary reviews by the site indicate that the death is unrelated to the study dosing, it noted.

"We cannot confirm if the volunteer received the study vaccine or a placebo as the study is blinded," the vaccine major noted.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech''s Covaxin for restricted emergency use in the country.

Covid-19 vaccine: Days after participating in trial run, man dies in Bhopal

In a statement, Bharat Biotech said the volunteer passed away on December 21, 2020 and the death was reported to the People''s College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre by the son of the deceased.

The volunteer, at the time of enrolment, had fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria to be accepted as a participant in the Phase III trial and was reported to be healthy in all the site follow-up calls post seven days of his dosing and no adverse effects were observed or reported, it said.

As per the post-mortem report issued by the Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal that the site received from the Bhopal Police, the probable cause of death was cardio respiratory failure as a result of suspected poisoning and the case is under police investigation as well, the vaccine maker said.

In accordance with the provisions of the New Drugs & Clinical Trials Rules, (NDCT rules 2019) the serious adverse event was reported by the site team to the Institutional Ethics Committee, the Central Drugs Control Standards Organization (CDSCO) and the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) in accordance with all the required guidelines, it added.

There are several factors that can cause an adverse event during a clinical trial, including the patient''s underlying disease, other pre-existing conditions or any other unrelated occurrence like an accident, Bharat Biotech said. The NDCT rules mandate that all adverse events (AE) and serious adverse events (SAE) be reported, whether related to the trial medication or not. This SAE has been thoroughly investigated and has been found not related to vaccine or placebo, it added.

All data and reports on this SAE has been submitted to the Site Ethics Committee, CDSCO and DSMB, the vaccine major said. The company is also continuing to cooperate with the investigation requirements from the Madhya Pradesh Police in Bhopal, it added.

"Our sympathies are with the family of the deceased. However, we would like to reiterate that we conduct our clinical trials in compliance with the study protocol, Good Clinical Practices (GCP) Guidelines as well as with all applicable statutory provisions and the focus at all times is on patient safety.

"It is this intent on compliance, quality and ethics, that we have enlisted the services of an international contract research organisation to conduct our phase III clinical trials," the company noted.

In December, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij had tested positive for coronavirus days after participating in the trial of Covaxin. He had participated in a trial on November 20, 2020.

Bharat Biotech had termed the vaccine safe and efficacious and said that Covaxin is based on a two-dose schedule and its efficacy is determined 14 days post the second dosage.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 20:43 [IST]
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given a firm assurance that he would not disappoint Ghanaians in his second term of office.



He said he would continue all projects he had started as well as pursue programmes that would transform Ghana and ensure the people enjoyed better living conditions.



President Akufo-Addo, speaking at a Thanksgiving Service at Kyebi on Friday, said it was the grace of God that had brought him and the Government thus far.



"I trusted God in 2016 for a victory and another four-year term and God has kept Faith with me," he said.



The President was grateful to his family, particularly his wife, Rebecca, and brothers, especially Edward Akufo-Addo, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta and Gabby Okyere Darko for their unflinching support over the years.



The well-attended Thanksgiving Service, held at the Kyebi Presbyterian College of Education, was organised jointly by the Akyem Abuakwa State, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and the Kyebi Local Council of Churches for successful re-election and investiture of the President.



Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori-Panin, the Okyenhene, said it was by the grace of God that President Akufo-Addo was re-elected for the second time and, therefore, was appropriate to show God gratitude.



He said under the Presidents leadership, Ghanaians had witnessed unprecedented favour from God through the many developmental projects and programmes.



Osagyefo Ofori-Panin said history would judge President Akufo-Addo very well and urged him not to be discouraged by any distraction.







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
TL;DR: Philadelphia restaurants will be able to resume indoor dining Jan. 16 if there is no surge in coronavirus cases over the next week, Mayor Jim Kenney announced Friday. Can we start to look forward to when life returns to normal? my colleague Tom Avril asks. The answer is not so simple. He spoke with three researchers who study the spread of infectious disease to explain that frequently misunderstood concept of herd immunity.

 Ellie Silverman (@esilverman11, health@inquirer.com)

What you need to know:

 Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine said the new coronavirus cases  more than 10,000 confirmed Friday  were likely caused by holiday infections.

 Pennsylvania released an updated vaccine plan on Friday that officially lays out the priority groups for inoculation against the coronavirus.

 Mass vaccination clinics opened Friday in Philadelphia and New Jersey for eligible groups prioritized for vaccines. Watch this tour of the COVID vaccination site at Pennsylvania Convention Center.

 Effective COVID-19 drug treatments remain frustratingly elusive a year into the pandemic.

 Tens of thousands of unemployed Pennsylvanians will see a $300 boost in their unemployment check as soon as Tuesday, the commonwealth announced.

 Pennsylvania education officials are encouraging school districts to bring elementary school students back to classrooms as soon as this month, drawing backlash from the commonwealths largest teachers union.

 Seth Curry tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the Sixers to quarantine in a New York hotel.

 Whats going on in your county or neighborhood? We organized recent coverage of the coronavirus pandemic by local counties and Philly neighborhoods mentioned in the stories to make it easier for you to find the info you care about.

Local coronavirus cases

The coronavirus has swept across the Philadelphia region and cases continue to mount. The Inquirer and Spotlight PA are compiling geographic data on tests conducted, cases confirmed, and deaths caused by the virus. Track the spread here.

Philadelphia restaurants will be able to resume indoor dining Jan. 16 if there is no surge in coronavirus cases over the next week, Mayor Jim Kenney announced Friday. City officials had banned indoor dining on Nov. 20 ahead of the holidays as cases rapidly increased. Assuming we dont have a spike in COVID-19 cases between now and Jan. 15, we plan to allow limited indoor dining to resume on Jan. 16, Kenney posted on Twitter.

Can we start to look forward to when life returns to normal? my colleague Tom Avril asks. The answer is not so simple. He spoke with three researchers who study the spread of infectious disease to explain that frequently misunderstood concept of herd immunity. Read more here.

Helpful resources

You got this: Preregister for the COVID-19 vaccine

Even though the general public is not eligible yet for the COVID-19 vaccine, and there is no statewide sign-up system, Philly residents can now pre-commit to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and become among the first to know when its your turn to get vaccinated, my colleague Grace Dickinson writes. For those living in other areas of the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends you monitor their website for more information.

 Where to buy the best self-care products in Philadelphia.

 Stromboli, jerk chicken, arepas. These 9 takeout dishes bring the best international flavors.

 Chris Jazz Cafe is doing a weeklong benefit festival to survive until stimulus kicks in.

Have a social distancing tip or question to share? Let us know at health@inquirer.com and your input might be featured in a future edition of this newsletter.

What were paying attention to

Although health care is usually more difficult to access in rural areas, some of those regions appear to be leading the nation in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine, NPR reports.

Online shopping has boomed during the pandemic  and so has packaging, Vox reports.

The maskless, violent mob that stormed the Capitol this week was a textbook potential coronavirus superspreader, experts say, according to The Washington Post.

Enjoy getting our journalism through email? You can also sign up for The Inquirer Morning Newsletter to get the latest news, features, investigations and more sent straight to your inbox each morning Sunday-Friday. Sign up here.
Sanford had a harder 2020 than most, though its president is working tirelessly with her community to rebuild and revitalize the village in 2021.

"We're going to be under construction all year in 2021," said village president Dolores Porte.

One of the most significant undertakings Porte will oversee is the rebuilding of Sanford Village Park and the surrounding ball fields, which were largely destroyed in May after the mid-Michigan dam failures. FEMA has committed to a grant of $875,000 toward the reconstruction of the park, while Sanford will be responsible for paying one-quarter of that grant amount.

"We're now just working on scoping and bidding that park work out," Porte said. "We plan to start rebuilding that park this summer."

Also in Sanford's future is the growth of the "green space"  area a sizable portion of land south of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. Through an agreement with FEMA, Sanford is required to remove homes from areas that are continually at-risk from flooding.

"FEMA has a grant where you can buy the homeowners out of those repetitive flood-zones and make it into green space," Porte said.

This summer, the area could be used to host food trucks, concerts, picnic areas and other activities to make it what Porte calls an "open-air venue."

The village is also in the early stages of forming a coalition to oversee the reconfiguration of open residential lots to provide more housing space.

"Those people that lost their houses, for example, on the south side of the Rail Trail  some of them would like to come back to Sanford, but there aren't houses to come back to," Porte said. "But, there are properties where houses were demolished that are empty right now, so we're kind of taking an inventory to see what that looks like, to see if we could somehow put together some type of 'home rebuild' project."

Fostering the growth of the "business atmosphere" in downtown Sanford to bring in more attractions like coffee shops, ice cream and restaurants is something else Porte is looking to do in 2021.

"We really want to revitalize the downtown area, and make it a destination," Porte said. "There will be lots to do in Sanford. We really want to develop that downtown presence to match the personality of the village  it's a very warm and inviting place, and I hope the downtown will reflect that when we move this forward."

In addition to rebuilding the park, Sanford is working with FEMA on a variety of projects to bring the village back to its pre-flood state, including ongoing projects to repair roads and lighting installations damaged in the flooding, as well as "slowly but surely" cleaning silt left by the flood from the village's storm sewers.

Plans are being made to host some type of memorial service on May 19 to bring the community together on the anniversary of the devastating flooding event of 2020.

"We intend to bring a lot of life to the community," Porte said. "2021 will really be a restart for us."

RELATED:

 Vision 2021: Midland health director discusses return to pre-pandemic life

 Vision 2021: Diversity coalition off to an urgent start

 Vision 2021: Midland area superintendents ID challenges, opportunities in 2021

 Vision 2021: Midland Center for the Arts committed to providing safe entertainment

 Vision 2021: Midland business leader expects a strong year
This important donation will contribute to strengthening of the South American country's response capacity in times of COVID-19, by meeting the health-related needs of vulnerable populations such as Amazonian communities.

Donacion de la Agencia de Cooperacion Internacional de Corea (KOICA) @emcoreape permitira la construccion de 6 hidroambulancias a fin de atender a las poblaciones riberenas de la region Loreto @GoreLoretoOf @Minsa_Peru.

?https://t.co/ZiVGpZyOws pic.twitter.com/qPcxzBKrpN
Photo: Trina Campbell Sisters Chantal and Tessa Campbell helped raise more than $50,000 for brain health after their dad passed away this fall.

A pair of West Vancouver sisters have quickly raised more than $50,000 for brain research after their father passed away last fall, after a long battle with a rare nervous system syndrome.

Craig Campbell died Sept. 25 after living with primary progressive aphasia for the last decade. He was 64 years old.

Chantal Campbell, Craigs younger daughter, described her dad as a positive, easy-going guy who lived life to the fullest.

Even when Craig developed a stutter 10 years ago  the first neurological sign that something was wrong  he maintained his larger-than-life ethos, said Chantal.

You could tell he knew what he wanted to say, but he couldnt articulate the words, said Chantal. He would write his words down.

Primary progressive aphasia is a type of dementia that affects an individuals ability to communicate. Over time, the individual can lose the ability to speak and write entirely, as well as understand language in general.

The disease eventually began to affect Craigs other cognitive abilities as well, according to Chantal.

Every day it was a new challenge. We had no idea what to expect, she said. It was quite the experience for all of us. There was no book on how to handle it.

Following Craigs passing, sisters Chantal and Tessa, as well as Craigs wife Trina Campbell, started a fundraising campaign so that other families living through a brain disease in the future might be able to handle it with a little more ease.

After they shared their campaign online, it raised thousands of dollars in just a few days, according to Chantal, so much so that the University of British Columbia  Craigs alma mater  asked to set up a direct in-memoriam fundraising page with donations earmarked to support the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.

The response we got was crazy, added Chantal.

While the campaign started with a modest goal of $10,000, that number kept growing and growing until it landed at $50,000. To date, more than $54,000 has been donated.

And while the numbers kept growing, an idea kept building inside the sisters minds.

Craig had always been an avid biker, whether that be an outdoor adventure or downtown commute over the Lions Gate Bridge  by bike or unicycle  while wearing his signature beaver helmet.

Craig and his daughters had always talked about doing a final ride together and although they didnt get to do that, Chantal and Tessa embarked on a wet and rainy bike ride from West Vancouver to Victoria via the Sunshine Coast and along Vancouver Island last month in his honour.

Along the way, Chantal and Tessa often wore the irreverent beaver helmet covers their father was fond off as they journeyed along the coast. I think he would have absolutely loved it, she says.

From Dec. 27-30 the sisters biked 320-kilometres as their mom kept pace behind them in a support vehicle.

It was a bit of a wild adventure, noted Chantal, who added that she was living in Australia prior to the pandemic and is currently waiting for a safe window to get back to the land Down Under. We didnt have that big of a window of an opportunity to do something like this.

Currently, the B.C. government has stated that all non-essential travel within the province should be avoided because of the pandemic.

The family of three travelled together, wore PPE masks along the way, stayed at the family property up at Sakinaw Lake on the first night and lodged in hotels the other two nights, noted Chantal.

The B.C. Ministry of Health declined an offer to provide further guidance on outdoor recreation and travel for this story. However, according to the governments website on provincewide restrictions, individual circumstances may affect whether a trip is considered essential or non-essential but, generally speaking, essential travel within B.C. includes regular travel for work or travelling for things like medical appointments or hospital visits.

Going to the airport or crossing borders is quite different than what we did, said Chantal. This is something that obviously lies quite close to our hearts.
On Indias permanent council seat, here is what Bidens US pick said

Freedom of expression is sacrosanct, Surya on Twitter banning Trump

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan09: Even as Twitter suspended US President Donald Trump's Twitter account, BJP MP Tejasvi surya said that freedom of expression is sacrosanct.

"It can not be curtailed whimsically by private big tech companies without accountability," he Surya said on Twitter.

"Hate in India isn't acceptable. Let's hold them accountable just like in America," Srivatsa YB tweeted.

Now Twitter suspends Team Trumps account as well

"Sorry dude, I don't want Twitter to ban anyone - Congressi or BJP or anyone... But one certainly can't expect such statesmanship from a party that imposed Emergency," the BJP said in a swipe at the Congress.

"This must be wake up call for all who don't yet understand threat to our democracies by unregulated big tech companies. If they can do this to POTUS, they can do this to anyone," Survya tweeted earlier in the day.

"The platform is provided by a tech company & they are bound to set their rules of engagement after adhering to guidelines set by countries. However, for them to have amplified a hateful narrative for years to suddenly ban does not give them the moral high ground they seek," Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said.

"The platform is provided by a tech company & they are bound to set their rules of engagement after adhering to guidelines set by countries. However, for them to have amplified a hateful narrative for years to suddenly ban does not give them the moral high ground they seek," she said.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

"These platforms have been enablers of hate, fake news and continue to be so in different parts of the world where they operate. Now that Trump is out of power suspension coming from all these very platforms that powered him. Sowed hate to reap profits & now being holier than thou," she also said.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 14:13 [IST]
Image: BibleProject

This article is brought to The Exchange by BibleProject. BibleProject is a non-profit animation studio that produces short-form, fully animated videos to make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere. The studio creates videos, podcasts, and study guides that explore the Bible's unified story by focusing on its overarching themes and each book's literary design.

Becoming better readers of the Bible means learning how to read with our whole selves. But learning this means we may have to break some deeply set habits of approaching Scripture. Our culture has quietly taught us to live as partial-persons, either emphasizing our emotive qualities or leaning into our rational side. Its as if were asked to either embody the plot of a feel-good film from the 80s (Trust your feelings! Just follow your heart!) or become some sort of hyper-rational robot, running complex mental analytics and calling it theology.

The true call, of course, is to live and read our whole Bible as whole persons. As were entering a new yearmany of us setting our intentions for going deeper into the Bibles literaturetheres no better time to consider what it might mean to grow in this way.

Today, lets consider what it means to deepen our mental habits of Scripture reading without sacrificing the emotive and heartfelt connection that the Bible intends to awaken in us.

The God of the Bible is a God who reveals. This revelation, in the biblical imagination, can be profoundly encountered everywhere. There is no portion of nature, no element of human activity, no place or people where the revelation of God is not active for those with eyes to see. One of my favorite descriptions of this comes from the biblical poetry of Psalm 19. Go look it up if you havent read it in a while! After a description of the glory of God revealed in the natural world, the poet writes:

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes (Psalm 19:7-8, NRSV)

In the rhyming thoughts of Hebrew poetry, the writers point becomes clearGods torah (instruction) is for all of the human person. In fact, so potent is this, that Gods revelation can bring wisdom-clarity to those who lack the sharpness of insight. It is spiritual light which allows us to see.

These images of improving insight speak to the best and most integrated of our mental capacities. While the revelation of God is certainly intended to prompt us to praise, rejoice, remember, and well up with a depth of genuine emotional response, it is also intended to sharpen our powers of thought and insight. We are not made more dull or thoughtless by deeply engaging our faith in the God of the Bible. Actually, were inspired to think better.

But how do we practically do this? Here are three simple things to try in your reading this year.

Expect Thoughtful Literature

Our expectations color everything. Many of us have encountered Scripture in heart-oriented traditions that asked us to consider what the Bible was saying to us personally or find the verse that spoke to our hearts. As a result, some of us dont have a clear understanding of the deeply thoughtful literature that makes up the Bible.

So for many of us, the first step is to up our expectations. This book is more than a scrapbook of Instagram-worthy inspirational quotes. Its not just meant to cheer you up on a bad day or give you some sanctified self-help pep talks. It is a book that has inspired and challenged many of the greatest minds of history, containing vast intellectual and imaginative depths for those willing to dive in.

These books of intricate poetry, carefully edited historical highlight reels, elegant logical treatises, and brilliantly suspenseful narratives didnt just happen. It was the product of painstaking writing, editing, and arrangement. Its profound thoughtfulness is everywhere once you begin to see it.

Ask Tough Questions

When we approach the Bible with high expectations, well quickly find that the questions we ask of it changefor the better.

Instead of asking closed questions that focus only on more obvious points of the reading, our questions open up and begin to dig beneath the surface. Why does Matthew say Jesus preached his most famous sermon on a mountain when Luke pretty much has the same words preached down on a plain? How can I get better at appreciating ancient poetry? Was the author of Ezekiel reading other parts of the Bible when that book was written? Why does the Hebrew Bible sometimes call an important mountain Sinai and sometimes Horeb? Why are many of the same stories told in Kings immediately retold in Chronicles?

No question is off limits. But the right questions, that honor the Bibles intricate literature, intention of faith, and overarching story that points to Jesus, will unlock the book for reading after reading. I dont guarantee youll understand it all (in fact, I guarantee you wont), but I do suspect that youll become a bit addicted as the Bible reveals its treasures slowly, always hinting at something you havent yet discovered.

Cultivating these questions is the work of a lifetime. It requires a blend of vibrant curiosity and authentic humility to ask what am I missing here? While answers are important, it is the act of asking that wakes up our positive critical and curious faculties, drawing our heads closer to the holy book.

Share Real Perspective

The Bibles literature was always intended to be read with other people. For us today, the community of those who can read it with us is incredibly vast. We have nearly two thousand years of global Christian literature (not even considering the profound Jewish contributions) to help ground us. Each of these voices was a previous student of this intricate book, a real person whose life, dreams, faith, and fears informed their reading. And whats more? Wherever you live, youre virtually guaranteed to be able to connect with other students of the Bible to compare notes, discuss tough sections, and fall in love with the book all over again when seeing it from a slightly different point of view.

This sharing of perspective takes work for sure. It sometimes asks us to reconsider our deeply felt assumptions in the face of a good point weve never thought through. It often requires us to consider the perspective of a person whose life experience is different than our own.

But this diversity is one of the great hidden treasures of being a thinking Bible reader. You will find yourself in the company of thoughtful people who are, like you, seeking truth. And that journey will encourage you to deeper levels of your own mental engagement with the Bible.

The best part of these three simple strategies? None of them, even remotely, demand that we ignore our heart or emotions. None of these strategies tend toward cold intellectualism or becoming a biblical know-it-all. Rather, they are inherently faith building. They awaken our analytic and thoughtful side while reaching out with genuine faith that the answers to our questions will require simplicity and humilityin addition to thought and learning.

If we approach the Bible this year ready to expect, ask, and share, what might happen? How might we learn to live more deeply as followers of Jesus and lovers of the thoughtful literature of the Bible? It will look different for each of us. But I like to imagine what it might feel like to find Gods revelation awakening new parts of my mind this year, bringing clarity and wisdom as I grow in my faith as a whole person in a whole world seeking a holy God.

Ter Beke brands include Come e Casa

Belgium-based pate and ready-meals supplier Ter Beke is on the hunt for a new CEO after chief executive Francis Kint decided to step down this coming June.

Kint, who joined Ter Beke from Netherlands meat group Vion in 2018, will leave the role on 30 June, the company said yesterday (7 January).

Ter Beke said the company and Kint had "decided to end their collaboration", adding he had "led Ter Beke through a difficult period, with a major recall in the Netherlands in 2019, African swine fever in China, resulting in historically high pork prices, and more recently the Covid-19 pandemic".

The statement continued: "The board of directors believes that under the leadership of Francis Kint the group has shown itself to be robust and resilient during this period and is ready to continue its growth ambitions. The board will now start the search for a new CEO."

In 2019, Ter Beke generated turnover of EUR728.1m (US$890m), up 7% on a year earlier, amid "substantial organic growth". The recall that hit Ter Beke's Dutch business contributed to a more than 61% drop in EBIT to EUR6.2m.

During the first half of 2020, Ter Beke's turnover dipped 0.7% to EUR356.2m amid the pressure on foodservice sales wrought by Covid-19 lockdowns. The company booked an operating loss of EUR10m  compared with EUR9.4m in the first half of 2019  amid pressure on commodity pork prices and moves to reshape its Dutch processed-meats business. Ter Beke posted a first-half loss after tax of EUR9.8m, versus a profit of EUR4.7m a year earlier.
Brexit - new trading rules now apply for exporters

Andy Coyne examines the impact of new post-Brexit trading rules agreed by the UK and the EU, which came into force on 1 January.

It was always too simplistic to suggest the lack of a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU would result in chaos and, at the same time, posit the signing of one would result in export businesses carrying on exactly as before.

However, the new regime which came into force on 1 January has still proved something of a shock to the system.

While some of the resulting issues can be put down to teething troubles or a lack of preparedness because the deal was signed so close to the 31 December deadline, food manufacturers  like their peers in other sectors  are this week waking up to the fact the agreement has thrown up some unforeseen consequences and some longer-lasting challenges.

Essentially, these come down to organisational issues, additional bureaucracy and the associated financial burden. Sector watchers suggest extra inspections, more paperwork and changes linked to labelling, packaging and shipping among other things will become normalised over time but warn higher costs are something the industry will have to endure.

Early problems include delays getting food products into retailers. The UK's Marks & Spencer seems to have been especially badly hit with reports of empty shelves in its overseas food halls in France and Ireland while UK grocer Sainsbury's has reportedly been selling products from rival Spar in Northern Ireland because of shortages.

There have been early hold-ups at customs  notably in Northern Ireland  because hauliers have not got the right post-Brexit paperwork to hand.

Scottish seafood exporters have also faced difficulties shipping to the EU due to having to adjust to what industry officials have called "new complex trading rules".

That said, we haven't yet seen the lengthy queues of trucks heading to the docks that we saw in the UK pre-Christmas when France temporarily suspended lorries from the UK crossing the Channel because of fears linked to the new variant of the Covid-19 virus.

However, what is clear is the weight of traffic has been much lighter than usual because many food manufacturers in the UK and the EU are playing a waiting game, having anticipated early New Year problems, perhaps fearing a no-deal scenario.

Anecdotal evidence suggests many manufacturers have been stockpiling produce, which amounts to a problem delayed rather than overcome. Early-stage, light-touch compliance at customs checkpoints  some of the new certification processes will be phased in over the next three months  could also be viewed as a problem postponed.

Alchemer is trusted by tens of thousands of brands around the world. Please take my survey now

Richard Clothier, managing director of UK cheese maker Wyke Farms, describes the cross-border trading environment now as being "more rigid and difficult" than it was before 1 January.

"There is additional paperwork and complexity but in time we will work with government to streamline it and to embrace new technology to take some of the costs out," he tells just-food.

"Northern Ireland is treated slightly differently and there is more complexity and there's no way around that."

Northern Ireland has remained a part of the EU's single market for goods while the rest of the UK has left, which means checks on many goods entering the province from Great Britain at new border control posts (BCPs) at Northern Ireland's ports.

There are some fears food manufacturers may think such additional 'hassle' is not worth the bother.

"GB [Great Britain] suppliers will have to decide if shipping to Northern Ireland is worth their while," says Michael Bell, executive director of the local industry body Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA).

Problems on rules of origin

It is a question food exporters are asking themselves more generally. One specific problem that has emerged is businesses now face tariffs  at World Trade Organization rates  on goods from the bloc processed at UK distribution hubs that are re-exported to other EU member states.

The fear is the regulations covering so-called rules of origin are effectively hindering existing supply chain models.

Dominic Goudie, head of international trade for UK trade association The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), says Continental suppliers are being forced to cancel the delivery of products to customers in Ireland and that some businesses will have to adapt their operations to avoid the tariffs.

He tells just-food: "The issue is around businesses with factories in the EU and the UK which operate supply chain models whereby products from the EU facility arrive in the UK and come out of the lorry, some for the UK and some for other markets. They don't qualify for UK origin status. As soon as those doors open and the good are unloaded it's a massive problem.

"It's a big problem for EU suppliers and goods are being cancelled every day at the moment, As many as 25 to 30 lorries a week going to Dublin are being lost. Businesses may have to re-configure their supply chains at additional cost."

Goudie is among those suggesting the situation could get more difficult over the next few week as trade levels increase.

"We are at the point where movement of goods is just starting up again," he says. "This could be the first of many such issues. I hope that won't be the case. Some companies are not shipping until they have seen the full impact of this  how rigorous the checks will be on things like heat-treated pallets and having the right type of paperwork.

Amongst those not shipping are UK meatpackers, according to trade body The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA). Companies in that sector are wary of the number of hurdles they need to overcome to export their produce to the EU, including export health certificates signed off by a vet and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks.

A BMPA spokesperson says: "Thus far, our members have largely steered clear of sending goods to the EU in order to avoid the predicted disruption at ports. However, this cannot continue and we expect to see a fuller picture emerge of how the new system is working over the coming days and weeks as exports resume.

"It is worth noting that there are several complex issues that still remain unresolved and which have a major bearing on trade in products of animal origin with the EU going forward. BMPA is working closely with the relevant authorities to resolve these issues."

EU-based packaged food companies, too, are trying to work their way through the demands of the new regime.

Willem van Weede, CEO of Dutch plant-based products manufacturer Vivera, which exports to the UK, says: "During the period of uncertainty around a possible hard Brexit, Vivera prepared diligently with our local partner to minimise any possible unexpected negative impact like disruptions at the borders.

"We are working in detail with Vivera's UK distributor Winterbotham Darby and transport company Muller. The main impact expected is an additional administrative burden, which is, or has been, worked out to the degree of detail possible."

Yves Regniers, CFO of Ter Beke, a Belgian business with a UK subsidiary (KK Fine Foods) but which also exports including pate to the country, says his business took early precautions against the cost implications of Brexit.

"We had agreed upfront with customers that they would pay for incremental costs in respect of Brexit. These will now be limited to some transportation increases due to the customs requirements but be far more limited compared to what they could have been in case of a real hard Brexit with WTO tariffs," he says.

Impact on costs

Industry bodies and manufacturers seem to be accepting increased costs are an issue companies are going to have to deal with.

Goudie at the FDF quotes research that he says suggests annual, non-tariff-based costs of 8% and this chimes with what food businesses themselves are saying.

Clothier at Wyke Farms says: "The hassle factor comes with a 5% drop in the business we are doing, a turnover drop based on the lack of flexibility.

"We could previously send the product to our importer in France from where it could be batched together with other manufacturers' products. There is a rigidity now in that we have to do full containers. There's a lack of flexibility and some of the efficiencies have been lost because it is now harder to work with other European people. It makes trade less fluid and efficient."

Ireland-based stuffing maker Mr Crumb, which counts the UK as a key export market, is also weighing up the cost of the new trading rules.

Managing director Bernard Coyle says: "This has been a huge drain for exporting companies on management time and resources. All this bureaucracy comes at a hell of a cost. Every company will have to get one or two people trained up but then you need the hardware to go with it. We reckon we will be facing additional costs of EUR100,000 (US$122,600) to EUR200,000."

Like other food companies Mr Crumb had taken measures to mitigate against a hard Brexit. "We built around 12 weeks' stock in cold store in the UK so as not to be caught out.

"Now we are just about to send over our first [post-Brexit] shipment and there is paperwork around rules of origin, which affects packaging, you need to have a customs clearing agent and heat-treated pallets and all the correct paperwork.

"I think there is still a lot of detail to be worked out and there could be more hurdles to overcome."

The building of inventories appears to be fairly widespread but, as Goudie at the FDF, says: "The challenge there is the shelf-life of the product."

Clothier at Wyke Farms reveals the cheese supplier took an even more radical step to mitigate against the challenges of post-Brexit trade by setting up a separate EU-based entity in Ireland.

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, faces very specific issues. Whether companies in Great Britain will bother to clear the additional administrative hurdles to sell their goods there is one concern but another is the impact of the changes on the province's food exporters.

Bell at NIFDA says: "The four nations of the UK are very different places when it comes to food. Northern Ireland is an 80% net exporter. Most of what we produce is fresh, relatively short-life food  meat, vegetables, bakery etc."

While inventories have been built up, the nature of the food that is exported makes this more difficult than for packaged food businesses and Bell is another to suggest we haven't reached the real pinch-point yet.

"Covid-19 looks like it is going to peak at the end of January. That's when I see peak problems in terms of the movement of goods," he said.

While suggesting Northern Ireland's exporters are "getting on with it", Bell has longer-term concerns.

"Brexit will drive increases in cost, reduction in choice and increased food waste if we are not careful. Who will pick up the cost of this is to be determined," he says.

"I'm sure our friends at the end of the food chain will try to push the costs back up the supply chain but there is only so much that supply chain can absorb."

Other issues remain to be resolved. Goudie is hopeful agreement can be reached between the UK and EU over rules of origin and their affect on existing supply chains. It is, as he points out, in no-one's interest to see food companies paying tariffs on exports.

There is also uncertainty over whether the agreement includes protection for UK geographical indications such as Cornish pasties and Blue Stilton cheese. These may be subject to subsequent talks.

All food manufacturers and industry bodies spoken to for this article agree that the situation would be a lot worse if no trade deal had been agreed. Some are trying to stay positive, even those who are just embarking on a launch into the UK.

"Obviously, we are really pleased that an agreement between the UK and EU was reached, as a no-deal Brexit would have had a significant impact on our ability to efficiently export our products to the UK," Marc Coloma, the CEO and co-founder of fledgling Spanish meat-free firm Heura Foods, says. "With the deal as it stands, there may be some initial hiccups as both the UK and EU adjust to the new arrangements, but as a company, it's not something that we are overly worried about. There's no getting around the fact that there will be more bureaucracy but it doesn't change the fact that we are thrilled that people in the UK can now experience our products, and hope to expand further."

In the UK, having seen the 'nasty' side of Brexit in terms of additional costs and bureaucracy, exporters now want to see the 'nice' in terms of new trade deals opening up access to hitherto untapped markets.

Clothier at Wyke Farms says: "We have been promised deals with other economies and there haven't really been any so far that we didn't already have access to.

"We need to get delivery on what was promised. There will be no lap of honour until we [the UK] have a deal with one of the big economies the EU doesn't have at the moment, such as the US, India or a big South American economy such as Brazil.

"Most manufacturers would think the US was a bloody good deal but it does seem pretty remote."
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close

Sitting on a wheelchair, 44-year-old Harvinder Singh from Punjab's Jalandhar interacts with fellow farmers camping at Delhi's Singhu border to protest against the Centre's new agri laws.

His physical limitations due to polio have rendered him on a wheelchair for decades but that has not deterred him from joining the over a month-long agitation, leaving behind his ailing mother at his native village.

"I may have lost all hopes of recovery from polio but I have not lost hope for a positive outcome from this agitation," he says.

Singh, who has been camping at the border for a month now, said he has been battling polio since childhood and has lost all hopes of recovery but this agitation is a ray of hope for him.

When asked what prompted him to join the protest despite his condition, Singh said "I am a farmer and so it was my responsibility to be here."

After joining the agitation, he has been to his hometown only twice -- once to attend to his ailing mother and second to bring some essentials items for his stay at the Singhu border.

Recalling the journey from his native village in Jalandhar to the border, Singh said he started for Delhi with a group of ten people on November 25 in two cars. Along with him, he carried his wheelchair and other essentials.

Back home, he was the one who look after his mother. But now she is being looked after by his neighbours and relatives.

Just 15 days after he reached Singhu, his 85-year-old ailing mother, Amar Kaur, sustained a severe nose injury but despite that she told his son to stay back at Singhu and asked him to fight his battle.

"Later, I went to my village to check on my mother. She is 85 but despite getting injured, she told me to not return and fight my battle," said Singh, who engages in wheat and rice farming at his hometown.

His nephew, Sukjinder, who accompanied Singh, said his uncle's mother has been a great source of support to them.

Farmers' protest live updates on DH

"When she got injured, she did call to inform us and said she will be fine and that we need not rush back home immediately. She stressed that just like how it was doctor's duty to treat her, it was their duty to fight for their rights," he added.

However, braving the severe cold and heavy downpour, nothing stopped Singh from returning home.

Now he is firm on staying at the border till the government accepts their demands and takes back the three new agri laws.

"I may face difficulties but with everyone's cooperation, we are surviving all challenges and will continue to protest until our demands our met," he added.
Emma Blain is editor of The Church of Ireland Gazette. She lives in Dublin and has two children, Hunter (7) and Matilda (5).

Q. Can you tell us something about your background?

A. I live in Dublin, where I was born and raised. My parents are Sydney and Dorothy. I grew up in Rathmines, where my father was the principal of the Church of Ireland College of Education for 24 years. I come from a family of teachers - going back a couple of generations - and both my sisters, Judy and Nikki, are primary school teachers.

However, I chose a different career path and I began my career in journalism while I was completing my Master's in politics at University College Dublin. As well as being the editor of The Church of Ireland Gazette, I am also a Fine Gael county councillor and have been an elected representative on Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council since 2016.

I feel very fortunate to be able to work in these roles that I really enjoy and, as a local politician and through the Gazette, I enjoy a special connection with the communities I represent. I have two young children, Hunter (7) and Matilda, or Tilly (5).

Q. How and when did you come to faith?

A. I was born into the Church of Ireland. My parents came from small rural parishes, in Donegal and Co Laois, but I was baptised in the largest Church of Ireland parish in the Republic of Ireland (Taney, Dundrum), where I am still an active member.

Q. Does this faith play a real part in your life? Or is it only for Sundays?

A. I would say that it is a part of my everyday life, though maybe not in an obvious way. As the mother of two young children, I try and impart to them the most important of Jesus's teachings: to love one another and show kindness to all of God's creations.

Q. Have you ever been angry with God? And, if so, why?

A. I can't think of a time when I have been truly angry with Him, but I do believe that many people, regardless of the strength of their faith, have had moments over the last year where they have questioned God and His plans for humankind. I can only hope and pray that the coming year will a better one, for everyone.

Q. Do you ever get criticised for your faith? And are you able to live with that criticism?

A. I can thankfully say that I have never been subjected to criticism for my faith, or my denomination.

Q. Are you ever ashamed of your own Church, or denomination?

A. On the contrary, I have often had cause to be proud of my own denomination. Last year, the Church of Ireland marked the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women - a very important milestone.

As a woman and, in particular, as a female politician, I greatly appreciate the importance of female leaders within our communities and our Church.

I have been impressed and inspired by many female clergy and continue to be inspired. Women are under-represented in so many fields - in sport, media and politics - and the importance of the messaging, "If you can't see it, you can't be it" is as applicable in the Church as it is in these other fields.

Q. Are you afraid to die? Or can you look beyond death?

A. I'm not afraid to die, but unfortunately it's a fate that awaits us all. What I do fear is leaving my children behind.

Q. What do you think about people of other denominations and other faiths?

A. Having lived all my life in Dublin as a member of the Church of Ireland, I have always been comfortable being in the minority religion. So, while I attended Protestant schools, I had many friends and colleagues of other denominations and faiths and of none.

I have always valued a person's attitude and kindness towards others above a judgment of them based on their faith, or denomination.

Q. Would you be comfortable in stepping out from your own faith and trying to learn something from other people?

A. Absolutely. It's important to continue to learn from other people in order to develop a deeper understanding of the world.

Q. Why are so many people turning their backs on organised religion?

A. One positive that has come from the pandemic is that, although our church doors have been closed for many months, technology has brought the Church into our homes again. Many people who had fallen away from the Church have now found a way back in again.

Q. Has religion helped, or hindered, the people of Northern Ireland?

A. On the surface, it's clear that religion has played a large part in the complicated recent history of Northern Ireland. Still, it could be said that it was those who ignored the precepts of religious teachings that contributed to violence and, more importantly, it was those with deeply-held religious beliefs who were so instrumental in brokering peace.

Q. What is your favourite film, book and music, and why?

A. When I have the opportunity to watch a film that isn't a Disney, or Pixar, animated feature, I enjoy a war movie - Dunkirk and 1917 have been recent favourites. I play the cello and the piano, though I don't dust off my cello as often as I should. My Spotify playlists wouldn't reveal too much about my favourite music, as I tend to play everything from Vivaldi to Prodigy, depending on my mood, or the weather. I like crime fiction, though the most recent book which has really left a mark on me is American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.

Q. Where do you feel closest to God?

A. At Glencolmcille, in south-west Co Donegal, which is the ancestral home of my father and where I spend most of my holiday time. The wild, raw, beauty of the place makes me appreciate the wonder of His creation and it's easy to switch off from city life and reconnect to what matters - especially as the broadband signal is terrible up there.

Q. Finally, have you any major regrets?

A. I try to look to the future, instead of worrying about the past.

300 terrorists died in Balakot airstrike: Former Pak Diplomat

International

oi-Deepika S

Islamabad, Jan 09: Former Pakistani diplomat Agha Hilaly admitted on Saturday that 300 Pakistani terrorists had died in the Balakot airstrike by India on February 26, 2019. The admission by the former Pakistani diplomat Agha Hilaly goes against the zero casualties claim made by Islamabad at that time.

"India crossed the international border and did an act of war in which at least 300 were reported dead. Our target was different from theirs. We targeted their high command. That was our legitimate target because they are men of the military. We subconsciously accepted that a surgical strike -- a limited action -- did not result in any casualty. Now we have subconsciously told them that, whatever they will do, we'll do only that much and won't escalate," said Agha Hilaly.

It may be recalled that, Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Ayaz Sadiq had claimed that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that, if Pakistan did not release Abhinandan, India would attack Pakistan "that night at 9.00 pm."

The MP also told opposition leaders that the Pakistani foreign minister, in a meeting with the parliamentary leaders that included Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, had asked for Abhinandan to be let free.

"I remember Shah Mahmood Qureshi was in the meeting which [Prime Minister] Imran Khan had refused to attend and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring. Foreign Minister said for God's sake let Abhinandan go, India's about to attack Pakistan at 9.00 pm", Sadiq said, recounting the events of the meeting.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack which killed 40 CRPF troopers. While India conducted an air raid on terrorist camps in Balakot on Pakistan's side on February 26, the Pakistan Air Force made incursions into Indian airspace on the next day.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman landed in Pakistani custody following an aerial dogfight between Indian and Pakistani pilots a day after the Balakot airstrikes in 2019.

His MiG-21 Bison aircraft had crossed over to the Pakistani side and was shot down. He was subsequently released on March 1, 2019.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 21:50 [IST]
WASHINGTON  Theres an adage here in Washington: Congress moves slowly, except when it wants to move quickly. Thats turning out to be true of a possible second impeachment of President Trump.

In the aftermath of the storming of the Capitol by a Trump-encouraged mob that left a police officer and four rioters dead, virtually all Democrats in Congress and a handful of Republicans have called for the president to be removed from office.

House Democrats are moving toward impeaching Trump a second time, this time for inciting an insurrection and doing little to stop the riot. That could happen as soon as Monday.

But theres a catch. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in a memo to colleagues late Friday that under the chambers rules, the Senate could not hold a trial on any House impeachment until Jan. 19, the day before the inauguration, unless every member agreed  a virtual impossibility.

The memo, obtained by the Washington Post, made it clear that a trial would push into the opening days of President-elect Joe Biden administration, which would prevent the Senate from conducting other business such as confirming his Cabinet nominees.

House Democrats discussed plans to introduce impeachment articles during an hours-long conference call Friday. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, has urged Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment and declare Trump unable to serve, but the calls have gone unanswered.

After the conference call, meeting, Pelosi said in a statement that she has asked lawmakers to prepare for impeachment if Trump doesnt resign.

Although he would be gone from the White House by the time a Senate trial were held, senators could still convict him by a two-thirds vote and then bar him from ever holding office again  removing the prospect he could run for president in 2024.

Weve never seen anything like this, said Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law. Ive said that a lot in the last week.

Pelosi, who has called for Trumps removal, told fellow Democrats on Fridays call that it was up to them whether to proceed with impeachment.

The president chose to be an insurrectionist, Pelosi said, according to a source on the call who asked not be identified because the discussion was supposed to be private. Impeachment encourages conversation on the 25th Amendment. Thats picked up a lot of steam. ... How we go forward is a subject for this caucus.

In a normal impeachment inquiry, the House would hold committee hearings before bringing the debate to the floor. The first impeachment of Trump, for allegedly abusing his power and obstructing justice, took four months until his Senate acquittal last year.

But the House has yet to form its committees in the new Congress, and time is short. San Jose Rep. Zoe Lofgren, one of Democrats impeachment managers during the Senate trial of Trump last year, told reporters Thursday that the House could get it done rapidly by bringing the articles of impeachment straight to the floor.

I believe that it possible to do it from a House perspective, Lofgren said. The question, I think, is whether the senators are concerned enough at this point to take an action.

Chemerinsky agreed that it can move as fast as the House and the Senate want it to move. Tradition is that it goes to committee, but it could go straight to the floor of the House.

But he added: Tradition is the Senate will hold a trial after the House impeaches, but theres nothing that requires that happen.

The Constitution sets out a few requirements for impeachment, including that the House initiate and that the Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. What a trial looks like is largely dictated by Senate rules, which can be set by a majority vote.

Previous trials have followed similar procedures, including having House impeachment managers serve as the prosecutors and allowing the president to put up a defense. The process has historically taken days, but doesnt have to.

I dont think it would be particularly complex, since weve all seen the events play out on live TV, so theres not a really thorny legal question here, said Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles who specializes in politics.

But Chemerinsky said its unclear whether a post-presidency impeachment would be legal.

Weve never had an effort to impeach somebody after theyve left office, and I think its an uncertain question whether or not thats permissible under the Constitution, he said. The UC Berkeley Law School dean noted that the Constitution specifically describes impeachment as the way an official can be removed from office.

But, he said, the Supreme Court has also previously decided to stay out of such cases.

Whether the Congress can impeach, remove, disqualify after Jan. 20 is an unknown question, Chemerinsky said. If Trump challenged it, whether the courts would even get involved is an unknown question.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, who presided over the House Intelligence Committees 2019 impeachment hearings and served as lead prosecutor during the Senate trial, presented his colleagues with some of the options during Fridays call, at Pelosis request. Schiff supports impeachment, but walked through the pros and cons of different options and timing.

According to CNN, he included warnings about the precedent that fast-tracking the proceedings could set, and the perception that Democrats would be trying to protect Biden from a possible challenger in 2024.

Although a House vote to impeach Trump a second time seemed likely as of Friday, Levinson was skeptical that the Senate would follow through  even after he leaves office, when Democrats will take over Senate control.

We havent tested that, Levinson said. But I think that theres just no political will. So its now or nothing for impeachment, and I suspect its nothing.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan

A Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier was apprehended after he crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in and entered the Indian territory, the Indian Army has stated.

"During early hours of January 8, a Chinese soldier was apprehended on the Indian Side of the LAC in in area South of Pangong lake," the Army said.

It further stated that the PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in this area.

Troops from either side are deployed along the LAC since friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops.

"The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," the Indian Army stated.

It was on August 28, 2020 and August 29, 2020, Indian troops in a precautionary deployment, pre-empted Chinese expansionist designs and occupied heights along the southern bank of Pangong Tso.

The soldier on Friday was caught transgressing the same region.

Last week, the Defence Ministry in its year end review had stated that PLA escalated the situation at the LAC in Eastern by the utilisation of "unorthodox weapons and amassing large number of troops".

The Ministry that Chinese made unilateral and provocative actions to change the status quo by force, in more than one area on the LAC.

Thereafter India responded to in a firm and non-escalatory way, ensuring the sanctity of claims in Eastern Ladakh.

India has categorically conveyed that any attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo at the border is unacceptable and that India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India and are engaged in a nine-month-long standoff at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

Despite several levels of dialogue, there has not been any breakthrough and the deadlock continues.

--IANS

sk/ksk/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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.
Students didnt need to flip through the worn pages of a textbook Wednesday to learn about the siege of their nations Capitol.

It was a violent historic event unfolding on their phone screens in real time as supporters of outgoing-President Donald J. Trump stormed the halls of Congress disrupting lawmakers attempt to certify election results confirming the victory of Trumps opponent, President-elect Joe Biden.

The next day, as students returned to class, teachers like Heather Brenton were ready to discuss the history they had all just witnessed and the context around it.

Brenton said she wanted to make sure her U.S. Government and U.S. History classes at Sheehan High School in Wallingford were clear on the timeline of events, before giving them opportunities to speak and listen to each other.

I always try to facilitate discussion among the students, Brenton said, adding the most important thing is making sure they have clear facts, as clear as we can get them. Some of the facts we will always find out later.

They discussed the differences between protest, riot and insurrection.

We talked about those three things, she said, adding, Most of my students did not feel it was a legitimate protest.

Educators interviewed this week said they recognized students may not entirely grasp the significance of Wednesdays siege yet. So it was important for them to provide that context, as well as space to discuss the events.

Students knew about the Electoral College, but like many Americans knew far less about the Electoral College process, Congress duty to certify votes, and lawmakers ability to raise objections during the process.

The events posed another opportunity to discuss the difference between protest, insurrection and sedition. The right to protest is protected by the Constitution. An insurrection is an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government. Sedition is conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch.

They went on to discuss the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which under Section 4 allows the Cabinet and vice president to declare a president unfit for office. Its never happened in the nations history, but has been seriously discussed among leaders since Wednesdays chaos.

Conversations taking place in Brentons virtual classroom were also happening in Zachary Coreys in-person classes at Platt High School in Meriden. Coreys students asked, Has this ever happened before? Whats going to happen now?

Corey, like Brenton, is a social studies teacher who also opted to help students gain an understanding of the events by establishing a timeline using different news sources. That enabled everyone to get on the same page. He told students, Lets stop being reactive and turn on our social studies frame, which led to back-and-forth discussions.

We talked about this, that, what does it mean? Are there repercussions? What could the government decide to do? There are a lot of logistical questions, he said.

At Maloney High School, Matthew Banas said he too thought it was important to provide his students with context. They saw images and videos on social media, but they didnt understand why that was happening, he said.

Seeking clarity

Mark Durbak, a colleague of Banas, said he started out his classes by asking students what they already knew. U.S. history isnt the subject Durbak teaches, but he knew his Thursday students would need a basic understanding of the events that happened the day before.

What is the Capitol building? What is going on that day? And why was the 6th a big day? Durbak said. Students also had questions about the encounters between Trump supporters, many of whom had firearms, and law enforcement. Many students observed that, despite the violent actions of those Trump supporters, there appeared to be few arrests. This contrasted with images they saw of clashes between police and Black Lives Matter protests last summer.

In asking questions, one of the most repeated phrases Durbak heard from students was, how could this happen?

It took some discussion for students to understand the magnitude of the actions undertaken by the mob of Trump supporters and how it differed from a protest.

Without context, in their eyes, it looked like another protest, Banas said.

Students in Cheshire High School sought similar clarity, explained social studies department chair Tim Galvin. So he and other teachers gave them room for dialogue. Galvin described it as a teachable moment, in helping students better understand the constitutional process for elections.

We were also able to talk to students about the strength of our institutions, the resiliency for Congress to gather and finish up for the day, the bipartisan cooperation that took place, Galvin said. Despite the days violence, Congress did complete its task of certifying the Electoral College count, thus confirming Bidens election as the next president.

Meanwhile, at Maloney, social studies department chair Lauren Mancini-Averitt incorporated the days events into her world history class discussion on absolute monarchies. They will discuss revolutions in an upcoming unit.

We talked about how they treated the nobility and how other people were treated, Mancini-Averitt said. The class tied that discussion to that of modern American society and the relationship between politicians like Trump, and average Americans.

It tied in perfectly, Mancini-Averitt said, adding that her role was to facilitate and answer students questions  to really guide them, what they didnt know and what they didnt understand.

Sticking to the facts

Other teachers interviewed described similar approaches. David Falvo, who teaches in Windham and sits on the Southington Board of Education, explained his job as an educator is to help students develop critical thinking skills, while not teaching them what to think.

Obviously the day after a major event like this you can only give as much as you know. There is a lot more opinion out there rather than facts, Falvo said.

Platt High School Principal Dan Corsetti agreed. We dont want to be preaching to them, Corsetti said. We dont want to be sermonizing.

Corsetti explained that as he walked down his schools hallways and into classrooms on Thursday he noticed an interesting sight: students appeared to be coming out of their shells a little bit.

Classes were filled with discussion. At Platt and other city schools where in-person instruction is ongoing, the wearing of masks by students and teachers, meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19, has meant classroom discussions have become considerably more muted. Not so on Thursday.

The approach in Southington was similar, explained Assistant School Superintendent Steve Madancy.

Teachers convened virtually the night before to discuss how they would incorporate the days events into their classroom discussions. Educators knew students would be inquisitive and curious.

We wanted to make sure we gave them the time and space to process the events, Madancy said, adding we wanted to make sure we didnt editorialize to them.

Rich Aroian, assistant principal at Southington High School, has been an educator for 29 years. He said going to school Thursday morning was similar to Sept. 12, 2001. At the time, he was a high school social studies teacher.

The day after 9/11, how do you handle in-classroom discussions? As educators we were quite taken aback, Aroian said. On Wednesday night, during the social studies meeting, there were still a lot of unknowns. So teachers decided to focus on on the facts of what we know happened.

The facts of First Amendment rights, to identify certain vocabulary words, Aroian said. Our purpose was to give it context for (students) to understand the impact of the event, cause of the events.

Discussion did not include where the fault lies in relation to the events.

We dont know everything yet, so we need to stick to the facts, Aroian said of educators roles.

I think one of the key things for us is our job is to teach the kids how to think, not what to think, Aroian said. So you have to make sure you give them the chance to ask questions.

Resilience

At Cheshire Academy, students will return to class this week on a remote learning schedule. Julie Anderson, Cheshire Academys head of school issued a statement Thursday to families stating educators priority at this time is to offer support for those who need it in comprehending the unrest.

She continued, As educators, we strive to provide a greater understanding of the world, hope and a sense of stability amid chaos, and clarity and care where there is confusion and concern. Our faculty and staff understand this responsibility and take on roles that go beyond teaching classes. As a school community, we value and encourage civil discourse.

Educators like Corey, Banas, Falvo and others are trying to help.

Corey sought to create a space where kids can draw conclusions on their own, by providing information and facilitating classroom dialogues. Those dialogues would include students expressing opposing views respectfully.

Banas said he is impressed by the resilience of students in how they are working through tumultuous times.

Theyre showing up. Theyre doing work. Theyre carrying on. Its refreshing to see how tough they are, Banas said. On Friday, Banas would be tackling the same subject with his second cohort of in-person students at Maloney.

I think moving forward theyre going to continue to watch this now, Banas said of his students.

mgagne@record-journal.com203-317-2231Twitter:@MikeGagneRJ
Los Angeles, Jan 9 : Actress Jane Seymour says she is flattered to be considered a sex symbol and is thankful to people for considering her a full-blooded woman.

"I don't quite understand what a sex symbol means, but am I still a full-blooded woman? Definitely! And 69, to me, just appears to be a number. (It's) flattering. I'm feeling incredibly healthy and well," Seymour said, according to a femalefirst.co.uk report.

The 69-year-old actress added that she feels lucky that she can "represent (her) own age group" on screen and also play younger characters.

"At the same time, I think it's lovely that I get to play the 70- and 80-year-olds I'm playing and really represent my own age group onscreen as well. I also often play younger than me," Seymour, who has been married four times, told people.com.

Recently the actress shared that she used her divorces to make herself a better person.

"(The most important thing I learned) is to let go. To try to find a way to communicate and keep what was good in the relationship. Especially when co-parenting. And I tried to look at my side of things: 'What could I have done differently?' But it's hard when you're a mother and you work," Seymour said.

"It means sometimes you're gone. And sometimes you may be in a relationship where they would rather that you were there 24/7 and never worked. That hasn't actually been the case with me, but that's the only thing I can look at that I did really wrong -- I went to work. But I was providing for the whole family, so it's very hard," she added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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.


Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 19:53:35|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

People walk at the sightseeing spot in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 9, 2021. The confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan increased by 7,109 to reach 281,992 as of Saturday evening, according to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities. The number of cases have been surging across the country recently, particularly in urban regions. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday declared a state of emergency for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures. (Photo by Lyu Tianze/Xinhua)

TOKYO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan increased by 7,109 to reach 281,992 as of Saturday evening, according to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities.

The death toll in Japan from the pneumonia-causing virus stands at 4,020, with 44 new fatalities announced Saturday.

The health ministry also said there are currently 827 patients considered severely ill with ventilators or in intensive care units.

In Tokyo, the epicenter of Japan's outbreak, 2,268 new cases were reported on Saturday, topping the 2,000 mark for the third straight day, with the cumulative total reaching 73,450, the highest among the country's 47 prefectures.

The number of cases have been surging across the country recently, particularly in urban regions. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday declared a state of emergency for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures.

On Saturday, the governors of Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo asked the central government to expand its coronavirus state-of-emergency declaration to cover their prefectures in western Japan. Enditem
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarified there is no "USA variant" of COVID-19, contradicting the White House coronavirus task force's report on such variant.

CDC Clarifies That There Is No USA Variant of COVID-19

The CDC said there is no USA variant yet, which might increase COVID-19 infections and deaths in the country. The agency's clarification came after the White House COVID-19 Task Force released a report on Sunday that there might be a USA variant.

According to a recently published report of CNN News, members of the task force said the variant could be fueling the unprecedented number of COVID-19 cases in the country. They further noted that the variant is similar to the virus mutation detected in the United Kingdom and South Africa that seems to be spreading so quickly.

Related story: How Long Will Moderna Vaccine Protect You From Getting COVID-19?

However, the CDC told Business Insider that there is currently no evidence that a USA variant exists and could take weeks or even months to identify a single variant of the virus that causes the rise in COVID-19 infections in the country.

On the other hand, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Scott Gottlieb told CNBC that the hypothesis of the White House COVID-19 task force of the existence of USA variant is part of the fact that U.S. and U.K.'s pandemic growth curves are similar.

Increase of COVID-19 Cases in the Country

According to the COVID-19 task force report, this "fall/winter surge has been at nearly twice the rate of rise of cases as the spring and summer surges." It added that this acceleration suggests "there may be a USA variant that has evolved here, in addition to the UK variant that is already spreading in our communities."

However, the New York Times reported that the agency did not provide enough evidence, prompting the CDC to release a statement about the suspected variant.

Paul Bieniasz, a virologist at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, told Business Insider that the increase of infections in the country could not only be associated with the virus mutation. Bieniasz said human behavior has a large effect on virus transmission that increases the number of cases.

Read also: Sinovac Vaccine From China Is 78% Effective in Brazil Trial, but Experts Say Details Remain Sketchy

How the New Variant is Monitored?

According to a published report in Yahoo News, researchers genetically sequence samples of the virus and track the changes over time to monitor the many versions of the coronavirus circulating worldwide. Each separated by a handful of tiny changes in its genome.

However, it was found that the U.S. is behind many countries when it comes to keeping tabs on new variants compared to the U.K. The CDC said the country has only sequenced 2.5 out of every 1,000 compared to the U.K.'s 45 out of every 1,000 cases.

This is likely the reason why the government missed the entry of the COVID-19 variant detected in the U.K. It was only last Dec. 29 that the first case involving the B.1.1.7 virus was reported in the country, particularly in Colorado.
Jodie Kidd's brother Jack, 47, is a leading figure in the British offshoot of QAnon

The far-right extremist group of Trump supporters led invasion of U.S. Congress

Kidd, who calls himself a 'Digital soldier and a citizen journalist', has circulated hundreds of social media posts pushing QAnon's bizarre conspiracy theories

Jack Kidd is a supremely well-connected businessman, former professional polo player and socialite who found minor celebrity in the 2000s as the dashing older brother of fashion model Jodie.

A great-grandson of publishing tycoon Lord Beaverbrook, and son of a high-profile showjumper, the jet-setting 47-year-olds immediate family also includes sister Jemma, a high-profile make-up artist presently divorcing the Duke of Wellingtons son and heir, Arthur Mornington.

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks to his impeccable breeding and sometimes rackety social life, Kidds high-octane lifestyle has for years enlivened gossip columns.

The father of six children, by three rich women, hes clocked up two starry weddings (one of which filled 16 pages of Hello!) and one quite spectacular divorce, during which his jilted heiress wife branded him as a cad and bounder in a round-robin email to 200 friends.

Hes also pursued a host of colourful business ventures, inside the world of polo and out, including a stint as a director of Jemmas make-up firm, where for reasons well never know, he shared the boardroom with the now-notorious Ghislaine Maxwell, who appears to be an old family friend.

Jack and Jodie Kidd

Jack and Jodie Kidd

And so, Mr Kidd has managed to cut a glamorous and charismatic figure. For decades hes pursued a champagne lifestyle, rubbing shoulders with some of the worlds wealthiest and most fashionable people.

But those days will soon be gone.

For in dark corners of the internet, Jack Kidd now has a very different sort of celebrity  one unlikely to lead to many more glamorous photo spreads in glossy magazines.

This strapping old Harrovian, who once played polo with Prince Charles and Prince Harry, is  I can reveal  a leading figure in the British offshoot of QAnon, a far-Right extremist group of Donald Trump supporters who led the invasion of U.S. Congress in Washington DC this week.

Calling himself a Digital Soldier and Citizen Journalist, he now lives in the Scottish Highlands at an 18,000-acre estate belonging to the family of his current wife Rosie Tyser.

ADVERTISEMENT

From there, in recent months, he has circulated hundreds of social media posts pushing bizarre conspiracy theories from the cult-like organisation  members of which believe the world is secretly controlled by celebrity paedophiles.

Kidd has appeared in QAnon chat shows, watched by millions, in which he rails against a satanic matrix of Left-leaning politicians, Hollywood stars, bankers and captains of industry who collaborate to secretly abuse and cannibalise trafficked children.

Kidd repeats the groups surreal propaganda daily on social media, ranting about everything from vaccines (human mental genocide served up as medicine), to coronavirus (a scamdemic invented by the global elite, big pharma, and big tech), to the white trails that aeroplanes leave in the sky, which he regards as evidence that the Government is trying to secretly spray chemicals on the public.

Most of all, he shares evidence supporting QAnons central conspiracy theory: that Donald Trump is a sort of messiah battling to rid the world of satanist paedo overlords.

Police hold back supporters of Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol's Rotunda

If you think this all sounds utterly bonkers, you are not alone; and we will explore QAnons deranged theology later. But as this weeks events show, Kidds beliefs can also prove highly dangerous.

Many of his posts are riddled with vile anti-Semitism (he recently accused the Rothschilds and other bloodline families of helping cover up the paedophilia pandemic) and he has fomented hatred against groups, including Catholics and the black nobility who in a recent post are described as the true rats of this world.

Such appalling rhetoric is why the FBI has long regarded QAnon as a domestic terror threat (even before its members invaded the U.S. Capitol) while sites on which the cult first gained traction, have belatedly attempted to outlaw the militarised social movement.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jack Kidd was recently banned from Instagram  where he boasted tens of thousands of followers  for sharing fake news, and was, before Christmas, suspended by Facebook for two months for the same offence.

YouTube routinely deletes his videos (only for them to pop up elsewhere) while he is now also being monitored by anti-extremist group Hope Not Hate.

What makes him uniquely dangerous, they argue, is that unlike the various wingnuts whose excesses filled the airwaves this week, Kidd cuts an outwardly normal figure. And his celebrity status adds to his allure.

A guy dressed in a horned hat with tattoos everywhere is unlikely to convince, say, your mum, says a Hope Not Hate spokesman

But when you get a well-educated, good-looking person advancing the same conspiracy theories, thats a different matter because they are much more likely to listen to him and believe what hes saying. Its what makes someone like Jack Kidd so dangerous.

An acquaintance of Kidd adds: Hes become quite the celebrity catch in these circles, and keeps getting banned from social media sites only to emerge in wackier and wackier guises.

Rally: People attend a rally in support of President Donald Trump on Wednesday

Click here to resize this module

Another tells me: At first it was funny, and we all had a good laugh, but now its got seriously dark and sinister and we worry about where it will all end.

To understand what turned this once-glamorous socialite into one of Britains ugliest propagandists, we must go back to October 2017, when QAnon began.

It originally took hold via an online message group called 4chan, where users were discussing Pizzagate, a 2016 scandal which emerged from the publication by Wikileaks of emails from the U.S. Democratic Party that were stolen by Russian hackers.

Far-Right conspiracists who read those emails decided that references to pizza and pasta were in fact secret paedophilic code for underage girls and boys being abused in a sex-trafficking ring run by Hillary Clinton.

As this odd theory gathered pace, a man armed with a rifle walked into a pizza restaurant in Washington DC and demanded to see the basement, where he believed the victims were being held.

There was no basement there, and the gunman, Edgar Welch, was later arrested.

But that didnt prevent Pizzagate mutating into an even weirder theory: that a network of politicians and celebrities were torturing and murdering thousands of children to harvest their adrenal glands for compound adrenochrome, which they then used as an elixir of life as well as a recreational drug.

Against this backdrop, an anonymous 4chan user calling himself Q, who claimed to have high-level U.S. security clearance, began using the message board. His first post, on October 27, claimed that Hillary Clinton was facing arrest for running said paedophile ring.

Rioters clash with police using big ladder to try to enter Capitol building through the front doors. Rioters breached the Capitol building in an attempt to overthrow the results of election

Of course, that was proved untrue. But not before a Right-wing YouTube personality, Tracy Diaz, had shared the message with 250,000 followers, sending it viral.

Over the coming weeks and months, Q shared further messages, written in cod-military language and peppered with pro-Trump slogans.

A community dedicated to discussing Qs claims soon sprang up. They christened his messages Q drops or breadcrumbs.

There have since been about 4,800 drops and QAnon can lay claim to having grown into possibly the worlds biggest conspiracy theory.

Extremist followers, of which Kidd is one, believe the world is secretly run by a satanic cult composed of paedophiles, cannibals, various progressive public figures including a number of Hollywood stars such as actor Tom Hanks, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and chat show queen Oprah Winfrey.

They are supposedly being aided and abetted by governments, the media and big business. The hero of this saga is, meanwhile, Donald Trump. According to Q, his secret motivation for running for president was to save the world from satanist paedophiles.

QAnons wider theology takes in a variety of anti-vaccine, anti-5G mobile technology, and anti-Semitic conspiracies that will lead to an imminent revelation of the truth, or the Great Awakening, in which Trump and his digital army will vanquish the liberal elites and usher in a global utopia.

Jack Kidd buys into it all.

Explosion caused by police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of Capitol

In the days before Christmas, he used Facebook to post endlessly about what he dubbed the imminent Great Awakening of humanity, posting a link to a statement by Q on December 22 and then urging followers to sit back and enjoy the show but always remember that God or Light Wins.

Kidd continued: Please do not try and make sense of our reality as we are in the final stages of a secret and satanic war against people you did not even know, that controlled your lives. We are about to be set free.

On the same date, Kidd shared multiple fake news posts about alleged U.S. election fraud, including one claiming that Donald Trump cannot possibly have lost the election because Trump got 74 million votes and there are only 133 million registered voters in the USA.

In fact, America has a population of 331 million, of which just under 240 million are registered voters.

He also posted a video about the New World Order, stating: We need to destroy this satanic order that has tortured our reality #greatawakening #whiterabbit #darktolight #QAnon.

Kidd has previously claimed that his belief in the QAnon conspiracy theory dates back to his professional polo-playing days, when he decided the super-rich were evil and bad people.

In a video interview with a YouTube personality, Charlie Ward, which has clocked up two million views in various iterations, he claimed hed therefore carried out research into wealthy elites online.

According to Q, Donald Trump's motivation for running for president was to save the world from Satanist paedophiles. Trump will vanquish the liberal elites and usher in a global utopia

It just blew my mind open with how bad everything was, he said. The more I went down the rabbit hole, and the more I realised how terrible it was, and just satanic and evil. It just fried my head.

He was then recruited to QAnon, so to speak, by a professional bridge player friend called Simon Stocken.

He was one of my only friends online that was helping me with this conspiracy world [and] he told me about Q, Kidd said.

He said that theres this military website thats come on, its behind Trump, its trying to tell the truth and yeah, what a journey thats been, getting into Q, understanding what thats all about

Its been very confusing at times, very amazing at times, very disheartening at times. Its been an incredible truth journey and Im so pleased everyone seems to be waking up.

During the rambling chat, Kidd variously railed against bankers (they dont worship God, they worship Satan. They sacrifice children) and described coronavirus as a hoax created by the deep State to unseat President Trump.

Kidd further claimed that ultraviolet light can kill the majority of the virus and ranted that vaccines were part of a disgusting plan to enrich Bill Gates, who is going to hang soon at Guantanamo Bay, and I hope they feed him to the piranhas.

Mr Ward, who appears to be a family friend (he claimed in their chummy conversation to know Jacks mother Wendy) nodded sagely throughout.

Which is hardly surprising as the BBC recently named him as one of QAnons other key British influencers, boasting 170,000 followers across a variety of social media accounts and 51,000 subscribers to his online videos, which he presents in front of a QAnon logo.

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington

He and Kidd  who according to Hope Not Hate have both made films about a QAnon activist called Joseph Gregory Hallett  also discussed the imminent great awakening, with the former socialite saying, with a straight face, that he believes we are now going into an enlightened period under the leadership of Donald Trump who  he further alleged  had arrested Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden and replaced them with lookalikes to stop them ruining his plan.

If you look, theyve got different ears, he said. Theyve got different noses. You just have to really study. You can see it as clear as night and day.

'And thats such a clever move. They were arrested, the original ones, they were probably sent straight to Guantanamo Bay, but rather than shock the world he put body doubles in their positions.

To you or I, these sound like the rantings of a complete madman. As are various other QAnon conspiracies Kidd has endorsed via Facebook and Instagram.

During the summer, for example, he circulated an allegation that U.S. furniture retailer Wayfair, whose storage cabinets were all listed with girls names, were being sold with young children in them as part of a deep state child sex trafficking-ring.

In August, he linked the Beirut explosion to the same trafficking ring, before posting footage from demonstrations in London during which QAnon supporters shouted shame on you outside the Disney store on Oxford Street because they seem to believe the firm has inserted hidden messages to paedophiles in its films.

QAnon linked the Beirut explosion last summer (pictured) to a child sex trafficking ring

At about the same time, Kidd linked to a QAnon site claiming that the pop star Katy Perry is a satanist witch and posted the surreal claim that Simon Cowell had been arrested for paedophilia in Thailand and that a body double was being used on his TV talent shows.

Amazingly, this kind of nonsense sells: research cited by Hope Not Hate found QAnon conspiracies had generated more than 100 million comments, shares and likes on social media sites last year.

On Facebook, the biggest groups had attracted 44 million comments, shares and likes, seemingly thanks to a rapid growth in popularity during lockdown, leading to fears that the online cult might bring violence to these shores.

Thats why, friends say, Kidds nearest and dearest are increasingly concerned about his behaviour.

We worry about what he might do next, or what he might encourage others to do next, have tried to have a proper conversation with him about it, says a family friend.

The problem is, though, that hes gone all in on this nonsense, and if you try to point out how insane Jacks being, he just wont listen to you because it means you are part of the conspiracy.

Mr Kidd, who did not respond to a request from the Mail for comment, acknowledged in a recent YouTube video that people have attempted to talk him down.

People call me insane. People call me crazy, troublemaker, whatever it is.

And all Ive done is that I have this unbelievable calling from deep inside me saying I have to get this message out, I have to help people wake up.

ADVERTISEMENT

But as this weeks events surely show, QAnons leading British celebrity propagandist is the one who really needs to wake up, fast.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has attached houses, agricultural lands and jewellery totaling to Rs 2.80 crore belonging to Abhinav Gold International Marketing Pvt. Ltd. based in Bhilwara, and its directors under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a Ponzi scheme case.

ED in a statement said that the agency initiated an investigation under PMLA on the basis of FIR registered by Bhilwara Police against Anil Birla, Murlidhar Birla, directors of Abhinav Gold International Marketing Pvt. Ltd and others under relevant sections of IPC and Prize Chit and Money Circulation Scheme (Banning) Act, 1978.

Further, 14 FIRs were registered by Police and Crime Branch, Surat, Gujrat against Abhinav Gold International Marketing Pvt. Ltd. and its directors Anil Birla, Murlidhar Birla and others, ED said.

The investigation conducted by ED under PMLA revealed that the directors of Abhinav Gold International Marketing Pvt. Ltd and others have collected crores of rupees from the public/investors during the period from March 14, 2010 to March 26, 2012.

"They have paid a negligible amount through cheques to the public/investors. The illegally collected amount was deposited in various bank accounts of Abhinav Gold International Marketing Pvt. Ltd and its directors," ED said.

These amounts were further invested in immovable and movable properties.

"On identification of these assets totaling to Rs 2.80 crore were held in the name of Abhinav Gold International Marketing Pvt. Ltd and its directors, a Provisional Attachment Order has been issued under PMLA," ED stated.

Further investigation is in progress, ED 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.)
In March 2019 people from all over Ireland marched through Dublin in a National Homeless and Housing Coalition protest. Photo: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

North West Simon Community has expressed concern that the number of people experiencing homelessness in the region is continuing to increase at a time when the numbers using emergency accommodation nationally are in decline.

Noel Daly, General Manager of North West Simon Community, was speaking following publication of the most recent statistics from the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage.

The figures show a welcome decline of 18.8% in the numbers using emergency homeless accommodation across the country in November 2020 when compared to November 2019.

"Sadly, we have not seen this decline in the North West, as there has been an increase of 8.3% in the number of people accessing emergency accommodation during the same period. These statistics will not be a surprise to the agencies supporting people experiencing homelessness in the North West", Mr Daly said.

The number of people accessing emergency accommodation is only one aspect of a complex problem, and these figures do not adequately describe the full extent of homelessness anywhere in the country. The figures released by the Government, don't include families in refuges, direct provision, people sharing with family and friends in overcrowded circumstances, or living in cars, vans, or sleeping rough.

North West Simon Community which provides early intervention and preventative services across the region has observed increased demand for support from households at risk or experiencing homelessness throughout the year.

"In the first eleven months of 2020, our outreach team has worked with 439 individuals in 174 households, while we provided similar support to 335 individuals in 155 households, over the full twelve-month period in 2019" he explained.

"There is a chronic shortage of housing in Leitrim, Sligo, and Donegal, with few if any properties available to rent within the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) limits that many at risk of homelessness would seek to use.

"The onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the requirement for social distancing has exacerbated an already difficult situation. Particularly, for households in enforced sharing situations, the desire for each family to find a home of their own is bound to become stronger as the period of restriction continues to lengthen, and inevitably some these families end up in emergency accommodation.

"We need decisive and urgent action on the part of the government to deal with this housing crisis, not another five-year plan," said Mr Daly.

North West Simon Community believes that the government must make preventing homelessness a priority through: A comprehensive homelessness prevention strategy with ring-fenced funding to stop homelessness before it starts. Ensuring that 50% of all new social housing are one and two bed units. Providing an average of 7,500, one and two bed, social homes each year. This will help to develop the housing infrastructure we need to stop homelessness before it starts. Increasing protection for renters, to ensure that tenants cannot be evicted into homelessness.

Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
New Delhi: Shah Rukh Khan, who is the brand ambassador of West Bengal, attended the virtual inauguration of the 26th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) from Mumbai on Friday (January 8). Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the actor could not attend the festival physically and apologized to the audiences for the same.

The festival was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Greeting the CM, SRK said that he misses hugging her. Mera bohat dil kar raha hai ki main wahan par hota (I really wish I could have been there). But all I can say from here is that I love you all and I miss Bengal. Mamata di, I miss you and miss hugging you. Inshallah when I come next time jo bohat hi jald hoga, do-chaar extra hugs le lunga aapse (I will visit Begal soon enough and when I come, I will take extra hugs from you), the actor told the CM.

She also invited Shah Rukh to come to Kolkata during Raksha Bandhan. To this, he replied, "100 per cent I will come."

Addressing the audiences, the Don actor said, We have to try and make our families happier. Whatever we do should be for our family and the country. We have been blessed by god. We can say a lot of good things through our films.

Shah Rukh has not appeared in films for the past two years. So whatever public appearances King Khan has made since his sabbatical, makes his fans go crazy. The actor recently shared a video wishing his fans on New Year. In the hilarious video, SRK can be seen struggling with flies, which keep buzzing around him. He ended the video with a promise to see his fans on the big screen in 2021.

On the work front, Shah Rukh will be seen in the upcoming film Pathan. He also made a cameo appearance alongside his wife, producer Gauri Khan in Karan Johars The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives.
Chris Martin, an artist, athlete and acolyte for decades at his Portland-area church, died in early December after succumbing to COVID-19 related complications. He was 68.

Martins was one of at least 472 lives cut short last month due to COVID-19, far and away a record in the state thus far. Nearly as many Oregonians died in December as in the first six months of the pandemic combined.

The incredible losses come as the state and nation continue to break monthly death records and as vaccines developed to fight the virus are rolling out in fits and starts.

Doug Martin remembered his older brother as a fun, kind and loving person.

I learned a lot from Chris, he was a teacher in so many ways, and he taught me acceptance, Doug Martin said. And he taught me how to teach acceptance.

Chris Martin was born with Down syndrome and lived since the early 1980s at a group home in Southeast Portland run by Rainbow Adult Living. He worked for decades at a Portland factory that employs people with cognitive or physical limitations, always dressing impeccably and earning recognition as employee of the year in 1995.

He competed in Special Olympics for years and proudly displayed his many medals for swimming, track and bowling.

His death Dec. 3, days after testing positive for coronavirus, came two weeks before the state received its first COVID-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer and BioNTech. Martin was one of the states most vulnerable residents, living in a congregate care facility where the virus can quickly spread  such facilities account for more than half of the states 1,575 COVID-19 deaths.

Tim Heider, a spokesman for the Oregon Health Authority, said the department grieves every COVID-19 related death. We recognize and acknowledge the pain and anguish of those who have lost a loved one to the virus, he said in a statement.

When asked if the state believed deaths would decrease in January or February due to more extensive vaccinations, Heider said that was difficult to predict.

Residents of long-term care facilities were prioritized with that goal in mind, Heider said. COVID-19 related deaths rise after rises in infections, and it is likely we are still seeing the tragic effects from the surge in October and November.

In the weeks since vaccines arrived in Oregon, nearly 8,500 doses had been administered to residents or workers at nursing homes or memory care facilities through Tuesday. The remaining doses, about 47,000, generally went to people who work in large health care systems like Providence, Legacy and Oregon Health & Science University.

During the initial rollout, large hospital groups have inoculated their workers  including some who dont see at-risk patients  while many people in long-term facilities are awaiting vaccines.

State officials say they dont know when everyone in care facilities will be inoculated, but for people in a first group of 130 nursing facilities deemed highest risk, doses should be administered by mid-January.

We do not have a current estimate of the timeline for the more than 558 assisted living and residential care facilities statewide, or the states adult foster homes licensed by the state, Heider said.

Doug Martin, who lives in Olympia, hadnt been able to see his brother last year due to the pandemic. They spoke on the phone, but there was no other family in town. It was difficult to be separated.

He was not lacking for love or attention, the brother added.

But people at the facility were concerned for Chris Martin, according to his brother. The average life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome is 60 years, according to advocacy groups.

He was the most vulnerable, Doug Martin said. The most frail.

Christopher Martin pictured with his dad, Bob and mother, Roberta. The family were leaders in helping Oregon arrange group home settings for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Devoted acolyte

Christopher Allen Martin was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1952 to Bob and Roberta Martin. The family moved to Oregon four years later.

His father was a college professor, teaching at Reed and Lewis & Clark College in Portland. His mother was a musician and teacher.

He loved the letter R  there were three in his full name  and art. He gave many members of his church were original drawings through the years. He also had a particular affinity for Christmas carols, his brother said, especially, Angels We Have Heard on High.

James Tompkins, executive director of Rainbow Adult Living, the organization that ran the Kimmell House where Martin lived and five other group living centers, said Martins parents were involved in the nonprofit from its inception and were instrumental in creating systems to better the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the state.

Tompkins said Martin was a beloved resident. He declined to say how many other residents, if any, had been infected with the coronavirus or died.

Anyone that knew him found him to be a kind, loving human being and absolute joy to be around, Tompkins said of Martin, adding in an email, I feel it was a gift that I knew this wonderful soul.

Doug Martin said his brother was particularly close to their parents and formed strong bonds with their friends, including long-time Reed calligraphy professor Lloyd Reynolds, who wrote a short book in 1980 about his friendship with Chris Martin.

In the late 1960s, Ethelyn Pankratz was working as executive director of an organization to assist intellectually disabled Multnomah County residents when she met Martin.

The family soon started attending the same church as Pankratz, Kairos-Milwaukie United Church of Christ, and it remained there for decades.

Martin quickly took on the duties of an acolyte. Pankratz recalled that on Martins first day of extinguishing candles at the end of the service, while the choir sang, he adlibbed. He saw a drum at the front of the church, picked it up and bumped out a nice little rhythm and then put it down.

It became part of the gig.

Every Sunday he did it, Pankratz said. People began to expect it.

Pankratz said Martin took great pride in his weekly duties at the church, saying he had this great sense of dignity and never failed to do it right.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, however, Martin was a missing presence at church last year.

The congregation held services via Zoom but Martin was unable to participate.

On Dec. 6., the Sunday after his death, Pankratz said the church soloist ended the service with an absolutely moving tribute.

The singer chose Little Drummer Boy.

At the end, a picture flashed on screen.

It was of Martin and his drum.

 Andrew Theen; atheen@oregonian.com; 503-294-4026; @andrewtheen
11th round of India-China military commander level talks likely to be held on Friday

Chinese soldier held on Indian side of LAC

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 09: A Chinese soldier was apprehended on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh in the South area of the Pangong Tso Lake.

The PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC and was taken into custody by the Indian troops deployed in the area.

Troops from either sides have been deployed along the LAC since the standoff last year. Indian Army officials said that the Chinese soldier is being dealt as per the laid down procedures and circumstances.

India faces aggressive Chinese activity on its border on a sustained basis

India and China have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any "misunderstandings and misjudgments" even as discussions continue for achieving complete disengagement in all friction areas, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Asked about the status of talks with the Chinese side over the border row, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the latest round of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) was held on December 18.

The two sides have agreed to hold the next round of senior commanders meeting, and are in constant communication through diplomatic and military channels in this regard, he said at an online media briefing.

"In the meantime, both sides have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any misunderstandings and misjudgments even as discussions continue for achieving complete disengagement in all friction areas in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements to restore peace and tranquillity," Srivastava said.

On December 18, at a virtual meeting of the WMCC, both sides agreed to continue work towards ensuring complete disengagement of troops in all friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh at the earliest.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

The eighth and last round of military talks had taken place on November 6 during which both sides broadly discussed disengagement of troops from specific friction points.

According to officials, nearly 50,000 Indian Army troops are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero conditions as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded any concrete outcome to resolve the stando
Related Egyptian leftist MPs to form opposition bloc in new parliament

Mahmoud Fawzi, the secretary-general of Egypt's parliament, revealed in a TV interview on Friday evening that the country's newly-elected MPs will hold an opening procedural session on Tuesday to take the constitutional oath and elect a speaker and two deputies

The meeting, which will be aired live on state TV, comes after President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued a decree on Thursday asking the new House of Representatives to convene on 12 January 2021.

Fawzi explained that due to the anti-coronavirus protective measures, it will be difficult for all 568 elected MPs plus 28 appointees to gather in one place to take the constitutional oath.

"So, it was decided that MPs be divided into groups and take the oath over two stages," said Fawzi, indicating that "in the first stage, a group of 284 MPs elected via the individual candidacy system only will be asked to gather in the meeting hall to take the oath."

"When each MP hears his/her name and his/her membership number, he/she will be asked to take the oath and cast his/her vote in a box to elect a speaker and two deputies," said Fawzi, adding that "once all individual MPs finish this business, the meeting hall will be closed and sanitised."

In the second stage, said Fawzi, another 284 MPs, elected through the party list system only, will be allowed to enter the hall to take the oath and cast votes."

Fawzi indicated that the 28 appointees will be the last to take the constitutional oath and elect a speaker.

Fawzi expects that the opening procedural session on Tuesday will be very long. "But this is necessary as each of the three procedures  taking the oath and electing a speaker and two deputies  should go in line with the constitution and parliament's internal bylaws," said Fawzi.

He indicated that it was proposed earlier that MPs take a collective oath, "but this is impossible as the constitution states that each MP should read the oath individually," said Fawzi.

Some security experts warned this week that it would be difficult and risky for all 596 MPs to gather in one place and take the constitutional oath.

"If every two MPs take one minute to read the oath parliament will need at least five hours to finish the opening procedural session," said national security expert Mohamed Qashqoush in an article in Al-Ahram on 2 January. Qashqoush proposed instead that MPs take a collective oath to save time and effort.

Qashqoush warned that all MPs meeting in one place violates the anti-coronavirus protective measures. Three of the newly-elected MPs died last month from the coronavirus.

According to Article 104 of the constitution, each newly-elected MP should take the oath as follows; "I swear by almighty God to honestly preserve the republican system, respect the constitution and the law and that fully observe the interests of the people, and preserve the homeland's independence, unity and the integrity of its land."

MPs are expected to re-elect Ali Abdel-Aal, the speaker of the outgoing parliament, for another five years.

The five-year term of Egypts outgoing House of Representatives (2016-2021) concluded today (9 January).

The opening session of the new House of Representatives will be chaired by prominent writer Farida El-Shobashy, as the eldest member in the House.

El-Shobashy will be aided by two deputies, MPs Fatma Ahmed and Abanoub Ezzat, as the youngest members of the House.

Egypts two-stage parliamentary elections were held from 24 October to 8 December.

The pro-government Mostaqbal Watan coalition swept the polls, gaining 315 seats (53 percent).

Mostaqbal Watans coalition with other political parties gave it a comfortable majority of 75 percent in the new parliament.

Short link:


10 infants died due to a fire that broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the hospital. There were 17 children in the neonatal unit at that time. 7 children who were rescued were born in the hospital in the inward section of the unit.

In a horrific incident at the Bhandara District general hospital in Maharashtra, 10 infants died due to a fire that broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the hospital. The fire broke out at around 1:30 AM on Saturday.

Atleast 3 babies suffered from fire injuries whereas 7 others died due to suffocation from inhaling the smoke. The rescued babies are fine and have been shifted to another unit. There were 17 children in the neonatal unit at that time. 7 children who were rescued were born in the hospital in the inward section of the unit. While, the 10 children who could not be saved were in the outborn section, that is, they were born in some other hospital but were recommended the government hospital due to complications in birth. The children in the ward were aged between 1 to 3 months.

The patients in nearby wards are also safe and have been moved to other wards of the hospital.

Also Read: West Bengal Elections 2021: Governor to meet Amit Shah today; Nadda to reach out to farmers

Also Read: Indias vaccine rollout delayed over pricing: Brazils Bolsonaro nudges India to expedite process

According to the primary report of the fire brigade department, the cause of the incident was short circuit and the fire brigade equipment at the hospital were not functioning at that time. Administration has learnt that the ward was left unattended for a long time and the incident was reported only when one of the staff members reached the ward but until then the fire had already broken and it was full of smoke.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackaray has ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident. Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said that Strict action will be taken against the culprits and has announced a compensation of Rs 5 Lakh for the kin of the deceased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences in a tweet that said, Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as early as possible.

Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the President of India among many other leaders have also tweeted their condolences after the heart wrenching incident.

(Newser)  A fire broke out in the intensive care unit of a government-run hospital in western India early Saturday, killing 10 infants, police and news reports said, per the AP. A preliminary investigation suggests the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, a police rep says. The Press Trust of India news agency says the infants were 1 to 3 months old. Firefighters rescued seven babies from the newborn care unit of the hospital in Bhandara, a town in Maharashtra state located around 625 miles south of New Delhi. Nurses had been the ones to first sound the alarm on the blaze after noticing flames in the neonatal unit. "Our staff extinguished the fire as soon as they could," a senior doctor at the hospital said, per the Guardian. "The smoke led to the babies suffocating." Al Jazeera notes firefighters were able to stop the fire from reaching other parts of the hospital and that all other patients were safe. (Read more India stories.)
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
Mumbai: Shilpa Shirodkar recently became the first Indian celebrity to receive COVID-19 vaccine but the actor believes that people must not become complacent and should continue wearing face masks to protect themselves from the virus. Shirodkar, known for starring in 1990s blockbuster such as Kishen Kanhaiya", Hum", Khuda Gawah" and Aankhen", had revealed on Thursday that she received the coronavirus vaccine in Dubai, where she has been living with her family for the past two years.

The actor had shared a selfie on Instagram, in which she was seen wearing a mask with a small bandage on her upper arm. Vaccinated and safe! The new normal here I come 2021. Thank you, UAE," she had captioned the image.

Talking to PTI, the 51-year-old actor said she received a jab of Sinopharm vaccine on Wednesday and will be getting her next dose after 21 days. Shirodkar asserted that she had no hesitation about getting vaccinated as she has complete trust in science.

There were no concerns at all in my head. I spoke to my family, my sister (actor Namrata Shirodkar) and they all encouraged me. We all have to get it someday. I have always been sure that I would get vaccinated once there would be clarity on it. I trust the system and I trust science," Shirodkar said.

But despite getting the vaccine, the actor said she will still not let her guard down against COVID-19, which has claimed the lives of over 19 lakh people globally since it emerged in China in late 2019. She urged others to continue to follow the rules and regulations from the authorities.

I believe the masks are not going anywhere for a while. We have to be extremely mindful and protect ourselves from the virus," she added. Shirodkar said the vaccine rollout process in UAE is simple and well-organised as a person can just walk in and get the vaccination at the centre.

She revealed that her husband and daughter will receive their first dose of the vaccine next week. Im just another simple human, like any other who faced troubles during the pandemic. Everyone must be a responsible citizen of the world. When the vaccine is made available they should go take it. Lets all fight this virus together," she said.

Shirodkar also thanked the frontline health workers for keeping everyone safe and alive during the pandemic, and hopes that the year 2021 will bring everyone closer. In India, the drug regulator has approved Oxford vaccine Covishield, being manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

The country is preparing for the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and the second nationwide mock drill was conducted on Friday.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War victory, Border Security Force (BSF) is set to launch 'Maitree cycle rally' on January 10. In this cycle rally, 13 BSF jawans will participate and cover a distance of about 4000 km in 67 days. The rally will begin from Sundarbans in West Bengal and will go to Mizoram on March 17.

READ | BSF Jawans Run 180km To Honour 1971 War Veterans, Netizens 'bow Head With Respect'

BSF launches 'Maitree cycle rally'

According to the information shared by BSF, 2 riders from each of 6 frontiers will be participating in the rally. These 6 frontiers include South Bengal, North Bengal, Guwahati, Meghalaya, Tripura, Cachar and Mizoram. The Border Security Force informed that it is launching this rally in an attempt to boost friendship and amity amongst the border population.

While outlining the primary goals of this cycle rally, BSF informed that this cycle expedition will help them give border population a sense of confidence and will also provide the officials with an opportunity to interact with BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh). During this rally, the riders will also aware people about ill-effects of drug abuse, cattle smuggling and crime prevailing at the border.

READ | BSF Detains Bangladeshi Nationals At West Bengal Borders, Hands Over To Dhaka Authorities

Bangladesh Liberation War

Bangladesh Liberation War also known as the Bangladesh War of Independence was a revolution and armed conflict which sparked by the rise of Bengali nationalist and self-determination movement in what was then East Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh genocide. This war had resulted in the independence of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

READ | BSF Personnel Celebrate New Year With Tremendous Zeal In J&K's Poonch | WATCH

This war had begun after the Pakistani military based in West Pakistan launched Operation Searchlight against the people of East Pakistan on the night of March 25, 1971. During this operation, Pakistan pursued systematic elimination of nationalist Bengali civilians. students, intelligentsia, religious minorities and armed personnel. The troops of Pakistan army annulled the results of the 1970 elections and arrested Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Mujjbur Rahman. This revolutionary war ended on December 18, 1971, after West Pakistan surrendered.

READ | BSF Eliminates 2 Intruders At Amritsar Border; Recovers Huge Cache Of Arms & Ammunition
There will be no tariffs or quotas on the movement of goods between the UK and the EU

The United Kingdom and the European Union finally announced the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) on 24 December 2020, with the trade pact signed on 30 December 2020 and applied from 1 January 2021, when the Brexit transition period ended. For Stephen Sidkin and Lucy Coffey from Fox Williams LLP, the free trade deal "is the equivalent of arthritis  you can still do most of what you did before, but it just takes a bit longer and is more painful!"

Something that may help alleviate the pain is good contract management and awareness of the roles and responsibilities of those businesses in your supply chain.

Getting ahead of risks and uncertainties can help to put your business in the best position to face the new terrain ahead. Identifying potential potholes and areas of friction now may prevent arguments and delays in the near future.

Terms and conditions of sale or purchase

Take the example of your terms and conditions of sale or purchase. Whilst there will be uncertainty as to the division of roles and responsibilities with unwritten contracts, written contracts can leave gaps that are only become obvious when circumstances change.

By way of example, below is a provision in respect of delivery of goods:

"Seller shall deliver goods to Buyer at Buyer's address."

What the above provision fails to state is:

1: At who's cost;

2: Which party insures the goods in transit;

3: When delivery takes place for the purpose of risk of damage or loss  when goods are loaded on to the third party carrier's lorry, when the goods are available for unloading at the buyer's address, or when unloaded; and

4: Who is responsible for clearing goods for export or import?

Also do your terms and conditions contain a "no oral modification" clause that provides that amendments are to be made in writing and signed by the parties in order to be effective? If not, could it be said that conduct to date has varied the terms and conditions in place? Does this leave you in a more or less favourable position?

In contrast to the above, perhaps the provision on delivery states:

"Seller shall deliver the goods ExW (as defined in Incoterms 2020)."

Where the buyer is situated in the EU, this would be a favourable outcome to the seller in terms of the burden of logistics and paperwork. However, in practice the seller may need to assist its customer with the process of clearing customs given that it is likely to be the seller that holds the key information, and the seller wants its goods to remain in a good state and for the customer to place orders again in the future. If the seller does assist in this way, it might be appropriate to record that such assistance is offered for a limited time only and does not vary the terms and conditions between the parties.

No oral modification

On a separate point, where there is a "no oral modification" clause in the terms and conditions, and the seller occasionally helped out the odd key customer by delivering to the customer in the EU, where does that leave the seller in terms of its role and obligations going into 2021?

ATA Carnets

Moving away from the concept of delivery, what about where your contract obliges your counterparty to attend trade shows? For example:

"You shall attend three (3) trade shows each Year"?

Post pandemic, trade shows are again likely to be a popular forum at which businesses and their products can be displayed to potential buyers. Whilst guidance is to be updated, we anticipate that ATA Carnets will need to be used in order to passport samples from the UK to the EU. Who will be responsible for putting in place the paperwork to ensure that samples can be taken with the attendee where the contractual terms are silent in this respect?

UK distributors

Where you are acting as a distributor under a contract with a manufacturer based in Germany, you will become the importer that places the products on the UK market. As this is a new concept for distributors in 2021, it is unlikely that your role as importer and the additional obligations that will be placed on you are addressed by the distribution contract.

Such obligations include labelling and conformity processes. Putting to one side the additional burdens that will be placed on distributors in this position, it may be the case that the additional risk that accompanies such burdens would have resulted in a different price or a more favourable position in respect of purchase requirements being negotiated and accepted by you when the contract was put in place.

VAT

What does your contract say about VAT?

Changes in VAT payments will need to be understood. Whether importing or exporting goods, VAT rules are likely to change. What are the implications of this in terms of record keeping, VAT returns, and cashflow? Do changes need to be made in terms of your supply chain structure? If you are the seller, what costs are you to put on your customers and how will this reflect on your brand?

Dialogue

Reflecting on the above issues, an open dialogue between businesses in the supply chain is critical at this stage and in the months to come. Businesses will be battling to keep on top of additional paperwork and logistical challenges, but it is important to:

Reflect on terms in place with counterparties in order to highlight potential risk areas; and

Where necessary, agree on the sharing of additional roles and responsibilities moving forwards.
WASHINGTON - The problem with devotion to a prophet of falsehoods is that reality eventually intrudes.

By mid-December, President Donald Trump's fraudulent claims of a rigged election were failing in humiliating fashion. Lawsuits were being laughed out of courts. State officials, including Republicans, were refusing to bend to his will and alter the vote. And in a seemingly decisive blow on Dec. 14 the electoral college certified the win for Joe Biden.

It was a disorienting sequence for legions of supporters who believed Trump's lies that the election had been stolen from him but that he would prevail and reclaim it - especially those who had already descended into deeper, more disturbing conspiracies.

Some clung to the hope that Vice President Mike Pence would use his procedural role on Jan. 6 to write an alternate ending. But as it became clear that Pence would refuse with the backing of most Senate Republicans, Trump's most ardent abettors began planning the siege of the Capitol.

"War it is," read a post on TheDonald.win, a rabid pro-Trump forum that exploded in fury at post-election realities. "We kill now," said another user identified only as "AngloMercia."

Sam Andrews, a Missouri gun-range manager and former member of the Oath Keepers movement, appeared on a video that spread rapidly on right-wing sites urging followers to descend on Washington "armed, in large groups." A Trump army, Andrews said, needed to arrive "en-masse in D.C., armed, demanding, not asking, that we get a peaceful resolution on these voter corruption issues."

By Dec. 19, Trump was, as he so often does, feeding these flames with accelerant. "Big protest in D.C. on January 6th," he tweeted. "Be there, will be wild!"

Come they did. And by day's end, insurrectionist fantasies nursed online culminated in one of the most harrowing, horrifying events in the 244-year history of U.S. democracy.

The sacking of the Capitol was enabled by a host of factors including catastrophic security failures now being investigated. But the temporary seizure of a global seat of power was, at its core, an outgrowth of delusional and destructive forces cultivated online and unleashed by the president.

Among the dead were Brian Sicknick, a U.S. Capitol Police officer, and Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran whose social media postings trace a descent into deep-state conspiracies.

Some Americans have traveled a path to radicalization that reminds current and former U.S. national security officials of the indoctrination of Islamist militants.

Cindy Storer, a former CIA counterterrorism analyst, said that adherents in both cases were drawn to an ideology that emphasizes a loss in control or status. "We had this glorious past and it got screwed up and now we need to do something about it," she said, summarizing the mind-set. What makes such movements turn violent, she said, is the additional belief that some other entity - usually based on race, religion, or nationality - is to blame for perceived humiliation.

"The world used to be a better place and it's someone else's fault that it isn't any longer," Storer said, noting that Trump's entire approach to politics employs this pervasive sense of victimhood and demonization of enemies.

"Trump played on and amplified these messages" leading up to the attack on the Capitol, she said. The conspiracy theories that he put forward, echoed by allies and prominent Republican lawmakers, morphed for thousands of followers into a call for action.

In Greenville, N.C., Gena Shinn, a cardiac sonographer, hung on the president's pronouncements and by early December had reached what seemed an inescapable conclusion: Her country, the world's greatest democracy, was in peril.

"You have just witnessed a coup," she wrote on Facebook on Dec. 9, "the end of our constitutional republic." In the days that followed, even as Shinn shopped for Christmas presents for her 13-year-old son and decorated her home for the holidays, she spent hours online following Trump's desperate maneuvers to reverse the election.

At times, she had faith that he would prevail. "EVERYONE...CALM DOWN. NO NEED TO PANIC," she wrote when the Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit brought by Republican-led states alleging election fraud. Electoral college delegates might reject the vote tallies on Dec. 14, she prayed. She read a report on Parler, an right-wing alternative to Twitter, suggesting that Biden was a member of the KKK and another promising that Trump's director of national intelligence would soon release a dossier documenting the full extent of foreign interference in the 2020 election.

But the DNI's bombshell report never came, and Shinn's attention shifted to the Jan. 6 protest in Washington that Trump depicted as a final stand against tyranny. "We all need to stand up and fight back. NOW is our time," she wrote in response to posts from groups such as Wildprotest.com touting the rally.

In California, 3,000 miles away, Babbitt, a former Air Force airman and co-owner of a struggling swimming pool supply company, was consumed by the same apocalyptic pronouncements. Her Twitter feed starts in November with retweets, but builds to a conspiratorial crescendo.

"Nothing will stop us...They can try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours," she wrote the day before she was shot and killed while trying to breach a police barrier in the Capitol. "Dark to light!" her message ended.

By early January, raiding Congress had emerged as a clear objective in dozens of far-right forums.

"If Congress illegally certifies Biden," a Jan. 4 post on TheDonald.win said, "Trump would have absolutely no choice but to demand us to storm Congress and kill/beat them up for it." Some referred to Trump as GEOTUS: "God Emperor of the United States."

Discussion boards filled with messages on implements to bring for violent confrontation, including riot shields and flagsticks that could also serve as bayonets or clubs for breaking windows. Some sought guidance on how to smuggle weapons into the District of Columbia with its strict gun possession restrictions.

"There is not enough cops in DC to stop what is coming," wrote one user.

Trump continued to goad them. "JANUARY SIXTH, SEE YOU IN DC!" he tweeted on Dec. 30. But his scheme to derail certification would have remained in the realm of fringe fantasy were it not legitimized by some Republican lawmakers.

When Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., declared his intent to object to accepting the Biden victory in Arizona, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and 11 other Republican senators fell in line behind him.

Their decisions to back Trump's baseless charges further convinced fanatics of their cause's righteousness, said Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert and senior fellow for homeland security at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Hoffman described radicalized Trump loyalists as a floating force of intimidation that Trump has been able to mobilize against shifting adversaries and targets. " 'End the lockdown' translates very smoothly into 'stop the steal,' " Hoffman said, referring to rallies last year by Trump supporters against state measures to contain the coronavirus.

The 2017 protests in Charlottesville, Va., showed the potential of such a mob to overwhelm law enforcement, Hoffman said. The occupation of the Michigan Capitol last spring, and the exposed plot to take the governor hostage, provided templates for this month's assault in Washington.

"When you have a president pushing them to descend on state capitols and take them over with few consequences," Hoffman said, "the next logical step is to move from states' to the nation's capital."

One after another, far-right groups declared their violent intentions.

The "Three Percenters" - a name based on the erroneous belief that only 3 percent of U.S. colonists fought the British - posted a short manifesto expressing their preparedness "to take back our country from the pure evil that is conspiring to steal our country away from the American people."

The statement mentioned Cruz, and praised Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell and Lin Wood as inspirational figures in this looming battle. But it voiced particular reverence for former U.S. Army Gen. Michael Flynn, who after being pardoned by Trump appeared at rallies, spread falsehoods about the election and urged using the U.S. military to reverse the election outcome.

"We are ready to enter into battle with General Flynn leading the charge," the Three Percenters' statement said.

On the eve of the assault on the Capitol, Flynn delivered an incendiary speech riddled with falsehoods, claiming that more dead voters had cast ballots for Biden than filled the cemeteries of Gettysburg and Normandy.

He then issued a veiled threat to members of Congress. "Those of you who are feeling weak tonight, those of you who don't have the moral fiber in your body - get some tonight because tomorrow we the people are going to be here," Flynn said.

The next morning, Giuliani appeared before the same crowd and called for a "trial by combat." Then, as Pence made his way to the Senate chamber, Trump took the stage - behind sheets of bulletproof glass - and instructed the sea of red-clad supporters to follow the vice president and refuse to accept anything short of victory.

"You'll never take back our country with weakness," Trump said. "You have to show strength, you have to be strong."

Clint Watts, a former FBI counterterrorism analyst, compared the rhetoric of Flynn, Giuliani and Trump with the radicalizing messages from leaders of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State that so worried U.S. security officials in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

"A decade ago, we worried [about] al-Qaeda ideologues inciting violence with speech, sending terrorists into places like [the] Capitol," Watts said in a Jan. 7 post on Twitter. "What did we observe over the past week by our elected leaders, their surrogates and their supporters?"

Like many who gathered in Washington on Wednesday, Shinn and Babbitt weren't especially interested in the speeches from Trump and his allies, which were just restatements of the screeds they had already absorbed on social media.

In an interview, Shinn said she came to Washington for one purpose: to confront lawmakers who Trump insisted had stolen the election. "We went in to storm the Capitol so our voices would be heard," she said.

Before Trump had even finished speaking, Shinn began marching down the National Mall toward the Capitol dome. She was joined by Babbitt and Thomas Baranyi, a 28-year-old from New Jersey, who wore a Trump baseball cap and a New York Giants sweatshirt.

As he marched Baranyi, in an interview posted online, recalled gazing up at the U.S. Justice Department building. Through the windows he said he could see federal workers "filming us and laughing at us."

Babbitt, meanwhile, was filming herself for her social media followers: "We're walking to the Capitol in a mob. There's an estimated 3 million people here today," she said, using an utterly fictitious number.

Shinn, who entered the Capitol hoping to confront House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was standing only 20 feet from Baryani and Babbitt as the two tried to push their way through a hallway window inside the Capitol. She could hear armed officers rushing up the stairs behind her.

Just in front of her, a police officer fired and struck Babbitt, who fell back into Baryani. Her body started to spasm. Blood spurted from her neck, nose and mouth. Minutes later Baryani, who had come to Washington animated by Trump's fantasies, described in a trembling voice the gory reality he had just encountered.

"It was a joke to them until we got inside and then all of a sudden guns came out. We have to do something. People have to do something, because this could be you or your kids," he said, holding up his hand, still coated in Babbitt's blood.

For all its horror, experts said the event could have been - and perhaps was intended to be - scarier and deadlier.

Law enforcement officials have recovered suspected pipe bombs. Images showed armored people inside the Capitol brandishing plastic bands used to cuff prisoners - an indication, Hoffman said, that some intended to take lawmakers hostage.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., a constant target of Trump's ire for his role in the president's impeachment, said that during lawmakers' frantic evacuation he was urged to stay out of sight of the mob by a worried Republican colleague.

"I know these people and can talk to them," the Republican said, according to a statement from Schiff, who did not identify his GOP counterpart. "You are in a whole different situation."

Shinn, who said a police officer pushed her down the Capitol's steps as she was leaving the building, still clung to the belief that she had been engaged in a righteous, peaceful protest sanctioned by the president.

In its aftermath, she embraced a new delusion advanced by some Republican lawmakers that the violence was the work of leftists who had infiltrated an otherwise peaceful gathering.

"We were unarmed, American citizens who came to Washington to have our voices heard, and now we're being called rioters and domestic terrorists," she said in an interview.

She spent the day after the riot driving around Washington with a friend flying a Trump and QAnon flag from the back of their convertible. She was bruised in her tumble down the steps, but clung as tightly as ever to the president's evidence-free conspiracies.

"We were not only robbed of our vote, we have had our voices silenced," she wrote on her Facebook page as she prepared to return home. "The fight is NOT over..."

- - -

The Washington Post's Devlin Barrett, Dalton Bennett and Julie Tate contributed to this report.
Manufacturers concerned at inability to build up stocks ahead of end of Brexit transition

UK food manufacturers and retailers have called on the country's government to launch an inquiry into the "significant disruption" at ports in the run-up to Christmas.

In a letter to senior UK members of Parliament, UK manufacturing body The Food & Drink Federation (FDF) and retailing association The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said suppliers and grocers were struggling to build up stocks for the key festive selling season, as well as for the end of the country's transition period with the EU.

"Food and drink manufacturers are extremely concerned about the delays we are witnessing at the ports," Tim Rycroft, the COO of the FDF, said. "Our members are incurring costs totalling tens of thousands of pounds, and in some cases hundreds of thousands. In some cases, it is directly impacting on the ability of businesses to build up stockpiles of products and ingredients ahead of the end of the transition period."

The trade bodies said the impact Covid-19 has had on global shipping schedules, combined with a shortage of empty containers, has "created significant disruption at many of the UK's key ports".

Powerful reporting with charts, graphs, tables & more - SurveyGizmo. Please take my survey now

The letter sought to set out how food manufacturers were being affected financially. "Food manufacturers now face additional cost to source key inputs elsewhere, whilst also losing sales due to missed retail promotions in the run up to a key seasonal period  one company has lost over GBP1m (US$1.4m) in sales due to the delays," the letter read.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: "The lead-up to Christmas is the most important time of year for retailers; ordinarily accounting for up to a fifth of the entire year's sales and generating a large part of annual revenues. After a tremendously challenging 2020, many firms' cashflows are under severe pressure, and so businesses are in no position to absorb these additional shipping costs.

"As a result, consumers will pay the final price. Christmas orders could be delayed, and retailers might be left with no option but to increase product prices. These issues must be addressed urgently; an inquiry would provide the scrutiny needed to help get our ports flowing freely again."

I was already on the lookout when this happened to me, because it had already happened to my mother and brother, said Marrazzo, 49, a video editor who is among the more than 350,000 individuals across Illinois whose personal identities have been used for fraudulent unemployment claims in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At least a dozen flights landed from Brisbane into Melbourne on Saturday with passengers allowed to isolate at home  despite the Department of Health closing borders to Greater Brisbane at midnight Friday.

A tweet issued at 11.27pm on Friday from the Department of Health stated: From 11:59pm on 8 January Victoria will close its borders to people who have been in a Red Zone in Queensland on or after 2 January 2021. You will not be able to enter Victoria.

But a government spokeswoman later said that this advice was specific to residents of the Brisbane red zone, not returning Victorian residents.

Messaging from the Office of the Minister for Health on Friday suggested anyone who turned up from hotspots from Saturday would be taken to hotel quarantine.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Keith Young watched the mob riot inside the U.S. Capitol building, thinking back to the pain in his chest after police shot him with a rubber bullet this summer in downtown Huntsville.

I remember watching snipers in downtown Huntsville as we protested, said Young. To know that happens to us when were peacefully protesting and following the laws, then to see people in the nations Capitol, being allowed to run through that place, and the lack of a (police) response, its highly discouraging.

Young and other Alabama activists who took to the streets to protest for racial justice this past summer say Wednesdays chaos at the Capitol provided more evidence of inequality in America, more evidence in their fight for racial justice.

On June 3, 2020, police in Huntsville used tear gas, pepper spray, flash bangs and less lethal weapons to clear out non-violent demonstrators who were calling for police reform and justice for George Floyd.

Huntsville police gas and scatter protesters On June 3, a rally sponsored by the Huntsville-Madison County chapter of the NAACP was held in Big Spring Park. The rally began at 5 p.m. and ended shortly before a scheduled 6:30 p.m. conclusion. The protesters marched on the streets after their permit expired at 6:30 p.m. Police ordered them all to leave about 7:10 p.m. Police did not act for more than an hour. Then came an influx of trooper cars and the first tear gas was deployed just after 8 p.m. Posted by al.com on Thursday, June 4, 2020

They breached no buildings, pushed through no barriers. Police said they defied an order to disperse and began releasing tear gas into the crowd. As a line of Alabama State Troopers drove through the square, a small group of demonstrators threw water bottles at their patrol vehicles. Huntsville police later reported broken windows on patrol cars. About two dozen people were arrested. Police later said they wanted to break up the protest to head off the kind of property damage seen in other cities after dark.

The scene in Washington D.C. was not peaceful. Five people died, including an Alabama man and a Capitol police officer, as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, entering through smashed windows, crossing toppled barricades and battling with police.

40 Rioters breach U.S. Capitol Building

Yet amid the riot and melee, Young said he saw instances of restraint by law enforcement.

It wasnt anything like what happened to me and thousands of other people across the nation when we were peacefully protesting, said Young. That restraint and discretion is reserved for white people.

White supremacy on display

Kimberly Williams Pettway, a Mobile activist and instructor of social work at the University of South Alabama, said the differing responses of law enforcement to Black Lives Matter protesters and supporters of President Trump is a result of racial ideologies ingrained in American society.

I dont believe we dont have the capacity to secure the Capitol, Pettway said. They just didnt see the people there as a threat.

When Black Lives Matter activists marched on Washington over the summer, there was a totally different atmosphere, Pettway said. It was clear force would be used. It sends a clear message in our society about who is considered a threat.

Remus Bowden, a Huntsville activist who has been calling for police to be held accountable for their treatment of protesters and Black citizens, recalled attending a racial justice protest in Washington D.C. this past summer. In an interview with AL.com he said police there fired rubber bullets while he was marching in the streets with friends and thousands of other demonstrators.

Remus Bowden of Huntsville speaks with reporters on Aug. 5, 2020 about protesters demands for Madison County to remove a Confederate monument from the courthouse grounds in downtown Huntsville. (Paul Gattis | pgattis@al.com)

They were physically grabbing us, moving us, shoving us, he said. It was nothing like what we saw this week.

The differing law enforcement responses could be described as hypocritical, he said. But the real answer is, its white supremacy on display.

Camille Bennett, founder of the social justice organization Project Say Something, said the restrained police action against White Trump supporters was unsurprising.

She said she has witnessed similar complacency by law enforcement when counter-protesters have threatened, harassed or assaulted racial justice protesters in Florence.

Yet when Project Say Something organized a die-in at City Hall to protest racism and call for the removal of a Confederate monument on the courthouse grounds, the local sheriff threatened them with arrest and ordered them to leave.

Monday Die-in Project Say Something This morning (July 20), Project Say Something members were threatened with jail for peacefully protesting at the City Government Building #goodtrouble #projectsaysomethingal #timesup #florencealabama #florenceal #visitflorenceal #wearamask #blacklivesmatter #allblacklivesmatter #blm Posted by Project Say Something on Monday, July 20, 2020

Its white supremacy  that is the bottom line, she said. Its our blackness  the idea of us showing up and resisting white supremacy.

Calls for accountability

Jermaine Johnson, a comedian known on the Internet and radio as FunnyMaine, was arrested and charged with inciting a riot because of a rousing speech he delivered in Linn Park in May. That night, peaceful protests were followed by a riot. Johnsons charge was later dropped.

In the aftermath of Wednesdays scene in Washington, Johnson said he feels vindicated.

The same trump supporters that LIED and blamed me for inciting a riot, are now silent that trump has actually done it, Johnson wrote on Twitter.

The same trump supporters that LIED and blamed me for inciting a riot, are now silent that trump has actually done it.



Ofc #BrianSicknick was beaten to death by a blood thirsty mob & I hear nothing.



I would NEVER standby & let someone be bludgeoned. #VINDICATED #HYPOCRITES pic.twitter.com/dcE41i87tQ  FunnyMaine (@FunnyMaine) January 8, 2021

In an interview with AL.com Johnson said white supremacy is absolutely to blame for his being vilified while political leaders make excuses or spread lies about Trumps role in inciting the Capitol riot.

He said that what happened at the Capitol is exactly the kind of behavior activists have been warning about.

I just want to tell all of the hypocrites, all of the liars, all of the racists, I just want to let them know, youre on the clock, he said. Your time is up, God will win, we will prevail.

Alabama Rally Against Injustice, a loosely based coalition of grassroots activists in cities across the state, is calling for investigations of several Alabama politicians.

The group says Attorney General Steve Marshall should resign because of his position as chairman of a Republican group that helped organize Wednesdays march on Washington.

Jordan Giddens, an organizer for the coalition, said U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks of Huntsville should resign and be held accountable for inciting the crowd of Trump supporters.

We demand the following IMMEDIATE resignations and investigations. This is a matter of preserving Americas democracy,... Posted by Alabama Rally Against Injustice on Thursday, January 7, 2021

Today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass, Brooks shouted to the crowd just hours before a mob stormed the Capitol.

[Read more: Mo Brooks on kick ass speech: I make no apology for inspiring patriotic Americans]

Some of the rioters have been arrested, including an Alabama man accused of having 11 Molotov cocktails in his vehicle and illegally carrying firearms.

In the wake of Wednesdays chaos, Alabama Rally Against Injustice also renewed calls for investigations of police using excessive force on protesters in Huntsville and Hoover over the summer.

In Hoover, dozens of demonstrators were arrested, some of them for standing in the street.

Giddens said the arrests were unwarranted attempts to silence community activists. He said that peaceful protests in Hoover with far smaller crowds than the one in Washington, drew the attention of large groups of police officers.

People in Alabama experienced a completely different reality for a peaceful protest, he said.

Blaming Antifa

In the months since two protests in Huntsville ended with tear gas, activists have continued attending City Council meetings and demonstrating to demand accountability.

One of their top complaints is that Huntsville police cited questionable claims of Antifa and fears of looting to justify their use of tear gas and other crowd control gear.

So when Brooks, the U.S. Rep. from Huntsville, blamed Antifa for the violence at the Capitol  also without evidence  it came as no surprise to Josh Roberts, a Huntsville native and local activist.

Seven months after the Huntsville protests and Republican leaders making claims about Antifa, we have still seen no evidence linking anyone to Antifa, said Roberts, who was arrested and shot by a rubber bullet in Huntsville on June 3.

Josh Roberts shows an injury he suffered after being shot by a rubber bullet while peacefully protesting police violence in Huntsville, Ala. on June 3, 2020. First photo by AL.com's Paul Gattis; second photo contributed by Josh Roberts.

He said the police response in Huntsville was an overreaction to baseless fears, while law enforcement in D.C. were complacent during an attack on Democracy.

It seems like one cause is just continually supported by law enforcement, Roberts said. Law enforcement has proven time and again to react differently toward people asking for accountability and justice and fairness.
In Texas, we have our share of politicians who peddle wild conspiracy theories and reckless rhetoric aiming to inflame.

Think U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmerts terror baby diatribes or his nonsensical vow not to wear a face mask until after he got COVID, which he promptly did.

This editorial board tries to hold such shameful specimens to account.

But we reserve special condemnation for the perpetrators among them who are of sound mind and considerable intellect  those who should damn well know better.

None more than U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

A brilliant and frequent advocate before the U.S. Supreme Court and a former Texas solicitor general, Cruz knew exactly what he was doing, what he was risking and who he was inciting as he stood on the Senate floor Wednesday and passionately fed the farce of election fraud even as a seething crowd of believers was being whipped up by President Donald Trump a short distance away.

Cruz, it should also be noted, knew exactly whose presidency he was defending. That of a man he called in 2016 a narcissist, a pathological liar and utterly amoral.

Cruz told senators that since nearly 40 percent of Americans believed the November election was rigged that the only remedy was to form an emergency task force to review the results  and if warranted, allow states to overturn Joe Bidens victory and put their electoral votes in Trumps column.

Cruz deemed peoples distrust in the election a profound threat to the country and to the legitimacy of any administrations that will come in the future.

What he didnt acknowledge was how that distrust, which he overstated anyway, was fueled by Trumps torrent of fantastical claims of voter fraud that were shown again and again not to exist.

Cruz had helped spin that web of deception and now he was feigning concern that millions of Americans had gotten caught up in it.

Even as he peddled his phony concern for the integrity of our elections, he argued that senators who voted to certify Bidens victory would be telling tens of millions of Americans to jump in a lake and that their concerns dont matter.

Actually, senators who voted to certify the facts delivered the truth  something Americans havent been getting from a political climber whose own insatiable hunger for power led him to ride Trumps bus to Crazy Town through 59 losing court challenges, past state counts and recounts and audits, and finally taking the wheel to drive it to the point of no return: trying to bully the U.S. Congress into rejecting tens of millions of lawfully cast votes in an election that even Trumps Department of Homeland Security called the most secure in American history.

The consequences of Cruzs cynical gamble soon became clear and so did his true motivations. In the moments when enraged hordes of Trump supporters began storming the Capitol to stop a steal that never happened, desecrating the building, causing the evacuation of Congress and injuring dozens of police officers, including one who died, a fundraising message went out to Cruz supporters:

Ted Cruz here, it read. Im leading the fight to reject electors from key states unless there is an emergency audit of the election results. Will you stand with me?

Cruz claims the message was automated. Even if thats true, its revolting.

This is a man who lied, unflinchingly, on national television, claiming on Hannitys show days after the election that Philadelphia votes were being counted under a shroud of darkness in an attempted Democratic coup. As he spoke, the process was being livestreamed on YouTube.

For two months, Cruz joined Trump in beating the drum of election fraud until Trump loyalists were deaf to anyone  Republican, Democrat or nonpartisan journalists, not to mention state and federal courts  telling them otherwise.

And yet, Cruz insists he bears no responsibility for the deadly terror attack.

Not remotely, he told KHOU Thursday. What I was doing and what the other members were doing is what we were elected to do, which is debating matters of great import in the chamber of the United States Senate.

Since the Capitol siege, Cruz has condemned the violence, tweeting after the death of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick that Heidi and I are lifting up in prayer the officers family and demanding the terrorists be prosecuted.

Well, senator, those terrorists wouldnt have been at the Capitol if you hadnt staged this absurd challenge to the 2020 results in the first place. You are unlikely to be prosecuted for inciting the riots, as Trump may yet be, and there is no election to hold you accountable until 2024. So, we call for another consequence, one with growing support across Texas: Resign.

This editorial board did not endorse you in 2018. Theres no love lost  and not much lost for Texans needing a voice in Washington, either.

Public office isnt a college debate performance. It requires representing the interests of Texans. In your first term, you once told reporters that you werent concerned about delivering legislation for your constituents. The more you throw gears in the workings of Washington, you said, the more people back home love you. Tell that to the constituents who complain that your office rarely even picks up the phone.

Serving as a U.S. senator requires working constructively with colleagues to get things done. Not angering them by voting against Hurricane Sandy relief, which jeopardized congressional support for Texas relief after Harvey. Not staging a costly government shutdown to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2013 that cost the economy billions. Not collecting more enemies than friends in your own party, including the affable former House Speaker John Boehner who famously remarked: I get along with almost everyone, but I have never worked with a more miserable son of a bitch in my life.

Were done with the drama. Done with the opportunism. Done with the cynical scheming that has now cost American lives.

Resign, Mr. Cruz, and deliver Texas from the shame of calling you our senator.
In the past, Neil Young didnt just quietly reject offers to license his music for commercials. Young took it one step further in This Notes For You, the title track of his 88 album. Aint singin for Pepsi, aint singin for Coke, he sang. And the songs video made it clear he had contemporaries Eric Clapton and David Bowie on his mind.

But times have changed. Performers like Bob Dylan, David Crosby, and others whove continued touring beyond retirement age werent able to hit the road in 2020. That likely had something to do with the massive sale (at a price of at least $300 million) of the Dylan catalogue.

Others have followed suit, and Young might be the most noteworthy of the bunch, given his longtime stance against licensing songs. In the first week of 2021, the AP reported Hipgnosis Songs Fund acquired a 50% stake of Youngs copyright and income interests for 1,180 songs in his catalogue.

While neither party quoted the amount of money involved in the deal, you can safely assume its around $100 million. And while Hipgnosis promised tactful handling of Youngs catalogue, you can bet Youngs greatest songs will be getting more exposure in the coming years.

Expect classic Neil Young tracks such as Heart of Gold and Helpless to make the rounds

Nils Lofgren and Neil Young perform at a park in Paris circa 1985. | THIERRY ORBAN/Sygma via Getty Images

RELATED: David Crosbys Hilarious Reason for Being Fired by The Byrds

While Young has so many memorable songs in his catalogue, the Canadian-born songwriter topped the Billboard charts on just one occasion. That came in 1972, when Heart of Gold hit No. 1 on the Hot 100. (Harvest, the album on which Heart of Gold appeared, also hit No. 1.)

If you are already cringing imagining the song being used to market various products, there was some encouragement in the Hipgnosis statement following the purchase of Youngs work.

Harvest was my companion and I know every note, every word, every pause and silence intimately, Hipgnosis founder Merck Mercuriadis said, via the AP. [Hipgnosis and Young] have a common integrity, ethos and passion born out of a belief in music and these important songs.

Mercuriadis referenced Youngs biggest hit directly. There will never be a Burger of Gold, he said. At the same time, the deal happened for a reason, and its clear tracks such as that one and Helpless (recorded as a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young) will be getting more exposure.

Youngs prodigious songwriting output will likely get more exposure via licensing deals

Neil Young poses backstage during the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young 1974 US Tour. | Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns

As you survey Youngs recorded output, you have to marvel at the volume of material hes composed. One sign is he sold twice as many songs as Dylan did in his publishing deal. In the 70s, Young racked up one top-10 album after the next.

That means you might hear more of Cinnamon Girl from Everybody Knows This is Nowhere (1969). The boldness of a track likeSouthern Man from Gold Rush (1970) could also work in a variety of film and prestige-TV scenarios.

Thats only barely scraping the surface. My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue), co-written with Jeff Blackburn and released on Rust Never Sleeps (1979), represents another timeless track from Youngs catalogue. The same goes for Lotta Love from Comes a Time (1978).

Young never stopped, of course. Hes released 40 studio albums in his glorious career. From the sound of the Hipgnosis statement, it appears hell have a say in what happens from here. We will work together to make sure everyone gets to hear [the songs] on Neils terms, Mercuriadis said, per the AP.
An Amazon worker in Ohio recently spoke with International Amazon Workers Voice (IAWV), published by the World Socialist Web Site, to describe the unsafe working conditions at her facility and the difficulties she faced after taking a leave of absence earlier this year.

While Amazons CEO, Jeff Bezos, has been able to increase his wealth by $70 billion amidst the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon workers have had to risk infection and death for poverty wages, often suffering from debilitating medical issues due to repetitive tasks and long hours in poorly-ventilated warehouses.

An Amazon fulfillment center (Wikimedia Commons)

The Amazon worker, whose name has been changed to Sara to protect her from management retaliation, has worked at Amazon for three years. Sara suffers from asthma and took what she expected to be a brief leave of absence prior to the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. She recently spoke with the IAWV to describe the bureaucratic nightmare she faced while off work and the unsafe conditions she faced on return to her facility.

I think I had COVID-19 when I took my leave of absence, she said. However, testing was not widely available in that time frame, so she was never able to confirm whether she had it or not. It is hard to tell though, since I have asthma. I had not had to use my inhaler for maybe five years prior to working at Amazon. However, since I started working at Amazon, I have had to use my inhaler, and I usually only really have outbreaks in the warehouse since there is a lot of dust and debris in the air.

Before my leave of absence, I looked extremely pale and I sounded like I had been a smoker for the past 40 years. I was walking into the building and quickly having coughing fits and nose bleeds, which is very unusual for me. Eventually someone from Amcare [Amazons health care] told me that I should see a doctor.

Since then, she continued, Amazon has given me hell about long-term and short-term disability. When I contacted them about returning to work, they set a date and then two days before I was supposed to return to work, they demanded that my doctor send a note saying that I could return to work. They kept delaying me coming back to work, and demanding doctors notes. Eventually my doctor started to get angry since he had to keep writing me the same note.

I spoke with several people in Amazon about my leave, but no one would change my case manager. I was being called by my accommodations manager every few days and being asked the same question by the same person. I was literally just telling the same woman that for medical reasons I need a few minutes to clean up my workstation. Eventually she got mad at me and stopped calling.

When I eventually did return to work, she said, I did my normal shift and worked during Thanksgiving. However, the managers must have changed something after I worked since I never got holiday pay.

Due to lack of adequate income while on her extended leave, Sara began having difficulty paying her bills. She was only able to stay in her home by allowing family members to move in with her.

Describing conditions at the warehouse during the pandemic, she said, There are a number of OSHA violations, and there is a general disregard for safety.

I do a lot of labor sharing, she said, referring to work in different departments and I do get some time to clean up my workspace and wipe down everything. And we are supposed to wipe down everything before we leave. But a lot of times I go to a workstation and there are used pop bottles. These are bottles that have clearly touched someones mouth and they would have had to take their mask off to drink.

I know the CDC guidelines, she continued, and that the virus can stay on boxes or other material for four hours. Every day I get a popup that someone else at my workplace has tested positive for COVID-19, and today I got multiple alerts.

Amazon says that they will contact us if we worked with someone who had COVID-19. But the alerts only tell us that someone was tested and the last day they worked. We arent told who had it or what department they were working in. I am fine not being told who had it, but we should at least be given the department so we know if we were exposed. A lot of times you will only find out who had it or their department if the person posts in one of the Amazon Facebook groups.

I am in a bunch of these Facebook groups, and I have heard some real terrible things. One woman said she had COVID-19, and two months later HR just called her in and fired her. They claimed she had forged the note and that she had not been sick.

I know that Amazon and other companies are getting extra money from the government to help their employees, but they are just keeping it. They just see us as numbers. If it wasnt for the CDC or other basic regulations, they would do nothing at all to help us.

Sara supports the formation of rank-and-file safety committees among Amazon workers, teachers, and autoworkers. If they [Amazon] do not see us fighting they will keep setting us back by years, she said. Earlier generations fought for us to have safety regulations and make a decent living. We need to use social media pages to connect and speak out about the conditions now.
by Wang Zhicheng

The decision was taken despite the fact that religious activities have had zero infections. Strict measures and continuous controls have led many priests to close their churches at Christmas. On social media, Catholics are accused of spreading the virus, a charged rejected by the Patriotic Catholic Association. The authorities put a stop to illegal activities by underground communities.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  Beijing municipal authorities have decided to close all 155 religious venues in the capital to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was announced at a press conference held yesterday at Beijing Municipalitys Information Office (pictured).

Together with the local United Front and the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau, Beijing Municipality decided that from now on, all 155 religious places in the city are closed to the outside world and collective religious activities are suspended.

Curiously, the Information Office acknowledged that so far there have been no new coronary pneumonia infections and no suspected cases among the 840 religious in 155 religious centres in our city, and that the 'zero contagion' goal has been reached.

Churches and temples, like ordinary Chinese, have been subjected to a drastic lockdown since January 2020. Only in July where they allowed to reopen after shopping centres, shops, markets, cinemas had been open already for a while, but under very strict conditions  fewer congregants, social distancing, temperature taking, shorter services, etc.  to avoid contagion.

Beijing Municipalitys Information Office also acknowledged that during important religious holidays, such as the birth of the Buddha, Eid al-Fitr, Christmas and other religious holidays, religious activities in various places remained stable and orderly.

Indeed, as a result of stringent conditions and constant visits by police, many priests chose to keep their churches closed, opting instead for services on online.

Beijings drastic decision seems have been sparked by a new wave of more than 300 COVID-19 cases reported last week in Hebei, in particular in Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital.

According to the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the latest outbreak occurred in a rural area where religious gatherings take place at least once a week.

Some anonymous posts on social media have accused Catholics of spreading the virus. In a statement, the Shijiazhuang Patriotic Catholic Association rejected the claim as a false, noting that the diocese had nothing to do with the spread of the virus, and that so far only one Catholic from Shijiazhuang has been confirmed positive for COVID-19.

Despite this, churches and temples will remain closed and the authorities have promised to conduct special investigations into illegal religious activities in rural areas, curb illegal religious activities, and prevent the risk of the epidemic spreading.

For some Catholics in the capital, the authorities are using the pandemic to wipe out underground communities that make up the majority of Catholics in Hebei, with over a million members.
Mexican Christian pastor's border shelter aids immigrants seeking asylum in the US

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

For 24 years, Pastor Hector Silva has been running a shelter home for refugees in Mexico who are seeking asylum or work in the United States. It was built to hold 150 people, but it often holds hundreds more than its limit, he said.

We are the one home that does this. There arent any others. We help the families who are seeking refuge in the U.S., he said.

As refugees and migrants flee their countries in hope of finding refuge and work in the U.S., they face a difficult and dangerous journey. To help these people, Silva founded a shelter near the border, Senda de Vida Casa del Emigrante, he told The Christian Post. In English, the name means Way of Life Immigrant House. As part of his ministry, he gives people fleeing their home countries a place to stay and hear the Gospel.

I founded the shelter because I have a heart for families, people and the homeless, Silva said.

Right now, the 12,916 square foot shelter holds 540 people, Silva said.

"It's big, it's very big," he said.

Thirty-five of its current residents are children. We report the children [who arrive alone] and find all of these issues. If theyre here, we find the time necessary to help, Silva said.

Most of the shelter's residents are from Spanish-speaking countries including Venezuela, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Cuba, he said. Others come from as far away as Uganda, Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Ghana. Most want to enter the U.S.

A majority of people who've sought refuge at the shelter speak Spanish, Silva added. For those who don't speak Spanish, Senda de Vida employs a translator.

While people stay at the shelter, Silva provides them with food, medicine, access to technology and child education, he said.

Some time ago, we had 1,000 people. We would get overfilled. At 500, were kind of full. At 150, were all right with it, he said. At first it took a lot of patience to understand all the different cultures [in one place]. With compassion, we worked to understand each other.

COVID-19 has made the plight of refugees even more difficult and has presented the ministry with new challenges, Silva said. Due to COVID-19, like many other countries, the U.S. closed its borders. Currently, 1,000 people who have stayed at Casa del Emigrante are waiting in Mexico to find out their U.S. immigration status.

People waiting for immigration courts to decide their cases are facing the longest immigration court backlog in history, due to the surge in new filings which reached 1,281,586 cases at the end of November, according to Border Report. For the average immigrant, getting a court decision on an immigration case now takes around 500 days.

Silva said he was unsure whether most people who've taken refuge at Senda de Vida Casa del Emigrante, were looking for asylum as refugees in the U.S. or seeking some other type of legal status. His ministry helps people who've applied to enter the U.S. legally and helps families find places to live in Mexico, he added.

Immigrants can apply for a visa to lawfully enter the U.S. if they have a job waiting for them in the U.S., are related to an American resident, win a green card lottery by coming from a country with low U.S. immigration rates, or if they are seeking asylum from violence, among other categories.

The average stay at Senda de Vida before COVID-19 was three to six months, Silva said.

To get to the U.S., people fleeing their home countries often pay cartels to transport them north. Doing so can be dangerous.

People that pay to travel to the U.S. face danger, said Silva. People can be killed. Many of them are imprisoned for ransom by cartels when they get to North America. When they enter our shelter, we have seen that they face many dangers. We put them in the hands of immigration groups that can protect them.

Recently, the number of people traveling north has increased, he said. In this wave of immigration, there are also more children than usual.

Immigration rates from Spanish-speaking countries correlate with events in U.S. politics, said Silva. After Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, many people hoping to cross the border illegally believe the U.S. government will not send them back to their home countries.

They are more confident that the government will not send them back, he said. I dont really know, but thats what they think. Itll be better, they think.

Silva said he also thinks the chance that more Latin Americans will be allowed to enter and stay in the U.S. will improve because of Bidens election.

Its what Im thinking too. Im also thinking that theyre going to get an improvement to the way they enter the U.S. Theres going to be lots of change, he said.

The number immigrants who are illegally entering the U.S. has substantially increased since the fall. In October and November 2020, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended 140,591 people. This represents the highest number of illegal immigrants found crossing the border in the last eight years, and almost 21,000 more than the average number for these two months.

In most years, illegal immigrant numbers are low from September to January, and peak in May.

Biden has promised to end many of the Trump administration's border policies.

According to Biden's website, his administration would not only put a stop to building a border wall within his first 100 days, but he would also give DACA recipients access to federal student loans and create "a roadmap for citizenship" for the 11 million to 14 million immigrants who are living in the U.S. illegally.

In 2018, the Trump administration released a proposal to provide a pathway for citizenship to up to 1.8 million young immigrants living in the country illegally, including DACA recipients, in exchange for $25 million toward the border wall and other changes to the immigration system. That plan, however, was opposed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Biden, who once supported having a barrier along the Southern border, now opposes border wall construction and said he would halt any remaining construction once he's in office.

These policy changes will likely motivate more people to attempt border crossings illegally, Jose Luis Gonzalez, the coordinator of nongovernmental organization Guatemala Red Jesuita con Migrantes, told Bloomberg.

Gonzalez noted that the economic devastation caused by mass unemployment and hurricanes hitting Central American countries will also lead more people to join illegal mass caravans to the U.S.

"There are going to be caravans, and in the coming weeks it will increase, said Gonzalez. People are no longer scared of the coronavirus. Theyre going hungry, theyve lost everything and some towns are still flooded.

We defend the rights of immigrants on this side of the border, Silva said, urging Christian in the U.S. to fund ways to help those seeking asylum in the U.S.
Hyderabad, Jan 9 : The Andhra Pradesh government's national media and inter-state affairs advisor, Devulapalli Amar, on Saturday said the mainstream media houses are falling into the trap of social media, resulting in inadvertently spreading false news leading to communal tension in the state.

"These incidents (alleged temple attacks & media reports) have clearly indicated that mainstream media is falling into the trap of social media and inadvertently spreading false news leading to communal tension in the State," said Amar.

He requested journalists to observe restraint and extreme caution to avoid becoming tools in the hands of vested interests.

"In this context, exercising restraint is extremely important in the current scenario. When the atmosphere is charged and vitiated, rumour mongers will work overtime and rumours will fly thick and fast," Amar observed.

Amar, a veteran Telugu journalist, said a series of suspicious temple vandalism cases occurred in the southern state in recent months.

He highlighted that almost all these attacks occurred during night time.

"The state government sees a larger conspiracy behind these orchestrated incidents to defame it and stoke religious sentiments in the communally peaceful state," said Amar.

He said at least five of these alleged desecrations need scrutiny and gave the reasons for a relook.

According to Amar, the alleged desecration of Saraswati temple and idol at Etcherla in Srikakulam and Narsaraopeta in Guntur respectively, happened more than two years ago, hinting that they occurred even before the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) came to power.

"However, unscrupulous elements posted these incidents on social media as if they were fresh incidents. Media, unfortunately, without going into the facts, fell into the trap of social media and rumour mongers," pointed out the advisor.

Referring to Kalabhairava temple desecration case in Allagadda in Kurnool on September 19, he said a person with the superstitious belief that keeping a part of the idol in his house will enable his wife to conceive had committed the crime. He was later arrested.

Amar referred to the recent Varaha Narasimha Swamy temple arch idols desecration allegations in Prakasam district's Singarayakonda, and clarified that the arch was constructed in 1999, 2 km away from the actual temple.

"Due to salty weather conditions and wear and tear, the idols on the arch were repaired twice. Two months ago, the hands of an idol became partly loose and the donors were informed about it and they promised to get the work done during Brahmotsavams this year. However, six persons including representatives of a few media houses without verifying the facts helped in spreading false news," he said.

Among the six, five were journalists belonging to prominent Telugu media houses such as ABN Andhra Jyothi, NTV and HMTV and a couple of local newspapers, all of whom were arrested and locked up for a day for allegedly propagating fake news.

Finally, Amar referred to the Golugonda incident in Visakhapatnam rural, which he said was an old incident where an idol was damaged accidentally.

"Some persons had spread the rumour that the incident happened on January 5. In all these cases, police have managed to identify the culprits of rumour mongering and spreading rumours on social media," he said.

Amar said the state government has appointed a 16-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by additional director general of police G. V. G. Ashok Kumar to probe the cases and arrest the culprits.

He appealed to the media houses not to publish allegations without verifying the facts.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
China is ready to receive a World Health Organization (WHO) expert team for investigations into the origin of COVID-19, a senior Chinese health official said Saturday.

China and WHO have reached a consensus on specific arrangements of the investigation with four video conferences, Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission, told a press conference, adding that Chinese experts are waiting for their WHO counterparts.

Once the WHO experts complete their procedures and finalize the schedule, Chinese experts will go to Wuhan with them to conduct the investigation, Zeng said.

Zeng stressed that China's position on the WHO investigation is positive, open and supportive, and the country hopes such joint efforts would help deepen the understanding of the virus and better prevent infectious diseases in the future.
Washington: @realDonaldTrump, the Twitter feed that grew from the random musings of a reality TV star into the cudgel of an American president, died on Friday. It was not quite 12 years old.

The provocative handle was given birth by a New York real estate tycoon who used it to help him become the 45th US president. It began with a May 4, 2009, tweet promoting Donald Trump's upcoming appearance on David Letterman's show.

Major tech companies are cracking down on Donald Trump in his final days in office. Credit:AP

It died more than 57,000 tweets later, with Trump using some of his final postings on the powerful platform to commiserate with a pro-Trump mob that besieged the halls of Congress in a deadly assault as lawmakers were set to certify his defeat.

The account met its demise when Twitter announced Friday it was pulling the plug permanently on @realDonaldTrump, citing concern that Trump would use it for further incitement of violence. Trump retorted that he'd be "building out our own platform in the near future. We will not be SILENCED!"
WASHINGTON  Defense leaders are reviewing restrictions on the use of force by National Guard members and could allow troops to carry batons or guns in Washington, D.C., as they brace for more protests and possible violence around the Jan. 20 inaugural, The Associated Press has learned.

The move comes as 500 members of the New Jersey National Guard prepares to head to Washington in advance of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, where they will bolster law enforcement already at the Capitol  including 74 New Jersey state troopers.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The AP Friday that any changes will be determined by the intelligence gathered in the coming days about potential threats. But he said they are looking at allowing troops to carry their M-4 rifles or 9 mm Berettas, and he will know more in a day or two.

The review reflects concerns about the safety of the Guard troops in the wake of the deadly riots at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, and would also consider the legal restrictions that prohibit the use of the military for domestic law enforcement.

Allowing troops to carry deadly weapons would run up against deep-seated fears about the optics of anything suggesting that U.S. military forces were being used against Americans on U.S. soil. And it would require the permission of various authorities, depending on where the Guard members were stationed. For example, D.C. city officials would have to agree in order for the Guard to carry weapons within the citys jurisdictions, such as at checkpoints or Metro stations. Federal approvals would be needed for locations on federal land, parks, monuments and places like Capitol Hill.

Well be looking at the intelligence, and make a determination over the next day or so, McCarthy said. Its just going to require us to get better intel, and then well have to make a risk assessment.

In June, after a chaotic law enforcement response to Washington street protests over the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, some critics warned of an overly militarized approach to containing the problem. This was in part due to the military-style clothing worn by some federal law enforcement personnel, including security forces of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, and their failure to wear identification markings.

With the U.S. Capitol Building in view, members of the military stand on the steps of the Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington on Friday in response to supporters of President Donald Trump who stormed the Capitol. AP

In a letter to Trump just days after the June chaos, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi demanded answers from the administration. We are concerned about the increased militarization and lack of clarity that may increase chaos, she wrote. I am writing to request a full list of the agencies involved and clarifications of the roles and responsibilities of the troops and federal law enforcement resources operating in the city.

As a result, deployment of the Guard in D.C. this week has included a number of restrictions, including that they will not carry weapons. Because they are unarmed, they are generally limited to tasks that prevent them from having direct contact with potentially violent protesters, such as staffing checkpoints.

McCarthy also said they expect better intelligence on protests and crowds.

He complained earlier this week that the intelligence on the potential crowd size Wednesday was all over the board  ranging from about 2,000 to 80,000. He said Friday that there are new plans to have more frequent meetings with law enforcement to go over the intelligence reports so that law enforcement is better prepared.

He added that he has already allowed one change. As of Thursday evening, he said Guard members in D.C. are being allowed to wear their ballistic helmets. That decision comes amid news that a U.S. Capitol Police officer died as a result of injuries he got during the riot. Officer Brian D. Sicknick, 42, was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher, two law enforcement officials said. The officials could not discuss the ongoing investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Four other people died during the riot, including one rioter who was shot by police.

As the chaos at the Capitol played out, the Pentagon moved to activate Guard members in five nearby states, to bolster the D.C. National Guard and law enforcement already in the city. All together, 6,200 Guard members have been activated, and are expected to arrive in D.C. over the next few days.

Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson said Friday that he has also reached out to all the other states, asking them what capabilities they might be able to contribute, if needed.

So far, McCarthy said, they are going to have 850 National Guard members on the Capitol grounds, doing 12-hour shifts, as well as 90 more at various checkpoints. He said there has also been a request from the Park Police for a 150-person quick reaction force, which is likely to be approved. And he said other requests are pouring in.

National Guard leaders from nearby states said their troops are well trained, equipped and prepared for the deployment to D.C. They said their soldiers will deploy to D.C. with all their equipment and weapons, and it will be up to the local commanders to determine if the troops will be authorized to carry them, depending on their specific task or situation.

Brig. Gen. David Wood, from the Pennsylvania National Guard, told reporters during a call Friday that his troops will bring the equipment they have.

He added that the goal will be to de-escalate any situation, and the way weapons will be used will be based on the situation and the commanders intent.

Maj. Gen. Timothy Gowen, adjutant general for Maryland, said his troops have deployed in these types of volatile circumstances in the past, and will have the equipment they need to protect themselves.

Ill be happier when theyre home, he said. But I think weve done everything we can to mitigate the risks.

New Jersey National Guard members, which include police officers and corrections officers, will be in place to protect federal facilities and monuments, state officials said. Gov. Phil Murphy announced their deployment Thursday.

Our republic is built on the principles of democracy, peace and the right of the American people to freely choose their leaders. The brave men and women of our National Guard will be deployed in order to preserve these sacred principles, the governor said in a statement announcing the deployments.

Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Ted Sherman contributed to this report.
Lab studies of the South African variant indicate the mutation changes the component of the virus the immune system responds to, which could mean antibodies are less effective against it. Among the six people with the UK variant, two are still quarantined in Special Health Accommodation and four have been discharged after medical assessments deemed they were no longer infectious, Dr Chant said. "There will be mutations arising everywhere," says NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant. Credit:James Alcock But on Friday the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee did not recommend barring UK arrivals. "One of the challenges of just targeting one particular country or UK strain is that we are a world, international travellers go everywhere, and I think we have learned that with COVID, we cannot block a particular group at a particular point in time," Dr Chant said.

"There will be mutations arising everywhere," she said. Loading Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new strains presented a challenge, "but getting variations, mutations to a virus is not unusual, it's what happens ... it's not unexpected but of course from time to time a variation can occur that presents an increased risk. Other times it can decrease risks," he said. Concern over the virus variants and calls for tighter measures on UK arrivals have intensified since a Brisbane hotel worker tested positive for the UK strain on Thursday, sparking a three-day lockdown of the Queensland capital. Acting Premier John Barilaro said NSW would not close its border with Queensland as Brisbane begins its lockdown.

Instead, he directed anyone in NSW who had been to Brisbane's lockdown zone since January 2 to self-isolate until 6pm on Monday, January 11, in accordance with Queensland's orders. NSW recorded four new cases of locally acquired COVID-19 on Friday, in addition to seven cases in returned travellers. Three local cases were already in isolation when they tested positive: a woman in her 50s and a teenage boy who were household contacts of a case in the Berala cluster, and a child who was a close contact of a case in the Croydon cluster. Shoppers rush to stock up on groceries in Brisbane this morning ahead of a three-day lockdown. Credit:Tertius Pickard Late on Friday night, NSW Health issued a new public health alert for venues in Sydney's inner west and one venue on the northern beaches that had been visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Anyone who attended the following Burwood venues at the times listed is a casual contact and must get tested immediately and self-isolate until they receive a negative result: Artisaint Cafe on Burwood Road in Burwood, on Wednesday, January 6, from 10.30am  11am

Bing Lee on Burwood Road in Burwood, on Wednesday, January 6, from 11.25am  11.40am. Other venues visited by people who should monitor for symptoms, and get tested if they occur, include Westfield Burwood Shopping Centre, Kmart Burwood, and Costume at Avalon Beach. Further details about the times of possible exposure and NSW Health advice to those who attended is available here. A health worker carries out a COVID-19 test at the Merrylands drive-through clinic this week. Credit:Getty Images The lockdown imposed on the upper northern beaches will be lifted at 12.01 on Sunday, despite health authorities reservations.

Their anxieties stem from the fourth case among Fridays tally  a man in his 40s in the upper zone who tested positive for the virus after completing his 14-day self-isolation. The source of his infection has not been found. That is a worry, Health Minister Brad Hazzard said. It would be an indicator of [an] unknown chain or chains of transmission still circulating in the far end of the northern beaches. But Mr Hazzard said the high testing rates on the northern beaches had given NSW Health confidence that the lockdown should end, and he urged the community to continue to get swabbed. There were 26,112 tests in the 24 hours until 8pm on Thursday. Mr Barilaro said that number was on the low side and urged the public to come forward for testing over the weekend.

Loading Sewage testing found fragments of the virus at a treatment plant in Ulladulla, about 64 kilometres south of Nowra, NSW Health reported. No recent cases have been detected in the catchment area of 32,000 people across Ulladulla, Narrawallee, Milton, Mollymook Beach, Kings Point, Burrill Lake, Dolphin Point and Lake Tabourie. This could mean there are undetected cases of COVID in the community or someone with the virus visited the area, so we are asking everyone to be especially vigilant in monitoring for symptoms - and if they appear, get tested and isolate immediately, NSW Health said. Late on Friday night, NSW Health also said fragments of the virus had been detected in a sewage treatment plant at Northmead. The catchment takes sewage from Merrylands West, Greystanes, South Wentworthville, Merrylands, Westmead, Wentworthville, Pendle Hill, Northmead, North Rocks, Parramatta and Constitution Hill.
Update, March 15, 2021: The Washington Post issued a correction to its story on 11 March, 2021. It said that following the release of a recording between Donald Trump and Georgias top elections investigator that it had misquoted the former president. Trump did not tell the investigator to find the fraud or say she would be a national hero if she did so, The Post wrote. In order to acknowledge this, we have amended our headline to make it clear that this was an allegation, and added this update to state the latest position.

Donald Trump allegedly pressured Georgias top elections investigator to find the fraud in a phone call last month, as the president continued in his attempts to overturn president-elect Joe Bidens victory in the state.

The Washington Post reported that Mr Trump made the call on 23 December as the investigations chief for the Georgia secretary of states office pursued allegations of ballot fraud in the suburbs of Atlanta.

Citing people familiar with the call, the Post reported Mr Trump allegedly told the official that they would be a national hero if they found evidence of fraud. In later reporting, The Post acknowledged that the hero comment was not in fact made.

However, he did tell the investigator that she had the most important job in the country right now, the Post added.

The president has made at least three separate calls to state officials in Georgia seeking to overturn or complaining about the results of Novembers presidential election.

In this instance, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger had launched an investigation to determine if election officials in Cobb County accepted mail-in ballots that did not match those on file. Mr Trumps call came as inquiries were underway.

The allegations were eventually determined to have no merit.

Mr Raffensperger confirmed to the Post that Mr Trump made the call in December but was not aware of the details of what was discussed. He did say it was inappropriate for the president to attempt to intervene in an investigation.

The first known incidence of Mr Trump speaking with Georgia officials regarding the election was in early December when he criticized Republican Governor Brian Kemp for certifying the states results.

During a 2 January call, the president both threatened and flattered Mr Raffensperger in an attempt to get him to overturn the election results.

Audio of the conversation was made public. On the recording, Mr Trump told the secretary of state: Go find me some votes.

Legal experts have flagged the call as a possible violation of state or federal law.

The Posts source says that the 23 December call was similar to that made to Mr Raffensperger.

No evidence of widespread voter fraud was found in Georgia or any other state.

President-elect Joe Biden became the first Democrat to win Georgia since 1992 with 49.5 per cent of the vote with a count of 2,473,633 ballots.

Mr Trump lost Georgia by 11,779 votes.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 5)  The family of flight attendant Christine Dacera sought another autopsy and are now waiting for the results, to dispute the initial findings of authorities that she died of natural causes.

The family's lawyers said the scene of the crime officer's medical examination did not include some of Christine's injuries.

"We are disputing the findings of the SOCO, 'yung post-mortem report na they claimed the cause of death was aneurysm," said Paolo Tuliao, one of the Dacera family's lawyers, in a press briefing. "They didn't specify sa report 'yung mga hematoma, 'yung mga bruises that were found on the victim's body, that's why we (sought) another post-mortem report from an independent medico-legal."

Dacera family spokesperson Brick Reyes said the results of the latest autopsy may be available by Wednesday.

However, a copy of the initial medico-legal report obtained by CNN Philippines, indicated multiple contusions and abrasions. The cause of death was "ruptured aortic aneurysm."

Earlier, Makati Police Chief Col. Harold Depositar mentioned that traces of semen were found on Christine's body but these were not noted in the report. Instead, the autopsy saw an abrasion and deep healed lacerations in Christine's private parts.

Reyes said the injuries on Christine's legs and arms as well as her remains will serve as enough evidence to establish a probable cause for rape. He also claimed the crime was set up since a hotel manager was friends with one of the alleged perpetrators, though the family lawyers refused to comment on this allegation.

"They said she died of natural causes, a ruptured aortic aneurysm which appears in the certificate of death, but which does not include the other injuries she sustained," said Reyes. "It is not complete as far as we are concerned, that is why we requested for another autopsy."

Christine Dacera was found dead in a hotel bathtub after celebrating New Year's Eve with workmates. Christine's mother, Sharon, also identified her companions as her friends, as seen in photos of the event. Reyes also mentioned that Christine may have been drugged during the party, but they were only relying on the testimony of Rommel Galido, one of the arrested suspects.

Three people have been arrested and slapped with rape with homicide charges while eight remain at large, police said. Reyes said 11 suspects were identified in the Dacera family's complaint.

Jose Ledda, another lawyer for the Dacera family, refuted claims that Christine consented to sexual intercourse.

"Kung consensual 'yan, kung kusa, ba't wala si Christine ngayon para sagutin 'yung mga tanong na 'yan?" he argued.

[Translation: If that was consensual, or voluntary, why isn't Christine here to answer your questions?]

Christine's case has sparked outrage across social media platforms, with netizens calling for the arrest of the perpetrators and denouncing rape culture.

The Philippine National Police has since declared the case "solved", as stated in its official Facebook page, but the Dacera family maintained that the investigation is still ongoing. Reyes said they are in the middle of inquest proceedings which may conclude in the next 48 hours.
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
Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth have never slacked off when it comes to staying in shape.

So it was no surprise to see Elsa, 44, working hard on her physique in a promotional video for her husband's fitness app, Centr, this week.

The mother-of-three flexed her toned abs as she cycled through a series of yoga exercises with a trainer in the short clip.

Fit: It was no surprise to see Elsa Pataky, 44, working hard on her physique in a promotional video for her husband's fitness app this week

'Start your 2021 strong and join us on @centrfit first 6 weeks for free! Offer ends 12th Jan EST,' she captioned it.

Fans flooded the post with comments, with one writing: 'I love when you join in on workout videos!

'I hope we can see you in more, or with your own workout videos,' they added.

Chris and Elsa Pataky recently celebrated a decade of marriage.

Abs of steel! The mother-of-three flexed her toned abs as she cycled through a series of yoga exercises with a trainer in the short clip

The Thor star, 37, shared a series of candid photos in an Instagram post last month to mark the occasion.

One throwback photo showed the Madrid-born actress, 44, beaming as she carried their three young children - India Rose, now eight, and their six-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan.

In another picture, Chris and Elsa looked deeply in love as they enjoyed a romantic dinner for two at Frida's Field restaurant, near their home in Byron Bay.

Fans flooded the post with comments, with one writing: 'I love when you join in on workout videos!'

The Marvel Universe titan wrote alongside the images: '10 years together! 'Looking forward to the advancements of modern medicine and science and enjoying a couple hundred more!'

Chris and Elsa met in early 2010 and married shortly after in December that year.

They welcomed daughter India Rose in 2012 and their twin sons, Tristan and Sasha, later in 2014.

The family of five now live in Byron Bay on the New South Wales' North Coast after relocating from Los Angeles.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
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.

Twitter has announced that it had permanently suspended the account of outgoing US President Donald Trump due to "risk of further incitement of violence". The unprecedented move by the California-based social media platform comes two days after his supporters stormed the Capitol, bringing disgrace to the country and its democratic institutions. Five people, including a woman and a police officer, have died.

Trump was tweeting again Friday, his Twitter account reinstated after a brief ban, and he reverted to an aggressive statement that his supporters must not be disrespected after he had sent out a calmer Thursday video decrying the violence. Toward evening, Twitter said it was permanently suspending him from its platform, citing risk of further incitement of violence.

"After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence," Twitter said in a statement on Friday.

Trump then switched to his official @POTUS account to accuse Twitter of conspiring with his political enemies "to silence me. "Twitter has gone further and further in banning free speech, and tonight, Twitter employees have coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left in removing my account from their platform, to silence me -- and YOU, the 75,000,000 great patriots who voted for me," he said in a series of tweets from the @POTUS account. The post was swiftly deleted by Twitter.

Apparently expecting such a move, Trump also put out his comments as a statement through the White House press office. Trump signaled to his followers, of which he had 88.7 million on @realDonaldTrump until it was shut down, that they would have a new place to meet virtually soon.

"We have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon, while we also look at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future. We will not be SILENCED!" he declared.

Twitter has also banned Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn and pro-Trump attorney Sidney Powell as part of a purge of QAnon accounts.

Dozens of QAnon social media accounts were hyping up January 6 in the days leading up to a Washington DC rally for Trump, expressing hope that President-elect Joe Biden's victory would be overturned. Twitter said in an email statement on Friday: "Given the renewed potential for violence surrounding this type of behavior in the coming days, we will permanently suspend accounts that are solely dedicated to sharing QAnon content." The company says that when it determines a group or campaign is engaged in "coordinated harmful activity", it may suspend accounts that it finds primarily encourages that behaviour.

QAnon is a baseless belief, born on the internet, that Trump has been secretly fighting deep state enemies and a cabal of Satan-worshipping cannibals operating a child sex-trafficking ring.

Meanwhile, warnings flashing, Democrats in Congress laid plans Friday for swift impeachment of President Donald Trump, demanding decisive, immediate action to ensure an unhinged commander in chief can't add to the damage they say he's inflicted or even ignite nuclear war in his final days in office.

As the country comes to terms with the violent siege of the US Capitol by Trump supporters that left five dead, the crisis that appears to be among the final acts of his presidency is deepening like few other periods in the nations history. With less than two weeks until he's gone, Democrats want him out  now  and he has few defenders speaking up for him in his own Republican party.

ALSO READ | Pelosi Says Spoke with Army Chief on Preventing 'Unstable' Trump from Launching Nuclear Strike

We must take action, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared on a private conference call with Democrats.

And one prominent Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, told the Anchorage Daily News that Trump simply needs to get out.

The final days of Trumps presidency are spinning toward a chaotic end as he holes up at the White House, abandoned by many aides, top Republicans and Cabinet members. After refusing to concede defeat in the November election, he has now promised a smooth transfer of power when Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20. But even so, he says he will not attend the inauguration  the first such presidential snub since just after the Civil War.

In Congress, where many have watched and reeled as the president spent four years breaking norms and testing the nation's guardrails of democracy, Democrats are unwilling to take further chances with only a few days left in his term. The mayhem that erupted Wednesday at the Capitol stunned the world and threatened the traditional peaceful transfer of power.

ALSO READ | 'Won't Go for Inauguration on Jan 20': Donald Trump to Skip President-elect Joe Biden's Swearing-in

Pelosi said she had spoken to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes" for nuclear war. She said Milley assured her longstanding safeguards are in place.

The president has sole authority to order the launch of a nuclear weapon, but a military commander could refuse the order if it were determined to be illegal. Trump has not publicly made such threats, but officials warn of grave danger if the president is left unchecked.

This unhinged president could not be more dangerous, Pelosi said of the current situation.

Biden, meanwhile, said he is focused on his job as he prepares to take office. Asked about impeachment, he said, Thats a decision for the Congress to make.

The Democrats are considering lightning-quick action. A draft of their Articles of Impeachment accuses Trump of abuse of power, saying he willfully made statements that encouraged  and foreseeably resulted in  imminent lawless action at the Capitol," according to a person familiar with the details who was granted anonymity to discuss them.

The articles are expected to be introduced on Monday, with a House vote as soon as Wednesday.

If Trump were to be impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate, he might also be prevented from running again for the presidency in 2024 or ever holding public office again. He would be only the president twice impeached. A person on the call said Pelosi also discussed other ways Trump might be forced to resign.

Senators from a bipartisan group convened their own call to consider options for congressional action, according to an aide granted anonymity to reveal the private discussions.

Not helpful, the White House argued. Trump spokesman Judd Deere said, A politically motivated impeachment against a President with 12 days remaining in his term will only serve to further divide our great country.

The soonest the Senate could begin an impeachment trial under the current calendar would be Jan. 20, Inauguration Day.

Conviction in the Republican Senate at this late date would seem unlikely, though in a sign of Trump's shattering of the party many Republicans were silent on the issue.

(With inputs from PTI, AP and AFP)
As we enter an unprecedented new year with the coronavirus pandemic dominating how we live, it is 10 years since how we went about our business was also adversely affected  but for a completely different reason.

From mid-December 2010 to early January 2011, like the rest of the country, Derry experienced its coldest winter on record when temperatures stayed below 10 degrees centigrade for days on end.

It was the third coldest winter in succession that brought heavy snowfalls, record low temperatures, travel chaos and school closures.

The River Foyle, the fastest-flowing river in Europe for its size, froze over (photo below by Davy Garnon), City of Derry Airport was forced to close, sporting fixtures postponed and many Christmas parties and festive nights out with family and friends were cancelled.

Speaking at the time, John Wylie, from the Met Office, said: "Sub-zero tem- peratures, widespread deep snow and all of the correct factors coming together at the right time to give us this weather event which will probably go down in history."

A temperature of -13.3 C was recorded in Ballykelly on December 23, 2010. On the same day, Castlederg in County Tyrone was put firmly on the map - not only did it set a new record Northern Ireland lowest temperature, but it was also the coldest spot on the entire island as the thermometer fell to -18.7C.

The Arctic weather conditions first struck in 2008/09.

This was followed by the winter of 2009/10 which for much of the country was worst since 1978/79, bringing widespread and heavy snowfalls.

Despite the entire country being covered in a blanket of snow, 2010 was not regarded as a 'White Christmas' as no snow fell on Christmas Day.

The scene in Brooke Park in 2010/11 in a photo taken by Ashlene Joyce.

However, just like today, Derry showed its kind nature as a number of community groups took the initiative in ensuring that vulnerable people were looked after during the wintery weather.

Volunteers in a number of areas visited elderly people in their homes distributing food and winter clothing and helping with shopping.

Members of the Leafair Community Association (LCA) handed out Winter Health Packs to local residents.

The packs  distributed in partnership with the Neighbourhood Health Improvement Project (NHIP)  included a thermal blanket, gloves and socks, five energy efficient light bulbs and a thermometer.

Peter McDonald, co-ordinator with the LCA, said the scheme proved to be a vital measure in keeping those most at risk from the elements safe.

Community volunteers in the Triax (Bogside, Brandywell, Creggan and the Fountain) took part in Operation Snowball, aimed at helping the elderly community get through the cold snap, helping old people get to the shops as well as Mass as well as salting salt and clearing the footpaths in Creggan Street, Oakfield and several of the steep streets off the Lone Moor Road.

Volunteers also cleared pavements in the Top of the Hill and Shantallow areas.

The severe cold spell in the run up to Christmas was estimated to have cost the British economy up to 1.2 billion a day, with a total cost of 13 billion.

Retailers were particularly badly hit by lost sales with footfall down nearly 20% compared to the same period the previous year.

Comments by the chief executive of a major hospitality body in the North echoed those of today.

Colin Neill, of Pubs of Ulster, which at the time represented 70% pf pubs in the North, described the situation for the local industry as 'critical' after trade was badly hit by the harsh weather.

Hundreds of functions had to be cancelled after snow caused massive disruption.

Mr Neill said: This is probably the worst trading period over Christmas on record for our industry. We normally do 20% of our year's turnover in December and we have people cancelling left, right and centre.

After the freeze came the thaw and within days tens of thousands of people were struggling to cope without water because of burst pipes.

About 80 towns and villages across Northern Ireland were affected and many people had to queue every day to get water for drinking and washing.

About 40,000 homes and businesses were cut off from the mains water supply during the Christmas period and NI Water was severely criticised for its response to those in need.
Three cases of the South African variant of Covid-19 have been discovered in Ireland, the chief medical officer has said.

There are fears that the mutated form of coronavirus could be resistant to vaccines, although public health chiefs here say there is not enough information to determine that.

The news came as a record daily total of 8,248 confirmed coronavirus cases were recorded in Ireland, along with 20 further deaths - the highest figure since May.

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said: "All of the cases identified are directly associated with recent travel from South Africa.

"Anyone who has travelled from South Africa recently is advised to self-isolate for 14 days and identify themselves through a GP for testing as soon as possible.

"We are particularly advising healthcare workers travelling from South Africa, that it is essential that they self-isolate for 14 days before entering/re-entering the workplace.

"While this variant has not yet been identified in many European countries, we believe the identification here reflects the extent of genome sequencing surveillance in Ireland."

Nphet's virology expert Dr Cillian De Gascun said: "There is currently not enough information available to determine whether this variant poses a possible risk related to vaccine match and effectiveness.

"The antigenic characterisation of this new variant is ongoing, and results are expected in the coming weeks."

He added: "The ECDC assessment states that preliminary analyses indicate that the South African variant is associated with a heightened viral load and may have increased transmissibility.

"It also states that there is no evidence to date that this variant is associated with higher severity of infection."

On Friday, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said staff and residents in nursing homes across the country will receive their first vaccines within 16 days.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

He told RTE News: "What we had been doing was keeping one week of supply as a buffer, because there had been supply chain issues.

"Pfizer have been delivering solidly on time, what we're doing is we're taking 26,000 doses from the buffer that we were holding and accelerating, essentially doing three weeks worth of vaccinations in the next 16 days.

"Everyone in the nursing homes, the residents and the staff will have had their first dose, and we will move immediately then on to the second doses."

The Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine requires two doses, administered 21 days apart.

More vaccines on way

Ireland is set to receive an additional 3.3 million vaccines after the European Union reached a deal with Pfizer and BioNTech for 300 million more doses of their Covid-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, health officials are preparing emergency plans across hospitals as they expect the number of Covid-19 patients to more than double over the coming weeks.

Hospital staff are bracing themselves for a surge in coronavirus patients as the number of cases escalate.

Anne O'Connor, HSE chief operations officer, said they are preparing for 2,500 coronavirus patients in hospital, with up to 400 people in ICU over the coming weeks.

There are currently 1,151 people in hospital with coronavirus and 101 patients in ICU.

Ireland's coronavirus reproduction number is now between 2.4 and 3, the highest level seen throughout the pandemic.

"We hope we don't get there and the action people take will impact on that," Dr O'Connor told RTE.

"Part of the challenge is time lag. When we hear the big numbers announced every day, in terms of the number who test positive, it takes a number of days or even a week for that to translate into hospital figures and another week again for ICU figures."

The senior HSE official said that all hospital sites have surge capacity and will scale up to respond to higher numbers.

CUH emergency plan

It comes as Cork University Hospital (CUH) is preparing to trigger its emergency tiered escalation plan over the rising number of cases.

Dr O'Connor said they are "concerned" about a number of sites in Cork.

"We have scaled back on non-Covid work on much of our sites, we are prioritising Covid and there are risks in that both for people who haven't been able to access services and had appointments cancelled this week," she added.

The decision to suspend non-Covid treatments is to maximise capacity in hospitals to care for the sickest patients who have Covid-19, the HSE said.

Dr O'Connor also urged the public to use community assessments hubs across the country which are staffed by GPs, health professionals and nurses.

She said one of the major challenges is people turning up to emergency departments with Covid-19 without having contacted their GP first.

She added: "Covid is a very scary thing because it impacts on your breathing and people feel that they should go to hospital themselves, but we have to remember that GPs working around Ireland are senior clinicians and if they feel someone needs to be in an emergency department then they probably do."

Crisis point

Michelle Kingston, an emergency department nurse at CUH, said they are at crisis point.

"A lot of our staff are out sick with Covid or out because of contacts. That's the challenge for us," she said.

"We still have an influx of patients coming in and we have to deal with that."

More than 180 nurses at the hospital are not able to work because they either have the virus or were a close contact with a confirmed case.

Ms Kingston fears that there will be more staff out sick because of the levels of contact with confirmed cases.

"It's all hands on deck," she added.

"We are always protected in PPE but you are in close contact (with patients) and sometimes you still get it."

She said that a lot of people with Covid-19 are self-referring to the emergency department which is causing difficulties.
Best Cleaners wrapped up its 12th annual Coats For Connecticut campaign in December, having collected, cleaned and delivered over 11,000 donated coats to the Salvation Army and other local area shelters. The family-owned dry cleaning and tailoring business with 13 locations in central Connecticut tackled the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic with a high-sense of urgency and a high degree of health and safety procedures in place.

Since the official Nov. 11 kickoff date, the general public, local businesses and community groups were encouraged to gather up gently-used coats and jackets for all ages and sizes and bring them to any Best Cleaners location for free cleaning and delivery.

Coat donations could be dropped off at Best Cleaners locations in Berlin, Bristol, Canton, Farmington, Glastonbury, Middletown, North Haven, Old Lyme, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Simsbury and Windsor.

Best cleaned and delivered the donated coats each week to a central drop location in Meriden. The Meriden Mall donated the use of a vacant storefront space and gave access to the Salvation Army so volunteers could safely sort the coats and prepare them for distribution to individuals and families throughout Connecticut. Two Men and A Truck donated the use of two storage containers for staging and storing the cleaned coats before each delivery.

Press Release
TOKYO - A shortage of hospital beds for covid-19 patients in metropolitan areas has become particularly serious amid the latest surge in novel coronavirus infections.

However, the number of infection cases in Japan has been significantly lower than in Western countries, and Japan has the highest number of hospital beds per capita in the world.

To make effective use of the facilities and human resources, the nation needs to rebuild its medical system urgently.

"The medical fields are now in the same state as a dam that is on the verge of bursting," said Tamotsu Miki, director of Tokyo Medical University Hospital in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.

The hospital has secured six beds for seriously ill patients infected with the virus and 20 beds for patients with moderate symptoms, but the beds have been fully occupied since the beginning of this year. The hospital has had no choice but to refuse to accept covid-19 patients at times.

In Tokyo, where the spread of the virus continues unabated, the total number of infected people who could not find a hospital for treatment or a place for recuperation during the weeklong New Year's holiday period topped 3,000. The occupancy rate of hospital beds secured by prefectural governments for covid-19 patients has been on the rise especially in metropolitan areas.

However, Japan has significantly more hospital beds per 1,000 people than any other member state of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Also, regarding beds in intensive care units (ICUs) or for other acute care, the number of such beds per 100,000 people is 13.5 in Japan, while the figures are 11.6 in France and 6.6 in Britain. In terms of daily infection numbers, Japan's figures are also far lower than in the United States, which has seen more than 200,000 cases a day, and Britain, which has reported as many as about 60,000 daily cases.

Nevertheless, Japan is facing a growing shortage of hospital beds. Circumstances unique to the nation have created a situation in which virus patients have flocked to certain large hospitals. As of Wednesday, the number of hospital beds secured by prefectural governments for covid-19 patients totaled 27,650, which is only 4% of the total number of acute care beds - about 730,000 - for patients undergoing surgery or in emergency care.

One of the factors behind this is that 70% of Japanese hospitals are run privately, a higher percentage than in any European country. Private hospitals in Japan have been cautious about accepting coronavirus patients, fearing possible outbreaks of clusters within the hospitals and the impact of negative perceptions on their businesses. According to a survey conducted by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, 70% to 80% of public hospitals said they could accept covid-19 patients, while only 18% of private hospitals said they could do so.

In addition, small and midsize hospitals with less than 200 beds account for 70% of all hospitals in Japan. A survey by Global Health Consulting Japan showed that the fewer beds a hospital had, the fewer patients it accepted. In the survey, only 20% of the hospitals with less than 100 beds said they had accepted covid-19 patients, while 96% of the hospitals with more than 500 beds said they had accepted such patients.

The large number of hospitals is another problem, as it means doctors, nurses and other medical staff are dispersed. It is no easy task, especially for small and midsize hospitals with lower staff numbers, to accept coronavirus patients, who require more manpower for treatment.

"The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted weaknesses in Japan's medical system," said Hiroya Ogata, a professor emeritus of Kyushu University who specializes in health care administration. "In the future, hospitals will need to concentrate their human resources through restructuring and integration."

European countries are struggling to curb the spread of the virus, but as they have many large public hospitals, it is relatively easy for their governments to manage hospital bed occupancy.

Last spring, Germany increased the number of ICU beds by more than 10,000 at the initiative of its government. In Sweden, the government also has taken the lead in boosting the number of ICU beds and coordinating efforts regarding the hospitalization of covid-19 patients.

"It would be effective for the central government to designate key hospitals to treat coronavirus patients and concentrate medical personnel there from other facilities, as has been done in Osaka," suggested Shinya Matsuda, a professor at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health and an expert on medical systems.

"Rather than waiting for instructions from the central government, prefectural governments should exercise leadership while consulting with relevant parties," Matsuda said.
Posted Saturday, January 9, 2021 6:57 am

A federal judge has rejected an attempt by Seattle landlords to suspend a temporary ban on evictions during the coronavirus pandemic. The ruling means the city and state bans can stay in place while the legal fight plays out.

Several landlords represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation sued in September, seeking an injunction to stop the moratoriums. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Jones denied the request Friday.

Jones concurred with U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Creatura, who wrote last month that the property owners had not shown they would suffer irreparable harm from the eviction bans while the case continues in court.

The city and state have a legitimate interest in stopping evictions as a public health measure, Creatura wrote.

"Certainly, requiring tenants to appear in court to defend against their eviction increases the number of contacts for everyone, including court personnel," he wrote. "And, of course, there is the general benefit of softening the economic blow that this pandemic is having on everyone by providing stable housing for those who would otherwise be evicted because of the pandemic."

In addition to state and city moratoriums on evictions, Seattle is requiring landlords to offer payment plans.

For six months after the city moratorium ends, Seattle tenants who experienced financial hardship because of the pandemic will also have a defense in court against eviction.

Tenant advocates have warned about a potential wave of evictions and homelessness when the bans are lifted. More than 11% of households that rent in Washington state have fallen behind on rent payments, according to survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Washington Multifamily Housing Association, a lobbying group for large landlords, says about 15% of rental households did not pay rent in December, according to a survey of its members.

Landlord groups argue the restrictions deprive them of their property rights. Seattle faces a second lawsuit from the Rental Housing Association, a lobbying group for small landlords across the state.

Ethan Blevins, an attorney representing the landlords, said the decision "fails to fully recognize the ongoing injury done to landlords who are going for months without income for mortgage payments and living expenses."

"Landlords are like any other business suffering through this dire time," Blevins said in an email.

In his decision, Creatura said landlords had not shown they "face a mass risk of foreclosure similar to the mass risk of eviction that defendants have established through their evidence."

Creatura wrote that he was "not unsympathetic to the concerns" of landlords. He quoted another judge, who wrote in a similar decision, "The court respectfully implores our lawmakers to treat this calamity with the attention it deserves."

Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes praised Jones' decision Friday, saying in a statement that lifting the ban "would have only exacerbated our homelessness crisis."

___

(c)2021 The Seattle Times

Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Coca-Cola Co has launched packaging for its flagship cola in the UK featuring messages of "hope and optimism" for the year ahead.

Coca-Cola said the packaging is designed to be shared with friends and family

The limited-edition packs are printed with written pledges such as "I will never take my friends for granted" and "I promise to listen more, just for you". The packs are designed to be shared with friends and family, Coca-Cola said.

The activation is part of Coca-Cola's Europe-focussed "Open To Better" marketing campaign launched in July last year. The activation featured a TV ad fronted by London spoken-word artist George the Poet.

It was not immediatly clear if the new packaging, which is available across the trademark Coca-Cola portfolio, will roll out in markets other than the UK.

Commenting on the packaging, Bryony Lester, marketing manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain, said: "In 2021, our ambition is to be 'Open To Better' and use the power of our packaging to share resolutions of hope and positivity that we hope fans will enjoy sharing with their friends and family."

What's coming up in soft drinks in 2021? - Predictions for the Year Ahead - Click here for a comment
What a way to kick off a new year. Max Rose announced he would not run for mayor of New York City, but considering that happened on Sunday, thats already ancient history. It really has been A Week. So lets just get into it.

Trump mob storms U.S. Capitol

As members of Congress convened on Jan. 6 to certify the election of President-elect Joe Biden, a band of Trump supporters broke into the U.S. Capitol and forced senators and members of Congress to evacuate and hide, delaying the final vote for hours. It left at least five people dead, including a U.S. Capitol Police officer. Thousands of Trump supporters, including at least some displaying Nazi symbolism, Confederate flags and other white supremicist iconography, came to Washington to protest the certification of the election based on false claims of voter fraud perpetuated by Trump and other elected officials. The president has incorrectly insisted that he won the election and that Biden was propelled to victory by illegal votes. After a tweet instructing supporters to attend a rally on Jan. 6 that many right-wing extremists saw as marching orders, Trump further riled them up in a speech that directly preceded the violence. Many noted the stark disparities between how the right-wing extremists were treated by police compared to Black Lives Matter protesters. After rioters (some of them carrying firearms) violently pushed through barriers and broke into government buildings, Capitol Police allowed many of them to simply walk out after the insurrection. Peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters in public streets, on the other hand, have been met by a militarized police presence shooting them with rubber bullets and tear gas, arresting demonstrators en masse after exhibiting the very police brutality that the people were protesting. Others wondered how the right-wing extremists were able to break into the Capitol so easily and questioned the apparent lack of preparedness by law enforcement. Trump issued two initial responses to the violence that were riddled with lies and equivocations that not only failed to call out the extremists for their criminal acts but deeply sympathized with them, saying we love you to the insurrectionists. Twitter and Facebook later removed both messages for violating their rules and temporarily banned Trumps accounts. The attempted coup drew widespread condemnation of the president by those who observed that his rhetoric led to the violence at the Capitol. Several top administration officials and staffers have since resigned. And Democratic lawmakers are calling for Trumps immediate removal from office. Both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer called on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office immediately. Democratic House members have also drawn up new articles of impeachment, which Pelosi said could be voted on in the coming days.

Biden certified, despite GOP objectors

After the Capitol was secured, members of Congress returned to finish certifying Biden as the next president. Several Republican lawmakers who had previously planned to object to electors in battleground states that Trump lost reversed course in light of the violence. In the end, lawmakers only voted on objections to Arizonas electors  which was objected to prior to the insurrection  and Pennsylvanias electors. A large number of Republicans still voted against certification, including the majority of the House GOP conference. Among them were New York Reps. Elise Stefanik, Lee Zeldin, Nicole Malliotakis and Chris Jacobs. Despite the chaos just wrought by the dangerous and false narrative Trump has been pushing about the integrity of the election, all four stuck with their objections, defending the decision by continuing to parrot debunked claims of voter fraud and the need to restore faith in the electoral process. They were condemned by many of their Democratic colleagues in the House as well as in editorials in local papers. Only Republican Rep. John Katko, who did not object to any states, has publicly condemned Trump for inciting violence. He even suggested that he is open to the idea of impeachment. Shortly after certification in the wee hours of the morning, Trump released a statement reasserting the false claims that the election was stolen from him but confirmed there would be an orderly transfer of power. Trump many hours later released another video in which he finally condemned those who participated in the Capitol attack and admitted that a new administration would be in power on Jan. 20. He stopped short of admitting he lost and did not congratulate Biden, who he did not mention by name.

NYs first case of UK COVID-19 variant

With everything else thats happening, theres still a deadly pandemic running rampant in the country and in New York. To make matters worse, the state discovered the first case of the new, more transmissible coronavirus variant wreaking havoc in the U.K., which recently entered its third national shutdown. Health officials discovered the variant in upstate Saratoga Springs in a man who had not recently traveled from the U.K., although Gov. Andrew Cuomo later suggested that contact tracing revealed a potential U.K. connection. Cuomo, as well as public health officials, warned that the variant is probably much more widespread than we know, but the extent remains unknown due to a lack of testing to identify mutating strains.

Vaccine rollout confusion continues

The states COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to be painstakingly slow, with Cuomo announcing plans for unions to administer the shot to their members and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio opening new pop-up vaccination sites. The governor also announced that next phase of the rollout begins Monday, which opens the shot up to transit workers, teachers, police, firefighters and people over 75. Cuomo focused his criticism on shortcomings by hospitals and local leaders to get vaccines in peoples arms. He said that if hospitals dont pick up the pace, they will have to send back their vaccine supply. The governor is focusing much of his attention on New York City and its public hospital system. De Blasio and members of his administration, meanwhile, laid the blame on Cuomo, asserting that the strict guidelines about who can get vaccinated in the first phase is preventing them from moving more quickly with unused doses. Confusion ensued after de Blasio said that the state would allow certain members of the NYPD to get vaccinated, only to have Cuomo contradict that statement. Eventually, he relented and allowed localities to begin vaccinating a larger pool of people. County leaders are also criticizing the state, saying that their long-standing mass vaccination plans are being ignored to the detriment of their citizens. After weeks of criticism, the Cuomo administration told county officials that they will play a larger role in the vaccine rollout moving forward.

Schumer finally gets to lead the Senate

As Democrats in Georgia eked out wins in the two U.S. Senate runoff elections this week, securing Democratic control of the chamber, New York Democrats got a win of their own. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is poised to finally lead the chamber as Senate majority leader. His promotion will likely mean benefits for the state of New York, as majority leaders typically kick favors to their home states, such as funding for projects. Schumers first act as presumptive majority leader? Joining calls to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Trump from office.
The owner of a defunct East Hartford mortgage firm has prepared a lawsuit that hes set to file in state court to force the Connecticut Department of Banking to issue a final decision on the firms license revocation  more than two years after the state filed the charges.

The department investigated the firm, 1st Alliance Lending LLC, in 218 on suspicion it used unlicensed personnel to process mortgage applications. In December of that year, the department issued a notice of its intent to revoke the firms license to operate in Connecticut.

John DiIorio, who founded 1st Alliance Lending in 2004, denies wrongdoing and has said his company, which has more than 170 employees and a deal with the state to expand, collapsed because of excessive delays in the departments case.

Hearings began the following September and extended intermittently over months. A final post-briefing hearing was not completed until October, 2020, putting the Department of Banking on the clock to get a decision out within three months under state statute.

On Thursday, the department extended its deadline for making a decision in the case to mid-April, invoking an executive order issued last year by Gov. Ned Lamont that allows state agencies to tack three months onto their deliberations in deference to the extra demands of working remotely during office closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 1st Alliance legal action is pegged primarily to a section of state law that requires agencies to proceed with reasonable dispatch to conclude any matter pending, setting a 90-day window after final evidence is filed which will expire on Jan. 18.

In pushing back the decision date under Lamonts executive order addressing agency business during the pandemic, the department cited the complexity of the case, thousands of pages in related transcripts and evidence, and repeated requests by 1st Alliance for more material to support its case. That included documents with proprietary financial information that DiIorio and 1st Alliance requested through the Freedom of Information Act.

The department has continued to work earnestly on reaching a resolution, spokesman Matthew Smith said in an emailed response Friday. Given the volume of documents to review and the unprecedented challenges created by a global pandemic, ... [this] short extension will ensure that the hearing officer will be able to evaluate the numerous exhibits, documents and testimony in this case allowing for a fair and informed decision on the matter.

In a Friday interview, DiIorio maintained the banking department has had sufficient time and resources to render a decision, and that he now plans to push forward with a lawsuit in Connecticut Superior Court.

He did not rule out additional legal action for monetary damages. Under state law, individuals and entities have a few channels to file claims against the state, including through the Office of the Claims Commissioner which can sign off on cases going into the court system or push those involving large monetary claims to the Connecticut General Assembly for final resolution.

In dismissing a 1st Alliance lawsuit last year centered on a dispute over a $200,000 bond revocation, a state judge ruled that the company failed to establish that state banking commissioner Jorge Perez decision was arbitrary or capricious or characterized by abuse of discretion, as worded by New Britain Judge John L. Cordani. Perez is named as a defendant in the newest lawsuit along with a department hearing officer.

DiIorio founded Phoenix Home Lending last year in Sturbridge, Mass., but said regardless of the outcome of the Connecticut case he has no plans to launch another venture in his home state. The previous company, 1st Alliance, has no active operations and no longer employs people in Connecticut.

We will see this through  were tired, were frustrated, but not deterred, DiIorio said Friday. The facts are as clear as they are, the fact that were 765 days into this and Connecticut hasnt issued a decision. ... Connecticut doesnt want to make a decision  if they did, they would have by now.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
A scribe-turned-politician who went on to become chief minister of four times, a master strategist whose famous "KHAM" formula ensured a landslide victory for the Congress in 1985 and an avid reader-- Madhavsinh Solanki was a formidable politician.

He stepped on the national stage when he became external affairs minister, but had to resign following a controversy over his meeting with the Swiss counterpart and remarks regarding the Bofors case probe.

Solanki dominated in before the rise of the BJP in the 1990s. Under his leadership the Congress had won 149 out of 182 seats in the state elections held in 1985, a record which still remains unbroken.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged Solanki's stature in his condolence tweet. "Shri Madhavsinh Solanki Ji was a formidable leader, playing a key role in for decades. He will be remembered for his rich service to society," Modi said.

The 93-year-old Congress veteran breathed his last at his residence in Gandhinagar on Saturday morning.

Born in a modest family in Piludra village in Bharuch district, Solanki started his career as a journalist with 'Gujarat Samachar' before joining

He was first elected as MLA from the then Bombay state in 1957 when separate states of Gujarat and Maharashtra were yet to come into existence.

In 1975, Solanki became president of the Gujarat Congress unit, and after that, he never looked back.

He became chief minister in December 1976, but his tenure lasted only till 1977. However, Solanki got another chance in 1980.

His strategy of forging alliance of the Kshatriyas, Harijans, Adivasis (tribals) and Muslims -- "KHAM" -- worked wonders for the Congress.

He resigned as CM in March 1985 in the wake of anti- quota protests triggered by his decision to clear reservation for OBCs. In the ensuing assembly elections, the Congress led by Solanki won an unprecedented 149 seats.

However, as the anti-quota agitation continued and turned into communal riots, Solanki once again resigned as chief minister in July 1985.

His fourth and last term as CM lasted from December 1989 to May 1990. Solanki had been the longest serving chief minister of the state before Narendra Modi.

Solanki is credited for introducing the mid-day meal scheme which was later adopted in primary schools in the entire country and for offering free education to girls.

Another big break in politics came for Solanki, when he became External Affairs Minister of India in June 1991.

However, he resigned in March 1992 in the wake of a controversy following his meeting with the then Switzerland foreign minister in Davos.

It was alleged that Solanki told his Swiss counterpart that the Bofors scam probe had not revealed anything and India's request for assistance to Switzerland had been made only due to political considerations.

Solanki also served as a two term MP of Rajya Sabha from Gujarat.

Paradoxically, the very KHAM formula of Solanki alienated upper caste Hindus from the Congress and became the reason for the rise of the BJP in the state in 1990s.

The BJP has been in power in Gujarat since 1995.

Solanki then chose life away from politics. In the last 18 years, Solanki pursued his interest in reading and promoting culture.

Former state Congress president Arjun Modhvadia recalled that Solanki was the first person to call him after Modhvadia delivered his first speech as MLA. "He used to guide us like a mentor," Modhvadia said.

Solanki's son Bharatsinh Solanki is a former Union minister.

(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 social news and message board site Reddit banned a forum dedicated to discussing and promoting President Trump from its site on Friday, and Twitter permanently suspended Mr. Trumps account and those of several prominent supporters who used the platform to spread conspiracy theories, the latest moves of major technology platforms to diminish Mr. Trump digitally after his supporters staged an assault on the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

The Reddit forum, called a subreddit, was one of many areas for Trump supporters to convene across the site, which is used by more than 330 million people to discuss wide-ranging current events and other topics. The Donald Trump subreddit had tens of thousands of subscribers before it was removed, and was considered one of a few highly visible places online where Trump supporters could gather and express solidarity with the president.

The removal, which was earlier reported by Axios, comes on the heels of suspensions of Mr. Trump by major platforms this week. On Wednesday, both Facebook and Twitter removed some of his posts that were considered an incitement to further violence. And Facebook went further on Thursday, banning Mr. Trump from gaining access to his Facebook page until at least the end of his term, if not indefinitely. On Friday night, Twitter said it had permanently suspended President Trump from its service due to the risk of further incitement for violence.

Though the subreddit has flourished for years, Reddit officials removed the page on Friday after many of its members glorified and incited the violence that occurred in the Capitol on Wednesday, despite a number of official warnings from the company.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 07:01:50|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

SANTIAGO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chile faces a "complex scenario" due to the increase in infections of the novel coronavirus, the Ministry of Health warned on Friday after reporting 4,201 new cases in one day, the highest number since June.

According to the ministry's daily pandemic report, a total of 633,381 people nationwide have now been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 595,799 of them have recovered.

In the last 24 hours, 61 more people died from causes associated with COVID-19, raising the death toll to 16,974.

Chilean Minister of Health Enrique Paris blamed the rise in cases on clandestine parties that took place in recent weeks, along with crowds at shopping centers, calling them "real attacks on public health."

"These situations not only worry us, they sadden us," added Paris.

On a positive note, he said some 10,689 health officials have already been vaccinated against COVID-19. Enditem
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and their new administration got to work in a nation besieged by a raging pandemic, economic calamity and deep political divisions. Biden signed 17 executive orders shortly after his swearing-in, dealing with the pandemic, climate change, immigration and other pressing issues that reflected the dramatic divergence of his priorities from those of the vanquished Trump administration.

Latest updates today:

1:56 p.m. Biden immigration bill nixes word alien: In a small but symbolic part of President Bidens proposed sweeping immigration overhaul, the word alien will be removed from US immigration laws, replaced by noncitizen, CNN reports. Its a deliberate step intended to recognize America as a nation of immigrants, according to a summary of the bill. The term illegal alien, long decried as a dehumanizing slur by immigrant rights advocates, became even more of a lightning rod during the Trump era  with some top federal officials encouraging its use and several states and local governments taking up measures to ban it.

1:31 p.m. U.S. seeks nuke treaty extension with Russia: The Biden administration seeks a five-year extension of the New START treaty with Russia, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Thursday. She called the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty an anchor of strategic stability between our two countries. She also said the administration will be fully assessing Russias involvement in the 2016 election and the poisoning Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny.

11:38 a.m. Former NBA player holds solo pro-Trump protest: David Wood, who played two years with the Golden State Warriors in the 1990s, protested President Bidens inauguration Wednesday a few blocks from the White House, according to a report from Yahoo! News, which captured a video interview with Wood. Wood wore a sweater with images of Jesus Christ and carried a Jewish shofar horn and Revolutionary War flag. He parroted baseless election conspiracy theories, saying,This is Gods country. You cant steal Gods country through voter fraud.

11:25 a.m. Biden quickly gains millions of Twitter followers: President Biden quickly amassed more than 5.3 million followers as of Thursday morning, on the @POTUS Twitter account, fewer than 24 hours after he inherited it from Twitter king Donald Trump. Under its new policy on transfer of institutional accounts, Twitter wiped out the 33 million followers that Trump had on @POTUS when he was president. For non-Twitter afficionados, POTUS stands for President of the United States.

11:06 a.m. Trumps Facebook suspension now indefinite, outside board considers his fate: Facebook has extended former President Donald Trumps suspension, which was set to be lifted after President Bidens inauguration. A body the company set up called the Oversight Board will consider the matter. A company executive repeated a call CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made in the past for elected officials to set standards for such decisions, which have been largely left up to private corporations. Get the full story from The Chronicles Roland Li.

10:58 a.m. Biden to keep FBI director: President Biden has confidence in FBI Director Christopher Wray and intends to keep him in his job, according to a tweet from press secretary Jen Psaki. In the Trump administration, Wray replaced fired director James Comey in August 2017 and is in the midst of a 10-year term.

10:54 a.m. Biden, Harris begin 1st full day on job with virtual prayer service: President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris began their first full day in the White House on Thursday by participating virtually in a prayer service, an inaugural tradition dating to George Washingtons presidency. The Washington National Cathedral hosted the service, led by Bishop William Barber II and featuring performances by Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle and The Clark Sisters.

10:43 a.m. Another bank cuts ties with Trump: Floridas Bank United is the latest to close former President Donald Trumps accounts, saying Thursday, We no longer have any depository relationship with him, the Washington Post reports. The bank declined to give a reason, but since the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, several partners, vendors and customers have cut ties with Trumps company, including four banks. The Florida-based bank had held some of Trumps money since at least 2015, according to the former presidents financial disclosures.

10:30 a.m. Freshmen GOP lawmakers tell Biden they can play nice: Seventeen Republican freshman lawmakers in a letter of congratulations to President Biden said they hope we may work together on coronavirus relief, restoring the economy, and other issues. After two impeachments, lengthy inter-branch investigations, and most recently, the horrific attack on our nations capital, it is clear that the partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans does not serve a single American, the letter states. Rep. Peter Meijer of Michigan and David Valadao of Hanford (Kings County), who voted to impeach President Trump last week, were among signatories, as were others who voted to challenge the results of the election that Biden won.

10:05 a.m. Prominent Bay Area Jesuit helped Biden tee up on big day: Santa Clara University President Kevin OBrien, a Jesuit priest and longtime friend of President Joe Biden, officiated a Mass for Biden, who often speaks of his Roman Catholic faith, and Vice President Kamala Harris on the morning of their inauguration. Addressing Biden in his homily, OBrien said the nation has much to look forward to as a country because of your and Kamala Harris leadership. Attending the Mass at St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral were family members and congressional leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, also a Roman Catholic. OBrien and Biden have been friends for 15 years, since OBrien served at Georgetown University in Washington, Santa Clara officials said.

9:09 a.m. Biden overturns Trumps patriotic education effort: Among his first-day executive actions, President Biden revoked a recent Trump administration report that aimed to promote patriotic education in schools but that historians mocked and rejected as political propaganda. Bidens order disbanded former President Donald Trumps presidential 1776 Commission and withdrew its report that glorified the countrys founders, played down Americas role in slavery, condemned the rise of progressive politics and criticized the civil rights movement. Trump established the group to rally support from white voters and hoped its report would be used in classrooms.

8:59 a.m. Woman accused of stealing Pelosis laptop ordered to home confinement: A U.S. magistrate on Thursday ordered Riley Williams of Harrisburg, Pa., accused in the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, into home confinedment with a GPS monitor pending her appearance in federal court Monday, news accounts said. Williams is accused of stealing House Speaker Nancy Pelosis computer allegedly intending to sell it to Russians. Video of the riot appears to show her directing people into the building.

8:53 a.m. Pelosi rejects nice-nice calls to drop impeachment: House speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday pushed back some GOP statements that in the interest of national unity, Democrats should drop holding a Senate impeachment trial of President Trump.The president of the United States committed an act of incitement of insurrection, Pelosi told reporters. I dont think its very unifying to say, Oh, lets just forget it and move on. Thats not how you unify. She added, You dont say to a president, Do whatever you want in the last months of your administration. Youre going to get a get-out-of-jail card  because people think you should make nice-nice.

8:37 a.m. Any lawmakers who aided or abetted rioters will face prosecution, Pelosi says: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday said there is no question that some members in this body gave aid and comfort to people who assaulted the U.S. Capitol, with the idea that they were embracing a lie, a lie perpetrated by the president of the United States that the election did not have legitimacy. She told a news briefing that evidence will have to be gathered and If people did aid and abet .. there will be prosecution.

8:18 a.m. Pelosi says she is ready to send impeachment article to Senate: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco declined to say Thursday when she will send the House article of impeachment against former President Donald Trump to the Senate. She said shes speaking to Senate managers about when they will be ready to launch a trial on whether to convict Trump for inciting insurrection in the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol  and that shes ready when they are. She also said she had been in a session about the physical and psychological trauma for Capitol staff and members who endured the assault: The violation of property, with Capitol offices and artifacts smashed and ravaged, she said, was only part of the damage inflicted by the riot.

6:55 a.m. Biden to sign 10 pandemic-related executive orders Thursday: President Joe Biden is expected to sign 10 executive orders and other memos Thursday meant to redirect the countrys efforts to beat back the pandemic, according to The Washington Post. The orders will include directives to expand testing, strengthen data collection and to get more money to states for localized responses.

6:39 a.m. $400 a week? What you need to know about economic relief under President Biden: Nearly 8 million people who have lost work in the pandemic currently depend on Californias unemployment system. Another 181,576 Californians filed claims in the first week of January, a 13% increase from the week before that underscored the damage the resurgent pandemic has done to the states economy.Many of those state residents are wondering what unemployment assistance is available to them now  and what may become available if President Biden persuades Congress to pass a new relief bill, as hes said he hopes to do. The Chronicles Annie Vainshtein breaks down the basis here.

Updates from Wednesday, Jan. 20:

7:55 p.m. To me, words matter, says poet Amanda Gorman after standout Inauguration Day poem: Amanda Gorman, a 22-year-old poet from Los Angeles told CNNs Anderson Cooper Wednesday night that she felt so overjoyed and so grateful and so humble after delivering her inauguration poem at President Bidens swearing in ceremony. She said she wrote it after researching past inauguration poems as well as speeches from healing orators like President Abraham Lincoln. The Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol had a big impact on her process, she said:. It energized me to believe that much more firmly in a message of hope ... To me, words matter, Gorman said, adding the power of words has been misappropriated. in the past few years.

7:30 p.m. Three former presidents urge unity on Inauguration Day: Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton called for unity in a three-minute video in the Celebrating America inaugural special after President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris inauguration ceremony. The bipartisan trio of former presidents all wished Biden well at the helm and touched on the tradition of peaceful transfers of power on Inauguration Day. The fact that the three of us are standing here talking about a peaceful transfer of power speaks to the institutional integrity of our country, Bush said. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, said there would be less division in American society if people would love their neighbors like theyd like to be loved themselves. Bush added that he is pulling for Bidens success in office, saying Bidens success means success for the country. Obama recalled the grace and generosity that Bush showed him and his family during his own transfer of power, saying that It was a reminder, that we can have a fierce disagreements and yet recognize each others common humanity and that, as Americans, we have more in common than what separates us. Clinton said, We are both trying to come back to normalcy, deal with totally abnormal challenges, and do what we do best, which is try to make a more perfect union. Its an exciting time.

6:18 p.m. State Senate GOP leader who retweeted insurrection falsehood is ousted: State Sen. Shannon Grove, who drew criticism after she promoted a conspiracy theory that Antifa activists attacked the U.S. Capitol, will be replaced as the Republican leader in the California Senate. The story is here.

4:13 p.m. Pro-Trump forces in Sacramento disappointed by small showing: Followers of the former president who gathered at the state Capitol on Wednesday hoping to join a final show of support for instead found themselves far outnumbered by counter-protesters and law enforcement officers. The story is here.

3:32 p.m. I will fire you on the spot: President Biden in his first address to his new staff  delivered to them in their remote locations  sternly warned the White House and agency aides that if he ever found them talking down to anyone, I will fire you on the spot. Everyone, he said, must be treated with dignity and decency. Thats been missing in the last four years. After swearing in the governments new workers, he added, As my mother would say, God love you all. Weve got a lot of work to do.

3:25 p.m. Biden puts Cesar Chavez bust in Oval Office: Photos of President Joe Biden sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office reveal that he has placed a bust of the late California farmworker-rights hero Cesar Chavez at the center of a table with family photos right behind him. Across from Bidens desk is a massive portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, an earlier president who entered office facing enormous challenges.

3:18 p.m. Mayor Breed lauds Bidens urgency on Paris Climate Accord: San Francisco Mayor London Breed on Wednesday welcomed President Bidens move putting the nation back into the Paris Climate Accord on his first day in office. We lost precious time in the fight against climate change when the Trump Administration withdrew from the agreement and rolled back critical environmental policies and regulations, Breed tweeted. But cities, including San Francisco, never stopped working towards aggressive greenhouse gas emission reductions. We saw our emissions decline dramatically alongside significant economic growth. A better environment and a strong economy can and must go together.

3:10 p.m. Biden inks order with U.S. rejoining Paris Climate Accord as of today: In one of several executive actions on his first day in office, President Biden signed an order having the United States rejoin the Paris Climate Accord, reversing former President Donald Trumps withdrawal. Were gonna rejoin the Paris Climate Accord as of today, Biden said from behind his desk, a stack of bound executive orders beside him.

3:09 p.m. Biden says Trump left very generous note: President Joe Biden told reporters on his first day in the Oval Office that former President Donald Trump had left him a very generous letter in the Resolute desk. He declined to reveal the contents, saying he would only do that after talking to Trump first. Trump never congratulated Biden on his election victory or even officially conceded his own loss. But when Trump took office four years ago, he spoke glowingly of the eloquent note left to him by outgoing President Barack Obama.

3 p.m. Biden targets hate groups: Signalling the new national priorities his White House will emphasize, President Joe Biden in his inaugural address said, we must confront and we will defeat the racism, nativism, fear, demonization, that propelled an overwhelmingly white, pro-Trump mob who assaulted the U.S. Capitol. They carried symbols and slogans of hate, including the Confederate battle flag and clothing with Nazi death camp insignia. A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us, Biden said. A cry that cant be any more desperate or any more clear.

2:37 p.m. Proud Boys organizer arrested: Two Florida men, including a self-described organizer for the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, were arrested Wednesday for taking part in the Jan. 6 violent siege of the U.S. Capitol, the Associated Press reported. Joseph Biggs, 37, was part of a crowd that overwhelmed Capitol Police officers on the steps of the Capitol, according to an arrest affidavit. Authorities said,Jesus Rivera, 37, uploaded a video to Facebook showing himself in the U.S. Capitol crypt.

2:16 p.m. Harris swears in new senators: The U.S. Senate has officially switched to Democratic control, following the swearing-in of Georgias Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff on Wednesday, officially giving Democrats control of the chamber. They were sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, one of her first official acts. Harris, who resigned her Senate seat to be vice president, also swore in her replacement: Democrat Alex Padilla, Californias first Latino senator.

2:10 p.m. Out with the old: As Donald Trump and Mike Pence left office Wednesday, their portraits disappeared from the walls of many federal courthouses, including two in San Francisco. Public information officers at the U.S. District Court building at 450 Golden Gate Ave. and the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at 95 Seventh St. said pictures of Trump and Pence were taken down Wednesday morning. As to their successors, it could be a month or two before the portraits of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris arrive in San Francisco, District Court spokesman Nicholas Jackson said.

1:38 p.m. Clyburn says Bush called him a savior for helping Biden win: As they watched President Joe Biden take the oath of office Wednesday, former Republican President George W. Bush lauded Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., as a savior for helping get Biden elected, Clyburn later told reporters. Clyburn is largely credited with giving Biden the endorsement he needed to win the Democratic primary. Clyburn said Bush told him, youre the savior, because if you had not nominated Joe Biden, we would not be having this transfer of power today. He said Bush added that Biden was the only candidate he felt could have defeated President Donald Trump.

1:32 p.m. Getting to work: Vice President Kamala Harris heard a journalists question shouted as she walked into the White House on Wednesday. Asked what was her priority now, she yelled, Getting to work, CNN reported.

1:20 p.m. Biden prays for pandemic victims: The most powerful moment of Joe Bidens inaugural address was one when he fell silent, The Chronicles Joe Garofoli writes. In what he called his first act as president, Biden asked for a moment of silence to offer a silent prayer for the more than 400,000 Americans who have died of COVID-19.

1:11 p.m. Madam Vice President!: Reporters shouts to get the attention of Vice President Kamala Harris as she walked toward the White House underscored the history-making election of the daughter of Oakland, the first woman and first person of color in the nations second-highest elected office. Madam Vice President! they shouted  for the first time in U.S. history  after she and her family got out of their motorcade and walked the last stretch of the route from the Capitol. Harris waved and grinned behind her face mask at the few spectators along the sidewalks, who were mainly security, journalists and a few dignitaries.

12:51 p.m. Hail to the Chief: President Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden and their extended family stepped out of their motorcade Wednesday for a surprise walk along the last few hundred yards of their route from the Capitol to the White House. A jubilant Biden ran over to greet someone in the media area, and reportedly said, Keep doing what youre doing, a moment that could not more clearly mark the radical turn from the Trump era. Biden also walked over to greet Washingtons Mayor Muriel Bowser along the sidelines before walking up the long driveway along the North Lawn to the White House. He and Jill Biden turned and stood at the door where they were saluted by the playing of the presidential anthem Hail to the Chief.

12:19 p.m. Robot-car expert gets Trump pardon: Anthony Levandowski, a leading expert in robot-car technology who was convicted of stealing trade secrets from Google, was pardoned by Donald Trump in the final hours of his presidency. U.S. District Judge William Alsup said in August that the star engineer had committed the biggest trade secret crime I have ever seen and sentenced Levandowski to 18 months in prison. Levandowski now wont spend a day in prison, as the sentence had been delayed because of the pandemic. Read the story here.

12:15 p.m. Trump directs Secret Service protection to cover extended family: Before leaving office, former President Donald Trump instructed that his extended family get the best security available in the world for six months, at no cost to them the protection of the U.S. Secret Service, the Washington Post reports. Three people briefed on the plan told the Post that Trump issued a directive to extend Secret Service protection to 13 of his family members who were not automatically entitled to receive it. Under federal law, Trump, his wife, Melania, and their 14-year-old son are the only family members entitled to that protection after he leaves office.

12:09 p.m. Jimmy Carter not there, but not forgotten: President Joe Biden saluted former President Jimmy Carter during his inaugural address, saying he spoke to the former president on Tuesday night. Carter, 96, had announced that he was unable to attend the inauguration. Biden thanked the three former presidents who attended, saying, I thank them from the bottom of my heart, and I know the resilience of our Constitution and strength of our nation, as does President Carter, who I spoke with last night, who cannot be here with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.

12:05 p.m. Trump pardoned former Detroit mayor: Before leaving office Wednesday former President Donald Trump on cleared the way for the release of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who has served more than seven years of a 28-year prison sentence for a series of corruption crimes. The announcement came in a flurry of clemency actions that benefited more than 140 people, including rappers, former members of Congress and other Trump allies.

11:57 a.m. Historic image of Harris gets social media buzz: Among compelling photos of Inauguration Day, historic and meaningful images of Kamala Harris becoming vice president made the rounds of social media, shared widely especially by Bay Area residents applauding the Oakland native. Many snapped pictures of their television screens or computers, sharing emotional thoughts of a historic moment.

11:48 a.m. Biden and Harris lay wreath at military cemetery: President Joe Biden, no doubt thinking emotionally of his beloved late son Beau Biden, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from the capital, as part of Wednesdays inaugural activities. Beau Biden, who served in the military, died of cancer. Biden saluted and Vice President Kamala Harris held her hand over her heart as Taps was played.

11:42 a.m. Harris uses two Bibles for swearing-in: Vice President Kamala Harris placed her hand on two Bibles to take the oath of office. One, the same Bible she used when being sworn in as California attorney general and U.S. senator, was a nod to her upbringing in the East Bay. It belonged to Regina Shelton, a neighbor who became like a second mother to Harris. The second Bible belonged to Justice Thurgood Marshall, the seminal civil rights lawyer and first Black Supreme Court justice.

11:01 a.m. Biden takes over @POTUS account, without Trumps millions of followers: President Bidens Twitter account  @PresElectBiden  transformed into @POTUS following his inauguration Wednesday. Twitter archived former President Donald Trumps account as @POTUS45, without carrying Trumps followers over to Bidens account. Twitter said that gives users a choice of whether to follow the new government accounts. However, former President Barack Obamas folllowers were included when Trump took over the @POTUS account four years ago and Twitter had a different process. Trump preferred to use his personal account @realDonaldTrump as the main funnel for his many grievances and falsehoods  many flagged as disputed by Twitter in recent months  and that account was banned earlier this month after the Capitol riot.

10:34 a.m. Parting truths from enemies of the people: The New York Times marked Donald Trumps White House exit with an exhaustive project documenting every person or entity he had insulted on Twitter before his accounts suspension on Jan. 8. The Washington Post updated its count of lies and misstatements by Trump: 30,534 heading into his last day as president.

10:30 a.m. President Biden sends first tweet on newly-reset @POTUS account: President Biden sent out his first tweet on his new @POTUS Twitter account after his inauguration Wednesday. The president said there was no time to waste in tackling the multiple crises affecting the nation. Thats why today, I am heading to the Oval Office to get right to work delivering bold action and immediate relief for American families, he tweeted. Twitter became former President Donald Trumps main method of communicating with his millions of followers, and a funnel for his many falsehoods and personal grievances.

10:15 a.m. Scared off by massive show of deterrent force?: Calm prevailed outside heavily fortified state capitol buildings across the U.S. as Joe Biden was sworn in as president Wednesday, after the FBI warned of possible armed demonstrations following former President Donald Trumps repeated, false claims of a stolen election. The Associated Press reports that fewer than a half-dozen demonstrators showed up outside the capitols in Concord, N.H., and in Lansing, Mich., where lawmakers had canceled a Wednesday session out of caution. A lone protester was outside the Capitol in Sacramento.

10:07 a.m. California poet delivers inaugural poem: Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman of Los Angeles summoned images dire and triumphant Wednesday as she told the world even as we grieved, we grew. In language referencing Biblical scripture and at times echoing the oratory of John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Gorman, 22, read with urgency and assertion, asking Where can we find light/In this never-ending shade? The poems very title, The Hill We Climb, suggested both labor and transcendence. She had told the Associated Press she planned a message of hope without ignoring the evidence of discord and division, and after the siege of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, and felt a wave of energy to finish the poem. Read more here.

9:57 a.m. Harris champions Black American designer: Vice President Kamala Harris selected an outfit from Christopher John Rogers, a Black designer of Los Angeles, to wear at her official swearing-in on Wednesday. She accented her two-button purple overcoat and dress with a black mask and pointy black heels. Harris husband Doug Emhoff wore acclaimed American designer Ralph Lauren. The nod to American design marked a return to Michelle Obamas celebration of American designers, while Melania Trump often chose foreign couture.

9:51 a.m. Harris sees off Pence: Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff escorted outgoing Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen down the grand Capitol steps in a formal send-off, sharing a laugh with the Republican couple before they drove off to private life. The courtesy goodbye ritual normally features the new president seeing off the outgoing president, but that tradition was upended by former President Donald Trumps refusal to even attend the inauguration in his continued pique over his loss.

9:50 a.m. One Trump supporter at California Capitol: At the State Capitol in Sacramento, a lone Trump supporter wearing a red MAGA hat protested as President Biden took the oath of office Wednesday. Joe, 72 of Brentwood, refusing to give his last name, said he expected more Trump supporters would come later in the day. The way theyve got so many National Guard here, I think a lot of people are nervous, he said. But Im here, thats all that counts. Amid warnings of armed protests, the Capitol building remained under the protection of hundreds of Guard troops and law enforcement officers. The perimeter of the complex was sealed off by a 6-foot chain-link fence. Joe said he was happy to see Democrats worried about possible civil unrest: I like to see the governor nervous. That makes me happy.

9:36 a.m. Bernie makes fashion statement: Sen. Bernie Sanders, never to be accused of haute couture, lit up the Twitter world by showing up for Wednesdays inauguration ceremonies wearing his signature beige parka and what can only be described as a very Vermont-ish pair of bulky, warm-looking mittens in bold black, tan, and white knit. Social media approved, and memes of course ensued.

9:18 a.m. Garth Brooks sings Amazing Grace: Singer Garth Brooks, without his trademark cowboy hat, treated the inaugural ceremony to a moving version of Amazing Grace and called on those present to join in on a last chorus. With everyones face covered by masks, it was impossible to know who complied. Aerial TV shots of the inauguration showed how pared down the ceremony was with a stunning array of socially-distanced chairs for the comparatively few attendees spread below the also-distanced seating where dignitaries sat at the top of the Capitol stairs.

9:15 a.m. Trump pardons Florida man in college admission scandal: A prominent Miami developer and investor who was among a slew of wealthy parents charged with paying hefty bribes to get their children into elite universities was pardoned early Wednesday by outgoing President Donald Trump. Federal prosecutors in Boston accused Robert Zangrillo of paying $250,000 to get his daughter into the University of Southern California in 2018.

9:04 a.m. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge: In a full-throated plea for unity in a nation riven by tumult and political hatred, President Biden on Wednesday called on Americans to meet this moment as the United States of America, to show tolerance, humility, respect and openness to differences of opinion. Lets start afresh, all of us, he said in his inaugural speech. Lets begin to listen to one another again, hear one another ... show respect for one another. He added, Politics doesnt have to be a raging fire. ... Stop the shouting. And in an inferred reference to the many falsehoods spewed by former President Donald Trump, Biden said its time to reject manufactured facts as part of the healing process. My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this. America has to be better than this.

9:02 a.m. Acting attorney general resigns following presidential transfer of power: Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosens resignation was effective Wednesday when President-elect Joe Biden took the oath of office, according to CNN. Rosen has led the Justice Department since Attorney General William Barr resigned on Dec. 23. Rosen did not appoint special counsels to investigate false allegations of voter fraud during his nearly month-long tenure despite pressure from President Donald Trump. Monty Wilkinson, a Justice Department lawyer, is expected to be acting attorney general until Bidens nominee Merrick Garland is confirmed.

8:54 a.m. Democracy has prevailed, Biden says: In his inaugural address, President Biden said, The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. He also said, Weve learned again that democracy is precious and democracy is fragile. ... At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed. On a sunny cold Washington day, he declared from the Capitol steps that the nation will defeat domestic terrorism and white supremacy.

8:50 a.m. So help me, God Biden is president: Joseph Robinette Biden, the former vice president and veteran of the halls of Congress, took the oath of office Wednesday just before 9 a.m., to become the nations 46th president. He was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

8:41 a.m. Pop star J-Lo sings America the Beautiful: J-Lo, singing an America the Beautiful- This Land is Your Land medley at Joe Bidens inauguration, also yelled, Justica para todos!

8:41 a.m. Harris takes oath: Kamala Harris was sworn in Wednesday as the nations vice president, the first person of color to hold the role. She recited the oath with her hand on a pair of Bibles, sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

7 a.m. Gaga sings national anthem: Lady Gaga, in a dress with a voluminous red, full-lenth skirt and a huge dove broach, belted out the National Anthem, from the Capitol inaugural platform, as part of Wednesdays ceremony. Zoomed-out shots of the Capitol showed the how sparsely populated the event was compared to non-pandemic times.

8:27 a.m. Harris wants to focus on the bright side: Despite the horrors of the deadly siege on the Capitol  that shook but did not derail American democracy  Kamala Harris says focus should be on the bright spots. Its like when you see a rainbow, Harris told The Chronicle ahead of her inauguration as vice president.. No one ever looks at a rainbow and then just keeps going. If you have anyone around you, you say, Look at the rainbow, right? Well, look at Jan. 5. when a Black Baptist preacher and a Jewish man were elected to the U.S. Senate from Georgia. Or even bringing it back to me. Look at the fact that in the midst of all that we have seen and experienced over these last few years, that America ... elected on their top ticket a woman for the first time ... who also happens to be a woman of color.

8:22 a.m. Biden, Obama warmth on display: Joe Biden, eyes crinkling in a broad smile behind his black face mask, walked to his former boss, Barack Obama, for a hearty fist bump after he and his wife Jill Biden stepped onto the Capitol inaugural platform where Biden was to become the nations 46th president.

8:11 a.m. Harris enters to cheers: Incoming Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, who will be a historic second gentleman as the spouse of the vice president, received applause and cheers entering the outdoor VIP seating area at the Capitol on Wednesday. In contrast to the horrifying images of the violent pro-Trump mob that breached the Capitol Jan. 6 and tried to disrupt the election certification, many civil rights veterans and scholars say Harris ascendancy as a person of color should be the focus, a bright light for progress and cause for optimism. Read The Chronicles story from Tal Kopan here.

8:05 a.m. Pence attends inauguration: Vice President Mike Pence, as promised and in contrast to his boss Donald Trump, showed up on Inauguration Day to witness the swearing-in of Joe Biden. With his wife Karen Pence, he entered the VIP seating area at the Capitol to bipartisan applause. Pence after the election had echoed Trumps challenges to the validity of the ballotting.

7:45 a.m. Hero Capitol police officer appointed acting House Sergeant at Arms: Eugene Goodman, the Capitol Police officer who led pro-Trump rioters away from the Senate chamber during the Jan. 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol, was tapped to escort Kamala Harris at the inauguration as the new acting deputy House Sergeant at Arms, according to CBS News. Goodman was greeted by hearty applause when he was announced and entered the VIP seating area Wednesday.

7:53 a.m. Bomb threat called in to Supreme Court building: A bomb thread was called into the Supreme Court building Wednesday, according to CNN. The building was not being evacuated, however.

7:51 a.m. Former presidents enter to applause: Former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and George W. Bush, with their spouses Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, entered the inauguration outdoor VIP seating area to applause from dignitaries on Wednesday. The attendance of the former presidents is a tradition that solidifies the nations confidence and commitment to a peaceful transfer of power and has been a hallmark of U.S. democracy. The absence of a defiant President Trump was made more glaring by the sight of the other presidents mingling in the bipartisan political crowd.

7:46 a.m. Dan Quayle says its important to show up: Former Vice President Dan Quayle, a Republican, arrived for Democrat Joe Bidens inauguration Wednesday, and told Fox News that Its important to show up, to show bipartisanship and for Democrats and Republicans to work for the good of the country.

7:35 a.m. Trump vows to be back in some form: Have a good life; we will see you soon, President Trump told supporters at Joint Base Andrews as he left Wednesday for Florida. Trump spoke off the cuff, discarding a prepared statement and ignoring advisers who thought he should have thanked his successor Joe Biden by name. We were not a regular administration, Trump said, in a truncated version of his self-aggrandizing campaign rally speech, to mostly maskless audience. We will be back in some form, he said. He away from his last appearance as president to the strains of Y.M.C.A. by the Village People, a staple of his campaign rallies.

7:28 a.m. Biden and Harris arrive for swearing-in: Californias Kamala Harris, standing out in a deep purple fitted coat, ascended the grand Capitol stairway Wednesday morning with President-elect Joe Biden, and their spouses, for their inauguration Wednesday. The day marks the nations first swearing-in of a woman vice president, and the first vice president of color. Harris was to be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

7:24 a.m. Warriors present Harris with commemorative jersey: The Golden State Warriors presented Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with her own jersey ahead of Wednesdays inauguration. The back of the jersey read Madame VP, and she was designated as No. 49. The presentation of the jersey accompanied an inspirational video from the Warriors, highlighting Harris rise to the vice presidency as a daughter of Oakland.

7:19 a.m. Pence attends inauguration: Vice President Mike Pence arrived for Joe Bidens inauguration Wednesday morning, entering the Capitol building where just two weeks ago rioters roamed, screaming for his head with shouts of Hang Mike Pence! The mob echoed President Trumps anger with his longtime acolyte who refused Trumps demand that he block congressional certification of Joe Bidens election.

7:14 a.m. Stocks hit highs ahead of inauguration: The Nasdaq and S&P 500 surged to new highs and the Dow approached its previous record as traders looked ahead to Joe Bidens swearing-in as president. Wall Street is expecting a big economic stimulus to be one of the new administrations priorities.

7:03 a.m. Obamas arrive for inauguration: Former President Barack Obama, with his wife Michelle, arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday to witness the swearing in of his former vice president, Joe Biden, the victor over the man who relentlessly excoriated both of them, Donald Trump. Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, who beat Trump in the popular vote but lost to him in the Electoral College count in 2016, also entered the Capitol for the solemn occasion. The arrival of Trumps nemeses for the traditional transfer-of-power contrasted with his own petulant refusal to attend.

6:53 a.m. Trump follows at least one presidential tradition: The White House says President Trump left behind a note for his successor, Joe Biden, whose name he has not publicly uttered as having vanquished him from the presidency. Deputy press secretary Judd Deere declined to reveal what Trump wrote. The traditional note contrasts with Trumps refusal to attend Bidens inauguration or invite the president-elect the White House after Biden won the election, or on Inauguration Day. Trump four years ago gushed about the thoughtful note President Barack Obama had left him as Trump began his presidency.

6:16 a.m. Donald Trump departs White House: The outgoing president left the White House on Marine One Wednesday for the last time as president, leaving behind a legacy of chaos and a bitterly divided nation riven by an ongoing pandemic, the Associated Press reported.

6:13 a.m. Biden promises a return to normalcy. Is America ready to go there?: Many Americans will exhale at 9 a.m Wednesday, relieved to have survived the Donald Trump presidency. Four years of chaos and lies and the presidential encouragement of Americas most malevolent elements will end when Joe Biden takes the oath of office. But is America ready for what Biden promised: a return to normalcy? Read the full story from The Chronicles Joe Garofoli here.

Updates from Tuesday, Jan. 19:

10:30 p.m. Trump pardons Steve Bannon, Elliott Broidy, others before leaving office, reports say: On his last full day in office, President Trump on Tuesday granted clemency to his former chief strategist Steve Bannon, one of his former campaign fundraisers, Elliott Broidy, and scores of others. The pardons come in the tail-end hours of his one-term presidency.

5:55 p.m. Newsom says new day ahead for the U.S.: Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Twitter that, Tomorrow, we take in a big, deep breath of fresh air as we turn the page and welcome our next President Joe Biden on Inauguration Day. Newsom said California has been involved in more than 100 lawsuits against the Trump administration. Clean air, clean water, clean cars, issues related to health, issues of immigration. Across the spectrum our values have been under assault in the last four years, Newsom said. Now, all of those head winds are going to be tail winds. A completely different mindset. Not a closed fist, but an open hand. Not a sparring partner, now a working partner with the new Biden administration, Newsom said. So heres looking forward to tomorrow and a new day for the United States and the state of California.

4:50 p.m. CEO of Santa Clara Countys transportation agency accepts role in Biden Administration: Nuria Fernandez, the general manager and chief executive officer of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has stepped down from her helm to join the Biden Administration in the U.S. Department of Transportation. Fernandezs new role at the department has not been announced. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said on Tuesday that Fernandezs leadership has prodded the VTA to break out of conventional, rigid thinking, and shes been a wonderfully collaborative and insightful colleague. Im particularly grateful for her work in enabling the BART extension  the largest public works project in our Countys history  to proceed over, through, and around the many obstacles that have been put in the projects path. Liccardo said he was heartened to know that our President Biden can recognize talent and competence when he sees it, and Nuria Fernandez will leave big shoes to fill.

3:40 p.m. S.F. law enforcement beefing up for Inauguration Day: San Francisco sheriffs deputies will have an increased presence on Joe Bidens Inauguration Day, and are set up to protect San Franciscos City Hall, all public buildings and resources, and the people who work in these buildings, officials said. Officials dont expect unrest, but tweeted they are prepared to respond and protect the publics safety as necessary.

3:30 p.m. Trump farewell message says his movement just starting: President Trump on Tuesday released an unrepentant farewell video to the nation, touting his accomplishments, saying we did what we came here to do and so much more. Even as he leaves office with a dismal approval rating, and on a day when the nation crossed the dark milestone of 400,000 coronavirus deaths, he praised his record on dealing with the pandemic. This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous, he said, never mentioning the name of the successor who defeated him, President-elect Joe Biden. As I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning. Theres never been anything like it.

3:22 p.m. Biden urges healing and remembrance of lives lost to pandemic: President-elect Joe Biden, in somber remarks at his Washington, D.C., COVID-19 memorial event, told Americans that To heal, we must remember. Its hard sometimes to remember. But thats how we heal. Standing at the base of the Lincoln Memorial, Biden said, Its important to do that as a nation. Thats why were here today. Between sundown and dusk, let us shine the lights in the darkness along the sacred pool of reflection and remember all whom we lost.

3:14 p.m. Advisers talked Trump out of pardoning himself, report says: Several lawyers apparently convinced President Trump that the pre-emptive pardons he once hoped to bestow upon his family and even himself would place him in a legally perilous position, convey the appearance of guilt and potentially make him more vulnerable to reprisals, according to CNN. He was also warned that pardoning Republican lawmakers who had sought pardons for their role in the Capitol insurrection would anger Senate Republicans who would determine his fate in an impeachment trial.

2:44 p.m. Empire State Building glows red: The Empire State Building in Manhattan was lit up in red in in conjunction with a unique lighting ceremony that President-elect Joe Biden held at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool to honor the 400,000 U.S. victims who lost their lives to COVID-19. Other buildings throughout the nation, including in the Bay Area, also were participating in the lighting tribute.

2:30 p.m. Harris at coronavirus event in capital calls for new wisdom: Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, at a solemn COVID-19 memorial in Washington with President-elect Joe Biden, called on Americans to open our hearts just a little bit more to one another using the wisdom gained during the pandemic. Tonight we grieve and begin healing together, she said. We the American people are united in spirit. The twilight memorial honoring those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus was held at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool shortly after Biden and Harris arrived in the capital for Wednesdays inauguration.

1:33 p.m. Poll shows positive views of Biden: President-elect Joe Biden will take office Wednesday facing high expectations and 66% approval of the way he has handled the transition, according to a new CNN Poll conducted by SSRS. But negative perceptions of how things are going in the U.S. are at the highest level since 2009. Bidens favorability rating has climbed to 59%, from 52% in October. Meanwhile, 70% disapprove of President Trumps combative handling of the transition period, and 66% disapprove of Republicans in Congress. About half (51%) approve of the way Democrats in Congress have handled it.

1:25 p.m. Biden arrives at security-blanketed capital: President-elect Joe Biden flew to Andrews military airbase just outside Washington on Tuesday and boarded motorcade to the fortress-fortified capital city where he will be inaugurated on Wednesday as the nations 46th president. Major roads and bridges around the city were astonishingly empty, blocked off as some 25,000 National Guard troops stood guard and the Capitol, White House and National Mall were wrapped in a maze of barricades and tall fencing.

1:05 p.m. Trump impeachment backers cite 1876 precedent: Defenders of President Trump argue that the Constitution does not allow the Senate to conduct an impeachment trial of him after he no longer holds office  which will be Wednesday. But the Congressional Research Service reports that most scholars who have examined the issue have concluded the Senate could hold a trial, and their leading example is the 1876 Belknap case. Read the details here.

12:45 p.m. A dozen National Guard members now pulled from inauguration: Twelve U.S. Army National Guard members now have been removed from the presidential inauguration security mission after they were found to have ties with right-wing militia groups or posted extremist views online, two U.S. officials told the Associated Press. There was no threat to President-elect Joe Biden, they said. Their removal comes as the FBI worked to vet all of the 25,000 Guard troops called to help secure Bidens inauguration Wednesday.

12:09 a.m. Feinstein defends GOP senators right to object to election: California Sen. Dianne Feinstein defended Republican senators who objected to Electoral College results and downplayed the importance of an upcoming impeachment trial for President Trump, diverging from her Democratic colleagues. The story is here.

12:01 a.m. S.F. chief says no signs of political unrest: Police Chief William Scott said Tuesday that San Francisco has had no credible notifications of major protests or political unrest in the run-up to President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration Wednesday. We will be prepared for everything and anything, he said. At SFPD, we have canceled discretionary days off. We will have additional police deployed. He urged San Franciscans not to gather in large gatherings in public, but to celebrate inauguration day at home, to avoid transmitting the coronavirus.

11:05 a.m. First conspiracy charge levied in Capitol siege: U.S. authorities have leveled the first conspiracy charge against an apparent leader of an extremist group in the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol: They arrested an alleged Oath Keeper, Thomas Edward Caldwell, 66, of Clarke County, Va., who is accused of plotting to disrupt the counting of electoral votes confirming Joe Bidens victory and proposing further assaults on state capitols, news accounts say. A charging affidavit says he helped organize a group of eight to 10, including self-styled Ohio militia members apprehended Sunday, who wore helmets and military-style gear and led the move against police lines.

10:30 a.m. Biden pick for intel chief vows politics-free zone: President-elect Joe Bidens nominee to lead the intelligence community, Avril Haines, promised Tuesday to speak truth to power and keep politics out of intelligence agencies. Her remarks implied a departure from President Trumps record of pressuring intelligence officials to shape their analysis to his liking. When it comes to intelligence, there is simply no place for politics  ever, she told the Senate Intelligence Committee.

10:20 a.m. Field of Flags to represent missing inauguration crowd: The Presidential Inaugural Committee has covered Washingtons National Mall with 191,500 flags ahead of Joe Bidens inauguration. The Field of Flags represents Americans who were unable to travel to Washington, D.C. for Inauguration Day due to the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing security threats around the ceremony.

9:43 a.m. The mob was fed lies, McConnell says: Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, in his harshest-yet rebuke of President Trump, said Tuesday that the president provoked the violent mob that stormed the Capitol. The mob was fed lies, McConnell said in remarks to the Senate. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people, and they tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding of branch of the federal government, the certification of Joe Bidens presidential victory. He vowed a safe and successful inauguration of Biden on Wednesday. McConnell has not yet said whether he would vote to convict Trump in a Senate impeachment trial.

9:15 a.m. Homeland Security nominee vows Capitol attack wont happen again: In opening remarks at his confirmation hearing, President-elect Joe Bidens nominee to lead Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, vowed to get to the bottom of the horrifying attack on the Capitol. He said if confirmed he would do everything possible to ensure the desecration of the building that stands as one of the three pillars of our democracy, and the terror felt by you, your colleagues, staff, and everyone present, will not happen again. Mayorkas testified before the Homeland Security Committee on the Senates first day back since the violent Jan. 6 Capitol siege.

8:50 a.m. Two National Guard members taken off inauguration security detail: Two U.S. Army National Guard members are being removed from the security mission to secure Joe Bidens presidential inauguration, the Associated Press reports. They were found to have ties to fringe right militia groups, an Army official and a senior U.S. intelligence official said.No plot against Biden was found.

8:25 a.m. Senate Democrats make sweeping democracy reform No. 1 bill: Incoming Senate Democratic leaders said Tuesday that their first bill will be the For The People Act, which passed the House in the previous Congress but stalled in the GOP-controlled Senate. The bill, widely endorsed by progressive and civil rights groups, includes, among other provisions, changes to voter registration requirements, more funding for election security, requirements for presidents and vice presidents to disclose their tax returns and new ethics rules for members of Congress.

7:44 a.m. New poll suggests Bidens political fate rides on pandemic response: Quelling the coronavirus and repairing its economic damage are Americans top priorities by far for President-elect Joe Bidens incoming administration, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Overall, 53% of Americans name COVID-19 as one of the top five issues they want the government to tackle this year, and 68% mention in some way the economy which has been battered by the pandemic.

7:32 a.m. Senate commmittes begin confirmation hearings: Confirmation hearings began in the Senate Tuesday morning for several of President-elect Joe Bidens Cabinet nominees, including those for the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense. After testifying and being approved by commitees, they will need approval in the full Senate to take up their posts in an administration facing a number of urgent must-do priorities.

7:25 a.m. Biden picks transgender person for health post: President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine to be his assistant secretary of health: She would be the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. A pediatrician and former Pennsylvania physician general, Levine was appointed to her current post by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in 2017.

7:11 a.m. Intel says far-right may pose as National Guard: The FBI warned law enforcement agencies Monday that far-right extremists have discussed posing as National Guard members in Washington and others have reviewed maps of vulnerable spots in the city  in potential efforts to disrupt Wednesdays inauguration, according to an intelligence report obtained by the Washington Post.

7:01 a.m. Who is Alex Padilla? Californias new senator has broken ground in state politics for two decades: When he heads to Congress as Californias newest senator, it will be a full-circle moment for Secretary of State Alex Padilla. After launching his career as an aide to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Los Angeles Democrat will now serve alongside the woman who gave him his first job in politics. Padilla has risen steadily through local and state elected office in the two decades since then, frequently breaking new political ground. He made history Tuesday when Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed him to fill the seat being vacated by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Padilla will be the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate. Read the full story here, and listen to The Chronicles Its All Political podcast interview with Padilla, recorded in October, here.

6:40 a.m. Giants owner Charles Johnson asks QAnon-backing Rep. Lauren Boebert for refunds: Giants owner Charles B. Johnson, criticized by many of the teams fans for supporting Rep. Lauren Boebert, said Monday night he asked for his and his wifes donations to be returned. In a statement released by the Giants, Johnson said he and his wife, Ann, also will request refunds from others who engaged in similar behavior. Boebert, a freshman House Republican from Colorado, has expressed her support for the QAnon conspiracy-theory group and tweeted about the location of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi amid the Jan. 6 violent attack on the U.S. Capitol building. Read the full story here:

Updates from Monday, Jan. 18:

3:37 p.m. Oakland and Scranton, PA, to raise Unity Flag: The cities where Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and President-elect Joe Biden were born will each raise a flag created by local artists Favianna Rodriguez and Ryan Hnat. The ceremony, happening simultaneously at Oaklands and Scrantons city halls, will be live-streamed on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at @LibbySchaaf and @Scranton_Mayor on Twitter.

2:53 p.m. Defense chief says no intel shows insider threat to Biden inauguration: Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller said Monday that law enforcement officials are vetting National Guard troops stationed in Washington, but that authorities have no intelligence indicating an insider threat to President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration Wednesday. As is normal for military support to large security events, the Department will vet National Guardsmen who are in Washington, D.C., Miller said in a statement reported by the Hill.

2:49 p.m. Pentagon rolling out troops, bomb experts amid reports of threats around inauguration: The Pentagon has authorized 750 active-duty troops for security related to President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration, to two defense officials told Politico. The service members deployed this week have expertise in chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological and explosive weapons, and include explosive ordnance disposal and medical teams skilled in trauma response, the news outlet said.

2:35 p.m. With Trump offline, falsehoods plummet: Online misinformation about election fraud plunged 73 percent after several social media sites suspended President Trump and key allies, according to San Francisco research firm Zignal Labs, underscoring the power of tech companies to limit the falsehoods poisoning public debate. Conversations about election fraud dropped from 2.5 million mentions to 688,000 mentions across several social media sites in the week after Trump was banned from Twitter, the Washington Post reported.

1:32 p.m. Trumps wont greet Bidens at White House: In the latest snub demonstrating President Trumps now-routine disdain for tradition, he and Melania Trump will leave the White House on Wednesday without inviting their incoming counterparts, Joe and Jill Biden, in for a courtesy get-together, CNN reports. The greeting is one of the more enduring transfer-of-power rituals  the outgoing president welcoming his successor at the North Portico, and then riding with him to the Capitol swearing-in. The Bidens will be greeted instead by a Trump-appointed chief usher, Timothy Harleth.

12:51 a.m. Capitol police only had enough officers on hand for a routine day: On the day that a mob of rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol building, Capitol police had only enough officers for a routine day, The Associated Press reported. Several officers the AP spoke to said they were given next to no warning by leadership about what would transpire on Jan. 6.

12:01 p.m. Gun sales spike, but more in spring than after election: More firearms were sold last year than in any previous year on record, the Washington Post reports. Gun sales spiked wildly in 2020, especially amid anxiety about the pandemic, job losses and summer protests. But despite the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol and warnings of subsequent attacks nationwide, government and industry data indicate that purchases soared last March and April, and peaked in July. High sales continued in November and December, but not near those earlier spikes.

11:52 a.m. Video from Capitol riot shows prayer moment: Videos that continue to emerge from the Jan. 6 pro-Trump riot show the angry mob ransacking the U.S. Capitol and, in one clip, a group of men with hands raised and clasped standing at the congressional dias invoking God. One loudly prayed thanks for allowing the U.S. government to be reborn. Videos also show rioters riffling through documents on the desks of members, one man muttering,  Theres gotta be something here we can use against these scumbags.

11:22 a.m. Suspected miltia members charged in Capitol riot: The Justice Department has charged suspected members of the Three Percenters, a militia group that emerged some years ago from the extremist wing of the gun-rights movement, and of the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group founded by law enforcement and military veterans, in the Jan. 6 attack on Congress, the New York Times reports. Donovan Crowl, 50, a former U.S. Marine, and Jessica Watkins, 38, an Army veteran, surrendered to authorities Sunday night in Ohio after publishing photos of themselves on social media wearing combat gear and saying that they had stormed the Capitol.

11:14 a.m. Harris rues two systems of justice: In a San Francisco Chronicle opinion piece as she leaves the Senate to become the nations vice president, Sen. Kamala Harris reflected on her tenure and on the state of the nation. This month, we witnessed something I thought I would never see in the United States: A mob breached the U.S. Capitol, trying to thwart the certification of the 2020 election results. The violence made clear that we have two systems of justice  one that failed to restrain the rioters on January 6 and another that released tear gas on non-violent demonstrators last summer, she wrote. These have not been easy times by any stretch.

9:30 a.m. Celebs join live-streamed Biden parade: A largely virtual, live-streamed parade after President-elect Joe Bidens swearing-in Wednesday will feature performances from all 56 U.S. states and territories, the inaugural committee announced Monday. It will feature actor Tony Goldwyn, who played a fictional president on ABCs Scandal, comedian Jon Stewart; musical acts New Radicals, Earth Wind & Fire, Nile Rodgers, Kathy Sledge and Andra Day; and Olympic athletes Nathan Chen, Allyson Felix and Katie Ledecky.

9 a.m. So-called Christian website said to fund, support extremists: A self-described Christian website, GiveSendGo, has become a refuge of sorts and fundraising site for the Proud Boys and other fringe groups, outcasts and conspiracy theorists promoting debunked claims of a fradulent election, a Washington Post investigation finds. Postings show at least $247,000 has been raised for 24 people  including at least eight members of the Proud Boys  who claimed online that the money was intended for travel, medical or legal expenses connected to Stop the Steal events, including President Trumps Jan. 6 rally that led to the deadly Capitol riot.

8:49 a.m. Github reverses firing of Jewish employee who called rioters Nazis: San Francisco tech firm Github, citing significant errors of judgment and procedure, apologized to an employee who was fired after reportedly posting stay safe homies, Nazis are about in a company Slack during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Some rioters wore Nazi symbols and references on clothing such as Camp Auschwitz. The company said its human resources head resigned on Saturday and it is in communication with the employees representative.

8:31 a.m. Trump said to nix Giuliani for trial: President Trumps personal lawyer, Rudolph Giuliani, is on the outs, at least in terms of being part of Trumps legal defense team for the Senate impeachment trial, a person close to Trump told the New York Times on Monday. Trump told Giuliani the news on Saturday night. It is unclear who will defending Trump, given that many attorneys have privately said they wont represent him.

8:22 a.m. Biden to cancel Keystone pipeline: President-elect Joe Biden on his first day in office is expected to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline permit  which was rejected by President Barack Obama but approved by President Trump  the New York Times reports, citing someone familiar with Bidens plan. The project to move oil from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico has been one of the most thorny issues in environmental friction over several years.

8:14 a.m. FBI investigates whether Pelosis laptop was stolen for sale to Russians: An FBI probe is looking into whether a woman stole a laptop or hard drive from House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office during the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol and intended to sell it to Russians, news accounts say. The FBIs claims stem from an affidavit in the criminal case against Riley June Williams, a Pennsylvania woman who allegedly participated in the riot.

8:06 a.m. Seek cover  Capitol complex locked down after fire: The Capitol complex in Washington was locked down on Monday after a fire at a homeless encampment , since extinguished  reflecting the high tension and security precautions amid threats of violence around Joe Bidens presidential inauguration on Wednesday. News accounts report lawmakers got an email alert saying there was no entry or exit from the complex as of 10:30 a.m. Those inside were instructed to stay away from exterior windows and doors. Those outside were ordered to seek cover.

7:56 a.m. Trump campaign staff shown as involved in pre-riot rally: An Associated Press review undercuts claims President Trumps rally that spawned the deadly Capitol riot was a grassroots event. Members of Trumps failed presidential campaign played key roles in orchestrating it, permit documentation shows, listing more than half a dozen people who just weeks earlier had been paid thousands of dollars by Trumps campaign. Other staff scheduled to be on site during the demonstration have close ties to the White House.

7:09 a.m. Biden picks consumer advocate Rohit Chopra to lead Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: President-elect Joe Biden has selected Rohit Chopra, now a member of the Federal Trade Commission, to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Politico reported.

6:45 a.m. GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes Twitter account suspended: Twitter suspended Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes account on Sunday for violating the companys civic integrity policy, NPR reported. That policy was updated in the wake of the Capitol riots and used to take down thousands of accounts amplifying the Qanon conspiracy theory, which Greene has repeatedly endorsed. The suspension was to last 12 hours.

6:28 a.m. Five ways Trump changed California  including one that helped Democrats: Donald Trump leaves office having changed a state that may have fought him harder than any other over the past four years, California. His immigration policies sharply restricted migration to the state and made it harder for Silicon Valley to bring in foreign talent. His rollback of environmental safeguards stalled efforts to fight climate change that threatens coastal cities. His presence rearranged the political scene, leading to California supplying the first woman elected on a presidential ticket and the first Latino to represent the state in the U.S. Senate being named to replace her. Read the full story from The Chronicles Joe Garofoli here:
ADVERTISEMENT

Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), a Non-governmental Organisation, has launched YVote Naija, a digital web platform aimed at increasing voters participation in electoral process in Nigeria.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported the level of political apathy that thrives in Nigeria regarding voters participation and also analysed its implications on the democratic process.

For instance, only nine per cent of eligible voters took part in a recent by-election in Lagos State, the worst in 11 states where by-elections were held.

Launch

Announcing the launch of the project in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, BBYDIs director, Abideen Olasupo, noted that democracy is built on the principle of participation where all citizens are expected to play active roles.

This, according to him, defines the art of nation-building where everyone is involved.

In a democratic country like Nigeria, one of the metrics of measuring our democratic status is highlighted by regular elections.

Since 1999 when the country returned to democracy, after a long hiatus with military rule, the country has held six elections. Some of the low points of these elections have been massive electoral apathy influenced by factors such as electoral violence, political thuggery, rigging, etc.

Nonetheless, elections are what determine the quality of leadership a country has. Growing political apathy harms the development of the country. This is one of the reasons why we have decided to launch YVoteNaija, he said.

He said YVoteNaija will use data and digital systems to increase voter participation in elections and create a culture of participatory democracy.

We set out to educate Nigerians on the need to actively participate in the electoral process. We shall also be advocating for free, fair and peaceful elections. The process of electing public officials must be transparent and citizens must exercise their franchise without fear.

This project will also address issues such as voter education, electoral violence, getting voters card and making the electoral laws accessible to more citizens. As the 2023 elections approach us, our mission is to play an active role in increasing participation in elections, especially among young people.

We will be working with various stakeholders including INEC, community-based organizations, religious institutions, youth led and women groups as well as the media to make this project a success. We will also fashion out ways to erase barriers to greater political participation. It is important we increase peoples participation in the electoral process and make it more meaningful.

He urged eligible voters who are yet to register to ensure they do so as INEC plans to resume its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the first quarter of this year.

We urge Nigerians of voting age who are yet to register to advantage of this opportunity to get registered and prepare to exercise their franchise when the need arises.
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a ruling party congress in Pyongyang, North Korea on Jan. 6, 2021. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

North Korea Threatens to Build More Nukes, Cites US Hostility

SEOUL, South KoreaNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un threatened to expand his nuclear arsenal as he disclosed a list of high-tech weapons systems under development, saying the fate of relations with the United States depends on whether it abandons its hostile policy, state media reported Saturday.

Kims comments during a key meeting of the ruling party this week were seen as applying pressure on the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, who has called Kim a thug and has criticized his summits with President Donald Trump.

The Korean Central News Agency quoted Kim as saying the key to establishing new relations between [North Korea] and the United States is whether the United States withdraws its hostile policy.

Kim said he wont use his nuclear weapons first unless threatened. He also suggested he is open to dialogue if Washington is too, but stressed North Korea must further strengthen its military and nuclear capability to cope with intensifying U.S. hostility.

Whoever takes office in the U.S., its basic nature and hostile policy will never change, he said.

Cheong Seong-Chang, a fellow at the Wilson Centers Asia Program, said Kims speech showed he has no interests in denuclearization talks with Biden if he insists that working-level negotiations must sort out contentious issues first.

President-elect Joe Biden delivers remarks in Wilmington, Del., on Jan. 7, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Kim didnt cite any specific provocative U.S. actions. North Korea has previously called regular U.S. military drills with South Korea an invasion rehearsal, though the allies have repeatedly denied that.

The North Korean leader listed sophisticated weapons systems that he said were under development. They include a multi-warhead missile, underwater-launched nuclear missiles, solid-fueled long-range missiles, and spy satellites. He said North Korea must also advance the precision attack capability on targets in the 15,000 kilometer (9,320 mile)-striking range, an apparent reference to the U.S. mainland, and develop technology to manufacture smaller nuclear warheads to be mounted on long-range missiles more easily.

The reality is that we can achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula when we constantly build up our national defense and suppress U.S. military threats, Kim said.

Its unclear if North Korea is capable of developing such systems. Its one of the worlds most cloistered countries, and estimates on the exact status of its nuclear and missile programs vary widely. In 2018, the South Korean government said North Korea was estimated to have up to 60 nuclear weapons.

What they want to tell the U.S. is were developing the new strategic weapons that you can see as the most intimidating. Do you want to come to the negotiating table? Choi Kang, vice president of Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said.

KCNA said Kims comments were made during the ruling Workers Party congress, the first in five years, from Tuesday to Thursday. He spoke for nine hours, the agency said.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, attends a ruling party congress in Pyongyang, North Korea on Jan. 6, 2021. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

The congress, the partys top decision-making body, is being held as Kim faces what appears to be the toughest moment of his nine-year rule due to blows to his already-fragile economypandemic-related border closings that have sharply reduced the Norths external trade, a spate of natural disasters last summer and U.S.-led sanctions.

During his opening-day speech, Kim called the difficulties the worst-ever and admitted his previous economic plans had failed. In his other comments reported Saturday, he called for building a stronger self-supporting economy and reducing reliance on imports under a new five-year development plan.

Since taking power in late 2011, Kim, who turned 37 on Friday, has pushed the so-called byungjin policy of simultaneously seeking economic growth and the expansion of his nuclear deterrent.

During this weeks speeches, Kim said North Korea will further boost ties with China, its biggest ally and economic lifeline but slammed South Korea for continuing the drills with the United States and introducing modern weapons.

South Koreas Unification Ministry responded that it hopes for the early resumption of North Korea-U.S. talks.

Kims speech foreshows the North Korean-U.S. relations wont be smooth in the next four years with Biden in office, said Nam Sung-wook, an expert on North Korea at Korea University in South Korea. We wont likely see big events and spectacles [like the Kim-Trump summits] for the time being.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they meet at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, in Panmunjom, South Korea on June 30, 2019. (KCNA via Reuters)

Epoch Times staff contributed to this report.
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.
Officials argue with villagers of Tallakunta thanda in Warangal Rural district but leave the place without being able to halt the marriage.  DC Image

WARANGAL: A team of officials who went to stop the wedding of an under-age girl in Tallakunta thanda under Wardhannapet mandal was turned away by villagers on Wednesday night. A crowd stopped the officials from reaching the house where the wedding ceremony for the 12-year-old girl was on.

The villagers got into an altercation with child protection officers, police and ICDS officials around 11pm. District child development officer (DCPO) G Mahender Reddy said the villagers paid no heed to the words of the officials and abused them.

Women ganged up against women officers and argued against any outside interference in the issue. They said it was the familys decision as to when their children should get married. There was high tension. The villagers were in a mood to defy the police, he said.

CDPO Padma, supervisor Hemalatha, Wardhannapet police sub-inspector Vamsi Krishna, child protection officer Raju and police constables left the village without being able to halt the marriage event.

The issue was reported to district collector M Haritha. A police case would be registered against the family members.

Wardhannapet sub-inspector Vamshi Krishna said a case under sections 186, 188 of the IPC and sections 9 and 10 of the Prevention of Child Marriage Act 2006 has been registered.
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.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds. Hot. High 93F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Another critically important piece is the power of personal stories to demonstrate the safety and importance of vaccination. If someone feels the vaccine is unsafe, tell them about someone in a similar situation who took the vaccine and is doing well. Frame the availability of the vaccination to certain groups as a mark of respect for their service to society, and use visible badges or bracelets to indicate to the public that youve been vaccinated because youre a first responder, or a patient-facing employee, or an essential worker. Celebrate and normalize vaccination.

A former student of mine was the leader of the polio eradication efforts in Nigeria. To build confidence in rural villages, he would first take the vaccine himself in front of everyone. Then the village elders would take it, and then the elders children. Only then would the rest of the villagers take it. Our personal stories and examples are really important.

3. What are other things to keep in mind when speaking with someone who isnt planning to be vaccinated?

Schulman: Be careful with numbers and statistics. It can be very challenging for many people to truly understand risks, odds ratios and other statistics that physicians are taught throughout medical school. Instead of talking about the rare risk of side effects, for example, convey concepts with analogies. If they want a guarantee that the vaccination will protect them from the disease, describe how the risk of contracting and dying from COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine is about the same as dying in a car crash. Its not zero, but its very unlikely.

Another strategy in framing the need for vaccination is to find a common enemy, such as poverty, unemployment or the lockdowns we are now experiencing. Regardless of our political views or our beliefs about the virus, we all want those to end. Dont talk down to them, or belittle them. Try to find a common ground.

Finally, its important to realize, as medical care providers, that we cant be falsely reassured that everyone out there feels the way we do about the availability of vaccination. There are a lot of people who say they probably wont or definitely wont get the vaccine. But we need these people too. How can we reach and reassure these folks as well?

4. What can medical institutions like Stanford Medicine do to help in this effort?

Schulman: Creating a visible symbol of vaccination, like a wearable badge or a digital stamp for social media or Zoom meetings, can help spread awareness and excitement about the vaccine. Its also important to gather and spread success stories on websites and across social media promoting the relief and increased freedom experienced by vaccine recipients. Its clear that misinformation and reports of adverse events spread rapidly over platforms like Twitter and Facebook, so its important to actively combat those with positive, personal stories.

Finally, we also need to be aware of the many different communities we serve, and choose analogies and stories that are statistically appropriate and resonate with each audience and their cultural background. Taking note of what is most successful for each group, and sharing that information among our physicians, would provide a valuable resource when speaking to patients about vaccination.

5. Are efforts to achieve adequate vaccination rates for COVID-19 likely to be an ongoing challenge?

Schulman: Absolutely. Its vital to be clear that we need to vaccinate somewhere between 80% and 90% of our population to stop the spread of this virus. Those rates may even be higher as the virus mutates and spreads more quickly. Until we get to that last mile, we are not done. This is not just a persuasive challenge but a logistical one. Even some people who are eager for the vaccine will not follow through unless it is easy and convenient to do so. As time goes on, we are going to have to do even more, not less. The last time we had a similarly urgent public messaging campaign was World War II, when we pulled out all the stops in terms of engagement of the whole population. Eradicating COVID-19 is going to take a communication effort of that scale to be successful.
Joe Biden says his overarching job will be to calm the nation after Donald Trump inspired a mob to overrun the Capitol  much like Gerald Ford sought to do when Richard Nixon resigned after the Watergate scandal.

My fellow Americans, Ford said after taking the oath of office in August 1974, our long national nightmare is over.

Biden said the Capitol attack will make it a lot easier for him to fulfill his campaign promise to heal the soul of the nation, because many Republicans have privately told him they were mortified by what happened.

But it wont be easier for Democrats to pass Bidens agenda simply because Republicans are fractured over Trumps role in the attack Wednesday and the vote to certify the election that followed it. Washington is still as divided as ever.

The world changed Tuesday, for sure, when Democrats swept two U.S. Senate races in Georgia to gain full control in Washington, said Jacob Rubashkin, an analyst with Inside Elections, a nonpartisan Washington political website.

But we still dont know how much the world changed Wednesday, he said. Thats still an open question.

John Hudak, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said that from a political perspective, the insurrection changed Washington. But from a policy perspective  not really.

Here are some of the factors standing in Bidens way:

Kumbaya moments rarely last: There is a long history of Washington partisans linking arms in solidarity briefly after a national tragedy. Key word: briefly.

Ten years ago, Washington lawmakers were shocked when Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot and badly wounded during a constituent event in her Arizona district. Days later, as a show of unity at the State of the Union address, lawmakers of the two parties sat next to each other in Congress instead of in their partisan half of the chamber, as is customary. Soon thereafter, they returned to their partisan corners.

There was no such display of temporary unity after Wednesdays attack. Instead, some lawmakers almost got into a fistfight on the House floor during a debate over Republican objections to accepting Pennsylvanias vote for Biden.

More than half of House Republicans voted not to certify the Electoral College results from Pennsylvania and Arizona. Many repeated the same falsehoods about a rigged election that drove the mobs insurrection hours earlier.

In the House, many of those freshman members got (elected) by exploiting divisions in the country, said Jessica Taylor, who analyzes Congress for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. Those attitudes are unlikely to soften when Biden is president, she said.

Democrats advantage is small: Biden plans to introduce the details of his coronavirus stimulus proposal within days. He said it would be in the trillions of dollars, without offering details.

But Bidens proposal wont become easier to pass just because Republicans are in disarray. Democrats hold the levers of power in Washington, but not by much. The Senate is evenly split, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris holding the tiebreaking vote, and Democrats are clinging to an 11-vote advantage in the House, the smallest for either party in 20 years.

One analyst cautioned Democrats against overreaching leftward.

The danger for the Biden team is if they come in and try to get as much as they can now without reaching across the aisle, said Mary Kate Cary, a top White House adviser to President George H.W. Bush who is now a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Miller Center at the University of Virginia. If they do that, theyre going to get a lot of backlash.

The backlash, Cary said, will come from voters who considered themselves the forgotten people, the ones who were left behind by both parties. Trump elevated them.

Biden believes that his long relationship with Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, the top Senate Republican, will enable him to work with the GOP and be a president, as he often says, for all Americans.

But hes facing a lot of pressure from progressives who worry that he will fritter away the short time that Democrats may hold the majority in pursuit of Republicans who want little to do with his agenda. Midterm elections are seldom kind to a new presidents party, and Democrats are approaching 2022 with anxiety.

Stronger moderates, tougher road: Partisan lines were immutable and rarely crossed during the Trump era. But it will be easier for Republicans to join with Democrats after Trump leaves the White House.

Trumps base just got a lot smaller (after the Capitol attack), and that changes the power dynamic in Congress, Cary said. It is splintered now. There will be people who will stick with him through this, but many wont. The center of gravity in the Senate is moving toward the middle.

Hudak, the Brookings Institution senior fellow, said that the most powerful man in the Senate right now is Joe Manchin.

The West Virginian is one of the last of his kind, a conservative Democrat. When he first ran for the Senate in 2010, he bragged that he would repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act and touted his endorsement from the National Rifle Association. In one commercial, he fired a shot through a copy of California Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxers cap-and-trade bill, intended to minimize climate change.

On Friday, the stock market dropped after a report that Manchin would oppose $2,000 direct payments as part of Bidens coronavirus aid package. An aide later walked back his remarks.

If Democrats really want something, they have to make it work for Joe Manchin, Hudak said.

That really narrows the window of what Biden could achieve in the near term.

Moderate Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine could also become more regular swing votes with Trump out of the picture. On Friday, Murkowski said she would support impeaching Trump.

Youre starting to see the battle lines where everyone stands now shift a little, said Rubashkin, the Inside Elections analyst. Things are fluid in a few places.

Where some people were in the Trump presidency, Rubashkin said, they wont be in the same place in a Biden presidency.

The big unknown remains how engaged the 74 million Americans who voted for Trump in 2020 will be this year  and whether they still will be as devoted to him after he leaves the White House.

A sizable portion of the population still believes that this election was stolen, Rubashkin said. This week showed what an incredibly difficult task Joe Biden has ahead of him.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
Mumbai: Sandhya Mridul, who will next be seen in Amazon Prime Video series Tandav, says her character in the show gave her the opportunity to tap into emotional and sensitive side of her personality. Created and directed by filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar, the nine-part political drama is set in Delhi and aims to take viewers inside the closed, chaotic corridors of power and uncover the manipulations, charades as well as the dark secrets of people who will go to any lengths in pursuit of power.

The show features an ensemble cast headlined by Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Kumud Mishra and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub. Mridul, known for movies such as Saathiya, Page 3 and Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd and Angry Indian Goddesses, essays the role of Professor Sandhya Nigam in the show.

The actor said that she often tries to find the thread to connect with her role and in case of Tandav, it was the sensitivity of Sandhya that spoke to her. Acting is never (about) a performance, it is about getting into a persons shoes. I dont know if I am crazy but there are so many aspects to me as a human being. I can be so many different people in my life. So invariably I find some connect with the people I play, Mridul told .

HOUSTON (AP)  Marcus Sasser scored 20 of his career-high 28 points in the first half to lead No. 11 Houston past Tulane 71-50 on Saturday.

Sasser shot 7 of 9, including 6 of 7 on 3-pointers, in the first half as the Cougars (10-1, 5-1 American Athletic Conference) built a 12-point halftime lead.

They were leaving me open a little bit, and coach (Kelvin Sampson) gives me confidence to shoot the ball, Sasser said. Every time I shot it, it was going in. I feel like that was the hottest Ive been.

Sasser finished with a career-high eight 3-pointers.

I thought we did a good job of executing our stuff, moving it and finding Marcus, Sampson said. Weve had some gifted shooters come through here over the years, and Marcus is right in that class with those guys.

Quentin Grimes scored 14 points. Houston shot 44%, including 15 of 36 on 3-pointers.

The Cougars outrebounded Tulane 48-26, which led to an 18-9 advantage in second-chance points.

Jordan Walker scored 13 points and Jaylen Forbes had 11 for Tulane (6-3, 1-3).

I thought there were stretches where our kids played well, Tulane coach Ron Hunter said. (Houston) shot the ball well today, probably the best they have shot it all year. Again, this is the standard. As I told our guys, if you want to learn to compete, this is how you compete.

The Green Wave shot 29%, including 6 of 19 on 3-pointers.

Were just not mature enough that when they make runs, we can end it, Hunter said. Then, they get confident. Sasser made six 3-pointers in the first half, and I think on three of them, we just flat out lost him, something we hadnt done all year.

When they make shots like that from the perimeter, Im not sure how you can beat them, he added.

Houston used a 16-5 spurt to take a 34-21 lead on a layup by DeJon Jarreau with 2  minutes left in the first half. Sasser had eight points in the run.

Houston led 37-25 at the half.

The Cougars extended the lead to 43-27 on consecutive 3-pointers by Grimes with 16 minutes remaining and never let Tulane get closer than 12 the rest of the way.

Story continues

BIG PICTURE

Tulane: The Green Wave last defeated a ranked opponent on Dec. 22, 1999, when Tulane beat then-No. 25 NC State. Tulane won the turnover battle for the eighth time in nine games this season, forcing Houston into 14 while committing 10. Tulane finished 14 of 17 from the free-throw line.

Their physicality wears you out, and it wears you out not physically but mentally, Hunter said. Thats what it ended up doing to my young kids because again, the physicality was too much for us.

Houston: The Cougars won its fifth straight at home against Tulane. Justin Gorham led Houston in rebounding with 11, which was his third consecutive game with at least 10 boards. The Cougars got 19 points from their bench.

Were getting much better, Houston center Brison Gresham said. I still feel like we have a way higher ceiling. I think we should be 11-0. Defensively, I think we could get way better.

HE SAID IT

I think hes got a Final Four team. Im not trying to put pressure on (Sampson), but Ive been around a long time. That is a really, really good basketball team. -Hunter on the Cougars.

UP NEXT

Tulane: Travels to Cincinnati on Jan. 16.

Houston: Travels to South Florida on Thursday.

___

More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
After a drawn-out international investigation, French-Israeli diamond magnate Beny Steinmetz will go on trial in Geneva next week over allegations of corruption linked to mining deals in Guinea.

The trial, due to kick off Monday and last for two weeks, will delve into allegations of multi-million-dollar bribes paid to top Guinean officials to win lucrative mining rights.

The 64-year-old billionaire businessman has travelled from Israel to Switzerland and will be present at the trial, according to his lawyer Marc Bonnant.

"We will plead his innocence," Bonnant told AFP.

Following a six-year investigation spanning several countries, a Geneva prosecutor indicted Steinmetz in August 2019 on charges of corrupting public officials and forging documents to gain mining rights in Guinea.

Guinean president Lansana Conte died in office in 2008 /  AFP

Swiss prosecutors accuse Steinmetz and two partners of bribing a wife of former Guinean president Lansana Conte, and others, to win mining rights in the southeastern Simandou region.

The area is estimated to contain the world's biggest untapped iron-ore deposit.

Steinmetz has previously dismissed allegations against him as baseless and an attempt by political enemies to smear him.

Prosecutors charge that about $10 million (8.2 million euros) was paid in bribes, in part through Swiss bank accounts, and say that Steinmetz obtained the mining rights shortly before Conte died in 2008.

- 'Pact of corruption' -

Swiss investigative NGO Public Eye, which has tried to map out the complex structure of Steinmetz's group BSG Resources (BSGR), said the fact that such a case was being brought to trial indicated that prosecutors felt they had a strong hand.

"It is very rare in Switzerland for large international corruption cases to make it to trial," Public Eye spokeswoman Geraldine Viret told AFP.

"The Swiss judiciary clearly wants to go all the way, which indicates they have solid evidence," she said.

Prosecutors claim that Steinmetz and his representatives in Guinea entered a "pact of corruption" with Conte and his fourth wife Mamadie Toure.

She is a key witness in the trial and is scheduled to testify on January 13, but Viret said it was unlikely she would come, since she lives in the United States where she has obtained protected status as a state witness.

Steinmetz's lawyer Bonnant said the absence of Toure and other key witnesses would be grounds to postpone the trial.

He maintains his client "never paid a cent to Ms Mamadie Toure", and also charges that she was not in fact Conte's wife, but only a mistress, meaning she could in any case not be considered a corruptible official under Swiss law.

- 'Curse of natural resources' -

Viret said the case was a "sad illustration of the problematic curse of natural resources", showing how a country as rich in natural resources as Guinea could continue to wallow in poverty.

Conte's military dictatorship had in 2008 ordered global mining giant Rio Tinto to relinquish two concessions to BSGR for around $170 million in 2008.

Just 18 months later, BSGR sold 51 percent of its stake in the concession to Brazilian mining giant Vale for $2.5 billion.

"The profit was colossal, about twice Guinea's state budget at the time," Viret said.

Alpha Conde, Guinea's first democratically-elected president, launched a review of mining permits /  AFP

But in 2013, Guinea's first democratically-elected president Alpha Conde launched a review of permits allotted under Conte and later stripped the VBG consortium formed by BSGR and Vale of its permit.

In February 2019, Steinmetz reached a deal with Guinean authorities, who lifted corruption charges against him in exchange for him giving up his remaining rights to the Simandou mine.

However, Geneva has continued to press ahead with its case, which could see Steinmetz jailed for up to 10 years if convicted.

Steinmetz made his fortune in diamonds while living in Antwerp in Belgium from 1970 to 1997, before founding BSGR, which invests in natural resources and real estate across several continents.

He has faced legal problems in a range of countries, including several brief detentions in Israel on suspicion of money laundering, fraud, forgery and obstruction of justice.

He was also sentenced in absentia last month in Romania to five years in prison in an property-related money laundering case, dating back to 2006-2008.
25 killed in Syria after US strikes on Iran-backed militia in Iraq

US adds India to Currency Manipulation Watchlist after removing it in 2019

Story of Lisa Montgomery, the only woman on death row in US

Vincent Xavier, Kochi man who carried Tricolour to US Capitol protest

India

oi-Briti Roy Barman

New Delhi, Jan 09: When the world was watching the clash on Wednesday between a mob of US President Donald Trump's supporters and law-enforcement authorities at the Capitol building, a lone Indian flag has been seen sticking out in a sea of pro-Trump banners in the rally.

The image of the tricolour at Capitol Hill seeded sparring between Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and BJP parliamentarian Varun Gandhi on Twitter, with numbers of users sharing and reacting to the exchange.

The flag-bearer was 54-year-old Virginia-based entrepreneur Vincent Xavier Palanthigal, who moved to the US from Kochi in Kerala in 1992 and is a member of the Virginia Republican Party's State Central Committee.

"There is nothing to be ashamed of, we are celebrating our diversity. The world has to know that America is not the racist country it is portrayed as. That the Republican party is not white supremacist. If they were racist, they would not allow me to carry the Indian flag. It was actually showing more respect," Xavier told to NDTV.

"It was because of my patriotic fervour and love that I took the Indian flag. Not to defame it or give it a bad name," he told to Indian Express.

"Why is there an Indian flag there??? This is one fight we definitely don't need to participate in," BJP MP Varun Gandhi tweeted.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi, too, condemned the bearer of the flag. "Whoever is waving this Indian flag should feel ashamed. Don't use our tricolour to participate in such violent & criminal acts in another country," she wrote.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

In the bitter back-and-forth that started with Mr Tharoor criticising the Indian tricolour being waved at what rapidly became one of the lowest moments in American democracy, Gandhi flagged a photo of the Congress leader with Vincent Xavier, posted online by users.

Xavier said he had met with Mr Tharoor in 2015 and had interviewed him over lunch in Washington.

Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed at Delhi's Kalkaji Police Station against Vincent Xavier.
Congressional leaders on Friday deliberated over how to take decisive action on the unprecedented assault on the Capitol and how to prevent similar assaults on the American democratic system from ever happening again.

House Democrats appeared likely to impeach President Trump, which would make him the first president in the nations history to be impeached twice. They released the text of the single article of impeachment they plan to introduce Monday, for incitement of insurrection.

Specifically, the article charges Trump with making statements that encouraged  and foreseeably resulted in  imminent lawless action at the Capitol.

Incited by President Trump, a mob unlawfully breached the Capitol, injured law enforcement personnel, menaced members of the Congress and the Vice President, interfered with the Joint Sessions solemn constitutional duty to certify the election results, and engaged in violent, deadly, destructive, and seditious acts, the article states.

A pro-Trump mob gathers at the Capitol on Wednesday. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Democrats say they want to remove Trump from office despite the fact that he will be a private citizen in less than two weeks.

The priority is to remove a clear and present danger for the [White House]  to protect the country, a House Democratic leadership aide told Yahoo News. Politics be damned.

President-elect Joe Biden avoided calling for Congress to impeach Trump, saying, Thats a decision for the Congress to make. Im focused on my job. But one senior Biden aide, Rep. Cedric Richmond, told a reporter that the president-elect did support impeachment.

But to remove Trump requires the Senate, where Republicans will control the majority for the next week or two. And so Senate Republicans will play a decisive role in deciding what happens next.

If enough Republicans approve, the Senate could vote to convict Trump and remove him from office before Bidens inauguration on Jan. 20.

Alternatively, the Senate could take up the impeachment proceedings but continue deliberating after Bidens inauguration. At this point, no later than Jan. 22, Democrats will control the Senate and determine the chambers agenda. But they would still need at least 17 Republicans to join them to convict Trump, since impeachment requires a two-thirds majority.

If the Senate convicted Trump after he leaves the presidency, he would no longer be eligible to hold public office. But there is a lack of clarity over whether this is allowed under the Constitution. In 1876, Secretary of War William Belknap resigned in scandal, but the House still went forward with impeachment. Yet Belknap was not convicted, in part because some senators doubted their authority to do so, according to Keith Whittington, a professor of political science at Princeton University.

Trump on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday. (Erin Scott/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Or the Senate could take up legislation focused squarely on blocking Trump from holding public office in the future. That has never happened, or even been attempted, with a former president.

Multiple well-placed sources told Yahoo News that there was ongoing discussion among Senate Republicans about what might be the wisest course of action.

It is a very fluid situation, said one Republican outside the Capitol who is in regular contact with multiple GOP senators. The source said that among Senate Republicans there is more openness [to impeaching] than I would have imagined, but Im not sure they would pull the trigger.

The visceral experience of Wednesday, of being under attack, has them in a very angry place and open to things they would never have considered before, the source said. But with 12 days to go, there is real hesitance to set the precedent of a quickie removal, and some think it would only strengthen Trump, give him the show he wants.

Former Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., echoed this concern. What would happen if an impeachment proceeding started? His base would rally to his cause. And so, while I hear that, and certainly under the circumstances that type of discussion is warranted, the fact is all that would do is strengthen him, Corker told a reporter.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., made a similar point. He told CBS News that he would definitely consider whatever articles [the House] might move because I believe the president has disregarded his oath of office.  What he did was wicked.

But Sasse also noted that the most important question is the prudential one of how we bring the country back together 5 and 10 and 15 years in the future. And theres a lot to be hashed out there.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb. (Senate Television via AP)

A different source connected to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said that one challenge was the fact that senators had left Washington on Thursday after voting early that morning to certify the election results, hours after a mob of Trump supporters assaulted the Capitol in a rampage that resulted in five deaths, including one Capitol Police officer.

If someone had urged lawmakers to stay in D.C. and move quickly on impeachment, it might have begun much more quickly, the source said.

The challenge is multifaceted. Congressional leaders in both parties want to prevent Trump from causing violence or catastrophe between now and Bidens inauguration, and some want to block him from ever holding public office again  but without making him politically stronger in the process.

The events of this week demonstrated Trumps ability to summon and control a mob with a few words sent out from his phone. And even if social media companies have clamped down on his ability to do so  Facebook shut down his page indefinitely and Twitter announced Friday evening that it would permanently suspend him from the platform  it is not difficult for the sitting president to communicate with his supporters.

Beyond Sasse, the only Senate Republican to make a statement about their intentions was Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. She called on Trump to resign and signaled that if the GOP does not take decisive action to rebuke him, she might leave the party.

If the Republican Party has become nothing more than the party of Trump, I sincerely question whether this is the party for me, she told the Anchorage Daily News.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
IMF offers options for Sri Lanka to continue fund facility By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has offered the option for Sri Lanka to take it or leave the last tranche of Extended Fund Facility (EFF) that would also unlock substantial multilateral and bilateral financing (possibly debt relief as well),

The Fund stands ready to discuss all options of engagement with Sri Lanka, including financial support, if requested by the authorities. The preconditions for financial support are the same as for any other member, Masahiro Nozaki, IMF mission chief for Sri Lanka told the Business Times.

In an email response to a request for comments on the present stand of the IMF, he noted that they continue to engage with the Sri Lankan authorities and are considering the full set of options for engagement.

The continuation of the EFF policy reform programme will increase the prospects of improving the sovereign rating, a senior economist who has in-depth knowledge in dealing with the IMF in the past told the Business Times.

He added that in this case, a successful restructuring would be difficult and costly.

He pointed out that government will be compelled to engage with the IMF to execute the restructuring.

If no new IMF and private sector credit comes in, gross reserves would fall to about US $3.7 billion by end of 2021, he predicted.

The $1.5 billion EFF arrangement approved in 2016 expired on June 2, 2020. Given that the final review under the arrangement was not completed, Sri Lanka could not avail of the last disbursement under the EFF, amounting to SDR118.550 million equivalent to around $.200 million.

Disbursements under any Fund arrangement can only be made during the period between the date of its approval by the IMF Board and its expiration date, IMF mission chief Masahiro Nozaki said.

Therefore at this point, for Sri Lanka to access any additional Fund resources, the IMF Board approval of a new arrangement would be needed, he disclosed.

In April 2020, IMF received a request from the Sri Lankan authorities for emergency financial support under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI),

Assessing relevant conditions for the RFI has taken longer than for other countries, due to Sri Lankas daunting economic challenges, high public debt, and Parliamentary elections in August. The RFI request remains in place, Mr. Nozaki pointed out.

We have sought but not reached understanding yet on how to fulfill key requirements for the RFI, which include policies to continue ensuring debt sustainability, he said.

The authorities have a range of options to ensure debt sustainability and the IMF stands ready to discuss all options with the authorities, he assured.

Defending the ability to continue debt servicing, State Minister for Finance Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that the Government was also negotiating with India for a $1 billion currency swap, which is in addition to the $400 million it received in July.

Sri Lanka will also receive $ 700 million as the second tranche of a $1.2 billion syndicated loan from the China Development Bank. The first $500 million was transferred in March this year.

The Government will also revisit a $ 500 million Samurai bond, which the Central Bank began laying the groundwork for in 2018, and possibly a Panda bond as well, Mr. Cabraal said.

A $1 billion repurchase arrangement with the US Federal Reserve, announced in July, also made the list.
Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inspected on Saturday a housing project that is under construction in El-Salam City, east of Cairo, at a cost of EGP 1.7 ($ 11 million), said a cabinet statement.

The project, covering an area of 230 feddans and designated to accommodate slum residents, boasts 134 buildingsincluding 4,800 housing units, 475 administrative units, and 292 business units.

Up to 55 percent of the project has been completed under the supervision of the country's Urban Communities Authority, the statement added.

PM Madbouly ordered surmounting all obstacles to complete the project in order to hand over the units to people sooner.

Madbouly was accompanied by Housing Minister Assem El-Gazzar, Social Solidarity Minister Nevine Al-Qabbaj, and Cairo Governor Khalid Abdel-Aal, among others.

Egypt has been pushing forward with efforts to re-house residents of unsafe areas as part of the country's plan to put an end to the problem of informal residential areas countrywide by 2030.

The phenomenon of informal settlements was first put in the national spotlight in 2008 following the collapse of a rock face on the edge of Moqattam, which led to the deaths and injury of scores of people living in the Doueyka area and highlighted the urgency of addressing housing challenges.

According to government officials, informal settlements in Egypt constitute around 40 percent of the countrys urban areas.

Many housing projects have been implemented recently to serve the states plan, including the 185-feddan Al-Asmarat city, which was inaugurated by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in July 2020, in addition to other projects.

Short link:


Shortly before 8:30 p.m. Friday in the Stony Island Park neighborhood, a 25-year-old man was shot and left in critical condition. Police said the man was found shot six times throughout his body in the 8000 block of South Anthony Avenue. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, police said.
Under the National Security Law, the Hong Kong government has warned that the police would investigate anyone who helps an "offender" to escape from Hong Kong. This development came after there were reports of the city looking to prosecute two Danish politicians who aided former opposition lawmaker Ted Hui Chi-fung as he fled to Europe. Also, the government is looking into extraditing politicians Uffe Elbaek and Katarina Ammitzboll for helping Hui in fleeing to Denmark during the end of November.

Current situation in Hong Kong

According to the reports by ANI, the bureau said, "In light of the circumstances of each case, the police will track down the whereabouts of the fugitive offenders through various means in accordance with the law and pursue them. It added, Wherever any person, regardless of his nationality, is suspected of having committed a crime in organising, planning or aiding the absconding, or in such criminal conspiracy, the police will actively investigate and pursue their legal liabilities under the existing legal framework. Talking about Hui, the bureau said that he is an offender who fabricated false reasons and lied to the court.

Read: Hong Kong Protest Marks Anniversary Of Violent Police Clash

China accuses Danish politicians

Just one month back, China accused Danish politicians of violating basic norms governing international relations for helping Hui. Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that the actions of the lawmakers damages Denmarks image as a country that has always emphasized the rule of law. Hua added, We oppose any individual, organization or country interfering in Hong Kongs affairs, meddling in Hong Kongs judicial sovereignty and harboring Hong Kong criminals in any way.

Read: Hong Kong Police Release Most Of The Detained Activists; Joshua Wong Still In Custody

Ted Hui was arrested in the month of November over the chaotic legislative council meeting in May for which 7 opposition leaders and activists have already been detained so far. As per South China Morning Post, Hong Kong's Democratic Party said that Ted Hui was arrested when he reported to the city's Western Police Station in a completely different manner. The lawmaker is reported to have been charged with two offences under the Legco (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance. These alleged offences are the same as those of the previously detained leaders - contempt and interfering with legislative personnel.

Read: Hong Kong's Pro-democracy Activist Joshua Wong Arrested By Police For 'subversion'

Also Read: Pompeo Threatens Sanctions On Hong Kong Over Protesters' Arrest, Demands Immediate Release

(Image Credits: AP)
By Idrees Ali and David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday said he was lifting restrictions on contacts between U.S. officials and their Taiwanese counterparts, a move likely to anger China and increase tensions between Beijing and Washington in the waning days of President Donald Trump's presidency.

China claims democratic and separately ruled Taiwan as its own territory, and regularly describes Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in its ties with the United States.

While the United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, the Trump administration has ramped up backing for the island country, with arms sales and laws to help Taiwan deal with pressure from China.

In a statement, Pompeo said that for several decades the State Department had created complex internal restrictions on interactions with Taiwanese counterparts by American diplomats, service members and other officials.

"The United States government took these actions unilaterally, in an attempt to appease the Communist regime in Beijing," Pompeo said in a statement.

"Today I am announcing that I am lifting all of these self-imposed restrictions," he added.

The move appeared to be another part of an effort by Pompeo and Trump's Republican administration to lock in a tough approach to China before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20.

Bonnie Glaser, an Asia expert at Washingtons Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said examples of the restrictions included Taiwanese officials not being able to enter the State Department, but instead having to meet at hotels.

"The Biden administration will rightly be unhappy that a policy decision like this was made in the final days of the Trump administration," Glaser said.

An official with Biden's transition said that once Biden was in office he would continue to support "a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan."

Story continues

"DECADE OF DISCRIMINATION, REMOVED"

Taiwan's government welcomed the move.

"Decades of discrimination, removed. A huge day in our bilateral relationship. I will cherish every opportunity," Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's de facto ambassador in Washington, tweeted.

A senior Taiwanese official familiar with the island's security planning told Reuters this was the largest adjustment by the United States in its policy toward the island in recent years, saying both main U.S. political parties have always strongly supported exchanges between the United States and Taiwan.

"It reflects the current situation of closer cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on regional and global issues," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Pompeo, who has taken an increasingly hard-line stance toward China and identified it as the principal long-term threat faced by the United States, has repeatedly used the red-button Taiwan issue to push back against Beijing.

In November, he appeared to call into question the long-standing U.S. "one-China policy" by stating in a radio interview that Taiwan "has not been a part of China," causing Beijing to warn that behavior that undermined "China's core interests and interferes with China's domestic affairs will be met with a resolute counterattack."

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, will visit Taiwan next week for meetings with senior Taiwanese leaders, prompting China to warn on Thursday they were playing with fire.

Chinese fighter jets approached the island in August and September during the last two visits: by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach, respectively.

The United States is Taiwan's strongest international backer and arms supplier, and is obliged to help provide it with the means to defend itself under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.

"The United States government maintains relationships with unofficial partners around the world, and Taiwan is no exception. ... Todays statement recognizes that the U.S.-Taiwan relationship need not, and should not, be shackled by self-imposed restrictions of our permanent bureaucracy," Pompeo said.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard in Taipei; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
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.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  wwwnewsofbahraincom

Bahrain-based entrepreneur KG Baburajan has won the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. India is celebrating the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day 2021 today. Known as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the NRI Day is observed to mark the efforts of Indians residing overseas in the development of the country. The day also commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in 1915 after which he started India's freedom struggle.

Mr Baburajan, a geotechnical and QA/QC Engineer by profession, won the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2021, held virtually in wake of the coronavirus pandemic at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021 Convention with a theme of "Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat". The event had three segments and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He is also one of the directors of 4 PM NEWS  Bahrain-based newspaper which is the first evening daily from the Middle East.

The 67-year-old has a career spanning more than 40 years and has lent his expertise and experience to world-renowned projects, in India, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Russia, Iraq and the UAE.

He won the award along with Dr Mohan Thomas Lazarus Pakalomattom from Qatar and Siddeek Ahmed from Saudi Arabia.

Mr Baburajan is the Chairman and Managing Director of BKG Holding, Qatar Engineering Laboratories and Quality Piling and Construction companies, and has operations across the GCC. He was instrumental during the construction of the prestigious 25-kilometre-long Saudi Arabia to Bahrain Causeway. He is the only Indian member in the US-based International Accreditation Service, which is a semi-government- body that accredits calibration and testing laboratories worldwide. He has been in the forefront of humanitarian causes which include building houses for the needy, providing educational assistance within India and GCC.

The first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was observed in 2003 and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award was given to those overseas Indians who were contributing to the development of the country. Six years later, the concept of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) was launched to help which aims to allow people of Indian origin and their spouses to live and work in India indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to Bahrain Piyush Srivastava congratulated Mr Baburajan. The news brings great joy to the members of the Indian community here in the Kingdom, he said. He also thanked Baburajan for his invaluable contributions to the enrichment of the Indian Diaspora, which had played a crucial role in the development of Bahrain and India and enhancing bilateral ties. Mr Srivastava further acknowledged the contribution of Baburajan at the forefront of humanitarian causes, which included building houses for the needy, providing educational assistance within India and GCC.

The Ambassador wished the community and Baburajan every success in promoting Bahrain-India ties and a better understanding of Indias rich culture and diversity across the world during celebrations of 16th PBD Convention at the embassy. Srivastava said that the awards represent the vibrant achievements made by the Indian diaspora in various fields. Besides being professional and high work ethics, the success of our community in Bahrain can be attributed to the liberal, tolerant and welcoming society of the Kingdom. Ambassador Srivastava thanked the Leadership and Government of Bahrain for the care taken by them of our community, particularly during the difficult times of COVID 19 pandemic.
Is COVID-19 vaccine a potential biological weapon in reverse? By Thalif Deen View(s): View(s):

UNITED NATIONS (IPS)  If the coronavirus is not deemed a biological weapon, is the heavily-publicised COVID-19 vaccine in danger of being weaponised when more than 159,000 Palestinians who have tested positive in Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) are being denied treatment during a deadly pandemic?

The London-based human rights organisation Amnesty International says Israels vaccine roll-out plan excludes the nearly 5 million Palestinians who live in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under Israeli military occupation.

Since the beginning of the pandemic last March, nearly 1,600 Palestinians in the OPT have died of the virus.

Amnesty International says the Israeli government must stop ignoring its international obligations as an occupying power and immediately act to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are equally and fairly provided to Palestinians living under its occupation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Saleh Higazi, AIs Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, points out that Israels COVID-19 vaccine programme highlights the institutionalised discrimination that defines the Israeli governments policy towards Palestinians.

While Israel celebrates a record-setting vaccination drive, millions of Palestinians living under Israeli control in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip will receive no vaccine or have to wait much longer  there could hardly be a better illustration of how Israeli lives are valued above Palestinian ones.

Dr Ramzy Baroud, a journalist and Editor of The Palestine Chronicle, told IPS that Israels exclusion of the OPT people from having access to vaccines is entirely consistent with Israels trajectory of racism, where Palestinians are exploited for their land, water and cheap labour, while never factoring in as an item on Israels list of priorities, even during the time of a deadly pandemic.

Frequently we speak of Israels apartheid, often illustrating that in terms of giant walls, fences and military checkpoints that cage in Palestinians. But in Israel, apartheid runs much deeper as it reaches almost every facet of society where Israeli Jews, including settlers, are treated far better than Palestinians, whether those living in Israel or in the occupied territories, he pointed out.

Excluding Palestinians from a vaccine that is necessary to save the lives of thousands is part of protracted and systemic Israeli apartheid and racial discrimination, said Baroud, a Non-resident Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA) and also at the Afro-Middle East Center (AMEC).

As of January 3, 2021, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 159,034 Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), including East Jerusalem, have so far tested positive for the coronavirus since the first confirmed case was reported in March 2020.

As the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and de facto Hamas administration in the Gaza Strip cannot independently fund vaccines and their distribution among the Palestinian population, they depend on global cooperation mechanisms such as COVAX, which still has not begun distributing vaccines, said Amnesty International.

Israel must provide full financial support to ensure that the vaccine is promptly distributed to the Palestinian population without discrimination. Israel must also lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip to enable the proper functioning of its health system in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gazas health care system  subjected to half a century of occupation and more than a decade of blockade  is already unable to meet the needs of its population. The COVID-19 pandemic and lack of fair access to vaccines have only magnified the discrimination and inequality faced by the Palestinian population, said Amnesty International.

Meanwhile, 10 human rights and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are urging the Israeli authorities to live up to their legal obligations and ensure that quality vaccines are provided to Palestinians living under Israeli occupation and control in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as well.

Dr Baroud said even before the vaccines arrived in Israel, Tel Aviv has greatly mishandled the crisis from the onset.

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers repeatedly demolished Palestinian makeshift clinics, which aimed at testing people for COVID-19, confiscated equipment and restricted movement essential to making testing kits available to hard-hit areas, he added.

In Gaza, which has been under Israeli siege for many years, he noted, the problem was much more severe, as the population of two million people had to cope with the ravages of the disease without any tools to test for the virus, let alone to contain it.

While Israels behaviour is expected, it is also self-defeating, as Israelis and Palestinians are constantly in contact through the military occupation, the prison system and other forms of such repugnant interactions.

There can be no containing the pandemic in Israel if it continues to spread in Palestine. The coronavirus does not respect Israels matrix of control, of walls, checkpoints and the likes, said Dr Baroud, author of five books, including These Chains Will Be Broken: Palestinian Stories of Struggle and Defiance in Israeli Prisons (Clarity Press). www.ramzybaroud.net

The views of marginalised groups must be at the forefront of any decision-making to ensure that national vaccine policies are not exclusionary or discriminatory. All states must confront existing inequalities to ensure everyone has access to vaccines, said Amnestys Higazi.

In early December, Israel reached an agreement with Pfizer pharmaceutical company to supply 8 million doses of its newly approved COVID-19 vaccine  enough to cover almost half of Israels population of nearly 9 million since each person requires two doses.

Israel also reached a separate agreement with Moderna to buy 6 million doses of its vaccine  enough for another 3 million Israelis, according to Amnesty International.

As the race to distribute COVID-19 vaccines gathers pace, Amnesty International calls on states and companies to ensure that no one is denied access to health care, including vaccines, because of where they live, who they are or what they earn.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Former Prime Minister of Armenia Hrant Bagratyan has posted the following on his Facebook page:

On January 11, Nikol Pashinyan will sign a new agreement in Moscow, continuing the transfer of settlements of Armenia to Azerbaijan (by the way, the formerly Armenian settlements that are enclaves in Azerbaijan wont be returned to Armenia).

It is also envisaged that in Meghri, Azerbaijani soldiers will oversee traffic of vehicles traveling from Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan. Nikol Pashinyan, the cheater of all Armenians, links this to the return of prisoners of war. This is a lie since everything was topsy-turvy in the Armenian army and we simply didnt know how many prisoners of war we had. The mush-head of all Armenians Armen Sarkissian said hes ill once again. He left the country, and then he will come and say things would be different, if he was hereAt the end of the day, that scoundrel is the head of state. According to the Constitution, he is the one who was supposed to hold the crazy mans hand and tell him to stop and that Armenia is a state. Get up, people. Nikol must not be able to exit Armenia on January 11.
The chairman of Ocado has warned that difficulties caused by the introduction of new Brexit-related customs rules will mean 'some short-term' food shortages.

Lord Rose, chairman of supermarket delivery company Ocado, said the difficulties being experienced by traders due to the new rules were likely to be passed on to consumers.

The former Remain campaign chief told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'You can't interfere with a finely honed, 50-year legacy supply chain and expect it to all run smoothly on day one.

Lord Rose, chairman of supermarket delivery company Ocado, said the difficulties being experienced by traders due to the new rules were likely to be passed on to consumers

'The issue of transport and hauliers not wanting to send their lorries here is because they are worried about their lorries being stuck and worried about lost profit, which means therefore the cost will be passed on to the consumer.

'You will see some short-term shortages but let's be clear, there is not going to be a famine.

'Food will continue to come in, although at this time of the year 50-80 per cent - plus of our fruit and veg comes in from Europe and beyond and a lot of that comes in through Dover on trucks.

Kevin Rampling tweeted a photo of empty shelves at Sainsbury's in Sydney Street, Cambridge

Kevin Rampling, from Cambridge, tweeted: 'Sainsburys, Sydney Street, Cambridge. No deliveries from wholesalers apparently?? Is it all beginning to fall apart?'

'We're talking about fresh product which is perishable.

'If it doesn't get out within 24 hours, it goes off, it rots, it gets thrown away - that's lost profit, that's a real problem for businesses both ways.'

The comments come as social media users across the country complained that fresh produce shelves were sitting unstocked.

Kevin Rampling, from Cambridge, tweeted: 'Sainsburys, Sydney Street, Cambridge. No deliveries from wholesalers apparently?? Is it all beginning to fall apart?'

Brendan from Belfast tweeted: 'No prawns in Sainsburys. That's it. I'm now anti Brexit.'

John Brennan shared a picture of empty shelves at Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Helen Cathcart also shared a picture of empty Tesco shelves in Antrim, Northern Ireland

Sarah responded with a picture of empty shelves in another Sainsbury's adding: 'Same in Barnet, north London.'

While another user by the name of Bryan tweeted: 'One of two Sainsbury's in Luton this evening... The entire fruit and veg aisles are almost bare.'

Brendan from Belfast tweeted: 'No prawns in Sainsburys. That's it. I'm now anti Brexit.'

A spokesperson for Sainsbury's said the supply issue at some of their stores was not Brexit related, stating: 'Due to an operational issue at one of our depots, deliveries of fruit and vegetables to some stores were delayed.

'Stores are now receiving deliveries again and customers can expect to see good availability.'

A Tesco spokesperson said: We have a good supply of products coming into Northern Ireland.

'There has been a short delay on certain products but were working with suppliers to get these back on the shelves as quickly as possible and direct customers to alternatives where we can.
ALTON  Wednesdays chaos in Washington will leave an indelible stain on the country, according to Madison County Democratic Chairman Randy Harris.

On Wednesday, a pro-Trump mob occupied the Capitol for hours, forcing a delay in the formal process to certify the Electoral College vote naming Joe Biden as president. During the chaos the mob broke windows and occupied offices. Law enforcement officials drew guns; a woman was shot and killed by police, and three others died in apparent medical emergencies.

Harris said he condemns the treasonous acts of violence on our nation and that any official  Democrat, Republican or independent  who attempts to condone or excuse the violent act of sedition should resign immediately.

This sort of behavior cannot be normalized and accepted, he said. It is long past time we call this for what it is  anti-American terrorism. Anyone who traveled to Washington D.C. and participated in this unlawful insurrection should be tried to the fullest extent of the law, and anyone who supports the attempted coup upon our nation should be called for what they are: a traitor to the United States of America.

Harris said Wednesdays mob action was beyond partisans politics and President Donald Trump has been allowed to divide the nation further than its ever been since 1865.

It must stop now, Harris said, and I call on every local official to offer a full-throated denouncement of this action. If you consider yourself a leader in our community, or others look at you as one, it is time to come forward and make yourself heard.

Madison County Republican Party Chairman Ray Wesley also condemned the mob action in Washington Wednesday.

One of the core values of the Republican Party is a strong belief in law and order, he said. As such, we are disturbed by the actions that took place in Washington D.C. yesterday.

Tens of thousands of protestors descended upon our nations capital to express their concern and distrust of our electoral process, he said. Unfortunately, a small minority of them resorted to violence and destruction which does not reflect the views of the Republican party or Trump supporters.

Wesley said that, this past summer, Democrat leaders failed to denounce the looting, burning and rioting instigated by Left-Wing extremist groups such as ANTIFA both nationally and locally.

In stark contrast, Republican leaders have been quick to condemn the actions of yesterday which took place over just a few hours time, he said. Republicans will continue their work on our electoral process to ensure free and fair elections for years to come. Political leaders should work together to restore faith in our electoral process while agreeing that violence and destruction are never the answer.

Lawmakers returned to the certification effort around 7 p.m. local time Wednesday, with the process ending after 2 a.m. Thursday.

U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both D-IL, voted against all objections to the certification of ballots. U.S. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, also voted against all objections.

Its time we get back to the work of creating a more perfect union, spend less time fighting each other and more time fighting this deadly pandemic, Duckworth said in a tweet on Thursday.

Durbin on Thursday said Vice President Mike Pence should invoke the 25th Amendment allowing the vice president to become president if the president becomes unable to do his job.

If the VP & Cabinet refuse to do their duty, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president, Durbin said in a Thursday afternoon on Twitter.

U.S. Reps. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, and Mary Miller, R-Oakland, were among 121 House members and six senators who voted to throw out Electoral College votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania.

Bost said he cast his certification vote because the state legislatures in Arizona and Pennsylvania failed to meet the Constitutional standard for elections in November.

The deeply troubling scenes at the U.S. Capitol yesterday indicate the intense distrust that many Americans have towards the election process, he said. If we have any hope of restoring that faith and healing the deep divisions in our country, our efforts must be rooted in constitutional principles and fair elections.

Miller, elected Nov. 3 to succeed former U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, spoke at Washington rally Tuesday where she was captured on video as saying Hitler was right about one thing. He said, Whoever has the youth has the future.

Her comments prompted the creation of a change.org petition by the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus seeking her resignation. More than 1,700 people had signed the online petition as of noon Thursday.

Her use of a Hitler quote was disgusting and calculated to support the worst of the worst in their bigotry and hate, posted petition signer Emma Hersom from Highland.

Late Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker called on Congress to impeach and remove sitting President Donald Trump.

Two weeks is too long for Donald Trump to remain in office, where he can continue to incite more untold violence, said Pritzker. Because of todays events incited by the President, I had to ask the Illinois State Police and other law enforcement resources, engaged in important life-saving missions, to redeploy to heighten their presence at government buildings and the Capitol in Springfield.

Capitol News Illinois reported that a group of 75 to 100 people demonstrated peaceably Wednesday outside of the Illinois State Capitol.

Legislative Republicans in the state also rebuked the events in Washington on Wednesday.

The events unfolding at the United States Capitol today, and the inflammatory remarks by members of the Republican Party, are a disgrace to the core values and beliefs of our great nation, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said in a statement. These actions do not represent our Republican Party, and are against everything we stand for as Americans.
Indian troops had captured Corporal Wang Ya Long of the PLA on 19 October last year after he 'strayed' across the LAC. The corporal was handed back to China following existing protocols

In a second such incident in nearly three months, a Chinese soldier was apprehended by the Indian Army at the southern bank of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh on Friday morning after he transgressed across the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), official sources said on Saturday.

The capture of the soldier comes amid a massive deployment of troops by the Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) in eastern Ladakh in view of the tense border standoff that erupted following a clash between the two sides in the Pangong lake area in early May.

The PLA soldier had transgressed into the Indian side of the LAC and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in the area, the sources said.

The Chinese soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and the circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated, they added.

"The PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in this area. Troops from either side are deployed along the LAC since friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops," said a source.

Indian troops had captured Corporal Wang Ya Long of the PLA on 19 October last year after he "strayed" across the LAC in the Demchok sector of Ladakh.

The corporal was handed back to China at Chushul-Moldo border point in eastern Ladakh following laid down protocols.

Nearly 50,000 troops of the Indian Army are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero temperatures as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded concrete outcome to resolve the standoff. China has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials.

Last month, India and China had held another round of diplomatic talks under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs.

The eighth and last round of military talks between the two sides had taken place on November 6 during which both sides broadly discussed disengagement of troops from specific friction points.

India has all along been maintaining that the onus is on China to carry forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points in the mountainous region.

Following the sixth round of military talks, the two sides had announced a slew of decisions including not to send more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground and avoid taking any actions that may further complicate matters.

This round was held with a specific agenda of exploring ways to implement a five-point agreement reached between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a meeting in Moscow on 10 September on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) conclave.

The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC.
Chandigarh, Jan 9 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Saturday urged the Union government to set free Balwant Singh Rajoana, who was sentenced to death in 2007 for the assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh, to put a decisive end to his unending incarceration.

"This humanitarian gesture would be in conformation with civilised values and justice as Bhai Rajoana had already served more than the effective equivalent of a life sentence," he said in a statement.

Badal asked the Congress leaders to rise above political opportunism and back the release of Rajoana. "It is so unfortunate that Amarinder Singh has always run with the hares and hunted with the hounds when it comes to emotional Sikh issues. He tries to please his masters in Delhi by opposing the release of Rajoana while opportunistically maintaining that personally he is opposed to capital punishment." Badal called upon both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind to personally expedite this gesture as "a fulfilment of a national commitment made to Punjabis in general and the Sikhs in particular by the government of India.

The government of India is already on record having committed to commute Rajoana's death sentence to life imprisonment. This commitment was made as a special gesture ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, he added.

A former Punjab Police constable, Rajoana was sentenced to death on August 1, 2007 by a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Chandigarh and his execution was scheduled for March 31, 2012.

From ashes of war rise art and healing By Yomal Senerath-Yapa With students from across the country and veteran teachers from here and India, the Vattrapalai International Institute of Art and Film in Mullaitivu aims at fostering creativity and reconciliation View(s): View(s):

Once upon a time, the very aridness of Mullaitivu was always its charm; palmyrah clusters grew copse-like in the middle of paddy fields and on sand dunes, were reflected on cerulean lagoons alongside colourful gopurams, the salt pans shimmered and the flamingoes crowded like candy floss.

Forty years ago, however, all that was blighted and the sunbaked landscapes became associated with war-torn emptiness; not blue-skied paradise and genteel, northern hospitality. The land still seems scorched with raw sienna earth, the palmyrah not quite able to weave its erstwhile green magic.

In the quiet little village of Vattrapalai, however, a new dawn tints the sky with the golden pink of hope. The Vattrapalai International Institute of Art and Film (VIIAF) wants to heal the wounded. Their poultice? Art.

Talking to Nishanthan Niruthan, Managing Director, one gleans that the VIIAF was born as a beacon for underprivileged youth where they can master any form of art they would like to- and tell their stories creatively thereby empowering themselves and their communities. The students come from as far apart as Matara, Nuwara Eliya, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, Hatton, Ampara, Jaffna and Kilinochchi. Currently there are around 80 working on their projects.

Underprivileged does not mean poverty, says Nish, as say, a middle class girl would be eligible if any taboos restrain her from practising any art. And when they say any art, they mean it.

Nish is an Indian-born Sri Lankan film executive. He says that the VIIAF, working with another NGO, The Social Architects, recruits students from the grassroots level from far-flung corners of the island. No barriers of race, language or creed intervene, and the courses will be structured to meet the specific demands of any youth who walks in. VIIAF will help out anyone who wants to create something but does not have the means to create it.

Popular arts include filmmaking, street drama, music, painting and poetry, while documentary filmmaking and animation are being newly added.

Two main goals underpin the VIIAF. One is that the youth will achieve reconciliation (having gone through war but also poverty, the tsunami and other traumas) while healing personal wounds (from all kinds of abuse) and the other that they would take Sri Lankan arts, especially film, up to global heights.

The teachers are veterans from either side of the Palk Strait. Dharmasiri Bandaranayake, playwright and film director, teaches street drama while Nish recently got friends from Mumbai  expert film editors to hold an editing workshop via Zoom. While there is no permanent staff, professionals get drawn in as and when required.

Native folk art on the brink, like rukada puppetry from the South and Kolattam (an Indian folk art the coastal Muslims practise with a dollop of Persian flair), are revived amidst the students. Nish says that also, in Mullaitivu, are young students who have developed a local form of bonsai.

With his Indian antecedents Nish knows what a binding force art can be. Thats why cinema is so huge in India because in a movie theatre you dont know whether the person sitting next to you is Hindu or Muslim or Christian or rich or poor.

Art creates a space where everyone is equal. And that was super fascinating for me, he mulls, thats what I want to explore with the institute, giving them that camaraderie that comes with creating art which is just as important as the creating.

March, fingers crossed, will see the VIIAFs first International Arts & Film Festival amidst the colourful devotional bustle and haunting, reedy nadaswaram fluting of Panguni Thingal, an old temple festival which venerates Kannaki Amman who also morphs into the Sinhala Buddhist goddess of chastity, Pattini.

As chariots parade and Kavadi dancers sway to an ancient, primeval call, VIIAF plans to hatch another annual tradition in tandem. Already quite a number of movies are lined up to be shown: a story of the aftermath of the war from Anuradhapura; war-related poverty in the East; the tsunami; land issues in Hatton and documentary paeans to the beauty of the sea.

But the most gratifying moments for Nish are when VIIAF youths from a potpourri of backgrounds would decide to come together to do a street drama, or pay long visits to their new friends living in ethnically homogenous pockets- almost alien worlds till then. Reconciliation like that, should come from them, he enthuses.

Healing is twofold  the social and the personal. The former is where, in groups, through art and discussion, they get the victims of collective trauma like war to tell their stories, a process of catharsis where they come out of their shells with their stories creatively and are empowered.

Those with individual trauma, often victims of abuse, are dealt with one on one. In creating art about their traumatic experiences, these students are encouraged to use metaphors for what ravaged them  like the Japanese created Godzilla after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima rather than grappling with graphic details of trauma. Metaphorizing their trauma using a form of art that is new to them is powerful catharsis.

The tutors will fine hone the technical aspects of the stories they create but leave the content completely untouched.

Nish says that sometimes (the latter category of) students dont want their movie released, they just want to make it. Sometimes they just want our help drawing something, painting, writing a poem, and read it to themselves at night.

Some already have found their voice and put their past behind them.

But while the VIIAFs work is assuaging grief and healing scars, Nish remains circumspect about defining its future.

This is just a seed we have planted together; the stem is shooting up. Lets wait and see where the tree finally goes, he smiles.
Update Jan. 8, 2021

Haley Sherwood has been located and is no longer in danger, according to the sheriff's department.

Original article below

YALOBUSHA COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) - The Yalobusha County Sheriffs Office is looking for a missing person.

Haley Brooke Sherwood left the Tupelo Womens Hospital on Dec. 18, 2020.

She was last seen traveling with Michael Fisher in a white late model Lincoln Navigator with Tippah County Plates.

The last time someone had contact with her was on Dec. 20 near Mantachie.

She also goes by the last name Fisher.

If you have any information on her whereabouts, you should call the Yalobusha County Sheriffs Department at (662) 473-2722.
Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

24 Hour Access
RTHK: Regional govts in Japan demand state of emergency

Several regional governments in Japan have asked for a state of emergency declaration like the one issued by the prime minister to the Tokyo area to stem the surging rise in coronavirus cases.

The heads of Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures in central Japan relayed their request to Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of coronavirus measures, in an online conference call on Saturday, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters.

There was no immediate decision, but the government panel of medical experts will study the situation, Yoshimura said.

Japans state of emergency, which kicked in Friday for Tokyo and nearby Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba, centers around asking restaurants and bars to close at 8 pm.

It lasts for a month but can be extended.

Gifu Prefecture announced its own monthlong state of emergency Saturday.

Other prefectures may follow suit.

Japan has recently seen more than 7,000 new cases a day, with Tokyos daily cases topping 2,000.

Overall, Japan has confirmed more than 270,000 cases, including over 3,900 deaths. (AP)

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
(TNS)  Boston, Mass., Mayor Martin Walsh is President-elect Joe Biden's pick for Labor secretary, setting up a monumental shake-up of the Hub's political landscape.Walsh is a longtime labor leader who was the president of Local 223 and then head of the Boston Building Trades before being elected mayor in 2013. He is a favorite of the AFL-CIO, which pushed for his nomination to the department overseeing workforce and labor policy.Announcing the pick, Biden's campaign wrote Walsh "has worked tirelessly to rebuild the middle class, create a more inclusive, resilient economy, and fight for workers in his hometown."Walsh, a 53-year-old Dorchester native who's the son of Irish immigrants, rose to power through his labor ties and a compelling personal story, including surviving childhood cancer and remaining in recovery for alcoholism for more than two decades. Walsh is a popular and highly visible mayor in Boston, a city that's seen development boom during his tenure, and he's seen as handling the coronavirus pandemic effectively.But the mayor's administration has had labor-related dust-ups, most recently regarding the federal criminal charges related to accusations that his top lieutenants pressured the Boston Calling music festival organizers to use union workers. The pair were convicted  before a judge then threw out the decisions and acquitted them both.Earlier in Walsh's tenure, his administration took flak for connections to four Teamsters charged with threatening "Top Chef" employees over that television show's use of nonunion labor. Testimony entwined Walsh's City Hall in that scandal, but the mayor claimed vindication after the jury found the Teamsters not guilty in 2017.Walsh didn't respond to multiple requests for comment."Working people, labor unions, and those fighting every day for their shot at the middle class are the backbone of our economy and of this country," Walsh said. "As Secretary of Labor, I'll work just as hard for you as you do for your families and livelihoods. You have my word."Walsh, a former state representative, is personal friends with Biden, who presided over the mayor's second inauguration. But he didn't endorse Biden in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, which also included Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, with whom Walsh has a good relationship.U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, the powerful Ways & Means Committee chair from Western Massachusetts, said in a statement, "Throughout his career he has been a champion for worker's rights and I am confident that he will succeed in this new position in the Biden Administration."Walsh for months now has downplayed speculation about the Labor nomination, saying in November that he expects to be mayor for years to come. And people close to him have said he's done the same privately, too  many expected him to want to remain mayor in the city where he grew up, and where he still takes care of his mother. Many Boston politicians, including those friendly with the mayor, were caught by the surprise as the news broke.If Walsh indeed leaves, City Council President Kim Janey becomes acting mayor. She'd be the highest-ranking Black official in the city's history.Walsh was quickly congratulated by labor unions  and by his presumed mayoral opponents City Councilors Andrea Campbell and Michelle Wu, the latter of whom immediately began fundraising off of the announcement."There is much work to do to clean up the backwards, anti-worker politics of the Trump administration that have hurt so many here in our city, and Boston needs a partner to fight for working families at the federal level," Wu wrote in an email to supporters.Campbell said in a statement, "Congratulations to Mayor Walsh on his nomination as Secretary of Labor  a fitting role for someone who has spent his entire career fighting for working people in and out of public service."
Longford has recorded more positive cases of Covid-19 in the opening seven days of 2021 than it has in any month since the pandemic hit these shores.

According to the latest figures released by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) this evening, thirty-four new cases of the Covid-19 were detected in Longford on January 7.

Also read: Covid-19 infection rate spirals in Longford, Granard and Ballymahon electoral areas

It means that from January 1, 2021 to January 7, 2021, the accumulated number of Covid-19 infections in Longford stands at 269 (Jan 1 - 39 cases; Jan 2 - 55 cases; Jan 3 - 30 cases; Jan 4 - 5 cases; Jan 5 - 78 cases; Jan 6 - 28 cases & Jan 7 - 34 cases).

Previously, the highest number of positive Covid-19 cases in a single month in Longford came during October 2020 when the county recorded 212 cases. There were 136 cases in April, with 133 cases being amassed in both May and December.

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Longford since the pandemic began is 1,059 (1,025 as at Wednesday, January 6 plus the 34 announced today by NPHET - see table below).



Longford's 14 day incidence rate of Covid-19 is currently 797.6 per 100,000 population (up from yesterday's rate of 716.9) on the back of 326 cases in the past fortnight.

The national incidence rate is 1087.7, up from 936.4 the previous day.

National

Nationally, NPHET revealed there were 8,248 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

NPHET also confirmed that the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) was notified of 20 additional deaths related to COVID-19. There has been a total of 2,327 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of midnight, Thursday, January 7, the HPSC has been notified of 8,248 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 135,884* confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

NPHET said that as of 2pm today, 1,180 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 109 are in ICU. 116 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

New South African variant of the disease reaches Ireland:

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; Three cases of a new variant of COVID-19 recently identified in South Africa have been confirmed in Ireland today by whole genome sequencing. All of the cases identified are directly associated with recent travel from South Africa.

Anyone who has travelled from South Africa recently is advised to self-isolate for 14 days and identify themselves through a GP for testing as soon as possible. We are particularly advising healthcare workers travelling from South Africa, that it is essential that they self-isolate for 14 days before entering/re-entering the workplace.

While this variant has not yet been identified in many European countries we believe the identification here reflects the extent of genome sequencing surveillance in Ireland," Dr Holohan said.

Dr Cillian De Gascun is Medical Virologist and Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory.

The ECDC Assessment states that preliminary analyses indicate that the South African variant is associated with a heightened viral load and may have increased transmissibility. It also states that there is no evidence to date that this variant is associated with higher severity of infection.

There is currently not enough information available to determine whether this variant poses a possible risk related to vaccine match and effectiveness. The antigenic characterisation of this new variant is ongoing, and results are expected in the coming weeks," Dr De Gascun said.

Of the cases notified today: 3,834 are men / 4,375 are women. 61% are under 45 years of age. The median age is 38 years old.

NPHET highlighted the following counties: 3,013 in Dublin, 1,374 in Cork, 538 in Limerick, 314 in Kildare, 310 in Donegal. It said the remaining 2,699 cases are spread across all other counties.

The 7-day incidence 889.4 per 100,000 while the 5-day moving average is 6,800.

*Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 21 confirmed cases. The figure of 135,884 confirmed cases reflects this.


STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN (UroToday.com) - Dr. R. Gaston presented the pro-side of the debate in favor of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC).

The EAU guidelines state that RARC does not improve oncologic outcomes, rather surgical expertise does (Grade A recommendation). In retrospective series, complication rates are comparable between open and robotic cystectomy (ranging from 11-50%). In a number of small series, no significant difference in positive surgical margin rate and lymph node yield has been demonstrated between RARC and open cystectomy (OC). At least one small prospective randomized-controlled trial has confirmed the non-inferiority of RARC to ORC.

With respect to urinary diversion, the extracorporeal approach is most widely used. Intracorporeal diversion has been shown to generate increased rates of major complications and longer operative times in single-center series. The type of diversion performed is patient dependent, and no benefit has been associated with diversion type. The Saint Augustin series of RARC was then presented (2010-2012). Of the 114 patients treated with RARC, 51.5% received neobladders, and 63.2% were performed extracorporeally. A higher rate of complications was noted for patients undergoing intracorporeal versus extracorporeal urinary diversion (42.3% vs. 29.6%, respectively). A 15-month recurrence-free survival rate of 64% was observed. Finally, Dr Hemals series of 200 patients treated with RARC was presented, in which RARC was associated with less blood loss, shorter length of stay, and lower overall complication rates when compared with ORC.

Dr. M. Brausi then delivered the counter-arguments in support of ORC. The question proposed was whether ORC can be simplified into a minimally invasive procedure and compared to a RARC. Dr. Brausi then presented the Modena technique of minimally invasive extraperitoneal ORC. The entire bladder is removed via an extraperitoneal approach, and then a small peritonotomy is made to deliver and prepare the intestine for neobladder or ileal conduit construction. Utilization of the Modena approach has been associated with a reduction in complication rates from 54% to 45%. Blood loss was reduced from a mean of 780cc to 423cc, and recurrence rates were reduced from 4.3% to 2%. Data demonstrating higher positive surgical margin rates following RARC was presented (6.8% RARC (T1), 1.6% (T2) vs ORC (0% for T2)). Finally, a cost analysis from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample revealed median costs of $24,000 and $28,000 for ORC and RARC, respectively. Finally, among patients treated with RARC, only 48% underwent an extended PLND, and some have cited concerns of possible tumor cell seeding to other organs and the peritoneum. Long-term follow-up data is required prior to making conclusions regarding comparative oncological efficacy.

Presented by R. Gastona and M. Brausib at the 29th Annual European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress - April 11 - 15, 2014 - Stockholmsmassan - Stockholm, Sweden

Bordeaux (FR);a Modena (IT)b

Written by Jeffrey J. Tomaszewski, MD, medical writer for UroToday.com
With an industry-leading 72% increase in new home sales over 2019, Santa Rita Ranch comes in at 23 on the John Burns Real Estate Consulting list and 21 on the RCLCO list for 2020. In addition, Santa Rita Ranch is up 27 positions on the RCLCO list from the 2019 report, ranks as the number-four top-selling master-planned community in all of Texas, and ranks number one in the Greater Austin Area.

Currently, the Austin, Texas area is experiencing a massive influx of new residents relocating from points across the state and the nation. With a lower cost of living, abundant jobs in nearly every market and sector, and a wealth of year-round outdoor opportunities, the area has never been more popular with individuals and families looking to buy new homes. The 72% increase in new home sales that Santa Rita Ranch experienced in 2020 is a testament to the popularity of the area as well as the quality of new home products in the master-planned community.

"There's little doubt 2020 has been one of the most significant years for housing sales in Austin's history. It's certainly the best year I've seen in my 44 years in housing," said Santa Rita Ranch Developer Ed Horne. "We've been privileged to work with some of Austin's most prestigious home builders, and each has played such a significant role in the success of our community. Because of their commitment to quality and their diversity of product offerings, we've seen strong sales in every product category."

Overall, home sales at the nation's 50 top-selling master-planned communities were up nearly 20 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, and the Austin, Texas area was one of the markets with the most significant residential momentum. As a leading master-planned community in Texas, Santa Rita Ranch near Austin helps give new residents in the area great choices for move-in-ready homes with top-notch amenities from some of the best home builders in the state. In addition to the new home product offerings, the community's vision statement, simply known as "The Ranch Code," helps articulate the community's shared values and enriches resident experiences at Santa Rita Ranch.

"A record number of new families made our master-planned community their home," Horne said. "We welcomed 641 new families to Santa Rita Ranch. We couldn't be more pleased to help good families find beautiful homes in our amazing community, but there's so much more to the story. It's also about jobs, education, the local economy, and so much more. For example, with each new home sale, we've contributed $1,000 to an education fund to support schools in our community. We believe education is one of the cornerstones of our community, so we're happy to contribute. That's $641,000 to our schools in 2020. On top of that, we paid out over $6 million in realtor commissions to real estate agents. Realtors have a crucial role to play in the home-selling process, and we're thrilled to work with so many who provide their expertise and support through the entire process. All of this means a significant contribution to the Liberty Hill, Texas and Williamson County economy now and going forward into the years to come."

In the new year, Santa Rita Ranch is looking forward to welcoming even more new families. New community developments such as a Kids 'R' Kids daycare, The Grove Church, a new on-site middle school, and a new H-E-B store at the Bar W Marketplace will help make Santa Rita Ranch one of the best places to live in Texas.

Update

At the time of this writing, eager Austin-Area home buyers are lining up outside the Scott Felder model home to stake a claim on the first 50 new homes to be built in 2021 at the master-planned community. The homes sale will begin at 10am Saturday (1/9/2021) and will feature homes on 70' lotssome up to 1/2 acrewith views over the middle San Gabriel and the rolling Texas Hill Country beyond.

About Santa Rita Ranch

Nestled in the North Texas Hill Country along the bustling Ronald Reagan Corridor near Austin, Texas, Santa Rita Ranch is an award-winning master-planned community where residents enjoy family time, learn from the land, and have fun along the way. With new homes from a dozen premier builders priced from the $200,000s to $1 million, there's a dream home waiting at Santa Rita Ranch for every family. Join the hundreds of families who already call Santa Rita Ranch home and schedule a tour today.

More Information

Additional information can be found at the Santa Rita Ranch website or through the media contact listed below.

SOURCE Santa Rita Ranch
Bethlehem Township police Friday released a photo of a Honda Accord they say was involved in gunfire early Thursday when four men stripping a car of parts were interrupted.

Police confirmed they are working with investigators in Lehigh County to see if Thursdays incident is connected to a similar crime in the early morning hours of Dec. 26 in South Whitehall Township.

In both cases, shots were fired when someone interrupted attempts to remove vehicle parts, police said. No ones been reported injured. Police urge the public not to intervene in situations like this.

Any witness/victim should absolutely dial 911 in lieu of intervening, Bethlehem Township police Sgt. Shaun Powell told lehighvalleylive.com on Friday.

In the South Whitehall incident early Dec. 26, two rounds were fired into a house on North 24th Street when someone interrupted the attempted theft of a catalytic converter, police said. During that same overnight period, a vehicle and ATV were stolen in Bethlehem Township, according to police.

Our investigators are working together to determine if the crimes are connected, Powell said.

Thursday, around 2:40 a.m., four men drove into the parking lot of Mr. Twister at 4079 Nazareth Pike (Route 191) just north of Route 22 in Bethlehem Township, police said in a post to their Facebook page. They arrived in the Honda Accord shown in the photo released by police and a Honda Civic, police said.

The Honda Civic was later learned to have been stolen out of Philipsburg, NJ about one hour earlier, police wrote. The men immediately began to strip the Civic of its rims and parts. Two of the males then went to a different Honda Accord that was already in the parking lot and removed tools. This Accord was learned to have been stolen out of Allentown, PA on December 14, 2020.

Two men alternating as lookouts were both seen holding handguns, according to police.

The four were then startled by a witness and got into the Accord they arrived in and fled, police said. As they were entering Nazareth Pike to travel south, the vehicle stopped, the front passenger placed the top half of his body outside of the window and fired four rounds at the witness over the top of the car.

As the vehicle continued south, a passenger fired another volley of at least 13 rounds, according to police.

Police ask anyone who sees the Accord to dial 911, and anyone with information that may aid in the investigation to contact Cpl. Jeremy Anderson at janderson@bethlehemtwp.com or 610-814-6461. Tipsters can remain anonymous by texting: TIP BETHLEHEMTWP followed by your message to 888777, or by visit the townships Nixle account.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Weatheradio Canada listeners in Penticton and Kelowna heard a mistaken tsunami alert earlier this week. If there were to be a tsunami on Okanagan Lake, it would probably be the result of a landslide, according to a seismologist.
A caregiver is no longer employed with Worcester-based UMass Memorial Health Care after reports that the individual may have been involved with violence and insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Over the past 24-hours we have received numerous expressions of concern through social media regarding a UMass Memorial caregiver who may have been involved in this weeks violent events at the nations capital. That employee is no longer a part of our organization, UMass Memorial said in a statement Friday afternoon.

The statement did not name the employee. UMass Memorial is the third-largest health care system in Massachusetts and is the largest employer in Central Massachusetts.

On social media, Helena Duke identified her mother, Therese Duke, as the woman who was seen being punched outside the Capitol in a viral video. In a tweet, Helena Duke wrote that her mother works for UMass Memorial.

A LinkedIn profile for Therese Duke lists UMass Memorial Health Care as her employer, and tweets have been sent tagging UMass Memorial and alerting the organization to Dukes participation at the Capitol.

Hi this is the liberal lesbian of the family who has been kicked out multiple times for her views and for going to BLM protests to care what happens to me so:

Mom: Therese Duke

Uncle: Richard Lorenz

Aunt: Annie Lorenz pic.twitter.com/cuBAPJ3GJA  Helena Duke (@duke_helena) January 7, 2021

Earlier Friday, UMass Memorial wrote in a statement that the organization was aware of one or more employees who may have been involved with the violence at the Capitol.

We have been made aware that one or more of our employees may have been involved in the violence that took place at our Nations Capitol, UMass Memorial wrote in a statement. We strongly condemn such behavior, if true, and have initiated an investigation.

On Wednesday, supporters of President Donald Trump rallied in Washington D.C. Then some stormed into the Capitol building, breaking windows and fighting with Capitol police.

On Friday, CNN identified at least three people who have left or lost their jobs because of their involvement on Wednesday.

A Massachusetts man has been arrested on misdemeanor charges in connection with what happened in D.C. David Lester Ross, a 33-year-old, is charged with unlawful entry and violating the citys curfew. Court documents obtained by MassLive show he is a resident of Pittsfield.

Related Content:
COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care in the early months of the pandemic were subject to a significantly higher burden of delirium and coma than is typically found in patients with acute respiratory failure. Choice of sedative medications and curbs on family visitation played a role in increasing acute brain dysfunction for these patients.

That's according to an international study published Jan. 8 in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, led by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in coordination with researchers in Spain.

The study, which is far the largest of its kind to date, tracks the incidence of delirium and coma in 2,088 COVID-19 patients admitted before April 28, 2020, to 69 adult intensive care units across 14 countries.

ICU delirium is associated with higher medical costs and greater risk of death and long-term ICU-related dementia. Seminal studies at VUMC over the past two decades have spurred widespread interest in ICU delirium research, and the resulting body of evidence has come to inform critical care guidelines endorsed by medical societies in several countries. These guidelines include well calibrated pain management with prompt discontinuation of analgesics and sedatives, daily spontaneous awakening trials, daily spontaneous breathing trials, delirium assessments throughout the day, early mobility and exercise, and family engagement.

Some 82% of patients in this observational study were comatose for a median of 10 days, and 55% were delirious for a median of three days. Acute brain dysfunction (coma or delirium) lasted for a median of 12 days.

"This is double what is seen in non-COVID ICU patients," said VUMC's Brenda Pun, DNP, RN, co-first author on the study with Rafael Badenes MD, PhD, of the University of Valencia in Spain. The authors cite a previous large, multi-site ICU study, also led by VUMC, where acute brain dysfunction lasted a median of five days, including four days of coma and one day of delirium.

The authors note that COVID-19 disease processes could predispose patient to a higher burden of acute brain dysfunction. But they also note that a number of patient care factors, some of which are related to pressures posed on health care by the pandemic, also appear to have played a significant role.

The study appears to show a reversion to outmoded critical care practices, including deep sedation, widespread use of benzodiazepine infusions (benzodiazepine is a nervous system depressant), immobilization, and isolation from families. The authors find that, where COVID-19 is concerned, there has been an apparent widespread abandonment of newer clinical protocols that are proven to help ward off the acute brain dysfunction that stalks many critically ill patients.

"It is clear in our findings that many ICUs reverted to sedation practices that are not in line with best practice guidelines," Pun said, "and we're left to speculate on the causes. Many of the hospitals in our sample reported shortages of ICU providers informed about best practices. There were concerns about sedative shortages, and early reports of COVID-19 suggested that the lung dysfunction seen required unique management techniques including deep sedation. In the process, key preventive measures against acute brain dysfunction went somewhat by the boards."

Using electronic health records, investigators were able to closely examine patient characteristics, care practices and findings from clinical assessments. Some 88% of patients tracked in the study were invasively mechanical ventilated at some point during hospitalization, 67% on the day of ICU admission. Patients receiving benzodiazepine sedative infusions were at 59% higher risk of developing delirium. Patients who received family visitation (in-person or virtual) were at 30% lower risk of delirium.

"There's no reason to think that, since the close of our study, the situation for these patients has changed," said one of the study's senior authors, Pratik Pandharipande, MD, MSCI, professor of Anesthesiology.

"These prolonged periods of acute brain dysfunction are largely avoidable. Our study sounds an alarm: as we enter the second and third waves of COVID-19, ICU teams need above all to return to lighter levels of sedation for these patients, frequent awakening and breathing trials, mobilization and safe in-person or virtual visitation."

###

Pandharipande is co-director, with the study's other senior author, Wesley Ely, MD, MPH, of the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship Center. Pun is director of data quality with the center. Other VUMC investigators on the study include Onur Orun, MS, Wencong Chen, PhD, Rameela Raman, PhD, Beata-Gabriela Simpson, MPH, Stephanie Wilson-Linville, BSN, Nathan Brummel, MD, and Timothy Girard, MD.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Indonesian plane feared crashed, 62 passengers and crew aboard

INDONESIA: An Indonesian budget airline jet suspected to have crashed into the sea just minutes after take-off from Jakarta had 62 passengers and crew on board, including 10 children, the transport minister said Saturday (Jan 9).



By AFP

Saturday 9 January 2021, 09:07PM

A security personnel stands in front of a sign for a crisis centre for Sriwijaya Air flight SJY182 at the Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Tangerang near Jakarta. Photo: AFP
ADVERTISEMENT

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has said seven SIM cards can be linked to one National Identity Number (NIN) on the recently launched National Identity Management Commissions (NIMC) mobile application.

The Minister made this remark while speaking on Channels TV Politics Today show, Friday.

He said his ministry is collaborating with NIMC to transform the NIN enrolment process and the onward linkage to SIM cards as required by the Nigerian Communication Commission.

We developed an app when you go online, you will see it. That app, as long as you have your NIMC number, you will only download it without visiting any office. You will be able to link up to seven SIM numbers to only one, he said.

I have already downloaded the app, launched the app, and already linked some of my numbers immediately. This is part of digitalisation, he added

Second lockdown

The official said if the federal government imposes a fresh lockdown due to the current coronavirus spike, the ministry, NIMC, and telecommunication operators, would review the entire NIN linkage to SIM cards by network users.

If a second lockdown is enforced, then, the ministerial taskforce including NIMC, NCC, and all mobile network operators will come down and sit immediately and review, he said, adding that the task force meets usually within one week.

ALSO READ: NIN enrolment resumes at NIMC offices across Nigeria

Mr Pantami also said when there is a second lockdown, we are citizens, we must respect the Federal Governments directives.

When there is any announcement, we will come back to the drawing board immediately and review the process and see what we have achieved so far, and the challenges, the communication minister noted.

The Nigerian government had directed telecommunication operators through the NCC to block subscribers who failed to link their mobile numbers to their NINs.

This has led to a rush by Nigerians to NIMC offices across the nation in a bid to comply.

The directive initially said subscribers were given two weeks to link their numbers but this was later extended to January 18, 2021.

Subscribers without NIN have until February 9 to register and link to their numbers.
LG Group's headquarters on Yeouido, Seoul / Korea Times file



By Kim Bo-eun



LG Group said Friday that two aunts of Chairman Koo Kwang-mo will sell a cleaning service firm they own after a controversy brewed over the dismissal of the company's workers.



The cleaning service firm Jisu Inc is owned by the late LG Group Honorary Chairman Koo Cha-kyung's two daughters, who each hold 50 percent of its shares. The company is not affiliated with LG.



LG stated the owners will sell the firm, to settle a controversy over LG prioritizing the company in outsourcing cleaning services.



"The owners will seek to swiftly sell the company to another that will be able to offer quality services to client firms and stable employment to workers," LG said in a statement.



LG Group's affiliate S&I corporation which manages LG's headquarters on Yeouido, Seoul, decided to terminate its contract with Jisu Inc last year; and workers for the latter were dismissed as of Dec. 31.



S&I stated the contract was terminated because of the poor quality of the services offered by the workers. It also said Jisu Inc's workers demanded that their retirement age be extended, a request the company would not accept.



A new cleaning service firm replaced Jisu Inc, whose workers went on strike Dec. 16, after the company stated it could not guarantee their employment. The workers have continued a sit-in protest at LG's headquarters.



LG said Jisu Inc will be sold under the condition that its 2,900 workers are guaranteed employment. S&I stated employment will separately be guaranteed for the 25 workers who took part in the protest. The company said this would not affect the employment of workers of other firms that are providing cleaning services at LG's headquarters.



S&I and Jisu INC held a meeting with the labor ministry Tuesday, and submitted a plan to ensure that the 25 workers are able to work at a different company, and that four workers that are aged 65 and above will receive another form of compensation.



The union of the workers, however, rejected the offer, claiming the split up of workers would disintegrate the union. The union has stated this was the reason S&I decided to terminate its contract with Jisu Inc.



The issue drew attention after lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and minor opposition Justice Party visited the site and urged LG to protect the rights of the workers.



Civic groups denounced LG after the conglomerate prevented food from being taken into the building were the protest was taking place and shut off electricity and heating, Jan. 1. LG stopped doing this the following day.


Parents of schoolchildren in Lehigh County protested Saturday in support of a return to five days a week of in-class learning, saying virtual and hybrid options are failing students.

About 30 people took part in the roadside rally where Mickley Road, Main Street and Schadt Avenue meet in Whitehall Township. Passersby honked as the participants held signs with phrases like, Zoom is not a classroom, Schools are safe and Im not a good teacher, ask my kids! Re-open full time!

This is about our childrens future and, again, nothing more than a choice, said Jennifer Ortiz, an Allentown School District parent of children ages 8 and 6. We want a choice to send our kids to school.

Ortiz helped organize the Rally to ReOpen Lehigh Valley Schools with Whitehall-Coplay School District mother Alison Ruta and Courtney Lopez, a mother of children in the Parkland School District.

Originally set for November but delayed due to a spike in coronavirus cases, the rally comes the same week that Pennsylvania education and health officials underscored the importance of in-person instruction. New guidelines issued Thursday recommend a hybrid of remote and in-person instruction even in counties with substantial spread of COVID-19, state officials said.

Currently all 67 counties are in substantial transmission, state Department of Education spokeswoman Kendall Alexander told lehighvalleylive.com. The updated recommendations encourage schools to consider returning some elementary school students to in-person instruction beginning in the second semester, which is typically around January 25, as local conditions permit.

This is ultimately still in the hands of school entities and includes factors such as: classroom size, school resources, the ability to accommodate remote learning with equal access for all students, and more.

In addition to elementary-aged students, the department recommends districts consider resuming in-person instruction for targeted student populations such as students with disabilities and English-learners, Alexander said.

These recommendations are not a mandate, they are an option for schools to consider as they continue to navigate pandemic-related challenges in their school communities, she said.

The parents who spoke out Saturday described horror stories of once-successful students struggling with their grades and mental health without face-to-face time in a classroom.

My kids cry and melt down every morning due to the fact that they know whats coming that day and the frustrations that theyre going to go through, Ortiz said.

Ruta said she fears a mental health epidemic resulting from forcing kids to learn by staring at a screen for hours each day.

If there was a choice for virtual learning, there needs to be a choice for in person five days a week, she said. Please do not punish our children anymore.

Lopez said Saturdays rally is not meant to downplay the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is being confirmed at rates of 100,000 new cases every two weeks in Pennsylvania with 1,000 deaths attributed to the virus each week.

My heart breaks for the lives lost, Lopez said. Any life lost is a tragedy, however keeping our kids hostage almost a year into this pandemic is simply unacceptable.

Lehigh Valley school administrators have said they agree that the best scenario for children to learn is in the classroom. When possible, however, a hybrid approach with students on staggered schedules of in-class days and virtual days has presented the best option for distancing in efforts to stem the spread of the virus, they have said. The Allentown School District said it will continue all-remote learning through the end of the second quarter, Feb. 1.

The American Federation of Teachers on Friday urged caution in reopening schools under the new guidance from the state.

While science does, in fact, suggest that children and adolescents younger than 20 years have a lower susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the role they play in transmission of the virus remains unclear, the union President Arthur G. Steinberg said in a statement. We must remember that not every person who enters a school building is a student; teachers, paraprofessionals, administrative staff, custodial staff, and maintenance workers all exist in this ecosystem.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 05:14:20|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

COPENHAGEN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Danish authorities on Friday raised the security level in its latest travel guidelines to "red," advising against all travel abroad and imposing stricter entry restrictions.

"From Jan. 8 until Jan. 17, the travel guidelines for the whole world will be sharpened from being 'orange' (all unnecessary travel is not recommended) to 'red.' That is, all travel to the whole world is discouraged," said a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During a joint press conference alongside the Minister of Justice and Minister of Transport, Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod justified the tightening of travel restrictions as a way of "buying time" to vaccinate the population.

"Right now we are seeing new mutations of COVID-19 abroad. This is a very serious development and poses a significant risk...Today's package of travel initiatives is an expression of that," said Kofod.

According to Minister of Justice Nick Haekkerup, everyone residing abroad will in principle be denied entry into Denmark "unless they have a recognizable purpose" and a negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 24 hours prior to arrival.

The new rules are an extension of earlier entry restrictions previously applied upon the United Kingdom and South Africa following the discovery of more contagious mutations of the virus in both countries.

Denmark's Statens Serum Institut (SSI) reported on Friday 1,660 new COVID-19 infections and a further 30 deaths in the past 24 hours. To date, the country has registered 178,497 COVID-19 cases and 1,517 deaths, according to the SSI.

As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in some countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines.

Meanwhile, 235 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 63 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain and the United States, according to information released by the World Health Organization on Jan. 6. Enditem
Around the world, the shock of Wednesdays assault on Capitol Hill brought into sharp focus a question that has been smoldering for four years among Americas allies and adversaries. And again the doubt, wrote Emma Riverola in El Periodico de Catalunya, a Barcelona, Spain, daily, in painfully graphic terms. Is this just a final burst of pus? Or has the infection spread, now threatening to cause a sepsis of the entire system?

Was Donald Trump an aberration or the ominous onset of decline in the worlds premier democracy? The question echoed in democracies beset in recent years by populist movements nurtured by the same blend of far-right nationalism and blue-collar grievances as President Trumps following. That evening will be remembered, wrote Austrias Kleine Zeitung, as an evening when even the oldest and longest-existing democracy clearly saw the edge of the abyss. If this could happen in Washington, with its rock-solid democratic institutions, no one was immune.

From the other end of the geopolitical spectrum, entrenched authoritarian regimes exulted in the disarray in a superpower accustomed to hectoring and sanctioning them over their suppression of democratic and human rights. What we saw in Washington, declared President Hassan Rouhani of Iran, was above all how fragile and vulnerable Western democracy is. The same American leaders who now condemned the mob in Washington had hailed demonstrators who invaded the Hong Kong legislature as heroes, noted the Chinese foreign ministry: The contrast deserves profound reflection. Similar sentiments sounded in Moscow, which inherited a tiresome reliance on whataboutism from the Soviet Union.

The gang of authoritarians would do well to ponder that Mr. Trump has been voted out of office, while in the time-honored tradition of disgraced demagogues, his once-staunch acolytes were fleeing through the cracks. Yet their schadenfreude does underscore the great damage done by Wednesdays spectacle to Americas proud claim to be the leader of the free world, and to the hope and support its voice offered to people fighting for democracy.
7 day print subscribers enjoy unlimited access to yakimaherald.com

Enter the LAST NAME and the 7 DIGIT phone number on your print subscription account to connect your print subscription to your yakimaherald.com account.
EDWARDSVILLE  Southern Illinois University Edwardsville launched its re-entry COVID-19 testing initiative on Monday, Jan. 4. The mandatory testing runs through Jan. 21.

By end of day Thursday more than 2,600 faculty, staff and students had been tested. The average turnaround time for results is about 65 hours.

Of the first 1,668 re-entry test results received, the positivity rate was 0.11% with 15 positive, 1,652 negative and one inconclusive outcome.

We are pleased with the scheduling response were experiencing for this mandatory re-entry testing, as it is imperative for preserving the health and safety of our community, said SIUE COVID-19 Response Coordinator Michael Schultz. Our strategy aligns with the campus commitment to health and safety, and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

SIUEs program requires all employees and students who will be on campus complete a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test within 48 hours of visiting any SIUE campus, including Alton, East St. Louis or Edwardsville.

Testing on the Edwardsville campus is taking place in the Student Fitness Center. The School of Dental Medicine site is in the Science Building in Alton, and the East St. Louis Center multi-function room in Building D serves as the testing site for that campus.

University Housing residents returning to on-campus housing in January will be required to sign up for a time to return to campus and also submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result prior to their return. Full details on University Housing requirements are available at siue.edu/housing/about/operation-updates.

Students and employees learning or working remotely and are not otherwise planning to be on campus do not need to participate in this mandatory testing. However, anyone who re-engages in on-ground activity during the Jan. 4-21 period, regardless how brief or intermittent the campus contact, is expected to get a screening test within 48 hours of arrival to campus.

Surveillance testing will be ongoing Jan. 25 through April 28. After the initial January re-entry mandatory screening test period, the continuing screening tests will be on a voluntary basis with incentives to participate.

To encourage participation, about 600 employees and students will be selected through a random sample and invited to be tested each week. Participants will be eligible for incentives such as Cougar Bucks, parking hang-tag raffles and an end-of-semester raffle for a Fall FY22 tuition waiver. People do not need to be invited to be tested, however they will not be eligible for the aforementioned incentives.

For more details, including reporting forms, campus updates and the Universitys testing policy, visit siue.edu/coronavirus.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been following the lead of Chinese President Xi Jinping in his expansionist ideology, Imran Khan's policy of encroachment on civil rights in the occupied regions continues as we enter 2021. However, people have started to realise the malicious intentions of the duo.

The recent victims of Imran Khan's deceit are the people of occupied territory of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The government of Pakistan is actively following a policy of deceptive and backdoor militarization of the region.

Activists like Senge Hasnan Sering, Sher Babu and Baba Jan had foreseen this wave of illegal occupation coming to GB and raised voices against it. The most recent intrusion in the civil rights of people of GB is bringing in the "Butchers" of Balochistan, personnel of the Frontier Corps (FC) disguised as the forest rangers of the Forest and Wildlife Department of GB.

Pakistani government's move to extend the tenure of FC deployment for another three years has already met with strong protests in GB. However, Imran Khan's regime is bent upon taking away whatever meager chances at employment, the people of the region have.

Imran Khan hastily approved the extension of tenure of FC in GB on December 29, 2020 for another three years. This move comes in the backdrop of a rapidly increasing Chinese influence all over Pakistan, with the fencing of Gwadar gaining international attention amidst social media campaigns and outcries by the Balochs.

However, the constant pressure being built by the Chinese authorities, who are asking for a guarantee of safe passage of CPEC through GB, has made Pakistan resort to lies and trickery.

Earlier, Imran Khan visited GB on December 3, 2020 and tried to lure the local populace with fake promises of establishing two national parks in the region. With this move Pakistan's government intends to steal 3,600 square kilometers of land in one go from the people of GB. Khan stated that the initiative will generate 5000 green jobs in GB.

The recent merger of 2400 Frontier Corps personnel with the Department of Forest and Wildlife in GB has blown the cover of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in front of people of GB.

An air of frustration and discontent has been building up against the control of GB by Islamabad, these recent courses of events have triggered the Awami Action Committee  GB (AAC-GB) to launch an all-out protest against the government. The AAC has been vocal about the disruption which CPEC has brought to the region of GB.

It has regularly pressurized the local government to provide the jobs regarding environmental conservation to the actual heirs of this heritage the youth of GB and not to FC personnel.

Frontier Corps have proved its loyalty to the regime by suppressing and assassinating the Baloch activists. The barbarity of FC's ongoing war crimes in Balochistan is a testimony to the whole world, on how a state can wage a war against the people, which it claims to be its "own", and quell the legitimate voices of dissent using wartime tactics.

In the previous months, the army-controlled FC has engaged in heavy shelling on the Baloch residential areas using helicopter gunships and resorted to mortar shelling on civilians. On January 2, 2021, the FC resorted to indiscriminate firing on residential areas in Bolan, Balochistan resulting in casualties and injury to villagers.

The situation in Balochistan has become so grim, that even the Pakistani Prime Minister has not been granted security clearance by the army to visit the families of Machh, who were victims of the terrorist attack by ISKP. However, there have been claims that the Prime Minister himself is not interested to visit the region and meet the mourning families as curbing terrorism and ensuring peace and stability in the region was never his priority.

The shady course of manner in which GB was illegally accorded the status of 5th province of Pakistan had already created an air of suspicion in the minds of the people.

Following that, the mass rigging of elections, which is reported by the electoral officers from the region, itself made the speculation of Islamabads intrusion concrete in the minds of people of GB.

The violent protest which followed the rigging of elections by PTI served as a reminder about the distrust and anger of the public against the Pakistani government. It is known fact that Pakistan is drowning in the worst financial crisis of decades owing to its own mismanagement by encroaching upon the rights of GB people.

It has leapt on the boat steered by the Chinese president Xi Jinping forgetting that the cost of this ride could be its own sovereignty despite the hints given by Chinese in the case of Gwadar.

China has already invested a huge amount of money in the CPEC but has kept lions share for itself, for example, the China power has reserved itself control over 70% of output of the much-opposed Diamer-Bhasha dam. The Diamer-Bhasha dam was portrayed as a promising project to bring employment to the local people. However, the opportunities generated were ultimately hijacked by Pakistan army's commercial wing, Frontier Works Organization.

The population of GB has always been marginalized by the successive government in Pakistan. The resource rich region of GB has been on the target of the politicians from the federal administration as well as the local government.

The flourishing timber mafia which has resulted in heavy deforestation in the region of GB has been allowed multiple windows to function both legally and illegally, resulting in a huge loss to the ecology of the region. Politicians from the region have already called out the Billion Tree Tsunami Scheme as a scam intended to develop large swathes of lands into residential properties.

As reported by the newspaper Dawn, the scheme has resulted in the growth of land mafia, who have been eyeing to convert the scenic landscapes into residential properties, while endangering forests and wildlife.

Most recently, CPEC has wreaked havoc on the lives of local people in GB who have not only been denied any local opportunity but also many of them have been served eviction notices on their properties to facilitate the development of Karakoram highway (KKH) through GB. KKH is the major connecting link between China's illegally occupied Xinjiang to Pakistan's occupied region of GB.

The woes of the people of GB do not end here but they face harassment on a day-to-day basis, which include denying the scholarship to the students of the region. The people here get poor to negligible supply of electricity, despite GB having the largest hydroelectric potential in the region.

Moreover, the facilitation to the people from Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa to settle in the regions of GB and operate hotels and Restaurants has led to taking away the right to economic development, besides being a deliberate attempt at changing the demography of the region.

The most serious issue which the people of GB are facing right now is the loss of local jobs due to the backdoor militarization of the region. The Pakistani government is presently not seeing beyond the heavy investment of 60-billion- dollar promised under CPEC and has been highly insensitive to the people of the region, who will be at loss on all fronts.

As the saga of governmental corruption continues in GB, the locals of the region have been left hopeless and constantly under the eye of a blood-thirsty FC. The situation demands to be immediately taken in cognizance by the international human rights organizations and due intervention before the hands of the FC personnel, soaked in blood of the Balochs, dries and they start a new wave of ethnic genocide.

In Pakistan, several cities and towns plunged into darkness after a huge blackout shortly before midnight on Sunday, according to media reports. As per Dawn, the outage was reported almost simultaneously in many cities as residents of Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, and others faced the blackout.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat informed that the National Transmission Despatch Companys (NTDC) lines have tripped, causing the outage. "It will take sometime before everything gets back to normal," he tweeted.

NTDC system tripped. It will take sometime before everything gets back to normal. #blackout #electricity  Office of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad (@dcislamabad) January 9, 2021

Plz save your energy and water. No need to panic. Some technical fault in the Transmission system. Might take a couple of hours to normalize. Don't believe in conspiracies. We are on duty to keep the city safe @DigIslamabad @rmwaq  Muhammed Hamza Shafqaat (@hamzashafqaat) January 9, 2021

Pakistan Power Minister Omar Ayub tweeted the "frequency in the power distribution system suddenly dropped from 50 to 0 which caused the blackout". He appealed to people to maintain restraint as the authorities tried to ascertain what caused the drop in frequency. Meanwhile, #blackout has been trending on Twitter with Pakistan residents expressing their frustration over the situation.

(With agency inputs; Rep Image: Unsplash/@fresonneveld)
The children of an 81-year-old man who died of Covid despite shielding have urged the public to follow lockdown rules.

Ahsan-ul-Haq Chaudry's six children all work on the NHS front line, with one working at Queen's Hospital in Romford where he died on December 28.

All six of the siblings, an ITU doctor, two GPs, a junior doctor, a paediatric consultant and a pharmacist, have all been at the sharp end of the NHS's fight against Covid-19 and sacrificed time with their father last year so they could care for others battling the virus.

His daughter Saleya Ahsan told The Mirror it felt 'like a bullet to the chest' when she had to explain to doctors he would no longer be in need of the vaccine because he had died.

The proud father came to UK in the late 50s as an impoverished 19-year-old after fleeing partition violence in India and later working multiple jobs to support his children through education.

Five of his children have now spoken about their father's life and their own experiences in the fight against coronavirus in a bid to encourage people to abide by restrictions.

All six of Ahsan-ul-Haq Chaudry's children work on the coronavirus front line and sadly lost their father to the virus in December. Pictured: Four of the children of Ahsan-ul-Haq Chaudry, from Left Dr Saima Ahsan, Dr Saleyha Ahsan, Dr Safiyah Ahsan and Dr Syira Ahsan

Despite shielding since March, the much-loved father died in hospital on December 28. Pictured: Dr Shoaib Ahsan and his father Mr Chaudry

Mr Chaudry came to UK in the late 50s as an impoverished 19-year-old after fleeing partition violence in India and working multiple jobs to support his children through education

Dr Saleyha Ahsan, a 50-year-old ITU nurse working in Bangor, North Wales, was by her father's bedside when he died and described his death as 'long and drawn out'.

She had dealt with Covid patients throughout the pandemic, but said nothing could have prepared her for watching her own dad deteriorate so rapidly.

At one stage during his five days in hospital, after being admitted on December 23, Saleyha said she was heartbroken when her father said: 'Just let me die.'

Retired maths and computer science teacher Mr Chaudry, who suffered from asthma, was initially admitted to the accident and emergency department where his son had worked and later died at the hospital where his GP daughter was treating Covid patients as they arrived.

He was tragically just weeks away from having the vaccine when he died and Saleyha, one of his registered carers, said she received a call from the doctors surgery last night inviting him in for the jab.

She said it was 'like a bullet to the chest' as she was forced to explain he had died.

Despite being careful since March, her father started to display coronavirus symptoms around December 19 or 20.

'We all stayed away from our father for extended periods to keep him safe as we were seeing and caring for Covid patients,' she said.

Dr Saleyha Ahsan, a 50-year-old ITU nurse working in Bangor, North Wales, was by her father's bedside when he died and described his death as 'long and drawn out'. PIctured: Ahsan-ul-Haq Chaudry with members of his family

Dr Saleyha Ahsan holding her father's hand while he was in hospital. She by his side when he died

'He shielded all year but somehow it still got through.'

She said incredible and moving tributes from her father's former pupils have been pouring in, with one explaining how he taught them computer science without a single computer in the school.

'We never really stopped to consider his legacy until now and it is only now speaking to people about my dad and getting that feedback you realise how special it is,' Saleyha said.

'We probably almost took him for granted for what he helped us to achieve. I hope not, but it was just our normal, having our parents support us to do what we could.

'It is only now stepping back that you realise - what a legacy. I could not have achieved half as much as my dad.

'What he did as a migrant who came with nothing to building this all up was incredible. He was very humble about it and never made a big deal out of anything.'

Six of the children of Ahsan-ul-Haq Chaudry, from left to right Dr Shoaib Ahsan, Dr Safiyah Ahsan, Dr Syira Ahsan, Dr Saleyha Ahsan and Shazlee Ahsan

Saleyha, 50, began her career as a journalist before completing Army officer training at Sandhurst.

She decided she wanted to get into medicine while serving in Bosnia in 1997, as she felt powerless being unable to help treat trauma victims there.

Another of Mr Chaudry's daughters, GP Dr Syira Ahsan, 48, works in the out of hours at Queen's Hospital where he died.

Her father was in the ward upstairs as she worked on the front line helping patients with coronavirus symptoms.

Dr Saima Ahsan a daughter of Mr Chaudry, a paediatric consultant at St Mary's Hospital

The doctor, who has been practicing for more than 21 years, explained how she and her colleagues have been struggling to manage the volume of people in the hospital and says it is surreal to see people in their 40s struggling to breath.

She said she has reached the point where she says to herself 'What is the point?', describing the pandemic as 'a tidal wave' that isn't stopping.

Syira compared her father's funeral to an airport runway, with a constant stream of people waiting.

Following his death, she is urging people to be vigilant and abide by the lockdown rules.

Her sister Saima Ahsan, a 38-year-old paediatric consultant at St Marys Hospital, London, shared a similar warning and believes the coming weeks may be some of the most difficult yet.

She claimed the NHS is underfunded, with the consequences now being seen, and fears she may struggle to deal with Covid patients after her father's death.

The children lost their mother in late 2019 and Saima explained they were just starting to deal with that loss when their father died.

Mr Chaudry, who had 11 grandchildren, would often offer to make Saima food while she was on call, fearing she was neglecting her own needs.

She admits. while they would talk on the phone, she did not see Mr Chaudry as much as she wanted to in 2020.

Mr Chaudry with members of his family. He was widowed when his wife Fauzia Ahsan died in 2019

Dr Safiyah Ahsan, a London GP, was living in her father's home when the pandemic began but decided to move out to protect him.

She lived out of his car to begin with, working in urgent care centres at Barking and Harold Wood hospitals before manning the 111 phones in the evening.

As a GP she found people felt 'neglected and scared' and admitted she feared patients who were taken to hospital via ambulance may never leave.

Dr Safiyah Ashan lived out of her car at the beginning of the pandemic to protect her father

During the second wave she moved back in with her father to help him deal with the loss of his wife where she continued to deal with 111 calls and taught her medical students virtually.

She said: 'My dad was absolutely fine and Covid somehow crept in. It came out of nowhere and killed him.'

Mr Chaudry's son Dr Shoaib Ahsan, 32, who works in acute medicine, contracted Covid during the first wave after being in close contact with patients and described the weeks he recovered from the virus as 'a blur'.

He said his father was 'a friend who was always there' and that he always looked out for his children's needs, especially after their mother died.

Mr Chaudry was just eight years old during the bloody India and Pakistan partition in 1947. He left at the age of 19 and never went back. He was widowed when his wife Fauzia Ahsan died in 2019.

Saleyha added: 'He left his old life all behind after what he witnessed as a child.

'There was a bit of a gap between his first three children and the younger three. They were unplanned, but were a real joy and wonderful for my dad in his later years. They are all in their early 30s now, but he got to do it all again with them.

Ahsan-ul-Haq Chaudry with one of his children on the day of their graduation

'We were not a well off family and he would often work as a security guard at the weekend to make ends meet.

'When we started to need more support in academic studies to pass exams he would do extra work to pay for our tuition.'

Saleyha said he had become a bit unwell over the last few years and suffered with asthma and heart failure but had got it all under control.

'He had a busy social life pre-Covid and was very active and prominent in the community,' she added.

'He had been shielding all year - we don't know how he contracted Covid - maybe after a sibling's shopping trip? Maybe the carer who went out on his day off? We just don't know.

'We had been as careful as possible but somehow it got through.

'Covid was really challenging for him as he was confined to the house but he was really strict with himself and kept with it.

'We tried to work out ways to be safe for him and I was able to become one of his recognised carers.

Dr Safiyah Ashan and Dr Shoaib Ahsan in scrubs. They, as well as their siblings, work on the coronavirus front line

'We were just looking forward greatly to all go out again with the arrival of the vaccine. I would make sure I was ten days clear before visiting him but for four weeks in November and December I had been full on shifts.

'Before I could go to the house he was taken unwell.'

Mr Chaudry was initially taken into the accident and emergency department where one of his sons used to work.

Saleyha added: 'When he was told it was Covid he just smiled and said 'That is the thing making everything shut down.' He coped by diffusing the situation.

'He just took it all as it came and did not complain once.

'It was hard watching him, but as his full time carer at home I was able to stay with him for five days. I just camped in his room and it was really harrowing and was scary watching your father not able to breathe. Despite 14 years of being a doctor I thought I was going to pass out.

'I have looked after so many Covid patients but on ITU you are not with them 24/7.

'They have been intubated and asleep and we hope oblivious to what was going on but my dad was awake the whole time.'

Mr Chaudry had been shielding since the first outbreak but still managed to contract the virus, seen with his family

Saleyha urged everyone to take the new lockdown seriously after witnessing the trauma of Covid from both a personal and professional perspective.

She added: 'All I can say is thank goodness we have had the lockdown as it was clear that a lot of people did not understand the tiers and people were pushing the boundaries.

'We are in dire straits and people have just got to come together and show some compassion. We need to be selfless as a community to tackle this and just got to get our head down and deal with it. We will come out the other side but we can't take shortcuts.

'The last few weeks have been like watching a car crash happen and no-one making any attempts to stop this. During each wave we have had the time and predictions so why is it we have only acted in a reactionary way and not in a preventative one?

'Sadly, the government is taking people down with them.
Johnson has claimed agreement was UK's "biggest trade deal yet, worth GBP660bn"

On Christmas Eve, the UK and the EU sealed a deal on trade between the two markets in the wake of Brexit. just-food rounds up a flavour of the industry and stakeholder reaction so far.

"We remain concerned about the impact of further border disruption in the coming days. The UK has secured an agreement with the EU that provides welcome outcomes in a number of areas but sadly fails to deliver on many urgent priorities for our industry. Exporters of food and drink from New Zealand to the EU market will from 1 January have easier access to the EU than those in Great Britain. These new product checks, limitations on haulier movements and the inexplicable requirement that businesses imports and exports must use costly heat-treated wooden pallets that aren't sufficiently available will each cause disruption to food supplies and must be addressed as a matter of urgency"  Ian Wright, chief executive of UK industry association The Food and Drink Federation, 31 December

"We must warn that stormy waters lie ahead for the agri-food sector  and for EU-UK trade in agri-food products worth around EUR48bn (US$58.76bn)  if we don't get the next part right. We all need to look at the detail of the agreement to understand the full implications, but it is essential for EU and UK authorities to move at lightning speed to ensure businesses understand the new trade requirements, that border controls can operate efficiently from January 1 and that the Commission has a crisis management protocol, including direct communications with agri-food chain operators, to identify and solve border issues as they arise over the coming weeks and months. Failure to move quickly will lead to more border chaos and supply chain disruption that will not only put thousands of jobs at risk, but also impact the safe supply of affordable agri-food products to consumers"  a joint statement from FoodDrinkEurope, the trade body for food manufacturers operating in the EU; Copa and Cogeca, which represent farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU; and CELCAA, the EU umbrella association representing the trade in agri-food and commodities, 24 December

"Throughout the fishing industry there is a profound sense of disillusionment, betrayal, and fury that after all the rhetoric, promises and assurances, the Government caved-in on fish. This was a decision taken at the highest political levels and it is important that responsibility is taken for the choices made. This is no time for spin"  UK trade body The National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, 26 December

"There'll be a little bit more administration associated with importing and exporting. But in absolute terms, I think that will hardly be felt in terms of the prices the consumers are paying"  Tesco chairman John Allan speaking to the BBC, 27 December

"Given that four-fifths of UK food imports come from the EU, today's announcement should afford households around the UK a collective sigh of relief. The UK and EU Governments have taken a crucially important step in agreeing a zero-tariff agreement, to the benefit of customers all over Europe. They must now work to implement this new arrangement as soon as possible, ensuring there are no tariffs from day one, and finding new ways to reduce the checks and red tape that we'll see from the 1st January"  Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of UK retailers' association The British Retail Consortium, 24 December

We haven't seen the text (disclaimer) but nonetheless here is my pre-Christmas thread in reaction. This is a #hardBrexit deal (by design) and that means for food it is hardest of all. No rabbits out of the hat - the UK gov have followed through on their stated intent...1/  Shane Brennan (@ColdChainShane) December 24, 2020

"As was the case when the Withdrawal Agreement was agreed, this deal is welcome insofar as it takes us from the cliff edge  but it is far from perfect, and we still need clarity on a number of key areas. If the Northern Ireland protocol is to be durable, the UK and EU will need to address the challenges to local consumers of reduced choice and increased cost as a result of new administrative burdens on Great BritainNorthern Ireland trade. Additionally, we need a fair arbitration system to be in place from day one as there will be errors and teething problems as we come to terms with new procedures, and we want to minimise waste"  Nick Whelan, chair of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association

Alchemer is trusted by tens of thousands of brands around the world. Please take my survey now

"The agreement is welcome as disastrous tariffs have been avoided but the agreement reached is still very much a hard Brexit. Food and drink companies will face substantial non-tariff barriers to trade between Ireland and Great Britain with customs, SPS and other food safety requirements in a few days' time. This will lead to substantial ongoing costs which will have to be absorbed not just by the food supply chain but by consumers as well. Reaching agreement on measures to ease and facilitate customs and SPS requirements should now be a priority for both sides. This is the only way to reduce trade friction and limit the costs passed onto the food chain and the consumer"  Paul Kelly, director of Food Drink Ireland, the food-manufacturing trade body in the Republic of Ireland, 24 December

Some thoughts on the skinny Sanitary & Phytosanitary terms of the ????????TCA Agreement that will result in significant barriers to trade.



While the Chapter introduces world-first language on the 'softer' issues, it goes little beyond the WTO SPS Agreement on the rest ????  Emily Rees (@emilyrees_eu) December 27, 2020

"A deal has emerged ridiculously late in the day and there is a huge amount of detail to assess. However, this will ensure we avoid crippling tariffs of up to 80% on some of our key food exports. That is good news. With four working days until the end of the year, there are around 2000 pages of detail to analyse. There is already grim news emerging for seed potato exports to Europe, important to Scotland's farmers. They now look blocked from 1 January. The phrase 'free trade' certainly won't apply to them"  James Withers, chief executive of industry body Scotland Food & Drink, 24 December

"We welcome the agreement which is a positive outcome for Arla, as it removes the significant risk from a hard Brexit for our business. We have been lobbying over the past three-and-a-half years for both sides to agree to a free trade agreement which supports zero tariffs and no quotas on the trade of dairy and this deal delivers this. We have a range of plans in place and will be going through the details of the new agreement over the coming days to fully understand how it will impact our business, our people and our owners. But it is critical that the deal is in place for 1st of January and fully ratified as soon as possible and we will be working closely with our industry organisations and the UK and DK governments to get the clarity we need to ensure we can continue to operate under the new trading regime"  dairy giant Arla Foods' UK arm, 4 January

"As regards the Brexit Deal of course we were, like everybody else, frustrated that it took so long and there was little clarity for too long. Having said that, Ecotone are very pleased that an agreement with no tariffs and that included equivalence for organic certification was finally reached as it ensures we can continue the strong growth on some of our key brands such as Clipper and Whole Earth in the UK and across continental Europe"  Klaus Arntz, chief marketing and sustainability officer at Netherlands-based food manufacturer Ecotone (recently renamed from Wessanen), 3 January

"We do not expect any changes, as everything will remain more or less the same. We will have some more paperwork, but as we export globally we are used to handle this"  a spokesperson for Denmark-based meat co-op Danish Crown, 3 January

"Fifty-five per cent of our business is with EU countries so this was really important to us and tariffs would have made things difficult. As it is there is still a lot of red-tape and added complexity, but this will now just impact our overheads rather than our margin and won't impede on our growth. We haven't yet studied all the details as relevant to us, but overall I think that if we have to come out of the EU, then this is the best deal we could have expected and we now have clarity and can move on"  Harry Thuillier, managing director of UK ice-cream firm Oppo Brothers, 1 January

"The tariff-free element will be a particular relief for farmers that rely heavily on the EU export market, such as our sheep farmers, as well as farmers across British agriculture that produce the safe, traceable and affordable food that underpins more than GBP14bn (US$19.12bn) worth of export sales each year to the EU. It does remain the case though that our relationship with the EU will experience a fundamental change at the end of the transition period on 1 January 2021 and we do anticipate that there will still be disruption to trade at the border. New checks, paperwork and requirements on traders will add costs and complexity"  Minette Batters, president of the UK's National Farmers' Union, 24 December
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.
Controversy: The image used by the BBC website

BBC Northern Ireland has been accused of trolling loyalist activist Jamie Bryson over a picture used on an article about new Irish language signage in Belfast.

In its coverage about the council's decision to approve new bilingual street signs, they used a picture of Belfast's Bryson Street, with the Irish 'Sraid Ui Bhriosain' below it.

The image has been used by BBC NI on several occasions in relation to stories on Irish language street signage.

Mr Bryson, who came to public attention during the Belfast flag protests in 2012, is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show.

He accused the corporation of "engaging in some plausibly deniable trolling".

A BBC spokesperson told the Belfast Telegraph they would not be commenting on the matter.

Mr Bryson said: "No doubt they will claim that their persistent use of Bryson Street is just coincidental, but I think people can make their own mind up. There are plenty of Irish Street names, yet that is their image of choice persistently.

"In my view it demeans journalism and for a publicly funded broadcaster to be engaging in such childish behaviour really is rather unbecoming.

"It simply once again reaffirms my long-held view that the BBC NI establishment is an hyper-woke liberal elite echo chamber, with a increasingly overt nationalist leaning."

Expand Close Jamie Bryson / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Jamie Bryson

Bryson Street is an interface area in east Belfast. Most notably the 'Battle of St Matthew's' took place at a church in the area in June 1970. Between June 27 and 28 three people were killed and over 20 injured during fighting between the IRA and loyalists.

On Thursday evening a last-ditch attempt by unionists to reverse a council decision to change policy on bilingual streets signs in the city failed.

At the meeting of the full council, members voted conclusively for new criteria regarding the erection of a second street nameplate in a language other than English. The majority of street signs in a second language in the city are in Irish, and the majority of applications are for Irish signs.

The new policy means at least one resident of any Belfast street, or a councillor, is all that is required to trigger a consultation on a second nameplate, with 15% in favour being sufficient to erect the sign.

Up until now, the policy required 33% of the eligible electorate in any Belfast street to sign a petition to begin the process.

Last October, after months of wrangling between Sinn Fein and the Alliance Party on the matter, the two parties came to an agreement on a new policy. At the council's Strategic Policy and Resources committee, 14 out of 20 councillors agreed to the new criteria.

Sinn Fein, Alliance, the SDLP, the Green Party, and the People Before Profit Party all support the new street sign policy, while the three unionist parties, the DUP, UUP and PUP, are all against it.

Despite facing superior numbers in terms of the vote, the DUP used the "call-in" mechanism to delay the council ratification on "both procedural and adverse community impact grounds".

Last month Belfast council's city lawyer said the call-in "did not have merit on either ground".

The committee report states "the policy, when drafted, would be subject to equality screening and consultation and the operation of residual discretion would allow for appropriate consideration of any potentially sensitive decisions".
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced in a televised address a ban on the import of coronavirus vaccines from the US and the UK, saying the two countries were "not trustworthy".

"I have already said it to government officials, and now announce it publicly. The import of American and British vaccines is prohibited," Khamenei said in his address on Friday.

"American and British vaccines are not allowed in the country. The US and Britain are not trustworthy," Xinhua news agency quoted the top leader as saying in his address on Friday.

The Supreme Leader also praised the Iranian Covid-19 vaccine now at the human trial stage as a "source of pride" for the country, and voiced hope that other vaccine projects will be developed and improved in the future in the country.

After Khamenei's address, the Iranian Red Crescent Society announced the import of American Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines has been cancelled.

"The import of 150,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine (developed by) Pfizer Inc from the US to the country by the Iranian Red Crescent Society is cancelled," IRCS spokesman Mohammad Hassan Qosian Moqaddam told the state-run IRNA news agency on Friday night.

"We are ready to cooperate, if necessary, in case (Iran's) Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education puts in a request (for importing vaccines) from eastern countries," Moqaddam added.
Cars for sale are seen at Hyundai of Serramonte in Colma, Calif., on Oct. 3, 2017. (Stephen Lam/Reuters)

Hyundai Recalls 471,000 More SUVs, Tells Owners to Park Outside

DETROITHyundai is adding about 471,000 SUVs to a September U.S. recall for an electrical short in a computer that could cause fires. And the company is warning owners to park the SUVs outdoors until they are repaired.

The latest recall covers certain model-year 2016 through 2018, and additional 2020 through 2021, Hyundai Tucson SUVs. The vehicles have antilock brake system computers that can malfunction internally and cause an electrical short. That can lead to a fire.

Tucsons equipped with Hyundais Smart Cruise Control feature are not being recalled.

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson is unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on March 28, 2018 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Hyundai said Friday that the recall comes as part of a continuing investigation into the problem. The company said its aware of a dozen fires but no injuries related to the recalled vehicles.

Owners will be notified in late February to take their SUVs to a dealer, which will replace a fuse on the computer. They can key in their vehicle identification number on the companies website in the retail section to see if their vehicles are affected.

In September the South Korean automaker recalled about 180,000 Tucson SUVs in the U.S. from 2019 through 2021 to fix the same problem.

The company says corrosion can cause a short circuit in defective anti-lock brake circuit boards that can cause a fire even if engines are off.
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Police have released the identity of a 57-year-old man who was struck and killed by a train late Thursday morning in Ocean Springs.

Ocean Springs Police Capt. Ryan LeMaire said officers responded to the railroad tracks near Cherokee Glenn at the west end of Ocean Springs Thursday about 11:35 a.m. after a report of a pedestrian being struck by a train.

Officers arriving on the scene located the victim and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was initially withheld pending notification of family, but Friday LeMaire said the victim was 57-year-old Dale Alan Hammond. LeMaire said his identification listed an Ocean Springs address, but police believe he was homeless.

According to witnesses, Hammond was walking westbound on the railroad tracks and did not respond to the westbound trains warning of its approach. The train went into emergency stop mode, but was unable to come to a stop until after it struck Hammond.

The tracks remained closed until the scene was cleared at 2:30 Thursday afternoon. Police and CSX Transportation are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Ocean Springs Police Department at 228-875-2211.
A truck driver tried to smuggle 63 people through the checkpoint on Interstate 35, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

A tractor-trailer arrived on Thursday afternoon at the checkpoint. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection following an alert by a K-9 unit. Then agents searched the 18-wheeler and discovered 63 people inside the trailer.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks during the second day of the eighth congress of the ruling Workers' Party in Pyongyang, Jan. 6. Yonhap





North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reiterated that the United States is the "biggest enemy" of his country, threatening to continue to advance his regime's nuclear capabilities, the North's state media said Saturday.







Kim added that Washington's policy against Pyongyang won't change regardless of who is in the White House, saying that an end to its hostile stance will be the key to future relations between the two countries, according to the Korean Central News Agency.







He made the remarks while reporting to the eighth congress of the ruling Workers' Party currently under way in Pyongyang, his first response to Joe Biden's election as the new U.S. president in November. They also came days before Biden's inauguration slated for Jan. 20.







"The report said that the key to the establishment of new North Korea-U.S. relations is the withdrawal of the U.S.' hostile North Korea policy," KCNA said, declaring an "eye for an eye" principle will still be the rule regarding Washington.







"Our external political activities going forward should be focused on suppressing and subduing the U.S., the basic obstacle, biggest enemy against our revolutionary development," it added.







Kim has held three meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, but denuclearization talks have made little progress since their no-deal summit in Hanoi, 2019.






Seoul, Jan 9 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has urged the US to end its hostile policy towards Pyongyang, state media reported on Saturday.

In the report, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Kim made the remarks at the ongoing eighth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party, reports Xinhua news agency.

Kim said that halting hostilities by Washington will be the key to future relations between North Korea and the US.

However, Washington's policy against Pyongyang won't change regardless of who rules the White House, the KCNA report quoted Kim as saying.

This is the first response by North Korea to the new American government as President-elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated on January 20.

North Korea's external political activities going forward should be focused on suppressing and subduing the US, the basic obstacle and the biggest enemy against Pyongyang's revolutionary development, said the KCNA report.

On his new policy on South Korea, Kim said bilateral relations could return to three years ago when a peace mood was created "at any time", but this only depends on Seoul's attitude.

Relations with Seoul went cold starting June 2020 after Pyongyang demolished an inter-Korean liaison office in the border town of Kaesong in retaliation for South Korea's failure to stop activists from sending anti-North Korean leaflets into the North.

The Congress, which opened on Tuesday, continued on Friday and the participants discussed the first agenda item "Review of the work of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea", the KCNA reported.
EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence tied a school record for goals in a game with nine in a win over Smithfield. St. Lawrence scored 17 goals for the week and has 32 for the season.

CARLY CONSTANTINE, Stonington softball, sophomore: Constantine singled home Shea OConnor with the winning run to hand Waterford, the states No. 2 ranked team at the time, its first loss of the season. For the week, Constantine was 5 for 15.

GREG GORMAN, Westerly baseball, junior: Gorman, a junior, hit a massive home run in a win against Barrington. The homer went over the fence in center field and landed in a nearby road. Gorman was 3 for 3 with four RBIs in the game. He is hitting .571 with 10 RBIs for the season.

BRADIN ANDERSON, Wheeler baseball, freshman: Anderson, a freshman, pitched a complete-game shutout to beat Grasso Tech. Anderson struck out three to earn the first win of his varsity career.

Vote

View Results
Kim Jong Un vowed to expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal during a key meeting of the ruling party this week, boasting that nuclear submarines, underwater missiles and warheads that could reach American cities were all under development, state media reported.

Speaking for nine hours at the five-yearly congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, over three days, the North Korean leader also described the United States as his country's 'biggest enemy'.

Kim's comments were seen as applying pressure on the incoming Joe Biden administration, without referring to the President-elect by name.

The Korean Central News Agency quoted him as saying: 'Our foreign political activities should be focused and redirected on subduing the US, our biggest enemy and main obstacle to our innovated development.'

The North Korean leader also said the 'key to establishing new relations between (North Korea) and the United States is whether the United States withdraws its hostile policy.'

Kim Jong Un (pictured) has described the United States as his country's 'biggest enemy' while speaking at the five-yearly ruling Workers' Party of Korea

While addressing North Korea's ruling party, Kim also said that the US was 'our biggest enemy and main obstacle to our innovated development'

Kim said he wouldn't use his nuclear weapons first unless threatened and that he is open to a dialogue with Washington but stressed his country must further strengthen its military and nuclear capability.

He also said: 'Whoever takes office in the U.S., its basic nature and hostile policy will never change.'

Cheong Seong-Chang, a fellow at the Wilson Centre's Asia Program, said Kim's speech showed he has no interests in denuclearization talks with Biden if he insists that working-level negotiations must sort out contentious issues first.

Although Kim didn't name any specific US provocative actions, North Korea has previously called US military drills with South Korea as invasion rehearsals, though the allies have denied this.

During the speech, Kim named a number of weapons systems already under development, including multi-warhead missiles, underwater-launched nuclear missiles, solid-fuelled long-range missiles and spy satellites.

Kim also named a number of weapons systems already under development, including multi-warhead missiles, underwater-launched nuclear missiles, solid-fuelled long-range missiles and spy satellites

Although Kim didn't name any specific US provocative actions, North Korea has previously called US military drills with South Korea as invasion rehearsals, though the allies have denied this. Pictured: File image of a military parade during a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea on October 10, 2020

The North Korean leader also said his country must advance their precision attack capabilities on targets in the 15,000Km striking range.

'The reality is that we can achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula when we constantly build up our national defence and suppress U.S. military threats,' Kim said.

It's unclear if North Korea is capable of developing such systems. It's one of the world's most cloistered countries, and estimates on the exact status of its nuclear and missile programs vary widely.

In 2018, the South Korean government said North Korea was estimated to have up to 60 nuclear weapons.

Choi Kang, vice president of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said: 'What they want to tell the U.S. is we're developing the new strategic weapons that you can see as the most intimidating. Do you want to come to the negotiating table?'

The North Korean leader also said his country must advance their precision attack capabilities on targets in the 15,000Km striking range. Pictured: File image of a North Korean Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missiles during a military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea on October 10, 2020

In 2018, the South Korean government said North Korea was estimated to have up to 60 nuclear weapons. Pictured: File image of an underwater-launched missile being fired in North Korea on October 2, 2019

Since taking power in late 2011, Kim, who turned 37 on Friday, has pushed the so-called 'byungjin' policy of simultaneously seeking economic growth and the expansion of his nuclear deterrent.

After claiming to have achieved the ability to strike the U.S. mainland with nuclear weapons, Kim launched high-stakes summits Trump in 2018, but their diplomacy later fell apart due to wrangling over the sanctions the following year.

Nam Sung-wook, an expert on North Korea at Korea University in South Korea, said that Kim's speech 'foreshows the North Korean-U.S. relations won't be smooth in the next four years with Biden in office.'
Why Meyersdale nursing care workers are protesting

According to its website, the skilled nursing facility has the lone Veterans Administration contract in Somerset County.
The West Virginia House of Delegates opened up with a bang of the gavel so big that the head of the gavel broke away from its handle in House 

WyHy Team working on a Habitat for Humanity home Every year I am blown away by the generous spirit of our team, said Bill Willingham, President/CEO of WyHy. Its truly inspiring to work alongside staff whose community-focused mindset extends beyond their time in the office. A brighter future for Wyoming is always top of mind around here.

Theres no doubt that 2020 brought unique challenges to communities throughout Wyoming, which is why WyHy Federal Credit Union stepped up to provide more than $40,000 in support of local charitable organizations during the year.

As a community-focused institution, WyHys staff saw its fundraising efforts as an opportunity to make a big impact across a wide spectrum of causes. From giving the equivalent of 73,772 meals to the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies to teaming up with other credit unions to build a Habitat for Humanity home for a Laramie County veteran, these efforts contributed directly to the welfare of residents living in Cheyenne, Casper, and beyond.

Instead of merely donating sums of cash, the credit unions leadership created a network of different fundraising resources to offer year-round relief. More than $5,600 in fees accrued as part of the Skip-A-Pay program were given to fund food bank initiatives. Staff also participated in the Susan G. Komen Foundation Run to raise $1,294 for breast cancer research. Quarterly donations were made through Clothing For A Cause, which allows team members to dress casually two Wednesdays each month in exchange for a $5 donationand at the end of each quarter, one team member selects an organization to receive these funds. This years recipients included Black Dog Animal Rescue, The Justice Project Wyoming, Comea Shelter, and Joshua Storehouse & Distribution Center. Overall, this small but mighty initiative generated nearly $4,000 in donations this year alone. And because of two well-timed donations to the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies, our $10,000 donation was matched by a grant and private donor alike, which provided a total of $18,143 to families in need of food.

Every year I am blown away by the generous spirit of our team, said Bill Willingham, President/CEO of WyHy. Its truly inspiring to work alongside staff whose community-focused mindset extends beyond their time in the office. A brighter future for Wyoming is always top of mind around here. We always look toward making the biggest impact and providing help where its needed.

Recently, WyHy wrapped up its final charitable effort of 2020: the Adopt-A-Family program, which offers extra support during the holidays for families in need of help in Casper and Cheyenne. This year, WyHy staff members raised $3,009 to buy gifts and Christmas dinner for two families with 11 children in total.

For more than 65 years, WyHy Federal Credit Union has served its members with a singular promise: to provide individualized, trusted guidance in wealth management. Today, WyHy is the fourth largest credit union in the state of Wyoming and is the 957th largest credit union in the nation. Headquartered in Cheyenne, WyHy is proud to assist each of its 15,000 members on their unique paths to financial health. WyHys reputation as a stalwart, Wyoming-minded institution comes from a dedication to member satisfaction and economic responsibility. Operating under the motto, Were with you, WyHy sees each relationship with its members as a partnership, a commitment to offering exceptional service without compromise.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has again mocked the All Progressives Congress (APC). He noted that unlike the APC, the Peoples ...

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has again mocked the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He noted that unlike the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does not make fake promises.

Wike spoke when he led ex-Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to inaugurate the Abonnema Ring Road in Akuku Toru Local Government Area on Thursday.

He described allegations that his administration refused to empower local contracting firms to handle projects as sheer falsehood.

APC members have said I should mention those whom, locally, we have empowered. OK Isokariari Company is a Rivers Company, they did Phase One of Okochiri Road. They have also done this Abonnema Ring Road.

Lubrik Construction Company Ltd is a local company too. As we go on, we will begin to mention them. Our own is not to develop others without developing our people. Im happy with the contractor. We will continue to engage you so that youll employ Rivers sons and daughters.

You see how we have silenced them in the state. We commissioned projects until the 24th of December 2020. We have started this year since 4th January 2021. Let them tell their people to roll out their projects and call people.

For us, as a party and government, whatever promises we make we must fulfil them. We are not a party that promises and fails or gives excuses. We are a party that when we make a promise, we must fulfil the promise because we owe it to the people.

Wike reiterated that the only hope this country has today is the PDP.

The governor added that the ring road served as an alternative route in and out of Abonnema and Obonoma towns.

He announced that the adjoining mangrove would be dredged to provide land to the people of Abonnema and Obonoma for future development.

In his remarks, Ekweremadu said Wikes administration had demonstrated equity and justice to Rivers people.

The lawmaker urged other governors and political leaders to replicate such development in their states and at the national level.
Colorado's hospitals charged insurance plans and employers more than two and a half times what they were paid by Medicare for the same services, according to a national study that examined 2018 prices from dozens of facilities here.
The owner of Kazzi Beach Greek restaurants in Manly and Mosman is juggling more than one crisis when he answers the phone.

Peter Papas says his staff are finding it difficult to work wearing masks in the summer heat, the company's revenue has taken a major hit due to lockdowns limiting customers on the northern beaches and he has no idea when the restrictions will be eased.

The northern beaches outbreak has made life tough for business owners in the area. Credit:Tanya Lake

"The government has its hands on the on and off switch but doesn't want to put hands in its pocket as it did originally," Papas says. "It's not a time for the government to say 'we've done enough' ... We started off flattening the curve and now we're flattening livelihoods."

He opened the newer of his two restaurants on December 1, in Manly, which "got off to a flying start". But while he is fortunate to have already been selling takeaway food ahead of COVID-19 restrictions limiting dine-in customers, he says the shut downs have still left his revenue down 60 per cent. "It's peak season for hospitality and all businesses. We rely on the tourist dollar and the summer dollar to fund us through downtimes."
The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
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.
You need to shop around well in advance of your health insurance renewal date

THIS is the busiest time of the year for health insurance, with almost one million people due to renew their cover. But many people are insured on the wrong plans. This means they are overpaying for their cover.

According to health insurance expert Dermot Goode, large numbers of people do not engage with health insurers properly, or do not engage at all.

Others remain on dated plans that may give good cover but offer poor value for money.

Mr Goode, of TotalHealthCover.ie, said legislation protects consumers when switching either plan or insurance provider.

Read More

He explained that you get full credit for your previous membership.

You dont have to re-serve your pre-existing waiting periods and the insurer must take you on, irrespective of your age or medical history.

You will not be charged new age loadings and you can also switch back to your previous insurer again next year.

Mr Goode said: You need to think of health insurance as you would car or home insurance.

This means you need to shop around well in advance of your renewal date, ask the right questions when speaking with the insurers and disclose everything thats important to you. If you are happy with the answers you receive, just switch. And switching doesnt necessarily mean you have to change insurer, as in many cases you can often get a better deal with the same insurer.

As all rates are increasing again, its essential that you start shopping around for better value, Mr Goode warned.

Good value mid-level plans

These plans cover all public and private hospitals up to semi-private level, with each private hospital claim subject to an excess (normally 200 to 300 per claim).

There is no cover on these plans for high-tech hospitals, such as Blackrock Clinic and the Mater Private, Dublin. And there are no guaranteed refunds for out-patient expenses. The family rate quoted is for two adults and two children.

For members thinking of joining or who need to reduce their costs, these are good mid-level plans covering all public hospitals and all private hospitals such as the Beacon Hospital, Hermitage Clinic, Bon Secours hospitals etc, Mr Goode said.

Best value semi-private cover for under 1,200 per adult

These plans cover all public and standard private hospital up to semi-private level, with each claim in private hospitals subject to a small excess of 150 to 200 per claim.

There is also limited cover for the high-tech hospitals, such as Blackrock Clinic and the Mater Private, Dublin.

The VHI and Laya options include guaranteed refunds on eligible out-patient expenses.

The Irish Life Health scheme includes a free personalised package but no guaranteed out-patient refunds.

Taking on a small excess per claim is an excellent way of reducing your overall costs, Mr Goode advised.

And he pointed out that family members do not all have to be insured on the same plan. You can have everyone insured on the one policy but on different plans to suit their needs.

Best semi-private corporate plans

These plans cover all public and all standard private hospital up to semi-private level, with each claim in private hospitals subject to a small excess of 75 to 150 per claim.

There is also limited cover for the high-tech hospitals, such as Blackrock Clinic and the Mater Private, Dublin.

Mr Goode said these plans include guaranteed refunds on a range of eligible out-patient expenses with no excess to pay first.

Most refunds are in the order of 50pc and members can use scan and send for immediate refunds, or claim this at year-end.

The Irish Life Health plan includes two free personalised packages, one of which is free travel insurance.

VHI members on the likes of First or Family Plan Plus Level 1; Irish life Health members on the Level 2 Hospital or Level 2 Health schemes; or Laya members on their Flex 125 or Flex 250 schemes, should consider more up-to-date plans such as the above prior to the next renewal, Mr Goode advised.

Good-value private room corporate plans

These plans are a step above the semi-private schemes as they cover a private room in all standard private hospitals (if available) such as the Beacon Hospital, Hermitage Clinic and Bon Secours hospitals.

Due to increased demand for private accommodation, these types of plans are now becoming more popular and are available from each of the insurers, Mr Goode said.

Note: These plans include excesses per private hospital admission and may include co-payments on certain orthopaedic / ophthalmic/ cardiac procedures in private hospitals.

The above is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as like-for-like alternatives. Please refer to the insurers table of benefits for full plan details, or seek expert advice before making any changes.

How to switch...health insurance

POTENTIAL SAVINGS: 350

STEP 1 Find out what the name of your current plan is and how much your renewal premium is (eg VHI Family Plan Level 1; Laya Flex 125 Explore). Decide what your budget is this year.

STEP 2 Visit the Health Information Authoritys website, hia.ie, and use its comparison facility to compare this plan with others on the market.

STEP 3 Talk to your insurer or a broker. Ask: What is your very best plan for my budget and please include all your corporate plans. If you are considering upgrading or downgrading your plan, it will be well worth talking to them about this, too. They could also advise on any discounts that might be available, any premium reductions possible by, for example, increasing your excess, or alternative plans that may give you more benefits for the same premium.

STEP 4 Alternatively, ring your health insurer and ask for the closest equivalent plan to the one you are on at the moment. Stress that you want them to consider all plans, including corporate options.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
Kim Jong Un vowed to expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal during a key meeting of the ruling party this week, boasting that nuclear submarines, underwater missiles and warheads that could reach American cities were all under development, state media reported.

Speaking for nine hours at the five-yearly congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, over three days, the North Korean leader also described the United States as his country's 'biggest enemy'.

Kim's comments were seen as applying pressure on the incoming Joe Biden administration, without referring to the President-elect by name.

The Korean Central News Agency quoted him as saying: 'Our foreign political activities should be focused and redirected on subduing the US, our biggest enemy and main obstacle to our innovated development.'

The North Korean leader also said the 'key to establishing new relations between (North Korea) and the United States is whether the United States withdraws its hostile policy.'

Kim Jong Un (pictured) has described the United States as his country's 'biggest enemy' while speaking at the five-yearly ruling Workers' Party of Korea

While addressing North Korea's ruling party, Kim also said that the US was 'our biggest enemy and main obstacle to our innovated development'

Kim said he wouldn't use his nuclear weapons first unless threatened and that he is open to a dialogue with Washington but stressed his country must further strengthen its military and nuclear capability.

He also said: 'Whoever takes office in the U.S., its basic nature and hostile policy will never change.'

Cheong Seong-Chang, a fellow at the Wilson Centre's Asia Program, said Kim's speech showed he has no interests in denuclearization talks with Biden if he insists that working-level negotiations must sort out contentious issues first.

Although Kim didn't name any specific US provocative actions, North Korea has previously called US military drills with South Korea as invasion rehearsals, though the allies have denied this.

During the speech, Kim named a number of weapons systems already under development, including multi-warhead missiles, underwater-launched nuclear missiles, solid-fuelled long-range missiles and spy satellites.

Kim also named a number of weapons systems already under development, including multi-warhead missiles, underwater-launched nuclear missiles, solid-fuelled long-range missiles and spy satellites

Although Kim didn't name any specific US provocative actions, North Korea has previously called US military drills with South Korea as invasion rehearsals, though the allies have denied this. Pictured: File image of a military parade during a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea on October 10, 2020

The North Korean leader also said his country must advance their precision attack capabilities on targets in the 15,000Km striking range.

'The reality is that we can achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula when we constantly build up our national defence and suppress U.S. military threats,' Kim said.

It's unclear if North Korea is capable of developing such systems. It's one of the world's most cloistered countries, and estimates on the exact status of its nuclear and missile programs vary widely.

In 2018, the South Korean government said North Korea was estimated to have up to 60 nuclear weapons.

Choi Kang, vice president of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said: 'What they want to tell the U.S. is we're developing the new strategic weapons that you can see as the most intimidating. Do you want to come to the negotiating table?'

The North Korean leader also said his country must advance their precision attack capabilities on targets in the 15,000Km striking range. Pictured: File image of a North Korean Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missiles during a military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea on October 10, 2020

In 2018, the South Korean government said North Korea was estimated to have up to 60 nuclear weapons. Pictured: File image of an underwater-launched missile being fired in North Korea on October 2, 2019

Since taking power in late 2011, Kim, who turned 37 on Friday, has pushed the so-called 'byungjin' policy of simultaneously seeking economic growth and the expansion of his nuclear deterrent.

After claiming to have achieved the ability to strike the U.S. mainland with nuclear weapons, Kim launched high-stakes summits Trump in 2018, but their diplomacy later fell apart due to wrangling over the sanctions the following year.

Nam Sung-wook, an expert on North Korea at Korea University in South Korea, said that Kim's speech 'foreshows the North Korean-U.S. relations won't be smooth in the next four years with Biden in office.'

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.
Melania Trump is being slammed by a former friend and adviser for her 'silence and inactions' during Wednesday's riot at the Capitol building by supporters of her husband.

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who wrote a tell-all book about her friendship with President Trumps wife, writes in The Daily Beast that she is 'ashamed' to have ever worked for the first lady.

I cant believe how blind I was to the depth of her deception and lack of common decency, Wolkoff writes.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the White House for a response.

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff (left) blasted her former friend and boss, First Lady Melania Trump (seen right), for her silence during and after the riots at the United States Capitol building on Wednesday. The above image was taken in Washington, DC, in January 2017

A mob of supporters of President Trump stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday, sending lawmakers scurrying for cover. Five people died, including a police officer

The mob was incited by President Trump, who spoke to his supporters and urged them to march to the Capitol building moments before the riots

Wolkoffs op-ed is in response to Wednesdays horrific events at the Capitol building, where a mob inspired by the president stormed Congress and forced lawmakers to flee to underground bunkers in terror.

Five people died, including a police officer who was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher, a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to burst through the door to the House Chamber, and three others who suffered medical emergencies.

The events have led to calls for Trump's impeachment and removal from office. Many Democrats and a handful of Republicans have urged the president to resign before his term expires on January 20.

'I wish I could say I was shocked by President Trump's actions, but sadly I can not, or say I dont comprehend Melanias silence and inactions, but pathetically, they are both expected,' she writes.

The first lady was conducting a photoshoot at the White House on Wednesday when the MAGA mob violently took over the US Capitol Building.

CNN reported Friday on the first lady's whereabouts Wednesday afternoon, as she's been completely silent since her husband incited the riot.

'Photos were being taken of rugs and other items in the Executive Residence and the East Wing,' a person familiar with Melania Trump's activities told the network.

One source in the White House told CNN that Melania has 'checked out' and 'she just isn't in a place mentally or emotionally anymore where she wants to get involved.'

Two of her top staffers had resigned by Wednesday night.

The first was Stephanie Grisham, her spokesperson and chief of staff who was also briefly White House press secretary.

Grisham was followed out the door by White House Social Secretary Rickie Niceta.

With the two of them gone, the East Wing staff is down to a bare bones operation.

Melania Trump has had a smaller staff than most first ladies since she moved to the White House in June 2017.

The first lady (seen right with President Trump on December 31) was conducting a photoshoot at the White House when the MAGA mob stormed Capitol Hill Wednesday, CNN reported on Friday

Wolkoff was scathing in her criticism of the first lady.

'Melania knows how to "Be Best" at standing up and reading from a teleprompter and not from the heart,' she writes.

'She and her husband lack character, and have no moral compass.

'Although my intentions to support the first lady in the rollout of her initiatives were always pure, Im disheartened and ashamed to have worked with Melania.'

Wolkoff, in addition to her book, also released audio recordings in which the first lady is heard complaining about having to decorate the mansion for Christmas.

The tapes aired on CNN in early October just a few weeks after Wolkoff released a book last month titled Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady.

The White House has dismissed her book as 'full of mistruths and paranoia.'

She promoted the book in interviews and released recordings to CNN of some of her private conversations with Mrs. Trump.

In other recordings, she downplays the conditions in which migrant children separated from their parents were housed in US detention centers at the Mexico border, and refers to Stormy Daniels as the 'porn hooker.'

Daniels is the adult film actress who has said she slept with Trump during his marriage to Melania Trump.

In her Daily Beast article, Wolkoff repeated earlier criticisms of the first lady, calling her an 'extension' of her husband who was there to 'soften his image' instead of leaving her own legacy. Wolkoff is seen far right alongside the Trumps in this undated file photo

The president has denied the relationship.

The first lady, who recently recovered from COVID-19, claims Wolkoff 'hardly knew me' and describes her former longtime friend as 'someone who clung to me after my husband won the presidency.'

'This is a woman who secretly recorded our phone calls, releasing portions from me that were out of context, then wrote a book of idle gossip trying to distort my character,' Mrs. Trump wrote.

Melania Trump on her former best friend First Lady Melania Trump wrote a blog post in mid-October in response to claims made by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff in her book. Over the last couple of weeks, I have had time to reflect on many things personal to me. One of the most honorable and important roles I have ever undertaken has been serving you, the American people, as the First Lady of this country. When I thought about where I wanted to put my time and efforts, there was no hesitation. BE BEST has one simple purposeto help children. It serves to provide the tools children need to prepare them for their futures. We all know that more often than not, information that could be helpful to children is lost in the noise made by self-serving adults. I have most recently found this to be the case as major news outlets eagerly covered salacious claims made by a former contractor who advised my office. A person who said she made me even though she hardly knew me, and someone who clung to me after my husband won the Presidency. This is a woman who secretly recorded our phone calls, releasing portions from me that were out of context, then wrote a book of idle gossip trying to distort my character. Her memoir included blaming me for her ailing health from an accident she had long ago, and for bad news coverage that she brought upon herself and others. Never once looking within at her own dishonest behavior and all in an attempt to be relevant. These kinds of people only care about their personal agendanot about helping others. Once again, outlets chose to focus their coverage on pettiness over my positive work. There are plenty of opportunists out there who only care about themselves, and unfortunately seek to self-aggrandize by knowingly taking advantage of my goodwill. Anyone who is focused on tearing things down for their own gain, after knowing what I stand for, has lost sight of what we are here to accomplish and who we are here to serve. To push forward a personal agenda that attempts to defame my office and the efforts of my team, only takes away from our work to help children. I would say to my team, our supporters, and to all those out there on the frontlines in our communities every dayremember what we are all about and what we are trying to accomplish together. I would remind the media that they have the choice of focusing on our next generation. As a country, we cannot continue to get lost in the noise of negativity and encourage ambition by those who seek only to promote themselves. Thank you to all who have given us support. Thank you for you tireless efforts and for your love of this country. I look forward to working with you closely over the next four years. Advertisement

She accused Wolkoff of 'dishonest behavior,' but offered no examples, 'all in an attempt to be relevant.'

'These kinds of people only care about their personal agenda - not about helping others,' the first lady said.

Her complaints served to resurrect coverage of Wolkoffs claims.

She wrote in the book about her work on Trumps inauguration and blamed the first lady for not defending her after questions arose about excessive spending by the committee.

Wolkoff was an unpaid White House adviser to the first lady until February 2018, when her contract was terminated.

Her book chronicled a yearslong relationship with the first lady and their regular lunches in New York City and emoji-filled text exchanges.

Reports said she was ousted because Trump and Melania were angry over the spending for the January 2017 inauguration celebration but Wolkoff has long insisted that she wasn't fired, yet simply 'thrown under the bus'.

In January, Trump's inaugural committee was sued over allegations it had spent more than $1million to book a ballroom at the Trump International Hotel for his inauguration celebration as part of a scheme to 'grossly overpay' for party space and enrich the president's own family in the process.

Wolkoff devotes two of the books 11 chapters to planning for the January 2017 inauguration, describing the committee responsible for raising money to pay for several days of events as beset with organizational and communications issues that complicated her work.

She says she repeatedly raised questions about spending but she eventually came to be viewed as the problem.

Trumps Presidential Inaugural Committee raised nearly $107million for the lavish event, an unprecedented inaugural price tag nearly twice that of President Barack Obamas inauguration in 2009.

'Like a broken record, I kept expressing my concerns about budgets,' Wolkoff wrote.

'Also like a broken record, I became everyones problem.'

Some of those involved in or aware of the committee's work told The Associated Press in September 2017 that the orchestration of the inauguration was marred by last-minute decisions, staffing turnover and little financial oversight.

In apparent vindication for Wolkoff, the lawsuit states she had raised concerns about the costs with Trump, Ivanka and Rick Gates, a top campaign official at the time.

Wolkoff, a former events planner for Vogue, was deposed last month with DC Attorney General Karl Racine describing her testimony as 'truthful, honest and fulsome' and said it 'strengthens' the city's case.

She writes that Melania Trump leaves the East Wing of the White House without having accomplished anything of note.

'She left behind no legacy or profile to be proud of as First Lady of the United States,' according to Wolkoff.

'I made a life-changing mistake and continued working for Melania, even though I knew the environment was toxic after the planning of the inauguration, because I believed I could make a difference.

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff's book 'Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady' was released on September 1

'What a fool I was, thinking I could make a difference in the middle of this den of thieves.'

In her Daily Beast article, Wolkoff repeated earlier criticisms of the first lady, calling her an 'extension' of her husband who was there to 'soften his image' instead of leaving her own legacy.

'Melania is no better than Donald is in terms of needing attention,' according to Wolkoff.

'She wasted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a platform to make a difference in the lives of so many children and didnt provide any of that.

'She was just there as an extension of Donald, used to "soften' his image, highlight his showmanship, and smile for the cameras.

'In her free time she took up "albuming" and made scrapbooks filled with photographs of herself.

'Melania is simply an extension of her husband, just as hypocritical, speaking out of both sides of her mouth, when it suits her best.'
Close

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9:15 p.m. EST Thursday (0215 GMT on Jan. 8), Space reported.

According to reports, this is the first launch of more than 40 planned Falcon 9 rocket missions this year from launch pads in Florida and California. If achieved, it would break the 26 Falcon 9 missions record of SpaceX in 2020, and the US launches during the early Space Age.

The newly launched Falcon 9 rocket is carrying the Turksat 5A communications satellite into orbit for Turkey during a planned four-hour window last Thursday. Turkey is planning to expand its presence in space and the Turksat 5A will help them in this mission.

SpaceX's First Launch This Year

The two-stage Falcon 9 shed its first stage booster about two and a half minutes after its takeoff, where it began its descent towards the "Just Read the Instructions" drone ship of SpaceX that is parked around 400 miles (650 kilometers) east of Cape Canaveral in the Atlantic Ocean, Spaceflight Now reported.

Meanwhile, as the first stage booster is busy on its landing on the drone ships, two other SpaceX vessels were on station in downrange waters to collect the two-piece payload shroud of SpaceX.

Just before the Falcon 9 releases the Turksat 5A spacecraft into an elliptical transfer orbit after 33 minutes of the liftoff, the single-use upper stage of the rocket performed two engine burns.

According to Spaceflight Now, the tracking data of the US military shows that the Falcon 9 successfully delivered the Turksat 5A to the orbit "ranging between 177 miles (286 kilometers) and 34,000 miles (55,000 kilometers) in altitude, with an inclination of 17.66 degrees."

The controllers immediately started the health verifications and post-launch checkouts of the Turksat 5A when the ground team confirmed its first radio signals, Turkish officials said.

ALSO READ: SpaceX Nailed Rocket Landing After Sending Massive Radio Satellite to Sirius XM

Turkey is Expanding its Presence in Space

SpaceX said that they are launching the Turksat 5B later this year. The spacecraft is part of Turkey's effort to expand its presence in space, which was met with several controversies. Some people pressured SpaceX to cancel the flight of Turksat 5A, citing the role of Turkey in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, the attempt was unsuccessful.

The Airbus-built spacecraft is scheduled to beam down broadband coverage using its 42 Ku-based transponders, according to Space. Although it was already launched in orbit, it will take at least four months for the spacecraft to reach its final altitude.

Reports said that Turksat 5A would rely on its solar panel instead of using the traditional fuel to power its onboard plasma thrusters, which are more energy efficient but produce less thrust, making it longer to reach its destination.

Meanwhile, the Turksat 5B is a bit heavier than its predecessor, weighing over 9,000 pounds (4,500 kilograms), and will operate in bit Ku and Ka bands. Airbus said that this would provide more than 50GB per second of capacity, which is expected to enter service later this year.

READ MORE: SpaceX Cargo Dragon Returning To Earth; First U.S. Commercial Cargo Craft To Return From ISS

Check out more news and information on SpaceX on Science Times.
EDITORS NOTE: NJ Cannabis Insider is hosting a two-day business and networking conference March 9-10, featuring some of the states most prominent industry leaders. Early-bird registration is open. Tickets are limited.

Just as it seemed Gov. Phil Murphys office and the state Legislature had come to an agreement that would end a years-long struggle to legalize marijuana in New Jersey, opposition from lawmakers has derailed the effort in another bizarre twist in the saga, NJ Advance Media has learned.

State Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, who sponsored a cleanup bill (S3320) to address Murphys call to add penalties for underage use of marijuana, said Friday afternoon that measure will not go up for a vote in the full Senate on Monday after other senators objected to it.

The governor has declined to sign bills passed last month to legalize and decriminalize weed without changes that enact penalties for those under 21 caught with marijuana. He called the issue technical but important.

The legalization and decriminalization bill had discrepancies; one sought to do away with penalties for all ages possessing up to six ounces of marijuana, and the other made underage possession a disorderly persons offense.

The cleanup bill sought to create uniform, mild penalties. That walked back a previous attempt by lawmakers to end punishments for marijuana possession.

But it fell apart on Friday afternoon, even though Scutari had presided over a Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday that advanced the bill by a vote of 7-3, and just hours after the governors office said Murphy approves of the bill and would sign it into law if it passed the Legislature Monday.

Scutari said Friday he was removing his name as a sponsor of the cleanup bill, marking a full 180 on the measure after members of the Senate expressed fierce opposition. Nearly two weeks of work and negotiations between the administration and lawmakers collapsed in one afternoon.

Were satisfied with the bill that we gave them, and we want them to take action on that bill, he said, referring to the original bill to legalize that the Legislature passed in mid-December.

He said Murphy will have to veto or sign the bill as is, and that the Senate is done with the issue until then.

Its a change in policy, Scutari said. They thought it was technical, but its not.

He said he agrees with other lawmakers that the change could lead to more arrests of Black youth.

In the 11th hour, the governor has proposed legislation that will disproportionally and unfairly hurt communities of color, state Assemblyman Jamel Holley, D-Union, who sponsored legalization bill, said in a statement. The governor cant hold legislation hostage in an effort to further target over-policed communities and place a de facto tax on poor people whose children may suffer from drug abuse and addiction. This proposal is regressive, draconian and ethically perverse.

The Assembly also pulled the vote on the cleanup bill from its Monday session on Friday evening.

A spokesperson for the governors office declined to say if Murphy will sign or veto the legalization bill on his desk.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Amanda Hoover may be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj.
Adryanna Jenkins improbable path from South Side Easton to Marshall Scholar at the University of Cambridge seemed impossible just seven years ago.

She failed her freshman year at Easton Area High School and was sent to Easton Area Academy to get back on track.

The 21-year-old biomedical student frequently missed school because she was trying to meet the needs of her four siblings and her mother. Her father wasnt available to help. He was murdered by his girlfriend in Bethlehem in 2007.

While helping her family shed frequently miss the school bus and had no way to get to school on time. By the time she walked to school or took a city bus shed be so late it wasnt even worth going.

She caught up on her classes at the academy the first half of her sophomore year and returned to Easton Area High School the second half of that year. After that, her mother overdosed.

I was very scared for her. I thought we lost her, said Nancy Smith, her gifted program advisor.

But Jenkins was able to overcome her troubled family history and put herself on a path to success. Shes poised to graduate Penn State University with a degree in immunology this spring. This fall shell pursue a masters degree in immunology in the United Kingdom under the prestigious Marshall Scholars program. She plans to ultimately obtain a dual M.D./Ph.D and become a cancer researcher.

Im really, really thankful and grateful to have received the scholarship, Jenkins said, adding, I have a lot of brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles. Theyre all proud of me.

Smith said Jenkins benefitted from counseling both at the now-defunct Easton Area Academy and later at the high school.

She said Jenkins was paired with another girl who had also recently lost her mother so each could see they werent alone in their grief. She was sent that summer to a multicultural leadership session at DeSales University. She saw others who looked like her on a track to success and wanted that for herself, Smith said.

That was a big change for her. I think she actually saw a future for herself beyond what she was living in, Smith said.

Smith said Jenkins came back to school her junior year ready to work. She hasnt looked back since.

Her academic experience includes a summer studying biomedicine at the Yale University School of Medicine.

A'dryanna Jenkins of Easton won a scholarship to study immunology at the University of Cambridge. She lost both of her parents by the time she was 16. She was a BioMed Amgen Scholar at the Yale School of Medicine in the summer of 2019.Courtesy A'dryanna Jenkins

She said she wants to become a doctor because there werent many Black doctors for her or her family to turn to when she was growing up. Its hard enough for underprivileged people to obtain proper medical care, and on top of that theyre skeptical of what doctors can offer and seek alternative medical treatments. Thats how her mother wound up overdosing, she said.

Having witnessed many of my family members resort to these risky alternatives, I became determined to better address the needs of marginalized groups by increasing diversity and representation in healthcare, Jenkins said.

She sees a career as a laboratory immunologist as an opportunity for her to help as many people as possible.

I was amazed that one laboratory finding could improve the lives of millions, she said. I realized that marginalized patients throughout the world benefit directly from research that informs the development of medical therapies.

She lived with four siblings but actually has 10 brothers and sisters. Shell be the first of any of them to graduate from college. She hopes other young people who share her socio-economic status see her story as proof that they too can follow their dreams.

You are not predestined to live the same life as people who are struggling around you, Jenkins said. You can go on and do great things and be anything you want to be.

A'dryanna Jenkins of Easton won a scholarship to study immunology at the University of Cambridge. She will graduate from Penn State University this spring with a degree in immunology.Courtesy A'dryanna Jenkins

A'dryanna Jenkins of Easton won a scholarship to study immunology at the University of Cambridge. She lost both of her parents by the time she was 16. She studied abroad in Berlin, Germany, in 2019.Courtesy A'dryanna Jenkins

Marshall Scholar

Initially conceived as a way to strengthen U.K. and U.S. relations after World War II, and a thank you from the U.K. for its namesake -- the Marshall Plan -- the Marshall Scholarship program gave U.S. applicants their choice of study at any British university. The program has grown from 12 students awarded the scholarship in 1953 to 46 students in 2021.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Hraparak.am of Armenia writes: This morning [PM] Nikol Pashinyan has the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Onik Gasparyan, and the Minister of Defense [Vagharshak Harutyunyan].

Our reporter saw their cars near the government summerhouse at Proshyan [Street in Yerevan].

The summoning may be due to the January 11 visit to Moscow, where Pashinyan will meetwith the participation of [Russian President] Vladimir Putinwith [Azerbaijan President] Ilham Aliyev.

But the fact of summoning to the summerhouses with such haste may also be due to Vazgen Manukyan's [the opposition Homeland Salvation Movements candidate for Prime Minister] letter published last night, in which he had addressed the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ara Aivazian, the director of the NSC [National Security Service] Armen Abazyan, and the Chief of GS [General Staff] of the Armed Forces Onik Gasparyan. In the letter, Manukyan had expressed concern over the "extremely dangerous situation, the broken security system" in the country, and the ongoing concessions and losses "due to the dubious and anti-state decisions of the defeated Prime Minister." And due to the Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting scheduled for January 11, he had reminded [to the aforesaid officials] that they "ex officio bear accountability for all the decisions made, to be made, and are obliged to present the reality to the public and prevent the adoption of anti-state decisions by protecting the interests of the state and the people," So, on January 9, today, he had demanded a meeting with the representatives of the Homeland Salvation Movement.

Perhaps Nikol Pashinyan summoned them to prevent such a meeting and keep the situation under his control.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani has reviewed with the editors-in-chief of newspapers and columnists the outcomes of the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, the "Sultan Qaboos and Shaikh Sabah Summit", held in Al Ula in Saudi Arabia.

The minister stressed Bahrains efforts and endeavours, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to reunite the Gulf and open up new horizons for joint Gulf action and dialogue, and highlighted that His Majesty is keen to work with GCC leaders to boost the GCC progress, fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the Gulf peoples, and enhance security, stability and prosperity for the GCC countries and the region.

Bahrain is proud of assuming the presidency of the GCC under the leadership of HM the King who has always emphasized the importance of GCC unity and the significance of strengthening solidarity in a way that achieves prosperity and development and preserves security and stability, Al Zayani said.

He stressed that Bahrains steady approach invariably seeks peace, coexistence, strengthening cohesion among the people of the GCC states, and positive dialogues with everyone to achieve the goals that serve joint Gulf action and reinforce solidarity to face the challenges that target the security and stability of the GCC states and bridge rifts between the member states.

Al Zayani added that Bahrain is always committed to agreements and covenants that contribute to promoting joint Gulf and Arab action, and stressed that the Kingdom's endeavours are always appreciated and praised by everyone for the active and pioneering role in preserving and strengthening the progress of Gulf action.

He noted the efforts of HM King Hamad and the endeavours of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to solve all problems and face all challenges in order to preserve Gulf cohesion and to ensure the unity of the Gulf entity in confronting various formidable challenges.

Al Zayani pointed out that the GCC summit in Al Ula marked the start of a new phase that revealed good intentions and reflected the firm ambition and determination of the GCC leaders to consolidate collective action and address all problems and challenges that may hinder its progress.

He stressed that this determination converges with the aspirations and ambition of the Gulf peoples to accomplish further achievements and boost solidarity, mutual support and joint action.

Reviewing some of the statements in the Summit communique, Al Ula Statement and Al Ula Declaration, the minister praised especially the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the statement about economic unity and cooperation, the common market, food security, the railroad linking the GCC states, the settlement of the Gulf crisis and the joint Gulf dialogue.

He lauded Saudi Arabias tremendous efforts in strengthening Gulf cohesion and highlighted the Kuwaiti mediation led by His Highness Shaikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, and the steady and direct coordination between Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, considering that the sincere efforts by the GCC countries in cooperation with Egypt are an important step for dialogue, set basic points for the start of a new phase and combine efforts against any interference or entities affecting the security and stability of the GCC states.

Al Zayani expressed optimism in the next stage of the joint Gulf action and stressed that Al Ula Summit is the beginning of a new phase for a new dialogue to fulfil a renewed dream that serves the interests of the member states and marks a new move forward in strengthening Gulf action, healing the rift and adhering to the entity of the Council.

The minister praised the essential role of Saudi Arabia and its sincere and tireless work for the unity of the Gulf, in cooperation and coordination with the GCC member states.

Al Zayani also affirmed Bahrain's unwavering and profound confidence in Saudi Arabia and reiterated the Kingdoms thanks and appreciation to Saudi Arabia for hosting the GCC summit in Al Ula that resulted in significant resolutions that benefit the GCC countries and peoples.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 01:34:27|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will not attend President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," Trump tweeted.

It would be the first time since 1869 when Andrew Johnson skipped the swearing in of Ulysses S. Grant.

Vice President Mike Pence has yet to make a decision regarding his attendance of Biden's inauguration, according to a spokesperson.

Trump's announcement came a day after he acknowledged a defeat in the 2020 White House race with Biden and promised an orderly transition of power to the Democrat's administration.

The outgoing Republican has been under bipartisan criticism for a role in massive demonstrations that led to at least five deaths and dozens of injuries following a chaotic and violent breach of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday when lawmakers met to certify Biden's victory.

Democrats are calling for efforts to initiate proceedings to remove Trump from office before he steps down.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top congressional Democrat, wrote in a letter to her colleagues on Friday that she has discussed with Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, "available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities."

The U.S. Congress early Thursday morning affirmed the Electoral College votes of the 2020 presidential election, in which Biden won 306 versus 232 for Trump.

It takes at least 270 electoral votes to win the White House. Biden also won the popular votes by 7 million and more than 4 percentage points. Enditem

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 09th Jan, 2021) The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has announced the addition of a seventh centre offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, as part of its COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Dr. Farida Al Khaja, CEO of Clinical Support Services and Nursing Sector at the DHA and Chairperson of the COVID-19 Vaccination Steering Committee, said the DHA has added Al Safa Primary healthcare centre to the six existing facilities, which are vaccinating the public for free. She said the centre was added to accommodate the large turnout for vaccinations.

The seven DHA facilities that are now offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine include Al Safa primary health care centre, Zabeel primary health care centre, Al Mizhar primary health care centre, Nad Al Hamr primary health care centre, Al Barsha primary health care centre, Uptown Miriff medical fitness centre and Hatta Hospital.

Dr Al Khaja stated that the vaccination plan, which was developed by the authority, was formulated in a flexible manner, allowing the addition of other centres for administering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, to meet the growing requirements and the expected increased demand for vaccinations.

The campaign is targeting four main categories. The first category includes people who are 60-years-old and above, people with chronic diseases and people of determination.

The second category includes frontline workers in both the public and private sectors. The third category is made up of vital-sector workers, while the fourth category will be open to all who wish to be vaccinated, based on approved international and local protocols.

The DHA highlighted that priority will be given to the first three categories, and the vaccination will become available to the fourth category in the near future.

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.

There are Capital Region pastors whose sermons are so witty, wise and haunting, they bring both Gen Z skeptics and disenfranchised Baby Boomers to worship. And those are the sort of groups pastor mobile technology developer Seventh Spark wants to recruit for its new app: Faithful.

One of Seventh Sparks co-founders helped develop Legal Zoom. It collects sermons, homilies, guided prayers, poems, master classes (on love, marriage, finding ones purpose, etc.). For $9.99 per month, it curates the content for each subscriber. Users can also search for content under activities like job hunting or wilderness hiking or by moods: depression, joy, anxiety.

Faithful has more than 50 pastors, Christian social media influencers and faith-oriented motivational speakers and its looking to recruit more as it grows. Seventh Spark CEO and Stanford University alum Marissa Bell told the Times Union that at least 20 of those religious leaders is Black, Latino or Asian.

Contributors include Chad Veach of Zoe Churchs Chad Veach, pastor to pop star Justin Bieber and "Avengers" and "Guardians of the Galaxy" movie star Chris Pratt. Veach likes to say he built his megachurch on Instagram. It also includes Change Churchs Dharius Daniels, a Black New Jersey pastor who famously signed an open letter to President Donald Trump, pleading with the president to allow DACA youths to stay in America. Another spiritual contributor is Trump supporter and Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson.

We have some great unity-themed playlists that we've featured throughout this very divisive time in our country, Bell said from her California offices.

Bell sees religion as a booming sector, with a big potential market among unchurched skeptics and for Gen Z social justice warriors.

I do love data! Bell said. Amidst polls and research done by Pew and others, my co-founders and I believe that people, and especially young people, are still seeking faith and we hope we can help them with that. Christians still represent a huge market in the U.S.70 percentand a growing market globally. Certain groups like evangelical or non-denominational groups are growing. We believe that we can reach young people who need faith now more than ever.

Churchome was Seventh Sparks first successful religion app. Churchome provides a fully-functioning church experience (and more) to members 24/7, 365 days a year," according to Seventh Sparks apps website.

We dont currently have a pastor with a Capital Region location but wed love to, said Faithful spokeswoman Kassie Rodriguez.

Capital Region pastors and Christian social media influencers who would like to share their contact Faithful.co via an online form.



Contact Lynda Edwards at lyedwards@TimesUnion.com
An India with greater capacities can be an additional engine of growth for the global economy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday as he invited the Indian diaspora to be part of the country's efforts to emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis.

In an address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Jaishankar said India will also be a trusted partner and a reliable supplier, in line with global norms, and that the objective of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative is to build greater capacities and enhance its contribution to the world.

Describing overseas Indians as intrinsic partners in India's growth and modernisation, the external affairs minister said they can bring resources, technology, best practices and innovations to support the country's endeavour to enhance its capacities.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated to recognise the contributions of the overseas Indian community towards the growth and development of the country. January 9 was chosen as the PBD as it was on this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest pravasi, returned to India from South Africa and led the country's freedom struggle.

COVID has taught us many lessons, prominent among them the need to be more self-reliant. Its uncertainty has created a global demand for shorter, more trusted and resilient supply chains.We, in India, have responded through the policy of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, building stronger capacities at home to make a larger contribution abroad, Jaishankar said.

The external affairs minister extensively spoke about the various measures taken by India to deal with the challenges thrown up by the coronavirus crisis.

"Certainly, it is our ambition to build the capacities and strengths commensurate to one of the leading economies of the world. To do that, we recognise the need to think, plan and act more strategically. What is underway may be a national endeavour, but it is one very much based on global partnerships," he said.

Jaishankar mentioned India's consistent efforts to make it easier to do business in the country for both domestic and global players.

"Our objective may be to increase our own trade, investments and services, but they will surely contribute to a larger global re-balancing. An India with greater capacities can be an additional engine of growth for the global economy. It will also be a trusted partner and a reliable supplier, in line with global norms and practices," he said.

Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar said India's self-reliance initiative does not advocate a self-centred system and that it reflects a concern for the happiness, cooperation and peace of the whole world.

"I underline this message because it is important that the world be fully aware of the global nature of India's objectives," he said.

Jaishankar said an engagement with the world is fundamental to India's beliefs and traditions.

"After all, during the pandemic, India not only met its own medicine requirements, but supplied to the rest of the world. Similarly, we not only brought our own people back home, but those of neighbours as well. And as we now look at the supply of vaccines, the prime minister has assured that we will live up fully to our international responsibilities," he said.

Jaishankar said the experience of the pandemic has driven home the need for more trusted, resilient and reliable supply chains.

Involving the diaspora in that endeavour is natural. To start with, they have always been enthusiastic contributors to nation-building, he said.The external affairs minister said India has responded to the pandemic through the larger framework of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" to enhance its capacities at home to make a larger contribution abroad.

"We, in India, have responded through the policy of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, building stronger capacities at home to make a larger contribution abroad. It is natural that we seek to involve our diaspora in that process, as they have a well-earned reputation as high achievers," he said.

Jaishankar said India has demonstrated an ability to rise to the challenge and that determination is now becoming visible as a larger approach to enhance national capabilities and prospects.

A bold scheme of production-linked incentives in 13 key sectors offers the potential of transforming manufacturing in the country. Equally important, it would have direct consequences for employment and inclusiveness. These are all steps in the making of a New India and it is only appropriate that our diaspora is a full participant in that effort, he said.

(IMAGE CREDITS:PTI)

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A federal judge says the Bureau of Prisons must put health measures in place ahead of the upcoming federal executions.

The judge says the way the agency carried out the executions has led to the spread of COVID-19. Prison officials have said they are taking precautions.

The court disagreed that they've actually followed them.

The judge outlined the following moving forward:

The prison must enforce mask requirements for all staff in the executions

Logs must be kept for local staff members who have had close contact with others involved in any executions

After such close contact, staff members must test positive for COVID-19 for 14-days before each shift.

There must be contact tracing for staff members who tested positive in that 14-day period.

The judge says the prison can not carry-out the executions until and unless they put this into practice.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 14:06:15|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Photo taken on July 16, 2020 shows a container dock in Tangshan City, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

"The Chinese economy continues its fast recovery from the pandemic, helped by a strong containment effort and swift policy actions to mitigate the impact of the crisis," the executive board of the IMF said in a statement.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese economy is projected to expand by 7.9 percent in 2021 following 1.9 percent growth in 2020, as domestic COVID-19 outbreaks remain under control and private consumption is expected to pick up in the year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Friday.

"The Chinese economy continues its fast recovery from the pandemic, helped by a strong containment effort and swift policy actions to mitigate the impact of the crisis," the executive board of the IMF said in a statement after concluding the annual Article IV review of the Chinese economy.

"Policymakers have provided financial relief and fiscal support to protect the most-affected firms while safeguarding financial stability," the IMF's executive board said, adding macroeconomic and financial policies have supported the economic recovery.

IMF executive directors called for a continuation of the "moderately supportive" fiscal and monetary policies until China's recovery is on solid ground.

The directors also welcomed continued progress on China's structural reforms, particularly in further opening up of the financial sector and improving labor mobility through "hukou reforms."

"Structural reform will be key to boosting potential growth, reduce external imbalances, and build a more resilient, green, and inclusive economy," they said.

"We hope and we are assuming under our baseline forecast that the main driver of (China's economic) growth this year will be private consumption," Helge Berger, the IMF's China mission chief and assistant director in the Asia and Pacific Department, told Xinhua on Friday at a press briefing, expecting private consumption to pick up in 2021 as the pandemic recedes.

Aerial photo taken on June 7, 2020 shows the Tawan Xingshun International Night Market in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

"The way we assume this will happen is that it will be strong enough to compensate for a smaller role of investment and for a gradual withdraw of public support," Berger said, adding fiscal and monetary policy needs to continue supporting growth and authorities should not withdraw policy support prematurely.

"It will be also crucial to adjust the composition of fiscal policy support in a way that facilitates consumption, and this can be done by strengthening social safety nets," he said.

Berger also noted that it will be harder for China to tap into external productivity improvements through normal means of trade and foreign direct investment, as external environment has become a bit difficult in recent years.

The IMF official suggested China could push forward real sector reforms, such as reforms to ensure a level playing field between private firms and state-owned firms, to boost productivity and potential growth.

"What you can do and what you should be doing is you should be looking at ways of improving sources of growth that are within the country," he said.

Jin Zhongxia, IMF executive director for China, said China will continue to expand global economic linkages and cooperation to enhance its economic efficiency and resilience, citing the recent signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership free trade agreement and the completion of bilateral investment agreement negotiations with the European Union.

"As the Chinese economy continues to steadily recover from the COVID-19 shock, the authorities remain committed to pursuing prudent policies that will foster sustainable and high-quality growth going forward," Jin said.

Workers are seen on the production lines at the workshop of Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle Company in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

In its latest Global Economic Prospects released Tuesday, the World Bank also expected China's economy to expand by 7.9 percent in 2021.

China's recovery so far has been proceeding "more rapidly than expected," and also supported by stronger-than-expected release of pent-up demand, said Ayhan Kose, World Bank acting vice president for Equitable Growth and Financial Institutions .

In its Economic Outlook report released in December, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development predicted that China's growth would speed up to 8 percent in 2021, accounting for over one-third of global gross domestic product growth for the year. 
A newly sworn-in West Virginia delegate, the CEO of a Chicago data analytics company and a man sentenced to eight years for attempted murder are among 14 people federally charged so far following Wednesday's riots at the Capitol.

The Justice Department named in a conference call on Friday 13 people charged in the unrest, and Republican West Virginia State House member Derrick Evans, 35, was later charged.

They also include a handyman whose daughter claimed had been 'radicalized' and a white supremacist who broke into Nancy Pelosi's office to sit at her desk.

Richard Barnett, 60, was pictured putting his feet up on her desk.

Barnett, who proudly referred to himself as a white nationalist on social media, was charged with unlawful entry. He was taken into custody at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. It's unclear where he now is or if he'll be extradited but he is in custody.

Among them was also Michael Curzio, of Summerfield, Florida, who spent eight years in prison for attempted murder.

Curzio was released in February 2019.

The 13 included a Chicago CEO, Brad Rukstales, who issued a groveling apology for his 'extremely poor judgement' in joining in the chaos.

He said it was the 'single worst decision of my life'.

Brad Rukstales, a CEO, has been federally charged for storming the Capitol on Wednesday

Rukstales heads up Chicago-based data analytics firm Cogensia

Douglas Sweet from Hudgins, Virginia, was held in jail for eight hours and then released.

He told WKTR he traveled to Washington because 'Trump asked all the patriots to show up, so I did.'

He said: 'I didn't go with any malice or intention of malice of those that committed those the fights - the tear gas and just, you know, throwing stuff at police.

'That wasn't in my game plan at all.'

Asked if he has any regret, being involved in a riot where four people died, Sweet said: 'From our actions, come reaction.'

Sweet had also attended the violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, his daughter, Robyn Sweet, told BuzzFeed News on Thursday.

Robyn said that her father had disowned her because she fought against racism and bigotry while he had been 'radicalized by conspiracy underground websites and groups.'

'I am completely ashamed and disgusted of him,' Robyn said of her father's actions at the Capitol.

Those charged also include Cleveland Meredith, charged with making threats against Nancy Pelosi; Lonnie Coffman, of Alabama, charged with firearms and explosives offenses and Christopher Alberts, of Maryland, who is charged with carrying a firearm at the Capitol.

Evans, the politician, broadcast his participation in a Facebook Live video he took of himself as he entered the Capitol building during the riots, shouting: 'We're in! We're in! Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!'

Douglas Sweet, asked if he regretted being there, replied: 'From our actions, come reaction'

West Virginia delegate Derrick Evans is facing federal charges for his role in the riots

West Virginia delegate Derrick Evans is pictured being arrested at his home in West Virginia Friday. He's facing two federal charges in connection with Wednesday's Capitol riot

A woman claiming to be Evans' grandmother 'thanked' Trump for inciting the riot

West Virginia Republican state Del. Derrick Evans exits the Sidney L. Christie U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building after being arraigned, Friday

The affidavit, obtained by the news station, notes that during the live video, Evans can also be heard chanting to people in the doorway and the front of the of the crowd of rioters saying, 'Move! Move! Move!'

FBI agents were spotted arriving at Evans home in Prichard, West Virginia, Friday afternoon and taking him into custody.

As Evans, wearing a Tolsia Rebels high school sweat suit, was escorted to a car and driven away by authorities, a woman emerged from the house and told WSAZ that she was his grandmother.

She said that 'He's a fine man,' referring to Evans.

'And thank you, Mr. Trump, for invoking a riot at the White House,' she added.

Evans was taken to a federal courthouse in Huntington, West Virginia, for a hearing Friday and released on a personal recognizance bond. Evans is charged in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, WV Metro News reported.

West Virginia Del. Derrick Evans filmed himself entering the Capitol building (left). Evans is also pictured at right

The federal affidavit against Evans noted that prior to Wednesday's riots, Evans had a meme stating: 'A storm is coming, and there is nothing the left can do to stop it!' on his Facebook page on New Year's Eve.

On December 30, 2020, Evans was also said to have posted a meme with a picture of President Trump and the statement: 'Take America back. Be there. Be Wild. D.C., January 6th 2021.'

In the video, the affidavit noted, Evans could be heard telling other riots not to vandalize anything, WSAZ reported.

On Wednesday, after the riot, Evans posted a statement on his Facebook page which read: 'I want to assure you all that I did not have any negative interactions with law enforcement, nor did I participate in any destruction that may have occurred.'

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has said that Evans should resign from his delegate position.

Evans' lawyer has said that Evans will not do that in a statement on Thursday.

The charge of entering a restricted government building is a misdemeanor offense, which could lead to fines. The penalty could increase, however, 'the offense results in significant bodily harm,' according to WV Metro News.

The second charge against Evans is also a misdemeanor and could result in six months of jail time if he's convicted.

Richard Barnett, 60, has been charged with unlawful entry

The DoJ announced on a call with reporters on Friday afternoon that 13 people had been charged including Barnett, who had also left a threatening note on Pelosi's desk Wednesday.

Coffman has also been arrested after police found his red GMC pick-up truck near the RNC - where a pipe bomb was left. He has not been charged over the pipe bomb but cops found two handguns, 11 Molotov cocktails and an M4 carbine assault rifle in his vehicle.

He has been charged with possession an unregistered firearm (destructive device) and carrying a pistol without a license.

Officials on Friday called what he had produced 'homemade napalm' and said the Molotov cocktails

The MAGA rioter who put his feet up on Nancy Pelosi 's desk was arrested along with a man who brought 11 Molotov cocktails, two handguns and an assault rifle to the Capitol on Wednesday

More than 80 people have been arrested in total and 55 are being pursued on federal charges, officials said on the call.

THE RIOTERS AND THEIR FEDERAL CHARGES Cleveland Meredith - making interstate threats to Nancy Pelosi Richard Barnett - breaking into Pelosi's office Lonnie Coffman - possession of an unregistered firearm and carrying without a license. He had 11 Molotov cocktails in his truck. Mark Leffingwell - entering a restricted building, punching a cop Christopher Alberts - carrying a 9mm gun Joshua Pruitt - entering restricted building Matthew Council - entering restricted building, disorderly conduct Cindy Fitchett - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct, violent entry Michael Curzio - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct Douglas Sweet - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct Bradley Ruskelas - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct Terry Brown - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct Thomas Gallagher - entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct Derrick Evans - entering a restricted public building and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds Advertisement

Dozens more remain free and the FBI is scrambling to catch them with public appeals for help and rewards for information after Wednesday's disastrous attempts by law enforcement to control the crowd.

Their failure to arrest the rioters - many of whom had guns and overpowered them - has outraged millions of Americans who compared the soft touch to the harsh crackdown by police on BLM protesters during the summer.

The cops found Coffman's vehicle and searched it after securing a perimeter in the area surrounding the DNC and RNC, where two pipe bombs had been left.

The bomb squad had been called in to help with that.

It was during a sweep of the area that they found Coffman's van.

'One black handgun was recovered from the right front passenger seat of the vehicle.

'After locating the black handgun, officers proceeded to search the rest of the pickup truck, including the bed of the truck, which was secured under a fabric top.

'During the search of the cab of the truck, officers recovered, among other things, one M4 Carbine assault rifle along with rifle magazines loaded with ammunition,' the affidavit supporting his arrest says.

Coffman was arrested after approaching cops in a female friend's car, asking if he could access his vehicle again.

He asked them: 'Did find the bombs?' which the cops thought was a reference to the materials in his car but he says was in reference to those left outside the DNC and RNC.

The cop who Leffingwell is accused of punching signed his arrest affidavit.

In it, he describes how he attacked him in the Capitol building.

'In the course of this effort and while inside the Capitol building, I encountered an adult male who later identified himself to me as Mark Jefferson Leffingwell.

'Leffingwell attempted to push past me and other officers.

'When he was deterred from advancing further into the building, Leffingwell punched me repeatedly with a closed fist.

The DoJ announced on a call with reporters on Friday afternoon that 13 people had been charged including Richard Barnett, 60

'I was struck in the helmet that I was wearing and in the chest.

'Working with other officers, I was able to gain control over Leffingwell, who attempted to struggle while being detained.

'I transported Leffingwell to United States Capitol Police headquarters for processing,' the cop, Daniel Amendola, wrote.

Another cop described seeing a 'bulge' in Christopher Alberts' pocket which he recognized to be a handgun at 7.25pm, more than an hour after the curfew had been put in place.

'While pushing Alberts towards the line, I tapped the bulge with my baton and felt a hard object that I immediately recognized to be a firearm. At the time, Alberts was also wearing a bullet-proof vest and carrying a backpack,' officer Dallan Haynes wrote.

Pruitt was among a group of people who refused to leave the Capitol after the 6pm curfew. Council was among the group that pushed a barricade down to get into the building.

Cindy Fitchett, Terry Brown, and Thomas Gallagher are also charged in the same complaint for refusing to leave.

No one has been arrested yet in connection with the death of Capitol cop Brian Sicknick, 42, who died in the hospital after being hit, allegedly in the head, with a fire extinguisher.

'This is an ongoing investigation we're working this with our partners to ascertain what happened in that situation.

'We are 100 percent on it and are getting to those answers,' FBI Washington Field Office ADIC Steven D'antuono said.

Sicknick was himself a Trump fan who posted on social media about his support of the President.

A transportation worker from New York who called out sick in order to take part in the mob has been suspended from his job with MTA Metro-North.

Metro North employee Will Pepe, 31, was recognized by both colleagues and management from a photo distributed by law enforcement. He has since been suspended from the MTA

Will Pepe who worked at Metro-North's Brewster rail yard in upstate New York is now being investigated by the FBI who are looking into what role he played during the rally.

Pepe, 31, from Beacon, New York, had been with the MTA for seven years earning $74,000-a-year but decided to call out sick to head to the event which in itself is a 'false use of sick leave'.

He has now been suspended as the agency looks to fire him in the coming days.
For those in a hurry  or the very hungry  waiting even ten minutes for a bowl of delicious spaghetti can seem too long.

But now a meal can be on your plate in a matter of seconds, thanks to the launch of the UKs first frozen fresh pasta.

The restaurant-style range hits Waitrose shelves tomorrow and can be ready in as little as 30 seconds. Such products have long been sold to restaurants, but new British company Beroni will now market it directly to customers.

Brand director Patrick Finlay told The Mail on Sunday it was time for people to be able to enjoy it at home.

Faster pasta: Beronis quick-cook range will cost about 3 for a 1kg bag. The restaurant-style range hits Waitrose shelves tomorrow and can be ready in as little as 30 seconds

We make our dough by mixing French durum wheat semolina with water, he said. The fresh dough is shaped with Italian-made bronze die-cuts at a very high pressure to create very thick-walled, higher-quality pasta.

Its then cooked al dente, cooled down and frozen immediately  and youre left with fresh, frozen pasta. Its absolutely perfect for families or anybody whos busy.

The pasta can be cooked at home in boiling water in only 30 seconds, microwaved for two minutes and 30 seconds, or else pan-fried in three minutes.

Mr Finlay said the inspiration came at the start of the pandemic when supermarket shelves were stripped bare by panic buying, with pasta one of the top four grocery items bought. At the start of lockdown last March, dried pasta sales grew 74 per cent compared to the previous year, according to Nielsen market data, while canned pasta was up 60 per cent.

We realised there was a gap in the market as its already sold to restaurants, so we thought, Why not supermarkets?  said Mr Finlay. People pay for convenience. If you think about the past 50 years, its all about speed and convenience. We live in a world where you have frozen chips, grated cheese and microwavable rice  this is just another step in the evolution of our food.

James Chiavarini, who owns Il Portico, one of Londons oldest family-run Italian restaurants, said it was very common for restaurants to buy fresh frozen pasta.

Such products have long been sold to restaurants, but new British company Beroni will now market it directly to customers (file photo)

We dont do it because we make our own but I know of a lot of restaurants which do, he said. It makes complete sense because making pasta from scratch is very labour-intensive.

But pasta actually freezes very well. Nowadays, with the blast freezers and chillers most kitchens have, the quality of frozen items is generally much higher than it ever has been. It will be nice to see a higher-quality pasta open to the mass market  it raises the tide for everybody.

The pasta, which retails at about 3 for a 1kg bag, will be available in macaroni, penne and fusilli varieties. Hope Hurst, frozen food buyer for Waitrose, said: We are excited to be the first supermarket to offer fresh frozen pasta.

Seven out of ten Britons eat pasta at least once a week. A recent poll by YouGov found that corkscrew-shaped fusilli was the nations favourite, with 19 per cent of adults listing it as their go-to choice.

Spaghetti, which roughly translates from Italian as thin string, came a close second with 15 per cent of votes, while the short, wide penne tubes came third with 11 per cent. Perhaps surprisingly, macaroni came in last, gaining only four per cent of the 1,648 votes.
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden has joined a growing chorus calling for the immediate removal of President Donald Trump from office, one way or another.

In a news conference Saturday, Wyden became the latest of several high-ranking Democrats to call for a swift, last-minute removal of the president following the siege of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters Wednesday.

My view is Donald Trump is a clear and present danger, Wyden said. He is responsible for this weeks domestic terrorist attack on the peoples capitol and he ought to be held to account.

Wyden called for the president to be removed by either impeachment or use of the 25th amendment, which requires a majority of the presidents cabinet to declare him unfit for office.

Both House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have called for the presidents removal, as well as other members from Oregons congressional delegation, including Sen. Jeff Merkley and Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio and Suzanne Bonamici.

Oregon Rep. Kurt Schrader was critical of Trump but apologized Friday after likening the possible impeachment proceedings to a lynching, while Rep. Cliff Bentz, who joined an effort to overturn the presidential election results after taking office Sunday, has yet to comment.

Articles of impeachment are expected to be introduced Monday, and the House of Representatives could vote on them by the middle of the week.

If the House votes to impeach Trump and the Senate votes to convict him prior to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20, Trump would be removed from office. An impeachment conviction might also mean Trump would be prevented from running for the presidency again in 2024  or from holding any public office again.

Removal by impeachment is a long-shot effort, requiring a two-thirds approval by the Senate, which would not begin proceedings until after the inauguration, according to a memo sent out by current Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. So far, only one Senate Republican, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, has called for the president to resign. Another, Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, said he would definitely consider any impeachment articles brought by the House.

Wyden said that even if impeachment didnt result in Trumps removal from office, it would send an important message that Americans would not accept events like the siege Wednesday to ever happen again.

Democrats, including Wyden, have also called for the president to be removed from office under the 25th amendment to the Constitution, which allows the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to remove the president if he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. That path remains unlikely, especially after the recent resignations of two top cabinet officials, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who quit in the aftermath of the violence at the U.S. Capitol.

On Friday, Wyden also called for the resignations of fellow Sens. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, who led a Republican effort to challenge electoral votes for Biden  an action that helped ignite the mob at the U.S. Capitol, which Wyden called an assault on the seat of our democracy.

Any senator exhorting such an assault violates their sworn oath and is unworthy of holding federal office, Wyden said in a statement released Friday. There must be consequences for senators who would foment a violent mob for personal gain.

Wyden, who was in the Capitol during the attack Wednesday, has made it a point to call those who stormed the federal building domestic terrorists, saying their aim was to use intimidation to advance a political goal of derailing the counting of electoral votes Wednesday.

The attack was the culmination of four years of Trump fanning the flames, he said.

Every president has enormous powers in the presidential arsenal, and Donald Trump just proved once again that he is incapable of exercising those powers with the best interest of the American people, Wyden said. Every single day Donald Trump is in office, in my view, is a threat to the kind of values that are sacred to this country and to Oregon.

--Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB
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
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.

Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi on January 8 said that his country was ready to take first steps in scrapping the visa permits for the Indians to promote free travel between the two nations. The measure aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between Suriname and India. Speaking at the virtual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention organised by India on January 9 to commemorate the day that Mahatma Gandhi arrived in India, the Suriname leader of Indian origin gave a speech at the external affairs ministrys flagship event to enhance close cooperation between the overseas Indians and the homeland country.

In an address that he delivered in Bhojpuri dialect, Surimanes President said, Suriname is prepared to take the first step in doing so by ending visa permits for visitors from India to Suriname. He added that the Suriname diaspora is an integral part of Indias soft power and vice versa India was also an important part of Surinames soft power. He said that the free movement between the two nations without the hassles of visa issuance would enable prosperity in key areas of opportunities such as education, information technology, and science. The importance of the Indian diaspora can and must be one of the mutual benefits. If we approach the opportunities in this way, we can achieve great things for our countries, Santokhi said. In this interconnected world we all live in, we value international relationships based on respect and mutual benefits, he added.

Read: Too Much Vikas: Rahul Gandhi Takes Dig At Modi Govt Over GDP, Unemployment Estimates

Read: PM Modi Hails NRI Diaspora At Launch Of 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

16th PBD Convention

9 January 2021



Inaugurated by PM @narendramodi

Chief Guest President of Suriname

H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi



Rapid strides being made by India

and Indian Diaspora including during

Covid19 pandemic#PBD2021 pic.twitter.com/2wE634km6E  India in Sweden & Latvia (@IndiainSweden) January 9, 2021

PM Modi hailed Santokhis election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier congratulated Suriname President Chandrika Prasad Santokhi as he said on Mann Ki Baat that it was 'a matter of pride' for Indians that Surinames President took the oath of office holding the Vedas. Santoshi had repeated the Sanskrit verses chanted by the priest and had concluded his oath with 'Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti as he took his oath last year. In his statements that went on air, PM Modi praised the gesture and said that India has a very close relationship with Suriname. PM Modi said, More than a hundred years ago, people from India went there and made it their home. Today, the fourth or fifth generation is there. Today in Suriname, more than one-fourth of the people are of Indian origin. 'Sarnami' one of the common languages there is a dialect of Bhojpuri. We Indians feel very proud of these cultural relations.

Read: Ahead Of WB Polls, PM Modi Forms Committee To Commemorate Birth Anniversary Of Netaji Bose

Read: In Virtual Meet, Economists Urge PM Modi To Push Privatisation, Increase Infra Spending
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.
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Variable clouds with thunderstorms - possibly severe in the afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms in the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Parliament has expressed regret about the events that characterized the inauguration of the eighth Parliament saying the actions that took place during the night were regrettable.



A statement issued by Madam Kate Addo, Director of Public Affairs of Parliament and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said Parliament would therefore like to put those incidents behind it and work towards a more focused and unified membership aimed at promoting the best of Parliamentary practices and good governance.



She refuted allegations that one of its staff tried to stuff the ballot boxes with papers, explaining that by the very nature of Parliaments voting system, the allegations of ballot stuffing were impossible.



Madam Addo said there were two hundred and seventy-five (275) members present and voting and there was no way anything could have been added.



She said the introduction of any voting material would have meant that there would have been an increase in the number of votes cast and this would have exacerbated an already volatile situation, adding that staff of Parliament do not participate in proceedings including voting on the floor of the House.



The statement said Parliament would like to put on record that the Officer, a Deputy Marshal, was stationed at a particular spot in the Chamber to protect the ballot box. As things started getting out of hand, the Marshal was reaching for his taser which was hanging behind his belt to use in the protection of the ballot box. The Deputy Marshal then looked at the taser to turn it on and actually went on to use the taser to prevent one Member from forcefully taking the ballot box, which at the time had two ballots cast in it.



She said the box in question was taken away and examined in the presence of some leadership of the House. The Leader in question later came to the Chamber to assure his side of the House that nothing untoward had happened.



The statement further explained that the Marshalls in Parliament are mandated to maintain peace and order in the House and doing anything contrary to that would be at variance with the dictates of their job. Indeed, it was the same Marshall who intercepted the member who snatched the ballot papers at the time of collation after the votes had been cast.



She admitted the staff had difficulty and most of them including the Clerk of Parliament bore the brunt of some of the actions on the floor.



The statement pointed out that the staff at all times during the night remained calm and saw to the peaceful resolution of all the issues, which culminated in the successful election of the Speaker of Parliament.



She assured all citizens that its staff was dedicated to assisting the Speakership, Leadership and the Membership of Parliament in the discharge of their duties.

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 of six fatal shootings carried out by gardai in the past 22 years have taken place in or been linked to County Wicklow. (Stock photo)

Two of six fatal shootings carried out by gardai in the past 22 years have taken place in or been linked to County Wicklow.

The shooting of George Nkencho in Dublin last Wednesday was the sixth such incident.

Prior to that, the most recent fatal shooting by gardai was on May 20, 2018, when Mark Hennessy was shot dead after abducting and killing Jastine Valdez in Enniskerry.

Hennessy was shot in his car at Cherrywood. He had abducted Ms Valdez (24) the previous day, bundling her into his car and later murdering her.

An inquest into his death earlier this year was told he used a knife to inflict injuries on himself moments before a senior garda shot him at the Cherrywood Business Park in Dublin, where he was seen by uniformed gardai with a knife, as the officer tried to kick open the driver's window, believing Ms Valdez was in the car.

GSOC found that the officer had acted in accordance with the law.

A decade earlier, in May 2009, Dubliner Gareth Molloy (28) was shot dead by an undercover garda who was a member of the National Surveillance Unit (NSU). The garda confronted Molloy during the attempted robbery of a cash-in-transit van that was delivering money to an ATM in a Centra shop in Lucan.

Molloy had fired a shot from a shotgun and was threatening to kill the security man when he was confronted and shot dead.

Four years earlier, in May 2005, Colm Griffin (33) and Eric Hopkins (24) were shot dead as gardai launched a sting operation to thwart a 50,000 heist at Lusk post office in north county Dublin.

Following a week-long and often fraught inquest into the deaths, the jury found the pair were repeatedly warned to disarm by members of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) before being shot.

Prior to that, John Carthy (27) was shot dead by gardai from the Emergency Response Unit on April 20, 2000, following a two-day stand-off at a house in Abbeylara, County Longford.

His inquest was told how gardai had been summoned to the house by concerned family members after Carthy, who had a history of mental illness, had fired a gun several times during a dispute in which he was upset about an upcoming move from his old family home.

The Barr Tribunal investigating the siege heard evidence from the Garda Commissioner that the shooting was unavoidable due to the threat that Carthy posed with the gun.

While it did find failings in how gardai responded, it concluded there was insufficient evidence that the shooting was unlawful.

Previously, Real IRA member Ronan MacLochlainn was shot by a member of the NSU during the armed robbery of a Securicor van in Ashford, Co Wicklow, in May 1998.

A subsequent commission of inquiry led by Mary Rose Gearty, SC, found MacLochlainn was given several opportunities to surrender but he did not do so and instead hijacked the car of a civilian while pointing his gun three times at an approaching garda.

The commission's report into the shooting 20 years later concluded, in June 2018, that the shooting was 'necessary and reasonable' despite finding that an inquiry by gardai into the fatality was 'minimal and substandard' and there was 'an unthinkable emphasis on the robbery almost to the exclusion of the shooting'.
Curtiss P-40s are part of the long list of machines made during the war. Born as a single-seat fighter and ground attack machine, it was deployed starting 1938 and used by the Air Forces of most English-speaking nations: U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada. Close to 14,000 of them were made, in several variants.The P-40E we have here is one of them, one that even if it didnt take part in actual fighting, it sure has an interesting life story.Intended for the Royal Air Force for a price of about $36,000 (that would be roughly $634,000 in todays money, and youll see shortly why we thought to mention that), the plane actually ended up in the service of the Canadians.Even if the machine was not part of any fighting, one could say the plane made life difficult on its own. For a plane, it seemed to have had an innate aversion toward landing, breaking its gear twice while doing so. It seemed to have enjoyed flying more, and it did so extensively, as it was part of the pack of Kittyhawks of the 118 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force to have made a record, 4,000 miles (6,400 km) trip from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, to Annette Island, Alaska.In 1946, the Curtiss was declared surplus by the Canadian Air Force, and eventually was auctioned off. Someone purchased it for just $50 ($664 in todays money) and moved it to Saltspring, where it would spend most of its life acting as a tourist attraction.Restored in the meantime, and described as one of the most original P-40s in existence, with the exception of the six 50 inch caliber machine-guns, the P-40 is now for sale for $1.575 million. Thats $1.575 million in todays money
The crew of the International Space Station (ISS) will perform four spacewalks in January-February 2021 under the US program, according to NASA

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th January, 2021) The crew of the International Space Station (ISS) will perform four spacewalks in January-February 2021 under the US program, according to NASA.

In 2020, the ISS crew performed eight spacewalks, including seven under the US program and one under the Russian program.

According to NASA, US astronauts Mike Hopkins and Victor Glover will perform spacewalks on January 19 and 25. During the first spacewalk, they will work with scientific equipment on the European module Columbus, while the second one will be used to update high-resolution video cameras outside the US segment of the ISS.

On February 1, US astronauts Kathleen Rubins and Glover will perform a spacewalk to prepare for the installation of new IROSA solar panels.

On February 8, Rubins and Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi will perform a spacewalk with the aim of installing experimental equipment to demonstrate a technology.

In December, a preliminary flight schedule developed by Russian Rocket and Space Corporation Energia showed that the next planned spacewalk of Russian cosmonauts on board the ISS was likely to be postponed from March to June.

Apart from Hopkins, Glover, Rubins and Noguchi, the ISS crew currently includes Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and US astronaut Shannon Walker.

The Victorian government insists it told New South Wales of its plans to close the border as soon as receiving health advice after Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it acted too quickly and without consultation.

As Sydney's northern beaches emerged from its lockdown - the COVID-19 outbreak which prompted Victoria's border closure on January 1 - Ms Berejiklian urged other state premiers to not make hasty decisions.

In a veiled swipe at Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Ms Berejiklian said states needed to "talk to us in NSW before you close the border because we can explain to you the situation that's going on".

Loading

Her comments come as Victorians stranded in NSW hope to learn in the next day or two when they will be allowed to return home.

But Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley said on Sunday there were phone conversations every day and, when the decision to close the border was taken, he alerted his interstate colleagues.

"It did not come as a shock to my NSW colleagues that after some two weeks of community transmission across NSW ... Victoria was prepared to make the hard decision to keep Victorians safe," Mr Foley said.

Read the full story.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Saturday dismissed the certificate forgery suit instituted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

The judge, Ahmed Mohammed, dismissed the suit on the grounds that the forgery allegations were not proved.

The suit was filed by APC along with one of its members, Williams Edobor, on July 14, 2020.

Mr Obaseki had won the September 2020 election on the platform of the Peoples Demoratic Party (PDP) platform to clinch second term in office.

Suit

Sued by the plaintiffs as co-defendants in the suit were Mr Obaseki, PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The plaintiffs accused the governor of forging his Bachelor of Art in Classical Studies certificate which he submitted to INEC in support of his nomination as the candidate of PDP in the September 2020 Edo State governorship election.

They also alleged that with Mr Obaseki having only three credits in Religious Knowledge, History, and Geography, without a credit pass in English Language in his OLevel result, the governor failed to meet the minimum requirement to be admitted to the University of Ibadan (UI), and could not have been admitted into the university in 1976 and graduated in 1979.

The plaintiffs alleged that the OLevel result purportedly issued by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) was forged.

They added that Mr Obaseki failed to submit his primary school leaving certificate to INEC, an alleged failure they claimed cast doubts on whether the governor attended a primary school to be qualified to attend a secondary school and sit for the WAEC examinations.

They also maintained that the UI certificate submitted to INEC by Mr Obaseki for the 2016 election was different from the one he tendered in 2020, a claim they held as a proof that the governor did not possess an authentic university certificate.

The plaintiffs asked the court to disqualify Mr Obaseki and his party from the September 2020 election for lying on oath and forgery, a prayer if granted would have paved the way for the APC and its governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to be declared the winner of the election.

Judgement

Delivering judgment on Saturday, Mr Mohammed said: he who alleges must prove adding that the plaintiffs failed in that regard.

None of the witnesses called by the plaintiffs was able to prove that the certificates were forged, the judge held.

Interestingly, all the witnesses admitted that none of them went to the University of Ibadan to confirm the authenticity of the certificate.

What played out in this case is that plaintiffs only relied on photocopies that were attached to the Form EC9 the first defendant (Mr Obaseki) submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He held that despite that the allegation of forgery was criminal in nature and required to be proved beyond reasonable doubt, the plaintiffs failed to bring any evidence not to talk of proving the allegation beyond reasonable doubt.

In this instant case, no evidence, not to talk of proof beyond reasonable doubt, was brought to prove the allegation of forgery against the first defendant, he said.

The judge said, The evidence of the plaintiffs is at variance with their allegations.

ADVERTISEMENT

The judge noted that the original copies of the various certificates of academic qualification of Mr Obaseki including his UI degree certificate tendered in court were direct evidence which the plaintiffs were unable to puncture.

Mr Mohammed also relied on the testimony of the Deputy Registrar, Legal, of the University of Ibadan, Abayomi Ajayi, who confirmed that Mr Obaseki was duly admitted to the university as a direct entry student to study Classics in 1976.

According to the judge, Mr Ajayi confirmed, in his testimony, that Mr Obaski, despite not having a credit pass in his OLevel result, met the admission requirement to study Classics which was later renamed Classical Studies and duly graduated in 1979.

He noted that the plaintiffs were unable to puncture the testimony of a representative of the university whose evidence he said laid the case to rest.

The case of the plaintiff can be likened to a situation where a father identifies his son as his biological father and another person contests it without providing another father, the judge said.

Having thoroughly analysed the evidence in this case it is the conclusion of this court that the first defendant did not forge his OLevel certificate, his HSC (High School Certificate), and particularly his University of Ibadan degree certificate.

Accordingly the plaintiffs case is dismissed with no order as to cost.
The Trump mob insurrection Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol is, as Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York described it, a day that will live in infamy.

Sadly, history will record that even after President Donald Trump invited the mob to Washington and incited it to riot, more than 100 House members placed their fealty to Trump.

The radical right members of the Sedition Caucus voted to oppose certification of Pennsylvanias electoral votes for no reason other than that President-elect Joe Biden carried the state. So they would disenfranchise 6.8 million Pennsylvania voters because their guy lost, even while refusing to acknowledge that if the presidential election was tainted, their own elections had to be tainted.

History also will record that Pennsylvanias two senators, Democrat Bob Casey of Scranton and Republican Pat Toomey of the Lehigh Valley, stood tall. Both rejected the ef-fort by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri to cast suspicion on the Pennsylvania election as part of their own self-serving plans to go after the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

The leaders of the Sedition Caucus claimed that Pennsylvania law regarding mail-in ballots violates the state constitution by allowing no-excuse, open access to voting by mail.

Casey corrected them, nothing that the state constitution requires mail ballots for certain circumstances but does not preclude the Legislature from expanding their use. He also noted that no one raised a constitutional concern when Republican legislative majorities passed the law and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf signed it in 2019, or when it was implemented for the June 2020 primary election.

It was only when Trump lost in Pennsylvania that Trump sycophants discovered the constitutional issue. After that, Casey said, the Trump campaign failed to provide any evidence in courts to substantiate the claim.

Toomey noted that the only remedy for the nonexistent problem would be to disenfranchise 2.6 million voters who voted by mail.

Two other senators  Republicans Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Mitt Romney of Utah, also rose above sedition.

Graham scoffed at the Cruz-Hawley plan to form a commission to investigate the election. They modeled the idea on the Compromise of 1877, which settled the disputed presidential election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden. To claim electoral votes from three disputed Southern states, Hayes agreed to withdraw from the South federal forces that President Ulysses S. Grant had dispatched to enforce Reconstruction and protect freed slaves civil rights.

That killed Reconstruction, launched a century of segregation and further embedded virulent racism in the culture  problems the nation has yet to resolve.

Romney came up with a novel idea. Rather than lying to the people who stormed the Capitol about the election, try telling them the truth. Trump might be incapable of that, but congressional leaders should give it a go.

In the end, the historical record will show that Casey and Toomey distinguished themselves while the Sedition Caucus attempted to convert a constitutional process to accept certified election results into a means to steal an election.
It all becomes license for personal revenge. That man who didnt want you to marry his daughter; the family that may have bested you in business; that teacher who blocked you from entering university; that farmer who moved the border stones marking the fields to take your water.

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

The state Republican party is distancing itself from Otero County commissioner Couy Griffin, a Republican, after he posted videos of himself at the rally in Washington D.C. on Wednesday and warned of future bloodshed.

In a statement chairman Steve Pearce said Griffin, the founder of Cowboys for Trump, does not represent or speak for the Republican Party of New Mexico.

RPNM does not endorse or condone the statements made by Cowboys for Trump Founder Couy Griffin, Pearce said. RPNM condemns violence and any threats of violence against any person or group. What happened in Washington was wrong and was a stain on our great democracy.

Griffin and others in the group traveled to the nations capital to protest against an election they say was stolen. There is no credible evidence for those claims.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

In videos posted on Facebook Griffin said, among other things, that we could have a 2nd Amendment rally on those same steps that we had that rally on yesterday and if we do then its going to be a sad day because there is going to be blood running out of that building. But at the end of the day, you mark my words, we will plant our flag at the desk of Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer and Donald J. Trump if it boils down to it.

BARTs Police Department is committing to six new measures for more equitable policing, including updating its gun use policy, following recommendations from an outside agency in a long-anticipated report published Friday.

The Center for Policing Equity, a research think tank, reviewed BART police data from 2012 to 2017. Its study revealed that BART police were more likely to stop Black people and use force against them. Nearly one in four use-of-force incidents involved police holding or pointing a gun, a majority of times at Black people.

The report said these disparities do not necessarily indicate that police officers have engaged in biased or discriminatory behavior. Disparities could be explained by community characteristics, individual officer behavior and department policies and culture, as well as by the relationship between the police and the community, the report explained.

But they were still a cause for further investigation and change.

I take the findings of this report seriously and look at them as an initial benchmark against which future progress can be measured, BART Police Chief Ed Alvarez said in a statement Friday. This is a critical step in our journey to fully ensure (BART Police Department) is engaging in equitable policing.

BARTs Police Department has come under criticism since one of its officers shot Oscar Grant to death in Fruitvale station in 2009. Since then, the agency has taken incremental steps to change its policing and reached out to the center to conduct the review. The results were released amid a flurry of recent reform following a tumultuous year for policing in 2020. Also on Friday, BART unfurled its new plan to hire social workers to respond to mental health, homeless and drug addiction issues instead of filling vacant police officer positions under a new bureau of progressive policing.

The report raised concerns about some findings in the data, including the following major points:

 Police stopped twice as many Black people as white people in vehicles. Nearly half of riders stopped by BART police (49%) were Black and 63% of people who experienced force were Black, compared to their 8.7% share of the estimated racial population served by BART.

 Police stopped Black riders at a rate eight times higher than white riders and Black people were 13 times more likely to experience use of force than white counterparts.

 Hands-on force was the common type, with physical restraint used in 66% of incidents. Pointing or displaying a firearm was the second most common type used in 23% of incidents. In 63% of incidents involving the pointing or displaying of a firearm, the subject was Black.

The report recommended six changes that BART police will adopt:

 Step up timely and specific data collection on use-of-force incidents, stops and searches including the race of the subject and the detailed use of guns.

 Require officers to write a brief narrative explanation of the reason for each stop they conduct that will be reviewed by a supervisor.

 Monitor the locations and times of fare enforcement policies.

 Adopt a new policy about drawing or deploying guns.

 Redouble efforts to build mutual trust and open productive channels of communication between BART police and the community.

 Collaborate with other officials including the BART Office of the Independent Police Auditor and the BART Police Citizen Review Board to implement the recommendations.

The potentially most significant step would change policy about how and when officers use guns. Current BART police policy defines drawing or deploying a gun to defend, detain or take a person into custody as a use-of-force incident that must be documented and investigated by a supervisor, but doesnt give specifics on what justifies that use of force. The report recommended officers may only draw or display guns if they reasonably believe that there is a substantial risk that the situation may escalate to the point where deadly force may be justified.

Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
Escaped Cancun prisoner arrested in Puerto Vallarta

Cancun, Q.R.  Investigative Police of the states FGE, in collaboration with their counterparts in the state of Jalisco, say they were successful in locating and capturing an escaped inmate.

Quintana Roo authorities report the recapture of Brian Z in Puerto Vallarta. His detainment was due to an outstanding arrest warrant after he escaped from a Cancun jail cell in January of 2020, after six months in custody.

He was initially arrested for the probable commission of various high-impact crimes that included kidnapping, qualified homicide and the possession of weapons and drugs.

Brian Z, who is from Colombia, claimed to belong to the cell of a criminal organization dedicated to committing high-impact crimes. He was arrested for his alleged participation in the kidnapping of 27 people in Cancun in July of 2019.

He is also believed responsible for the execution of three, whose disgarded bodies were found near the Bonampak subdivision in Cancun.

In September of 2019, two months after his arrest, police carried out a search in SM 50 related to the murder of a state police officer. Police found documents that they say, link Brian Z as a probable participant in his death.

In 2919, he was arrested while in possession of drugs and three loaded weapons. On January 29 of 2020, Brian Z escaped from Cancun prison by climbing out a bathroom window. That escape led to the definitive suspension of a Vice Prosecutor.

The FGE of Quintana Roo says that with the cooperation of authorities in the state of Jalisco, Brian Z was captured in the La Aurora neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta. He has since been transferred back to Quintana Roo to face charges.
Indian forces have detained a Chinese soldier on a disputed Himalayan border where the two nations fought a deadly battle last year, the military said today.

The arrest marks the second detention on the high altitude border since their deadliest confrontation in decades broke out in June, in which at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

The face-off began in early May with a fierce brawl before exploding into hand-to-hand combat with clubs, stones and fists on June 15 which is also understood to have caused a number of Chinese casualties.

Both India and China have since heavily militarised each side of the Ladakh region.

It was said today that a People's Liberation Army soldier was 'apprehended' on the Indian side of the area, known as the Line of Actual Control.

The Indian army said in a statement the man was detained in the early hours of Friday and taken into custody.

Indian army soldiers stand on a snow covered road after snowfall near Zojila mountain pass that connects Srinagar to the union territory of Ladakh, bordering China

'The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures, and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated,' a statement said.

The People's Liberation Army Daily, which is run by China's military, said the soldier went missing in 'the darkness and complicated terrain' and insisted India was informed.

'India should strictly abide by the relevant agreements between the two countries, and promptly transfer the missing person to China, to help with cooling and de-escalating the China-Indian border situation,' the military newspaper added.

Another Chinese soldier was briefly held by Indian forces in the same region in October.

Tensions flared between China and India last June when a clash along the disputed Himalayan border led to the death of at least 20 Indian soldiers.

In the following months, the nuclear-armed neighbours deployed tens of thousands of soldiers across India's Ladakh region and China's Tibetan plateau.

Indian troopers stand atop a vehicle on Srinagar-Ladakh Highway in Ganderbal district of Indian Administered Kashmir

An Indian army soldier stands on a snow covered road after snowfall near Zojila mountain pass that connects Srinagar to the union territory of Ladakh, bordering China

In November, the two sides began formulating a disengagement plan to withdraw troops and establish no-patrol zones.

India and China inherited their territorial disputes from the period of British colonial rule.

Three years after India's independence in 1947 and a year after the communists came to power in China, the new government in Beijing began strongly asserting its claims and repudiating earlier treaties it says were signed under duress, but which India says are fixed.

Beijing's approach has strengthened under Xi Jinping, China's most powerful leader in decades who has sworn not to surrender even an inch of territory.

In the 1950s, China started building a strategic road on the uninhabited Aksai Chin Plateau to connect its restive regions of Tibet and Xinjiang.

India objected and claimed Aksai Chin as part of Ladakh, itself belonging to the former principality of Kashmir now divided between India and Pakistan.

Relations were further strained after India allowed Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to establish a self-declared government-in-exile in the northern Indian town of Dharmsala after he fled his homeland in 1959 during an abortive uprising against Chinese rule.

The differences led to a bitter monthlong war in 1962. Firefights broke out again in 1967 and 1975, leading to more deaths on both sides.

They've since adopted protocols, including an agreement not to use firearms, but those protocols have fractured in this year's clashes.

China, in the meantime, began cementing its relations with India's archrival Pakistan and backing it on the issue of Kashmir.

The fiercely contested LAC separates Chinese and Indian held territories from Ladakh in the west to India's eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. It is broken in parts where the Himalayan nations of Nepal and Bhutan border China.

According to India, the de facto border is 3,488 kilometers (2,167-mile) long, although China promotes a considerably shorter figure.

As its name suggests, it divides the areas of physical control rather than territorial claims.

In all, China claims some 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles) of territory in India's northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh with its mainly Buddhist population.

India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometers (15,000 square miles) of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau, which India considers part of Ladakh, where the current face-off is happening.
BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China has allocated 1.75 billion yuan (about 270 million U.S. dollars) from its central budget to ensure agricultural production and alleviate disasters during this winter and next spring, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The fund has been channeled to 24 provincial-level regions including Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Sichuan and Gansu, the ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The fund will be used for reserving fodder for livestock through the winter, preventing and controlling disasters triggered by cold weather, as well as restoring facilities damaged by water-related disasters.

Preparation of backup water sources for possible droughts and implementation of protection measures against droughts and floods shall also be supported by the fund, according to the ministry.


The Pentagons acting policy chief, Anthony Tata, met with the Saudi Arabian deputy defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, in Riyadh on Thursday. The two discussed a shared vision of stability for the region, said Prince Khalid, who is the younger brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Details of the conversation were not immediately clear. A spokesperson for Tatas office was unable to offer comment by publication time.

The visit came as the outgoing administration of US President Donald Trump pushes last-minute weapons sales to Riyadh before Joe Biden takes office Jan. 20. Biden has promised a tough stance on Saudi Arabia, threatening to halt US arms sales to the kingdom and end US support for its effort in Yemens civil war.

Tata, widely seen as a Trump loyalist, was nominated to be the Pentagons policy chief last year but was never confirmed by the Senate. He rose to perform that role anyway amid a White House shake-up of Pentagon leadership that saw political allies of the president installed in senior positions in November.

Tatas visit to Riyadh came as the United States dispatched yet another pair of nuclear-capable B-52 Stratofortress bombers over the Middle East, the fourth such mission in just two months. The aircraft departed Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota for Jordan on Wednesday before linking up with F-15s of the Royal Saudi Air Force.

The deployment was the latest sign that Washington is following through on its warnings to Tehran not to act on promises of revenge around the anniversary of the US assassination of Iranian Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad last year. The recent overflights coincided with the redeployment of the supercarrier USS Nimitz to the region and the arrival of a guided-missile submarine, the USS Georgia, to the Persian Gulf.

Saudi Arabia and Israel have both contributed to the show of force, which follows calls for revenge by the Islamic Republics supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, over the assassination of a senior Iranian nuclear scientist in November. Officials in Tehran have accused Israel of being behind the roadside ambush.

The Trump administration has rallied Middle Eastern leaders to establish ties with Israel as Washington bears down on the Iranian economy and Tehran's proxies abroad in hope of rolling back the Islamic Republics influence.

Tata visited the Maldives earlier this week to build on a joint defense cooperation agreement signed in September.
Actor Jon Voight warns of 'dark clouds of destruction' days before Capitol riot

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Hollywood actor Jon Voight, an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, urged Americans to stand up and protect the country from the dark cloud of destruction, regardless of political affiliation, days before violence broke out at the Capitol.

Voights video message came days before hundreds of Trump supporters broke through barricades and stormed the Capitol building. While a peaceful rally and protests were attended by hundreds of thousands of Trump supporters at the Ellipse on Wednesday, Trump also urged his supporters to rally outside the Capitol.

Although many who walked from the White House to the Capitol did so peacefully, many others caused destruction to government property by forcefully entering the restricted Capitol building, and some made their way to the House and Senate chambers and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office.

During the riot at the Capitol, police shot and killed an unarmed woman as she attempted to climb through a broken door and into the House chamber. Three others died from health emergencies, and U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, 42, who is believed to have died due to the pepper spray or bear spray used against the rioters in conjunction with a preexisting medical condition.

At the time of the riot, lawmakers were undergoing the electoral certification process and were forced to stop. The confirmation of President-elect Joe Biden's victory was affirmed by Congress early Thursday morning after Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers reconvened.

In a video posted on Twitter Jan. 3, Voight said, We shall not let America sink to these fools, who are Democrats, and now some Republicans, who have jumped to the trails of unrighteousness.

America, land of the free, will not stand for freedom if we allow these dark clouds of destruction. We must tear down the walls of Jericho. We must not allow our fears to follow the path of evil. We all must rise now, for God now has heard our cries, he continued.

The conservative star made a plea for Americans, regardless of skin color or religion, to fight for truth and freedom. He maintained that the issue is about God.

This is a war, a war that is about to open up now, between truths versus lies. We the people must open our eyes to this truth: that this election is, by far, the biggest scandal of 2020, Voight added.

Can justice prevail? Can truths prevail? Well, my friends of every religion, race [and] color, this is not a race. This is about God. This now is about safety, our trust, our given truths. We all ask now, What will be? How will our nation be free? A land that once stood with pride, with freedom, and dreams for the American people, he continued.

The Academy Award-winner concluded his video by calling on Americans to hold on to the freedoms God has given to the nation.

Well, my friends, it must still be. And we all will understand this one day, because President Trump is standing, and will always stand, for Americas freedom and the words of our greatness: In God we trust, Voight concluded.

Voight has not publicly shared his reaction to the Capitol riot.

In a previous interview with The Christian Post, Voight, the father of famous actress Angelina Jolie, talked about the importance of family values.

"Family is so important and family is being attacked by people who are really trying to tear down the fabric of our society; it's true, Voight told CP. I don't want to get into any kind of conspiracy stuff, but it's really happening. So we have to protect the values of our country and the values of family, and guide the focused lives; we have to protect that aspect.
Catch me if you can View(s):

My dear Udayanga,

I thought I must write to you because you are the man of the moment: everyone is talking about you and about all those Ukrainian tourists that you have brought to the country, along with their COVID-19, of course. The powers that be say you are doing what is right, but most others are blaming you.

Whatever people say about you, Udayanga, they cant accuse you of being uninteresting. Here you are, claiming you are trying your best to resurrect our tourism industry when it was only a short while ago that you were among the most wanted men in Paradise, with even Interpol looking for you.

Even those days, you made headlines. We were told stories about how money was allegedly paid to dummy companies by our government to buy several aircraft for our Air Force at the height of the Eelam war. Those who made the accusations said you were allegedly involved in those transactions.

Others were also allegedly accused of being involved in those deals. They too were listed alongside you in the cases filed against you and that issue was threatening their prospects as well. We dont need to say who they are, do we? After all, blood is thicker than water, and what are cousins for?

It was not only our government that wanted you, even the Ukrainian government did. They claimed that when you were our envoy in Moscow, you were trying to provide arms to Ukrainian rebels. So, the Ukrainians too wanted to detain you and question you about your alleged activities there.

Our Police conducted meticulous investigations resulting in the government of the day making a request to extradite you. That took several years and when they did bring you back to Paradise from Dubai, you made history  the very first time Paradise had successfully extradited a criminal suspect.

However, you were lucky. By the time you were brought back to Paradise, there were changes over here. Your clan was back and holding the reins of power. So, even though you were arrested at the airport on arrival, you wouldnt have been worried because, by then, you had cousins in high places.

In what must surely be a coincidence (what else could it be?) all the top officers who had investigated you for years and had put together the case against you, have now been either demoted to posts of lesser rank, transferred to remote areas or, in the case of one, sent to prison.

You can call yours a journey in overcoming adversity. Others may see it as how our criminal justice system works: those who are criminals under one government are acquitted when the next government comes in to office  and those in the previous government become the new criminals!

However, people are not very interested in all that now, Udayanga. What they are interested about is your attempts to take batches of Ukrainians around Paradise to revive our tourist industry. Some may question the wisdom of that when Ukraine itself is in a state of lockdown, but Im sure you know best.

You need not worry because cousin Basil tells us this is all part of an experiment to see how we can cater to tourists during the pandemic. He says Ukraine was chosen deliberately because the virus is rampant there. A safer country will not be a good trial for what he calls the Coveen experiment!

Then you have Prasanna who is in charge of Tourism. He too has come to your defence saying there cannot be one law for everyone, especially for Ukrainian tourists. He justifies them being allowed to roam around the countryside, while those who came in to contact with them are asked to quarantine.

Also arguing your case was Lanza. He says Ukrainians are not crazy to spend two weeks sleeping in a hotel room before touring the country. Not to be outdone, the GMOAs Padeniya says that the best way forward is to let the population develop herd immunity. Well, he must know a lot about herds!

Even if something goes horribly wrong in your Ukrainian experiment, Udayanga, I don think you need to worry. Given whos who you are, I am sure Pavithra will also support you  and if the rate of infections increases suddenly, she can always market the Dhammika peniya as a cure for the virus.

The days when you had to answer summons and evade Interpol are now over  at least for the next four years. There is no need to worry even if you are found guilty of an offence  with friends and family in such high places, you can always get a pardon, they are becoming quite the fashion these days!

Yours truly,

Punchi Putha

PS: Looking at your deeds, the happiest man must be another fellow wanted by Interpol  Arjuna, who is domiciled in Singapore now. He must be thinking that if you can return and become a tourist guide, he too can surely return one day and set up a bank or two  after all, this is Paradise for some people!
The following is a comment from U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw when he appeared on Fox News and was asked about calls for Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Josh Hawley to resign because of the riots at the U.S. Capitol this week.

In less than three minutes, Crenshaw provided a lesson to anyone willing to listen about the lies that were told about what Jan. 6 offered and about what some people were telling about the possibility of overturning electoral votes. Here was his answer in its entirety.

--

Let me be as clear as possible here, Sen. Cruz and Hawley, I disagree with them in a fundamental way about the constitutionality of this process on Jan. 6, the ability of Congress to overturn any electoral votes period. So, let's be very honest. Sen. Cruz and Sen. Hawley were not hyping up Jan. 6, they were not calling for people to fight in the streets. They were not saying, This was our last stand. That being said, many members of Congress did do that. Many commentators did do that. Many of the media have been doing that for the last few weeks constantly saying, This is our time to fight.

And let me tell you something very clearly -- they've been lying to people. They've been lying to millions, they've been lying that Jan. 6 was going to be this big solution for election integrity  it never was going to be. I mean, two hours of debate, forced two hours of debate? That was just some time for some opportunistic politicians to get five minutes of time on the floor. It was never going to solve anything, and it was always unconstitutional.

You have to have these hard battles won at the state level. That's where the hard work is done. That's how you solve the important question of election integrity. And they lied to people and they said, go fight, go fight because everything's on the line. That's what they said. And when people thought they came to fight, and then they fought Capitol Police and now people are dead. And those same members of Congress who called people to fight; well, they were nowhere to be found. Because it was all fun and games to them. They never knew what a real fight was. Real fights are scary. Bullets flying; that's scary. The glass breaking; that's really scary. They were nowhere to be found. They scattered. They've been talking about the courage to stand up to this, the courage to fight for weeks and weeks. But when it came down to it, there was no courage.

That's what really happened, Martha (McCallum), that's what people need to know. They were lied to. They were lied to about what Jan. 6 was. Election integrity is important. It has been important to me since the day I entered Congress, but I know that I'm not going to lie to you. I'm going to tell you where we actually have to do the hard work. And we have to change these laws at the state level. Because these laws are loose. They don't give people any confidence. People are getting ballots that don't belong to them. There's no voter id, no signature verification. We hear you. We hear you, but we have to come together and work at the state level and change these things.

--

It wont take long for conservatives in West Texas to make notes about which Republicans officials, commentators and social media warriors pushed those lies.

And conservatives out there, that list starts with the man who will call out those people in his party who were not there for the American people. It starts with Dan Crenshaw.
"Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as early as possible," Prime Minister tweeted.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of young lives in the fire that broke out in the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital at 2 am on Saturday.

Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh also expressed their condolences to the families of the children who died in the incident."The fire accident in Bhandara district hospital, Maharashtra is very unfortunate. I am pained beyond words. My thoughts and condolences are with bereaved families. May God gives them the strength to bear this irreparable loss," Shah tweeted.

Defence Minister Singh tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the death of infants in a tragic fire at the District Hospital Bhandara, Maharashtra. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families."

As many as 10 children died in the fire that broke out SNCU of Bhandara District General Hospital. The Maharashtra government has announced ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of dead children and also ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Rahul Gandhi urges Maharashtra govt to help families of Bhandara hospital fire victims

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed his condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives in the fire that broke out at Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital.

He also urged the Maharashtra government to provide assistance to the families of the injured and deceased."The unfortunate incident of fire at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra is extremely tragic. My condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives. I appeal to the Maharashtra Government to provide every possible assistance to the families of the injured and deceased," the Congress leader tweeted.

The Maharashtra government has ordered a probe into the cause of the incident.

Maharashtra govt orders inquiry into Bhandara hospital fire, Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for kin of dead

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday ordered an inquiry into the Bhandara District General Hospital fire that took the life of 10 infants.State Health Minister Rajesh Tope also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of children who died in the fire.

As per a statement issued by the Chief Minister's office, Thackeray expressed deep sorrow over the death of infants who died in the fire at the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the hospital.

"Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has expressed deep sorrow over the death of newborn babies in a fire that broke out in a child care unit at the district hospital in Bhandara. As soon as he came to know about the incident, he spoke to Health Minister Rajesh Tope and directed an immediate inquiry into the whole incident. The Chief Minister has also spoken to the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police and they too have been directed to investigate," CMO said.

Expressing his grief over the incident, Health Minister Tope said he will visit the incident site at 5 pm today. As many as 10 children died in a fire that broke out SNCU of Bhandara District General Hospital at 2 am on Saturday.
IT Sligo Design lecturers Nevil Walsh and Muireann Charleton presented a 'Thank you' plaque and bespoke Christmas decoration gifts to Sligo University Hospital.

The gifts were designed by first year creative design students studying on the long-established design course in the Yeats Academy at IT Sligo.

The students were set a project brief to design a gift for front line health workers to say 'thank you' for all they have done for the community in this challenging year.

The final design selected was by first year design student Ryan Dempsey.

The students worked with local designer, and former Creative Design IT Sligo graduate, Orla Spollen on the project. Orla runs her own laser cutting design and production company called 'NutJob' design in Sligo.

Design lecturer Muireann Charleton said: "The students really enjoyed working on this project and put their heart and soul into it. They had a great experience working with Orla and seeing the professional laser cutting production process in action.

"The students' final design is their way of saying a huge 'thank you' to all the staff at Sligo University Hospital, and we were delighted to present it to them."

IT Sligo has worked closely with the hospital since the start of the pandemic supplying, reagents for testing, PPE, emergency respiratory aids and 12,000 face visors.
LONDON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2021) Alok Sharma, the UK state secretary for business, was appointed on Friday as full-time president of the UN climate conference in Glasgow this November, the UK government said.

"Alok Sharma will solely focus on driving forward coordinated global action to tackle climate change. A successful summit in November will be critical if we want to meet the objectives set out by the Paris Agreement and reduce global emissions," a press release read.

The UK has touted the upcoming global summit as the largest it has ever hosted.

The two-week event will bring together world leaders, experts and activists from nearly 200 countries.

"Given the vital importance of tackling climate change I am delighted to have been asked by the Prime Minister to dedicate all my energies to this urgent task," Sharma said.

He will be replaced in his role at the helm of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy by Kwasi Kwarteng. Anne-Marie Trevelyan will become minister of state for business, energy and clean growth.
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.
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!
A major fire broke out at the R & H Hall storage facility in Cork Port which houses animal feed. Picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

FIREFIGHTERS have successfully brought under control a major blaze at a grain storage depot which forced the Port of Cork to trigger its emergency response plan.

The blaze erupted at a large depot for the storage of animal grain in Ringaskiddy shortly after 8am today.

Plumes of smoke were visible over the deepwater port and up to 5km inland.

Flames were also visible above the large silo involved.

In response to the blaze, parts of the port have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Port of Cork confirmed to Independent.ie the blaze is now under control.

"We can confirm that a fire which broke out at a grain storage facility on the Ringaskiddy Deepwater Berth this morning is now under control and there are no reports of any casualties," a spokesperson said.

"Emergency services remain on site to monitor the area. As a precaution, all ship operations in Ringaskiddy have been suspended until further notice."

It is believed the fire erupted at an R&H Hall grain storage depot.

There are no reports of any injuries and the fire is being treated as entirely accidental.

"Gardai and emergency services are currently at the scene of a large fire at a Grain Store in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork," said a garda spokesperson.

"Residents in Ringaskiddy are advised to keep all doors and windows closed and remain indoors."

Given the large clouds of smoke being generated by the fire, Ringaskiddy residents have been urged to stay indoors and to ensure all windows and doors are closed.

Motorists have also been urged to drive with care in the area given the risk of reduced visibility due to smoke billowing over roadways.

The AA Roadwatch issued a warning to motorists this morning.

In a social media post, the Port of Cork urged people to stay indoors.

"Locals residents are advised to keep all doors and windows closed and to remain indoors."
Home > 2021 > The Taliban are megarich  heres where they get the money they use to wage (...)

by Hanif Sufizada *

December 8, 2020

The Taliban militants of Afghanistan have grown richer and more powerful since their fundamentalist Islamic regime was toppled by U.S. forces in 2001.

In the fiscal year that ended in March 2020, the Taliban reportedly brought in US$1.6 billion, according to Mullah Yaqoob, son of the late Taliban spiritual leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, who revealed the Talibans income sources in a confidential report commissioned by NATO and later obtained by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

In comparison, the Afghan government brought in $5.55 billion during the same period. The government is now in peace talks with the Taliban, seeking to end their 19-year insurgency.

I study the Talibans finances as an economic policy analyst at the Center for Afghanistan Studies. Heres where their money comes from.

1. Drugs  $416 million

Afghanistan accounted for approximately 84% of global opium production over the past five years, according to the United Nations World Drug Report 2020.

Much of those illicit drug profits go to the Taliban, which manage opium in areas under their control. The group imposes a 10% tax on every link in the drug production chain, according to a 2008 report from the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, an independent research organization in Kabul. That includes the Afghan farmers who cultivate poppy, the main ingredient in opium, the labs that convert it into a drug and the traders who move the final product out of country.

2. Mining  $400 million to $464 million

Mining iron ore, marble, copper, gold, zinc and other metals and rare-earth minerals in mountainous Afghanistan is an increasingly lucrative business for the Taliban. Both small-scale mineral-extraction operations and big Afghan mining companies pay Taliban militants to allow them to keep their businesses running. Those who dont pay have faced death threats.

According to the Talibans Stones and Mines Commission, or Da Dabaro Comisyoon, the group earns $400 million a year from mining. NATO estimates that figure higher, at $464 million  up from just $35 million in 2016.

3. Extortion and taxes  $160 million

Like a government, the Taliban tax people and industries in the growing swath of Afghanistan under their control. They even issue official receipts of tax payment.

Taxed industries include mining operations, media, telecommunications and development projects funded by international aid. Drivers are also charged for using highways in Taliban-controlled regions, and shopkeepers pay the Taliban for the right to do business.

The group also imposes a traditional Islamic form of taxation called ushr  which is a 10% tax on a farmers harvest  and zakat, a 2.5% wealth tax.

According to Mullah Yaqoob, tax revenues  which may also be considered extortion  bring in around $160 million annually.

Since some of those taxed are poppy growers, there could be some financial overlap between tax revenue and drug revenue.

4. Charitable donations  $240 million

The Taliban receive covert financial contributions from private donors and international institutions across the globe.

Many Taliban donations are from charities and private trusts located in Persian Gulf countries, a region historically sympathetic to the groups religious insurgency. Those donations add up to about $150 million to $200 million each year, according to the Afghanistan Center for Research and Policy Studies. These charities are on the U.S. Treasury Departments list of groups that finance terrorism.

Private citizens from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran and some Persian Gulf nations also help finance the Taliban, contributing another $60 million annually to the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, according to American counterterrorism agencies.

5. Exports  $240 million

In part to launder illicit money, the Taliban import and export various everyday consumer goods, according to the United Nations Security Council. Known business affiliates include the multinational Noorzai Brothers Limited, which imports auto parts and sells reassembled vehicles and spare automobile parts.

The Talibans net income from exports is thought to be around $240 million a year. This figure includes the export of poppy and looted minerals, so there may be financial overlap with drug revenue and mining revenue.

6. Real estate  $80 million

The Taliban own real estate in Afghanistan, Pakistan and potentially other countries, according to Mullah Yaqoob and the Pakistani TV Channel SAMAA. Yaqoob told NATO annual real estate revenue is around $80 million.

7. Specific countries

According to BBC reporting, a classified CIA report estimated in 2008 that the Taliban had received $106 million from foreign sources, in particular from the Gulf states.

Today, the governments of Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are all believed to bankroll the Taliban, according to numerous U.S. and international sources. Experts say these funds could amount to as much as $500 million a year, but it is difficult to put an exact figure on this income stream.

Building a peacetime budget

For nearly 20 years, the Talibans great wealth has financedmayhem, destruction and death in Afghanistan. To battle its insurgency, the Afghan government also spends heavily on war, often at the expense of basic public services and economic development.

A peace agreement in Afghanistan would allow the government to redirect its scarce resources. The government might also see substantial new revenue flow in from legal sectors now dominated by the Taliban, such as mining.

Stability is additionally expected to attract foreign investment in the country, helping the government end its dependence on donors like the United States and the European Union.

There are many reasons to root for peace in war-scarred Afghanistan. Its financial health is one of them.

* (Author: Hanif Sufizada is Education and Outreach Program Coordinator, University of Nebraska Omaha)

(The above from The Conversation is reproduced here under a Creative Commons licence)
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.
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.
Indian sailors who are stuck in China are slated to return next week. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Saturday that 23 Indian sailors stuck in China will return on January 14. The minister said that cargo ship MV Jag Anand is set to sail towards Chiba in Japan.

"Our seafarers stuck in China are coming to India. Ship MV Jag Anand, having 23 Indian crew, stuck in China is set to SAIL toward Chiba, Japan, to carry out crew change, will reach India on 14th January," the ports, shipping and waterways minister said in a tweet.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for making this possible. Mandaviya also acknowledged "the humanitarian approach of the Great Eastern Shipping Company towards the seafarers and standing by them in this crucial time!"

Mandaviya said on December 30 that Indian sailors will be brought back soon and that diplomatic talks are on with the neighbouring country.

Two cargo vessels with Indian sailors on board have been on anchorage in Chinese waters as they were not allowed to unload their cargo, though some other ships have managed to do so.

China on December 25 had said that there is no 'link' between the stranded Indian ship crew on its Chinese ports and its strained relations with India and Australia.

The statement came a day after the External Affairs Ministry had said that two cargo vessels with a total of 39 Indians on board have been on anchorage in Chinese waters as they were not allowed to unload their cargo.

"There is a considerable amount of stress on the crew members on account of this unprecedented situation," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said. Srivastava said bulk cargo vessel MV Jag Anand is on anchorage near Jingtang port in Hebei province of China since June 13 and it has 23 Indian sailors.

Another vessel, MV Anastasia with 16 Indian nationals as its crew, is on anchorage near Caofeidian port in China since September 20, waiting for discharge of its cargo, he had said at a media briefing.

(With PTI inputs)

Also read: China should maintain modest economic support in 2021: IMF

Also read: China denies entry to WHO team investigating COVID-19 origins
Home > 2021 > Letter to the Readers, Mainstream, Jan 9, 2021

Letter to the Readers

January 6, 2021, will go down as a black day in the history of American Democracy. On this day the elected representatives to the US Congress and Senate were to meet at the Capitol Hill in a joint session to certify the election of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. Hours before the beginning of the session President Donald Trump  spoke at a rally "Save America March," of his supporters in Washington DC, where he made repeated claims of voter fraud in the 2020 US presidential election and incited the crowds to march down to the Capitol Hill supposedly to cheer the representatives of the Republican party. Far-right White Extremists had turned up in large numbers in support of Trump  these included the Proud Boys, militia members, neo-Confederates and supporters of the conspiracy cult QAnon. This mob of Trump supporters later stormed the house of representatives and indulged in violence and vandalism and derailing and interrupting the certification. More and more information is pouring out on the violent nature of the assault on the American parliament which left five people dead. Months ago, some observers had predicted that Trump may not allow a smooth transition of power if he were to lose the election and that there may be violence on the day of the certification of the results. At the instigation of President Donald Trump, there was a massive intrusion and assault on Capitol Hill by thousands of his supporters who had earlier been fed by propaganda and lies via right-wing TV networks and on the Social Media. The mob stayed on in Capital Hill for hours and finally was pushed away by the security forces, but many have remarked that Black Lives Matter protests of summer 2020 had faced iron hand policing, and would never have made it into the seat of power. Investigation and arrests of the intruders have begun. There are now calls for immediate removal from power and impeachment of Donald Trump for incitement of an insurrection against American democracy. The coming weeks & months will show if Trump will be punished for his role. There are fears for the times ahead with right-wing protests being stoked against the new administration of President-elect Joe Biden, just like the right-wing mobilisations during the Obamas presidency via the Tea Party movement etc.

The right-wing Hindutva circuits that call the shots in India have a powerful presence in the US diaspora as well, they were very supportive of the presidency of Donald Trump. We should be asking lots of questions about the Howdy Modi event held in the US where Narendra Modi had intervened in the US election by campaigning for Donald Trump by raising the slogan "Ab ki Baar Trump Sarkar" (This Time Trump Government) and also the big public event for Donald Trump that Indias prime minister hosted with a crowd of 100,000 people at a stadium in Ahmedabad. These events were showcased as a demonstration of personal rapport between the two leaders. Such personalised events reflected very badly on the foreign policy moves of the Modi government. The statement issued by Indias Prime Minister expressing dismay at violence on Capitol Hill seems like a face-saving exercise vis a vis the coming new American presidential administration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harriss.

o o

The 6th round of talks between the Government of India and the peasant unions held on January 8 has led nowhere. A continuous attempt is underway to discredit the struggle of peasants against the three Farm Laws as having been taken over by the extremists and by the left. The government-friendly propaganda networks are at work round the clock to attack the peasants parked on the border of Delhi. The government is carefully engaged in image management recruiting its own crafted Peasant organisations often from the ranks to the RSS or the BJP  that claim to support the farm bills brought in by the government. The Sangh connected networks of influence in the US diaspora are also at work on this. The government remains rigid, adamant and arrogant not accepting the demand of the farmers for the repeal of the farm laws

The Editor, January 9, 2020
The Tema West Member of Parliament on the ticket of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah has debunked the allegation of some people of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that he acted on the instruction of his leader in Parliament to snatch the ballot papers.



According to the former Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, nobody should blame Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu for the decision he [Ahenkorah] made to snatch the ballot papers during the counting of the ballot papers to elect the next Speaker for the 8th Parliament.



Setting the record straight on Okay FMs Ade Akye Abia Morning Show, Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah explained that he only went to his leader, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu to do something to stop the counting of the ballot papers before it is too late for the ruling party.



We sat down for two people in the party to vote against the interest of the party. So, I went to my leader to tell him that they have finished counting the NPPs side and they are about to count the NDCs and so he should do something before the counting is over because I dont want them to finish counting, he explained.



but some people are saying that he [Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu] instructed me to go and take the ballot papers. Let me state it on record that it was not my leader who told me to go and snatch the ballot papers. I take full responsibility for my action; it was not my leaders who told me to do that, he debunked.



He stressed that Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu rather told him to wait for a while before any legal action is taken when he [Ahenkorah] told him as the leader of the ruling NPP MPs in Parliament to stop the counting using the law of the House.



He only told me to wait for a while and I said that they will finish counting if we wait. I was wondering why we should wait for a whileI was expecting him to use the law to stop the counting but he said we should wait and I refused to wait for a while and so I went for the ballot papers with the intention that if they are not able to finish the counting, there are no numbers to stand, he elaborated.





Watch Video Below





Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









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

Featured Video
The final-ever Jeopardy! game show hosted by longtime presenter Alex Trebek aired on Friday night.

The final question: Dr. Margaret Todd gave science this word for difference forms of one basic substance; Its from the Greek for equal & place

'What is Isotope?' came the correct answers from the show's contestants.

Trebek signed off: 'Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for spending the time with us. We'll see you again next week.

It was the last show that Trebek ever recorded.

Legendary game show host Alex Trebek posthumously ended his historic 36-year run as Jeopardy! host on Friday with his final episode

Trebek fist pumped as he made his way out of the studio during the show's closing credits

The show aired more than two months after he died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 80

More than two months after Trebek's death, fans of Jeopardy! finally got the chance to say goodbye.

A video tribute to the host closed Friday nights episode of the quiz show, the final one that Trebek taped before pancreatic cancer claimed his life on November 8th.

The 90-second montage, set to Hugh Jackman singing the Peter Allen song Once Before I Go, is a lighthearted and laughter-filled remembrance showing Trebeks changing look through his 36 years as host and more than 8,000 episodes, with his trademark mustache and without, with black hair and with grey, with suits from across the decades.

It celebrated the wackier moments of the usually strait-laced Trebek, showing him verbally sparring with contestants and arm-wrestling with one.

The show ended with a moving montage tribute that highlighted Trebeks career

The video was set which aired ahead of the show's closing credits, was set to the tune of Peter's Allen's 'Once Before I Go.'

'You really make me feel inadequate,' he tells a child contestant. 'Sorry about that,' she sassily answers.

Trebek is shown walking on the set pants-less in one clip, dressed as the Statue of Liberty in another, and wearing the costume of a Trojan solider in another.

A clip of the host declaring 'I don't dance' is shown amid scenes of him dancing through the years.

The sad and sentimental tribute is set to apropos lyrics as Jackman sings: 'It's so hard to say good-byes, when there's so much that's left unspoken in your eyes, once before I go, I would like to let you know, that I would do it all again.'

The final moments show Trebek through signing off through the decades, repeatedly saying, 'So long, everybody.'

Trebek was seen in a variety of suits as the show as filmed across the decades

In some clips, Trebek could be seen uncharacteristically joking around

Trebek died in November at the age of 80 but had pre-taped several weeks of shows that have continued to air.

He kept working for nearly two years after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, remaining in place at the podium where he had become an institution since starting in 1984.

The show will continue next week with a series of interim hosts, starting with veteran Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings.

The week's final Trebek episodes began Monday with the host urging viewers to give to others who were suffering during the coronavirus pandemic.

'We're trying to build a gentler, kinder society, and if we all pitch in just a little bit, we're going to get there,' Trebek said.

The clips also showed him both with and without his once trademark mustache

Trebek presented the show for 36 years across some 8,000 episodes

His final shows were originally scheduled to air Christmas week, but they were put off until this week to give the send-off more exposure.

The episode includes holiday elements, like the category, 'Christmas Movies.'

In one of the last of the more than 500,000 clues Trebek delivered to contestants in his more than 8,200 episodes, he says:

'Basically, this heartwarming Frank Capra classic is about a disgraced financier having an incredibly rough Christmas Eve.'

The correct response: 'What is 'It's a Wonderful Life ?'

Trebek is seen wearing a double-breasted suit - popular in the early 1990s

Trebek kept working for nearly two years after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer

Trebek apparently wasn't certain that Friday's episode would be his last when it was recorded.

The show's executive producer, Mike Richards, told NBC's 'Today' show on Monday that Trebek was 'an absolute warrior' in his last taping sessions, despite being in 'enormous pain.'

At the end of the episode, before the video tribute, Trebek says, 'see you again next week.'

It was followed by the title card that has appeared on all the episodes that have aired after Trebek's death: 'Forever in our hearts, always our inspiration.'
Jacob Anthony Chansley, known as the "QAnon shaman," was charged alongside Adam Johnson and Derek Evans in a federal court Saturday. Johnson is said to be the man seen carrying the speaker's lectern https://t.co/fzTCJXXqP0

The distinctive bare-chested man who donned a furry hat and carried a spear during Wednesdays riot at the US Capitol building has been arrested on federal charges.

Jacob Anthony Chansley, who goes by the name Jake Angeli, was taken into custody on Saturday as law enforcement officers in many parts of the US continue to round-up people involved in the storming of the US Congress building.

The heavily tattooed man quickly became a symbol of the chaos that was unfolding in Washington, DC, even as the siege was ongoing as he went viral around the world for his outlandish outfit.

Angeli was seen confronting a police officer and posing on the speakers chair in the US Senate. His part in the riot has resulted in him facing charges of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, while also being charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

The US Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia offered an interesting description of Angeli in a statement on the charges he is facing.

This individual carried a spear, approximately 6 feet in length, with an American flag tied just below the blade.It is alleged that Chansley was identified as the man seen in media coverage who entered the Capitol building dressed in horns, a bearskin headdress, red, white and blue face paint, shirtless, and tan pants, it said.

The Arizona native is a voice actor and minor celebrity in his home state. He is an adherent of the QAnon conspiracy theory, dubbing himself a QAnon shaman, and has been a prominent fixture at pro-Trump and anti-lockdown rallies in recent years.

After sauntering out of the US Capitol, Angeli took time to send a message to the people of Venezuela, telling them you can take back your country too.

You can put an end to communism and to globalism. You too can take back your nation from this evil. You can win your country back, Venezuela, he proclaimed.

It follows the arrest of multiple protesters involved in the riot, including Adam Johnson, who went viral for cheerily making off with Speaker Nancy Pelosis lectern, and Richard Barnett, who was pictured casually sitting at a desk in Pelosis office amid the pandemonium.
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), a hydropower generation public limited company, has called for applications in a prescribed format from eligible and interested candidates for filling Fifty-One (51) vacancies to the post of Apprentices in Electrician, Welder, Fitter, Mechanic and Fireman trades through direct recruitment to be posted at Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, India on a fulltime basis. The registration and application process towards the same started on January 01, 2021 and closes on February 1, 2021 by 5:00 pm.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Apprentices Organisation National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Educational Qualification Class 10/Matriculation or equivalent with ITI in relevant trade; Diploma in Fireman trade Experience Freshers can apply Job Responsibilities null Skills Required Desirable Job Location Kullu Salary Scale As per the apprenticeship norms Industry Hydroelectric Power Application Start Date January 1, 2021 Application End Date February 1, 2021

NHPC Recruitment 2021: Age Criteria And Fees

Candidates interested in applying for NHPC Apprentice Jobs 2021 through NHPC Recruitment 2021 must have attained 18 years of age and not have exceeded 30 years, with relaxation (upper age limit) up to 5 years (SC/ST) and 3 years (OBC - NCL) respectively as specified in the NHPC Recruitment 2021 Notification.

For details regarding application fee for NHPC Apprentice Jobs 2021 through NHPC Recruitment 2021, refer to the NHPC Recruitment 2021 Notification given at the end of the article.

Also Read: Mazagon Dock Recruitment 2020-21 For 410 Trade Apprentices Posts, Apply Online Before January 11

NHPC Recruitment 2021: Educational Eligibility

Candidates applying for NHPC Apprentice Jobs 2021 through NHPC Recruitment 2021 must have passed Class 10/Matriculation or equivalent with ITI in relevant trade; Diploma in Fireman trade from a recognized Board/University/Institution as detailed in the NHPC Recruitment 2021 Notification.

NHPC Recruitment 2021: Selection And Pay Scale

The selection of candidates to NHPC Apprentice Jobs 2021 through NHPC Recruitment 2021 will be done through Shortlisting on the basis of marks secured in Class 10, ITI/Diploma in relevant trade and Merit as notified in the NHPC Recruitment Notification 2021.

Candidates selected to NHPC Apprentice Jobs 2021 through NHPC Recruitment 2021 will be paid a monthly stipend as per the apprenticeship norms.

Also Read: PCI Recruitment 2021 For Assistant Section Officers (ASO) Posts, Apply Offline Before February 1

NHPC Recruitment 2021: How To Apply

Candidates applying for NHPC Apprentice Jobs 2022 through NHPC Recruitment 2021 must register online on the official NATS Apprenticeship portal as a first step.

Post-registration, candidates must take a print out of their registered application at NATS portal and send the same along with self-attested relevant certificates and documents to the "Deputy General Manager (HR), Parbati-II HE Project, Nagwain, Parbati-III Power Station, Village-Bihali, Post Office Larji, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Pincode- 175121" on or before February 01, 2021 till 5:00 pm by speed post/registered post/by-hand as informed in the NHPC Recruitment Notification 2021.

Download NHPC Recruitment 2021 Notification PDF for Apprentices posts
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Jan. 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With Northern Ontario schools set to resume in-class teaching on January 11, bus drivers and monitors are concerned for their health and that of the students on their routes. Local 175 of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) is calling for enhanced health and safety measures for its more than 330 members at Leuschen Transportation in Timmins, and First Student Bus Lines in Kenora and Sault Ste. Marie.



We want to see health and safety measures ramped up immediately to protect these workers and the students on their routes, said Shawn Haggerty, President of UFCW Local 175.

UFCW Local 175 expressed concerns at the start of the school year in September as well and many of those concerns have not yet been resolved. The Union continues to call for limits to the number of students who can safely ride the bus at once to maintain physical distancing; clear protocols for the use of masks on the bus; ensuring access to necessary equipment and PPE for every driver and monitor, and; increased funding to hire more drivers to allow for more buses and routes.

The quality of education that students receive is incredibly important. Our members understand that learning online from home is difficult under even the best of circumstances and they adore the students on their route, added Haggerty. The employer, school boards, and the government have had months to prepare for this eventuality. Putting these workers and students back in overcrowded buses while COVID-19 numbers are going up is dangerous.

UFCW Locals 175 & 633 represents more than 70,000 working people across all sectors of the Ontario. In addition to school bus drivers and monitors, the Union represents workers in retail grocery, pharmacy, meat processing, manufacturing, health care, and more.

For more information contact:

Tim Deelstra

Engagement & Media Relations Strategist

226-750-4366 or media@ufcw175.com
1. Yes. The public must have assurances that ethical standards are met by everyone.

2. Yes. As long as an independent board hears the grievances, its a worthwhile idea.

3. No. The concept is too broad. It should be limited to the citys elected officials.

4. No. There are plenty of stipulations in place already. An ordinance is a waste of time.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without seeing how it would be structured and applied.

Vote

View Results
On Monday night during the week in which most of the 535 lawmakers are expected to gather in one chamber to certify the Electoral College results, the Food and Drug Administration had a message for Congress  the tests available yield an alarmingly high rate of false negatives.

After a monthslong delay on Capitol Hill to implement Covid-19 testing for the members and staff, thousands of those who work in the building have become reliant on the system due to increased holiday travel and exposure.

But the new FDA warning questions the efficacy of tests administered by the start-up Curative just weeks after becoming readily available in November after a slew of positive cases among lawmakers.

The FDA notice does not raise any doubts about the accuracy of a positive test result. The potential concern only relates to negative test results, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the lead Capitol Physician, wrote to House and Senate offices.

Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

We expect to have additional information in the coming days from the FDA and our expert consultants with regard to any concerns about the ongoing use of this test for the Capitol community.

For the first time since the pandemic began, almost the entire House gathered on the floor Sunday with less-than-ideal social distancing and mask wearing. Rep. Kay Granger, R-TX, was on the floor voting and mingling with members, and promptly tested positive for coronavirus the following day.

We have urged distancing, that has not always occurred. But we continue to urge members to come, vote, leave, and not spend time on the floor, if they are not needed on the floor. That hasn't always worked as well as we'd like and we continue to admonish members to observe that. And we will continue to do so, Hoyer told reporters on a call Tuesday ahead of the certification.

Before this week, at least 60 lawmakers have tested positive for the virus, per an NBC News count, and on Wednesday, when both chambers of Congress will gavel in for a joint session that could last into Thursday, a majority of lawmakers will be in the same room at the same time.

During the joint session, access to the Floor of the House will be limited to those Members who are scheduled to speak during the joint session, according to guidance Tuesday night from the Capitol physician and the sergeant at arms.

Testing on Capitol Hill, free for those with a congressional ID, has been popular and heavily relied upon, particularly on Congressional travel days and in recent weeks due to the holidays.

I am a bit alarmed that Fred Turner, the 25-year-old founder of Curative Inc., with no medical background was rewarded the contract for testing lawmakers, staff and the media in the U.S. Capitol," one Republican Senate aide said. "I have been reliant on this service and captiously optimistic that its reliable.

Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

Curative, a Los Angeles-based startup co-founded by Turner, was originally created to detect sepsis  a deadly blood infection. Now, the company was awarded a contract to conduct testing on a third of the United States government.

The testing company has not yet responded to NBC News request for comment on the exact amount of tests administered and more information on the contract secured with Congress.

Im worried were going to see many more members get sick," said one Democratic House aide. "Weve already witnessed members ignoring the safety guidance since the 117th (Congress) started."

"With tensions high and people in close quarters," the staffer worries that Wednesday's certification of Electoral College votes at the Capitol "could be its own superspreader event."
WASHINGTON  Twelve years ago, when the last Democratic president took office, he did not seek broad inquiries into officials from the previous administration for their use of torture practices, or for domestic eavesdropping. Nor did he pursue prosecutions of Wall Street executives for crimes that led to the 2008 financial crisis.

Aside from some grumbling, Barack Obamas party went along in the name of national unity.

This time, Democrats who have chafed at President Trumps behavior for four years are not willing to be so accommodating: They want to hold him, his family and his enablers accountable for acts they believe didnt just break norms, but broke the law.

Whether or not the House pursues impeachment charges against Mr. Trump for his role in inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol on Wednesday, many Democrats say that impeachment is not enough.

Once President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. takes office on Jan. 20, wide segments of his party are eager to see investigations and prosecutions of an array of Trump aides and allies  an effort, they say, that would bolster the rule of law after a presidency that weakened it and serve as a warning to future presidents that there will be consequences for illegal actions taken while in office.
The path to post-pandemic smart cities

Market forecasts paint a rosy picture of smart city investment, but many municipalities are slashing budgets, laying off workers and cutting services as the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues. To adapt to the budget shortfalls resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, smart city efforts must be more strategic, said Ruthbea Yesner, vice president of Government Insights and Smart Cities at IDC Government Insights.

We have to be really strategic with our plan and our investing because we just arent going to have any wiggle room in terms of money, Yesner said. Then the question becomes what are the foundational tools that you need to start to think about for resiliency -- and lets take away contingency planning, disaster recovery, backup plans, redundant data centers, having a readiness response, a risk management response. I think thats all what everyone thinks of when they think of business continuity. You have plans to continue operations if theres an emergency. What does that mean in light of COVID?

IDC, an IT market research firm, created a continuum to fill in the steps between the onset of the COVID-19 crisis and the next normal that its creating. During the crisis, cities focused on network and collaboration tools, digital communications platforms and rapid upskilling to get employees up and running in virtual environments. The following phases in the continuum are economic slowdown, budget reductions, a return to growth and the next normal. That last phase involves cloud and infrastructure optimization, as-a-service deployments and data analysis to help drive forward-looking decisions.

Cities must assess which stage they are in to determine what IT will best get them to the next phase so they can achieve that next normal, Yesner said. In crisis mode, cities focus on business continuity, but the economic slowdown calls for cost optimization, and the budget reductions phase focuses on resiliency. Returning to growth spotlights innovation and targeted investment.

Cities must also be resilient. A survey by the Resilient Cities Network found that 87% of chief resilience officers are involved in their citys COVID-19 response or recovery effort.

In fact, smart and resilient are one in the same, Yesner said. I think that resiliency has always been in important, but we tended to talk about it a lot related to sustainability and the environment and severe weather events, she said. With the pandemic, the need for other resiliencies have surfaced, especially, technical resilience. Cities, she said, should ask themselves if they have tech parity -- meaning do all your employees have the tools to do their job, regardless of where they are?

Despite COVID-related revenue shortfalls, Frost and Sullivan predicts smart city investments will reach $326 billion by 2025, while Markets and Markets predicts $820.7 billion.

There are three steps to implementing a smart city strategy moving forward, said Sanjeet Pandit, Qualcomm Technologies global head of smart cities. No. 1, they need to have a vision of what they want to deploy, he said. No. 2, they have to make sure they have a monetization plan as to which areas they want to digitize: schools, universities, hospitals Third, they have to understand how to monetize this.

Municipalities can recoup some of the 20% in budget losses that IDC reports by using smart technology to drive revenue. That might mean adding QR codes linking to restaurant and store coupons to signage at bus stops in downtown areas to drive and attract business, for example.

A lesson learned from 2020 is that cities must devote funds from brick-and-mortar infrastructure to digitization, Pandit said. I think that this pandemic has really opened the mind of cities in adopting technology, he said. It has acted as a catalyst toward inter-team, cross-team communication and workflow.

In December 2020, Pandit announced two new aspects of the companys Smart Cities Accelerator Program: the Qualcomm Smart Campus and the Qualcomm IoT (Internet of Things) Services Suite. The first is a smart city environment replicated on a company-owned campus that offers more than 20 smart city capabilities such as artificial intelligence, building management and 5G connectivity for data transmission.

Cities can use the campus to test use cases, from an app to let constituents pay electric bills to managing a connected space such as a port. They can see and touch and feel a tangible, real environment, Pandit said.

The IoT Services Suite is a plug-and-play solution across multiple domains such as education-, logistics- and connected health care-as-a-service. The goal is to simplify connected spaces and cities by assisting with sensors, devices, edge processing, middleware, geospatial rendering, command and control centers, security, privacy and protection.

An October 2020 survey by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers found that interest in IoT has significantly dropped, however. Only 2% ranked it the most impactful new technology, compared to 43% in 2017.

Yesner said that may be a reflection of the difficulty cities have in scaling IoT. It works only when massively scaled, not with five blocks of connected intersections, she said. But on the flipside, we do know that there is going to be a lot more remote management of critical infrastructure. That is key to business continuity. Thats IoT, she added. You cant remotely manage the health of your systems or your infrastructure or your building without sensors.

Ultimately, smart city efforts must rely on the digitization of data and content management, Yesner said. Without those, cities cant get real-time data insight.

We dont need to define smart cities and go on and on about whether it includes resilience or learning or digital, she said. To me, it should include all those things, regardless of how a city brands itself. What we really just need to focus on is how we support the business of government and meeting all sorts of economic, environmental and social objectives, leveraging technology as best we can.
A lorry driver has been left with "serious facial injuries" after a rock came through his windscreen while he was driving in Co Antrim.

Police are investigating the incident that occurred on the A8 Larne Road on Friday evening.

It occurred at around 10.40pm as the lorry driver drove under the Ballyboley overpass towards Larne.

Police believe that a wheelie bin containing rocks was thrown from the overpass as the lorry passed under it.

"Fortunately the driver, although badly injured, was able to bring the lorry safely to a stop at the side of the road following the incident," a PSNI spokesperson said.

The driver, aged in his 50s, is currently in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries.

Mid and East Antrim Deputy Mayor Andrew Wilson said his thoughts are with the driver of the lorry.

"I hope he can make a full recovery. This is a terrible ordeal which he has had to deal with," the UUP councillor said.

I am disgusted at the mentality of the criminal responsible for dumping a bin full of rocks on to a busy dual carriageway. It`s disgraceful. Who in their right mind would do something like this? Somebody in our community knows who did it and they need to give the information to the police.

The thug responsible needs caught and put behind bars before they do something like this again. When they are caught, the sentence should reflect the brutality of the crime.

Police appealed for information.

"An investigation is underway and officers would ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area of the overpass or who captured dash-cam footage of the incident to contact them in Larne on 101 quoting reference number 1944 08/01/21," the PSNI spokesperson said.

"Details can also be reported online using the 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/."
Al Mohler dismayed by 'American nightmare' on US Capitol, but stands by Trump vote

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Though dismayed by the American nightmare that took place on Capitol Hill, Southern Baptist leader Al Mohler said he stands by his vote for President Donald Trump, as he could not vote for Joe Biden in a binary system.

I stand by the comments that I've made at every point, Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, told The Houston Chronicle on Wednesday evening. If I could rewind history and know then what I know now, wed be talking about a different kind of judgment. But we have to live life in a temporal line and seek to be faithful in those moments.

The evangelical leader, who did not vote for Trump in 2016 but later supported him in 2020, called the storming of the U.S. Capitol the unfolding of an American tragedy and scandal.

This is a sight I never thought Americans would see: The necessity of the National Guard called out basically to protect the United States Capitol and the work of Congress in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility, he said.

He condemned those who protested while carrying JESUS 2020 signs and In God We Trust banners, stressing that though attempts to co-opt Christianity for political purposes arent new, there is absolute shock in the extent to which it was on full display in Washington.

Mohler said he does not regret voting for Trump in the binary system, but argued the president bears full responsibility for his actions and his words. And he bears full responsibility for encouraging what amounted to an attempted insurrection against the United States government.

Today I could not vote for Joe Biden any more than I could not vote for him on November the third, he explained.

But what we have seen is the true character of Donald Trump come out in a way that I do find not  that I don't accept was merely inevitable.

When pressed, Mohler reiterated he did not choose Trump as the nominee of the Republican Party, nor did he choose a binary in which I have to choose between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, or Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

So there's no way to enter into this as if there is some realistic alternative. And so the Never Trumpers can feel quite self-satisfied. But the reality is that I don't believe their position was any more tenable, he said.

Mohler later reiterated his position on his daily podcast The Briefing, explaining that while he was dismayed by what happened Wednesday, he had no regrets about his voting choice.

I voted for Donald Trump for president of the United States. I encouraged others to vote for him too, Mohler said. Based upon the binary choice we faced on November the third, I believe then that that was the right action to take, and going back to November the third, I would do the same thing again.

Other SBC leaders condemned the violence at the Capitol, including Russell Moore, J.D. Greear, and Beth Moore.

I don't know the Jesus some have paraded and waved around in the middle of this treachery today. They may be acting in the name of some other Jesus but that's not Jesus of the Gospels, Beth Moore tweeted.

In a lengthy op-ed for the Gospel Coalition, Russell Moore lamented it will take decades to rebuild from the wreckage in this country.

But, as Christians, we can start nowjust by not being afraid to say what is objectively the truth, he said. Joe Biden has been elected president. Millions of babies are being aborted. The pandemic is real. So is racial injusticeboth personal and systemic. So is the sexual abuse of women and children. If Christians are people of truth, we ought to be the first to acknowledge reality.

The stakes are high. As the church, we, like Augustine at the fall of Rome, have another citya city that will outlast all the others, he added. Countries can fall. I hope this one doesnt. But, either way, lets not fall with it.
The world watched as supporters of President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, causing lawmakers to be evacuated and the deaths of five people, including a Capitol Police officer. But in an interview with the Reporter-Telegram, Midlander Jenny Cudd, who went viral after admitting she participated in the riots, said the events of that day are not what theyve been portrayed to be.

Cudd shared a Facebook live video Wednesday night in which she said, We did break down Nancy Pelosis door and somebody stole her gavel and took a picture sitting in the chair, flipping off the camera. An excerpt from that video was reposted on Twitter, where its received more than 5 million views.

In a phone call Thursday from Oklahoma City, Cudd walked back her statements in the video. She said she misspoke when she said we and was referring to the actions of the group, rather than describing her own participation.

The people that know me know that I always think in terms of we, and I need to clarify that, she said. Because I don't believe in violence. Neither do any of the patriots.

Cudd went on to describe a vastly different narrative than what has been reported. She said Antifa actors posed as Trump supporters and broke down barriers at the Capitol before assaulting law enforcement officers.

She said she walked into the Capitol with a large group of people that included children and the elderly after others had charged the building. News photographers captured Cudd and fellow Midlander Eliel Rosa inside the Capitols rotunda as they took photos on their cell phones.

They walked around the rotunda and into a nearby room for about 15 minutes before leaving when Trump posted a video on Twitter telling protesters to go home, according to Cudd. She denied that they went onto the House or Senate floors or into any lawmakers offices.

An FBI spokesperson confirmed Friday theyre reviewing tips related to Cudd and other West Texans participation in the riots. Cudd said Thursday she had not been contacted by the FBI but was happy to talk to them. She said she did not believe she had done anything unlawful.

By Friday, however, Cudd had created a legal defense fund on the crowdfunding site GiveSendGo.

I would appreciate any help you can provide in order to hire an attorney to fight back against defamation & the ongoing assault on my character, she wrote on the page.

Conspiracy theories about Antifa activists infiltrating the mob spread quickly on social media Wednesday but were immediately debunked. Individuals who were said to be part of the anti-fascist movement have been correctly identified as leaders with QAnon, the Proud Boys and other right-wing extremist groups.

But there are questions remaining about how so many people were able to enter the Capitol during a joint session of Congress. Photos and videos have surfaced of Capitol Police officers appearing to take selfies with rioters and letting them inside the legislative building.

How was one of the most secure buildings in our nations capital, that had the majority of our government in it on one day  how was that so easily overwhelmed? Cudd said.

She also took back a statement made in another live video before the riots Wednesday, in which she said armed patriots were marching to Capitol Hill. Cudd said Thursday that she did not see any protesters with guns. Law enforcement officials, however, have reported recovering six firearms and a cooler filled with Molotov cocktails from the scene.

The blowback was swift for Cudd after she became a trending topic on Twitter Thursday, with many, including a Texas state representative, calling for her arrest. She said shes received seven death threats and thousands of negative reviews for her floral shop, Beckys Flowers.

To Cudd, those upset with her and news reports about the riots have missed the point, which she said is that millions of people believe there was widespread voter fraud in the presidential election. She said the belief theyve been disenfranchised is why some people were angry enough to storm the countrys most important legislative building.

I think people are really fed up with being told what to do this year, she said. I think its a combination of possibly years and years of feeling like the government is not listening to us.

The group of Trump supporters marched to the Capitol with the goal of peacefully assembling in a "show of solidarity," according to Cudd. As far as whether the mob that broke out instead helped or hindered their cause, she said it was too soon to say.

I dont know how thats going to play out, she said. I know this is the news cycle right now. In a few days, itll be a different story.

Cudd ran against Patrick Payton and Jerry Morales for mayor in November 2019, picking up 15.6 percent of the vote. In 2020, she was active in protests in Midland and Odessa against business closures and potential mask mandates having to do with the COVID-19 pandemic.
This article, Parler rife with talk of guns and violence before Capitol riot, originally appeared on CNET.com.

Anyone perusing the conservative social media site Parler earlier this week might have predicted the mayhem that befell the Capitol on Wednesday.

Talk of guns and violence was widespread in discussions about President Donald Trump's call for supporters to converge on the Capitol to support his baseless claims that the November election was stolen from him. One Parler user on a thread pushing a QAnon conspiracy theory said, "To all the Patriots descending on Washington DC on #jan6 ....come armed...."

Another expletive-laced message posted the day before the riot warned: "To all our enemies high and low you want a war? Well you're asking for one...To the American people on the ground in DC today and all over this great nation, be prepared for anything."

In an interview conducted Wednesday evening, as the nation was coming to grips with the mob violence at the US Capitol, The New York Times asked Parler CEO John Matze how such posts apparently advocating and threatening violence were allowed to appear on the site.

"Well, for violence and advocation of violence, or violence specifically, it needs to be a clear and imminent threat," Matze told the Times' Kara Swisher. "And I don't know -- I've been witnessing what happened today a little bit, but I'm not really too much in the weeds on this stuff.

"I haven't seen a whole lot of illegal activity," he said. "Maybe there has been some, but it's a minority of the cases."

In the wake of Twitter and Facebook cracking down on political misinformation by adding labels to posts including those shared by Trump, conservatives have been flocking to Parler, which bills itself as a "free speech" platform.

In November, high-profile conservatives urged others to join Parler after major news outlets projected Joe Biden's victory. "Twitter has aided the Democrat Party in stealing this election and now everything Trump says is being silenced. Tell everyone you know to get on Parler," far-right provocateur Laura Loomer told her more than 687,000 followers on Parler.

Twitter and Facebook, which have repeatedly denied allegations of anti-conservative bias, suspended Loomer from their platforms for violating their rules. Twitter permanently suspended her in 2018 after she falsely tweeted that Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, one of the first Muslim women to serve in Congress, was "anti-Jewish" and "pro-Sharia." Twitter said that Loomer, who had more than 260,000 followers on the site, was permanently banned for violating its rules against hateful conduct -- and not because of her political beliefs, as she had claimed. Facebook suspended Loomer from the main social network and its photo service Instagram in 2019 for running afoul of its policy against "dangerous individuals."

Loomer is just one of the millions of people who've recently sought refuge with Parler, which calls itself a nonbiased, free speech-driven platform. Republicans such as Sen. Ted Cruz from Texas have been promoting the app since Twitter started applying labels last year to Trump's tweets that falsely claimed fraud with mail-in ballots or that the company said glorified violence.

Parler has seen a wave of interest in the wake of election. In the week after the election, Parler was downloaded more than 2 million times in the US. The app has roughly 5 million installs, according to Sensor Tower.

While the app's membership skews conservative, Matze said in November that "we welcome all to join our platform which emphasizes free speech and open discourse." Facebook and Twitter have labeled posts that push baseless claims about voter fraud, but Parler has left those messages untouched on its platform. Matze told Fox News in November that Twitter and Facebook go too far by labeling Trump's posts, accusing the platforms of biased "editorialization."

Here's what you need to know about Parler.

What is Parler?

Launched in 2018, Parler is a social media app created by University of Denver graduates Matze and Jared Thomson. They came up with Parler because they were "exhausted with a lack of transparency in big tech, ideological suppression and privacy abuse," according to Parler's website.

The private company is based in Henderson, Nevada, and has between 11 and 50 employees, according to LinkedIn. Parler means "to talk" in French and is meant to be pronounced as PAR-lay. But as more people started saying the app's name like the English word "parlor," that pronunciation took over.

The social network has a similar feel to Twitter. You follow accounts, and content appears in a chronological news feed. Users can post up to 1,000 characters, which is more than Twitter's 280-character limit, and can upload photos, GIFs and memes.

You can also comment on a post and search for hashtags. There's a feature called "echo," with a megaphone icon, that functions like the Twitter retweet button, and there's an upvote icon for a feature that resembles "liking" a post on other social media platforms. As with other social networks, you have to be at least 13 years old to sign up for an account.

Who uses Parler?

Matze told Fox Business in June that Parler is used by mostly conservatives but that there have also been "left-leaning individuals" tied to the Black Lives Matter movement who've joined the app to "argue with conservatives." He also told CNBC that same month that he doesn't want the app to be an echo chamber for conservatives, noting that he doesn't like either the Democratic or Republican party.

"The whole company was never intended to be a pro-Trump thing," Matze told CNBC. "A lot of the audience is pro-Trump. I don't care. I'm not judging them either way."

If you join, Parler asks for your email and phone number, but it doesn't ask for your political party. It also doesn't brand itself as a social network for conservatives.

But the network boasts a who's who of conservative voices. Former US Rep. Ron Paul from Texas; Trump's campaign; Loomer; and Republican US Rep. Devin Nunes from California are on the app. So are conservative commentator Candace Owens and far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who was banned from both Facebook and Twitter. Right-wing news sites such as Breitbart News, The Epoch Times and The Daily Caller also have Parler accounts.

When you join the app, Parler recommends several conservative users to follow, but there aren't any liberal ones -- likely because they haven't joined the app or don't have a large following.

There are several fake accounts for lawmakers, including one for Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Why are more conservatives joining the app?

Conservatives have alleged for years that social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook are suppressing their speech. These companies have repeatedly denied doing so, saying they have rules against hate speech and inciting violence that apply to all users.

The allegations from conservatives have only gotten louder after Twitter and Facebook last week labeled Trump's tweets that included misinformation about voter fraud. When Trump falsely claimed there that he won re-election over the weekend and there were millions of mail-in ballots sent to people who never requested them, Twitter added a label under his tweet stating that the "claim about election fraud is disputed." Facebook added a different label below the same remarks by Trump. The notice stated that Biden was the projected winner of the US presidential election.

Around the time of the election, there were reports that Trump's campaign was looking to attract more followers to Parler, drumming up more publicity for it. And politicians such as Nunes urged others to join. Last year, Nunes sued Twitter and three Twitter users, including one satirically posing as Nunes' cow, over defamation allegations, but a judge dismissed the social network from the lawsuit.

Jump Off Twitter And Into Parler For Tomorrows Free Speech Friday by @ProfMJCleveland https://t.co/a2I8yj1v57  Devin Nunes (@DevinNunes) June 25, 2020

How is Parler different from Twitter and Facebook?

Parler has fewer rules than Twitter and Facebook over what it allows on its network. Users can report a post for violating Parler's policies, but the company doesn't have third-party fact-checkers and doesn't label misinformation.

Some of the content that's barred on Parler, though, is allowed on Twitter. For example, Parler's rules prohibit pornography, but Twitter lets users share "consensually produced adult content" if they mark the media as "sensitive." Facebook doesn't allow users to post images of sexual activity.

Parler's user base of at least 2.8 million people is also a fraction of the number of people on Facebook and Twitter. Facebook has more than 2.7 billion monthly active users. Twitter, which stopped reporting the number of monthly users, has 187 million users who log in to the social network daily and are able to see ads. Some people view tweets, including ones embedded in news articles, without logging in to the site.

Parler also has different-colored verification badges. A gold badge, for example, is for public figures with a large following, and a red badge indicates that the account is a real person and not a bot. Parler has rules against spam, which include "repetitive comments and posts which are irrelevant to the conversation."

Though Parler says it'll never sell or share user data, its privacy policy states that it may use the data it collects for advertising and marketing. Matze told CNBC in July that the social network plans to make money from ads but that "advertisers will target influencers and those people with a large reach."

Can users say anything they want on Parler?

No. Parler, like other social networks, has a list of rules that users agree to when they join the site. Parler doesn't allow terrorists, spam, unsolicited ads, pornography, threats to harm, blackmail, and content that glorifies violence against animals.

The site doesn't have rules against hate speech, but it does have policies against obscene content, meaning content that's sexual in nature, offensive and lacks "serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value."

The company's user agreement also says that the site may remove any content or bar a user's access "at any time and for any reason or no reason" but that the site "endeavors to allow all free speech that is lawful and does not infringe the legal rights of others."

Users who joined Parler to mess with fans of Trump took to Twitter to complain they'd been booted from the platform.

Pretty much all of my leftist friends joined Parler to screw with MAGA folks, and every last one of them was banned in less than 24 hours because conservatives truly love free speech.  Respectable Lawyer (@RespectableLaw) June 26, 2020

In June, Matze said in a post on Parler that you can't "spam" others in comments with "unrelated comments" that include profanity or threats to kill someone.

"If ever in doubt, ask yourself if you would say it in the streets of New York or national television," he wrote.

Users can also mute or block other accounts, like on Twitter and Facebook.

Will Trump abandon Twitter and Facebook for Parler?

It seems highly unlikely. Twitter and Facebook have a much bigger reach than Parler. Trump's campaign has a Parler account, @TeamTrump, with roughly 2.2 million followers. The campaign has 2.3 million followers on Twitter and 2 million followers on Facebook.

Trump's personal account, however, has an even bigger audience on Twitter, with 89 million followers. On Facebook, he has 34 million followers.

In May, while signing an executive order intended to curtail legal protections social media companies get for content posted by users, the president was asked if he'd consider deleting his Twitter account.

Trump said he uses social media to push back against what he described as unfair media coverage and noted that the number of followers he has on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter is more than the reach that media companies have.

"I put something out and the next day or the next hour or the next minute everybody's reading about it," he said.

Trump added that he thinks he'd be hurting Twitter "very badly" if he didn't use the platform anymore and that he'd shut down the company if he found a legal way to do so.

"We have other sites we could use, I guess," Trump said.

Even with hindsight, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will reportedly go down this route with the 500X Cabrio. Automotive News Europe learned about this version from suppliers last month, and according to them, production will be handled by the Melfi plant in Italy where the Renegade is also made.The 500X Cabrio wont be alone in the compact segment either. VW still offers the T-Roc Cabriolet, which has scored consistently worse than the fixed-head body style in the motoring media for obvious reasons. The open-air crossover is a whopping 5,675 euros more expensive than the more conventional sibling, which isnt exactly a good deal in the compact segment.Turning our attention back to the Italian newcomer, suppliers told the cited publication that body panels, door frames, and the doors are shared with the Fiat 500X. The roof and rear window are apparently inspired by the 500C city car, which has a full-length soft top and very underwhelming engines.Speaking of powerplants, mild-hybrid assistance is reportedly coming to the 500X this year, most likely for the 2022 model year. I cant imagine what engine will get the integrated starter/generator unit, but knowing Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the fuel-sipping drivetrain will feature an automatic transmission. Over in the United States , a nine-speed auto is the only choice available and the 500X comes as standard with an all-wheel-drive system.In related news, head honcho Olivier Francois gave an interesting hint about the future of Fiat as far as crossovers are concerned. Speaking to Auto Express in May 2020, the big kahuna of the Italian brand let it slip that  a blend of the X and L is the way ahead. But it is not for the near future.

Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
A Boeing 737 passenger jet with 62 people onboard crashed into the Java Sea on Saturday minutes after taking off from Indonesia's capital Jakarta, officials said.

Sriwijaya Flight 182, en route to Pontianak in West Kalimantan, disappeared from radar screens after taking off just after 2.30pm (6.30pm AEDT) - 30 minutes after the scheduled time because of heavy rain.

Relatives wait at the crisis centre for news about the missing aircraft. Credit:

It was carrying 50 passengers, including seven children and three babies, as well as 12 pilots and crew. An official said they were all from Indonesia.

Reliable tracking service Flightradar24 said the Boeing jet disappeared about four minutes after take-off. It climbed to 3322 metres in altitude, and then began a steep descent, plunging to 74 metres about 21 seconds later. At that time, it stopped transmitting data.
Smyths Toys has seen closures during lockdown

The Smyths Toys retail empire recorded sales of almost 1bn across Ireland and the UK in 2019.

New accounts filed by the Galway-headquartered Smyths Toys Unlimited showed stores in the Republic recorded revenues of 220m in 2019.

This follows separate accounts for the companys Northern Ireland and UK entities earlier this week confirming combined revenues of 737m for 2019.

The revenues for the three companies total a record 957m for 2019 without taking account of the toy brands revenues in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Accounts for the companys Irish-based operation, Smyths Toys Unlimited Company show that it declared a dividend of 10m in February of last year. This followed a dividend payout of 14m in 2019.

The 10m dividend coincided with the companys UK operation declaring a 31m (34.39m) dividend, resulting in combined dividends totalling 44.39m for 2020.

Pre-tax profits at Smyths Toys Unlimited decreased by 22pc to 4.4m in 2019.

The drop in profit followed revenues declining by 3pc to 220m from 226.9m.

Read More

The company operates 21 stores in the Republic, showing average store revenues of 10.47m  or just over 200,000 per week for 2019.

The Irish operations workforce increased by 17 to 641 in 2019 as staff costs increased marginally from 14.3m to 14.4m. The companys opening lease costs totalled 6.8m and non-cash depreciation costs came to 1.6m.

On the impact of Covid-19, the directors said that up to March 2020 the company had been performing strongly.

The directors said the company operated at a reduced capacity to June 2020 before reopening.

The companys bricks-and-mortar stores are closed once more in Level 5 restrictions but the business continues to sell online.

On the groups future developments, the directors said the company continues to review further appropriate sites to expand the business.

It is led by the four Smyth brothers  Anthony, Liam, Patrick and Thomas  and pay to directors is paid by another Smyths Toys entity.

The firms accumulated profits in 2019 decreased to 17m after the dividend payout.
Just 10,288 people travelled between airports in Ireland and the UK last April during the depths of the pandemic lockdown, with numbers still languishing as routes remain closed and the crisis continues, according to data from the UKs Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Figures tallied by the Irish Independent show that 2.98 million passengers flew on routes between Ireland and the UK between January and November last year. That compared to just over 11 million in the corresponding period in 2019.

But the numbers for 2019, dire as they are, were flattered by traffic in January and February, as passenger patterns continued as normal.

In January last year, 954,003 people travelled between Ireland and UK airports, compared to 944,548 in January 2019. In February last year, the figure was 983,322 compared to 974,469.

As Ireland played Wales at Lansdowne Road on February 8, there were still very few concerns about Covid. A packed-out stadium saw Ireland beat Wales 24-14.

Just over 9,100 people flew between Dublin and Cardiff that month, including 1,152 on charter services for the match.

But as lockdowns began and the virus spread, traffic began to slump.

By March, the number of people flying between Ireland and UK airports fell to 477,881 compared to 1.1 million in March 2019.

Read More

Airline fleets were grounded all over the world as governments grappled with efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

In April, just 11 routes were operational between Ireland and the UK compared to about 60 during normal times.

That month, only 4,233 people travelled between Dublin and London Heathrow, compared to 160,365 in April 2019.

Between Shannon and Heathrow, there were just 83 passengers la st April compared to 22,255 in April 2019. On the Dublin to Manchester route, just 786 passengers boarded in April last year  compared to 85,524 in April 2019.

The Dublin-London Heathrow route is normally the busiest international route in Europe, while the Dublin-London city pair is one of the busiest in the world.

As travel advice see-sawed during the year and routes were culled, traffic between Ireland and the UK failed to show any meaningful trajectory towards normalised levels.

In August, 145,571 people flew between Ireland and the UK, compared to 1.22 million in August 2019.

On the Dublin-Heathrow route there were just 17,106 passengers compared to 168,111 in August the previous year.

Ireland West Knocks route to Stansted saw just 4,044 people carried. That figure was 15, 596 in August 2019.

Key routes saw traffic collapse. The Dublin-Manchester route carried just 4,975 people in November. It handled 89,466 in November 2019.

Just 17 scheduled routes operated between Ireland and the UK last November  the latest month for which CAA data is available.

Earlier this week, Ryanair said that it will operate few, if any flights from Ireland from the end of this month until current travel restrictions are lifted.

From today, all passengers arriving at Irish airports and ports whose journey started in the UK or South Africa must have proof of a negative pre-departure PCR Covid test taken up to 72 hours before arrival.
MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2021) The Bolivian authorities expect to receive the first batch of 6,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in the third week of January, presidential spokesman Jorge Richter told Sputnik.

"We estimate that this will happen by the end of the third week of January. This is what we are waiting for as an approximate date," Richter said.

Bolivia's Health Supply Center (CEASS) on December 30, 2020 announced an agreement, under which Russia would supply 5.5 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine to the Latin American country.
While election officials in Georgia were verifying signatures on absentee ballot envelopes in one metro-Atlanta county, President Donald Trump pressured the lead investigator to 'find the fraud' and said it would make the investigator a national hero

While election officials in Georgia were verifying signatures on absentee ballot envelopes in Cobb County in December, President Donald Trump pressured the lead investigator to 'find the fraud' and said it would make the investigator a national hero, a source says.

And in a separate call, the White House pushed Atlanta's top federal prosecutor to resign before Georgia's U.S. Senate runoffs because Trump was furious he wasn't doing enough to investigate the president's allegations of election fraud, the Wall Street Journal reported.

U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak resigned abruptly on Monday after a senior Justice Department official called him at the behest of the White House and pressured him to step down, people familiar with the matter said.

Both calls were separate from Trump's now-infamous January 2 call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger where he asked election officials to 'find' enough votes to overturn Joe Bidens win in the state's presidential election.

U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak (Above) resigned abruptly on Monday after a senior DOJ official called him at the behest of the White House and pressured him to step down, sources say

The earlier call to the investigator occurred as election officials were conducting an audit of signatures on absentee ballot envelopes in Cobb County.

The audit, which reviewed more than 15,000 signatures, found no cases of fraud. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation helped conduct the signature audit.

Trump told the unidentified investigator that he would be a 'national hero' if they found fraud, but they couldn't, according to a person familiar with the call who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to describe the sensitive nature of the discussion.

Trump and his allies have for months made false claims about Georgia's signature verification process for absentee ballots and about the results of the November election, which Trump lost to Biden in Georgia by about 12,000 votes. Among other things, they demanded an audit of the signature matches.

The White House had no immediate comment.

The call was first reported Saturday by The Washington Post, which said it was withholding the name of the investigator, who did not respond to requests for comment, because of the risk of threats and harassment directed at election officials.

GBI agents audit absentee ballot signatures at the Cobb County Civic Center. Trump reportedly called an investigator in Cobb County and urged him to 'find the fraud'

Various election officials across the country and Trump's former attorney general, William Barr, have said there was no widespread fraud in the election.

Raffensperger, an elected Republican, and other election officials in Georgia have repeatedly disputed Trump's false claims about the election and said it was conducted freely and fairly.

Trump held at least three phone calls with Georgia officials seeking to overturn the election results before Congress certified Bidens Electoral College win early Thursday -- hours after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol.

During a call in early December, Trump pressed Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to order a special session of the state legislature to subvert Bidens victory. Kemp, also a Republican, refused.

Trump repeatedly lashed out at Raffensperger and Kemp and others he saw as standing in his way of overturning his election loss.

Audio of Trump's phone call to Raffensperger was leaked on January 3, just one day after the call took place.

Trumps Jan. 2 call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (above) where he asked election officials to 'find' enough votes to overturn Joe Bidens win was cited in a draft version of new articles of impeachment against Trump on Friday

During the call, Trump called Atlanta U.S. Attorney Byung J. 'BJay' Pak a 'never Trumper.'

Pak, who was appointed by Trump, announced his resignation as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia in a news release the day after the call was leaked.

The statement did not say why Pak was leaving or what he planned to do next.

'It has been the greatest honor of my professional career to have been able to serve my fellow citizens as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia,' Pak said in the release.

'I have done my best to be thoughtful and consistent, and to provide justice for my fellow citizens in a fair, effective and efficient manner. I am grateful to President Trump and the United States Senate for the opportunity to serve, and to former Attorneys General Sessions and Barr for their leadership of the Department.'

U.S. Attorney Byung J. 'BJay' Pak announces that Georgia Insurance Commissioner Jim C. Beck has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 in Atlanta

Pak was sworn in as U.S. attorney in the Atlanta-based Northern District of Georgia in October 2017 after having been appointed by Trump.

He was a Republican state lawmaker from 2011 to 2017, had previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney from 2002 to 2008 and was working in private practice at the time of his appointment.

The shocking recording of the January 2 call was referenced in a draft version of Speaker Nancy Pelosi's articles of impeachment against Trump.

House Democrats plan to introduce the articles on Monday, charging a single count of incitement of insurrection.
Scientists from St. Petersburg University discovered the virus-like particles in Bryozoa

Scientists from Russia, Austria, and the USA have discovered virus-like particles in the bacterial symbionts of Bryozoa - a phylum of colonial aquatic invertebrates - filter-feeders dominating in many bottom ecosystems. The research project was planned and supervised by scientists from St Petersburg University. Some of the virus-like particles resemble red blood cells, while others have a sea-urchin-like appearance. Although viruses have never been reported inside symbiotic bacteria in bryozoans, scientists suggest that this "matryoshka doll" may have a prominent effect on the bacterial hosts.

Life of most organisms on our planet is closely associated with bacterial communities - microbiota that plays a very important role in the health of the host from helping to control digestion to protection of the host from infections. Bryozoa are not an exception. Inside some of these invertebrates the symbiotic bacteria live that, e.g. make larvae not eatable for fish. Yet how the symbiosis can benefit the host itself still remains a mystery. Scientists from the St Petersburg University tried to solve it and eventually made an unexpected discovery.

They encountered the virus-like particles in the colonies of the cheilostome bryozoan Bugula neritina that were intertidally collected from the east coastal area of the USA, and in Paralicornia sinuosa that was collected near Australia. Between bacteria of B. neritina the virus-like particles were found that resembled red blood cells. The particles found inside and between bacteria of P. sinuosa were reminiscent the sea urchins. These were spherical and consisting of cylindrical/tube-like elements evenly radiating from the central double-walled 'core'. To gain a better understanding of what the particles are and what role they play in the life of moss animals the biologists from the University established a collaboration with experts from the Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, the Russian Academy of Sciences.

'So-called "urchins" from the Australian bryozoan is much alike the "metamorphosis associated contractile structures (MACs)" described by the American scientists in 2014. These structures can be found inside the biofilm-forming marine bacteria Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea. MACs have the same origin as the viruses-bacteriophages. In fact, ???s are an assemblage of multiple contractile systems related to the contractile tails of myoviruses (tailed bacteriophages with contractile tails). Contacting the biofilms of Pseudoalteromonas can induce larval metamorphosis in the tubeworm Hydroides elegans. When settling, the larvae of H. elegans contact the biofilm at sea bottom, and the "urchins"' inside the biofilm inject a protein signal into the cells of the larvae. The delivery of the protein induces larval metamorphosis,' said Professor Andrey Letarov, Head of the Laboratory of Microbial Viruses at the Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, RAS.

Yet there are some differences, Dr Letarov explained. The 'urchins' inside the bacteria that were studied by the Americans are very large and not 'well-organized', while the particles inside the bacteria of Paralicornia sinuosa are finely structured into tiny spheres. But generally speaking, there is much in common between these structures. What role the 'urchins' play in this biological system remains unclear. Yet there is some tentative evidence.

'We know that in some bryozoan species, in particular in Bugula neritina, bacteria from maternal tissues are transmitted to larvae thus providing the vertical transfer of the symbionts between bryozoan generations. Viruses should be transmitted together with bacteria. Yet not all of the bacteria are moved into the larvae. Those that remain in the host can multiply producing an excess of toxic metabolites. This can pose a potential threat to the host. Presumably, the newly discovered viruses can destroy these bacteria thus regulating the symbiont number in the bryozoan hosts,' said Andrew Ostrovsky, Professor at the Department of Invertebrate Zoology, St Petersburg University, and head of the research project.

'The Mac-like structures ("urchins") found in the Australian bryozoan also destroy bacteria. Yet it remains unclear whether they have analogous functions as in the system P. luteoviolaceae - H. elegans. In other words, whether they can deliver a signal from bacterial symbionts to the host,' added Dr Letarov.

Much has to be done, especially in respect to molecular processes in which the virus-like particles can be involved. The scientists are planning to sequence the genome of bacteria containing these virus-like particles to reveal genetic information that regulates their formation. The work will be done in collaboration with bioinformaticians. This may help in gaining a better understanding of what proteins are produced by the 'urchins' and how they can influence other parts of this biological "matryoshka".

Yet collecting fresh bryozoan colonies to continue this research is rather difficult task. Cultivation of the bryozoan symbiotic bacteria in the laboratory was never successful. They can be collected only in their natural habitats, which are the coastal area of Australia and east coastal area of the USA. But even getting there, especially during the current pandemic, is very difficult. This makes scientists think about finding the similar symbiotic systems near the Marine Biological Station of the University at the White Sea. Among bryozoans found in the region, some species possess bacteria.

'Viruses are non-cellular infectious agents. Presumably, they are the most numerous 'particles of life' on the planet. They can replicate, i.e. make copies of themselves, by using bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. In other words, all living organisms,' Andrew Ostrovsky said. 'It is a gigantic world that dates back to the period when cellular life on Earth began. Not surprisingly then that viruses are deeply involved in regulation of many processes in living organisms. Without viruses, life and the planet would not exist.'

###

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
UPDATE:

Jenna Ryan, the North Texas real estate agent who took a private plane to participate in the U.S. Capitol protest that evolved into a violent riot on Jan. 6, has been charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

In a filing from the Department of Justice submitted Jan. 15, prosecutors said authorities recovered a deleted Facebook live video showing Ryan entering the Capitol building through the Rotunda entrance.

Jon Cherry/Getty Images, MBR / TNS

"We are going to f---ing go in here," Ryan could be heard saying in the video as she approaches the top of the stairs. "Life or death, it doesnt matter. Here we go."

Ryan then exposed her face on camera, saying, Yall know who to hire for your realtor. Jenna Ryan for your realtor.

The video continued to show her entering the building, chanting U-S-A! U-S-A! and yelling, Here we are, in the name of Jesus! She exposed her face on video again while inside the building.

Ryan previously claimed she did not enter the Capitol building.

She posted a public statement to her Twitter page on Jan. 8.

"I was invited to go to Washington D.C. by a friend to witness the march," Ryan wrote. "Unfortunately, what I believed to be a peaceful political march turned into a violent protest. I do not condone the violence that occurred on January 6, 2020, and I am truly heartbroken for the people who have lost their lives. Hatred and violence toward each other are not going to solve our country's issues. As a nation, we need to come together Republican, Democrat and Independent and have an open and honest discussion about the issues in our country and resolve our issues in peace."

EARLIER:

Facebook.com/jenna.ryan1

One Dallas-area woman flew by private jet to participate in the initial protest at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday that turned violent as the mob breached the building.

Realtor and radio host Jenna Ryan took a private jet with three others to Washington D.C. to protest the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's victory over President Donald Trump.

AFTER THE CHAOS: Internet detectives are identifying scores of pro-Trump rioters at the Capitol. Some have already been fired.

"OK guess who's going to DC by private jet?!?! Meeee," Ryan wrote on Facebook on Jan. 3. She and three others can be seen in the private plane in a photo posted Jan. 5.

Newsweek's Lydia Smith reports that Ryan flew from US Trinity Aviation in Denton.

Twitter/@dotJenna

Ryan posted several videos and photos from the Capitol grounds on her Facebook and Twitter accounts. In one photo posted to Twitter, she poses next to a broken window.

"Window at The capital," Ryan wrote. "And if the news doesn't stop lying about us we're going to come after their studios next..."

Ryan also livestreamed from the Capitol grounds. It is unclear if she ever entered the building.

"All these working-class people taking the week off," Ryan said in the stream. "We flew here for freedom. They want to steal the election, they want to steal everything."
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced in a televised address a ban on the import of coronavirus vaccines from the US and the UK, saying the two countries were "not trustworthy".
It's an elongated state of flux for Manitoba businesses, as the province announces a two-week extension for strident pandemic restrictions starting Saturday.

It's an elongated state of flux for Manitoba businesses, as the province announces a two-week extension for strident pandemic restrictions starting Saturday.

While chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin had expected to "at least somewhat relax" code red guidelines Friday, instead COVID-19 case counts creeping up after the holiday season means: "Now is not the time to make that decision."

At least until Jan. 22, things like getting a haircut, shopping for clothes or buying personal electronics in-store will remain prohibited. Save for essential retailers such as grocery stores and pharmacies, all non-essential establishments  among them restaurants, pubs and beauty salons  remain shuttered.

"We want the least-restrictive means necessary," said Roussin, adding he understands the disappointment about stretching out orders which have been in place across Manitoba since November.

"Somebody who's a small-business owner is frustrated, somebody who wants to go visit their parents is frustrated," he said. "But when you open things up, we'll see numbers increase."

Silver Heights Restaurant owner Tony Siwicki says restaurants are being punished even though they have been closed for 10 weeks. (Jesse Boily / Winnipeg Free Press files)

For business owners, however, it's more than just frustration  it's an increased threat to their livelihood, with anxieties about long-term economic survival.

Commerce stakeholders believe the province waited far too long (less than a day before expiration) to announce an unchanged extension. Rules should have been adjusted to allow capacity limits or appointment services for storefronts that could safely reopen, if permitted, advocates said.

"It's extremely challenging and concerning when you relay these rules 24 hours before they were to end," said Chuck Davidson, president and chief executive officer of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. "And it's disheartening because businesses have been following all the necessary precautions and were really looking forward to opening again."

Davidson said there has been "no science or indications" transmission is occurring at specific locations.

"It's hard to get business owners to understand why they should remain closed when that data isn't there and those metrics haven't been clear," he said.

At Silver Heights Restaurant in Winnipeg, that's exactly why owner Tony Siwicki feels defeated.

"We've had no customers in our doors for more than 10 weeks and we're following every single rule to a T," he said.

"But you're telling us that somehow we're still a contributing reason for increasing cases or will become a reason if we opened? That's just a bogus assumption."

Amanda Deroy Sheriff, who runs Beauty Box by Sheriff on Ellice Avenue, with her sisters and mother, agreed.

The Beauty Box will remain void of customers for at least two more weeks. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

"We're a salon and we can take appointments," she said. "Doesn't that make us safe to reopen when we can space people out and only take a few of them in?"

Such concerns are part of a growing anger within the business community, said Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

"It seems as though they're having to carry a disproportionate weight and cost during the pandemic."

That's why Jonathan Alward, Prairies director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, hopes the province will continue to provide more financial relief as restrictions linger on.

"Otherwise, I'm concerned that too many more businesses are going to start closing down for good," he said.

For now, however, it remains to be seen whether the province will adjust guidelines in the coming weeks. It's also unclear if emergency assistance will be extended.

"We've considered a number of options for this set of orders," said Roussin. "Any time we feel the numbers support it, were going to start pulling back restrictions."

temur.durrani@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @temurdur
Related Egypt struggles with oxygen tank shortage amid second wave of COVID-19 Egypts health ministry denies lack of oxygen behind death of 6 coronavirus patients Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has ordered the doubling of production of medical oxygen to fulfill public and private hospitals' needs amid the pandemics second wave that Egypt is witnessing.

Madbouly's directives were issued during a virtual meeting that he had held on Saturday with representatives from medical oxygen producing companies, in the presence of Health Minister Hala Zayed and Trade and Industry Minister Niven Gamea.

According to the cabinet statement that was released following the meeting, Madbouly called for coordinating efforts to meet the hospitals' demands of oxygen, adding that "the government is following this file around the clock."

The oxygen cylinder challenge has unpacked itself worldwide since it has been prescribed for virus-related patients, who suffer from low levels of oxygen, in order to keep them alive.

The challenges have also surfaced domestically since patients reportedly died last week in two public hospitals due to the lack of oxygen, a matter that the health ministry later denied in an official statement, while the public prosecutor is still investigating the matter.

Also, there have been reports that oxygen cylinders are either sold at exorbitant prices or are not available at all on the market.

"The exceptional circumstance with regard to the coronavirus crisis, prompts us to double the production of medical oxygen so as to meet the needs," Madbouly told the oxygen companies' representatives.

He noted that the production in normal circumstances can fulfill the needs adequately, but it is to be consumed swiftly at the time being.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi directed that there is to be an increase in the daily stock of oxygen to be able to handle any emergency, the prime minister added.

During the meeting, the PM also asserted the country's interior ministry's willingness to provide oxygen trucks to any hospitals at any time and under any circumstances.

Health Minister Hala Zayed reviewed during the meeting the efforts exerted in coordination with the interior ministry to eliminate oxygen black markets, price gouging, and the non-commitment to supplying medical facilities with their demands.

"Black markets are unacceptable in these circumstances," Trade and Industry Minister Niven Gamea said, noting all producing companies are patriotic and will work to meet the demands.

Egypt entered a second wave of the pandemic in the last week of December after it recorded double the number of infections daily.

A total infection toll of 147,810 cases has been reported nationwide, including 8,085 fatalities and 117,529 recoveries.

Short link:


Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 00:52:18|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Photo taken on Jan. 9, 2021 shows an official checks the monitor of the crisis centre of the SJ-182 flight at Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. A passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air carrying 62 people crashed into waters off Jakarta on Saturday. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B)

A Boeing 737-500 plane of an Indonesian airlines with 62 people aboard including 10 children lost contact four minutes after takeoff on Saturday afternoon and was believed to have crashed into waters off north Jakarta.



JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has confirmed the crash of a Boeing 737-500 plane of an Indonesian airlines with 62 people on board that lost contact with the air traffic controller on Saturday afternoon.

At a virtual press conference held on Saturday evening, the minister said the Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 heading from capital city Jakarta to Pontianak city in West Kalimantan province crashed into the waters off the Seribu District in north of Jakarta.

According to him, the plane was believed to have crashed near the district's Laki Island and Lancang Island, part of the Thousand Islands chain.

The plane departed from the Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta at 2.36 p.m. local time. According to Sumadi, the last contact with the plane was made by aviation authorities four minutes after its takeoff.

Photo taken on Jan. 9, 2021 shows medical officials prepare at the SJ-182 flight crisis centre at Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. A passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air carrying 62 people crashed into waters off Jakarta on Saturday. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B)

Search and rescue operations underway were hampered by the bad weather. Workers of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) have found debris and cables suspected to be of the ill-fated aircraft.

Boats and aircraft from various Indonesian agencies were involved in the search.

Sumadi said that President Joko Widodo has instructed rescue workers to maximize searching efforts.

Basarnas spokesman Yusuf Latief told Xinhua that about 100 rescue workers were at the location, and his agency has sent its ship equipped with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to search for the wreckage of the aircraft at the sea floor.

An investigation into the plane crash was launched by the Transportation Ministry.

Photo taken on Jan. 9, 2021 shows relatives of the passengers on SJ-182 flight arrive at the crisis centre at Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. A passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air carrying 62 people crashed into waters off Jakarta on Saturday.(Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.)

Earlier, Captain EKo Surya Hadi, commander of Trisula coast guard ship, told a local TV that human body parts and debris of the plane were discovered.

"We found body parts, life jackets, avtur (aviation turbine fuel) and debris of the plane," he said.

Sumadi said that aboard the Boeing plane were 50 passengers including seven children and three babies, and 12 crew members.

On Oct. 29, 2018, all 189 people aboard were killed after a Boeing 737 Max plane of Indonesia's Lion Air crashed into the Java Sea shortly after taking off from Jakarta.

In December 2014, an AirAsia plane crashed into sea en route from Indonesia's second biggest city Surabaya to Singapore, killing all 162 people aboard. 
Only the throb of airconditioning units could be heard in the party and restaurant precincts of Greater Brisbane as the first night of the region's three-day lockdown came into effect on Friday.

There was no music or shouted conversations in clubs, bars, pubs and restaurants or on the normally bustling, crowded streets of the inner-city after midnight.

All quiet on the West End front as Brisbane's lockdown began on Friday night. Credit:Tony Moore

At the normally thriving West End, Vulture and Melbourne streets were empty and awkwardly quiet as Brisbane took its first night of lockdown seriously as the rain gently fell.

People were at home as Greater Brisbane's three-day lockdown began at 6pm on Friday night to try to contain the contagious United Kingdom variant of COVID-19.
Photo: The Canadian Press Alberta chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw

A new variant of COVID-19 that first surfaced in South Africa was found in Alberta on Friday.

Alberta's chief medical health officer made the announcement about the new variant in a tweet late Friday afternoon. Dr. Denna Hinshaw said the person is believed to have contracted the illness while travelling and is in quarantine.

"Theres no evidence at this time that the virus has spread to others," Hinshaw said.

"I know any new case is concerning, but we are actively monitoring for these variants and working to protect the publics health."

While a spokesman with Alberta Health could not confirm it, the case could be a first in Canada.

Federal officials said earlier in the day that the new variant had yet to be detected in the country.

A spokesperson with the Public Health Agency of Canada said in an email that agency could not immediately comment on the Alberta case.

"Our experts have gone to enjoy a well-deserved weekend," said the email from Maryse Durette. "We will look into this first thing Monday."

The South African variant, 501. V2, is more infectious than the original COVID-19 virus and has rapidly become dominant in that country's coastal areas. There have also been concerns among experts in the United Kingdom that vaccines may not be effective against it.

Fourteen cases of a more contagious COVD-19 variant that first surfaced in the U.K. have already been detected in Canada. Six of those were in Ontario, four were in Alberta, three were in British Columbia and one was in Quebec.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Gov. Mike DeWine said he does not regret supporting Donald Trump for president.

Were talking about his support, even after a mob breached the U.S. Capitol, on This Week in the CLE.

Listen online here.

Editor Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with editors Jane Kahoun, Kris Wernowsky and me.

Youve been sending Chris lots of thoughts and suggestions on our from-the-newsroom account, in which he shares what were thinking about at cleveland.com. You can sign up for free by sending a text to 216-868-4802.

Here are the questions were answering today:

Did Ohio Governor Mike DeWine finally offer criticism of President Donald Trump for all of the lies he told Americans about the theft of the presidential election?

What does Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson say about Ohios coordination of the coronavirus vaccine, and what steps is Cleveland taking on its own to get people vaccinated?

Do we finally have some information from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on how the state coronavirus vaccination plan will work?

When will Ohio teachers start getting their coronavirus vaccines, and why is a teachers union criticizing the plan to use the vaccines to get the states schools back open?

How bad was the Cleveland mail delivery in December, and is it getting better now that the Christmas package rush has ended?

What is the questionable background on the East Cleveland police officer who shot and killed a man earlier this week?

Is Ohio suddenly seeing a surge in coronavirus cases, and are the predictions that its about to get much, much worse?

With the full year numbers in, how hard did the pandemic hit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which tried to make sure no one went hungry because of the financial distress it caused?

Is it my imagination, or is it gloomy outside?

Want more? You can find all our past episodes here.

We have an Apple podcasts channel exclusively for this podcast. Subscribe here.

Do you get your podcasts on Spotify. Find us here.

If you use Stitcher, we are here.

RadioPublic is another popular podcast vehicle, and we are here.

On Google Podcasts, we are here.

On PodParadise, find us here.

And on PlayerFM, we are here.
But in the last week, the Trump administration has tried to slow the reversal of its Medicaid experiments. Traditionally, such waivers are agreements between H.H.S. and states that can be severed with minimal fuss. But Ms. Verma has sent letters to state Medicaid directors, asking them to sign, as soon as possible, new contracts that detail more elaborate processes for terminating waivers. Under the contract terms, the federal agency pledges not to end a waiver with less than nine months of notice.

Its so blatant, said Joan Alker, the executive director at the Georgetown Center for Children and Families. Shes trying to handcuff the Biden administration.

Ms. Verma said the contracts were a way of ensuring that waivers were revoked only if they were harmful. We want to make sure that people dont come into office and on a political whim terminate waivers, she said.

The waiver allows Tennessee, one of a dozen states that havent adopted Medicaid expansion under Obamacare, to abandon the normal structure of the Medicaid program. In that structure, the federal government establishes detailed rules for who must be covered and what benefits they are offered in exchange for an open-ended commitment to pay a share of Medicaid patients bills. Tennessee would be given new freedom to alter what services its program covers, but its funding each year would be capped according to a formula.

If Tennessee spends less than the block grant amount, it will be allowed to keep 55 percent of the savings to spend on a broad array of services related to health. If it spends more, the difference will need to be made up with state funds. The waiver establishes some limitations on the aspects of the program that can be changed and would allow the spending cap to grow if more people enrolled in Medicaid, as typically happens in an economic downturn.
Jenny Cudd is trending nationwide.

This isnt just a Midland story. Excerpts from her video Wednesday night outside a Washington, D.C., hotel are receiving millions of page views. Social media posts by people across the country are receiving tens of thousands of comments, and stories are being consumed at record paces.

The reaction has not been favorable to those who approve of her involvement in Wednesdays events at the U.S. Capitol.

With that being said, here is a look at Cudd and her time in Midland.

Who is Jenny Cudd?

An introduction to politics

Cudd became more of a household name in Midland when she ran for mayor in November 2019. Her campaign included the slogan Midland deserves better. She was the outsider candidate who believed that city government had been ineffective at dealing with growth issues in Midland.

Cudd ran against Patrick Payton and Jerry Morales for mayor. She picked up 15.6 percent of the vote. In 2020, Cudd was active in protests in Midland and Odessa against business closures and potential mask mandates having to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. She also organized counter-protests when picketers outside Pastor Bob Fus home accused him of being a spy for the Chinese government.

In the flower business

Cudd is the owner of Beckys Flower, a flower store in west Midland, and she also created CYAFlowers.com, an online software platform that lets customers enter special dates  such as birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

She previously told the Reporter-Telegram her plan with the concept was to collect data on how customers use the platform and then sell licenses for floral shops nationwide, "so we have partners across the country."

Her experience with cannabis

In 2019, Cudd told the Reporter-Telegram that she owned a percentage in a consulting company that works with medical marijuana growing facilities in the state of Oklahoma.

Cudd said she owns 50 percent of Mad Hatters Tea House and 4 percent of Top Dollar Equity and that equals 1.5 shares in the consulting companies.

In July of 2020, she appeared in a marketing video, Cannabis Investment Opportunity  Summit Boys presented by Jenny Cudd. She said in the video that the Summit Boys are from Oklahoma.

In that video, she reported her experience in the cannabis industry includes ownership in two Oklahoma-based farms, having raised $1.25 million in investor capital in start-up funds for the second facility and having interest in one Oklahoma-based dispensary.

Recipient of taxpayer funding

In 2017, the Midland Development Corp. provided $264,000 to the Small Business Development Center at University of Texas Permian Basin to administer the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge.

Cudd Enterprises  also doing business as CYA Flowers, an entity owned by Jenny Cudd -- was one of the four winners that the judges selected. Her business received $63,000 from the SBDC and UTPB. The MDC reported this week that the program was wholly operated and overseen by the SBDC and UTPB. They stated that an independent panel of judges, completely unrelated to the MDCs board or staff, selected the winning businesses and determined the amounts to be distributed as prize monies.

The MDC played no role in selecting winners, and had no ability to approve or reject any winner selected by the independent panel of judges, the MDC reported.

Cudd also stated on her Jenny Louise Facebook page that she received PPP funding to help pay her employees. An initial search of Small-Business-Forum.net shows Cudd Enterprises, which shows the same address as Beckys Flowers, also received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan of $150,000. Cudd Enterprises LLC. also was awarded a $41,000 PPP loan according the Small Business Administration.

She wrote the following about receiving money, Considering the massive amount of taxes I pay and the fact that my business qualified for it and I applied, I viewed the PPP as getting some of my money back which paid the nine people whom I employ for a couple months.
TEHRAN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2021) Iran has developed a four-phased strategy of the nationwide vaccination against COVID-19, with frontline medical workers and disabled people being among the first to get a domestic vaccine when it would be produced, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday.

"When we have the vaccine, around 1.3 million people  frontline health workers and disabled persons  will be involved in the first phase of the vaccination," Rouhani told a meeting of the national coronavirus task force.

The second group will include about 12 million individuals  people with co-existing health problems and those aged over 65, according to the force's spokesman, Alireza Raisi.

A further 19 million people will be involved in the third stage of the vaccination process, Rouhani added. The fourth phase is set to be applied for the rest of the population.

According to media reports, Rouhani also said that his administration would not permit foreign vaccines against COVID-19 from being tested on Iranians.

Iran is currently working on development of COVID-19 vaccines. As health ministry spokesperson Kianush Jahanpur told Sputnik, the country expects the first vaccine to be ready by the spring, and another two-three by the summer.

Iran also considers an option to purchase vaccines manufactured by other countries, except for the UK and US-made vaccines as they were banned by the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Friday. The Iranian Ministry of Health earlier expressed its interest in Russian COVID-19 vaccines, including Sputnik V. On January 3, a source from the Iranian embassy in Moscow told Sputnik that deputy health ministers from both Iran and Russia would soon meet to discuss cooperation on a COVID-19 vaccine.
This seasons hot debuts include a psychological thriller about a young woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her writerly ambition, a systems novel set in Las Vegas, an exploration of the racial divide after Obamas election, a chronicle of a new mothers metamorphosis into a dog, and much more. In these ten profiles, the authors share the stories behind their work and what they hope to accomplish with fiction.

Alexandra Andrews

Naked Ambition

In PWs starred review of Who Is Maud Dixon? (Little, Brown, Mar.), a psychological thriller about a young woman who loses her publishing job in a desperate act of self-sabotage and ends up working for a reclusive, Elena Ferranteesque writer, we said readers might be left asking, Who is Alexandra Andrews?

Andrews never worked in publishing, though she remembers the awkwardness and insecurity of going to literary parties in her 20s, which she channeled into her frustrated writer protagonist, Florence. So many of us grow up being told, You can do anything you want, the world is your oyster,  she says. Then you hit 25, 26, and paths start getting shut off, and youre shunted in this one direction, and youre like, how did I get here? What I like about Florence is she just refuses to take no for an answer. Shes offered a plan B and doesnt want it. Shes going to be a famous writer and nothings going to stop her. I dont think I actually ever had that grit, but I like that she just sticks to it.

But, Andrews notes, the book wasnt driven by a personal story. I wanted to write a commercial book, which feels like a dirty word, but I wanted to write what I wanted to read, and, you know, I like reading. She asked her husband, novelist and Harpers editor Christopher Beha, for advice on agents and sent the book to Jennifer Joel.

Jen wrote back a really detailed, thoughtful email, four days after I sent it to her on a Sunday at 11 p.m., Andrews says. And Chris was like, Oh, thats never happened to me. 

Editor Judith Clain was immediately gripped, as well. Ive been at Little, Brown for 20 years, and once every three or four years I find a book that I feel completely obsessed with, she says. While I was reading this, I could already start to feel like I knew the pitch, and I could see exactly what the audience is. Its a very visceral feeling.

Dario Diofebi

Leaving Las Vegas

With the European job market in shambles after the 2008 financial crisis, Dario Diofebi completed his MA in comp lit in Rome, his home town, in 2010. None of my friends had jobs, and Italy was in a rough place, he says. While he was in school, poker had risen in popularity, and afterward, he found a way to make money by playing online. In 2013, he moved to Las Vegas and went pro.

Describing what he observed at the poker tables, Diofebi says it was an opportunity to soak up stories from people he might not have otherwise encountered, such as gun lobbyists and Silicon Valley libertarian types, who struck him with their raw sense of individualism. People will talk to you at the table, so you become a collector of stories almost passively.

Diofebis Paradise, Nevada (Bloomsbury, Apr.) is a sprawling novel about the people who live and work in Las Vegas, set in 2014 and 2015. He chose those years after realizing a cultural shift had taken place.

The 2016 election was kind of a wake-up call, Diofebi says. You know, when the random poker nerd I knew suddenly started getting interested in the pickup artist movement, and then it was the manosphere and mens rights movement. And then I looked back and said, Oh, okay, no, he was just a fascist. I get it now. 

Editor Callie Garnett says the book was unlike anything shed read in a long time. It ends up being about class struggle and solidarity, but in an environment that you just dont think of as having anything to do with solidarity.

Diofebi wanted to revive the systems novel, and Michael Chabon, Don DeLillo, Jonathan Franzen, and Donna Tartt were all touchstones, but he also mentions having been struck by the opportunity to convey contemporary income inequality through Las Vegas as Dickens did with 19th-century London. Las Vegas has a way of making things that are usually hidden very visible, he says.

Jamie Figueroa

A Dream Realized

Jamie Figueroas Brother, Sister, Mother, Explorer (Catapult, Apr.) follows half siblings Rufina and Rafa Rivera as they revisit their hometown of Ciudad de Tres Hermanas after their mothers death. The author, who was raised in rural Ohio and is of Puerto Rican descent, calls the city a fictional twin of Santa Fe, where shes lived for the past 16 years.

Figueroa left Ohio for New Mexico, initially drawn to study with Natalie Goldberg in Taos, and spent time backpacking and connecting with the landscape while integrating meditation with her writing practice. She eventually studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts, where she found permission and encouragement to explore her identity through her work. Coming to know how those whove also been othered and historically oppressed rise up empowered and awarded for their voices has been incredibly impactful, she says.

Despite heavy themes of grief, suicide, rape, and the trauma of racism, the book employs a playful omniscient narration, a delicate sleight of hand that Figueroa considers the voice of the roots, the rocks, of the soil of this place that has recorded all time, that will scold and comfort, at times simultaneously. Its effect becomes apparent in an early scene with Rufina and Rafa panhandling the tourists who expect to be enchanted by the alpine settings indigenous people. On Rafa: To look at him, you wouldnt know all the countries hes traveled to during the past nine years, the whole of his twenties.

Theres a subtlety to the work, which achieves great power with a generous reader, whom Figueroa found in editor Jonathan Lee. I think the book asks one to slow down to read it and to pay attention at the sentence level, Figueroa says. It can be a little bit challenging or exciting depending on the reader. It really took the right editor to appreciate that.

Nancy Johnson

Blue Collar

Before Chicagoan Nancy Johnson turned to fiction, she was a writer for television news programs. It was a great foundation in terms of storytelling and the discipline of meeting deadlines, she says. But I was always writing other peoples stories and what the news dictated, and I knew that I wanted to tell the stories that were born of my own imagination.

After Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, Johnson became occupied with burning questions about the reasons behind the increasing division in the country, despite the widespread belief that it was the beginning of a postracial era. I realized that was a fallacy, because I could see this bitter divide between Black and white America, she says.

Johnsons book, The Kindest Lie (Morrow, Feb.), is about Ruth Tuttle, a Black woman from Ganton, a factory town in Indiana, who gets pregnant in high school and gives the baby up for adoption so she can leave for Yale.

When Ruth returns to Ganton after Obamas election, shes surprised to encounter heightened racial tension. The title refers to Ruths decision to keep her past secret from her husband, but Johnson says she also thought about what it says about America. What are the lies that we as Americans tell about who we are? she asks.

Johnson chose Ganton for the setting to give readers a richer understanding of Black Americans various experiences. The working-class Black community is often forgotten in the news, she says. Its only white America that theyre talking about when they say working-class. 

No matter the class, her Black characters are united by fear of encounters with the police, one of which leads to the books devastating denouement. Ruth is a successful engineer, Johnson says. She has a degree from Yale, but shes still Black. And that still means something when youre interacting with the police.

Editor Liz Stein praises Johnsons literary craft, which the author honed while working with Tayari Jones, and expects the book to reach a wide audience with the subject matter and strong plot. The icing on the cake is her prose, Stein says. Its just so terrific. When we publish in a couple months, I think its going to be the kind of literature that really rises above and brings people together.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the town of Ganton was located in Illinois.

Dantiel W. Moniz

Scratching the Surface

Florida writer Dantiel W. Moniz is interested in getting the most out of the short story form. You know, people are like, Oh, its a snapshot of a life, which it is, but it can also give you a hint of what the world is around the characters, she says. I hope to accomplish a sense of fullness, where you can just go off the page and think about the lives of the characters and how they connect with your own.

The title story of Monizs collection, Milk Blood Heat (Grove, Feb.), begins with the atmosphere and tone of a coming-of-age story about Ava, whos Black, and Kiera, whos whitetwo tomboyish eighth graders who become blood sisters after drinking a mix of milk and Kieras blood. The ending, which catches up with Ava years later on her wedding night, pulls the rug out from under the reader, showing how a moment of intimacy returns Ava to a traumatic childhood moment.

Agent Meredith Kaffel Simonoff recounts meeting Moniz at the University of Wisconsin in 2017 and being impressed by her fully formed vision. The collections that actually stand out are the ones where its possible to talk about individual stories in a cohesive way, Simonoff says, where there are these different voices all singing the same song.

Katie Raissian, Monizs editor, got an early look at a few of the stories and says she pestered Simonoff for a year, hoping for a chance to publish the collection. Shes such a Grove writer, Raissian says. And shes an amazing storyteller.

Moniz, asked about what she hopes to contribute to the literature of Florida, says she didnt inherit the sense that Florida is a literary state. Every story I ever read was somewhere else, she adds. Even if it was in Florida, it was like, South Florida, Miami, Disney World. But there are so many stories here. We havent even scratched the surface of all of the stories that could be. So if I can help anybody thats from here or not from here be like, Oh, let me consider this as like a real place, then that would be cool.

Rebecca Sacks

Rashomon in Israel

Rebecca Sackss debut novel, City of a Thousand Gates (Harper, Feb.), about the sectarian violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank, grew in part from her time spent in Tel Aviv several years ago, when she was doing graduate work in Jewish studies. But the whole thing clicked, she says, after she began to reflect on the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.

I became obsessed with how different I was from all the white women who voted for Trump, Sacks says. I asked myself, What might we share in terms of how weve benefited from the status quo?which led me to a place that had very little to do with white women.

At the center of the book is an Israeli Jewish communitys outrage over the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old girl, and the retaliatory beating of a Palestinian teenager with no connection to the murder. Sacks felt the only way to tell the story was to capture it from multiple points of view. I wanted to go to the scariest place I could imagine, she says, which was my own intimacy and familiarity with power.

While in Israel, Sacks published a series of dispatches for the Paris Review, written in part to help her understand the cycle of violence and constant rocket flares, and as she did, she became attuned to various Hebrew inflections and what they said about a persons origins and relation to the regions boundaries. Her absorption of Israeli and Palestinian peoples negotiation of the boundaries is apparent from the books first chapter, which follows Bethlehem University student Hamid on an anxious trip home from a job inside Israel after he boards the wrong bus without a permit. Anything was better than being beaten half to death in some suburban bus stop. Right? Wrong. Because now he is so spectacularly fucked, Sacks writes.

At UC Irvine, Michelle Latiolais recommended that Sacks read Hemingways In Our Time. She was struck by the emotional urgency of the books short, interstitial episodes. They let me access characters in deeply private ways as theyre out in the world facing danger and hostilities, she says. I hope that when people read the book, they can relate to anyone and feel them come through.

Sanjena Sathian

Stay Gold

Sanjena Sathian should be in New Zealand for a teaching gig, but the pandemic put an end to that. After finishing her MFA at the University of Iowa last year, she planned to return to India, where shed worked as a journalist in 2015, to improve her Hindi, but Covid put the kibosh on those plans, too. Now shes in Atlanta, where she grew up, and where her debut novel, Gold Diggers (Penguin Press, Apr.), is set.

The book turns on a magical realist conceit about an Indian American familys inherited ritual involving stolen gold, which Anita Dayal and her mother plan to use to help get Anita into Harvard.

The whole thing started with an interest in gold theft, which was a thing that I had heard about happening in Atlanta, Sathian says. She wrote the book over the two years spent at Iowakind of like five years of outside-Iowa timeand once she developed the speculative fiction element, it all fell into place.

Sathian also credits her years as a journalist and her time in India. There are parts of writing about the Indian American experience and the immigrant experience that I never would have had access to if I hadnt spent time there, she says.

A major theme of the book is the model minority myth about Asian Americans, which Sathian highlights through the Dayals neighbor, Neil, and his reaction to the intensely competitive community he belongs to. Neil is an underachiever, and the plot thickens when Anita schemes to get him some of her moms magic gold potion to help him get into UC Berkeley.

I definitely grew up in an intellectually and academically intense environment, Sathian says. But I was lucky to be able to also figure out that I loved reading and had an intellectual connection [to schoolwork]. I think Neil has some aspects of me, in that sometimes I definitely felt disconnected from why I cared so much.

Sathians manuscript was rescued from agent Susan Golombs slush pile by an assistant, who made sure it got into Golombs hands. Susan knew to go to with Ginny Smith Younce, who edits Celeste Ng, Sathian says. And I think Ginny brought something to it with Asian American stories and the suburbs. And shes also from Georgia, which I think is kind of rare in New York publishing. So we connected over that.

Christine Smallwood

Beneath the Ivory Tower

Christine Smallwood has already made a name for herself as a literary critic and journalist at Harpers, the New Yorker, and elsewhere, and along the way she has been publishing short fiction as well. While studying at Swarthmore College, she wrote fiction but couldnt get into the fiction seminars. I decided I was going to be a different kind of writer, she says.

But over the past decade, Smallwood went back to fiction. A story she published in n+1 about a woman who has a miscarriage, titled The Keeper, became the basis of A Life of the Mind (Hogarth, Mar.). I just felt like there was more to do with that character, she recalls. And the miscarriage became a way of talking about other things, like the precarity and contingency of academia.

The book follows a young literature scholar named Dorothy, stuck in adjuncting hell. She teaches as many as five classes per semester at a New York City university while reckoning with dwindling prospects for a tenure track job. Throughout, she deals with the aftermath of her miscarriage, an experience Smallwood describes in visceral detail that earned her writing a comparison to Otessa Moshfegh in a starred review from PW.

Its really bracing, Smallwood says of Moshfeghs work. Like, she kind of dares you to turn away.

Editor Alexis Washam says she related to Dorothys feelings of being stuck. I just love how she captured the immediacy and texture of the moments that feel both kind of small when theyre being experienced, but in retrospect are shifting the course of our lives.

One of Dorothys central challenges is dealing with the powerful figure of a former adviser from her grad school years who never treated her well, and whose favorites end up getting published and hired. The character emerged while Smallwood took a break from the novel to work on a TV pilot. I realized I had kind of accidentally been working on the novel without meaning to be working on it, she says. I had totally given up on it, then realized I was still in its world.

Rachel Yoder

A Mother Under the Influence

Before writing Nightbitch (Doubleday, July), a novel about a new mother who believes shes turning into a dog, Rachel Yoder went through two MFA programs, most recently the University of Iowas, and published a series of stories and essays in various journals.

I was really dedicated to the writing life, Yoder says. That was my whole identity.

Then she had a kid, and for a couple years she stopped writing. But the harrowing descriptions of motherhood in Rachel Zuckers Mother and Jenny Offills Department of Speculation planted seeds, and as the Trump years wore on, galvanizing womens rage across the country, Yoder also felt deeply affected. A lot of people were more confrontational about how things were and why couldnt they be different, she says. This book is engaging with the energy weve had over the last four years. It feels like an artifact from the Trump era.

After the protagonist spends a restless night yelling and growling at the baby and her husband, her husband says, You were kind of a bitch last night. She begins calling herself Nightbitch, and then notices a thick patch of hair on the back of her neck.

Films were also an influence. I was thinking a lot when I was writing this about portrayals of women who were kind of free or unleashed in a way that felt really visceral, Yoder says. She mentions Raw and A Woman Under the Influence, along with Serial Mom. I liked that it wasnt pure ragethat there was also this absurdist comedic element.

Margo Shickmanter, who edited the satirical My Sister, the Serial Killer, responded immediately to Yoders absurd sense of humor. It felt like the right way to make sense of whats happening right now, she says. Its like a release and an escape.

A Nightbitch film is now in development by Annapurna, with Amy Adams set to star, and Yoder is working on the screenplay. Ive taken a really deep dive into researching art and feminist art, which is getting folded into the movie in a way thats really fun and bonkers, she says. Im hoping to finish it this week and get it out the door, knock on wood. Wish me luck.

E. Lily Yu

A Great Escape

E. Lily Yu was raised on fairy tales. Theres a kind of spare, primal intensity to the ways their structures work, she says. They dont rely on literary technique or specific words or art. I think the very best are the ones that teach the kind of truths that are almost impossible to see on a daily level. The fairy tale promises us in some ways that there is meaning and worth to what we do, even if there is no immediate payoff.

When Yu, who grew up in New Jersey, studied physics in Australia in 2010, she became aware of the issues surrounding the countrys refugee crisis. Her novel, On Fragile Waves (Erewhon, Feb.), developed slowly over the next decade. It follows two Afghan children on their perilous journey across borders with their parents on their way to Australia. Along the way, the children exchange folklore, which helps them cope with their uncertain future.

Yus investment into the project runs deep. In 2013, she spent 10 days in Afghanistan to research her characters homeland. She rented a room in Kabul from the Washington Posts bureau chief and took as many precautions as possible for her safety. If I take off my glasses and I dress appropriately, she says, I look like I belong.

When Yu was done, she had a friend get the manuscript to editor Liz Gorinsky, formerly of Tor.

In 2018, Gorinsky founded Erewhon Books, dedicated to speculative fiction that bridges the gaps between literary fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. Were publishing few enough books that every one has to have good characters and good plot, she says. And this hit all of the marks in terms of just being palpably, beautifully written.

Yu says she had interest from editors at other houses, but their publishers felt the book was too risky. With Erewhon, Liz is doing something really beautiful and dangerous and wonderful, she adds.
The Daily Beast

NBCSeth Meyers on Wednesday reacted to the recent news that the Manhattan District Attorneys office has convened a grand jury to consider issuing indictments in the investigation into former President Donald Trumps business dealings.Meyers began by drawing a throughline from this case to all the other figures in Trumps orbit who ended up in trouble with the law.Its just basic logic that if youre surrounded at all times by that many criminals, theres a solid chance youre also a criminal, Meyers said. He then likened Trumps situation to that of the frontman of a band denying that hes actually in a band.Still, Meyers said he wouldnt be surprised if the ex-president emerges relatively unscathed.Trump always manages to wriggle out of a jam, the late-night host said. Hes like the David Blaine of crime. If he ever goes to trial, hell just regurgitate a frog that has Not Guilty written on its back. If the feds ever come for him, hell hide out in a glass box over the [River] Thames.But if Trump himself may end up OK, that might not be the case for his family.Meyers said he would totally believe it if this investigation caused Trump to throw those close to him under the bus. You think he named his eldest son after himself for sentimental reasons? Meyers asked. He did it so there would be a second Donald Trump to pin the blame on.Commentators have also been discussing the likelihood that Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg will flip on Trump.Im guessing when you work for Trump, you start thinking about flipping as soon as you get the gig, Meyers said. Its like when youre in the middle of a job interview at Little Caesars and youre already fantasizing about how youre going to quit.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.

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.
Shortly after President Trump was banned on Twitter on Friday, Hillary Clinton was out in force on Twitter, spending the time and effort it takes to dig up one of her years-old tweets against him in order to crow about the ban as if it were her own victory.

On Twitter, she put out this:

Her tweet is a reference to an old pre2016 election tweet she put out, demanding that President Trump close his entire account. "Delete your account" was her insulting demand to something then-candidate Donald Trump tweeted at the time, and among her supporters, she got a lot of applause. Now she's dug up that old tweet...and added a green checkmark above her retweet of her old tweet as if to say, "Mission accomplished."

Seems the queen of BleachBit, hammer-smashed devices, missing emails, and "I don't recall" is big on deletions, but in this case, she meant her call to President Trump to "delete" another way. She wanted President Trump silenced and therefore always kept it close to the cockles of her heart that she told the man who would later beat her for the presidency to delete his account.

Now she's gloating, bringing up the old tweet with her green checkmark added as if the whole thing were some kind of triumph.

See how she gloats...

It is rather a foolish thing to do, given that what's happening on social media against President Trump pretty well is a declaration that Twitter can shut anyone else down, too.

They came after Trump, an easy target, as well as a desirable expression of their own shock-and-awe power. The implications of it are that anyone can now be banned for nothing.

Is Twitter going to stop at Trump? Like a ravenous monster, they'll come after anyone who's out of favor. Is Clinton, who's been the subject of leaks from Democratic operatives about how much they wish she'd go away, really all that secure in her Twitter account? Maybe she's not left-wing enough. Maybe she's not technically advanced enough (remember how she pretended to be a tech idiot by claiming that the wiping of her server might have been done with a cloth?).

It's a sorry picture. Someone with pretensions to statesmanship should be alarmed as hell about the capricious power of censorship now displayed by Twitter. They came after Trump today, and now word is out that they can come after anyone tomorrow. Even if they don't come after her, someone so supposedly vested in the Constitution ought to be expressing alarm at the weakening of the First Amendment.

That's not the only thing, either. How indeed is the world picture when terrorist state sponsors like the Iranian ayatollahs are free to tweet their death-to-America ravings, or Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro his mockery of American democracy, while the leader of the free world gets shut down? Bother her any? Not in the least.

Hillary prefers to gloat. She's still bitter, probably still taking her weird walks in the woods. Still thinking of that creepy night of thrown screams and ashtrays as her supporters waited.

Somehow, amid all of her claims about President Trump not having a presidential temperament, she was actually just channeling herself.

Image credit: Detail from photo by Voice of America via Wikimedia Commons, public domain, edited with FotoSketcher.
Friends and family of two Capitol Hill victims have spoken out against their deaths as one relative blamed President Trump for inciting the riot that killed 'four of his biggest fans.'

Five people including one police officer were killed in Wednesday's violent siege of the Capitol after dozens of Trump supporters stormed the federal building to protest Joe Biden's election win.

Ashli Babbitt, a US Air Force veteran from San Diego, was among those who died after she was shot by Capitol Police as she attempted to climb through a broken window.

Those close to the 35-year-old have paid tribute to Babbitt in recent days remembering her as a passionate Trump supporter and and true 'patriot'.

In an interview with The Sun on Friday, Babbitt's friend Jack Feeley called her death an 'execution' and said she would have been 'furious' about 'going down without a fight.'

Trump supporter Ashli Babbitt, who was shot dead by Capitol Hill police in Wednesday's riot, is being hailed a martyr by online extremists

DC Police Chief Robert Contee said four died at the protests on Wednesday  Babbitt lies wounded after being shot by Capitol Police

'That was an execution,' he told the publication. '[It] breaks my heart to know millions of people watched my friend be executed on live television.'

'I wish she was still here, but I'm really proud of her for being there,' he added.

'I'll never get over this bullsh*t done to her.'

Footage of the fatal incident shows Babbitt and a group of Trump supporters attempting to force their way through double doors which had been barricaded after they stormed in.

Members of the group are seen attempting to smash windows and physically push through the doors as a number of armed officers stand guard on the other side, with their guns drawn.

As Babbitt can be seen attempting to climb up through a broken window, one rioter shouts: 'He's got a gun' but the warning comes too late. The officer then fires a single shot, sending the veteran crashing down to the ground on her back.

Roseanne's brother-in-law Justin Cave blames Trump for her death

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

A number of shocked on-lookers are heard shouting as the video cuts out. A second clip shows blood pouring from her mouth as protesters scramble around her and officers with rifles move in to secure the hallway, telling the rioters to get on the ground.

Although Babbitt was a casualty in the violence Feeley claimed she would have believed the cause was worth dying for.

'She may have laid down her rifle, but she was still willing to lay down her life for her country and what she strongly believed in,' he said.

'She wasn't just passionate about Trump, she was the strongest advocate I knew about making things right and fair.

'All she wanted was the end to corruption and the terrible things happening all the way from the top of government down to her local city officials.'

Babbitt was the only victim to die at the hands of law enforcement. The other three victims died from a heart attack, a stroke and being trampled in the Rotunda.

Kevin Greeson, 55, from Alabama (left). His family say he is prone to high blood pressure and suffered a heart attack 'in the midst of excitement' on Wednesday. Phillips had organized for dozens of people to drive from PA to DC. He had a stroke then died at the scene

Roseanne Boyland, 34, was 'trampled in the Rotunda', her family told DailyMail.com on Thursday after police she had been potentially 'crushed' in the mob.

Her brother-in-law, Justin Cave, spoke out against the fatal incident saying the rally cost her her life and blamed Trump for her death.

'I've never tried to be a political person but it's my own personal belief that the president's words incited a riot that killed four of his biggest fans last night and I believe that we should invoke the 25th Amendment at this time,' Cave said in a prepared statement he read aloud to CBS 46.

'Roseanne, like a lot of people there, was really passionate about her beliefs as was her right.

In a statement that he read aloud, he said: 'Our family is devastated by the loss of Roseanne. She was a wonderful sister, daughter and aunt. Anyone who knew her knows how compassionate she was.

'She would always put others before herself. As we watched these awful events unfold, we hoped that Roseanne was not among the crowd.'

Kevin Greeson, 55, from Alabama and Benjamin Phillips, 50, from Pennsylvania, were also among those who died on Wednesday.

Philips, a computer programmer who traveled to DC with dozens of other Trump fans from Pennsylvania, suffered a stroke.

Philips had founded the website Trumparoo, where Trump supporters can speak to each other. It was only when the group was heading back home that they learned Philips had died.

Trump released a short video Thursday finally condemning the 'heinous' attack and called for national 'healing' and an 'orderly' and 'seamless' transition to a new administration

The Twitter account of Donald Trump on Friday night after it was permanently suspended

Greeson, who had high blood pressure, suffered a heart attack 'in the midst of the excitement', his family said.

President Donald Trump has said nothing of their deaths himself.

After more than 24 hours of public silence since his supporters stormed the Capitol, Trump released a short video Thursday finally condemning the 'heinous' attack and called for national 'healing' and an 'orderly' and 'seamless' transition to a new administration.

He later lost his tweeting privileges again - this time permanently - on Friday after the social media company deemed two of his tweets were in breach of its Glorification of Violence policy.

The first tweet read: 'The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future.

'They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!'

In the second called out by Twitter, the president wrote that he would not be attending Joe Biden's inauguration.

Twitter claimed that the tweets had to be 'read in the context of broader events in the country and the ways in which the President's statements can be mobilized by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behavior from this account in recent weeks'.

The company said that Trump was guilty of the glorification of violence by calling Wednesday's rioters 'American patriots' in the first tweet.

Even without live animals and competitions, Schuylkill County will be represented at this years Pennsylvania Farm Show.

The 2021 show, which begins today and runs until Saturday, Jan. 16, will take place virtually with a theme Cultivating Tomorrow. The largest indoor agricultural event in the country, it typically features competitive events, demonstrations, educational booths, animals and food at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. This years online events will include panel discussions, demonstrations, projects and activities, segments on the history of the show, farm tours, as well as the singing of the national anthem every day of the show and live duckling and beehive cams.

Among the participants is Sterman Masser Potato Farms in Sacramento, which will be featured on a virtual tour airing at 3 p.m. Thursday on Pennsylvania Cable Network and on the Farm Shows Facebook page.

In the video, President Dave Masser will guide viewers on a tour of the companys Hubley Township facilities and farm, focusing mainly on its packaging facility, where potatoes are washed and put into bags. Masser said a cameraman from PCN filmed him giving the tour in November.

He said Wednesday the virtual show will be unique but said it is a great way to connect consumers to agriculture. Masser commended the state Department of Agriculture for putting the virtual event together, but notes it will lose the hands-on component.

Its one thing to see things online, but its another to feel agricultural items in-person and to see all the animals, contests and tractors, he said. Youre not able to connect as easily.

The company has been a part of the show since it was founded in 1970, Masser said. As a member of the Pennsylvania Potato Cooperative, the company provides the baked potatoes the cooperative sells at the show.

While the companys potatoes wont be sold at the farm show this year, the public can still buy them. The company is selling potato donuts as a fundraiser to benefit Tri-Valley Youth Activities and those same donuts will be available for purchase the week of the Farm Show at Giant Food Stores and Karns Quality Foods.

Also participating in the virtual show is Patrick Porcupine Pat McKinney, environmental education coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District, who will present the Lunchtime Favorites segment of the national Food, Land and People national curriculum in a prerecorded video shot at the district building and submitted to the Department of Agricultures communications office last month.

In it, McKinney demonstrates where the food items belong on a Venn diagram labeled plant, animal and both, with another circle reading other. In the video, he uses a peanut butter and jelly sandwich drawn on a paper plate to explain where the different parts of the sandwich belong on the chart. The video can be viewed on the Farm Shows Facebook page and website.

It reminds people the food they eat originated from somewhere, not just brought from a store, McKinney said.

Having the show done virtually, he said, gives more people a chance to view what happens at it.

Its an opportunity for worldwide participation, he said.

McKinney, who has attended the Farm Show for the past three years to staff a Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts exhibit, said even though the show will lose its hands-on aspect, the online format is something many are already used to.

There are so many people participating in virtual formats, its not a big deal to them, he said.

Regular attendees not participating

Some residents who regularly attend wont be part of the show this year.

Paul Shealer, owner of Evergreen Acres in Auburn, said this will be the first time since 1979 he isnt participating in the Christmas tree competition, which is a qualifier for the national Christmas tree competition, the winner of which is displayed in the White House.

I really do like to promote our product at the show, he said.

Shealer, who is chairman of the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association, said he was able to qualify for the national competition that will take place in August in North Carolina because he was named grand and reserve champion at last years show.

Tabitha Mease, who owns Mease Meats in Pine Grove, said she and her sons, John and Luke Mease, wont be going for the first time in 11 years.

We didnt get any animals to show as I wasnt sure it was going to happen, she said.

Mease said participating gives them a sense of community and a chance to make friends, many of which they see once a year at the event.

Hopefully it will be back next year, she said.

It will be the first time in several years that members of the Blue Mountain 4-H Livestock Club wont participate with their animals. Forty-two of them did last year, leader Kim Morgan said.

Its a bummer, she said. I and the kids look forward to it.

With the pandemic going on, she said the club hasnt had any events this year and is hopeful the Schuylkill County Fair will be held this summer to allow members to qualify for the show. Last years fair was canceled over fears of the pandemic.

Morgan said agriculture is a hands-on field that is hard to replicate virtually.

One of the Hs in 4-H is hands, and you cant really use them with a computer screen, she said.
BJP launches farmers outreach campaign in Bengal; Nadda highlights Modi's pro-farmers face

India

pti-Deepika S

Kolkata, Jan 09: Amid ongoing protests over the new farm laws, BJP president J P Nadda on Saturday launched a new campaign to woo the farmers of West Bengal and said the BJP government at the centre has increased the agricultural budget six-fold and the Minimum Support Price by 1.5 times.

Nadda, who launched the 'Krishak Suraksha Abhiyan' and 'Ek Mutti Chawal' (a fistful of rice) to woo farmers in the poll- bound state, said the Modi government has worked more for the farmers community than the previous governments at the centre.

He also mocked at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for agreeing to implement the PM Kisan Yojna only after realising that her party is fast losing ground among the farmers in the state.

Nadda, said it is 'too late' for the TMC government to agree to implement the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

'Since coming to power, the Modi govt has increased budget on agriculture by six times. In 2013-14, the budget on agriculture was only Rs 22,000 crore. Today, it stands at Rs 1,34,000 crore,' Nadda said here.

A month after convoy attack, J P Nadda launches 'Ek Mutthi Chawal' campaign in Bengal

Nadda said its Prime Minister Narendra Modi who implemented the Swaminathan Committee report on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

'MSP according to Swaminathan Committee has been implemented only by PM Modi, increasing it nearly by 1.5 times,' he said.

Later in the afternoon Nadda launched 'Ek Muthi Chawal' (a fistful of rice), a programme under which he would collect rice from farmers' homes and brief them about the benefits of the new agri legislations, as part of efforts to blunt the opposition 'anti-farmer' allegations against the BJP-led central government following farmers protests in Delhi.

Purba Burdwan is a major rice producing district and it is called the 'rice bowl of West Bengal.' The district, around 100 km from Kolkata also holds special significance in the state politics as it comprises of 15 assembly constituencies. Out of this majority are with the TMC at present and the saffron party wish to win them to form its government in the state.

Sunil Kumar Mondal, Lok Sabha member from Burdwan Purba constituency recently switched over to the BJP from the TMC.

Nadda's address at 'Krishok Surokkha Gram Sabha' in Jagadanandpur marked the beginning of 40,000 such meetings to be held by the BJP across West Bengal before the assembly elections just months away from now.

There are 71.23 lakh farmers' families in West Bengal, 96 per cent of them small and marginal.

Ridiculing Banerjee for agreeing to implement PM Kisan Yojna only after realising that her party is fast losing ground among the farmers in the state, Nadda said once voted to power the BJP would deliver justice to the farmers of the state.

He said the state government was compelled to go for the beneficiary scheme only after coming to know that 'anger of the farmers over being deprived of the central schemes will wipe out the TMC government in the state'.

'The Mamata Banerjee government agreed to implement the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi after such a long time as she realised that the TMC is fast losing ground in Bengal.

'But, let me say it clearly that it is already too late for the TMC government,' Nadda said while launching the campaign.

Claiming that nearly 70,000 families could not avail the benefits of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi in Bengal, Nadda said 'Mamata Ji is now writing letters to the PM allowing its implementation, as the elections are approaching'.

'We will form the government in Bengal and will help our farmers in Bengal avail the benefits. We would also implement Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state,' he said.

In the near future, 4.66 crore people would receive benefits of mega health programme Ayushman Bharat in Bengal after BJP forms the next government, he claimed.

The TMC government earlier this month softened its stand on implementing PM Kisan scheme in the state, after more than a year of opposition to the programme.

Nadda asserted that the massive farmers rally at Katwa proves that days of Mamata Banerjee government are numbered.

'The warmth you all have shown to welcome me shows you have decided that Mamata Banerjee government is going to be shown the door and BJP will form the govt in Bengal.

'Your happiness and confidence shows the public is ready to welcome us to form the government,' Nadda said.

He also attacked the TMC on corruption and said the slogan of 'Maa Mati Manush' and has turned into 'tolabaji (extortion), appeasement and dictatorship'.

'They have stooped to such a level in Bengal that people have to pay cut money even for performance of last rites of their kins. This is the level of corruption they are doing in Bengal at the moment,' he said.

The Modi government was providing ration during the COVID pandemic, but TMC workers transformed their homes into ration offices.

'Such was the loot done by the ruling party here in Bengal,' he said.

This was Nadda's first visit to the state after the attack on his convoy during his journey to Diamond Harbour from Kolkata on December 10.

Election to the 294-member Bengal Assembly is due in April-May.
WASHINGTON - It was after the House had reconvened Wednesday night, and after Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., had voted to certify the Arizona vote for President-elect Joe Biden, that he decided to take a walk. He exited the House chamber through doors with bashed-out glass windows. He walked to the middle of the Rotunda and looked around at the remnants of the riot that had engulfed the Capitol hours earlier. There were American flags and splinters of historic furniture scattered with gloves and cigarette butts and the powdery residue left behind by fire extinguishers. The meaningful mixed with the mundane.

Kim was overwhelmed with sadness at the desecration of what he considers the most beautiful building in the country. "Under that great dome was just ransacked, just garbage and debris everywhere, all of it all over the statues, all over the floor," he says. "It was really painful to see this room and this building that I love so much hurting."

So he got a trash bag, and started to pick it up.

He cleaned up car keys, and Trump flags, and water bottles - as well as some alarming items such as body armor. There were some police posted nearby. "I asked the officers if it was theirs, and they said no," says Kim. He says he found a manufacture date on the armor: It had been bought just weeks earlier, as if for this very occasion.

Kim kept cleaning. He cleaned the Rotunda, Statuary Hall, the crypt. It was 1 a.m. The litter was a testament to the violence. "There was some metal furniture that was broken, which was pretty amazing to me," he says. "These are like, metal benches that were just broken to pieces."

A lot of things were broken to pieces, or pilfered, or defaced. Windows and door frames. The placard above House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's door. Camera equipment owned by the Associated Press. A photo of the late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, with a quote about the necessity of getting into "good trouble," that had stood on an easel outside of the office of House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.

The office of the Senate parliamentarian was ransacked. A bust of President Zachary Taylor was smeared with what appeared to be blood.

Missing: Laptops from the offices of Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Pelosi and others. Mail. Paperwork. Records that the Department of Justice referred to cryptically as "national security equities."

"If anyone cleaning up the Capitol (or any of the hallways we were quickly moving through) spots a blue eyeglasses case with gold-rimmed glasses in them - let me know," tweeted PBS correspondent Lisa Desjardins.

Seven pieces of historically significant art were covered in "corrosive gas agent residue," according to a spokesperson for the Committee on House Administration, which has oversight over the House curator and the Architect of the Capitol. Those gas-doused artifacts - including a marble statue of Thomas Jefferson, marble busts of House speakers Joseph Gurney Cannon, Joseph W. Martin Jr., Thomas Brackett Reed and Champ Clark and portraits of James Madison and John Quincy Adams - were being sent to the Smithsonian for assessment and restoration. A 19th-century gold mirror in Speaker Pelosi's office was smashed and will be repaired, per the spokesperson.

"On the West Front, the teams identified graffiti on the building near the Inaugural Stands and two broken Olmsted light fixtures," said a spokeswoman for the Architect of the Capitol in an email. "Statues, murals, historic benches and original shutters all suffered varying degrees of damage - primarily from pepper spray accretions and residue from tear gas and fire extinguishers - that will require cleaning and conservation."

The Capitol is a place of business but also a museum. When a window has been broken, a replacement can't just be ordered from Home Depot. "All original materials will be used in repairs where possible," said the spokeswoman.

During the riot, precious artifacts were paraded around as props and prizes. A Florida man in a ski cap made off with the House speaker's lectern. A photograph of the man with his quarry quickly became iconic, a symbol of the mob's audacity in taking what they wanted without bothering to hide their identities. (The Bradenton [Fla.] Herald later identified the man as 36-year-old Adam Christian Johnson, a furniture maker and stay-at-home dad.) A listing for the lectern briefly appeared on eBay, commanding bids of at least $56,000 before it was taken down. ("Stolen items are illegal and not allowed on eBay," a company spokeswoman said in an email.) The postings were a hoax: The lectern, as well as a gavel, were recovered undamaged, reported the spokesperson for the Committee on House Administration.

The Antiquities Trafficking and Heritage Anthropology Research (ATHAR) Project kept a lookout online for rioters' stolen "souvenirs." Katie Paul, the group's co-director, says she saw postings for the lectern on Facebook Marketplace, where the sale of stolen goods is prohibited.

"Especially with federal charges coming, people are likely going to want to get this material out of their possession," says Paul. "But it also is going to be worth money, particularly since it's now from a historical event."

Because of the historic nature of the Capitol riot, the mob not only destroyed historically important artifacts but created them. As cleanup crews tended to the Capitol's exterior on Thursday, another type of worker was sifting through the mess for salvageable items.Frank Blazich, a curator from the National Museum of American History collected signs and other ephemera from the scene. Among the objects: a sign that read, "Off with their heads: Stop the steal." Other leavings, including pro-insurrection stickers and flags found inside the Capitol, will be preserved along with artifacts like the speaker's damaged name plate in the House and Senate collections and shared with national museums, including the Smithsonians, said the Committee on House Administration spokesperson.

Jane Campbell, president of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, a nonprofit chartered by Congress to inspire " informed patriotism," says she was angry and heartbroken watching Wednesday's events unfold on television from her Capitol Hill home.

But as soon as the siege ended, Campbell switched into historian mode. Her organization is collecting first-person accounts, videos and social media posts for what will become a digital archive of the riot. She also hopes that much of the physical detritus of the day will be saved.

"As a historian I want everything preserved," Campbell says. "I think the people who did the attack on the Capitol are insurrectionist, immoral and bad news all the way around . . . but if they left stuff behind, it should be preserved and studied later. We have to look at, 'What did we learn?' "

Many members of the Capitol's janitorial staff are people of color, and it did not go unnoticed by people scrolling through photos of the destruction online that Black and Latino custodians - plus one first-generation Korean American congressman - were the ones picking up a mess left behind by a mostly White group that included, among others, a man carrying a gigantic Confederate flag.

That didn't enter Rep. Kim's thoughts until later. He thought of his parents, and how they came to this country.

"When I see the Capitol defaced, I see the values and the opportunities that gave my family a chance in this country disrespected," he says. "This building is bigger than all of us. It deserves our respect."
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
The Board of Management, teachers and pupils of Gaelscoil Thromaire, Mountrath are very excited by the news that construction of brand new School premises has begun on the site near the Trumera GAA pitch and Community Centre.

This is a historic milestone for both the school and the local area, and is the result of many years of campaigning and community co-operation by parents, Fr. Brophy of the local parish that provided the site, and the School Board of Management.

The school will open for the 2021 - 2022 school year in its new location and is currently accepting enrolment for pupils.

Established in 1901, the School was opened as a Catholic Gaelscoil in 1998 by the then Minister for Education Micheal Martin , following the initiative of the then Principal an t-Uasal Liam O Neill.

The Gaelscoil has gone from strength to strength since then and gives the children of the locality a unique opportunity to become fluent in Irish while enjoying the benefits of smaller class sizes in a caring, safe learning environment.

Research has shown that learning in a Bi-lingual setting is of great benefit to children, and the school has a staff of three teachers and a part-time secretary, Ms Amanda Fortune.

Muinteoir Fiona teaches the Infant classes, Muinteoir Aine takes the senior classes and Muinteoir Colm is the school's Special Education Teacher.

Ms. Riona Graham is the full-time Special Needs Assistant and the school is maintained by a full-time caretaker and cleaning staff.

The school also has an active Parents' Council.

Pictured are School Principal, Mrs. Aine Mhic Aodh Bhui, Teacher Ms. Fiona Ni Bhaoill, Chairperson of the Board of Management, Mrs. Mairead Ni Nuallain, former Principal, Mr. Liam O'Neill, along with Board members Pacelli Breathnach and Rita Holland, and Parents' Representatives John O'Connor and Patricia Carroll, Also pictured are Fr. Patrick Hennessy, Chairperson of our former Board of Management along with Representatives of David Cuddy QS and Colm Byrne Construction.
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.


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.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : In a bid to push towards making the Armed Forces self-reliant, Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane visited the Bharat Forge and Armament Research and Development Establishment in Pune on Saturday to witness their Research and Development efforts towards modernising the forces.

The Army Chief during his visit to Bharat Forge was updated on the various defence related projects underway, including the Aerospace Manufacturing factory, Ultra-Light Howitzers, protected vehicles, small arms and ammunition.

Naravane also visited the Kalyani Centre of Technical and Manufacturing Innovation where he was briefed on 3D Printing, Unmanned Ground Vehicles, Nano Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Thermal Imaging.

ARDE is a premium institution of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) working to equip the Armed Forces with world class armament systems.

The Army Chief during his visit to ARDE was briefed regarding the latest initiatives, research and progress on various trials conducted of equipment and ammunition being developed by them including the ATAGS, PINAKA, 10 metre foldable bridge, Laser guided anti-tank missile systems and the new family of munitions.

This visit of General Naravane is seen as a push towards making the Armed Forces self-reliant in consonance with the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative of the government.
The Indian government is probably looking to add pressure on SII to lower its prices, as seen by their decision to greenlight a rival vaccine, Covaxin, developed by a local company, Bharat Biotech, which is still recruiting volunteers for final-stage testing. Brazilian President Bolsonaro has asked PM Modi to expedite vaccine shipment process.

Countries across the globe are in a rush to inoculate its citizens and get a handle on the pandemic, whereas India has at least 50 million doses and more, ready for use but the Central government and the Serum Institute of India are unable to reach a decision on the price of the Covishield vaccine. The airlifting of the vaccine was apparently supposed to start happening by 7 or 8 January, but it is likely to happen only by Monday now.

According to a letter released by Brazillian presidents office on Friday, amid border delays to vaccines arrival in Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite a shipment of AstraZenecas Covid-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile SII CEO, Adar Poonawalla said, There is absolutely no price negotiation at all. The vaccine rollout will happen in a few days. There are due processes to be followed before we transport the vaccine doses.

On 3 January, Adar Poonawalla said Indian officials have orally agreed to buy 100 million doses at a special price of 200 rupees ($2.74) a shot, below the about $4 to $5 price tag given to the U.K. government. The company then wants to sell vaccines privately to individuals and companies at a marked-up cost of 1,000 rupees within two to three months.

Also read: Bird flu scare: Centre confirms bird flu in 6 states, Haryana to cull 1.6L birds

Also read: Xis crackdown on Jack Mas empire: Beijing censors media coverage of Alibaba probe

The Indian government is probably looking to add pressure on SII to lower its prices, as seen by their decision to greenlight a rival vaccine, Covaxin, developed by a local company, Bharat Biotech, which is still recruiting volunteers for final-stage testing.

SII has 50 million doses ready and packed for transportation and distribution at their Pune plant, but they are waiting for the government to place a formal order before they can undertake the massive transportation exercise. IndiGo, in an official statement, said, In line with our business model and cost leadership strategy, we are happy to evaluate the shipment of Covid-19 vaccines onboard our aircraft and will promise to contribute to the best of our abilities.

Also read: Mission Vaccine: Pan-India 2nd Dry Run today; Harsh Vardhan reviews preparedness


Fans have snapped up tickets to see Conor McGregor's UFC return as The Notorious takes on Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 on Fight Island in just two weeks.

The UFC announced this week that a 'limited number of spectators' would be in attendance at the brand new Etihad Arena on Yas Island, in what will be a mammoth seven days to kickstart 2021 for the organisation.

McGregor and Poirier round off a bumper fight week in which three UFC events will take place at Fight Island, beginning with Max Holloway against Calvin Kattar on January 16 before Neil Magny fights Michael Chiesa four days later.

Fans are snapping up tickets for Conor McGregor's return to the UFC on January 23

The Notorious (right) takes on Dustin Poirier (left) at UFC 257 on Fight Island in two weeks

And tickets for the January 23 clash are selling out fast on Etihad Arena's official website, with only the most expensive tickets, priced at 1,000, still available to purchase.

The website also outlines a number of health and safety rules that must be adhered to by fans amid the coronavirus pandemic.

No official number of tickets available have been announced, but the site says 'seating capacity has been reduced to comply with social distancing rules.'

Only the most expensive tickets - priced at 1,000 per person - are available for purchase for the event at Etihad Arena (not pictured) on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

UFC on ABC1, which Max Holloway headlines, will have fans for the first time since March

The January 16 show will be the UFC's first live event with a crowd since March, when coronavirus caused the sporting world to shut down as a result of the spread of the deadly disease.

UFC 257 presents a huge opportunity for McGregor to put himself in the driving seat to reclaim his lightweight crown.

Khabib Nurmagomedov's shock retirement has opened the door for a number of contenders to win the title.

The Dagestani believes that the winner of the January 23 bout will later become lightweight champion, with Dana White revealing that the victor will get a shot at the title.

McGregor defeated Poirier back in 2014 as he surged towards the featherweight title

Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler will make his UFC bow when he takes on Dan Hooker on the undercard of UFC 257, while Charles Oliveira and recently defeated challenger Justin Gaethje will fancy their chances against the best the 155-pound ranks have to offer.

McGregor defeated Poirier back in 2014 but it is widely acknowledged that The Diamond will pose a new challenge altogether to the former two-weight world champion.

The Louisiana native has won five of his last six and has been in more regular action than McGregor of late, who last fought against Donald Cerrone 12 months ago.
Biden Nominates National Security Council Team, Many From Obama Era

With only two weeks until Inauguration Day, President-elect Joe Biden on Friday revealed 21 appointments to his new National Security Council (NSC) team, calling the members diverse and experienced.

Many of the appointees worked under the Obama administration, with some in the White House and some in the Obama NSC.

The National Security Council plays a critical role in keeping our nation safe and secure. These crisis-tested, deeply experienced public servants will work tirelessly to protect the American people and restore Americas leadership in the world, Biden said in a statement.

They will ensure that the needs of working Americans are front and center in our national security policymaking, and our country will be better for it.

According to the White House, the NSC is the presidents principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security advisors and cabinet officials.

Since its creation under President Harry Truman, the councils role has been to advise the president on national security, foreign policy, and to coordinate among the many government agencies.

The recently nominated members include Melanie Nakagawa as senior director for climate and energy. Nakagawa was deputy assistant secretary for energy transformation at the U.S. State Department and served as a strategic adviser on climate change to then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on the policy planning staff.

Then-Vice President Joe Biden (R) speaks with then-Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington in a 2015 file photograph. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Ariana Berengaut was nominated as senior adviser to the national security adviser. She previously served in the Obama administration as speechwriter and counselor to then-Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and as a founding director at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement.

If approved, Jon Finer will be the principal deputy national security adviser. He served in the Obama White House and State Department, including as Middle East adviser and foreign policy speechwriter to Biden.

Caitlin Durkovich was nominated for senior director for resilience and response. Durkovich served as assistant secretary for infrastructure protection and as chief of staff for the National Protection and Programs Directorate (the former name for to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) at the Department of Homeland Security during the Obama administration.

Tarun Chhabra was nominated for the senior director of technology and national security role. During the Obama administration, he served on the National Security Council staff as director for strategic planning and director for human rights and national security issues. Chhabra also served as a speechwriter to the secretary of defense at the Pentagon.

The senior director for global health security and biodefense nomination went to Elizabeth Cameron, who previously served on the White House National Security Council staff, where she created the Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense and was instrumental in launching its agenda. She also served at the defense department as an office director and senior adviser and at the state department where she worked on global threat reduction programs.

Rebecca Brocato, who has been nominated as the senior director for legislative affairs for the incoming administration, previously served in the White House as director for legislative affairs on the National Security Council and as House legislative affairs liaison during the Obama-Biden administration. She also worked on Middle East policy at the state department and as an aide to Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.).

Tanya Bradsher was nominated as senior director for partnerships and global engagement. She was a former chief of staff for Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) and during the Obama-Biden administration, she served as the assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security.

Emily Horne would serve as the senior director for press and NSC spokesperson. Horne was previously a civil servant at the state department and she also served as head of global policy communications at Twitter.

Peter Harrell could be the next senior director for international economics and competitiveness. From 2009 to 2014 he served in the Obama-Biden administration on the state department policy planning staff and as a deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.

Ryan Harper was nominated as the deputy chief of staff and deputy executive secretary for the Biden administration. He was a former employee of the Department of Defense under Obama.

Sasha Baker has been nominated for senior director for strategic planning. Prior to her appointment, Baker was national security adviser to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and served as a deputy policy director for her presidential campaign.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris face reporters during a brief news conference in Wilmington, Delaware, on Nov. 10, 2020. (Jonathan Ernst /Reuters)

Yohannes Abraham was nominated for chief of staff and executive secretary. During the Obama-Biden administration, Abraham served as deputy assistant to the president and senior adviser to the National Economic Council. He also worked as chief of staff of the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Nominees for regional posts include Brett H. McGurk, nominated as the coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Amanda Sloat as senior director for Europe, Andrea Kendall-Taylor as senior director for Russia and Central Asia, Sumona Guha as senior director for South Asia, and Juan Gonzalez as senior director for the western hemisphere.

Other nominees for NSC include Carlyn Reichel for senior director for speechwriting and strategic initiatives, Ella Lipin for senior adviser to the principal deputy national security adviser, and Shanthi Kalathil for coordinator for democracy and human rights.
Who will be the next CBI chief? PM Modi-led panel shortlists these three names; Congress protests

Planet will not be the same after COVID-19: PM Modi

Post COVID-19 world: PM Modi interacts with top economists

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 09: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with India's leading economists, organised by NITI Aayog, on charting the economic agenda in the post covid world.

All the attendants agreed that high-frequency indicators are showing signs of a strong economic recovery, and that too earlier than expected. The attendants were broadly in agreement that next year will see robust growth and suggested measures to maintain this growth rate to drive India's socio-economic transformation.

The participants in the discussion highlighted the strong structural reform measures that have been undertaken in the past few years and how they would help in the creation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Suggestions were made by participants on future reform areas.

Coronavirus Vaccine Rollout: PM Modi to meet CMs on Monday to discuss Covid vaccination strategy

Government expenditure on infrastructure was a point made by many participants as a driver of growth in coming years, given the significant multiplier benefits that accrue to the economy from public investments in infrastructure. A focus on labor-intensive manufacturing was also mooted by participants, given the success India has achieved in launching the production linked incentives (PLI) scheme in mobile manufacturing.

The participants also touched upon the potential for further fiscal measures and pitched for a prescribed path for fiscal consolidation. Financial sector reform was also discussed by participants. Participants also highlighted the need to tap household savings as a potential avenue to secure long-term funding for infrastructure projects. The participants also stressed the importance of investing in public health and education, as human capital would also likely emerge as a driver of growth, especially in the knowledge economy going forward.

The Prime Minister appreciated the inputs received from the participants and highlighted the crucial role such interactions played in setting the national development agenda. The Prime Minister highlighted how the covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent management threw up new professional challenges for all those involved. He further highlighted that together with a fiscal stimulus, the government also tried reform based stimulus, which was seen through historic reforms in agriculture, commercial coal mining and labour laws.

The Prime Minister explained his vision behind an Atmanirbhar Bharat, where Indian companies are integrated in global supply chains in a manner not seen before. He highlighted the faith shown by foreign investors in India's growth story, with foreign direct investment growing by 11 per cent between April and October, despite a global recession.

The PM further highlighted the economic potential set to be unleashed by the National Optical Fibre Network, providing internet connectivity to some of India's most remote areas. On infrastructure, the Prime Minister highlighted the National Infrastructure Pipeline as the government's commitment to developing world-class infrastructure.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

The Prime Minister ended his talk by stating the importance of partnerships in achieving our goals, and that such consultations play a crucial role in setting the broader economic agenda.

UK approves Moderna vaccine as third jab against COVID-19

Apart from the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and the Minister of State (Finance) were in attendance. Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog, the Minister of State (Planning), Members of NITI Aayog, the Principal Secretary to PM, Principal Advisor to PM, the Cabinet Secretary and the Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog also joined the meeting. The Finance Secretary, Chief Economic Adviser and the Principal Economic Adviser from the Ministry of Finance were also in attendance.

The leading economists who participated in the discussion were Arvind Panagariya, Arvind Virmani, Abhay Pethe, Ashok Lahiri, Abheek Barua, Ila Patnaik, KV Kamath, Monika Halan, Rajiv Mantri, Rakesh Mohan, Ravindra Dholakia, Saumya Kanti Ghosh, Shankar Acharya, Shekhar Shah, Sonal Varma and Sunil Jain.
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.

Panaji, Jan 9 : People in India believe that the right character among politicians is in short supply, Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday.

Speaking at the Goa Legislator's Day function held here on Saturday evening, Naidu expressed concern over the deterioration in the conduct of lawmakers in several legislatures in the country.

"Unfortunately, the people's perception is that the right character among the politicians is in short supply. I am sorry I am frank. One has to be frank. This is what is happening. The image of the politicians is going down, because of the conduct of some people," Naidu said, adding that such conduct by legislators erodes the confidence in parliamentary institutions.

The vice president said that recent happenings in various legislatures in the country were a "cause for concern".

"You have seen what happened recently in Karnataka... Earlier even in Parliament and in some legislatures. I would request everybody concerned, legislators and political parties, please reflect and ensure your legislators function effectively," Naidu said.

He urged the media to stop indulging in sensationalism, which he said had become a trend in recent times.

"Media of late is becoming sensational. Sensational means, you lose sense of proportion. We must really project constructive behaviour, not obstructive behaviour. Some people are often tempted, because they get headlines if they do something (like) tear a paper, go to the well of the House and then do something," Naidu said.

"They are getting prominence and people who come prepared and make a constructive discussion in the House, their names do not appear sometimes. This is an area where the media has to introspect. Are we doing justice to the cause of journalism?" the Vice President asked.
Australian flag carrier Qantas has resumed bookings for international flights which will begin from July 1, in a promising sign that overseas travel might return sooner than expected.

The airline started taking bookings for almost all flights across its international network late Tuesday with a few exceptions including New York, Fiji and Santiago, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Recently we have aligned the selling of our international services to reflect our expectation that international travel will begin to restart from July 2021," a Qantas spokesperson said on Friday.

"We continue to review and update our international schedule in response to the developing Covid-19 situation," the spokesperson added.

While tickets were on sale, the airline said the restart of international flying would be subject to vaccine roll-outs and the reopening of international borders.

Also Watch:

The airline runs a small number of international flights over the past few months, largely to bring Australians stranded overseas home.

New Zealand is the only overseas destination serviced by Qantas at the moment.

Some international flights for sale from March towards Asian destinations like Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore have been pushed back to July, allowing more time to create safe travel bubbles.

However, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said despite Qantas' plan, international borders will not be reopened until it is safe to do so.

"International borders will be opened when international arrivals do not pose a risk to Australians," McCormack said in a statement.

"The Australian government is working on travel arrangements with countries, such as New Zealand, that have low community infections."
Chrissy Teigen, Andy Cohen, Bette Midler and more celebrities are tweeting in celebration of President Donald Trumps permanent suspension from Twitter.

On Friday, Twitter announced it had banned Trump's account, claiming the decision was made to reduce the risk of 'further incitement to violence.'

This came just days after the 74-year-old politician's supporters rioted through the United States Capitol.

While the president had more than 88.7 million followers, John Legend's wife, 35, made it clear she would not miss his presence by tweeting a representation of heavy laughter.

Banned: Chrissy Teigen, Andy Cohen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and more celebrities are celebrating the news of President Donald Trumps permanent suspension from Twitter; Trump seen in September

'AAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHH,' mused Teigen, who was previously blocked by Trump on Twitter.

The humorous reaction earned the Cravings cookbook's author more than 166,300 likes and 15,100 retweets within just a few hours.

Meanwhile, Bravo's late night talk show Andy Cohen quipped that the idea of him hosting a reunion between Trump and his children would be 'too lowbrow' for him.

Celebrating: While the president had more than 88.7 million followers, John Legend's wife, 35, made it clear she would not miss his presence by tweeting a representation of heavy laughter

Too funny: Bravo's late night talk show Andy Cohen quipped that the idea of him hosting a reunion between Trump and his children would be 'too lowbrow' for him

Reality check: Bethenny Frankel, who left The Real Housewives of New York City in 2019, tweeted: 'Getting kicked off Twitter is about as hard to do as getting booted from the housewives...its literally designed for provocative social interaction...'

After a fan joked he should host the next Trump family reunion 'after he's forcibly removed from the White House since his meltdown is no longer being broadcast live on Twitter,' Cohen declined, noting the segment would be too trashy, even after ten years of hosting the Real Housewives franchise.

Bethenny Frankel, who left The Real Housewives of New York City in 2019, tweeted: 'Getting kicked off Twitter is about as hard to do as getting booted from the housewives...its literally designed for provocative social interaction...'

As Olivia Munn rejoiced, Kathy Griffin asked: 'When are Republicans going to suspend trump from the nuclear arsenal indefinitely?'

Tweeting away: As Olivia Munn rejoiced, Kathy Griffin asked: 'When are Republicans going to suspend trump from the nuclear arsenal indefinitely?'

Happy: Munn expressed her joy that Trump's account was suspended permanently

Multiple posts: Munn also shared a photo of the president of the United States (POTUS) with a drawing of a classic nose, glasses and mustache disguise on his profile picture

'Hi, the president can release statements via the White House anytime he wants. Just FYI,' reminded journalist Abby Phillip on Twitter

'Twitter was fun before the trump years. Maybe this will finally make Twitter fun again,' Jesse Tyler Ferguson noted

'Hi, the president can release statements via the White House anytime he wants. Just FYI,' reminded journalist Abby Phillip on Twitter.

Meghan McCain cracked a few jokes on her account, including: 'All you had to do to get Trump to concede was cancel his twitter account for 12 hours......?'

On a more serious note, she worried that Trump was going to 'burn the White House to the ground.'

Bette Midler, clearly overjoyed by the news, wrote: 'CHURCH BELLS! RING THROUGHOUT THE LAND, SO EVERYONE KNOWS! IT'S OVER! TRUMP SUSPENDED FROM INCITING TO VIOLENCE ON TWITTER!'

Good news: Megan Mullally, who has more than 316,300 Twitter followers, wrote that Trump is the the sociopath to end all sociopaths'

'Can twitter and Facebook also shut themselves down permanently just a thought. Not enough cat photos anyway,' tweeted Kat Dennings

Speaking up: Meghan McCain cracked a few jokes on her accounting, including: 'All you had to do to get Trump to concede was cancel his twitter account for 12 hours......?'

Jessica Alba also spoke out as she posted a screenshot of Trump's suspended account with a GIF, which read 'It's about damn time.'

'#Bye -this guy and his cronies need to be held accountable for these #disgusting #disgraceful acts of #Insurrection -this is not about political affiliation, this is about #democracy #period,' the 39-year-old actress wrote on Instagram.

In celebration, Chelsea Handler posted a video of herself singing the 1975 track, I Love Rock 'n' Roll, in a blue surgical mask.

She captioned the footage on her Instagram Story, 'Donald Trump is banned permanently from Twitter!'

'#Bye -this guy and his cronies need to be held accountable for these #disgusting #disgraceful acts of #Insurrection -this is not about political affiliation, this is about #democracy #period,' Jessica Alba wrote on Instagram

Excited: In celebration, Chelsea Handler posted a video of herself singing the 1975 track, I Love Rock 'n' Roll, in a blue surgical mask

'Congrats to Twitter for giving Donald Trump the hardest punishment he's ever received,' the comedian joked

Happy: Michael Rapaport made his opinion known with multiple celebratory tweets

Megan Mullally, who has more than 316,300 Twitter followers, wrote that Trump is 'the sociopath to end all sociopaths.'

'They (he) cannot handle losing. now hes been backed into a corner, no way out. #impeach or #arrest immediately before he does something thatll make #January6th look like a day at the beach,' she tweeted.

Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi tweeted a GIF of herself saying, 'Please pack your knives and go.'

Bette Midler, who was clearly overjoyed by the news, wrote: 'CHURCH BELLS! RING THROUGHOUT THE LAND, SO EVERYONE KNOWS! IT'S OVER! TRUMP SUSPENDED FROM INCITING TO VIOLENCE ON TWITTER!'

Goodbye: Hundreds of celebrities flocked to Twitter to react to the news of Trump's ban

'@jack please take me next I need to get the hell off of here I have things to do,' Billy Eichner asked the co-founder of Twitter

'Too dangerous for Twitter...and still PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,' Christopher Gorham marveled

In addition to saying January 8 was 'the happiest day of 2021,' she tweeted 'Oh, my God! It happened! Thank you Jack [Dorsey].'

'Twitter was fun before the trump years. Maybe this will finally make Twitter fun again,' Jesse Tyler Ferguson noted.

Erich Bergen penned a lengthy tweet urging people to also take responsibility for helping create a 'monster' and see the ban as a 'bailout' not a moment of joy.

'Let us remember that WE, and that means all of us, created this monster. We let it happen. We must all take responsibility for making a star out of a loser going back to 30 years ago. We should not look at this moment as joyful, but as a bailout for OUR bad job as humans,' he tweeted of current 45th president of the United States.

'Let us remember that WE, and that means all of us, created this monster. We let it happen. We must all take responsibility for making a star out of a loser going back to 30 years ago. We should not look at this moment as joyful, but as a bailout for OUR bad job as humans,' he tweeted of current 45th president of the United States

Thankful: Mark Ruffalo thanked Twitter and its board of directors, including Dorsey, Patrick Pichette, Jesse Cohn, Egon Durban, Martha Lane Fox, Dr. Fei-Fei Li, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, David Rosenblatt, Bret Taylor and Robert Zoellick

Bye bye: Adam Rippon simply tweeted: 'Siri, play Goodbye to You by Michelle Branch'

'Goodbye you sorry excuse for human life. I hope this is the beginning of the bigger end of Donald Trump. Good riddance to bad rubbish,' wrote Steve Kazee, who is engaged to Jenna Dewan.

Adam Rippon simply tweeted: 'Siri, play Goodbye to You by Michelle Branch.'

Mark Ruffalo thanked Twitter and its board of directors, including Dorsey, Patrick Pichette, Jesse Cohn, Egon Durban, Martha Lane Fox, Dr. Fei-Fei Li, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, David Rosenblatt, Bret Taylor and Robert Zoellick.

'Can twitter and Facebook also shut themselves down permanently just a thought. Not enough cat photos anyway,' tweeted Kat Dennings

'Goodbye you sorry excuse for human life. I hope this is the beginning of the bigger end of Donald Trump. Good riddance to bad rubbish,' wrote Steve Kazee, who is engaged to Jenna Dewan

Applause: Ken Jeong reacted by posting a screenshot of Trump's suspended account with a GIF of hands clapping

Billy Porter, who called Donald Trump's presidency 'one of the biggest crises' of his lifetime last year on Logo TV, shared a CNN article about the news.

Dorinda Medley reacted to the announced by writing, 'whew!'

'I can't believe Twitter invoked the 25th Tweetmendment,' tweeted Cristela Alonzo.

Dorinda Medley reacted to the announced by writing, 'whew!'

'I can't believe Twitter invoked the 25th Tweetmendment,' tweeted Cristela Alonzo

Funny side: Mark Hamill gave the world an 'update'

Twitter spent Friday night playing whack-a-mole with President Donald Trump as he tried to address his supporters on the social media platform through other people's accounts, after his own account received the ban.

Trump had initially tried to relay a message to his followers using the official President of the United States Twitter account, but they were deleted within minutes.

In the four-tweet thread, the president claimed that Twitter was not a network for free speech and said that he was now in talks to set up his own social media platform following his suspension.

The POTUS account, which will be handed over to Joe Biden from Inauguration Day, remains active.

Comedian: Jimmy Kimmel shared a fake text message from Trump

Laughing: Modern Family costars Sofia Vergara and Jesse Tyler Ferguson joked Trump would join Myspace

Relief: Billy Porter, who called Donald Trump's presidency 'one of the biggest crises' of his lifetime last year on Logo TV, shared a CNN article about the news

However, the Trump 2020 campaign Twitter account was the next to receive a suspension after it tweeted the presidents message amid increasingly desperate efforts to reach his following.

Digital director for the Trump campaign, Gary Coby, was next on the chopping block after he appeared to change his username to Donald J. Trump and in a tweet, offered the handle over to the president's Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino.

@DanScavino texting you my Twitter login  I already updated the profile pic, name, etc. the tweet read. Feel free to use!

President Trump on Friday night found a loophole around his Twitter ban by using the @POTUS account. The tweets claimed that he may set up his own social media platform but were quickly deleted again

Twitter has not commented on the suspensions since the announce the permanent ban on Trumps account on Friday evening.

Trump had intially had initially appeared to find a way around his permanent Twitter ban by using the @POTUS handle before his tweets were swiftly deleted.

He urged his supporters to 'STAY TUNED!' as he claimed that Twitter is working with 'Radical Left and Dems' to silence him and to silence those who voted for him.

Trump urged supporters to 'STAY TUNED!' as he claimed Twitter is working with 'Radical Left and Dems' to silence him and to silence those who voted for him. Attempts were made to share the message through multiple accounts but they were all either suspended or the tweets from Trump were deleted. The president later issued the statement through the White House

Digital director for the Trump campaign, Gary Coby, was next on the chopping block after he appeared to change his username to Donald J. Trump and in a tweet, offered the handle over to the president's Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino

'As I have been saying for a long time, Twitter has gone further and further in banning free speech, and tonight, Twitter employees have coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left in removing my account from their platform, to silence me  and YOU, the 75,000,000 great patriots who voted for me,' he wrote.

Twitter outlined the suspension in a thread on Friday night

The president issued a further threat to Twitter by claiming that they would not exist without the 'government's gift of Section 230'.

Trump also claimed that he has 'been negotiating with various other sites' and promised a 'big announcement soon' as he vowed 'We will not be SILENCED!'

'Twitter is not about FREE SPEECH. They are all about promoting a Radical Left platform where some of the most vicious people in the world are allowed to speak freely,' Trump managed to fit in before his tirade was quickly shut down.

Minutes after the tweets were deleted, an official statement was issued to the White House press pool repeating his claims.

Twitter had announced on Friday night it has permanently banned Trump's account, claiming in a blog post that it was due to the risk of 'further incitement to violence', after the president's supporters rioted through the U.S. Captiol on Wednesday.

'After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them  specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter  we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence,' the company wrote.

The account had 88.7million followers, which is nearly half of the company's total base of monetizable daily active users.

Earlier on Friday, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and attorney Sidney Powell - two Trump loyalists - were also permanently banned by Twitter, and the YouTube account for Steve Bannon's 'War Room' podcast was 'terminated for a violation of YouTube's Terms of Service'.

Youtube had warned earlier this week that it would ban accounts that continued to spread misinformation about voter fraud.

Discord also announced Friday that it has banned the server The Donald which was connected the TheDonald dot Win and the Donald subreddit.

Trump's final tweets: Twitter said that Trump was guilty of the glorification of violence by calling Wednesday's rioters 'American patriots' in one of his final tweets on Friday morning before he was permanently banned from the platform

In his second last tweet, the president said he would not attend the inauguration. Twitter said that this tweet could be interpreted by Trump's supporters as him indicating that the inauguration event will be a safe target to attack

Facebook and Instagram had already banned the president's account 'at least' until his term is over on January 20, if not indefinitely.

Donald Trump Jr. immediately spoke out about the ban, taking to his own Twitter account to claim that 'free-speech no longer exists in America'.

'We are living Orwell's 1984,' he fumed. 'It died with big tech and what's left is only there for a chosen few. This is absolute insanity!'

'So the ayatollah, and numerous other dictatorial regimes can have Twitter accounts with no issue despite threatening genocide to entire countries and killing homosexuals etc... but The President of the United States should be permanently suspended,' he added in a second tweet. 'Mao would be proud.'

Twitter has long given Trump and other world leaders broad exemptions from its rules against personal attacks, hate speech and other behaviors.

But in its lengthy statement the company said recent Trump tweets amounted to glorification of violence when read in the context of the Capitol riot and plans circulating online for future armed protests around the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Donald Trump Jr. immediately spoke out about the ban, claiming that 'free-speech no longer exists in America'

Twitter said it made the decision after deeming that two Trump tweets from Friday were in breach of its Glorification of Violence policy.

The first tweet read: 'The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future.

'They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!'

In the second called out by Twitter, the president wrote that he would not be attending Joe Biden's inauguration.

Twitter claimed that the tweets had to be 'read in the context of broader events in the country and the ways in which the President's statements can be mobilized by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behavior from this account in recent weeks'.

The company said that Trump was guilty of the glorification of violence by calling Wednesday's rioters 'American patriots' in the first tweet.

It claimed that the tweet could be interpreted as a sign that Trump agreed that there should be no 'orderly transition' as they warned of information is already circling on the social media platform about 'a proposed secondary attack on the US Capitol and state capitol buildings on January 17.'

Twitter also concluded that Trump stating he would not attend the inauguration is him indicating it 'would be a 'safe' target' for his loyalists to attack.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka.

Wednesday, Jan. 6

8:53 p.m.  Officers performed a warrant arrest on a subject in possession of heroin and methamphetamines in the 6100 block of Jefferson Avenue.

8:36 p.m.  A deputy responded to a Homer Township home for a report of vehicle theft. The victim rented a car and a friend stole that car. This incident is under investigation.

7:27 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a car-deer crash that occurred on a Porter Township roadway.

7:11 p.m.  A 64-year-old man reported he was being harassed and threatened by his neighbor. The complainant did not want the neighbor contacted but wished to have a report on file. The man was referred to the courts regarding a Personal Protection Order.

5:14 p.m.  A 39-year-old Ingersoll Township man contacted the sheriff's office regarding a phone scam. The man explained "Apple Support" contacted him stating he had been hacked by people all over the world. "Apple Support" then said he needed to download tracking apps and a bank app to transfer money to stop the tracking. The man refused to cooperate with "Apple Support" and the scammer then hung up. The man never provided any financial information to the scammer. The man wished to notify law enforcement of the new scam.

3:25 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Lee Township location in reference to a deer caught in a fence. The deputy was able to get the deer's leg free from a metal fence.

2:06 p.m.  Deputies took a report of an unknown woman driving a white Chevy Suburban leaving a Warren Township gas station without paying for her $15 in fuel.

1:37 p.m.  A deputy responded to a single-vehicle traffic crash in Jasper Township. A citation was issued for violation of the basic speed law.

11:27 a.m.  Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Mills Township.

9:57 a.m.  An 84-year-old Larkin Township woman died from natural causes.

7:47 a.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Lee Township roadway for a car-deer traffic crash.

5:53 a.m.  A deputy was on patrol when they struck a deer in Lee Township.

3:57 a.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a Jerome Township residence for a 27-year-old man having suicidal thoughts. Deputies spoke to the man, who admitted he was having suicidal ideas. He was transported to the MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland ER for a mental health evaluation.

2:04 a.m.  A deputy responded to a car-deer crash in Geneva Township.

Tuesday, Jan. 5

11:38 p.m.  Deputies responded to a Lincoln Township residence for a death investigation involving a 93-year-old man. The death appeared to be of natural causes, and no foul play was suspected. The man's body was released to the funeral home.

11:05 p.m.  A deputy assisted Midland Police on a traffic stop for an intoxicated driver. The male driver was arrested without incident by MPD.

8:22 p.m.  A deputy responded to a car-deer crash that occurred on a Mount Haley Township roadway.

8:05 p.m.  A deputy responded to a car-deer crash on an Ingersoll Township roadway.

6:11 p.m.  Officers responded to a report of embezzlement in the 900 block of East Haley Street.

5:10 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Greendale Township residence after a 20-year-old man said he had been struck by a vehicle while walking along the side of the road. The man only sustained a minor bruise and denied medical treatment. The driver of the vehicle did not stop.

4:16 p.m.  Officers responded to a hit-and-run crash in the 900 block of Elizabeth Street.

4:09 p.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the 7300 block of Eastman Avenue.

2:27 p.m.  Deputies responded to a vehicle crash in Homer Township.

12:28 p.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the 300 block of West Wackerly Street.

4:08 a.m.  Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Edenville Township.
A 56-year-old doctor from Miami, Florida died two weeks after he received the first dose of Pfizer/BioNTech jab as a part of Americas mass inoculation drive. Dr Gregory Michael, who was a practising obstetrician-gynaecologist, lost his life 16 days after receiving the shot prompting the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to launch an investigation into his demise. As of now, the US has given emergency use approval for two vaccines, Pfizer/ BioNTechs candidate being the first and Modernas shot being second.

Ongoing probe

The probe is jointly being conducted by CDC, Florida Health Department along with the Miami-Dade medical examiners office. Darren Caprara, the offices director stated that the exact cause of death is pending the completion of studies being done by the medical examiner and the Centers for Disease Control. While a direct link to the vaccine has not been established yet, experts have not completely ruled out the possibility of vaccine leading to deaths. Pfizer has also started an independent investigation in this matter and has admitted that the doctor's death was caused due to a "highly unusual clinical case of severe thrombocytopenia", and also hinted that till now their researchers believe there is a very less chance that "there is any direct connection to the vaccine."

Pfizer/BioNTechs vaccine candidate was first approved by the UK on December 2 and was followed by US FDA granting it emergency use authorisation. It has been taken by leaders across the world including American Vice President Mike Pence, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, US Top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci, Saudi Arabia's Monarch King Salman amongst others. If the probe finds a successful link between the fatality and vaccine, then it could jeopardise the safety of mentioned leaders too.

Read: Trump Slams 'LameStream Media' For Favourable Coverage Of Fauci Over COVID-19 Pandemic

Read: COVID-19: Top US Doctor Fauci Calls Vaccination 'glimmer Of Hope' Amid Deadly Pandemic

This comes as Pfizer and BioNTech announced that their vaccine against the COVID-19 virus is effective even against one of the mutations present in the new contagious variants which has been detected in Britain and South Africa. The UK, recently, identified a second more transmissible COVID-19 variant linked to South Africa which was spreading at a dangerous rate despite the tiering system put in place, UK health secretary Matt Hancock announced. The release by Pfizer says, Though these two rapidly spreading viruses are different, they share the N501Y mutation, which is located in the receptor binding site of the spike protein and results in the viruss spike protein binding more tightly to its receptor. It has been shown to infect mice more efficiently.

Read: Pfizer Says Its Vaccine Works Against Key Mutations In COVID-19 Variants

Read: Saudi Arabia's King Salman Gets First Dose Of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

Image: AP
A 41-year-old man, Francis Ossajiokweh, has demanded an apology letter and compensation from the police for false media parade and unlawful torture by police officers.

Mr Ossajiokweh narrated to the panel on Saturday how the police tortured him and published his name in the newspaper as a hoodlum arrested for stolen vehicle, over the purchase of a vehicle.

Mr Ossajiokweh, who worked as a driver with flour mills told the panel that he bought a Toyota Auris car from a man, Afeez Asogba, on May 28, 2020, and on August 15, 2020, the police arrested him for allegedly stealing a vehicle.

On August 15, 2020, about 4pm, I was arrested and taken to Ilasan police station in respect of the car I bought from Mr Afeez Asogba and about 4:30 pm, I was taken to the orderly room where I was asked questions of how I got the car.

Even before I started explaining, I was being beaten by one Mr Taiwo. Later on, CSP, Arogba Phillips came and asked me how I got the car. I told him I purchased it from Mr Afeez Osogba.

He asked Mr Taiwo to handcuff me and that I should produce the gun I used in robbing and snatching the car from the occupant, he narrated.

Mr Ossajiokweh said he explained to the police officer that he bought the vehicle and has evidence to show the purchase but they turned deaf ears.

He told the panel that he was tortured by the police despite his pleas.

He (Mr Philips) beat me to the extent that I could not move, my bone was dislocated. I told him I bought the car and he should investigate. He said blood must come out of my body before he stops. He beat me for 30minutes and after then, he put me in the cell, the victim narrated.

Mr Ossajiokweh told the panel he has the receipt of the purchase, photocopies of the car document and a copy of the bank transfer he did to Mr Osogba.

He narrated that he bought the Toyota Auris car at the rate of N320, 000 because it was in a bad state.

Narrating the incident further, Mr Ossajokweh said he was transferred to SARS, Ikeja on August 16, alongside his mechanic.

We were taken to OC SARS office. In his words, the OC SARS acted professionally, he told me, you did yourself good by telling us who you bought the car from. He told them to detain me while investigation continues, Mr Ossajiokweh said.

He was bailed on August 17 after his family paid the sum of N255, 000 to the police  N45, 000 was paid for mobilisation to Inspector Mathew James the IPO and another N15, 000, which he said was his personal money for helping me. Then N200, 000 for bail, he narrated.

After my release from SARS detention, I had to seek medical attention from the local people to treat my hand. Then, my brother called me from the US that he saw a publication on the internet portraying me as a criminal and me being a hoodlum.

He said I should type our family name on Google Chrome that I will see it there. Secondly, he said I should check PUNCH newspaper published on the 17th of August, portraying me as a hoodlum and as a criminal.

That was when I remembered fully well that my pictures were taken while I was at Mushin, Olosan Division by the DCO. I asked him why he was taking my pictures and mechanics, when he said the DPO told him to snap us and we should not blame him, he said.

Mr Ossajiokweh said the DCO took about four pictures, telling himself and his mechanic to stay closer to the vehicle because the DPO said the earlier pictures were not clear.

ADVERTISEMENT

The story had gone viral, I went through a lot of pains, lost a lot of things. Friends had to leave me, people ran away from me seeing this story of me being an armed robber.

Stating his demands to the panel, Mr Ossajiokweh said he wants an apology letter from the police and the same should be published on PUNCH newspaper where he was earlier published.

Mr Ossajiokweh also demanded justice, compensation, and that disciplinary action be taken against DSP Phillips Arogba, to serve as a deterrent to others.

Documents of the purchased Toyota Auris car and photographs showing his injuries were tendered before the panel and accepted as exhibits.

During cross-examination, Joseph Eboseremen, the counsel for the police, asked the petitioner how he met Afeez Asogba, whom he purchased the vehicle from.

On May 28, 2020, I got to know Mr Afeez through Mr Balogun, a friend I had known eight months before the incident. I met Mr Afeez at his workshop where he worked as a car mechanic, Mr Ossajiokweh responded.

By the time you bought the car from Mr Afeez, you went through the particulars, is that not correct? The particulars that Afeez gave, the name there was not Afeez Asogba. Did you ask for the person whose name is on the car?, Mr Eboseremen asked.

The petitioner said he asked the seller  Mr Asogba, and the answer he gave was that he bought it from an Army officer.

I asked Mr Balogun how well he knows Afeez and he told me he knows him very well and since he said he bought it from an Army officer, there was no problem.

Based on that, I told him he would give me a receipt in his name, and he will sign that he sold the car, and Balogun the witness.

At the same time, I tried calling the number on the document just to be double sure, but the number wasnt connecting, Mr Ossajiokweh.

Mr Eboseremen, the police counsel also asked whether the petitioner witnessed the payment of N255, 000 by his family members to the police.

I was there, they brought me from the cell to the office when my family came to bail me. In their office, they had a camera, they went to the back and started counting the money. I was there when they counted the money, Mr Ossajiokweh said.

The police counsel prayed for an adjournment to allow the police to gather more facts about the case.

Dorris Okuwobi, the Chairperson of the panel, adjourned the matter till February 2, for further hearing.
Actor Kangana Ranaut backs Saudi-style hanging for rape

India

pti-Deepika S

Bhopal, Jan 09: Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut on Saturday came out in support of the anti-conversion ordinance brought in by the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, saying it would help the victims of fraudulent marriages.

The actor, often in news because of controversial social media posts, also appeared to favour public executions such as in Saudi Arabia to curb crimes like gang-rape.

Governor Anandiben Patel earlier in the day gave assent to an ordinance of MP government which penalizes religious conversions through fraudulent means including those for the sake of marriage. The law provides for as much as 10 years in prison for fraudulent conversions in some cases.

"This is a very good law. Many people have faced problems. The law has been made for such people," she told reporters.

Sedition case: Kangana Ranaut appears before Bandra police station in Mumbai to record statement

"This type of law should be made. It is a very good step the government has finally taken," Ranaut, here for a film shoot, said to a query.

Asked about rising cases of rape in the country, the actor said trials of such cases go on for long and victims get harassed in the process.

"They have the burden to prove the charges against the accused...More than half the accused get acquitted," she said.

"Many countries like Saudi hang (the accused) in public squares," she said, adding "until we set five-six such examples, until tough action is not taken (such crimes will not stop)...because people get away with such crimes," Ranaut said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 10:16:39|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

NEW DELHI, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 children died in a massive fire at a hospital in India's southwestern state of Maharashtra, local media reports said Saturday.

Further details are awaited. Enditem
Days after approval of two COVID vaccines by India, the Health ministry sources on Saturday said that 5000 session sites have been identified across the country for the COVID vaccine administration. In the national capital, there are as many as 89 session sites. Further, officials have been asked to submit a report by January 9 on appropriate locations where vaccination drive could take place in Delhi. The development comes after PMO's office announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a virtual meeting with the Chief Ministers of all states at 4 pm on January 11 to discuss the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. Earlier on Friday, the first priority list of people was identified by the Health Ministry.



Read: 2nd COVID-19 Vaccine Dry Run Begins; Health Minister Assures Sufficient Doses For Everyone

Read: PM Modi should take COVID vaccine first, then we'll also take it: RJD's Tej Pratap Yadav

Two COVID-19 vaccines approved

In a big breakthrough in India's fight against COVID-19, the Drug Controller General of India accepted the recommendations of the Subject Expert Committee of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation on January 3, paving way for the approval of COVISHIELD and COVAXIN. Manufactured by the Serum Institute of India with technology transfer from Oxford University-AstraZeneca, COVISHIELD is a Recombinant Chimpanzee Adenovirus vector vaccine with its overall efficacy at 70.42 per cent. Around 50 million doses of this vaccine are ready. On the other hand, COVAXIN is a Whole Virion Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR and NIV.

Bharat Biotech has completed the enrolment of 25,800 volunteers for the phase 3 clinical trials of COVAXIN. However, it has been approved in "public interest" in the clinical trial mode so that there can be more options for vaccination in case of infection by mutant strains. Both the vaccines have to be stored between 2-8 degrees celsius. Countering the charge that COVAXIN was approved hastily, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan made it clear that all the recipients of this vaccine will be tracked and monitored as if they are in clinical trial mode.

Read: EU Doubles COVID-19 Vaccines Order With Pfizer-BioNTech

Read: PM Modi To Chair Meeting Of All CMs On Jan 11 To Discuss COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that she wants President Trump to resign, and if the GOP cannot separate itself from the president, she would "sincerely" question her future in the party.

Why it matters: Murkowskis comments come as some Republicans signal they may be open to the possibility of removing Trump from office over his actions before, during and after Wednesdays deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol.

What she's saying: I want him to resign. I want him out. He has caused enough damage, Murkowski told the Anchorage newspaper.

"He said hes not going to show up. Hes not going to appear at the inauguration. He hasnt been focused on what is going on with COVID," she added.

"He doesnt want to stay there. He only wants to stay there for the title. He only wants to stay there for his ego. He needs to get out. He needs to do the good thing, but I dont think hes capable of doing a good thing."

Asked if she would consider switching her party affiliation to Independent, Murkowski said, "if the Republican Party has become nothing more than the party of Trump, I sincerely question whether this is the party for me."

The big picture: Many lawmakers, including Republicans, have condemned Trump's actions surrounding the riot of his supporters at the Capitol.

House Democrats are planning to introduce articles of impeachment against President Trump as early as Monday.

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy said in a Friday statement that, " Impeaching the President with just 12 days left in his term will only divide our country more."

Impeaching the President with just 12 days left in his term will only divide our country more." But other Republican senators, including Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), have said they would consider it.

Murkowski did not comment specifically on impeachment in her interview with the Anchorage Daily News.

Go deeper: Republicans turn on Trump after mob violence at the Capitol
All residents of the Chinese cities of Shijiazhuang and Xingtai have been ordered not to leave their homes in the coming week amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Xinhua reported.

Over the past week, the province has recorded 127 COVID-19 cases.

One of the districts in Shijiazhuang was recognized as an area with high epidemiological risk.

To block the spread of COVID-19, the authorities in Shijiazhuang on January 9 closed public transport - buses, taxis, and subways.

Besides, the authorities have tightened control measures at Shijiazhuang railway stations - passengers are prohibited from entering the station and boarding trains.

Citywide COVID-19 testing was completed in Shijiazhuang on Friday, January 8, and is scheduled to be completed on January 9.

On Saturday, January 9, the Chinese health ministry announced that the COVID-19 vaccination will be free for all Chinese residents.
Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community.

Submit here

Canada is currently issuing up to 10,000 sponsorship invitations as part of the 2020 PGP. It is also looking to open a new PGP window this year and will process up to 30,000 applications.

What to expect from the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2021 Canada is currently issuing up to 10,000 sponsorship invitations as part of the 2020 PGP. It is also looking to open a new PGP window this year and will process up to 30,000 applications.

What to expect from the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2021 Canada is currently issuing up to 10,000 sponsorship invitations as part of the 2020 PGP. It is also looking to open a new PGP window this year and will process up to 30,000 applications.

What to expect from the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2021 Canada is currently issuing up to 10,000 sponsorship invitations as part of the 2020 PGP. It is also looking to open a new PGP window this year and will process up to 30,000 applications. Mohanad Moetaz Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

Sans Font Size A

A

Canadians and permanent residents who submitted interest to sponsor forms for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2020 are currently receiving invitations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Earlier this week, IRCC held its PGP 2020 lottery and will be issuing invitations over a 10-day period. Candidates were able to submit their interest to sponsor forms between October 13 and November 3, 2020.

IRCC will look to accept up to 10,000 applications for the 2020 PGP. This is a major year for the PGP. In 2021, Canada will look to issue up to 40,000 invitations. The original plan was to issue this many invitations across 2020 and 2021. However, due to coronavirus-related delays, all the invitations will occur this year.

More people register their interest to sponsor their parents or grandparents than IRCC is able to accept. This is why Canada needs to hold a lottery in order to randomly select candidates to invite to apply. Before this is done, however, IRCC removes all duplicate submissions to ensure equal opportunity in the lottery.

Have you received an invitation to sponsor for the 2020 PGP? Email Campbell Cohen to receive assistance.

Those who receive invitations to apply will be given a total of 60 days to submit their applications. If a candidate is unable to submit a document due to coronavirus-related disruptions, they must submit evidence of this. They will then be given an additional 90-day period to submit the missing documents.

Applicants who have submitted an interest to sponsor form are encouraged to check their e-mails and their junk folders. IRCC maintain that they will only contact those who are invited to apply. Applicants can also check the status of their invitation on the IRCC website.

In October, Canada announced that they will temporarily ease the income requirements for family class immigration, such as for the PGP. This is due to the fact that many of the potential sponsors were likely financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. IRCC now requires that sponsors income meets the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). Prior to the change, IRCC required that sponsors income be at least the MNI plus 30 per cent.

Get legal assistance for Canadas Parents and Grandparents Immigration Program

In order to figure out how much you need to be making to be able to sponsor your parents or grandparents, you will first need to determine the size of your family. This includes everyone who you will be financially responsible for, including:

yourself;

your spouse or common-law partner;

your dependent children;

your spouses or partners dependent children;

anyone you may have sponsored in the past for whom you are financially responsible;

the parents and grandparents that you want to sponsor and their dependents;

any dependent children who wont come to Canada with their parents or grandparents;

the parent or grandparents spouse or partner, even if they wont come to Canada;

their parent or grandparents separated spouse.

Canada requires that you meet the minimum income requirement for at least the last three taxation years. This requirement is true for those who wish to sponsor their parents and grandparents to come to any province outside Quebec. Those who live in Quebec will require to meet the provinces requirements.

The current minimum required income tables are for those who registered their interest in 2020, and will be applying in 2021 if they received an invitation.

For both Canada and Quebec, the sponsor must sign an undertaking agreement. This means that the sponsor and any co-signers must pay back any social assistance the sponsored individuals claim. For sponsors in any province other than Quebec, the undertaking period is 20 years. For those in Quebec, the period is 10 years.

Get legal assistance for Canadas Parents and Grandparents Immigration Program

 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved
2021 started with two nights of load-shedding after unexpected breakdowns at Koeberg and a few older coal-fired power stations.

Breakdowns resulted in a loss of 12,073MW in addition to 6,672MW of generation capacity that is offline because of planned maintenance.

These outages and lower-than-expected electricity supply are nothing new for South Africas power utility.

Eskoms ageing fleet of power stations and unplanned outages have caused a decline in the power producers energy availability factor (EAF) for years.

The lower EAF has resulted in increasing load-shedding over the past three years, which is expected to continue well into 2021.

Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said South Africans should expect load-shedding to be a reality for the better part of the year.

Eskom expects some improvements from September 2021, but even then load-shedding will not be completely eliminated.

While renewable energy from wind and solar provides some relief, the unpredictability of supply is a challenge.

You cannot just switch on and off renewable energy as you please, as is the case with base load, Mantshantsha said.

The only thing which will eliminate load-shedding for good is new power stations coming online.

Eskoms two new coal-fired power stations, Medupi and Kusile should have been fully operational by now, but design problems and building delays dogged these projects for years.

Medupi and Kusile, which were originally expected to be completed by 2015, will only be completed by 2021 and 2023, respectively.

The delay in bringing these two power stations online has resulted in years of rolling blackouts and slow economic growth.

Eskom load-shedding from 2000 to 2020

Eskom was once one of the worlds leading electricity companies and supplied more than half the electricity in Africa by the end of 1990.

It was also highly efficient and promoted the fact that it was the worlds lowest-cost producers of electricity in 1994.

Over the next decade, things started to change, and by 2007 Eskom could no longer produce enough power to keep the lights on in South Africa.

The country was first introduced to load-shedding in November 2007 with rolling blackouts disrupting business, closing mining operations, and leaving households in the dark.

Former president Thabo Mbeki apologised to the nation for load-shedding and took collective responsibility for the failure.

The reality is that the blame should fall squarely on the governments shoulders as it was warned that Eskom would run out of electricity.

New generation capacity is controlled by the Department of Energy, and a 1998 Energy White Paper said although there was excess supply capacity, growth in electricity demand was projected to exceed generation capacity by 2007.

Exactly as predicted, Eskom ran out of capacity by the end of 2007 and load-shedding became part of the South African lexicon.

Apart from a lull between 2009 and 2012, and then again between 2016 and 2017, the country experienced blackouts every year between 2007 and 2020.

What is of concern is that load-shedding increased both in terms of the number of days and MWh shed over the last three years.

In 2018, South Africa experienced 15 days of load-shedding during which 812,205MWh were shed.

This increased to 36 days and 494,759MWh in 2019 and to 52 days and over 1,260,000MWh in 2020.

The tables below provide an overview of the number of days of load-shedding and the amount of power shed since 2007.

Year Load-shedding (number of days) 2007 13 2008 44 2009 0 2010 0 2011 0 2012 0 2013 3 2014 17 2015 103 2016 0 2017 0 2018 15 2019 30 2020 52

Year Load-shedding (TWh) 2007 0.10 2008 0.77 2009 0.00 2010 0.00 2011 0.00 2012 0.00 2013 0.03 2014 0.29 2015 1.40 2016 0.00 2017 0.00 2018 0.22 2019 1.09 2020 1.27

Load-shedding under different Eskom CEOs

In 2020, Eskom had the highest average MWh per day of load-shedding in history and the second-highest average days of load-shedding.

This was particularly concerning as electricity demand was much lower than usual because of the lockdown during which many industries shut down.

The increased load-shedding in 2020 was, however, not unexpected.

At Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyters first system status briefing on 31 January 2020, he warned that there would be an increased risk of load-shedding because of increased maintenance.

Eskom was catching up on maintenance during the period, particularly up to September 2021, after which we might see a significant reduction in the risk of load-shedding, Mantshantsha said.

He added that Eskom scaled up maintenance significantly in 2020, which took capacity out of production.

At one point during the early stages of the national lockdown, Eskom took more than 11,000MW of capacity out on planned maintenance, he said.

Mantshantsha said this maintenance is needed to improve the performance and reliability of the power plants.

The results of these efforts will start bearing fruit during the third quarter of 2021, when much of the reliability maintenance has been completed, he said.

This of course does not mean load-shedding will be eliminated. That can only be achieved through the addition of new generation capacity.

The table below provides an overview of load-shedding under different Eskom CEOs between 2000 and 2020.
A boom from the Capitol steps sent protesters scurrying back. Stun grenades had begun to rain down on the mob that had laid siege to the U.S. Capitol for nearly three hours.

A man standing on a folding chair on the Capitol lawn raised a middle finger toward the advancing line of police and joined in a chant quickly sweeping the grounds: "Traitors! Traitors! Traitors!"

In a crowd where some carried flags bearing a thin blue line - a pro-police symbol that critics claim also stands for white supremacy and opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement - and shirts adorned with "Blue Lives Matter," a tide of anger and frustration rose as officers pushed them back. Nearly three hours after the building was breached, police cleared the grounds and used batons and chemical munitions to confront the mob.

"You should be on our side," a woman in a Trump 2020 sweatshirt called at them. " 'We the people' means police, too!"

"Is this honoring your oath? Pushing patriots around?" another man yelled as an officer shoved him backward with a baton.

Some promised to return with weapons, ready to fight if necessary. A man repeatedly announced he would be back with his rifle for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Police experts worry this souring sentiment may lead to more violence in the months ahead. They caution that officers in Washington should prepare to be met with increasing hostility from crowds that previously have clamored for selfies and handshakes from them.

"In general, the public has this mistaken assumption that the police are there to serve and protect them," Maria Haberfeld, a professor of police science at John Jay College, said. "The police do what the politicians and other officials tell them to do or not to do."

Neither D.C. police nor Capitol Police responded to a request for comment.

Conservatives and members of the far-right long have sought to position themselves on the same side of the societal and cultural divide as police. Republicans backed President Donald Trump's campaign message of "law and order," and amid rising calls to "defund the police" during racial justice protests last year, the GOP was swift to criticize efforts to shrink police budgets. Police unions and officers vocally supported Trump's bid for a second term.

But on Wednesday, as the Capitol was being breached and ransacked, people who see themselves as friends of the police were confronted with the reality that law enforcement would not always respond in kind.

"When police have to move against various groups that have supported them, they expect the police to be on their side when they do illegal things, but policing is not really a discretionary behavior," Haberfeld said. "When people behave the way they behaved at the Capitol, it mandated only one response: Move them out. Arrest them all."

The law enforcement response, which has been roundly criticized, was tepid compared to police responses to summer protests when demonstrators were arrested en masse. But Trump supporters, who were mostly White, balked at any amount of police resistance Wednesday.

In far-right online forums after the insurrection - during which five people, including a Capitol Police officer, died - Proud Boys, conspiracists, members of armed groups and white nationalists sought to further erode Trump supporters' veneration of the police by posting videos of officers and rioters exchanging punches and unleashing streams of pepper spray.

"The blue does not back you," reads a message posted in a pro-Proud Boys group with more than 37,000 followers on social media app Parler. "They back the men who pay them."

Ashli Babbitt, who was killed during the insurrection, "was shot by cowards protecting traitors," wrote Jeremy Bertino, a self-described Proud Boy who was one of four people stabbed in D.C. during a chaotic street fight after pro-Trump rallies Dec. 12. "Hang them on the capitol steps."

Another user commented: "DC blue showed they [chose] a side."

At a rally the day before the Capitol riot, Cindy Chafian - an organizer with the Eighty Percent Coalition, which sponsored the Tuesday event - told the crowd that it wasn't police who were keeping them safe, but rather the Proud Boys, anti-government militias and other far-right groups.

"All of those guys keep us safe," she told a crowd of hundreds.

On Wednesday, three hours after the 6 p.m. curfew by Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D, went into effect, a reinforced squad of police officers, Capitol Police officers and National Guard members pushed back a diminishing crowd of Trump's supporters, who continued to shout abuse at police.

The rhetoric was, at times, similar to far-left protesters who have coined a phrase for police that includes an expletive, while also posting violent anti-police memes in online chats and social media forums.

At racial justice protests over the summer, following a spate of police killings of Black men and women around the country, protesters called police "murderers" and implored officers to join them or take a knee to express solidarity.

But unlike at racial justice demonstrations, where police would fire chemical munitions into areas where protesters were being treated by medics or advance on ailing protesters, several officers at the Capitol on Wednesday seemed sympathetic to the rioters.

Police helped some supporters of the president wash out their eyes after being hit with chemical irritants. At the Capitol gates, some smiled and posed for photos.

Jamie Longazel, who has studied the "Blue Lives Matter" movement since it was formed as backlash to the Black Lives Matter movement, said many of the people who espouse a pro-police ideology are unlikely to change their stripes overnight.

But, he noted, they may make a distinction between the police department of a progressive city like the District - where many officers are Black and Latino - and police of their hometowns.

"I think, for them, seeing the police standing against them probably came as a surprise," Longazel said. "In their worldview, which is very racialized, they do not see themselves as being part of that savage horde that the police are meant to stand against - no matter what they do."

Bill Harrison, a 59-year-old supporter of Trump who traveled to D.C. this week from North Dakota, beamed at his wife as the couple walked east from the seat of the U.S. government and darkness fell over the Capitol grounds.

"We just stormed the Capitol," he said, a tone of awe in his voice.

In truth, he had not stormed the Capitol, only tried.

Along the west security perimeter, Harrison said, he and others had been pepper-sprayed and hit with batons by officers.

"It was wonderful," he beamed.

Harrison said he has great respect for cops - just not the ones who protect members of Congress.

"These police are protecting the villains inside that building. Somebody back in a small town, that's my neighbor," he said. "Here, they're protecting Schumer. They're protecting Pelosi."

Several people in the crowd assailed police officers for protecting the "traitors" inside the Capitol. They beckoned officers to join them, to stand on their "side."

One woman yelled: "We're peaceful protesters - do your job and protect us!"

One D.C. police officer in riot gear responded: "Not right now you're not. Move!"

Nate and Tanya Mitchell, who had traveled to the District from Southern California to show their support for the president, watched from the nearby grass.

They didn't think the day would have much impact on Trump's base and its adoration for law enforcement.

The destruction and mob violence at the Capitol a few hours earlier had been the work of a few bad apples, they said. They said they had remonstrated with some of them.

The Mitchells said the police before them in riot gear were just doing their jobs. The couple spoke several hours after the city's 6 p.m. curfew had gone into effect and were among those defying it - despite a line of police yelling at the stragglers to go home.

"I'm not going home until I feel like going home," Tanya said.
Oregon saw an increase in weekly coronavirus cases for the first time in a month, with officials expressing growing concern the state could face a new wave of infections with the potential to surpass Decembers record highs.

The state recorded 7,913 confirmed or presumed infections for the week ending Sunday, Jan. 3, a volume that was 17% higher than the previous week. Cases peaked at 10,355 the first week of December but had been declining until recently.

The rise in new cases has alarmed state officials, who are concerned the state could be headed for a new record-breaking wave.

Were still waiting to see the impact of our actions over the holidays and New Years, and whether a second, and possibly worse, winter surge is headed our way, Gov. Kate Brown said during a news conference Friday.

New projections by the state suggest Oregon could see between 1,400 and 1,780 diagnosed cases a day later this month.

The latest weekly increase hit many areas beyond the Portland area, with Umatilla, Hermiston, Madras, Bend and Klamath Falls all recording more than 100 new cases. Umatilla, which led the state, spiked because of a large outbreak at Three Rivers Correctional Facility, with 215 associated cases as of Sunday.

The Oregonian/OregonLive is monitoring state coronavirus data, reporting by ZIP code the areas with the greatest weekly changes. Our analysis also highlights the areas with the most new cases in relation to population.

(Click here for an interactive map).

Heres a brief summary of the communities that added the most new cases for the week ending Sunday, Jan. 3:

97882 Umatilla

This Umatilla County ZIP code added 229 cases, raising its tally to 965. Thats the 38th most in Oregon and third most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97301 Salem

This Marion County ZIP code added 210 cases, increasing its total to 2,680. Thats the second most in Oregon and 22nd most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97305 Salem

This Marion County ZIP code added 156 cases, raising its tally to 2,413. Thats the fifth most in Oregon and 20th most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97838 Hermiston

This Umatilla County ZIP code added 147 cases, increasing its total to 2,561. Thats the third most in Oregon and sixth most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97741 Madras

This Jefferson County ZIP code added 141 cases, raising its tally to 754. Thats the 59th most in Oregon and 14th most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97123 Hillsboro

This Washington County ZIP code added 135 cases, increasing its total to 2,034. Thats the eighth most in Oregon and 32nd most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97071 Woodburn

This Marion County ZIP code added 128 cases, raising its tally to 2,496. Thats the fourth most in Oregon and seventh most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97504 Medford

This Jackson County ZIP code also added 121 cases, increasing its total to 1,428. Thats the 16th most in Oregon and 67th most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97702 Bend

This Deschutes County ZIP code added 114 cases, raising its tally to 1,148. Thats the 26th most in Oregon and 102nd most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97233 east Portland/Gresham (Hazelwood/Glenfair/Centennial/Rockwood)

This Multnomah County ZIP code added 111 cases, increasing its total to 2,690. Thats the most in the state and 11th most cases per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97045 Oregon City

This Clackamas County ZIP code also added 108 cases, raising its tally to 1,492. Thats the 15th most in Oregon and 87th most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97603 Klamath Falls

This Klamath County ZIP code added 107 cases, increasing its total to 1,058. Thats the 31st most in Oregon and 50th most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97030 Gresham

This Multnomah County ZIP code also added 107 cases, raising its total to 1,936. Thats the 10th most in Oregon and 21st most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

97303 Keizer

This Marion County ZIP code also added 107 cases, increasing its total to 1,527. Thats the 14th most in Oregon and 46th most per capita since the start of the pandemic.

Heres a brief summary of the communities with at least 30 new cases that added the most new cases per capita for the week ending Sunday, Jan. 3:

97882 Umatilla

This ZIP code, home to a prison outbreak, recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 282 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, four times higher than the previous week.

The Umatilla County ZIP code added 229 new cases, increasing its total to 965.

97741 Madras

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 114 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, nearly three times higher than the previous week.

The Jefferson County ZIP code added 141 new cases, raising its tally to 754.

97838 Hermiston

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 56 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, double the previous week.

The Umatilla County ZIP code added 147 new cases, increasing its total to 2,561.

97378 Sheridan

This ZIP code, home to a prison outbreak, recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 50 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, more than double the previous week.

The Yamhill County ZIP code added 42 new cases, raising its tally to 173.

97071 Woodburn

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 44 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, essentially unchanged from the previous week.

The Marion County ZIP code added 128 new cases, increasing its total to 2,496.

97301 Salem

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 39 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, up from the previous week.

The Marion County ZIP code added 210 new cases, raising its tally to 2,680.

97603 Klamath Falls

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 37 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, up slightly from the previous week.

The Klamath County ZIP code added 107 new cases, increasing its total to 1,058.

97305 Salem

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 36 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, up from the previous week.

The Marion County ZIP code added 156 new cases, raising its tally to 2,413.

97914 Ontario

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 35 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, essentially unchanged from the previous week.

The Malheur County ZIP code added 68 new cases, increasing its total to 2,057.

97317 Salem

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 32 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, up sharply from the previous week.

The Marion County ZIP code added 78 new cases, raising its tally to 1,040.

97024 Fairview

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 31 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, essentially unchanged from the previous week.

The Multnomah County ZIP code added 32 new cases, increasing its total to 656.

97814 Baker City

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 31 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, down slightly from the previous week.

The Baker County ZIP code added 38 new cases, raising its tally to 404.

97055 Sandy

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 30 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, up sharply from the previous week.

The Clackamas County ZIP code added 55 new cases, increasing its total to 598.

97304 west Salem

This ZIP code recorded new confirmed or presumed infections of 29 per 10,000 people during the week ending Sunday, nearly double from the previous week.

The Polk County ZIP code added 93 new cases, raising its tally to 951.

-- Brad Schmidt; bschmidt@oregonian.com; 503-294-7628; @_brad_schmidt
Bujumbura, Burundi (PANA) - The Burundi authorities announced on Saturday that all land and sea borders will be closed from next Monday, except for goods, to check the spread of the coronavirus


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.



remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Mutated Strain Risk Permanent: Berejiklian

The risk to NSW and Australia of mutated and especially contagious COVID-19 strains will not go away, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says Australians should assume mutated COVID-19 variants emanating from the United Kingdom and South Africa will become the worlds dominant strains due to their contagiousness.

She also believes mask usage will be mandatory for the foreseeable future.

NSW recorded one new locally-acquired case of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8 p.m. on Friday, as all of Australia faces an anxious wait to see if the highly-contagious UK version of the virus has spread from Brisbane.

The single local infection was a contact of a case linked to the Berala cluster, which now numbers 21, and came from more than 25,000 tests.

There were also five new cases in travellers in hotel quarantine.

On Friday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Greater Brisbane would enter a three-day lockdown after a cleaner at a quarantine hotel was diagnosed with the more infectious British strain.

The NSW government subsequently ordered anyone in the state who had been in Greater Brisbane since Jan. 2 to adhere to the same regulations.

Travellers from the area will only be able to leave their accommodation until 6 p.m. on Monday to shop, exercise, work, perform care or seek medical help.

Anyone already in transit from Greater Brisbane to NSW must abide by Queenslands isolation rules and act as if they had remained in Brisbane.

Berejiklian on Saturday warned NSW residents the contagious UK and South African strains would likely become dominant in countries failing to suppress COVID-19 transmission.

More of those cases would consequently turn up in Australians returning home and spending time in state hotel quarantine systems.

As a result, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday international arrivals numbers into NSW, WA and Queenslands hotel quarantine systems would be reduced by 50 per cent.

A weekly cap in NSW has been set at 1505 people until at least February 15.

Its important for us to learn as much as we can during this time  I also want to stress we shouldnt be attributing these variants to one country because the so-called UK strain now exists in 30 countries, Ms Berejiklian told reporters.

We have to assume that this strain will become the dominant strain and it is important to keep re-assessing our settings, keep staying vigilant.

As part of the changes agreed upon at Fridays National Cabinet meeting, overseas travellers will need to test negative to COVID-19 before departing for Australia and daily testing will be required for quarantine workers.

Changes will also be made in NSWs hotel quarantine system, including faster genomic sequencing and enforcement of a full 14-day isolation period after symptom onset in COVID-positive travellers.

Previously, they could be discharged from quarantine from the 10-day mark with three asymptomatic days.

All travellers will now also require a negative exit test to be discharged.

New casual-contact alerts were on Friday issued for the Artisaint Cafe at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood and the Burwood Bing Lee on January 6.

Those who attended Westfield Burwood and several shops inside the complex on Jan. 6 and 7 have also been advised to monitor for symptoms, as have patrons of Costume clothes shop at

Avalon Beach on New Years Eve.

A prior alert for Sydney Marina restaurant in Pendle Hill has also been upgraded to a casual-contact alert, meaning patrons must seek testing.

Suburbs north of Narrabeen Bridge on the northern beaches, meanwhile, have been under stay-at-home orders since before Christmas but that restriction is due to be lifted from Sunday.

By Angelo Risso
After Melissa Gilbert was cast as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, she quickly became friends with Michael Landons children, Leslie and Michael Jr. (who she dated for a bit as a young teenager). Leslie was the first person to tell Gilbert she got the part of Laura. And she was the first person the Little House actor ever got drunk with.

Melissa Gilbert  March 29, 1980, at Kahala Hilton At Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii | Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

The first time Melissa Gilbert got drunk she was on a trip with the Little House on the Prairie cast

When Gilbert was 15, she took a trip to Hawaii with the Little House on the Prairie cast and their families. Gilberts mother accompanied her to the island, but while the adults went out to dinner, the teenagers would hang back and get into mischief at the hotel.

Gilbert and Leslie Landon had an accomplice the night they drank too much in Hawaii: Helen Reddys daughter, Tracy Wald, whose family was also vacationing at the hotel.

When the three got together one night, it was Walds idea to raid the minibar.

The three of us parked ourselves in front of the minibar and drank everything in it, Gilbert wrote in her memoir, Prairie Tale. We had vodka, rum, wine, champagne, Crown Royal, and Baileys Irish Cream, which I liked.

The hangover that made Melissa Gilbert and Leslie Landon wish they were dead

We got rip-roaring drunk, wrote Gilbert. Sick drunk. We were out of control and running through the hallways of the Kahala. Little did I or any of us know, you werent supposed to mix different types of alcohol or drink till you puked, passed out, or both.

Of course, the next morning, Gilbert and Landon were in rough shape, feeling like we were an inch from death and wishing with each throb of our heads that we were dead.

The girls made it to the beach, but just barely.

We slumped in chairs on the sand and shielded ourselves from the world under layers of towels, wrote Gilbert. We were probably groaning, too.

How Michael Landon reacted to his daughter and Melissa Gilberts night

As Gilbert and Leslie laid in the sand in pain, Michael Landon approached them with two glasses of what appeared to be tomato juice.

I hear you two had a little adventure last night, he said.

Both Gilbert and Leslie began to cry.

Melissa Gilbert as Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder, Michael Landon as Charles Philip Ingalls | NBCU Photo Bank

RELATED: Little House on the Prairie: Why Lauras First Real Kiss With Almanzo Made [Melissa Gilbert] Sick

I think both of us were crying from the pain we felt and the relief we hoped he could provide, rather than from fear or shame, wrote Gilbert. Mike handed each of us a glass. They were Bloody Marys.

After Landon handed the girls their drinks, he said he trusted they wouldnt be doing anything like that again and they assured him they wouldnt.

Looking back, Melissa Gilbert thinks there should have been consequences for her underage drinking

Other than their chat with Landon, Gilbert faced no repercussions. Looking back, the actor thinks her first encounter with alcohol sent the wrong message.

Back then, I was relieved, she wrote. Now Im not so sure I shouldnt have been given a talking-to.

It wouldve been good for me to hear that my actions, like anyone elses, had consequences for both me and those around me, she continued. Such a lesson cant be underestimated; none of us live in a bubble, even those among Hollywoods most privileged. I would have to learn this basic lesson myself, as did so many others around me, old and young.
Twitter Permanently Removes Trumps Account From Its Platform

Also removes Trump Campaign's account

Twitter has permanently removed President Donald Trumps account from its social media platform, saying that his recent Twitter posts were in violation of the Glorification of Violence Policy.

After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around themspecifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitterwe have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence, Twitter said in a statement.

In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action. Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly. It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open.

However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules entirely and cannot use Twitter to incite violence, among other things. We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement.

Twitter cited two of the presidents most recent posts as justification for its action.

The first post read, The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!

Subsequently, the president posted, To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th. This is the last Twitter post before Trumps account was removed from the platform.

Twitter branding is displayed ahead of the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev., on Jan. 5, 2020. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

Twitter said that the two posts had violated its Glorification of Violence policy. The policy aims to prevent the glorification of violence that could inspire others to replicate violent acts, according to the social media giant.

Its assessment determined that Trumps last two Twitter posts highly likely to encourage and inspire people to replicate the criminal acts that took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Twitter said its determination is based on a number of factors, including five points listed in its statement.

The first point said that Trumps statement about not attending the Inauguration is being received by a number of his supporters as further confirmation that the election was not legitimate and is seen as him disavowing his previous claim made via two Tweets (1, 2) by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dan Scavino, that there would be an orderly transition on January 20th.

Twitter added, in its second point, that Trumps statement may also serve as encouragement to those potentially considering violent acts that the Inauguration would be a safe target, as he will not be attending.

The big tech giant said in its third point that Trumps use of the words American Patriots to describe his supporters is also being interpreted as support for those committing violent acts at the US Capitol.

Shifting focus to Trumps second-last post before his account was suspended, Twitter said in its fourth point that Trumps saying that his supporters have a GIANT VOICE long into the future and that They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!! is being interpreted as further indication that President Trump does not plan to facilitate an orderly transition.'

Lastly, Twitter said, Plans for future armed protests have already begun proliferating on and off-Twitter, including a proposed secondary attack on the US Capitol and state capitol buildings on January 17, 2021.

The Epoch Times cannot independently verify the claims made by Twitter in its determination. The Epoch Times has reached out to Twitter asking whether it had any evidence that Trumps statements were directly linked to any violence. Twitter did not immediately respond.

The social media giant also removed the Team Trump account used by the Trump campaign.

The Epoch Times has reached out to the White House to enquire whether the president is considering using Parler or another alternative social media. The Epoch Times has also reached out for comment from the Trump campaign.

Earlier in the day, Twitter suspended the accounts of former national security adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and lawyer Sidney Powell, citing Coordinated Harmful Activity. Powell told The Epoch Times that there was no warning at all about her account being deleted.

The account deletions suggest that big tech firms, including Twitter, are moving suspend or penalize the accounts of people on their platforms who post claims of voter fraud and irregularities about the Nov. 3, 2020 election.

There have also been multiple claims by various Twitter accounts of having lost followers, sometimes in the thousands, within the past 24 hours.

Brandon Straka, the head of the conservative WalkAway movement, told The Epoch Times Friday that Facebook removed the groups page and banned individual accounts belonging to the team.

Trumps Facebook account is still active as of 8 p.m. ET on Friday.

White House, Trump Condemn Violence at Capitol

On Jan. 6, lawmakers gathered at the U.S. Capitol building for a joint session to count and certify the electoral votes for the now-President-elect Joe Biden. A group of protesters breached the building in the afternoon and interrupted lawmakers who were at the time debating whether to reject a slate of Electoral College votes from Arizona. It is unclear who instigated the breach of the building.

Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Protesters bash an entrance of the Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

Separately, the pandemonium that broke out throughout that day on Capitol grounds left at least five people dead. Three among them died due to medical reasons. One woman died after being shot inside the Capitol building and a U.S. Capitol police officer was confirmed dead by the department on Jan. 7 due to injuries sustained while on duty responding to riots.

The White House and separately Trump himself on Jan. 7 condemned the violence that took place.

L: White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany speaks in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington on Jan. 7, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) R: President Donald Trump delivers an address to the American people in a video posted to social media late on Jan. 7, 2021. (Donald Trump)

We condemn it, the president and this administration, in the strongest possible terms, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told a press conference. It is unacceptable and those that broke the law should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

McEnany described Wednesdays events as a group of violent rioters undermining the legitimate first amendment rights of the many thousands who came to peacefully have their voices heard in our nations capital.

Those who violently besieged our capitol are the opposite of everything that this administration stands for, she said. The core value of our administration is the idea that all citizens have the right to live in safety peace and freedom.

She said that people working in the White House are working to ensure an orderly transition of power.

Trump separately also condemned the violence, saying, Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness, and mayhem. I immediately deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruders.

America is and must always be a nation of law and order. The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy.

To those who engaged in acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law, you will pay.
Seguin, Texas (78155)

Today

Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High 89F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.

Editor-in-chief of the Natsionalnaya Oborona (National Defense) magazine Igor Korotchenko wrote on his Telegram channel that the attempts of the Armenian opposition to gather people to change the power in Armenia were unsuccessful.

"Armenian opposition seems to have been blown away. The anti-Pashinyan rallies in Yerevan have failed to gather critical mass of dissatisfied, of those ready for the forceful demolition of the existing government structure," the expert noted.

According to him, this means that the majority of the Armenian people do not want further shocks, accepting the results of the Second Karabakh war as a reality.

"There will never be a 'Great Armenia' now - NEVER, but there is Armenia within its internationally recognized borders. Let the opposition develop it - if it is capable of creative work," Korotchenko concluded.
An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has asked the Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab Police to arrest banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar by January 18 in a terror financing case, a court official said on Saturday.

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Gujranwala issued an arrest warrant against Azhar in the terror financing case instituted by the CTD in the previous hearing on Thursday.

ATC Gujranwala judge Natasha Naseem Supra during the case hearing on Friday directed the CTD to arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar by January 18 and present him in the court. In case of failure (to arrest him), the court may begin proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender, a court official said on Saturday.

Azhar is facing charges of terror financing and selling jihadi literature.

Following the Palwama terror attack in February 2019, Pakistans Punjab police had launched a crackdown on terrorism financing and arrested six militants of the JeM in Gujranwala, some 130 kms from Lahore.
Apple is known for making bold moves which instant results in the internet making fun of the company. In fact, many companies also get in on the action but make fun of the Cupertino giant whenever Apple decides to do something out of the box if you know what we mean. There have been plenty of times Apples main competitors have tried to get an upper hand by poking fun but later follow the same exact footsteps later on.

1. Samsung

 Facebook

The South-Korean giant has always been at the forefront when it comes to taking a jab at Apple and later adopting the same strategy. It all started with Samsung making fun of Apple for removing the headphone jack but later adopted the same design for the Galaxy Note 9. Apple removed the headphone jack for better water resistance however was met with quite a bit of backlash online for making that move. Today, almost every smartphone company makes a flagship phone that doesnt come with a headphone jack.

Most recently, Samsung also took a jibe at Apple for removing the charger from the box. Mere months later it seems Samsung will also be doing the same with the Galaxy S21 Series set to launch later this week.

2. Huawei

 Weibo

Huawei has been notorious for lifting quite a few features and design aspects from iPhones and it seems like that isnt going to stop anytime soon. Huawei also recently confirmed that the company might remove the charger from the box of some of its phones. The company was recently found asking customers if they thought it was necessary to bundle the Type-C charging cable with their products. Apple did the same before removing the charger from the box of the iPhone 12 however in Huaweis case it could be slightly more controversial. Unlike Apple and Samsung, Huawei smartphones use their own proprietary fast-charging method and do not use the universal PD protocol.

Huawei also wasted no time in copying the iPhone 12s design a few weeks after Apples launch. Huawei launched the Nova 8 SE that literally lifted all the design aspects of the iPhone 12 including the throwback squared-off design.

3. Xiaomi

 Xiaomi

It seems like there is a recurring theme here when it comes to copying Apples out of the box choices. Xiaomi recently launched the Mi 11 which also doesnt come with a charger in the box. In fact, Xiaomi poked fun at the iPhone 12 with a tweet promoting the Mi 10T Pro. The Tweet said, Don't worry, we didn't leave anything out of the box with the Mi 10T Pro. However, fast forward a few months and one can see why that tweet didnt age well.

Xiaomi has also been known for lifting quite a few designs from Apple for various products. The most notable being Mi Laptops that sell in China. Xiaomi has also copied designs for other products such as the iPhone, Routers, Magic Trackpad, AirPods, Promotion material, Apple TV just to name a few. The Chinese company has gotten better over the years with original designs for many of its products

4. Notches Everywhere

 Twitter/Fossbytes

Soon after the launch of the iPhone X, almost every smartphone company had a product that featured a notch. However, what baffled us the most was that Apples notch design serves a purpose i.e. proper facial recognition using infrared sensors. However, most smartphone companies did not implement a similar method of facial recognition and instead used the notch design for the heck of it. Samsung posted a notorious ad for mocking the notch design on the iPhone X and adopted the same design a year later with the Galaxy M series.

5. AirPods

 MensXP/Akshay Bhalla

Apples AirPods have been dominating the true wireless market ever since it launched alongside the iPhone 7. However, many companies copied the design by Apple soon after to get a slice of the market. Realme launched the Realme Buds Air in 2019 that looked almost identical to Apples AirPods. In fact, if you placed each of the earbuds next to each other, it would be very hard to determine which one was the original. Xiaomi also copied the design for its AirDots Pro which looked awfully similar to the AirPods with slight design changes.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 09:32:10|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Argentina international defender Gonzalo Montiel could join Roma on a free transfer in the European summer, according to press reports in the South American country.

The 24-year-old's contract with River Plate expires in June and his agent Pablo Sabbag has begun listening to offers from clubs in Europe, according to the Ole news outlet.

It added that Roma is the frontrunner to sign the right-back when the current European season ends in June, without ruling out a move during the current winter transfer window.

Montiel has made 101 appearances for River Plate since being promoted from the Buenos Aires club's youth academy in 2016. He has been capped six times for Argentina's national team.

Roma currently has two Argentinians in their squad: defender Federico Fazio and midfielder Javier Pastore. Enditem
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien TD, chose Swords Fire Station to launch a comprehensive new capital spending programme for the Fire Service in Dublin and across the country.

The programme will see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments and 35 new fire engines allocated.

Communications and mobilisation systems will continue to be upgraded. Each county will see at least one new fire engine delivered.

Cork will receive three while Dublin will receive four and will also see the construction of high rise and tunnel training facilities in Marino at the O'Brien Institute (cost approx 1.1 million) and accommodation works for turn table ladders in two fire stations in Finglas and Rathfarnham (cost approx 1 million).

Outlining the details Minister O'Brien said: 'My Department will provide just over 61 million euro in grant aid for newly built fire stations, refurbished stations, new fire engines, equipment and facilities between now and 2025.

'Following close consultation with local authorities my Department carried out a comprehensive analysis of their proposals for fire stations works.

'Some 27 fire stations across the country will either be built or refurbished over the lifetime of this plan.

'In order to maintain a reliable fleet in optimal condition, a total of 27.7 million has been allocated for fire appliances which will be delivered in two tranches.

'In the first tranche, 35 new appliances will be provided at an approximate cost of almost 16 million.'

Minister O'Brien added: 'Separately, in Dublin, where requirements are in some ways unique, the Department will as a matter of priority critically and comprehensively evaluate funding needs over the next few years.

'Dublin will receive funding for the construction of high rise and tunnel training facilities in Marino at the O'Brien Institute and accommodation works for turn table ladders in two fire stations in Finglas and Rathfarnham as well as benefitting from the significant investment in communications, infrastructure and training.

'This is a clear demonstration of the Government's support for our fire service and the work they do in protecting people, communities, property and local infrastructure from fire and other emergency situations.'

The Minister and local TD concluded: 'This year of all year's we are all truly grateful for the work of those on the frontline and in our emergency services. I'd like to thank the staff and crew of all our fire services across the country for their work this year and every year.'
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low around 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
COLUMBIA  A lagging economic growth and a chaotic road network have helped to leave the Bush River Road corridor behind for retail growth, according to area commercial real estate experts.

The struggles of the area, just a few interstate exits north of downtown Columbia, are highlighted by last week's decision by Walmart to close its store on Bush River Road near the intersection of highways known as Malfunction Junction. The store will close Feb. 5 at the latest.

Walmart cited consistent lagging sales for the store closure, which is a rare act for the nation's top big-box retailer. The Bush River store was considered for closure in part because the company has so many alternative locations for Columbia-area shoppers. Two Walmarts are located five miles north and south of the Bush River store.

All employees will be eligible to transfer to the company's other 10 Midlands locations as the company seeks to retain its staff, Walmart spokesman Phillip Keene said. The company did not disclose how many employees worked at the Bush River store.

Losing the store is a mark against both the Bush River Village shopping center and for the area, said Patrick Palmer, director of retail services for NAI Columbia.

Other retail companies are likely to be leery of jumping in where Walmart has pulled out.

"When Walmart abandons a market that is a pretty big sign to the rest," Palmer said.

Other uses of the big retail space could be the answer for the shopping center. Palmer suggests that a call center would be a candidate for the space, while J.P. Scurry of Crosland Barnes Group wonders if a gym or trampoline park would consider the space.

Walmart is the biggest national retailer to leave the Bush River Road corridor but far from the first.

In the last dozen years, the retail spaces in the area lost Kmart, Belk department store and restaurants, including Fuddruckers and Ruby Tuesday's.

National retailers have not moved to use those available spaces, and many smaller retail spaces along the road are vacant.

What has happened to Bush River Road has happened to many of the formerly popular retail strips not far from downtowns, Palmer said. As growth and new homebuilding moves further out from the city center, many retailers follow, leaving a struggling area in its wake.

As Dutch Square mall lost retail tenants, the Harbison area further Interstate 26 from downtown blossomed into the area's top retail corridor. That includes a Walmart and Sam's Club location, one of 10 sites the company still maintains in the Columbia market.

That supply of other retail locations was one reason that the company thought that it made sense to close the underperforming Bush River Road site, according to Keene.

Harbison has abundant new home construction in the Irmo and Lake Murray area to draw from, which is seen as a major benefit, Palmer said.

"Retailers just gravitate to the newest and biggest," he said.

A look at the demographics that often drive retail decisions shows how desirable Harbison is over Bush River Road for attracting shoppers.

According to data from NAI Columbia, the area within three miles of the Bush River Road Walmart, considered a good measure of likely customers, has an average household income estimated to be more than $55,000.

The same three-mile radius around the Harbison location has an average income of just above $72,000. To Walmart and many other retailers, that difference makes Harbison the much more attractive destination.

Harbison also is well-connected to a wide area, so much so that it can become overcrowded with traffic at times. The current interchanges in the Bush River Road area don't seem to function nearly as well.

For traffic coming out from downtown, the exit off I-126 leads straight to Dutch Square but not close to the Walmart site. The other interstate intersection also don't seem to function well, Scurry said.

An early portion of the project to fix Malfunction Junction could address this flow. Redesigning the intersections in the area for more efficiency, including the connections to Bush River and Broad River roads, is an early part of the massive highway project that gets into construction this year.

While all that work goes on in the coming years, however, the area's traffic flow could well get worse before it gets better, dissuading shoppers from other parts of Columbia from visiting.

While better highway connections might help, there are not a lot of immediate other answers to improve retail life on Bush River Road.

Economic developers do not generally give tax incentives to retail projects, said Jeff Ruble, economic development director for Richland County.

Those credits tend to be focused toward industrial clients, and a question of fairness would come up quickly if retailers get one.

If one goes to Walmart, Ruble points out, then Target is likely to call up and seek one just after that.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - A maze of plexiglass booths occupy the floor of the Maryland Senate. The House of Delegates has been cleaved in two, with half of the lawmakers assigned to an annex across the street.

The Maryland General Assembly convenes for its 442nd session on Wednesday under unprecedented circumstances, physically distanced because of the coronavirus and facing a complex and wide-ranging set of health, economic and racial crises that the months-long pandemic has laid bare.

"It's a 100-year moment," Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-Baltimore City, said in an interview. "We have the opportunity to get support to the most vulnerable people, who need it most to survive until we get through this."

As they prepare to gather in Annapolis, sometimes remote and sometimes segregated by yards of plexiglass, political leaders from both parties say the pandemic's wrath has set the agenda for them.

"Our priorities for the session are pretty simple: We're focused on the response to the virus and the recovery of our economy," Republican Gov. Larry Hogan said. "We all share the same desire that the most important priorities are struggling Marylanders, struggling businesses, helping people get the assistance they need, providing more economic relief and continuing to fight the virus."

Despite the unity of mission, however, there's no consensus on what a rescue package would look like, how much it would cost or who should be at the front of the line for aid.

Hogan plans to unveil his proposal before Wednesday. House and Senate leaders have each developed their own packages, with price tags that could reach hundreds of millions of dollars, if not over $1 billion, in state cash. It's an enormous sum for a state that, like most, is grappling with declining tax revenue, without federal stimulus to pay for the normal functions of running a government.

The pandemic curtailed last year's legislative session in mid-March, about three weeks early leaving unfinished business on this year's agenda. Democrats, who hold supermajorities in both chambers, intend to override some of the 22 bills Hogan vetoed in May, when he deemed it "irresponsible" to enact new spending amid a global economic crisis.

The top veto-override target is reinstating a sweeping overhaul of public schools that proponents said would fix generations of inequity and - and legislation requiring new taxes to pay for it. Hogan has long derided the plan as too costly.

On one vetoed bill, whichwould have settled a 15-year lawsuit over unequal resources given to Maryland's historically Black college and universities, the legislature intends to skip an override and instead pass it a second time, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones said.

Jones, D-Baltimore County, the first Black person to lead a legislative chamber in Maryland, said she's optimistic Hogan won't veto the legislation again.

"I've spoken to the governor and given him the idea he could be a little bit of a hero on this," she said.

For many lawmakers, the pandemic has defined public service since they left Annapolis.

Thousands of their constituents were sickened and killed by the virus, disproportionately in minority communities. Thousands more have struggled to access unemployment benefits, money to save their businesses, Internet access to telework or do remote schooling, or mental health resources to cope with the grief of life upended.

Jones said the General Assembly's priorities "are a reflection of what our constituents have been calling to tell us."

"We feel their pain. We want to address it."

Democratic leaders share a laundry list of ideas to stave off an eviction crisis, bolster an unemployment system buckling under unprecedented jobless claims, funnel money to restaurants and other small businesses on the brink of bankruptcy, and reward private companies that keep employees on telework for months to come.

After the summer's nationwide reckoning with racism, many of the economic proposals pay special attention to access and disparities for Black and other communities that have been left behind by generations of structural racism. Maryland's population has the highest concentration of Black people outside of the Deep South; its largest city, Baltimore, in the early 1900s was the birthplace of housing segregation laws that grew into a national policy known as "redlining," which suppressed the accumulation of wealth.

A separate package of bills, unrelated to the pandemic and under consideration by both chambers, examine unfair practices in housing, banking, business, employment and other areas.

"We need to address this in a way that's lasting," Jones said, adding that details will be announced in coming days.

Lawmakers are also weighing whether to curtail or eliminate long-standing protections for police officers accused of wrongdoing.

Republicans in the legislature say they'll try to use their minority caucus to blunt what they view as excess spending and stave off policies that go too far, too fast.

"We have to be really careful, because unlike the federal government, we can't print money," said Senate Minority Whip Michael J. Hough, R-Frederick. "I want to help people . . . [but] we're not the federal government. We can't even begin to have conversations about giving people $2,000 checks."

Ferguson, the Senate president and a budget expert, said he's working on legislation that is targeted to "those individuals who fell through the cracks." For example, the state could extend small-business grants to firms that didn't apply for state aid within the first weeks of the pandemic and therefore missed out. Or Maryland could temporarily offer unemployment benefits to people who left their jobs to supervise remote schooling for their children.

"There are going to be significant resources required, the scale of which we haven't seen in Maryland," Ferguson said. To help pay for it, he proposes delaying construction and other projects for a year to 18 months, or scaling back planned spending. Ferguson said the multiple rounds of federal stimulus have already sent "somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 billion" in aid to Maryland residents, and the state needs to find more. "It's a significant amount of money, but it's not been enough."

The House's Democratic caucus, meanwhile, is working on an array of separate relief proposals, from offering cash assistance for overdue utility bills or financial bonuses to essential workers, to paying for lawyers to represent low-income people in eviction proceedings. Jones said there's no price tag yet on the multipronged effort, and she's hopeful a new round of federal stimulus funding under President-elect Joe Biden could pay for much of the relief her caucus is seeking.

The public, including lobbyists, will be barred from the State House complex because of the pandemic, so for the first time in state history all chamber proceedings will be live-streamed. Social events and receptions are also prohibited, collectively eliminating the typical avenues to access used by Annapolis's large and varied activist and lobbying corps.

Lisa Harris Jones, a lobbyist whose firm works on an array of issues, said she's urged her clients to focus on just one key priority each. She spent the summer and fall making sure she had direct email and phone lines to every lawmaker, people whom in other years she would be able to snag in a hallway. Her work setup includes two iPads and an iPhone, on tripods, so she can be engaged in multiple Zoom events at the same time.

"There's still that anxiety, though, what are other people doing?" she said.

The annual pre-session fundraising crush has also shifted online, with donors asked to pay $2,000 or more to hang out in virtual chat rooms, sometimes bringing their own breakfasts to their laptops and in one case watching a magician. Some lawmakers are hosting "no-show" receptions, where donors can simply send a check on a certain day, no virtual appearance required.

In addition to the plexiglass barriers that will envelop masked lawmakers inside the chambers, the politicians have access to rapid and PCR tests five days a week in a tent outside the complex. Senators are required to get regular tests.

"There's no such thing as a no-risk thing during the pandemic," Ferguson said. "I stay up every night thinking about what could go wrong."

Despite all the precautions, which were developed in consultation with public health experts and epidemiologists, lawmakers are bracing for the possibility that the virus could emerge in the capital complex.

"Barring a broad vaccination, I would imagine you're going to have outbreaks in the General Assembly," Hough said.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The United States logged a record new daily virus caseload as Joe Biden slammed the Trump administration's vaccine roll-out as a "travesty" and millions in Asia woke up to new lockdowns.

Almost 1.9 million people have now died from the virus, with new variants sending cases soaring and prompting the re-introduction of curbs on movement even as some countries begin mass inoculation campaigns.

Almost 290,000 new cases were reported in the US within 24 hours Friday according to Johns Hopkins University, a day after the world's worst-hit country recorded a daily record of nearly 4,000 deaths.

"Vaccines give us hope, but the roll-out has been a travesty," Biden told reporters, warning distribution of the vaccine would be "the greatest operational challenge we will ever face as a nation."

On Saturday the streets of the Australian city of Brisbane were quiet as its more than two million residents were ordered back into lockdown after authorities detected a single infection of a new strain from Britain, which is thought to be more infectious.

"Quite surreal, like something from a movie set," local man Scott told AFP in Brisbane's deserted downtown.

"It's necessary. Hopefully we will get through the next few days without any cases, that will allow us just to start to get back to normal."

In China, where the original coronavirus first emerged in late 2019, authorities also tightened restrictions on two cities near Beijing to stamp out a growing cluster.

The new week-long stay at home orders affecting about 18 million people in Shijiazhuang and Xingtai come as cases spike ahead of the Lunar New Year, when hundreds of millions criss-cross the country to visit family and friends.

On Saturday Beijing's National Health Commission said authorities had so far given out more than nine million vaccine doses, but warned the upcoming holiday would "further boost the risk of transmission."

As the race to inoculate heats up, the World Health Organization urged rich countries to stop cutting their own deals with manufacturers to snap up the first wave of vaccines.

"Fifty percent of the high-income countries in the world are vaccinating today," said Bruce Aylward, head of the WHO co-led vaccine procurement and distribution effort.

"Zero percent of the low-income countries are vaccinating. That is not equitable."

The comments came as the European Union said it had agreed an option for a further 300 million jabs from Pfizer/BioNTech, doubling its supply of the vaccine.

China also said Saturday that preparations were still ongoing for a WHO mission to Wuhan to investigate the origins of COVID-19, following a rare rebuke from the UN body over a delay to the long-planned trip.

"As long as these experts complete the procedures and confirm their schedule, we will go to Wuhan together to carry out investigations," National Health Commission vice minister Zeng Yixin told reporters.

Records keep falling

Despite nearly a year of intermittent restrictions across the globe, many countries are still recording record coronavirus numbers, including Britain which on Friday announced new highs of 1,325 deaths and 68,053 cases over 24 hours.

Fears have been rising over the new virus variants that emerged in Britain and South Africa, but BioNTech brought some relief on Friday, saying its vaccine was effective against a "key mutation" found in the strains.

In Brazil, which has the second-highest death toll after the US, two vaccine makersChina's Sinovac and AstraZeneca/Oxfordapplied for approval for their jabs.

Meanwhile Iran said it was banning the import of any US and British-produced vaccines doses, with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying they were "completely untrustworthy".

"It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations," he said.

Africa was spared the worst of the pandemic's first wave, but has seen a sharp surge in recent weeks, with Senegal recording its highest death and infections figureseight and 296, respectivelyon Friday.

At a hospital in Nigerian megacity Lagos, managing director Ngozi Onyia likened the surge in cases there to a "tsunami".

"I'm making tough callswho to take into the treatment centre, who to put on one of our four ventilatorsethical decisions I've never had to make in 38-plus years," she said.

But there was relief in Spain, where a babythree-month-old Petruleft the hospital after spending nearly all his short life fighting COVID-19.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
Bamako, Jan 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jan, 2021 ) :Lawyers for Malian ex-prime minister Boubou Cisse on Friday denied he was on the run, after a public prosecutor suggested he had fled charges of plotting to overthrow the army-dominated interim government.

The public prosector in the unstable Sahel state's capital Bamako said on December 31 that seven people, including Cisse, were under investigation for "plotting against the government, criminal association, insulting the head of state and complicity".

Five of those people are currently in custody but the prosecutor said that Cisse, the last prime minister before the August military coup, was "untraceable".

Marcel Ceccaldi, one of Cisse's lawyers, however, told a news conference on Friday that Cisse "is in Bamako in a safe place", however.

Another of his lawyers, Kassoum Tapo, added that Cisse is "not on the run".

Cisse denied the accusations against him this week in an interview with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and confirmed that he was in Mali but did not offer further details of his whereabouts.

The former prime minister added that agents visited his home while he was away in late December and assaulted people inside, pushing him to take "shelter".

Cisse said he has not been formally charged, since he never received a court summons.

"If they had simply summoned me in due form, obviously I would have come to answer the questions," he said.

Young army officers ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on August 18, after weeks of protests fuelled by frustrations over his failure to tackle perceived corruption and Mali's seemingly endless jihadist insurgency.

Under the threat of international sanctions, the officers between September and October handed power to an interim government, which is meant to rule for 18 months before staging elections.

Despite an initially warm reception, many Malians are growing disenchanted with the interim government, which is dominated by army figures.

Details of the accusations against the seven alleged coup plotters, including Cisse, remain unclear.

The lawyers on Friday said that the proceedings against them are based on a secret-service report to which they do not have access.

An official close to the investigation said the public prosecutor sees Cisse as the mastermind of the alleged plot, however, and has referred to a scheme to turn trade unions against the government, as well as ritual sacrifices allegedly committed by the accused.
The artwork was created by Miami artist Kre8, a hugely popular graffiti artist and Surrealist, who also broke Park West's previous record for the most works sold by any artist in a single day.

Park West Gallery, which is known for their art auctions at luxury vacation destinations all over the globe, has been holding weekly online art auctions since April 2020. Every weekend, interested collectors can attend a series of online-only events from Thursday night to Sunday night, where they can attend art auctions virtually and tour the studios of world-class artists during special live-streaming previews.

Park West's online collecting events have been growing in popularity every week, culminating in their most successful weekend to date on New Year's weekend.

"I've been selling art for over 50 years," said Park West Founder and CEO Albert Scaglione. "And I think our new online auctions are the best way to collect art that I've ever experienced. The selection and pricing that we're able to offer is incredible, and I am so thrilled to see the response we received for our New Year's auctions. People really love them!"

In addition to the records already mentioned, the auctions during the New Year's weekend also broke Park West's previous online auction records for highest attendance, most works sold, and highest dollar value sold at a single event.

One of the most memorable moments occurred on Saturday, January 2, when Kre8 broke the record for the highest sales of any featured artist in Park West online auction history. As they approached the record, Principal Auctioneer Jordan Sitter, who has been with Park West for over 20 years, brought on a new auctioneer to help close the biddinghis 3-year-old daughter Jasmyne. She got to bring the gavel down on the first work at a Park West online auction to be collected by over 100 collectors in a single day.

You can see a video of Jasmyne's final, celebratory gavel drop here.

"Park West is a family that Jasmyne was born into, and our company is more of a lifestyle than a job," said Sitter. "Jasmyne has been watching the online auctions since we started them and she knows when to bang her gavel and yell 'Sold!' So, it was perfect to have her on set and be a part of this historic auction."

Kre8's artwork has been extremely popular with Park West's collectors and, throughout the weekend, the auction guests also purchased works from other iconic artists including Albrecht Durer, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Peter Max, Mark Kostabi, Michael Godard, and more. Founded in 1969, Park West has built an enormous archive of original art that it makes available to its collectors every weekend at their online events.

And Park West's 3-year-old auctioneer may return for future appearances as well. "I'm looking forward to teaching Jasmyne even more about the family business," Sitter said. "She really loves art. I'm sure she'll continue as one of our guest auctioneers, if we can afford her."

Park West holds online art auctions every weekend, in addition to select auction events that the gallery hosts around the United States in luxury hotels. To participate in one of Park West's live-streaming art auction weekends, interested parties just need to fill out their online interest form and a personal concierge will get them scheduled for an upcoming weekend.

About Park West Gallery

Park West Gallery is the world's largest art dealer, bringing the experience of collecting fine art to more than 3 million customers since 1969. Whether it's masterpieces from history's greatest artists or the latest artwork from leading contemporary icons, Park West offers something for everyone through its accessible art exhibitions and auctions all over the world. You can learn more about Park West Gallery and its over 50-year history at http://www.parkwestgallery.com

Park West also hosts live-streaming online art auctions every weekend. To learn more about Park West's online collecting events, visit https://www.parkwestgallery.com/online/

You can learn more about the artist Kre8 here or visit his Instagram page here.

CONTACT: Tom Burns

[email protected]

SOURCE Park West Gallery

Related Links

http://www.parkwestgallery.com


A British man who was facing trial in Spain for the murder of Shankill man John Pender has died in jail.

Chef Leigh Anthony Gardiner (51) was found dead in his cell last Wednesday morning, December 30. Gardiner was arrested in June 2019 for the murder of John Pender at an Irish pub in Fuengirola.

He was being held at Alhaurin de la Torre prison near Malaga ahead of his trial.

Investigations into the death are currently under way in Spain. It is understood that the death is being treated as suicide.

Prison workers' association, TAMPM, released a statement, identifying the dead man only by his initials. 'We regret to have to confirm the death of an inmate in Module Five of Alhaurin de la Torre Prison,' read the statement.

'The 51-year-old foreigner L.A.G was discovered dead in his cell during morning roll-call on December 30. Prison workers found him lying lifeless on his bed when they opened the cell.

'He appeared to have died several hours earlier and nothing could be done to save him.'

John Pender was 53 when he died in Fuengirola in Spain on June 21, 2019, after being attacked in a bar by a man brandishing two broken bottles.

Spanish police said at the time of Gardiner's arrest that Mr Pender (53) had politely asked the suspect to stop bothering his wife and the partner of a friend. He was subsequently attacked and stabbed when in the toilets.

John Pender was an acupuncturist and worked with the charity Suicide or Survive, which was founded by his wife Caroline McGuigan.

He was a long-standing friend to St Joseph's Boys AFC in Sallynoggin. Many of his own close friends were volunteers and John himself was involved with the club directly and indirectly over the years.

Hundreds of people attended a humanist celebration of his life the following month at the ballrooms of Fitzpatrick Castle in Killiney.

A native of Deansgrange in Dublin, he is survived by his wife Caroline, children Conor (22) and Amy (19), father Sean, brother Stephen, sister Christine and John's many friends and family members.

'John fixed anything for anyone,' his brother Stephen told mourners. 'But the biggest thing he managed to fix was people's hearts.'

His friend John Carley said that John 'didn't have an angry bone in his body'.

'He was a pacifist,' Mr Carley told those gathered at the ceremony. 'He'd walk away from trouble.'

In a written tribute in a booklet accompanying the two-hour service, Caroline wrote that John had an 'unexplainable capacity to love and serve' which was 'a joy to watch and a privilege to experience.'
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
WASHINGTON - The Capitol was in the early stages of a siege by President Donald Trump's supporters Wednesday when D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee arrived. His officers had been called in as backup, but the U.S. Capitol Police, the federal agency in charge, was losing control.

Contee, his voice choked by mists of pepper spray, radioed Washington Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser, and they agreed to enact a 6 p.m. city curfew. Then they met up at a command center and watched on video feeds as D.C. officers tried in vain to help their federal counterparts hold back the rioters engaged in acts of insurrection.

The cascading events led to a frantic behind-the-scenes scramble, with Contee joining Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund to plead with the Defense Department to send help.

With rioters inside the building and members of Congress evacuated, D.C. police took charge, working with Capitol Police to clear the building so lawmakers could return and certify the results of the presidential election.

"There was basically a sense that we can't let this happen," said one city official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private deliberations. "While we were watching it, the [city] was trying to get more resources to them."

The grim day marked a remarkable, if somber, coda for a municipal government that has spent two decades trying to transform itself from a symbol of political corruption and malfeasance into one of competence and reliability.

Twenty years after Congress dissolved a federal control board that had seized control of the nearly bankrupt city's affairs from a troubled mayor, it was D.C. leaders rushing to the aid of the national lawmakers amid a threat posed by a failing president.

To local officials, the outcome provided a vivid illustration of the burdens imposed on the city by the lack of full home rule. The District has no voting rights in Congress, which still oversees its budget, and, unlike the nation's governors, Bowser does not have authority over the local National Guard, which reports to the secretary of the Army.

"Anyone who has been around the D.C. government for a long time will tell you it's a real slap in the face to have to wait on the federal government," said Neil Albert, a former deputy mayor who serves as president and executive director of the DowntownDC Business Improvement District. "We've come a long way since the control board. We've had 20 years of balanced budgets, a $2.5 billion surplus - higher than most other states or jurisdictions. After demonstrating a history of really mature, sensible leadership, it's time we have authority over our own affairs."

The assault on the Capitol marked the second time in less than a year that Bowser and Trump have squared off over jurisdictional control of the city's security. In the summer, amid mass social justice protests in Washington, Trump ordered in the National Guard, over Bowser's objections.

In a dramatic confrontation on June 1, federal law enforcement officers forcefully cleared hundreds of mostly peaceful demonstrators from Lafayette Square, just beyond White House gates, using chemical agents and projectiles.

Bowser responded with outrage, commissioning the painting of "Black Lives Matter" in huge block letters along 16th Street NW leading to the park, and renaming those blocks Black Lives Matter Plaza.

City leaders have seized on the confrontations - as well as clashes with the Trump administration over coronavirus rules on masks and mass gatherings - to renew their push for D.C. statehood. The decades-long movement has been stymied by staunch Republican opposition to the prospects of granting an overwhelmingly liberal city two Senate seats.

With Democrats in narrow control of the Senate and President-elect Joe Biden set to be sworn in Jan. 20, "we must get D.C. statehood on the president's desk within the first 100 days," Bowser said at a news conference this past week. She also called on Congress to transfer command of the D.C. National Guard from the president to the mayor's office.

"I'm upset that 706,000 residents of the District did not have a single vote in Congress yesterday, despite the fact that our people were putting their lives on the line to protect our democracy," Bowser said. "We should all be upset."

Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have voiced support for statehood. But the legislation approved in a historic vote in the House last year still faces opposition in the Senate.

And city leaders' hopes have been dashed in the past, including under President Barack Obama, whose historic 2008 campaign won early support from then-D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty. On accepting Fenty's endorsement in Southwest Washington, Obama pledged solidarity with the city's aspirations to become a state. His enthusiasm for speaking up on the matter waned, however, through his tenure.

"It's literally taxation without representation. As unconstitutional as one could imagine," Fenty, now working in venture capital, wrote on Twitter on Thursday about the city's dilemma.

Republicans have called statehood unconstitutional and accused Democrats of seeking political gain. In the summer, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., pointed to arson at the historic St. John's Church, a block from the White House, to argue that federal intervention proved crucial during the mass protests.

"Those riots were contained thanks to an impressive show of force by federal law-enforcement officers under federal control," Cotton said. "One can only imagine how much worse the destruction would've been . . . if most of Washington was under control not of the federal government, but of a left-wing politician like Muriel Bowser, who frequently takes the side of rioters against law enforcement."

Cotton also cited the late Marion Barry, a four-term D.C. mayor who was videotaped in a police sting in January 1990 for possessing crack cocaine - an image that came to symbolize the nationwide drug epidemic ravaging urban centers. It was under Barry's leadership that the city nearly went bankrupt and Congress installed the D.C. Financial Control Board, which managed the city's affairs from 1995 to 2001.

"We were the murder capital of the country, the crack epidemic was in full force, we had the control board," said Steven Schneebaum, a lawyer and city resident who has argued in favor of D.C. leaders wresting control from the White House in appointing judges to local courts. "People justifiably looked at the city as something of a basket case."

But Schneebaum added that Republicans have used the city's past problems as a fig leaf to mask their real reasons for opposing greater home rule. He recalled the late senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), who once attributed opposition among his colleagues to D.C. representation to the "four too's" - the city was too urban, too Black, too Democratic and too liberal.

Urban redevelopment and gentrification over the past two decades has dramatically changed the city's racial makeup, with the percentage of D.C. residents who are Black dropping from about 60 percent to about 46 percent since 2000, and the White population climbing from about 30 percent to about 42 percent.

But the city has remained a liberal bastion: In the November election, 92 percent of District voters backed Biden, with just 5 percent supporting Trump.

Late Wednesday, after police had secured the Capitol, Bowser and Contee toured the city together. At a news conference the next day, the mayor called the breach of the federal complex an act of "domestic terrorism and sedition."

It was "an affront not only to our democracy," she said, "but also to our values - the values that make the District of Columbia a welcoming, diverse and inclusive city."

Though Trump has less than two weeks left in his presidency, Bowser said in an interview that the chaos of his tenure has highlighted the ongoing challenge facing local leaders charged with managing a city at the center of the nation's red-hot political discourse.

"Trumpism will not die on January 20th," the mayor said. "We have to be prepared for this new type of civic debate."
1. Metals see a massive boost in EVs

- Robert Friedland has started a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) called Ivanhoe Capital Acquisition Corp. aimed at investing $200 million in the energy transition.

- The global shift away from carbon, boosted by ostensible Chinese environmental concerns as well as Bidens recent win, is driving capital to sectors involved with or likely to benefit from the focus on green or renewable resources, said Tai Wong, head of metal derivatives trading at BMO Capital Markets. This focus is likely to improve supply over time.

- Demand for a variety of metals used in batteries needed for electric vehicles is expected to surge.

- Demand for nickel and aluminum will rise 14-fold between 2019 and 2030.

- Copper prices have already skyrocketed this year, but demand will rise 10-fold over the next decade.

2. Chinas power demand stretches the grid

- Chinas economy has rebounded strongly from the pandemic, and industrial demand, in particular, is robust.

- Demand for electricity is creating shortages, forcing cutbacks on power delivered to major industrial consumers.

- Electricity demand in China was up 9.4% in November, year-on-year. At the same time, an unusually cold winter has led to a spike in demand for heating.

- Local coal futures have shot up, as has the cost of natural gas.

- The power crunch will probably
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
Earlier in December, Mr. Trump made a third call, this one to Gov. Brian Kemp, urging him to convene a special session of the Georgia legislature in hopes that lawmakers would overturn the election results.

Mr. Kemp and Mr. Raffensperger have rejected all of Mr. Trumps efforts to get them to help him overturn the election results, even though both are conservative Republicans and Trump supporters. Mr. Trump has publicly attacked both men, spreading a baseless conspiracy theory about Mr. Raffenspergers brother and promising that he would back a candidate in the Republican primary to challenge Mr. Kemp, who is up for re-election next year.

In a television interview on Monday, Mr. Raffensperger was asked if his office would open an investigation into the presidents phone call with him. He replied that because he had been on the Jan. 2 call, he might have a conflict of interest and suggested instead that such an investigation might be in the works by the Fulton County district attorney, Fani Willis.

Last week, a spokesman for Ms. Willis said that no investigation had been opened. But Ms. Willis, in a statement released last week, did not rule out the possibility, and called the news of the presidents call to Mr. Raffensperger disturbing.

The U.S. attorney in Atlanta faced similar pressure related to false claims of election fraud.

Shortly before the U.S. attorney, Byung J. Pak, abruptly resigned on Monday, the acting deputy attorney general, Richard Donoghue, relayed Mr. Trumps dissatisfaction with his efforts to investigate false claims of mass voter fraud in his district, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose details of the phone call.

A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment.

Mr. Pak was also upset when he discovered that Mr. Trump had criticized him during his phone call last Saturday with Mr. Raffensperger.

While Mr. Trump did not call out Mr. Pak by name, he falsely claimed that not enough had been done to uncover mass voter fraud in Fulton County, where Atlanta is. He added, You have your never-Trumper U.S. attorney there.

Former U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski remembers the sandy residue that hit him on March 1, 1954.

It was no day at the beach.

Like the riot Wednesday at the Capitol, it was the kind of day in Congress you dont forget.

When the shots rang out in the House chamber that day, Kanjorski was there, a month short of his 17th birthday, a congressional page and a junior in the high school that Congress ran for pages.

Puerto Rican nationalists, demanding independence for the U.S. territory, randomly fired 30 rounds from semiautomatic pistols as House members debated immigration and Mexican economic issues.

I discerned what it was rather quickly, Kanjorski, 83, a Nanticoke resident, said. It was clear that it was random because we were in the midst of a vote so the floor was rather heavily populated.

Just before that, Kanjorski said, he and other pages sat at the back of the chamber, on a bench where pages answered calls from congressmen who needed assistance, typically for routine matters.

I was in the first seat to respond at that point, he said.

The phone rang.

I got off my chair, took about three or four steps and then I heard  shots, he said.

He knew gunfire. Before he went to Washington, D.C., he and friends who owned Luger pistols haunted local stone quarries for target practice.

I got flicked with sand-like material, shot down on the top of my head, Kanjorski said this week. I did look up and a bullet had hit one of the columns that was right above me and that sprayed. Thats how I knew we were under live shot. So I hit the floor right at the side of the chamber that you enter from the east side of the Capitol  Everybody was starting to go down; they realized what it was.

The shooters  three men and a woman  stood at the far end of the chamber, where the presidents and vice presidents spouses sit during State of the Union addresses, Kanjorski said.

There was a lot of scurrying around, he said.

The shots struck and wounded five House members, only one seriously. All five recovered. Pages helped carry the wounded out on stretchers.

Kanjorski, wearing horn-rimmed glasses, is pictured at the front of a stretcher carrying the most seriously wounded, Rep. Alvin Bentley, R-Michigan, off the House floor. The picture hangs in the Capitol.

That was a tense time. Anti-communist fervor fed demagogic U.S. Sen. Joe McCarthys abusive, flailing and unproven allegations of widespread communist infiltration of the federal government.

The country was uptight and, of course, the independence movement in Puerto Rico was very strong, he said. I myself didnt have a strong position on the issue, but a lot of people wanted independence. Other people wanted statehood.

The movement was so strong that on Nov. 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists attacked Blair House, the presidential guest house where President Harry S. Truman was staying during major White House renovations. The attack failed, but a nationalist and a police officer were killed. The other attacker was convicted and went to prison.

Kanjorski transferred to his job as a page from Wyoming Seminary and graduated from high school in Washington.

He served 26 years as Democratic congressman, but came from a Republican family, which is why he got the page post. He was appointed by U.S. Rep. Edward J. Bonin, a Republican and former Hazleton mayor serving his first and only term in the House as 11th Congressional District representative.

Quick. Who was the last man to beat legendary Democratic congressman Daniel J. Flood in an election?

Edward J. Bonin, who defeated Flood by 588 votes as the nation swept retired Gen. Dwight David Eisenhower into the White House in 1952.

Two years later, Flood beat Bonin by 2,572 votes and never lost again before resigning amid scandal on Jan. 31, 1980.

How about that? Kanjorski got his page job from a Republican former Hazleton mayor. In 2010, he lost his congressional seat to a Republican Hazleton mayor, Lou Barletta, who had lost to Kanjorski twice before.

Kanjorski said the Capitol riot didnt really bring back memories of 1954 because unlike Wednesday, the Puerto Rican nationalists walked in freely.

It was completely open back then, he said.

I still cant comprehend how they allowed all those people to act like monkeys around the entrances to the Capitol and didnt do anything, Kanjorski said. The last 10 years after 9/11, you couldnt just walk into the Capitol. You had to go through all kinds of procedures. So I dont know how the hell those people went in, broke the doors down. I thought the police were pretty extremely poorly led.

Like many Democrats, Kanjorski thinks President Donald Trump should be removed or resign because he incited a riot.

I think he showed total incompetence in speaking the way he did to excite those people, he said. He knows the people hes dealing with. You know, anybody thats been in politics reads their audience and knows their audience, and there are some audiences you can go to and make all kinds of outlandish statements. But the people that are following him and have followed him are really ... ruffians to a large extent. Certainly weve seen experiences ... their attack on the Michigan capital, the (planned) attack on the (Michigan) governor. I mean, its not something we havent heard about.

If Trump didnt know he was inciting a riot, hes too stupid to be president, Kanjorski said.

And if he did know it, thats an act against of insurrection, he said. Yeah, no question.

BORYS KRAWCZENIUK, The Times-Tribune politics reporter, writes Random Notes. bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com.
Makar Sankranti 2021: Here is how Bengal, Assam celebrates the auspicious festival

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Jan 09: Makar Sankranti that is also known as Poush Sankranti in West Bengal, Assam and in parts of eastern India is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It can be seen that the rituals, puja and and traditional customs revolve around special food items, which are cooked in households only during the Sankranti or Uttarayan season.

In Bengal, Poush Sankranti is an auspicious day when farmers start harvesting their crops. Even though Sankranti is known by different names in different states of India, the theme is same everywhere.

It is a celebration of a bumper harvest and people offer prayers and special food items to their household deities, Goddess Lakshmi or Lord Vishnu.

Coronavirus cases: India records 18,222 new COVID cases, 228 deaths in last 24 hours

Sankranti means the transmigration of the Sun from one constellation to the next. It marks the transition of the Sun into Makara constellation on its celestial path.

Makar Sankranti is also called the Uttarayana or the day when the Sun begins his northward journey. It is the beginning of an auspicious time.

Since the harvest season is to do with everything bountiful, food is a big part of Poush Sankranti and many rituals revolve around items made from rice as it is the time when paddy is harvested.

It cane be seen that the most common food for celebration is called pithe made from rice flower and the festival is also called pithe parbon. There are several kinds of pithe.

New UK strain of COVID-19 hits 90 Indians

Similarly, every district has its traditional pithe and a variety of gur or jaggery is a compulsory accompaniment. Along with pithe, which is both sweet and savoury, Payesh made of rice, milk and date palm jaggery is a winter dessert cooked and offered to the gods virtually in every household during Poush Sankranti.

However, in rural parts of Bengal, the farmers' families clean their households, draw rangoli with paste made of rice flower, hang small bunches of mango leaves and rice stalks welcoming Lakshmi. Lakshmi Puja is done with rice grains symbolizing the goddess of wealth. India's harvest festival is a celebration of unity in diversity!
Strange footage has emerged of residents sounding the ominous alarm from the thriller movie 'The Purge' to signify the beginning of the three day lockdown in Greater Brisbane.

A video was uploaded to TikTok showing the terrifying music playing from a Brisbane apartment block on Saturday.

The horn rings out across the visibly empty streets below as residents in Brisbane, Moreton, Logan, Ipswich and Redlands continue their stay-at-home orders.

The Purge is a film and TV franchise set in a dystopian America where crime is essentially abolished.

Though every year the alarm is sounded to signify that all crime, including murder, is permitted for the next 12 hours.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced residents would only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons from 6pm Friday to 6pm Monday.

A video was uploaded to Tik Tok showing the terrifying music playing from a Brisbane apartment block on Saturday

The horn rings out across the visibly empty streets below as residents in Brisbane, Moreton, Logan, Ipswich and Redlands continue their stay-at-home orders (pictured, emptied Riverside Expressway on Saturday)

The Purge is a film and TV franchise set in a dystopian America where crime is essentially abolished

That is for essential shopping, work, healthcare or exercise around the neighbourhood.

When they do leave their homes they will need to wear face masks everywhere, including in their cars.

The lockdown comes after a Brisbane hotel quarantine cleaner tested positive for the UK strain of Covid-19, which authorities say is 70 per cent more infectious.

The woman, in her 20s, was infectious from January 2 before testing positive after showing symptoms on Wednesday.

She travelled on the public rail network to and from Brisbane's inner city and southside.

Health authorities say she visited several locations while potentially infectious.

The woman travelled on a train from Altandi station to Roma Street station at 7am on January 2, then returned on the 4pm service the same day.

She also visited Woolworths at the Calamvale Central Shopping Centre from 11am to 12pm on Sunday 3 January.

She was also at Coles in Sunnybank Hills for 30 minutes from 7.30am on Tuesday 5 January.

She was also a newsagent at Sunnybank Hills Shopping Town from 8am to 8.15am on the same day.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton, and Redland residents will only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons from 6pm on Friday

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced residents would only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons from 6pm Friday to 6pm Monday (pictured, deserted Queen Street Mall in Brisbane CBD on Saturday)

Brisbane residents can only leave their homes for essential shopping, exercise, healthcare reasons or essential work (pictured, lone cyclist in Brisbane CBD on Saturday)

On Saturday, Chief Health officer Dr Jeanette Young revealed another Covid-19 positive case in Victoria, who had flown on the Jetstar JQ570 flight to Queensland, had also tested positive for the UK strain of the virus.

The woman had flown from the United Kingdom and arrived in Victoria on December 26.

She entered hotel quarantine, before she tested positive for Covid-19.

'So she was then isolated and did the 10 days required isolation, cleared all her symptoms, and was allowed to leave Victoria and fly to Queensland on January 5,' Dr Young said.

Brisbane residents in face masks go out for a walk during the three-day-long lockdown

A terrifying map shows the Brisbane locations which have been exposed to the UK's mutant variant of the virus since January 2, including a busy train line, a Coles and a Woolworths

Dr Young said although the risk of transmission was low the woman was still returning positive Covid-19 results.

'Because of this new variant, we are just being ultra-cautious which is why we re-tested her when Victoria let us know that she had the new variant and we found that she is still excreting the virus,' she said.

'We are just working that through at the moment, and we will be contact tracing those people on the flight where she sat.'

The woman lives with her parents at Maleny, in the Sunshine Coast region, and authorities have urged anyone in the area to get tested.

Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Variable clouds with thunderstorms - possibly severe in the afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms in the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Atul Keshap adds voice to growing criticism over Capitol Hill attack View(s):

The mob attack on the Capitol Hill when the Senate and the House of Representatives were in session Wednesday to endorse the election of President elect Joe Biden turned the world spotlight on United States, the beacon of democracy and champions of human rights.

It is they who preached good governance, the right behaviour and sent troops to nations they perceived were rogues to change regimes, foist lackeys, and hand down codes of conduct. Alas, after over a century, what went on was described by a former US President George W. Bush as something that only happens in a Banana Republic. Little wonder, some of President Donald Trumps supporters, whom he instigated had gone bananas. He now faces ouster through a second impeachment.

The social media, in the US in particular, made fun of the President Trump backed mob. One cartoon spoke of troops in Afghanistan and Iraq being rushed to Washington DC to restore democracy. Another said that troops from Sierra Leone were landing in Andrews Air Force Base for the same purpose.

In this midst, even a senior US career diplomat who served as their Ambassador in Sri Lanka from 2013 to 2015 Atul Keshap was miffed. After ending his tour of duty in Sri Lanka, it was the Trump administration that named him Principal Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. From Washington DC he also pushed for the signing of the Status of Forces (SOFA) agreement between US and Sri Lanka.

He quickly re-tweeted a message from former US President George W. Bush who said the incidents were a sickening and heart-breaking sight. He added I am appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and out law enforcement.

That is not all. Immediately after tweeting that message, Keshap also tweeted another. That was the text of an oath he took swearing allegiance to the US Constitution. The point was clear  he was serving under a Constitution to which he has sworn alliance and not to an individual.

Before being nominated Ambassador to Sri Lanka, former US President Barrack Obama named him to serve under Nisha Biswal, then Assistant Secretary in the State Department. Now, diplomatic circles are talking about her possible return though what position she will inherit is not known.

All at sea over cruise ships for Lankan returnees

The government parliamentary group meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat this week though President Gotabaya Rajapaksa did not attend.

It was chaired by Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Any meeting these days is incomplete without some reference or the other being made to the raging COVID-19 pandemic. So, at one point the discussion centred on issues related to quarantine, particularly the Sri Lankans who were returning from different countries.

One Minister came out with an interesting proposal that would cost millions of dollars for the government. He said they should be brought home in cruise ships that should be told to weigh anchor in Sri Lankan waters until the quarantine period is over. He noted that such ships were now easily available.

Besides the travel cost, what about feeding the returning passengers every day? That includes the quarantine period of 14 days. That was lost on the Minister.

There was another who complained that travel agencies and others were making money at the expense of the suffering undergone by Sri Lankans abroad. There were quite a few who endorsed the view.

It was former Minister, Patali Champika Ranawaka who coined a new phrase for this new racket  Covid Garana

The new face in Sajiths team

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Wednesday called on the visiting Indian Foreign Minister along with a group of fellow Parliamentarians. There was a new face seated next to Mr Premadasa. It was the Opposition Leaders senior International Relations advisor, Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, former Sri Lankan ambassador to Geneva during the previous Mahinda Rajapaksa Administration and the Russian Federation during the previous regime.

Days after his appointment, Dr Jayatilleka came under severe criticism after his confidential email to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa via comrade Vasudeva Nanayakkara during the Constitutional crisis in 2018 was leaked in news websites. In the letter, the one-time Eelam Peoples Democratic Party PC Minister (Joint N&E-Provincial Council) offered some unsolicited advice on how to handle the Constitutional crisis and international pressure.

No change only filth

These days, passengers are very cautious in accessing public transport for the obvious reason of not coming into contact with any Covid infected person during the journey. But there is another reason why many choose not to get into buses nowadays.

With confusions over the revised bus fares in recent times, no passenger knows the exact revised bus fare but the bus conductors. In most instances, they simply do not return the balance money by saying bus fares have increased recently and walked away.

This week, a pensioner got into a bus from Mount Lavinia to Pettah and demanded the balance money. What he got was absolute filth from the bus conductor embarrassing him in front of other passengers.

Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association threatened to launch a strike on January 18 midnight claiming the Government failed to provide them relief as assured to continue service.

Failed to mention unavoidable circumstance

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington DC said it will remain closed from January 4 to 10 due to an unavoidable circumstance.

The embassy failed to mention the unavoidable circumstance as Lankan Missions abroad commenced their work on January 1 in keeping up to implement Presidents manifesto of Vistas of Splendour as all public servants took an oath last week back home.

The embassy also notified that telephone numbers and emails are open for emergency service during this period. It said it is recommended for email inquiries for easy follow-ups and further reference,

Its Major General Ruwan Kulatunga and not Ruwan Wanigasuriya

There was an error in our report in these columns about the new Chief of National Intelligence.

He is Major General Ruwan Kulatunga and not Ruwan Wanigasuriya as erroneously reported last week. Major General Ruwan Kulatunga is from the Sri Lanka Light Infantry. He was one time the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Kothalawala Defence University.

He has served as the Security Forces Commander, Wanni.

He has also been the Commandant of the Defence Services command and Staff College Batalanda.

His recent stints included the Directorate of the National Cadet Corps.
With flights resuming operation from Britain amid the scare of the new coronavirus strain , passengers will have to undergo an RT-PCR test both in the United Kingdom before boarding their flight and after arriving in India.

In a set of passenger advisory guidelines, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) has said that passengers will have to upload their negative RT-PCR test report via 'Air Suvidha Portal' on the airport's official website before boarding in the UK.

"The RT-PCR must be conducted within 72 hours before undertaking the journey," the guidelines stated, adding that passengers taking the test at the Airport will have to shell out 3,400 for a test and lounge.

It may take up to 10 hours for the test results at IGI's Terminal 3, it added.

After the RT-PCR tests in the national capital, all passengers will have to undergo seven days of institutional quarantine, followed by seven at home.

Flights from Britain resumed on Friday in a limited capacity. Thirty flights will operate each week - 15 each by Indian and UK carriers. This schedule will continue till January 23, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had informed earlier.

The ban on flights to the UK was lifted on 6 January.

As many as 82 persons were found with the new mutant variant of Covid-19 so far, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Friday.

"The total number of cases infected with the new strain of the novel coronavirus, first reported in the UK, now stands at 82," the Ministry said in a statement.

All those who have tested positive for the new variant of coronavirus strain were kept in single-room isolation at designated healthcare facilities by the respective state governments, the ministry had said earlier.

Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. A comprehensive contact-tracing exercise has been initiated for their co-travellers, family members and others and genome sequencing on other specimens is going on, the ministry said.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Russell Moore urges President Trump to resign, appeals to his sense of responsibility

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Russell Moore, a prominent theologian and president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, has called on President Donald Trump to resign from office after some of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday.

Moore took to Twitter Friday to respond to a tweet from Trump, who has acknowledged that Joe Biden is president-elect after his efforts to challenge the results based on allegations of voter fraud failed. The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape, or form!! Trump wrote.

Mr. President, people are dead. The Capitol is ransacked. There are 12 dangerous days for our country left.



Could you please step down and let our country heal? https://t.co/wP3niITQv6  Russell Moore (@drmoore) January 8, 2021

Mr. President, people are dead, Moore wrote in response to Trumps tweet. The Capitol is ransacked. There are 12 dangerous days for our country left. Could you please step down and let our country heal?

Following a peaceful rally and protests attended by tens of thousands of Trump supporters in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Trump urged his supporters to rally outside the Capitol. Five people died after hundreds broke through barricades and stormed the Capitol building. Police shot and killed an unarmed woman as she attempted to climb into the House chamber, three others died from health emergencies, and a U.S. Capitol Police officer died Thursday after he suffered injuries while responding to the riots. Officer Brian D. Sicknick, 42, had joined the force in 2008 and was an Iraq War veteran.

Moore elaborated on his call for the president to step down during a Zoom webinar hosted by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission called Chaos at the Capitol.

What Id like to do is to appeal to the presidents sense of responsibility, he said.

We have differences in this country over the president, I have differences with a lot of my fellow evangelicals about the presidents character.  We can have those disagreements, we can have those arguments  and we can live with one another and  understand one another and not seek to change one another on those things, Moore added.

This is a moment where the entire country is waiting to see what is going to happen next. It is a very dangerous sort of time, he continued.

Moore also condemned the mobs of people who shouted "traitor" at Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., at Reagan National Airport and the threats against Vice President Mike Pence for carrying out his constitutional duties and not objecting to the certification of electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election.

This is a very, very dangerous time, Moore maintained. What we need is leadership that is going to say lets heal and the way that we heal is by saying violence and attacks on the United States government are always wrong and were going to prosecute them.' And then everything else that we disagree about and differ about, we can talk about those things, we can debate those things as Americans who, in common, cherish our Constitution even if we disagree on maybe some ways that that is applied.

Thats what has to happen right now. There has to be  a time of healing and  if the president cant or wont do that, then theres 12 more days left.  Then, I think he should  take responsibility one way or the other but we have to have stable, unifying leadership in this country. This is not the same thing as an election where  someones supporting one candidate, somebodys supporting another, its not the same thing as some legislative proposal where some people think its good and some people think its bad.

This is a dangerous time in which people have been killed and it has to be taken very, very seriously, Moore reiterated. One of the things that were dependent on in this country is the kind of presidential leadership that in moments of great crisis is speaking not only to ones supporters but also to the entire country.

Moore is not the only public figure to suggest that the president must leave office before his term expires one way or another as a result of the violent riots at the Capitol building earlier this week. Both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have called on Pence and the cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office and announced intentions to move ahead with impeachment if the cabinet declined to pursue invoking the 25th Amendment.

According to Fox News, Pence does not support the push to remove Trump from office via the 25th Amendment. The presidents term in office will expire on Jan. 20 at noon.
Social media application logo from Parler is displayed on a smartphone with its website in the background, in a file photo. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

Parler Removed From Google Play Store, Apple Threatens Ban

Google removed the Parler social networking service from its app store, saying that the app will remain suspended until the developers commit to a moderation policy that could handle objectionable content on the platform.

In order to protect user safety on Google Play, our longstanding policies require that apps displaying user-generated content have moderation policies and enforcement that removes egregious content like posts that incite violence, Google said in a statement.

All developers agree to these terms and we have reminded Parler of this clear policy in recent months. Were aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the US. We recognize that there can be reasonable debate about content policies and that it can be difficult for apps to immediately remove all violative content, but for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content.

In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the apps listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues.

In suspending the service, Google, whose software powers Android phones, cited its policy against apps that promote violence and gave recent examples from Parler, including a Friday post that began How do we take back our country? About 20 or so coordinated hits and another promoting a Million Militia March on Washington.

Google never gave us any warning, Parler told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. The justification for the removal was screenshots shared on Twitter (Ironically allowed by Twitter and ignored by Apple and Google) of content that was banned on Parler for violating our TOS. This is not an attack on Parler. This is an attack on our basic civil liberties and right to free speech.

At the same time, Apple has threatened to remove Parler from its app store. On Friday, Apple gave Parler 24 hours to submit a detailed moderation plan, saying that people used Parler to coordinate a breach of the U.S. Capitol building.

It is unclear who instigated the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

A protester sits in the Senate Chamber in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

In a statement on Parler, its CEO John Matze wrote in response to Apples move, Anyone who buys an Apple phone is apparently a user. Apperently [sic] they know what is best for you by telling you which apps you may and may not use.

He added, Apparently they believe Parler is responsible for ALL user generated content on Parler. Therefor by the same logic, Apple must be responsible for ALL actions taken by their phones. Every car bomb, every illegal cell phone conversation, every illegal crime committed on an iPhone, Apple must also be responsible for  Standards not applied to Twitter, Facebook or even Apple themselves, apply to Parler.

Matze also shared two posts around the same time.

We will not cave to pressure from anti-competitive actors! We will and always have enforced our rules against violence and illegal activity. But we WONT cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech! the first post reads.

The second post reads, The media tried to claim that The Insurrection was organized on Parler. There are quite a few problems with this.

1) Parler has no way to organize anything, Facebook groups was used heavily to organize the protests. 2) Protests are constitutionally protected. 3) Bad actors turned the protest into a riot, he added.  I know the media and everyone wants to point fingers and place blame. It is convenient for them to turn Parler into a scape goat.

The reality that everyone pointing fingers is to blame, Matze also wrote. We need to start thinking critically again and stop blaming one another. We MUST try to humanize one another again not dehumanize by leveraging witch hunt tactics which will accomplish the opposite of their intended purposes.

Social media users in the United States have flocked to Parler, messaging app Telegram, and social platform Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Twitter permanently suspended President Donald Trumps account as well as the Trump campaigns account on Friday.

Epoch Times staff and Reuters contributed to this report.
A Kildare-based flamenco guitarist has released his debut album.

Sallins resident John Walsh, a virtuoso guitarist, debuted Irlandalucia last month.

The album contains seven original flamenco guitar compositions written by John over the last number of years.

The album was recorded during the first Covid-19 lockdown, ad features collaborations from percussionists in Spain and the Netherlands.

Its an album Ive been trying to record for the last few years but being so busy with gigs, concerts, teaching and family life etc made it very difficult, said John.

Once the whole Covid thing kicked off and all my work for the year went down the drain, I figured now was the time!

For the last 10 years John has been at the forefront of flamenco in Ireland, as a performer, composer and educator.

Having studied with flamenco masters in Algeciras, Seville and Granada over the course of four years, John returned to Ireland to bring his passion for flamenco music to the stage.

As a performer he has been invited as the International Artist to the 2015 Paco de Lucia Guitar Festival in Algeciras, Spain, and the 2014 International Flamenco Festival in Consuegra, Spain.

John also performed for two consecutive nights in 2014 in the famous Flamenco venue El Candela in Madrid. He has composed music for the National Ballet of Ireland, Riverdance and Michael Rooneys De Cuellar Suite.

He has given concerts in the National Concert Hall on a number of occasions and appeared in the Guitar Festival of Ireland, the City of Derry Guitar Festival, Ards Guitar Festival and many more.

Lockdown was a mixed bag to be honest. I was happy to get the album done at last but I found the remainder of the lockdown very taxing from a creative standpoint. Seeing how well the album has been received has injected a bit of enthusiasm to create back though, said John.

Get a copy

Irlandalucia is available in both CD and digital download formats from the online store on Johns website johnwalshguitar.ie
The Manitoba governments announcement this week that it will close agricultural offices and consolidate services is a significant shift, but one that reflects a modern reality.

The Manitoba governments announcement this week that it will close agricultural offices and consolidate services is a significant shift, but one that reflects a modern reality.

As of April 1, public-facing services will be delivered out of 10 regional service centres instead of 21 and they will be staffed by provincial agriculture department representatives, crop insurance and the provinces ag-lending agency.

These changes are a big hit for the communities losing local jobs, but truth be told, many of these offices were about as busy as the mythical Maytag repairman. The days when farmers popped in at the local ag reps office for some advice are long past.

COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns solidly laid to rest any doubts that there are more efficient ways to deliver information and extension support than face-to-face meetings.

In the past such an announcement would have resulted in howls of outrage from the farm community. This announcement might have furled a few eyebrows, but resulted in few outbursts.

What reaction there was focused on reminding the government there is still an important role for farmers to have access to independent extension support. Farmers do not want to be totally reliant on the sales agronomists working for fertilizer and crop-protection companies, a role some have described as an oxymoron.

Thats not entirely fair. Many of these companies are investing heavily in applied research programs to help farmers get the best possible results from the products they sell and to promote practices to protect the environment and avoid pest resistance.

However, its a little like shopping for cars. The auto dealers will do a great job of advising you which of their vehicles can best meet your needs, but they are unlikely to recommend that you simply take the bus.

The type of research that looks at all the tools and practices available to help farmers increase yields and keep costs in check while being good environmental stewards tends to come from academic, public and farmer-driven research programs. That said, the private-sector companies are often invested in these programs as well.

Commodity organizations representing specific crops are now funded by farmer checkoffs and a large component of their spending is on research.

The Canola Council of Canada is one of the first examples of how farmers, industry and government have coalesced around a common goal of building a value chain that supports that commoditys growth.

In the early days, the council was largely focused on promotion and research into new genetics. But it realized genetics were only part of the equation that would help farmers get better yields; if farmers couldnt get profitable yields, they wouldnt grow the crop.

Agronomy was also key. An industry survey about 20 years ago identified that while some farmers were consistently getting profitable yields, others were struggling. In other words, they all had access to the same genetics and crop protection products, so there were differences in how farmers were managing the crop.

Thats when the council dived heavily into providing extension support to growers.

As a result, average yields have climbed. Bushels per acre went from mid-20s to the mid-30s a decade ago, to the low 40s today. The industry is targeting 52 bushels per acre by 2025.

Canola Council of Canada president Jim Everson said in a late 2020 address it believes there is at least another three bushels per acre to be found by focusing on better fertilizer management. More efficient fertility management has the spinoff effect of reducing the industrys environmental footprint.

Manitoba government officials are adamant the changes announced this week are not a withdrawal of services, as has been the case in provinces further west. Rather, these changes represent a modernization in how services are delivered. It also says they are accompanied by investment in technology to make that happen.

Suffice to say the research and extension landscape for agriculture has changed dramatically. Governments cant afford to offer redundant services. They need to identify where the gaps exist and how best to fill them.

Laura Rance is vice-president of content for Glacier FarmMedia. She can be reached at lrance@farmmedia.com


By Damali Mukhaye

The former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has revealed that he has rejoined President Museveni and he is soon returning to the mainstream party, the National Resistance Movement (for an active role in the party affairs.

Mbabazi made this revelation when he was meeting about 138 NRM councilors from all the five divisions of Kampala including; Kampala central, Nakawa, Kawempe, Rubaga and Makidgye) on Tuesday in Kampala.

Mbabazi who was representing Museveni told councilors that he has never left the NRM party despite the disagreements he had with Museveni that made him stand as an independent candidate in the 2016 general election.

He said that he is one of the founding members of NRM party and there is no way he would abandon a man he has been with for over 50 years further adding those saying that he left the party do not know what they are talking about.

Mbabazi says he has his own issues which he will openly talk about when the right time comes.

President Museveni sacked Mbabazi as Prime minister on September 18th, 2014 after a long silent power struggle between them.
Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Fresh from striking a hammer blow in the boardrooms of the worlds biggest oil companies, the climate movement has a clear message: the energy transition is happening and theres no turning back.Just five years ago, environmental activists were limited to waving placards outside of annual meetings and to the odd shareholder proposal, inevitably rebuffed by the boards and management teams. On Wednesday by contrast, stock investors ousted two Exxon Mobil Corp. directors seen as insufficiently attuned to the threat of climate change, while Chevron Corp. shareholders voted for a proposal to compel the company to reduce pollution by its customers. Royal Dutch Shell Plc was ordered to slash emissions harder and faster than planned by a Dutch court.It was a humiliating loss for Exxon, the Western worlds biggest oil company, made worse by the fact that the the effort was championed by an activist with just a 0.02% stake. Chief executive officer and Chairman Darren Woods battled against the tiny fund for weeks, calling its nominees unqualified, and offering concessions just hours before the annual meeting. The board even held up the vote in a last-ditch attempt to secure more support.It was to no avail. The climate movement is now so mainstream that the worlds largest institutional investors were willing to back Engine No. 1, a group of little-known activists who only established their fund six months ago, over one of the biggest titans in corporate America. BlackRock Inc., the second-largest holder of Exxon with a 6.6% stake, voted for three of the four new directors nominated by Engine No. 1, according to a vote bulletin published Wednesday. The asset manager said it was concerned about Exxons strategic direction and could benefit from the addition of the new directors.Its a big deal for Exxon, but its a watershed moment for the oil and gas industry, said Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund. Its no longer tenable for companies like Exxon Mobil to defy calls to align their business strategies with decarbonizing the economy.A missed revolutionTuesdays events mark a rude awakening for Big Oils powerful executives, who long marched to the beat of their own drum, with little need to take advice from shareholders on how to run their businesses. For much of the decade before the 2014 oil crash, energy companies were among the biggest cash cows in the stock market and the cornerstone of most major pension funds.At the heart of their power was one iron-clad macroeconomic rule of the last half-century: the developed worlds thirst for energy was growing, and Big Oil had it. But in the past decade, the U.S. shale revolution and the climate movement disrupted that trend from the supply and demand sides, respectively.For too long, Exxon -- and to a large extent, its rivals -- missed them both.It wasnt just that the supermajors were late to shale, but that they failed to appreciate what the massive new supply meant for the global crude market. From 2008 to 2014, the world was moving from a perceived shortage of oil to an abundance of it. But as old fields in Texas were being revived by fracking, Big Oil continued to pursue capital-intensive projects in the Arctic and Canadas oil sands.This not only damaged financial returns over the long term, but it also put Exxon and its peers firmly in the crosshairs of a movement that was increasingly targeting corporate America.The link between climate change and financial investments are undeniable, said Aeisha Mastagni, a fund manager at California State Teachers Retirement System, the second-largest U.S.-state pension fund and an early backer of Engine No. 1.While the environmental activist movement has been successful in targeting Big Oil and its allies, it has not yet solved the far bigger problem of tackling the worlds consumption of crude. Exxon, Chevron, Shell, BP Plc and Total SE together produce less than 15% of global crude supply. Even if they retreat, others may step in to fill the gap unless consumers are willing to make some hard choices about their lifestyle.Lightning rodEven compared with its peers, Exxon has long been a lightning rod for criticism. Former CEO Lee Raymond vociferously opposed the 1998 Kyoto Protocol, one of the first globally coordinated agreements to reduce carbon emissions, citing the uncertainty around climate science. While the companys stance evolved over time -- it backed the 2015 Paris Agreement -- under Woods it still clung to the belief that demand for oil and gas would persist, and that Exxon would be the one to supply it.The difference between the American oil titans and their rivals in Europe grew wider over the last few years when Shell, BP and Total committed to net zero emissions targets by mid-century. In 2020, Woods famously dismissed these targets, some of which rely on asset sales, as a beauty competition that would do little to halt climate change. Later that year, internal Exxon documents leaked to Bloomberg News revealed that Woodss $200 billion, seven-year expansion plan was projected to increase annual emissions 17% by 2025, equivalent to the entire output of Greece.The coronavirus pandemic forced Woods to reverse course on much of his expansion plan, cutting capital spending by about a third all the way out to 2025. But by then the damage was done. Exxons debt ballooned 40% to around $70 billion in 2020, and it posted its first annual loss in at least four decades, incurring the biggest writedown in its modern history. The company was also removed from the Dow Jones Industrial Average.Investor discontentExxons financial performance may have been the impetus for Engine No. 1s campaign, but it was the companys environmental record that loomed large over the actual vote. Environmental, social and governance investing has gained increasing importance within the countrys biggest asset managers, due in part to demand from climate-conscious clients.Vanguard Group, BlackRock and State Street Corp., Exxons top three investors, are all members of the Net Zero Managers Initiative, which supports the goal of eliminating net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The CEOs of BlackRock and State Street have are keen to paint themselves as catalysts for energy transition as they themselves become targets of environmental activism.None of this was lost on Engine No. 1., which seized on investor discontent over returns and used it to amplify its criticism of Exxons unwillingness to adapt. A refusal to accept that fossil fuel demand may decline in decades to come has led to a failure to take even initial steps towards evolution, and to obfuscating rather than addressing long-term business risk, the activist said in a recent presentation.To ease investor discontent, Exxon must separate the roles of CEO and Chairman and increase transparency over its future plans, according to Iancu Daramus of Legal & General Investment Management, a top 20 shareholder. The company also needs to set ambitious emissions targets befitting an iconic company of this scale and stature, he said.Exxon did take a series of measures, such as publishing new emissions reduction targets, talking up new low-carbon technology ventures and buying more renewable power to fund its operations. But the company still appeared tone-deaf to investor demands.When we did meet with the company the executive management team does most of the talking, said Mastagni of CalSTRS. They were unwilling to listen to shareholder concerns.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
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.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Ouallam, Niger, Jan 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jan, 2021 ) :Niger's interior minister on Saturday promised not to "abandon" the country's troubled west at a meeting of local leaders, a week after its worst-ever jihadist massacre against civilians.

Last Saturday, around 100 attackers riding motorbikes killed over 100 civilians in hours-long attacks on two villages in the jihadist-plagued region of Tillaberi, 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of the capital Niamey.

Now the central government wants to "strengthen cohesion along the border," Interior Minister Alkache Alhada told political, religious and community leaders at a meeting in the town of Ouallam.

Niamey "will not abandon you and will always be by your side," he added.

On Monday, the government ordered three days of national mourning for the village massacre and tighter security, as well as the organisation of regional forums like the Ouallam meeting.

A particular focus would be "co-existence between communities... between nomads and farmers, settled people and herdsmen, between Djermas, Peuls, Tamashek (Tuareg) and Arabs," the main ethnic groups in the area, Alkache said.

Along with central Mali, the lawless "triborder" area -- where the frontiers of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso converge -- sees the most frequent and deadliest jihadist attacks anywhere in the Sahel region.

French forces working with local troops have stepped up operations in the region since early 2020, following a string of attacks on military camps that killed hundreds of soldiers.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief, on Saturday said that her party's youth wing president Waheed-ur-Rehman Para has been detained after granted bail by an NIA court.

Mufti also requested Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor to intervene.

"Despite NIA Court granting bail to @parawahid after thorough court proceedings, he has now been detained by CIK in Jammu. Under what law and for what crime has he been arrested? This is brazen contempt of court. Request @manojsinha ji to intervene so that justice is served," Mufti said in a tweet.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in November last year had arrested Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party youth wing president Waheed-ur-Rehman Para in connection with suspended J-K Police DSP Davinder Singh terror case.

Lat year Davinder Singh was arrested in a case related to planning to execute terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country. Delhi Police had filed an FIR under charges dealing with criminal conspiracy saying that the Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab youths were being trained for carrying out terror activities.

Para was arrested in this regard after two days of questioning.

(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.)

Well, he tried it.

After President Donald Trump and his @realDonaldTrump account were suspended from Twitter Friday, he attempted to post several tweets from the @POTUS account.

Twitter swiftly deleted the tweets soon after they were posted on the official presidential account Friday night, but not before people could screenshot them.

Trump was permanently suspended from the social network after hundreds of Twitter employees signed a letter to CEO Jack Dorsey asking for a Trump ban.

As I have been saying for a long time, Twitter has gone further and further in banning free speech, and tonight, Twitter employees have coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left in removing my account from their platform, to silence me, Trump said in one since-deleted @POTUS tweet.

In a series of tweets, the outgoing president promised that he would be building out his own platform.

The @POTUS account, which passed from President Barack Obama to Trump when he became president, remains active, but @teamtrump, the Trump campaign account, has also been suspended. Elsewhere, Reddit has banned the Donald Trump subreddit.

The cascading Trump bans and suspensions across multiple tech companies this week follow a long period in which Twitter and Facebook, among other big names in social media, were reluctant to limit Trumps activity. These companies have long faced scrutiny for not taking action over harmful content in his posts.

Twitter put enhanced restrictions on a tweet from President Donald Trump Wednesday after a Trump-supporting mob breached the Capitol. The video was later deleted. Today, Trump's account was permanently suspended.Twitter screenshot

After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence, @TwitterSafety tweeted as Trump was banned Friday.

The incitement of violence referred to the riot Wednesday at the Capitol incited by Trumps call for his supporters to protest the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, causing lawmakers to evacuate the building and interrupting a joint session of Congress intended to certify the Electoral College vote making Joe Biden president. The violent scene resulted in the death of five people, including an officer with the Capitol Police.

Twitter temporarily suspended Trump Wednesday for his continued unfounded claims that the election was fraudulent. At first, Twitter limited Trumps video message to supporters in which he told them to leave the Capitol while maintaining his debunked claim about the election. The tweet was blocked from retweets, replies and likes due to a risk of violence. Later, the video was removed altogether.

Donald Trump tried tweeting from @POTUS and Twitter immediately shut down the account pic.twitter.com/zHibfdybth  Culture Crave  (@CultureCrave) January 9, 2021

Facebook and YouTube also removed the video. Later, Facebook banned Trump for 24 hours. Not long after, Facebook and Instagram banned Trump indefinitely, at least through Joe Bidens Jan. 20 inauguration.

Before Trump was permanently banned from Twitter, he posted a video in which he endorsed a smooth transition to a new administration, admitting Joe Biden had in fact won the election without saying his name. However, he later said he would not be attending Bidens inauguration.

Twitter initially took action Friday after Trump tweeted the following messages from his @realDonaldTrump account:

The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!

After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.https://t.co/CBpE1I6j8Y  Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 8, 2021

To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.

Twitter cited the tweets in a rundown of why the social network opted for a permanent ban.

These two Tweets must be read in the context of broader events in the country and the ways in which the Presidents statements can be mobilized by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behavior from this account in recent weeks, the company said. After assessing the language in these Tweets against our Glorification of Violence policy, we have determined that these Tweets are in violation of the Glorification of Violence Policy and the user @realDonaldTrump should be immediately permanently suspended from the service.

Twitters breakdown of the context said the giant voice long into the future language and Trumps assertion that he would not intend the inauguration is being interpreted as further indication that President Trump does not plan to facilitate an orderly transition and instead that he plans to continue to support, empower, and shield those who believe he won the election.

Trump supporters climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. The violence resulted in the death of five people and the evacuation of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.Jose Luis Magana | AP

Twitter also noted that plans for future armed protests have already begun proliferating on and off Twitter, including a proposed secondary attack on the U.S. Capitol and state capitol buildings on January 17, 2021. And the company detected another troubling result of Trumps statement about not attending the inauguration:

The second tweet may also serve as encouragement to those potentially considering violent acts that the inauguration would be a safe target, as he will not be attending.

On Twitter, people joked that Trump would have to make a MySpace page or use first lady and avowed cyberbully fighter Melania Trumps Twitter account. The latter idea seemed less like a joke than a potential reality after the @teamtrump account tried to share Trumps Friday night @POTUS thread before it was suspended, too.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter.

I dont know about you, but a virus series is the last thing I want to sit through right now.

Then again, a lot of people flocked to Contagion, Outbreak and The Hot Zone during the pandemic, so whaddo I know? Even #Alive has apparently done well for Netflix.

The Stand is a 9 part adaptation of Stephen Kings 1978 novel (another screened in just 4 parts in 1994) ironically completed filming just before COVID-19 gripped much of the western world. King has written a new coda for his story.

The limited series comes with an impressive cast, including Whoopi Goldberg, Alexander Skarsgard, James Marsden, Greg Kinnear in its ensemble and cameos or supporting roles from J.K. Simmons, Heather Graham, Bryan Cranston and more. Just who is the hero of the series seems to shift, including from teen writer Harold Lauder (Owen Teague) to Stu Redman (James Marsden) and, in episode 2, musician Larry Underwood (Jovan Adepo) and there is a gravitation towards Mother Abagail (Whoopi Goldberg) whose all-knowing wisdom is a magnet for lost souls.

The influenza-like virus, known as Captain Trips, wipes out most of the coughing population in next to no time -complete with fat suit necks as a fatal symptom. But there are random members of the community who are inexplicably immune. One is geeky teen Harold (Teague), who just happens to find his former babysitter Fran (Odessa Young) also a survivor and convinces her to join forces in their search for others. Bonus, he also has a crush on her.

Another is hunky smalltown resident Stu Redman (Marsden) who survives the infection of a local army soldier, who just happened to be fleeing an emergency from his job at a bio-weapons facility. Cue conspiracy theories. Stu is kept under lock and key by scientists trying to discover his immunity, but you get the feeling he wont take this crap for too long.

A month ago we were all worried bout Ebola, we learn. Yeah, really?

Musician Larry Underwood (Adepo), who is the target of an aggrieved co-writer on a virus bender, teams up with the attractive Rita Blakemoor (Heather Graham), escaping infected Walking Dead extras (not really) while an inept thief Lloyd Henreid (Nat Wolff), who botched a gas station robbery, finds himself in a Phoenix prison where a lot of coughing is also going on

Alexander Skarsgard will also enter frame, representing a tug of war, but to say more may be a spoiler.

Throughout these first threads there are King-esque flashbacks / dreams involving cornfields, children, wolves, zones and depictions of faith.

But what does it all mean? Therein lies some frustration in this execution. While a series of this genre is hardly likely to reveal its full hand so early, its crucial that we care for its characters. But director directors Josh Boone (who co-wrote with Benjamin Cavell) and Tucker Gates shift the focus so often I struggled to connect. Non-linear timelines add to the difficulties. But I did admire the commitment from the likes of J.K. Simmons to sell some pretty ordinary dialogue.

The Stand also makes little use of humour here, despite some early digs at the expense of one Tom Cruise.

If the sight of bodies being dumped into an open grave by an earthmover doesnt bother you right now, then go ahead and take a stand. But Im reminded of an experience when watching The Commons during Australias bushfire crisis: the emergency outside my window is far greater than anything concocted by the small screen.

The Stand begins Friday January 15 on Amazon Prime.

Related
A woman was killed and a truck driver injured when their vehicles collided on Littleton Road, Route 2A, in Ayer Friday morning.

The Middlesex District Attorneys Office said in a press release that Ayer police responded to 911 calls reporting a two-vehicle crash near Snake Hill Road at about 6 a.m. Friday morning.

First responding officers found the female driver of a car dead at the scene and the driver of a box truck injured. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Authorities said the incident remains under investigation by Ayer police, State Police detectives attached to the Middlesex District Attorneys Office and members of the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.

The names of the people involved have not been released.
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 University of North Alabama said it's working with the state health department to find out when the campus community could get the vaccine.

UNA said it's going with the categories set down by the state, so phase 1A was health care workers, first responders and others. Now, the state is moving into phase 1B, which means people 75 and older can now get vaccinated. But, plans to vaccinate the rest of the people on campus are not finalized.

"Until we get vaccines...and are able to do bigger, broader clinics, then no, we will not have that. We will just allow the health department to go through its process and to notify its list of individuals as they come up the list of requirements," said Michelle Eubanks, a spokesperson for UNA.

Eubanks said they're working with the health department to find out what the vaccination process will be like on campus since the campus doesn't have a medical school.

Students did go back to class this week at UNA. Only students who live on campus and athletes were given coronavirus tests before returning back, not the entire student body.

"It made sense then to test individuals who are physically on campus and in and around each other in living and working situations; it didn't make as much sense for those who would be coming and going with the other measures in place," said Eubanks.

Starting Jan. 13, the entire UNA student body will be randomly selected for testing.
Adam Smith, interim superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish school system, fainted as he was speaking live at a town hall Friday afternoon, part of finalist interviews for the top job in the state's second-largest traditional school district.

"I think I need to take a break, my ear is ringing," Smith said and then fell abruptly to the ground. Staff rushed to him and he was soon helped into a chair and appeared to be recovering quickly. A nurse came to his side to help him, while he drank water and people fanned him.

A few minutes later, Smith was able to stand up and walk out of the building unassisted. EMS arrived, examined him in the parking lot, then took him to the hospital to be checked out. Smith was accompanied by his wife and one of his sons.

The school system tweeted a photo of Smith seated, looking at the camera and giving a thumbs up. "Don't worry about me, I'm okay," the tweet quoted Smith as saying.

School Board President Mike Gaudet quickly announced that the meeting was canceled and Smith's interview will be rescheduled for next week or whenever he's capable of resuming.

Smith collapsed less than 30 minutes into what was to be a four-hour affair. He was speaking in the town hall portion of the event, fielding questions from the public, most of them submitted online by viewers watching remote on a live stream. The town hall was to be followed by a interview by the nine-member board, which wasn't scheduled to end until 8:15 p.m.

Smith suffered from an apparently mild case of COVID-19 over the winter break, but was thought to be recovered.

"He said his hearing went away, the room started to spin and everything went away for a bit," said Taylor Gast, a spokesperson for the school district

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

Gast said that Smith, who is 47, works out daily and is an avid biker, so it's unusual for him to have health issues: "He is a very physically fit, healthy man."

Gast wondered if the heat had something to do with it, noting that several people had noted how hot the meeting room was at the Professional Development Center, 3000 N. Sherwood Forest Drive, where the interviews occcurred.

+4 East Baton Rouge seeks a public school leader again; Who's in for interviews this week? The search for a new East Baton Rouge Parish schools superintendent reaches a crucial stage this week as the School Board interviews three fin

The School Board held interviews with the two other finalists on Wednesday and Thursday: Marla Sheppard of Kansas City and Sito Narcisse of Washington, D.C. The board is scheduled to pick a permanent superintendent at its meeting on Thursday, Jan. 14.

This is the second search in a year for someone to fill to find a top leader for the school system, home to more than 40,000 students. The new search was prompted by the unexpected resignation of Leslie Brown in October due to an unspecified medical condition that she said made her unable to continue in the job. Brown replaced Warren Drake, who retired in July after five years at the helm. Smith was promoted to interim superintendent in October after Brown's departure.

Smith is the local favorite for the job. A 24-year veteran of the school system, Smith has risen through the ranks and is well-liked. He spent six years in the classroom before moving to administration. He served as principal of Park Forest Middle School from 2005 to 2008 before moving to Central Office where he's worked ever since.

Smith has been called up repeatedly to stabilize schools in turmoil, including serving temporarily as principal of Glen Oaks and Scotlandville high schools. He has spent most of his career in middle schools, but former Superintendent Drake put him over elementary schools a couple of years ago.
The fifth school built by BASF and its customers as part of the long-term commitment to education in Vietnam

With a total area of 357 square metres, the project offers one new classroom, one toilet block, and one playground for Kim Dong Primary School at Hoa Long B site, located in Kinh Cung Township in Phung Hiep district. More than 90 students will enjoy new school facilities and an improved learning environment. Facilitated by Saigon Children's Charity, this project marks the fifth school jointly built by BASF Vietnam and its partners.

The co-sponsors, including MKVN, Tam Tran, and Nippon Paint Vietnam, donated cash and materials to renovate the school. For the fifth consecutive year, Nippon Paint Vietnam, a well-known paint and coatings manufacturer, provides low-odour products that meet Green Label Certification, made with BASF ingredients to reduce impact on human health environment. The financial sponsors include MKVN Chemicals, a distributor of care chemicals, nutrition, and health, as well as other functional products, and Tam Tran company, a company specialising in supplying and selling basic chemicals for paints, inks, and plastic, among others.

Despite 2020 being a challenging year, BASF is still proud to manage and support this project with our valuable partners in order to help schoolchildren from remote communities get better access to quality education. With this fifth school, we want to help nurture Vietnams next generation and demonstrate our commitment to supporting Vietnams sustainable development, said Erick Contreras, managing director, BASF Vietnam.

The project offers one classroom, one playground, and one toilet block to over 90 schoolkids

Before the renovation, the schoolchildren attended their classes in rundown facilities built in 1996 with basic structures and materials, negatively affecting the teachers and students health and safety. During the renovation period, one class of students had to switch to a temporary classroom in a local residents house. The new facilities will give them a safer and more comfortable place to learn and develop various skills through play.

Located over 270km from Ho Chi Minh City, Phung Hiep is one of the poorest districts in a province where 11 per cent of households are classified as poor. A study conducted by the Ministry of Education and Training showed that less than 50 per centn of primary schools in Hau Giang were built with proper concrete structures. Without stable foundations and a safe environment for learning, students safety is at risk. In 2017, BASF and its partners renovated two schools in the district, benefiting 140 students at Long Thanh 3 Primary School and Tan Long Kindergarten.

BASF Vietnam has been active in multiple community projects,including the partnership with Saigon Childrens Charity to renovate schools. Moreover, BASF has also provided scholarships to disadvantaged university students for their four years of studies and held its interactive education programme BASF Kids Lab for 5,000 primary school students since 2011. Additionally, BASF constructed four public playgrounds accessible to more than 12,000 children to promote a sense of exploration, inspire creativity, and develop different skills among children.
Four people were killed in the violence, and the police arrested many. (Source: Reuters)

Late in 1809, the East India Companys Resident in Mysuru wrote home to his sister Florence, recounting bizarre stories emerging from the kingdom of Virarajendra Wodeyar of Kodagu. About the middle of November last, the Rajah having found out a formidable conspiracy that was against his life, ordered 2,000 men to be killed, he recorded. The Rajah had become very suspicious. In one case, he ordered a bamboo tube being driven into the private parts of his concubine and molten lead poured in; while the eunuch who was found fondling her was ordered to be buggered to death.

The Honourable Arthur Cole, after whom Coles Park in Bengaluru is named, reacted to the magic-realist nightmare around him with admirable sang-froid: Everything in this country that you could feel interested in went on humdrumically.

Insanity and politics are often entwined, the eminent psychiatrists Sanjeev Jain and Alok Sarin have noted in a superb essay on Coles papers. Now, as we contemplate the surreal last stand of Americas own Mad King, Donald Trump, there are important lessons to be learned from Coles world.

From his bungalow in Bengaluru, Cole looked out a landscape filled with insane leaders. His papers include a carefully-preserved copy of The Madras Courier on the crisis around King George III, whose powers were handed to his oldest son in 1810 after developing what some believe to be bipolar disorder. George IIIs contemporary, Queen Maria I of Portugalpopularly known as Maria a Louca or Mary the Madalso had to be removed from power after developing religious delusions. The court of Christian VII of Denmark, another contemporary, struggled with his severe emotional instability.

Great political power and great madness have coexisted in the minds of leaders through history. George III might have dragged his Kingdom into a ruinous war with America and supported slavery, but he also extinguished the threat from Napoleon Bonaparte, brought about an agricultural revolution, and drove an extraordinary growth in scientific knowledge. King Virarajendra, for his part, led a shrewd and successful insurgent campaign against the vastly superior forces of Tipu Sultan.

In all these cases, though, madness eventually undermined the principle purpose of the State: The strategic accumulation of wealth and power.

There is a growing body of literature which argues that President Trumps behaviourwitness his more than 20,000 egregiously false claims leading up to the unfounded allegations of a stolen electionare the results of a pathology. His niece, Mary Trump, a clinical psychologist, has cast him as suffering from a serious narcissist disorder, shaped by a dysfunctional childhood. Large numbers of clinicians agree.

Even though there might be method to Trumps madnesshis appeals to White nationalist rage might, for example, allow him to make another election run in 2024the Presidents conduct cannot be reasonably described as rational. The Presidents poor decision-making on the pandemic, for example, has led to several hundred thousand deaths; his conduct on leaving office threatens the fundamentals of American Constitutional democracy, from which his own power derives.

Trumps madness has, thus, served to undermine American legitimacy and influencethis at a time when, confronting the rise of a new superpower, it needs those assets more than at any time since the end of the Cold War. For Americas citizensand for Trump himselfthis holds out real dangers.

Efforts to seriously examine the influence of mental health on political decision-making have, for the most part, had little success. The psychiatrist Nassir Ghaemis book on the issuewhich provocatively asserts that the best crisis leaders are either mentally ill or mentally abnormalhas been, correctly, assailed for drawing extravagant conclusions from at-best thin source material.

The evidence that is available is not always reliable. The characterisation of Tiberius as a paranoiac sexual pervert rest largely on the lurid telling of his story by the historian Seutonius, authored decades after the Roman emperors death. The work of modern historians like Mary Beard has, similarly, have led to stories of the crimes of Caligula told by his opponents to being treated with scepticism.

Even our culturally embedded pop-knowledge of the cruelties of the Spanish Inquisition, we have learned from the scholarship of historians like Henry Kamen and Edward Peters, is in fact a testament to the power of medieval Protestant propaganda.

Yet, its hard not to speculate on the impact the mental state of world leaders has had on the course of history. The paralysis that gripped policy-making in the last years of the Soviet Union, it seems reasonable to suppose, must have had at least something to do with fact that it was led by three men likely seized by the mental rigidities which so often accompany old ageLeonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov and Konstantin Chernenko. East Germanys collapse, too, was presided over by the doddering Erich Honecker. Its possible, similarly, that old age had something to do with the transformation of President Deng Xiaoping from the ruler who transformed China into the one who authorised the massacre at Tiananmen Square.

From 1380 to 1422, when France was torn apart by the civil wars of the Armagnacs and Burgundians, the country was led by Charles VInow believed to have suffered from some form of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, which contemporary physicians likely made worse by drilling holes in his head. England suffered its own civil warpitting the House of Lancaster, represented by a red rose, and the House of York, represented by a white roseunder Henry XI, who appears to have suffered from what modern psychiatrists would call catatonic schizophrenia.

George Washington, the United States founding President faced charges of senility. Enemiesincluding former friends Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroecondemned him for adopting the manners of a king when he accepted command of the countrys armed forces in 1798, only a year after stepping down as president.

Fritz Redlicha psychiatrist who fled Austria when it became part of Nazi Germany, but lost six relatives in the concentration campshas, in a magisterial if highly speculative work, pointed to Adolf Hitlers violent mood swings, paranoia, and lack of a moral compass, as symptoms of a possible pathology. Hitlers well-documented amphetamine abusewhich, as the historian Norman Ohler has established, was rampant across the armed forces of Nazi Germanymay have contributed to his instability.

Indeed, at least some contemporary observers saw the rise of Hitler as part of a wider landscape of messianic madness in 1920s Germany. Hundreds of saviours were running around Berlin, Haffner wrote, people with long hair, wearing hairshirts, claiming that they had been sent by God to save the world. The most successful of them was a certain Haeusser, who advertised on advertising pillars and staged mass gatherings and had many followers.

Whereas Hitler wanted to bring about the thousand-year Reich by the mass murder of all Jews, in Thuringia a certain Lamberty wanted to bring it about by having everyone do folk dancing, singing, and leaping about.

The problem with attempts at the psychological analysis leadership, the psychiatrist James Merikangas has correctly noted, is that they lack empirical rigour: A psychiatric evaluation requires not only a detailed history but also a medical-physical examination, a mental status inventory, laboratory tests, and sometimes brain imaging.

Few historians of Hitlers crazed regimethe scholar Michael Burleigh has listed five excellent biographieshave sought psychological explanations for the irrationality of Nazi Germany, instead choosing to understand his rise and decision-making in the context of the historical processes which shaped them. The historians are right: speculation can tell us only so much.

Looking over history, though, its impossible not to wonder why so many rulers have made the self-destructive, profoundly misguided decisions they did. From the time of Athens' misguided siege of Syracuse in 414BCE, which would lead to its own annihilation, there is no shortage of cases illustrating how passion, ego and self-delusion led to decisions which defied reason.

Few human decisions, a wealth of behavioural and neuroscience research teaches us, are arrived at through careful, rational thinking; more often than not, our cognitive biases and instincts lead us to choices that we subject to post-facto rationalisation. The line between rationality and madness is, at the best of times, a thin one.

Like all herd mammals, human beings are hard-wired to follow the steps of their leaders, even missteps leading to the precipice. The lessons both polities and leaders ought to draw from this are not trivial: The success of regimes rests not only on their will or decisiveness, but dialogue, reflection and critical thinking. For polities to succeed, citizens must trust their leadersyet, in doing so, always beware they may be collaborating in their own undoing.
More than seven in 10 Republicans said they are opposed to the pro-Trump mob's storming of the United States Capitol on Wednesday though they also believe that the president should remain in office until his term ends in 11 days.

The Reuters/Ipsos survey asked 1,005 respondents their thoughts about Wednesdays violent sacking of the Capitol building by a mob that was ginned up by Trump.

Of the 363 Republicans surveyed, 58 per cent said they strongly opposed the riot while another 13 per cent were somewhat opposed.

Another 13 per cent somewhat supported the riot while 9 per cent strongly backed it, according to the survey.

More than seven in 10 Republicans said they are opposed to the pro-Trump mob's storming of the United States Capitol on Wednesday

Meanwhile, a majority of Americans - 57 per cent - want President Donald Trump to be immediately removed from office. Most of them were Democrats, however, with Republicans apparently much more supportive of Trump serving out the final days of his term, which ends on January 20

Among Democrats, the reaction was more lopsided, with 87 per cent saying they were strongly opposed while another 5 per cent saying they were somewhat opposed.

Just 2 per cent was strongly supportive while another 3 per cent was somewhat supportive.

Independent voters appeared to side with the Democrats as 71 per cent said they were strongly opposed while 9 per cent said they were somewhat opposed.

Meanwhile, a majority of Americans - 57 per cent - want President Donald Trump to be immediately removed from office.

Most of them were Democrats, however, with Republicans apparently much more supportive of Trump serving out the final days of his term, which ends on January 20.

The national public opinion survey was conducted on Thursday and Friday.

Nearly 70 per cent of Americans surveyed also said they disapprove of Trump's actions in the run-up to Wednesday's assault.

At a rally earlier in the day, Trump had exhorted thousands of his followers to march to the Capitol.

The chaos on Capitol Hill, in which a police officer and four others died, has been widely condemned by both Democrats and Republicans.

Trump exhorted thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol as Congress met to certify Biden's November 3 election victory. The resulting assault, viewed with shock around the world, left a police officer and four others dead in its wake, as rioters breached the Capitol and forced lawmakers into hiding for their own safety

Democrats in the House of Representatives plan to introduce misconduct charges on Monday that could lead to a second impeachment of Trump, two sources familiar with the matter said.

'If the President does not leave office imminently and willingly, the Congress will proceed with our action,' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.

The public's reaction is divided by political party, as it has been on almost every major issue in the Trump era.

While almost everyone condemned the violent confrontation, calls for Trump's ouster came mostly from Democrats.

Altogether, the majority of Americans who said they want Trump to leave office before his term ends includes about nine out of every ten Democrats polled but just two in ten Republicans.

Some 30 per cent said the president should be removed using provisions in the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution, which allows the vice president and Cabinet to remove the president if he is unable to discharge his official duties.

Another 14 per cent said Congress should impeach and remove Trump from office, and 13 per cent said Trump should simply resign.

Trump, who lost the November 3 election by about seven million votes, called on his supporters on Wednesday to march on Congress, telling them at a rally that 'you will never take back our country with weakness.'

A small minority of the American public - 12 per cent - said they supported the actions of those people who took part in the riot.

Seventy-nine percent of adults, including two-thirds of Republicans and Trump voters, described the participants as either 'criminals' or 'fools.'

Nine percent saw them as 'concerned citizens' and 5 per cent called them 'patriots.'

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online, in English, throughout the United States.

It gathered responses from 1,005 American adults, including 339 who said they voted for Trump.

Democrats on Monday said they will circulate an article of impeachment in the House of Representatives charging the president with 'incitement to insurrection.' Trump is seen above at the 'Save America March' rally moments before his supporters stormed the US Capitol building

The results have a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 4 percentage points.

With only days left in his presidency, Trump - silenced by Twitter and shunned by a growing number of Republican officials - faces a renewed drive by Democrats to remove him from office after he incited his supporters to storm the US Capitol.

Democratic members of the House of Representatives will introduce formal articles of impeachment on Monday, Representative Ted Lieu said on Twitter.

The California Democrat, who helped draft the charges, said the articles had drawn 180 co-sponsors as of Saturday afternoon.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top congressional Democrat, has threatened to impeach Trump for a historic second time unless he resigned 'immediately,' a move the pugnacious president is unlikely to consider.

Pelosi has also asked members to draft legislation aimed at invoking the US Constitution's 25th Amendment, which allows the removal of a president unable to fulfill the duties of the office.

Trump 'has done something so serious - that there should be prosecution against him,' Pelosi told CBS' 60 Minutes according to an early excerpt of the interview.

The intensifying effort to oust Trump from the White House has drawn scattered support from Republicans, whose party has been splintered by the president's actions.

Democrats have pressed Vice President Mike Pence to consider the 25th Amendment, but a Pence adviser has said he opposes the idea.

The odds that Trump will actually be removed before January 20, when President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in, remain long.

Any impeachment in the House would trigger a trial in the Republican-controlled Senate, which is scheduled to be in recess until January 19 and has already acquitted Trump once before.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent a memo to his fellow Republican senators suggesting a trial would not begin until Trump was out of office, a source familiar with the document said.

Nancy Pelosi, House speaker, is pressing ahead with plans to file articles of impeachment on Monday if Trump does not resign

A conviction in the Senate requires a two-thirds vote.

Democrats will take control of the Senate later this month, after Georgia certifies two runoff elections won by Democratic challengers.

Twitter permanently cut off Trump's personal account and access to his nearly 90 million followers late on Friday, citing the risk of further incitement of violence, three days after Trump exhorted thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol as Congress met to certify Biden's November 3 election victory.

The resulting assault, viewed with shock around the world, left a police officer and four others dead in its wake, as rioters breached the Capitol and forced lawmakers into hiding for their own safety.

Pope Francis said on Saturday that anyone engaged in attacks on democracy must be condemned.

'I was astonished because they are people so disciplined in democracy,' the pontiff told Italy's Canale 5 news channel in his first public comments on the events.

A Florida man who was photographed smiling and waving as he carried Pelosi's lectern from the House chambers amid the chaos was arrested by federal law enforcement late Friday.

Authorities also arrested a man seen in widely shared photographs wearing a horned fur hat and carrying a spear inside the Capitol.

Dozens of others face federal and state charges.
Legal Wrangle Continues Over Possible Release of Orange County Prisoners

The fate of about 1,800 Orange County inmates remains unclear as legal proceedings continue into whether the prisoners should be released amidst an ongoing pandemic.

During a Jan. 8 court hearing, the Orange County Sheriffs Department (OCSD) answered questions regarding its plans to reduce a CCP virus outbreak among its prison populations. The hearing ultimately resulted in the court ordering future hearings to obtain more information.

The case began last year, when Sheriff Don Barnes received a Dec. 11 court order requiring county jails to reduce populations by 50 percent. It was a move Barnes has warned could result in large consequences for the community.

Barnes appealed the court order, but was denied on Dec. 29. He filed another appeal, which led to the Jan. 8 hearing, overseen by Superior Court Judge Peter J. Wilson.

County attorneys Kayla Watson and Kevin Dunn, as well as American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawyer Corene Kendrick, were in attendance. Barnes was not.

During the hearing, Wilson asked county attorneys a list of pre-written questions about the precautions the department has taken to reduce the outbreak. Inquires were related to jail inspections, available prison footage, and more.

OCSD spokesman Sgt. Dennis Brecker told The Epoch Times via email that the jails COVID-19 numbers reduced by hundreds of cases Jan. 8 due to a backlog of tests being processed.

Our [positive case] numbers in the jail just went down by the hundreds, now at 465 [cases], Breckner said. Just the day before, the department was reporting 1,062 cases.

The website is up to date and the explanation for the drastic decrease was simply that the number of tests being administered created a backlog for [Orange County Health Care Agency] and they are now catching up. We anticipate the number continuing on a downward trend because of the mitigation efforts that we have put in place.

During the hearing, Kendrick offered to bring in a person the ACLU has worked with before as a court-appointed expert, to go through the 34 boxes of inmate files the sheriffs department transferred to Wilson to review, regarding who to safely release based on individual inmates records.

Watson noted large disagreement with this.

I just want the record to be clear that we, on behalf of the sheriffs department, strongly object to the appointment of any expert to perform the sheriffs statutory duties, Watson said. We have not been given an opportunity to present current evidence on the ground, despite our repeated requests.

The court adjourned with the next court hearing being held January 19, where there will likely be more experts to testify.

Barnes issued a statement on the Jan. 8 hearing.

The court is holding additional hearings to obtain information from experts regarding the conditions of the jail, he said. We will continue to highlight our efforts to mitigate COVID-19 in our jails and keep dangerous inmates out of the community, he noted.
LONDON, Jan. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 5G has been at the center of the world's mobile technology focus for years, so much so that it is easy to overlook the ongoing importance of 4G LTE, which is still prevalent throughout the world and will be for some time. Because 5G stimulates increased use of 4G/5G mobile networks, operators can't afford to let the capabilities of their LTE networks be outpaced by the world's ever-increasing needs.

Huawei has introduced new advances in its LTE RAN portfolio to enhance the coverage and capacity of mobile networks. It also offers solutions to aid the coordination of 4G and 5G networks and to enable new services for operators.

Huawei's LTE RAN Leadership

GlobalData, a leading market data and analytics company, has rated Huawei's LTE RAN portfolio to be a Leader in the market. In competitive analyses of five major RAN vendors, GlobalData evaluated 4G base station portfolios according to four key areas important to mobile operators: baseband unit (BBU) capacity, radio unit portfolio breadth, ease of deployment and technological evolution. GlobalData found Huawei to be a Leader in all four categories and a Leader overall among its peers.

Huawei reports the highest BBU cell capacity  in terms of both LTE carriers and Narrowband IoT  of any major RAN vendor. It also offers more radio units and more Massive MIMO options than other vendors and supports a wide array of 4G spectrum bands. To make deployment easier, Huawei offers multiple novel solutions, including its Super Blade Site and Bracelet Kit offerings. And to help operators evolve their networks technologically, Huawei has been proactive in commercializing spectrum-sharing capabilities such as its CloudAIR solution, which allows various access technologies (2G/3G/4G/5G) to use the same spectrum, and its SuperBAND solution, which can improve user experience under multi-frequency networks.

This portfolio is well-suited to meet the diverse needs of the world's mobile operators, and Huawei continues to expand its RAN portfolio to help operators prepare for the future and maximize the value of their LTE networks.

Coverage

Adequate network coverage is an essential characteristic for ensuring quality mobile services. It becomes especially important in LTE networks as 5G is deployed in high-frequency bands whose coverage footprint areas are more limited. LTE must cover the areas that 5G does not.

To enhance the coverage of 4G/5G networks, Huawei has introduced the Blade Pro solution. The Blade Pro Ultra-Wideband Remote Radio Unit (RRU) is a pole-mountable RU that supports three low or medium Frequency-Division Duplex (FDD) bands simultaneously: it currently supports 700 MHz, 800 MHz and 900 MHz; and in late 2021, it will support 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz.

By supporting three frequency bands in a single 25-kilogram unit, the Blade Pro eliminates the need for two boxes, reducing the load on poles, easing the burden on installers and making deployment faster, smoother and less expensive. Making installation easier means operators are better able to increase coverage by expanding or densifying their networks.

Capacity

Operators face the eternal challenge of keeping up with ever-increasing user demand for data at faster speeds in the space of finite spectrum. One way to add network capacity without finding additional spectrum is to deploy greater antenna arrays, upgrading radios with two transceivers to those with four or eight, for example, or adding Massive MIMO antennas bearing 32 or 64 arrays.

Huawei's LTE RAN portfolio now includes a radio unit with eight transceivers and receivers for enhanced capacity, useful for urban hotspot areas. The "Smart 8T8R" solution also gives operators flexibility in their migration to 5G. The FDD 8T8R RRU is hardware-ready for 5G NR, and the antenna array is software-defined, meaning its configuration can be adjusted  without changing the hardware  for example, to six sectors for LTE and three sectors for 5G. The solution also dynamically adjusts the power supply allocated to sectors according to how users are distributed. This flexibility can be helpful in allowing operators to serve specific needs on a site-by-site basis and to adapt in real time to changes in user behavior. On TDD side, meanwhile, Huawei leverages its considerable research in TDD-LTE to offer an 8T8R IMB (Intelligent Multi-Beam) solution, which is also based on a software-defined antenna and promises to deliver 1.8-2.2x capacity gains compared with more common products.

For even higher capacity needs, Huawei has introduced the "Smart Massive MIMO" solution, a dual-band 5G-ready 4G radio with 32 transceivers and receivers promising three to five times the download speeds compared with more common products. Like the Smart 8T8R solution, Smart Massive MIMO automatically adjusts the power allocated to individual beams based on user traffic patterns. This lends efficiency in two ways, since Massive MIMO beamforming is itself a more efficient use of mobile spectrum than traditional antenna arrays, and the Smart Massive MIMO solution uses its power supply more efficiently than typical Massive MIMO gear.

4G/5G Coordination

In addition to the ways Huawei's aforementioned gear balances and coordinates 4G and 5G networks, its portfolio also includes other solutions to further optimize the relationship between the two.

Its SuperBAND solution uses artificial intelligence (AI) to aggregate network scheduling  the coordinated allocation of radio resources to mobile signals  among multiple frequency carriers, essentially boosting network capacity beyond the divisions and fragmentation of various spectrum bands. In 4G/5G networks, SuperBAND can perform this aggregation across both 4G and 5G, maximizing spectral efficiency and, ultimately, optimizing the quality of the user experience.

Meanwhile, Huawei also offers Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) as part of its CloudAIR solution. DSS allows 4G and 5G traffic to share the same spectrum bands, increasing spectral usage efficiency; it also allows 4G and 5G traffic to dynamically switch from one band to another, regardless of radio access technology, in response to congestion on specific bands, ensuring the best use of spectrum even as user behavior changes. CloudAIR goes even further, applying a similar spectrum-sharing function to 2G and 3G traffic as well for a more comprehensive capability that is especially relevant to markets where legacy networks remain.

New Service Enablement

Enhancing and optimizing the network are important aims, but from a commercial perspective, one of the most important imperatives operators face is the need to deliver new revenue-generating services. Huawei's LTE RAN portfolio addresses this requirement in multiple ways.

Huawei's Voice-over-LTE solution, VoLTE Plus, helps operators migrate voice traffic from legacy technologies like 2G and 3G to LTE, not only achieving higher quality voice service but also allowing operators to sunset their legacy networks and repurpose their VoLTE investments for the future. In addition, Huawei's latest VoLTE solution, goes further, adding four new capabilities that help protect the quality of voice service in 4G/5G networks:

5G-to-LTE EPS fallback

LTE-to-5G fast return

New Enhanced Voice Services capabilities

Dedicated services that allow for optimization on LTE

Beyond voice, Huawei's LTE portfolio also supports Narrowband IoT, to capture opportunities in the Internet-of-Things space. The vendor's roadmap also targets support for 5G NB-IoT in particular, which will allow operators with existing IoT services to migrate those services to their 4G/5G network and replace disparate or ad-hoc legacy networks with a unified network that yields multiple revenue streams from a common infrastructure investment.

Huawei's portfolio also enables new services via fixed wireless access (FWA) products. Amid the global pandemic, the increase in telecommuting and home-based learning based on video connections has increased the demand for residential broadband networks. Where fiber isn't available, FWA is vital in building these residential networks. Huawei's LTE-based FWA solutions have achieved enviable momentum in the market. The vendor has also added 4G/5G customer premises equipment to its portfolio, giving these networks a future-proof migration path to continued service enablement.

Conclusion

Huawei's LTE RAN portfolio continues to evolve in order to help operators maximize the value of their networks as they prepare for the future. New solutions in the portfolio enhance the coverage and capacity of LTE networks as well as maximize network efficiency by coordinating 4G and 5G operations. Meanwhile, Huawei offers multiple solutions aimed at enabling the delivery of additional services that can help operators grow revenue in a variety of ways, including VoLTE, the Internet of Things and FWA.

SOURCE Huawei, Content provided by GlobalData
A healthcare worker prepares a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Maccabi Health Services in the Israeli coastal city of Herzliya, north of Tel Aviv, on Dec. 21, 2020. (Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images)

California Grocery Chain Begins Administering COVID Vaccines

Ralphs supermarket chain has begun administering free COVID-19 vaccinations to its pharmacists and pharmacy staff, along with other health care providers at its 50 pharmacies in Los Angeles and Riverside counties.

The number of Ralphs pharmacy locations will increase to 60 when the City of Long Beach, as well as San Diego, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties receive the COVID-19 vaccine next week, John Votava, director of corporate affairs for Ralphs, told The Epoch Times in a Jan. 8 email.

The grocery chain, based in Compton, Calif., has a plan in place for distribution in Orange County as soon as doses become available, Votava said.

Ralphs is glad to be a part of the solution for the coronavirus pandemic, he said. We are following and will continue to follow guidance from local health departments on the vaccine distribution plan for all phases.

The Moderna vaccinations are currently available only to those who are eligible as part of the first tiers of Phase 1A of L.A. County Public Healths COVID-19 vaccine distribution phase. Those seeking vaccinations will be required to complete a disclosure form declaring they are eligible for the Phase 1A distribution.

We are confident in the safety of the vaccine based on the thorough clinical trials and assurances from the Food & Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Linh Lee, Ralphs director of pharmacy/health and wellness, stated in a release. Additionally, Ralphs pharmacists will provide monitoring for 15-30 minutes after the vaccination is administered for any potential immediate reaction that could occur.

The Ralphs grocery chain, part of The Kroger Co., said its presence in local communities provide it with the unique ability to administer the vaccine, which will be rolled out to all 77 Ralphs pharmacies throughout Southern California and the Central Coast as soon it becomes available through local health departments.

All frontline grocery chain employees in Los Angeles were recently approved by county officials for a hero pay, amounting to an additional $5 per hour, and were moved to Phase 1B of the vaccine distribution.

The wheels were set in motion for the change just before the end of 2020, Votava told The Epoch Times. We are pleased that, through our advocacy efforts, our frontline grocery associates have been [given higher priority].

Vaccinations will take place at Ralphs pharmacy sections.

Ralphs said it will follow guidance from local health departments on the vaccine distribution plan for the general public.

The company noted that Ralphs has assisted Kroger in conducting more than 250,000 COVID-19 tests nationally since April and that Kroger offers free COVID-19 testing to all Ralphs frontline associates.
Crow deaths in UP district, samples being sent for tests (photo:pixabay.com/) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Jan 9 : With the sudden death of several crows in Delhi's Mayur Vihar Phase III area stirring panic amid a nation-wide bird flu scare, government officials said on Saturday that their samples have been sent to Bhopal to ascertain the cause of death.

"Samples of four crows have been sent to Bhopal's National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases," Director of Delhi's Animal Husbandry Department, Rakesh Singh, told IANS.

"The reports are expected to come by January 12-13 and only then we will be able to ascertain if it is bird blue," he added.

Besides Mayur Vihar, carcasses of crows have also been found in Dwarka as well as Hastsal in west Delhi in the past few days. Further, reports of unusual mortality in ducks have also been received from Sanjay lake in east Delhi.

Samples from Hatsal have been sent to the Northen Regional Disease Laboratory in Jalandhar, while the rest have been sent to Bhopal.

In the wake of bird flu outbreak in several states, the Delhi government has banned import of live birds with immediate effect, besides setting up a 24-hour helpline and closing the Ghazipur poultry market for the next 10 days.

So far, the disease has been confirmed in seven states -- Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

In a communication to the chief secretaries and administrators of the states and UTs, the Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has requested the Animal Husbandry departments to ensure effective communication and coordination with health authorities for close vigilance of the disease status and avoid any chances of jumping of the disease into humans.

Besides increasing surveillance around the water bodies, live bird markets, zoos, poultry farms etc., proper disposal of carcass and strengthening of bio-security in poultry farms have to be ensured, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying said.

States have also been requested to be prepared for any eventuality of avian influenza and have been requested to ensure sufficient stock of PPE kits and accessories required for culling operations.

Chief secretaries and administrators have been requested to issue appropriate advisories to increase awareness regarding safety of poultry products that are safe for consumption after boiling and cooking procedures.

Avian influenza viruses have been circulating worldwide for centuries with four known major outbreaks recorded in the last century. India had notified the first outbreak of avian influenza in 2006.

In India, the disease spreads mainly through migratory birds coming into India during winter months, i.e., from September-October to February-March. The secondary spread by human handling, through fomites, cannot be ruled out.

Implementing management practices that incorporate bio security principles, personal hygiene, and cleaning and disinfection protocols, as well as cooking and processing standards, are effective means of controlling the spread of avian influenza.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The Palestinian Ministry of Transport and Communications recently announced its decision to close and end operations of the Palestinian Airlines and sell its two airliners. The decision sparked an outcry among Palestinians who considered it to be a relinquishment of a symbol of the sovereignty of the State of Palestine.

The ministry said Dec. 29 that its decision was based on the high maintenance costs for the airline's two Fokker 50 aircraft, both of which are over 30 years old. One plane has been parked in Amman and the other in Cairo, as no airline company is leasing them in light of the coronavirus pandemic. This is not to mention the costs involved at Egypts and Jordans airports.

When the flights were operating, they would fly from el-Arish International Airport in Egypt for the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Some 100 flights were flown per year on average, and most carried pilgrims heading for umrah and hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The Palestinians were forced to travel through Egypt and Jordan as Israel had destroyed their only airport in the south of the Gaza Strip in the wake of the outbreak of the 2000 Al-Aqsa intifada. Gazas airport operated for only two years after its inauguration in 1998.

Mouss al-Rahal, a spokesman for the Transport Ministry, told Al-Monitor, Niger was the last country to lease one of the two Palestinian aircraft for six years until June, when it ended the contract due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Niger used to pay $96,000 a month for the aircraft rental, which contributed to maintenance expenses. As the contract was not renewed, the planes were put up for sale [in September]. But we still havent gotten any offer given the airliners are over 30 years old, he added.

Rahal said the majority of the airlines pilots are retired due to their age, or lack modern flight training as there are no airports in Palestine. This prompted us to take the decision to close the company and suspend its license, he said.

Palestinian Airlines was founded in 1995 and started operating in the Gaza Strip in June 1997. The airline's base relocated to Egypt in 2000 after Israel destroyed Gaza International Airport. The company owned three airliners, including one Boeing 727, a donation from Saudi Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal, and two Fokker 50 planes donated by the Dutch government to the Palestinian people in 2000.

An official at the company, who asked not to be named, told Al-Monitor that the decision to close Palestinian Airlines means giving up on the air operator's certificate, which allowed the company and the State of Palestine to be a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization and a member of the International Air Transport Association. This also means freezing Palestines membership in these organizations.

The source said one plane would require $250,000 a year for maintenance, not to mention the insurance premiums of $236,000, the annual Fokker subscription of 34,000 euros ($41,500) and a daily $100 fee at the Cairo and Amman airports for stationing there.

Before Palestinian Airlines moved to Egypt in 2000, it had some 1,000 employees, including pilots, engineers, technicians and administrative staff. This number then dwindled gradually, with the majority of employees laid off due to the financial crisis plaguing the Palestinian Authority and the airlines.

Samir Abu Mdallala, the dean of the Faculty of Economics at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, told Al-Monitor that he thought the airline should not have been closed. This decision is tantamount to relinquishing a symbol of Palestinian sovereignty, he said.

Abu Mdallala also said, The PAs external and internal debts amount to $4.5 billion. Shutting down the airlines will not help mitigate its financial crisis and burdens.

He called on the PA to reverse its decision and to work on developing the airline company in a bid to generate profits for Palestinians, stressing that Palestinian Airlines' closure is a gift to Israel and a further excuse for it to refuse to allow the establishment of an airport in the Palestinian territories.

Fadi Abdel Hadi, a Palestinian heritage and folklore researcher, described in a Facebook post the decision to shut down the Palestinian Airlines as painful, posting several photos of the Gaza Airport with Palestinian airliners landing on its runway.

Fahd Abd, an engineer at Palestinian Airlines, said via his Facebook page, This is a new naksa [defeat], sad news and a hasty decision by the Transport Ministry, which is ignoring all the sacrifices and efforts by late President Yasser Arafat and the builders of the Palestinian dream who endeavored so [Palestine] could have its own airlines.

We will stand up against this self-destruction with all available means even if we have to resort to the judiciary, since the reasons [behind this decision] are flimsy, he added.
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.
WhatsApp Is Just Doing Business Like Every Other Internet Company Features oi-Vivek

WhatsApp's privacy policy was recently updated by the parent company Facebook. Those who don't want to accept these policies might have to stop using WhatsApp from February 2021.

It now pretty clear that the parent company Facebook wants to integrate some of the data across the services. Do note that, these new regulations are not applicable to people who live in the Europian region.

Things You Should Not Worry

According to the official documentation, WhatsApp will collect information, which varies from user to user. The company also claims that it will notify the user when information is collected. If you don't want to provide that information, then you won't be able to use WhatsApp.

While creating an account, one should give information like the phone number and desired user name. Users who deny providing these services won't be able to use WhatsApp on either Android or iOS smartphone.

WhatsApp has also confirmed that the company will not store messages on cloud servers. However, the company claims that a message might be stored for 30 days if it is undelivered, that too in an encrypted form. Do note that, the company will store media, again in an encrypted format to offer an efficient forwarding process.

Things You Should Worry

WhatsApp has also confirmed that the platform might collect the phone numbers from the address book on a regular basis. On top of that, the company might also collect status information, from those, who use the status feature.

If you are using WhatsApp Pay, then, the app is likely to collect payment account and transaction information, which will include details like, shipping details and transaction amount.

WhatsApp will also collect information like usage and log, device connection information, location information, and cookies. All this information will be used to research, develop, and to test new products. And WhatsApp has clearly confirmed that it will never introduce third-party ad banners.

They Also Want To Make Money

Facebook bought WhatsApp for $16 Billion back in 2014 and has been offering this service for free of cost. Unlike some of the other services from Facebook, WhatsApp did not have ads or promotion features to earn money, and there was no sustainable business model.

With these new privacy policies, the company might collect some information, which could be used to make money. By doing this, Facebook can continue to offer WhatsApp as a free service. If you are not compliant with these new policies, you can always delete WhatsApp, and the company confirms to delete all your information, including phone number and profile picture from the servers.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications

A Head Constable of Uttar Pradesh Police has been suspended for "indecency" after being accused of assaulting and looting two people, who had given him a lift in their car.

According to the complainant, he and his brother were headed to Bulandshahr from Noida around 3 pm on Friday when Head Constable Ombir Bhati hitchhiked a ride in their car.

BCCL /Representational Image

During the ride, the policeman allegedly threatened them with his firearm and took away some documents and cash from them.

Policeman suspended

However, according to a senior police official, the accused head constable, who is attached with the Dadri police station, has been suspended for "indecency" as the allegations of loot and assault have not been proved.

BCCL

Head Constable Ombir Bhati has been found guilty of indecency and has been suspended from service. A departmental inquiry has been initiated into the matter. Other allegations, including firing and loot, have not been confirmed," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Greater Noida, Rajesh Kumar Singh was quoted as saying by PTI.

Around a dozen policemen have been shunted or suspended for assaulting, manhandling or harassing people across Noida and Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar district since May 2020.
 Flash

The start of 2021 is distinguished by the implementation of the landmark China-European Union (EU) bilateral agreement on protecting 100 European Geographical Indications (GIs) in China and 100 Chinese GIs in the EU against usurpation and imitation.



According to the agreement, the Chinese GI products protected in the EU include Pixian Dou Ban (Pixian bean paste), Anxi Tie Guan Yin (Anxi oolong tea), Panjin Da Mi (Panjin rice) and Wu Liang Ye (Wuliangye liquor), while the EU list protected in China includes Cava (a wine from Spain), Champagne (a wine from France), Feta (a cheese from Greece), Irish whiskey, Munchener Bier (a beer from Germany).

Thanks to the agreement, GIs from both sides are protected in both markets where consumers can buy authentic Chinese or EU local products, most of which are wines, spirits and agricultural food products.

Besides the reciprocal trade benefits as well as introducing consumers to quality products from both sides, the agreement's implementation is expected to propel bilateral trade of high-quality products to new highs.

Better protection

Anxi Tie Guan Yin, a type of world-famous Chinese tea originating in the 19th century in southeast China's Fujian province, is among the 100 Chinese GIs being protected from Jan. 1, 2021.

"After formal implementation of the agreement, Anxi Tie Guan Yin will enjoy the legal protection of its origin in the EU market and have the right to use the EU's official certification mark, which can effectively prevent counterfeiting," Liu Qingzhou, director of the Tea Industry Management Committee Office of Anxi county, Fujian province, told Xinhua.

The agreement also eliminates worries about "the EU's high-quality specialty products to enter the Chinese market, allowing (Chinese) consumers to access high-quality European specialty products more easily to improve their quality of life," Liu stressed.

On the EU side, 100 GIs, French Champagne, have started to enjoy a higher degree of protection.

Standing "with our Chinese counterparts," the "100 + 100" model offers better protections for various GIs, said Vincent Perrin, director general of Comite Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne, a trade association representing the interests of independent Champagne producers and Champagne houses.

"Champagne is the most exported wine appellation in the world. And China increasingly recognizes the value of geographical indications: it has a very rich heritage of food and artisanal know-how, and consumers are increasingly looking for guarantees of authenticity," Perrin told Xinhua.

"The EU-Chinese agreement on geographical indications expands the list of products protected and recognized in our two markets," Perrin added.

"This agreement will guarantee the protection of 100 EU agri-food GIs on the Chinese market. This is a further step which testifies to the will of the European Union and China to work closely together," Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, told Xinhua.

He added that it is important to protect European GI products, renowned for their "quality and diversity," at both EU and global levels "in order to guarantee their authenticity and preserve their reputation for the satisfaction of Chinese consumers."

"The agreement... is extremely important for Europe and China since in return China will be able to use the European logo for its GIs as well. This recognition will allow Chinese producers to benefit from the economic development that a GI allows," Lameyse said.
Juggling many roles By Sashini Rodrigo View(s): View(s):

In addition to being Executive Producer, Screenwriter, Lead Actor to Chief Editor/Post Production Supervisor, LA based Gehan Cooray had to organise screenings and handle awards submissions for his maiden feature film The Billionaire

An adaptation of George Bernard Shaws The Millionairess The Billionaire is Gehans contemporary, gender-swapped adaptation of George Bernard Shaws 1936 play The Millionairess. Gehan plays the lead role of Victor Ognisanti di Parerga, a young gay billionaire of Sri Lankan descent who is bound by the daunting conditions for marriage set by his deceased father. After many mishaps, Victor meets the Doctor, who comes with his own conditions. The mighty billionaire and the humble doctor must work through their differences in their search for love and happiness together. Directed by Michael Philip and produced by Gehan, the film also stars seven-time Emmy Award winner Heather Tom (from The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless), Jordan Belfi (Entourage), David Santos (Power Rangers TV franchise), and Randy Wayne (The Dukes of Hazzard).

With the pandemic upsetting his plans to release his film The Billionaire in September 2020, Gehan Cooray is now hoping to have its premiere in February 2021. Back in Sri Lanka, the LA based baritone and filmmaker sat down with the Sunday Times to give us an insight into the exciting journey that he has been on with The Billionaire, as well as the intricacies of awards submissions.

Even before winning the prestigious award for Best Comedy Feature at the Burbank International Film Festival with The Billionaire his first feature film last year, Gehan knew that he wanted his film to reach the audience that would appreciate it the most: namely the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organisations responsible for the Academy Awards (Oscars) and Golden Globe Awards respectively.

Gehan has had to juggle multiple roles in the making of this film, from Executive Producer, Screenwriter, Lead Actor to Chief Editor/Post Production Supervisor. Making the film was tough enough, but now the Herculean tasks of organising screenings, handling awards submissions and so much more falls back on him. However, Gehan has always been up for the challenge.

Gehan tells us that in a way, hes going about it backwards. The standard process is to release the film first, and then drum up as much publicity as possible before awards submission. But after being a longtime resident of Hollywood and studying the system, he has come to realise that his priority lies in the artistic rather than the commercial side of things. As long as he is able to ensure that the right people see it and appreciate it for what it is, he will be happy.

He reached out to the Oscars around June last year, before his nomination for the Burbank Awards had even come out. He was told that, as part of the submission process, the film had to either be premiered in LA or another big city, but due to COVID restrictions they were considering streaming films eligible. I always wanted to do a big theatre release anyway, Gehan says, as streaming without a theatrical release simply does not have the same effect.

Especially since I had done the post-production at Warner Brothers Studios, the picture looks beautiful on a big screen. So I really wanted to have that experience.

He reached out to Laemmle Theatres, a group of family-run arthouse movie theatres in the Los Angeles area. The initial September release was inevitably pushed back, and the tentative plan now is to premiere it in February this year. As the Oscars and Golden Globes have also extended their deadlines by two months (usually films need to be released in that calendar year to be eligible), Gehans film is still eligible for consideration.

The submission process for the Oscars, though mostly online, still involved a lot of paperwork. Its almost unheard of for the filmmakers themselves to submit. Normally its a studio or distributor that does it for you, Gehan explains, though he adds that by being methodical and logical about the whole process, the rules and paperwork became fairly straightforward.

The application was one thing, but the film still needed to be sent out to the voting populace. Traditionally, films were mailed out on physical copies or screeners. This time, all that was necessary was uploading it onto the specialised Oscars streaming platform.

The catch was that, to ensure quality and control quantity of submissions, the cost of uploading it to the streaming platform came at a hefty USD 12,500. Even though I couldnt fund the movie on my own, Im very proud to say I was able to save enough money to pay it on my own, Gehan tells us, adding that usually its the studio or distribution company that handled the cost.

The fact that I didnt have to ask anyone for money, and it was what I made on my own, that to me was an achievement in itself.

The film was accepted and submitted under the Best Picture category and Gehan tells us that he is still shocked at how helpful and welcoming the Oscars team were, especially as a Sri Lankan-born filmmaker handling the whole process himself.

With the Golden Globes, Gehan had to deal directly with the jurors (the members of the HFPA). Though a virtual screening was held for the members as part of the submission process, Gehan also took the time to make copies on DVDs for the jurors as they still prefer physical media, and sent them out with a brochure about the film, a PDF of the script, as well as emails with the digital version as backup.

This level of thought and care didnt go unnoticed by the HFPA. In December, Gehan had the privilege of being interviewed by one of the Golden Globe Award jurors for an article for the official Golden Globe Awards website. The recognition came as a thrilling surprise, as Gehan confides that he didnt really have the budget to launch a proper campaign himself.

This interest in both the film and his own achievements, while flattering, came with its own set of concerns for a relatively new face in the industry. I was very worried that everyone, like the Golden Globe jurors, will wonder Who is this guy? Weve never heard of him. And now theres two hours worth of him! he laughs. Gehan is surprised that the reviewers so far appreciated his focus on the art of conversation.

Gehan also hopes to submit the screenplay to the Oscars for consideration, once he figures out the submission process. Ive tried to do everything I can from my end. The main thing for me is the fact that I could do all this alone. Its always a little dangerous to get too much publicity when youre not a household name so I was a little strategic in targeting the voting bodies themselves. It feels organic.

The Golden Globe nominations are due to come out in early February, and the Oscar nominations in early March. Whatever the outcome may be, Gehan is happy with the support he has received from them thus far, and grateful to have had the opportunity to screen his film for industry professionals.

With the LA premiere all lined up for February, Gehan is also keen to have a grand theatrical release of his film in Colombo. Though he admits it is certainly a niche film that wouldnt have the draw of a high-budget blockbuster, at the end of the day what was most important is that he did what he believed in, and made the film he wanted to make.

The danger with some films is that they try to please everybody. But nowadays, especially since streaming at home is so popular, people might appreciate more intimate stories, he says.
Deputy president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party Mu Sochua (L) listens as the party's acting chief Sam Rainsy speaks during an interview in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Nov. 12, 2019.

Opposition officials living in self-imposed exile must find their own way back into Cambodia if they hope to defend themselves against charges of incitement and treason, a government spokesperson said Friday, because they organized a coup detat and will not be granted passports or visas.

In November, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court summoned at least 113 individuals connected to the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) to stand trial together, most of whom face charges of conspiracy and incitement to sow chaos in societycrimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Presiding judges later split the defendants, including many who live overseas, into two groups for hearings to be held in January and March.

Last month, CNRP Deputy President Mu Sochua said she would lead party brass and activists back to Cambodia in January to face the charges, which they insist are politically motivated. However, members of the party in exile say Phnom Penh has canceled their Cambodian passports and those with foreign travel documents have been unable to obtain visas to enter the country.

Government spokesperson Phay Siphan told RFAs Khmer Service Friday that Mu Sochua and other CNRP members are not welcome in Cambodia, despite their upcoming trials. He said the government will not grant them passports or visas and they will have to find a way to enter Cambodia on their own.

Not only did they not recognize the government, but they also organized a coup d'etat to overthrow it by calling on the military to turn their weapons against the Prime Minister [Hun Sen], he said.

They have to resolve these issues, he added, without providing details.

Phay Siphans comments appeared to suggest the CNRP exiles are already presumed guilty of the charges against them and that the government does not intend to provide them the right to defend themselves in court.

CNRP President Kem Sokha was arrested in September 2017 for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government, and two months later the Supreme Court banned the CNRP for its supposed role in the scheme.

The move to dissolve the CNRP marked the beginning of a wider crackdown by Hun Sen on the political opposition, NGOs, and the independent media that paved the way for his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to win all 125 seats in the countrys July 2018 general election.

Acting CNRP president Sam Rainsy, who has lived in self-imposed exile since late 2015, vowed to return on Nov. 9, 2019 to lead nonviolent protests against Hun Sen, urging Cambodian migrant workers abroad and members of the military to join him. However, his plan to enter Cambodia from Thailand was thwarted when he was refused permission to board a Thai Airways plane in Paris.

Rights to nationality, fair trial

Mu Sochua, who holds dual U.S.-Cambodian citizenship, has said she will use her U.S. passport to return to Cambodia on Jan. 17 to face charges even without an entry visa, which the Cambodian consulate in Massachusetts has so far refused to give her.

Government spokesperson Phay Siphan said Friday that any CNRP member traveling on a foreign passport will be granted entry at the discretion of Cambodian immigration authorities.

RFA was unable to contact Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kuy Kuong or Interior Ministry spokesperson Khieu Sopheak for comment.

Mu Sochua told RFA Friday that the governments refusal to grant her a visa or valid passport proves it to be cowardly, irresponsible and in serious violation of the law. She noted that Article 33 of the countrys constitution states that no Cambodian citizen can be deprived of their nationality, deported, or arrested and sent to another country.

Not allowing us to return to the country is equivalent to withdrawing our citizenship and deporting us, she said. If this is truly a legitimate government, please demonstrate it.

According to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the right to a fair trial combines many fundamental rights, including: the right to a court, the right to a public trial, the right to equality, the right to an independent and impartial trial, the right to an expedited trial, and the right to presumption of innocence.

Legal experts say these rights are interrelated, so any violation of one can also violate others. Most important, they argue, is that defendants be provided the opportunity to defend themselves in a court of law.

Security forces confront members of the 'Friday Wives' group outside of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in Phnom Penh, Jan. 8, 2021. RFA Friday Wives dispersed

Also, on Friday, authorities dispersed nearly a dozen members of the so-called Friday Wives group of weekly protesters as they attempted to hold a demonstration in front of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court calling for the release of their husbandsCNRP activists detained on incitement charges.

Around 40 members of the 7 Makara district security forces confronted the women as they held up photos of their jailed family members, demanding that charges against them be dropped and all political prisoners be freed.

Seng Chanthorn, the wife of former CNRP councilor for Kampong Thom province Sun Thun, told RFA that authorities kicked, pushed, and insulted the women gathered at the court on Friday.

I insist that the court give us justice and release them, she said, adding that she and other members of the group will only end their protests when their loved ones are freed.

I want the government to solve the countrys political problems and stop arresting activists so that democracy can return.

The 49-year-old suffered internal injuries in September when security personnel violently dispersed a similar protest in front of the court, slamming her onto a paved street and knocking her unconscious.

In the meantime, Seng Chanthorn said, she is having trouble making ends meet and constantly worries about the safety of her husband in prison.

After being dispersed, the women walked to the U.S. Embassy, where they handed petitions to staffers calling for an intervention in the cases of their family members.

Calls for intervention

Sok Bolima, the wife of former CNRP commune chief of Phsar Depot 3 Khem Theana, told RFA she was very disappointed with the security forces for suppressing citizens rights and threatening them. She said she submitted her petition to U.S. Embassy officials because authorities threatened to harm her 21-year-old daughter if she does not stop protesting.

The actions by the authorities remain the same, and I continue to face abuse, she said. Where is the justice? Where is democracy?

Phnom Penh Municipal Police spokesman San Sok Seiha repeated claims used by authorities in crackdowns on earlier Friday Wives protests that they lacked permission to gather, forcing police to maintain public order and protect security. He denied that security forces had used violence or threatened the women.

Ny Sokha of the Cambodian rights group Adhoc said authorities should be helping to protect the freedoms of protesters as enshrined in the countrys laws instead of violating their rights.

He also called on the court and the government to release all activists and to bring an end to the countrys political stalemate.

The government must address this issue and facilitate a political resolution in the interest of developing our country and creating a just society, he said.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Srinagar: Support for the right to free speech cannot depend upon the religion of a person, National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah said on Saturday after many criticised the suspension of US President Donald Trump's social media accounts following the storming of the US Capitol by his supporters.

"Will all those crying themselves hoarse about Trump & his right to free speech please extend the same courtesy to #MunawarFaruqui & his friends. You either support the right to free speech or you don't. It can't depend upon the religion of the person speaking/tweeting," Abdullah said on Twitter, referring to the arrested stand-up comedian from Gujarat.

Faruqui was arrested, along with four others, in Indore in Madhya Pradesh on January 2 after the son of a BJP MLA filed a complaint accusing them of passing indecent remarks about Hindu deities and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a show. Abdullah's remarks came after various social media users, including some BJP leaders, expressed concern on Saturday over the suspension of Trump's Twitter account.

Days after Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol and caused the deaths of four civilians and a police officer, Twitter suspended his account due to the "risk of further incitement of violence". Facebook and Instagram had earlier suspended Trump's accounts.

.

The motion also alleges that Morask, the chairperson of the electoral board, failed to notify the board members of the complaint within the required 24 hours after it was received, and the electoral board failed to convene within the time frame established under the state election code. For these reasons as well, the complaint should be dismissed, the motion says.
Private hospitals will supply up to 30pc of their capacity to the Department of Health in a new deal announced by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly this evening.

Minister Donnelly confirmed that 16 private hospitals have signed up to the 12-month deal with the aim of taking pressure off an already struggling health service as Covid-19 cases surge.

There are currently 1,180 patients in Irish hospitals with Covid-19 this evening with 109 in ICU, while 116 people were hospitalised in the last 24 hours.

On Thursday evening, it was reported that there were only 22 adult ICU beds unoccupied in the health service, with hospitalisations and ICU admissions expected to grow rapidly in the coming weeks as a record 8,248 cases were confirmed today.

Minister Donnelly said there is further leeway to increase capacity even more if the need arises as the third wave of the pandemic reaches its peak of hospitalisations.

Minister Donnelly said: I am keenly aware of the excellent local relationships that already exist between public and private hospitals and know that a number of the private hospitals have already begun to make arrangements to take on public patients over the coming days.

The additional capacity created by this agreement is critical to enabling the public health system cope with large scale surges in the incidences of the disease.

I would like to thank the private hospitals for their support in the national effort to deal with the current surge in the pandemic. I would also like to thank the VHI, which, at the HSEs request has agreed to administer the scheme for public patients, the Minister said.

The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Earlier in the day, hundreds of Twitter staffers signed a petition calling for Trump to be banned following the assault on the US Capitol that resulted in five deaths.

Twitter announced on Saturday (AEDT) that it had permanently suspended Trump's account because he had violated its "glorification of violence policy" and posed the risk of inciting violence in the future.

Washington: A day after accepting that his quixotic bid to remain in the White House had failed, Donald Trump has suffered another blow that may prove almost as traumatic in the long term: being banned from Twitter, his favourite social media platform.

Trump's Twitter account played an integral role in his rise to power. He used the platform to bypass the mainstream media, communicate directly with his followers and control the daily news cycle.

It was predominantly through Twitter that he spread the conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was born outside America, and therefore ineligible to be president  a false claim that made him a folk hero among conservatives.

As president, he has used Twitter at all hours of the day to vent against his enemies, fire cabinet members and announce major policy decisions. When Trump had something to tell the world  like the fact he had contracted the coronavirus  he did it via Twitter.

In recent months, he has pumped out hundreds of tweets falsely claiming he was the victim of election fraud. It was through Twitter that Trump urged his followers to travel to Washington for the rally that turned into a violent assault on the US Capitol.

Even when Twitter started to apply warning labels to his most egregious tweets, Trump continued to tweet  so addicted was he to the platform and so reliant on it to spread his message. When Twitter suspended his account for 12 hours after the Capitol riots, he came running back as soon as he could.
Newly released security video shows an Oregon lawmaker holding the door open for armed, far-right demonstrators to illegally enter the Oregon State Capitol building last December.

The footage from inside the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem, Oregon, shows Republican Rep. Mike Nearman leaving the building at about 8.30am on December 21, 2020.

On that day, lawmakers were holding a special session to address the coronavirus pandemic. The building was closed to the public.

Rep. Mike Nearman is seen leaving the Oregon Capitol building at about 8.30am on December 21, 2020. As he leaves, he pushes open the door and far-right protesters slip past him

The protesters are seen inside the Capitol building, holding open an inner door and gesturing for fellow protesters to enter the building, too

Nearman is seen in the video pushing open an interior set of doors, before quickly crossing a short vestibule to get to the street-side door.

As Nearman pushes the street door open and exits the building, a casually-dressed man - carrying an American flag - brushes past Nearman and hurries into the Capitol building, managing to catch the interior door before it closes. A second casually-dressed man then appears, propping open the street door.

Both men can be seen gesturing for people outside, off camera, to enter the building. Within seconds, people - identified as being far-right protesters - are seen trickling into the building.

It takes about 30 seconds for state police officers to rush into the lobby from a different part of the building and forcibly push the interlopers back out onto the street.

Seconds later, protesters can be seen arguing with the police and trying to push their way back into the building, by which point Salem police and state troopers have also arrived as backup for the state troopers.

Oregon State Police are seen rushing into the vestibule to ward off protesters who are inside

Police are then seen gathering to fend off the protesters who've tried to enter the building

On Thursday, it was announced that Nearman (pictured) is being investigated by Oregon State Police for holding the door open to the state Capitol building

Far-right protesters are seen clashing with police outside the Oregon Capitol Building on December 21 as they tried to enter the building which was closed to the public

Police are seeing being sprayed with mace by far-right protesters on December 21 outside the Oregon State Capitol building

Trump supporters are seen waving flags outside the Oregon Capitol building December 21

A demonstrator is seen screaming at Salem Police while trying to get inside the Capitol building on December 21 during the far-right protest

During the incident, police were pepper-sprayed and four protesters were arrested.

On Thursday, House Speaker Tina Kotek confirmed that Nearman 'did open a door to let demonstrators into the building,' and said that 'was a serious, serious breach of public trust,' KOIN reported.

Some of the protesters were reported to have been armed and Nearman is now being investigated by Oregon State Police.

'We have consulted employee services as well as the Legislative Equity Office about "Is this a hostile workplace violation? Should it go through the conduct committee?" That's a potential,' Kotek said, according to KGW.

'First, we've been waiting to give a little bit of space for Oregon State Police to conduct their criminal investigation.'

A spokesman for Oregon State Police told the news station charges in this case would be decided by prosecutors.

The demonstrators, some of which were carrying rifles and several of whom were not wearing face masks, were attempting to disrupt the special session that was being held as part of their objections to Oregon's coronavirus restrictions, the Oregonian reported.

Demonstrators were said to have physically attacked journalists who were on site during the incident and at least one person was arrested after trying to enter the building by breaking a window in a door.

Among those who were able to get inside the building was Joey Gibson, the leader of the far-right group Patriot Prayer. He has been previously accused riot following a brawl at a bar in Northeast Portland and has been involved in multiple, recent right- and left-wing clashes in Portland.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia reopened their land border Saturday, Qatari sources told AFP, as they restore ties following a landmark deal to end a three and a half year rift.

Saudi shut its side of Qatar's only land border in June 2017 as part of a package of sanctions it said was a response to Doha's backing for radical Islamist groups and closeness to Iran.

Qatar always denied the charges.

"Yes, the border is open," said one Qatari source, while another confirmed that traffic at the Abu Samrah crossing, 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Doha, resumed around 0700 GMT.

Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt which also imposed an embargo on travel and trade, agreed to lift the restrictions at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in the kingdom on Tuesday.

On January 4, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Ahmad Nasser Al-Sabah announced on state television that a deal had been agreed to "open the airspace and land and sea borders between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar".

"They are letting them go from the Qatar side," said a witness at the border on Saturday.

Qatar has announced strict coronavirus control measures for those arriving from the Saudi side that will require travellers to present a negative test result, undergo a fresh test at the frontier, and quarantine in a government-approved hotel for one week.

"It is a great joy, I bought this new car, a Land Cruiser, in order to go and celebrate with my relatives in Saudi Arabia, and I took the coronavirus test and waited here hoping they would allow us to cross at any moment," said Zaid Muhammad al-Marri, 23, a Qatari whose mother is Saudi, ahead of the border reopening.





Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet says he would support rescinding a public health order making face masks mandatory if coronavirus numbers continue to dwindle, with the measure likely to be discussed at upcoming crisis cabinet meetings.

With the government mandating face masks in shopping centres, on public transport and in other indoor spaces only last weekend, Mr Perrottet said he was in favour of winding the restriction back if the state's COVID-19 situation continued to improve.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet. Credit:Janie Barrett

"Face masks are more preferable than lockdowns but ultimately if we get back to a steady state, there may be an opportunity to move back and forth in that space, instead of putting tighter restrictions on businesses and broader society," Mr Perrottet told The Sun-Herald.

"You could move back and forth to keep the rest of the economy in a steady state."
Two days after a mob of supporters for outgoing-president Donald Trump seized control of the United States Capitol, the event is receiving condemnation for all sides of the political spectrum.

"The Jan. 6, 2021 assault on our Constitution, the electoral process and the institutions of our government is indefensible," reads a statement posted on the Midland County Republican Party's Facebook page. "Differences of opinion on the issues should never again devolve to violence. We are thankful that our Congressman is safe and for the efforts of law enforcement. Republican or Democrat, we are all Americans first and foremost."

The group's chair, Cathy Leikhim, added that she found it "sad" that some Midlanders chose to have a "partisan protest" in front of the local office of Congressman John Moolenaar, R-Midland, Wednesday night.

Midland County Democratic Party chair Jennifer Austin said her group "unequivocally condemns" the event.

"(The riot) was the culmination of years of toxic rhetoric that has attacked the most sacred cornerstone of our democracy: our free and fair elections," Austin said. "Those responsible, from the rioters smashing windows to the elected leaders baselessly questioning the integrity of our elections to those in the highest office directly inciting violence, must be held accountable."

Austin added that everyday U.S. citizens must also hold themselves accountable.

"This did not occur in a vacuum, and every Republican, Democrat and Independent must examine their bias, their faith in cold hard facts and their commitment to country and Constitution over parties and leaders," Austin said.

In a memorandum sent out on Friday, Northwood University president Kent MacDonald expressed his community's shock at the "lawlessness" of Wednesday's riot, especially as a champion of the "The Northwood Idea" that promotes freedom, responsibility, free enterprise and the rule of law.

"We witnessed an unprecedented attack on the freedoms, values and structure of our country," the statement read. "A democratic republic is fragile when in times of crisis, good people remain quiet and do nothing. As President, you can count me among those who condemn the violence and the disruption of the democratic process. I also want to personally recognize our elected representatives, who worked tirelessly, to fulfil their responsibility to complete the peaceful transfer of presidential power."

David Jesuit, a political science professor at Central Michigan University, said an event like Wednesday is unprecedented in American history.

"We haven't seen anything quite like this, though the reconstruction period after the Civil War was even more violent and dangerous for the republic," Jesuit said. "The implications of the assault on the Capitol and lawmakers makes what happened quite different than what happened over the summer."

Moolenaar and Flint Democrat Dan Kildee condemned the mob on Wednesday night, with Kildee calling their actions "a dark moment for the history of our country."
North Wales Police Federation rep says officers should get Covid vaccine as a priority

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Jan 9th, 2021

A North Wales Police Federation rep has said officers should get the Covid vaccine as a priority.

More than 9,000 people have signed a petition calling on the Welsh Government to change the fact that police are not on the priority list to be immunised for Covid-19.

Police forces across the UK are currently experiencing high sickness rates as officers face a greater risk of contracting the virus due to the public facing nature of their jobs.

Mark Jones, general secretary of the North Wales Police Federation, said his colleagues had even been spat at by offenders, raising the potential for them to catch the coronavirus even further.





Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live this week, he said: We want to make it really clear were not suggesting in any way shape or form that police officers should be prioritised ahead of the very most vulnerable in our communities, and that also stands for our incredible frontline NHS and care workers.

But theres three very simple reasons for us in the federation why we think our colleagues should be prioritised.

Our colleagues cannot mitigate the risk of being exposed to coronavirus while still on duty, and even more so were hearing of colleagues who have disgustingly been spat at and coughed on.

Theyre really quite vulnerable, particularly when theres new variants of the virus, and our colleagues are not immune from this virus. Behind the uniform there really is a human being.

The second reason is resilience. Weve got colleagues who are off work with the virus, that are off work sick, that are off work self-isolating and currently the absence rate around the country is around 15% for policing.

If theres no police officers available then who is going to attend that 999 call and whos going to be responsible? Its really important that the vaccination process is there for police officers.

Sgt Jones was quizzed on which current group on the priority list he believed police should be placed above.

While he did not specifically state a category, he instead provided further justification for why they should be included somewhere on the list.

He said: By virtue of what police do, the nature of the role is that we go to many different homes and different locations in the community.

Theres also a risk that they can also carry the virus with no symptoms and unknowingly pass it on to others.

Very sadly part of our role is we go into homes where there has been a sudden death in relation to COVID on behalf of the coroner.

Well also go into homes when theres calls for help from members of the public and when COVID is present within the household.

Were going to a lot of incidents, as we do on a daily basis, particularly those with domestic violence cases.

Again, theres a really high risk that my colleagues go into these homes with the coronavirus.

The petition to ministers currently needs just under 1,000 more signatures to be considered for debate in the Senedd.

It can be found by visiting https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/244481
Ice fishing on the Han River. Circa early 1900s. Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



One of the first Americans to live in Korea was Percival Lowell who spent the winter of 1883/84 in Seoul as a guest of the Korean government. Probably best known for his work in astronomy, Lowell was also an excellent writer and his book  "Chosen, the Land of the Morning Calm"  provides a wonderful insight of his experience of Seoul during his stay.



One of the things he described in detail was winter. He vividly recalled that the temperature often dropped to -14 degrees Celsius and for days on end the temperature remained below freezing, made worse by a "keen north wind that feels as if it had come straight from the Siberian steppes" The weather we have experienced over the past few days would have probably sent him into fits.



It is a shame he did not describe the snowy street scenes in much detail. Using other sources, we can imagine young men and older boys roaming the streets selling roasted chestnuts and other delectable treats to the crowds of people who gathered in the streets to watch kite battles taking place in the air.





Fishermen intent on catching their prey. Circa early 1900s. Robert Neff Collection



Fortunately, about four years later, another American did describe these young entrepreneurs:



"The loudest-mouthed and most enterprising persons in the whole city seem to be the vendors of the roasted chestnuts. They are little boys with their hair parted in the middle like girls and braided in one tightly woven cord down the back. Their stock usually consists of about a quart of chestnuts and they have a little pan of coal over which they roast them while you wait."



In the late 19th century, the river often froze for a couple of months  all river transport ceased and goods had to be carried by oxen, ponies or men.





A brash young salesman with his wares. Circa early 1900s. Robert Neff Collection A porter carrying his burden through the snow. Circa early 1900s. Robert Neff Collection

According to Lowell, "sleighs do not exist. In the matter of sleds there is certainly in the neighborhood of Soul, about the middle of the country, north and south, nothing but a certain kind in vogue among the fishermen on the ice, which they use to sit on while fishing, and on which afterwards they drag home the result of the day's work. As for skates, the idea is unknown. In fact, beyond the fishermen, above mentioned, the average Korean avoids venturing upon ice in winter as he would into water in summer. The frozen state seems to be just about as awe-inspiring to him as the liquid one is commonly elsewhere."



"We went out on to the piazza, and then I thought I should like to try the ice. So we descended to the river. The stream was solidly frozen over, and we got upon it without the least difficulty. The ice was covered with bands of fishermen, most of them in motion, each man armed with an implement for cutting holes, and each dragging a sled. This they sat down upon while they waited for bites. The contrivance was also designed undoubtedly to carry home the fish they might catch. While I watched them, they caught nothing. But this was ill luck, for from these fisheries are supplied the large quantities of fish which are daily eaten in the capital. From the numbers engaged in the pursuit, I should judge that it was the principal occupation of the villages which crowd the banks of this part of the Han River."



"The fishermen were fishing for what is known in Japan as koi. Underneath the ice is stretched a net. Then at intervals upon its surface are dug holes through the crust, and down these are let strings with bare hooks fastened to their ends. The fishers then start some distance behind the spot where the net is hung, with the series of holes between them and it, and begin to make a terrific noise upon the surface of the ice as they are capable of producing, gradually, as they do so, approaching the net. The terrified fish make off as fast as they can, but are unable to escape because of the net, and in their bewildered condition are caught upon the hooks as they rush heedlessly past. The hooks are formed of three barbs at right angles to one another. It is only in winter that these bare hooks are used; in summer the fishing is carried on with hooks that are baited. Enticement succeeds to repulsion; and in this pursuit, as in others, it is no doubt the more efficacious method of the two."



Of course, trekking across a frozen river was not without its dangers. All too frequently people misjudged the thickness of the ice and drowned after it gave way.



The river no longer freezes as often or as solidly as it did in the past. Some blame global warming while others note that the river is deeper than it was in the past. However, judging from the last couple of days, 2021 may bring us an image from the past  a frozen Han River.





A lucky fisherman showing his catch. Circa early 1900s. Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection





Cutting ice on the Han River in the early 1900s. Robert Neff Collection





Households in the summer valued ice but in the winter, for the wives and mothers, ice was a terrible burden when it came to keeping the family's clothing clean and pressed. Circa early 1900s. Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi directs on Saturday the making use of Egyptian satellite Tiba-1 to serve the countrys communications and information technology sector.

Sisis remarks came during his meeting with Communications Minister Amr Talaat, Head of the Egyptian Space Agency Mohamed Afifi, and other officials, said Presidential Spokesman Bassam Radi.

Tiba-1 applications can benefit a new messaging network for the state's administrative apparatus, which is being established ahead of moving all the ministries and agencies to the New Administrative Capital, east of Cairo.

The meeting also reviewed the state's satellite communications network and the future and potential use of Tiba-1.

Short link:


Her hypothesis made it into a weekly report sent to state governors. This fall/winter surge has been at nearly twice the rate of rise of cases as the spring and summer surges. This acceleration suggests there may be a USA variant that has evolved here, in addition to the UK variant that is already spreading in our communities and may be 50% more transmissible, the report read. Aggressive mitigation must be used to match a more aggressive virus.
Eleven senior doctors are demanding an independent enquiry into the rotation of their colleagues out of the Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility.

The heads of department at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) signed the May 25 letter which was sent to 11 board members of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA).
House Democrats are prepared to impeach President if he doesnt immediately resign, House Speaker said, as the president came under increasing pressure from members of both parties for encouraging a mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Pelosi said Friday Democrats will preserve every option to force Trump from office, either through the 25th Amendment or impeachment. She said shes instructed the Rules Committee to be ready to move forward with a motion or resolution, but stopped short of saying articles of impeachment would be brought for a vote.

With great respect, our deliberations will continue, Pelosi said in a statement. If Democrats follow through, Trump would become the first American president to be impeached twice.

Text of the proposed impeachment resolution includes a single article accusing Trump of Incitement of Insurrection, and says he engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors by willfully inciting violence against the government of the United States in connection with the storming of the Capitol Wednesday by throngs of his supporters.

Earlier in the day, President-elect Joe Biden suggested Democrats should not spend time on impeachment, saying that his inauguration on Jan. 20 will be the quickest way to remove Trump from office.

If we were six months out we should be doing everything we can to get him out of office, Biden said. But I am focused now on us taking control as president and vice president on the 20th.

Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer spoke separately to Biden by telephone. A statement about the call from the president-elects transition team made no mention of any discussion of what actions to take on Trump.

ALSO READ: Pelosi wants Trump barred from accessing nuclear codes, starting wars

Any attempt to impeach Trump would be running up against the calendar as well as against divisions among Republicans over how to contain the president during his final days in office. The House would have just days to act before Bidens inauguration, and its not clear that the Senate could move ahead with a trial within a week. Convicting Trump would require support from a significant number of GOP senators.

We can do this by way of privileged resolution, when were meeting in pro forma on Monday, we can introduce it. Then, the leadership will decide whether or not we will take it up and whether they will call us back into session, Representative David Cicilline, a Rhode Island Democrat, said one of the resolutions sponsors, said on CNN.

Pelosi said the House also would move forward with legislation drafted by Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin to establish an permanent independent commission to accelerate the process of removing a president under the 25th Amendment of the Constitution if incapacity is found.

Pelosi in a letter to Democrats earlier on Friday warned that Trump is so unhinged and said that she sought assurances from the nations top military commander that safeguards are in place in case he initiates an armed conflict or tries to launch a nuclear strike.





ALSO READ: Joe Biden says fastest way to remove Trump would be to inaugurate him

Democrats and some Republicans have blamed Trump for encouraging his supporters to march on the Capitol as lawmakers were formally counting the Electoral College votes affirming Bidens victory in the presidential election. There were at least five deaths and dozens of injuries resulting from the mobs clashes with police.

Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer have urged Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office, and implored congressional Republicans to join in pressuring the president to step down.

Calls for Trump to resign have been growing in Congress, including among some Republicans. GOP Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska ws the latest to urge the president to step down, telling the Anchorage Daily News that she questioned her future as a Republican if the party doesnt break with the outgoing president.

I want him to resign. I want him out, Murkowski said in a Friday interview with the newspaper.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has stayed mum on any next steps regarding Trump after ripping the futile effort by the presidents allies to undo the election that was part of the impetus for the mob to invade the Capitol.

Other Republicans implored Pelosi and Democrats not to go ahead with another impeachment.



ALSO READ: Twitter permanently suspends Trump's account after US Capitol violence

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who has been one of Trumps closest allies, said if Pelosi pursued Trumps impeachment now, it would do more harm than good. He appealed to Biden, who has said he wants to govern in a spirit of bipartisanship. Im hopeful President-elect Biden sees the damage that would be done from such action.

House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, who backed objections to the electoral vote count, said in a statement that he would try to contact Biden as well to talk to him about how we must work together to lower the temperature and unite the country to solve Americas challenges. McCarthy said pursuing impeachment would further divide the country.

Trump on Thursday appeared to be trying to quell the furor and head off any clamor for his ouster within the GOP. He released a video message in which he condemned the attack on the Capitol, and said he was prepared for a smooth transition to Bidens administration.

But on Friday, Trump said he wouldnt attend Bidens inauguration, breaking decades of precedent, and praised his supporters in a tweet. Twitter Inc. on Friday permanently banned Trumps personal account for repeated rules violations, marking the most high-profile punishment the social media company had ever imposed.

For Democratic leaders theres little risk in pressuring Trumps cabinet and Pence, but impeachment would put the spotlight on Trump instead of on preparing for Bidens incoming administration.

There was a lot said, a lot not said, but perhaps the words of the town's inspirational mayor in the hours after a peace march last January against violence and drug dealing summed it up - 'Saturday was not the end, Saturday was just the beginning.'

Thousands took to the streets of Drogheda to give a clear signal to those dragging its name through the mud and leaving communities in fear, that their days were numbered.

To those 'enforcing misery' on the people of the town, Mayor Paul Bell remarked, 'go and go now.'

A young man had been killed in the most horrific way and that would change our destiny. 'Today is a special moment and one that changes will be born from,' the mayor added.

Looking back on the day, he said it was one of his proudest days as mayor and felt that the town delivered a message to the country.

'The legislators came to town and got the message. The turnout came as a build up over time, people just felt neglected.'

He said he was happy at the turnout and understood many supported the march but did not turn out.

'I wanted to speak for everyone, those there, those not there.

'We have to tackle this in a multi agency way now and that's the way forward.'

He thanked the Gardai for their sterling efforts on the day, plus the Civil Defence and the local ambulance service.

Later, Paul Bell would quit the political game for good to take up a role in the Labour Court. He certainly left his mark.

With all the leaders of the main political parties in attendance, it was a chance for people within the community to air their views.

Many did and their words are as true now as a year ago.

Louise Mahony from the Red Door Project, which does such great work locally, laid out the facts as they stand, the gross underfunding of the service doing little to stem the tide of drug and alcohol abuse. 'The chickens have come home to roost,' she stated.

She said they don't know from year to year if they'll still be open. 'Enough of treating Drogheda as a second class town,' she exclaimed.

Parish Priest, Fr Eugene Sweeney spoke passionately of the 'hard-working people' of the town and what they had to endure.

'It's galling that a small number want to change the character of the town...these events are foreign to its core.'

And outside the church that holds the relic of St Oliver Plunkett, he asked the saint to help the town overcome, as he did.

Denise Tuohy from the Garda Diversion Project said that young people and communicating with young people was the key to tackling the issue and Jacqui McKenna from the Family Support Network said the problem was 'taking lives every single day' and unless you have been impacted by the addiction culture, you don't know the destruction that's out there.

'We are swamped with calls for help,' she added.

A local mother also came from the crowd and said she was there for her kids and their future.

She said she was afraid, but is not anymore because she was there for parents who needed to stand up for their teens.

The event saw a number of unique moments, John Myles, the innocent taxi driver shot while driving across the Bridge of Peace, ironically shook hands with Leo Varadkar on the same bridge.

The days have passed since that event a year ago, and with those passing days, things changed.

Drogheda, for the most part, has drifted from the national headlines but the trauma of a distinct period in the town's history will never diminish.

For some families, they live that trauma day after day, hour after hour.

At a policing meeting in Millmount in December 2018, Chief Supt Christy Mangan almost foretold the future.

'It will get worse before it gets better,' he stated, but promised it would get better.

The fight continues to tackle the huge drug problem in Drogheda and bit by bit, the Drogheda Drugs Unit is tearing down the walls.

Community groups still battle to sustain families and bring some hope.

This is a fight that will never end, but the more we unite, the better the outcome... just like January 2020.
Representative Image. Source: DW

A Sriwijaya plane crashed with 62 onboard shortly after it took off from a Jakarta airport on January 9.

Reports from Flight Radar, an air traffic tracking service, also showed that the Sriwijaya flight SJ182 lost more than 10.000 feet of altitude in less than one minute after taking off from a Jakarta airport.

There were no immediate clues on what may have caused the sudden descent. However, safety experts have said that most accidents are caused as a result of a multitude of factors, which can take months to establish, Reuters reported.



Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 lost more than 10.000 feet of altitude in less than one minute, about 4 minutes after departure from Jakarta.https://t.co/fNZqlIR2dz pic.twitter.com/MAVfbj73YN

 Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 9, 2021

The plane was a Boeing 737-500. A statement released by the flight says that were 56 passengers and six crew members on board. The regular estimated time for this flight was about 90 minutes.

The flight was en route from Jakarta to Pontianak in Indonesia. All those on board were Indonesian, Indonesias transport safety committee said, reports said.

"A Sriwijaya (Air) plane from Jakarta to Pontianak (on Borneo island) with call sign SJY182 has lost contact," said ministry spokesman Adita Irawati told AFP.

The flight last made contact at 2:40 pm (0740 GMT).

Sriwijaya said it was only looking into investigating the ongoing incident. However, Irawati has also said that Indonesia's search and rescue agency and the National Transportation Safety Commission were also investigating the matter.

This is not the first time instance of such a situation. In October 2018, 189 people were killed when a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX jet slammed into the Java Sea about 12 minutes after take-off from Jakarta on a routine one-hour flight.

After this, a subsequent crash in Ethiopia saw Boeing Co pay more than $2.5 billion in fines and compensation after reaching a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over two plane crashes that killed a total of 346 people and led to the grounding of its 737 MAX jetliner.

Local TV stations in Indonesia reported Fishermen in the Thousand Islands regency finding debris and oil spill debris in the water with no confirmation if they are from the missing plane.

Founded in 2003, Jakarta-based Sriwijaya Air group flies largely within Indonesia. The airline has a solid safety record until now, with no onboard casualties in four incidents recorded on the Aviation Safety Network database, per a Reuters report.

--With inputs from agencies
WASHINGTON  The numbers can be numbing. And thats exactly what health officials fear.

More than a half-million Arizonans have contracted COVID-19 and more than 8,700 have died from it so far, according to state data. The disease is surging again, with one week this month seeing an average of 7,770 new cases a day, soaring past the previous high set in July of a seven-day average of 3,482 new cases.

Hospital capacity is being stretched to the breaking point, with COVID-19 patients taking up a record 61% of beds in the states intensive care units as of Tuesday, and health care workers struggling under the strain.

But news of the disease, while prominent, does not command the headlines or the attention it did just months ago.

The phenomenon some call COVID fatigue is real, and its dangerous, said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, in a late-November video update.

Its also not surprising, said Stephen Benning, associate professor of psychology at University of Nevada Las Vegas, who said repeated exposure to something, such as an event, can reach a point where it no longer elicits the same response it once did.

Weve become kind of numb to the daily horrors of the increasing case counts, death toll, other kinds of things, and have kind of adapted to that, Benning said

And the increases are everywhere. A winter surge in cases is being seen around the globe, and the pandemic in the U.S. has shifted from isolated hotspots, like Arizona this summer, to a problem being felt nationwide.

As of Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a total of 19.2 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and 334,029 deaths linked to the disease.

At this point, death becomes baked into our expectation of what will happen with this virus, Benning said. Whereas before, many people believed it wasnt any worse than the flu.

He said that COVID fatigue can lead to less caution, which in turn could result in twice, three times as many deaths as we could have had.

We risk making this a much deadlier virus, by letting it spread unchecked through the community, Benning said.

That complacency is troubling to Arizona health experts. A state health department spokesperson said in an email this month that pandemic fatigue is an area of concern as it may cause individuals to let down their guard.

But Christ and others warn that now is the time to stay alert.

To protect everyone, we have to stay committed to our prevention efforts, even as a vaccine becomes a reality, Christ said. The numbers tell the story, COVID-19 remains active in our communities.

COVID-19 in Arizona is still a real issue and the data is very disturbing, said Dr. Daniel Derksen, director for the Arizona Center for Rural Health, pointing to the rising demand for hospital beds across the state.

The state reported that 61% of hospital ICU beds were occupied by 1,076 COVID-19 patients Tuesday, with another 29% of beds used by non-COVID patients, leaving just 178 ICU beds available in Arizona hospitals. The stress is particularly strong in rural areas, Derksen said.

Certain counties are at much higher rates of infection and also death rates per 100,000, he said. There are four counties that are particularly concerning because theyre three to four times the death rate per 100,000 as Arizona overall or compared to more urban counties.

The death rate is also surging again, both nationally and in Arizona, with numbers again approaching the death toll from the summer, when health care workers did not know as much about how to treat the disease.

As COVID-19 deaths continue to rise, Benning says conceptualizing the toll across the nation is harder to do than it was during early, concentrated outbreaks.

Early on in the pandemic, there was much more horror at particular death tolls when it was concentrated in New York or in Northern Italy, than when its diffused and spread across the entire country, he said.

But the disease does not seem to be drawing as much attention now, even though Benning said that globally, We are now losing more people, or have lost more people, in one day than even in the worst days of the early pandemic.

As those numbers have gone up, the number of briefings held by elected officials has gone down, with daily news conferences at the White House and in hard-hit states like New York reduced to occasional meetings now.

That is also true in Arizona, where Gov. Doug Ducey held weekly COVID-related events from April 29 to Aug. 31, when the briefings shifted to once a month. Christ continues to post weekly videos of updates on the health departments YouTube channel, but typically holds news conferences in partnership with Ducey.

Will Humble, director of the Arizona Public Health Association, and a former director of AZDHS, said he could not understand why the shift in communication occurred  especially in what statistically is becoming the worst months of the pandemic for the state.

While the statistics look grim now, Humble believes there is still time for a wake-up call. He said he expects a stronger reaction from the public once hospitals start to reach capacity around the state.

It is very similar to where we were in, say, June 15, Humble said. People were not freaking out yet  a month later, in July, people were freaking out because hospitals were over capacity. It became a lot more real in July.

Basically, the hospital crisis hasnt hit its apex yet. It will in the next few weeks, he said.

Benning said there are ways to fight COVID fatigue and ways for people to keep pushing for safety. He recommends that people create a pros and cons list when considering socializing, get creative to avoid complete isolation and remind themselves of their moral values.

It may also be helpful for people to step back and consider what their fundamental values are, he said. If they really value prioritizing the safety of other people, it may be helpful for them to remind themselves that its something that they really hold dear.

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.
File image: Maharashtra government is planning to vaccinate 100 beneficiaries every day in all 4,200 vaccination sites in the state.

While India is gearing up to rollout the COVID-19 vaccine, there remains some confusion among authorities in Maharashtra over adverse event management. Subhash Salunkhe, Maharashtra's technical advisor on COVID-19, said that there is a lack of clarity from the Centre on the management of any adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) and indemnity.

Salunkhe said that queries sent to the Centre regarding the management of adverse events and indemnity burden in case of any complaints or suits remained unanswered. "I have spoken to the state health directorate and they are unaware of any communication or guideline in writing from the ministry of health on the above issues," he told The Economic Times.

Track this LIVE blog for all the latest updates on coronavirus pandemic

He called for clarity on the indemnity issue if such an event was to occur. "We have been asking the Centre to design a proper communication strategy on this so that there is no adverse impact on the vaccination drive," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Read - COVID-19 vaccination dry run: States flag connectivity issue, urge Centre to allow offline registrations

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

However, the state's Health Secretary Pradeep Vyas said revised guidelines to strengthen AEFI surveillance in view of the COVID-19 situation have already been issued.

"There is one state-level AEFI committee and three sub-committees in Mumbai, Nagpur and Aurangabad, besides an AEFI committee in each of the districts and corporations in the state," Vyas told the newspaper.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had on January 3 granted restricted emergency use authorisation for the Serum Institute of India (SII)s Covishield and Bharat Biotechs Covaxin vaccines against COVID-19.

Maharashtra government plans to vaccinate 100 beneficiaries every day in all 4,200 vaccination sites in the state.

Read: Second dry run of COVID-19 vaccination conducted; Vardhan says vaccines to be made available in next few days

The state also conducted a dry run to assess the readiness of the mechanism laid out for the imminent COVID-19 immunisation drive, across 32 of the total 36 districts in Maharashtra on January 8.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the mock drill was held at 114 centres across the state as part of the nationwide exercise. "Except for the four districts where the dry run was conducted earlier, rest took part in the drill today," he said.
Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro says he is open to ending logging in state forests as part of improved relations he has struck with Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean.

Ties between the two senior ministers in the Berejiklian government frayed last year over issues such as land-clearing and feral horse numbers in Kosciuszko National Park. Since taking a month off for health reasons last September, however, Mr Barilaro says he found new areas of common ground.

NSW Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean (left) with John Barilaro, the Deputy Premier and Nationals leader, during a visit in August 2020 to a solar farm near Dubbo. Credit:Janie Barrett

"I've decided to do things a bit differently," Mr Barilaro told The Sun-Herald. "I've found it's been easier [to work with Kean] since I got back."

Mr Kean has also credited the Deputy Premier for securing support among Nationals MP for his landmark renewable energy package that secured multi-party support at the end of 2020, including from the Greens and Labor. As designed, the plan will drive 12,000 megawatts of new clean energy capacity into the grid, or triple the current size of the Snowy Hydro scheme.
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.
Midland County school superintendents say 2021 will continue to be a challenging time in education, but they also see reasons for optimism amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The biggest (challenge) for us is we need to be able to figure out how we're going to be able to mitigate the risk and stay in face-to-face (instruction)," said Midland Public Schools Superintendent Michael Sharrow.

Bullock Creek School District Superintendent Shawn Hale said while it's very hard to predict the future right now, his district is focused on making a positive difference for its students.

"We're going to continue to educate kids and impact them in as many positive ways as we can," Hale said.

As for Meridian Public Schools Superintendent Craig Carmoney, he said he doesn't necessarily look back at 2020 in a negative light, and he's always optimistic about what lies ahead.

"While we had some incredible tragedies in 2020, when I think back on the totality of the year, there were some great things as well," Carmoney said.

"My optimism for 2021 is kind of seeded in the fact that we always have opportunities in front of us," he continued. "It's always our job to take advantage of those opportunities and have a positive mindset."

Coleman Community Schools Superintendent Jen McCormack is excited about having all face-to-face students back in school to start the second semester on Monday, Jan. 25, after about two months of remote instruction.

"I'm really excited about seeing the kids' faces," she said. "Your whole demeanor (as a school employee) is more positive when you get to be around kids, and the students will be excited to spend time with other kids."

Current instructional formats

Currently, Midland Public Schools face-to-face students in grades K-8 are attending school in person, while face-to-face students in high school will learn virtually through the end of the semester next Thursday, then return to school in person to start the second semester on Jan. 19.

(The Virtual Academy remains an option for all grade levels for at least the rest of this school year.)

All MPS high school students have been learning virtually since the state mandated it as of Nov. 18. The state gave the go-ahead for high schools to resume in-person learning Dec. 21, but MPS was just two days away from winter break at that point.

The district decided to keep its two high schools, H.H. Dow and Midland, all-virtual through the end of the semester because of possible COVID case spikes after the break.

Grades K-8, meanwhile, moved to all-virtual on Nov. 23 amid district staffing shortages, and returned to in-person learning on Dec. 9.

For Bullock Creek, all face-to-face students, grades K-12, have been learning virtually this past week following the winter break, and all face-to-face students will return to in-school instruction on Monday, Jan. 11.

About 25% of Bullock Creek students are enrolled in virtual learning for the first semester.

Meridian Public Schools face-to-face students in grades K-8 returned to in-school instruction on Dec. 9, and face-to-face students in grades 9-12 returned to in-school learning on Jan. 4.

Coleman Community Schools face-to-face students have been learning virtually since late November and will return to in-school instruction to start the second semester on Monday, Jan. 25.

For the Bullock Creek, Meridian and Coleman districts, the first semester ends Thursday, Jan. 21, and the second semester begins Monday, Jan. 25.

Measuring learning gaps

Sharrow said it's vital for the district to ensure that high school students not miss out on any more in-person instruction than is absolutely necessary.

"We need to get them back in school. I'm not sure we can do (all-virtual education) again without losing a lot of learning," he said. "We'll try to stay in school as hard as we can and mitigate the risk (of COVID) as much as we can.

"We know high school kids can do (virtual learning) better than younger kids, but it's still not a good thing that they'll be out almost two months," Sharrow said.

He said there's no escaping the fact that MPS students are not learning as much as they would in a school year in which in-school learning is a given.

"I'm really proud of the staff's efforts and the parents' efforts," Sharrow said. "But at the same time, we know we're not hitting the (learning) mark we would in a normal school year."

Knowing how to measure how much has been learned and what learning gaps need to be bridged is a key question, he said.

"And how do we intervene to alleviate that (gap)?" Sharrow said.

Summer school is one answer, he said, but staffing summer school could be a challenge because he noted that MPS staff members feel stretched enough as it is.

"We're going to have to get creative," Sharrow said.

For Bullock Creek's part, Hale said he's concerned about some of the students whose families have chosen to homeschool them this school year.

"There are homeschool programs that work great; I don't want to take anything away from them," Hale said. "But for the situations where it isn't going so well, I hope they can reengage. Some parents have said it was more challenging than they expected, so they want to return their students to face-to-face learning. ... It's going to be a challenge for us to bring those students up to speed when they do return back."

For its virtual learners, Bullock Creek has developed its own virtual program for grades K-5, which will be used in the second semester. Hale said. Those families that want to continue with the Edgenuity program will be allowed to do so.

Meridian's Carmoney noted that after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, it took two to three years for students in the New Orleans area to catch up to where they needed to be in their education.

"While we may not have that same burden, we still are going to have to help those children that face (learning gaps)," Carmoney said.

Math and reading are key areas where the district needs to help some students catch up, he said.

"The data that all schools have right now tell us that for students who were in grades K-2 last spring, their (learning) loss from March to June was much more significant than that of older students in the area of reading because they are still beginning readers," Carmoney said.

"(And) the data tell us that all students were impacted with mathematics across the board. It's our job to figure out how do we put in extra supports for all those students," he continued. "It's not going to be something where we're going to have a really quick solution."

McCormack said Coleman recently surveyed parents about the current remote learning period to get their feedback on what has worked and what hasn't.

"The survey asks for feedback from families on the remote learning and what needs they might have  do they have any mental health needs?" McCormack said.

Social and emotional health

In addition to concerns about learning, social and emotional health is very much on the radar of the school district leaders.

"If we're all honest, this (pandemic) has affected all of us on our state of mind. I hear it from parents, I see it in students, in staff, I probably see it in myself," Sharrow said. "Not only (is it important) how we address that now, but how do we address that going forward?"

"We know that the remote learning last spring is going to have an impact on children," Carmoney said. "The floods brought an additional trauma that some people are still dealing with. (Our job is) making sure we can find ways to continue to support our children emotionally and academically, and make plans to address those needs in the short term and the long term."

Hale said he's seen the challenges of the past year bring out the best in the Bullock Creek community.

"I'm really encouraged by the resilience of our students and our parents and our staff," Hale said. "I'm really proud of how our staff have stepped up and how our students have been eager to learn in such a different way. And our parents have been so engaged in the learning. They're sitting (and helping) their kids after a long work day. I think our community has really come together to surround our kids in the best way possible, and that's what I hope continues after all this is over."

McCormack wants the Coleman community to know that help is available for those struggling mentally or emotionally.

"There's a lot of support out there, and it's confidential," McCormack said. "If somebody is feeling overwhelmed, I hope they'll reach out to us and we can send them in the right direction."

Vaccinations

Gov. Whitmer reiterated in a news conference on Friday that the COVID-19 vaccine will start to be made available to school employees in the state on Monday, Jan. 11, with limited appointments available initially.

The availability of vaccinations is a potential game-changer for Midland Public Schools staff, said Sharrow.

"That's going to assist us in that the adults are the most vulnerable, the most at risk (to COVID)," Sharrow said. "That was our biggest issue in November  staffing issues. The sooner (staff can get vaccinated), the better, in my mind. The more adults we get vaccinated, the better off we're going to be."

"The vaccine is probably a light at the end of the tunnel," Sharrow stated. But he stressed that health protocols, such as wearing masks, will still have to be followed in schools for the time being.

Hale also feels buoyed by the prospect of school employees and others in the community soon having the opportunity to get the vaccine.

"Things are optimistic with the vaccinations coming out," Hale said. "That will start to settle some fears that people have. We'll start to see an improvement in health in our community."

Carmoney said the Midland County health department was going to meet with Meridian school staff this past Thursday to educate them about the vaccine and answer questions about it.

"(We want to) provide information (about the vaccine to school employees) and let them make an educated decision on what's best for them personally," Carmoney said.

"My hope is that (as a result of the vaccine), we are dealing with less staff being out as a result of quarantine, which means we have less disruption to teaching and learning," he said.

McCormack is likewise encouraged that the vaccine will soon be available to school employees.

"I believe by the second dose of the vaccine that we're likely going to be able to have a clinic here at (Coleman Junior-Senior High School) and make that a little bit more accessible to our people," McCormack said.

"I talk with the health department multiple times a week. They've been just been great to work with," McCormack added.

State funding

Funding from the state is another concern on the minds of superintendents.

Sharrow said a key indicator will be the state legislature's first quarterly revenue consensus, which will happen on Jan. 15.

"We'll watch that closely. Everyone is expecting revenues to be lower," Sharrow said. "We're very sales tax-dependent. Maybe we'll be surprised, but I've got to believe a flat budget (no increase from the previous year) is the best we can for."

Fortunately, MPS has reserves on hand to help it weather a financial storm, he said.

"So we think we can weather what comes ahead," Sharrow said. "It doesn't mean we won't have to do things a little differently. There's not a lot of wiggle room (in the budget). We'll be waiting anxiously going into next year."

MPS's fiscal year goes from June 30 to June 30, while the state's fiscal year is from Oct. 1 to Oct. 1.

Hale also said finances will be a challenge as the school district waits to find out how much funding it will receive from the state this year.

"We're going to weather this storm and we just hope financially we're able to continue to operate in a manner that is good for kids, and able to do things that are beneficial to students," Hale said.

McCormack said it will be important for Coleman to continue applying for grants to supplement the funding from the state.

"In Coleman we push hard to bring grants into the district," she said. Aside from typical state grants, we've had close to a million dollars in the last two and a half to three years in grant funding."

Opportunities out of challenges

The difficulties of the pandemic have forged some positive effects, Sharrow observed.

"I think some opportunities come out of challenges," he said. "For awhile, we've been trying to increase our staff's ability to use blended instruction. Now, they've been forced to use that technology, and I think that's going to pay dividends down the road here."

Again, the importance of social and emotional health have come to the forefront during this time of uncertainty.

"We all are moving down the road of recognizing that social and emotional (health) has to occur before learning can happen. We're getting better at doing that, and the importance of that won't go away," Sharrow said.

The strict COVID protocols in schools should serve to promote overall health, he suggested.

"I can't help but think that all our emphasis on health protocols is going to reduce illness altogether," Sharrow said.

And many of the district's investments in health infrastructure are not going away, he said.

"The air scrubbers we put in are part of our infrastructure," Sharrow said. "All the equipment we bought to quickly disinfect  the sprayers or foggers  are here to stay. Our life has changed."

Will virtual learning be an option after the pandemic ends?

"Yes, at least at the secondary level. We're committed to virtual courses at the high schools, and a little bit at the middle school level," Sharrow said. "But I'm not sure that's true at the elementary level."

As for Bullock Creek, Hale said the district's knowledge about remote learning has increased a lot in the past year, and he expects that growth to continue.

"One of the things that has been really encouraging through this is our processes we've developed for remote learning," Hale said. "I think that could continue to grow," Hale said. "You'll start to see school districts enhance and develop their online programs."

McCormack observed that some students take very well to remote learning while others do not.

"Our staff and our kids have learned so much about technology. Some of our kids interact much more positively through Zoom, and some of them are just the opposite," she said. "Hopefully we can meld (in-school and remote instruction) for some of our kids."

For his part, Carmoney is not completely sold on the future of remote learning.

"Virtual learning works, but it works for a limited amount of subjects. I think all schools right now are itching to get back to in-person (learning)," Carmoney said.

Hoping for a return to traditional events

Carmoney longs to see Meridian students be able to celebrate events that were canceled last year due to the pandemic, such as prom in the spring.

"I'm holding out hope that with the rollout of the vaccine over the next few months, hopefully by later in the spring, things will look a little bit more normal," Carmoney said. "Especially for my seniors, I hope that I can send them out with a traditional prom and traditional graduation. A lot depends on what happens here with the rollout of the vaccine and the number of people who choose to receive it or decline it."

McCormack also looks forward to the time when traditional school events can take place again.

"Hopefully, we're going to be able to have events we couldn't have last year. I'm cautiously optimistic," McCormack said. " ... I think it's going to take time. But I think we're going to be moving in a positive direction."

RELATED:

 Vision 2020: Sanford's Porte: 'We're going to be under construction all year'

 Vision 2021: Midland health director discusses return to pre-pandemic life

 Vision 2021: Diversity coalition off to an urgent start

 Vision 2021: Midland Center for the Arts committed to providing safe entertainment

 Vision 2021: Midland business leader expects a strong year
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A local not-for-profit agency is looking for volunteers to help distribute food.

Manna From 7 gives away food every Friday at St. Stephen's Church in Terre Haute.

Mental Health America of West Central Indiana was one of the groups that stepped up to help on Friday.

A representative from the organization said feeding the community is important right now.
Opposition PM candidate Vazgen Manukyan has spoken about meeting with the Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian.

Representatives of the Homeland Salvation Movement Vazgen Manukyan, Ishkhan Saghatelyan, and Artur Vanetsyan were meeting Saturday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ara Aivazian.

"We expressed our concern to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and heard some clarifications on this matter. As for the details, I would like to note that we still have to meet with the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. We will summarize and publish everything after all the meetings," he noted.

According to him, they have received answers to the questions. "Some of the answers were satisfactory and some were incomplete. We will talk about this in more detail after the next meeting," he noted.
Multinational, local firms get forest land for agri-projects By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):

Multinationals and local companies are to be given state lands for mega agriculture projects with tax concessions thrown in under a controversial deal involving forest lands, which unlike forest reserves, are not protected.

The government is planning to hand over thousands of acres of forest lands to five multinational companies after abolishing the circular no. 5/2001 limiting arbitrary allocation of other (unreserved) forest lands, environmentalists and local communities say.

According to the circular, any allocation of forest lands for development activities requires the approval of a special review board which has not been followed since the circular is invalid.

Official sources said arrangements are underway to amend the various land acts and ordinances to legally clear two million acres of forest land under the cover of granting one acre each of freehold title to around 1.2 million villagers, most of them farmers.

The balance 800,000 acres of forest land has been identified for mega modern agri- production projects of multinational and local companies, the sources revealed, adding that this segment has drawn opposition.

Meanwhile a national agricultural plan is to be devised soon with the aim of expediting agricultural modernisation as far as technically feasible industrial modes in food crop production, a top Agriculture Ministry official told the Business Times.

Agricultural products and processing will be provided concessions up to a maximum of 10 years under the Strategic Development Law.

Under the budget proposals 2021, individuals and companies engaged in farming, including agriculture, will be exempted from taxes for the next five years.

Investments exceeding US$ 10 million in the areas of agricultural products, and processing will be provided with concessions up to a maximum of 10 years under the Strategic Development Law

The approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has already been given to amend the Land Development Ordinance to change the methods of preparing a new grant and revising available conditions.

This new amendment will fulfill all the objectives of the State Lands (Special Provisions) Bill of the previous regime where all government lands which were leasehold interest are to be given as outright grants to the poor.

This bill was not passed in parliament as it had been rejected by various sections of the people and the then opposition during the previous regime.

But its contents including the setting up of land bank with digital data of all lands are to be implemented under the new amendments to the Land Development Ordinance by the present regime.

A Land Data Infrastructure (LDI) and Land Information Service System (LISS) in Sri Lanka will be established through a South Korean grant of US$60.33 million under a technical assistance programme.

If implemented, the project will enable the Government to integrate the land parcel fabrics into LDI and LISS and enhance the ability to manage the city administration using land information service system for 24 municipalities, the official said.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department in Washington on Jan. 4, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Pompeo Says Twitters Ban on Trump Un-American, Compares It to CCP Censorship

Twitters decision to permanently ban President Donald Trump is un-American and parallels censorship under communist China, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Jan. 9.

Silencing speech is dangerous. Its un-American. Sadly, this isnt a new tactic of the Left. Theyve worked to silence opposing voices for years, he wrote in a tweet.

We cannot let them silence 75M Americans. This isnt the CCP, he added, referring to the Chinese Communist Partys weaponization of technology and social media to monitor and suppress dissent.

Earlier, Twitter stated that it has permanently removed Trumps account from its platform, saying the company identified risk of further incitement of violence upon review of how his recent tweets are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter.

Facebook similarly blocked Trump until at least Jan. 20.

In response to Twitter, Trump condemned the tech giant, saying the company has gone further and further in banning free speech.

Trump vowed that he will not be silenced. He said his team has been negotiating with Twitters competitors and is also looking into options to build a separate platform.

Republican lawmakers and Trump allies have criticized Twitters actions as censorship and abuse of power.

Big Techs purge, censorship, [and] abuse of power is absurd [and] profoundly dangerous, Rep. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) wrote on Twitter.

If you agree [with] Techs current biases (Iran, good; Trump, bad), ask yourself, what happens when you disagree? he said. Why should a handful of Silicon Valley billionaires have a monopoly on political speech?

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) voiced similar concerns.

Even those who oppose Trump should see the danger of having a small [and] unelected group with the power to silence [and] erase anyone, he said in a tweet. And their actions will only stoke new grievances that will end up fueling the very thing they claim to be trying to prevent.

Kate Ruane, senior legislative council for the progressive advocacy group American Civil Liberties Union, also put out a statement, saying Twitters decision should concern everyone.

We understand the desire to permanently suspend him now, but it should concern everyone when companies like Facebook and Twitter wield the unchecked power to remove people from platforms that have become indispensable for the speech of billionsespecially when political realities make those decisions easier, the statement reads.

Twitter also has banned accounts of lawyer Sidney Powell and Trumps former national security adviser Michael Flynn. The waves of Twitter bans have prompted some users, including radio hosts Mark Levin and Rush Limbaugh, to make a voluntary exit.

Pompeos message strikes a similar tone to that of former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who also invoked the Chinese regimes censorship of those it deemed enemies.

Silencing people, not to mention the President of the U.S., is what happens in China, not our country, she wrote in a tweet.
The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu on Saturday endorsed Chief Minister K Palaniswami as its CM candidate for this year's high-stakes Assembly polls, where the party will take on arch rival DMK in a tough electoral battle. AIADMK's top decision-making body General Council also authorised O Panneerselvam and Palaniswami-the top leaders- to devise the party's strategy for the polls and endorsed the appointment of a steering committee, which is likely to play a key role in important matters.

Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are likely to be held in April-May. The party's general council, besides the Executive, met at a marriage hall here under the leadership of AIADMK Coordinator Panneerselvam and joint coordinator Palaniswami.

Palaniswami is the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu while Panneerselvam is his deputy. In one of the 16 resolutions adopted at the meeting, the party members authorised the two leaders to devise AIADMK's electoral strategy, even as it eyes a hat trick of victories, after securing back to back wins in 2011 and 2016 under the late J Jayalalithaa.

"This general council authorises O Panneerselvam and Edapadi K Palaniswami to devise winning strategies to ensure a grand win in the 2021 polls, create an AIADMK-led victory alliance and decide seat-sharing with alliance parties," the members resolved. The party has earned the public's praise for "good governance," it added.

The AIADMK had earlier led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), its constituents being the BJP, DMDK and PMK among others, in the state for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and its two top leaders have already confirmed the party's alliance with the BJP. The general council also endorsed Panneerselvam's October 2020 announcement that Palaniswami will be the AIADMK's chief ministerial candidate for the polls.

The members said they "unanimously accept the announcement and will work hard to ensure victory" and bring Palaniswami back to the post after the elections. Further, it approved the appointment of a steering committee, which was announced in October last year.

The six Ministers and five other office-bearers in the committee are seen as loyalists of Palaniswami and Panneerselvam respectively. The setting up of such a committee was Panneerselvam's long pending demand then.

Targeting DMK President M K Stalin, the party alleged that he was unable to bear the growing public support for its government, as well as Palaniswami's administrative acumen and was therefore indulging in "uncultured" criticism of the CM. It condemned Stalin and his DMK supporters for "personal attacks." In an apparent reference to its arch rival, the party, in another resolution, said it would strive hard to "put an end to the dynasty politics of one family" and ensure that a "true democratic government" under AIADMK was installed post-polls.

It also lauded the government on different matters such as the 7.5 per cent quota in medical education for government school students who clear the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET) and attracting investments to the state. Further, it opposed the Sri Lankan government's move to scrap the provincial councils, saying it would impact the Tamils there and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter.

In his address, Panneerselvam said the party was above individuals and urged for a united fight to secure a "grand, unprecedented victory" in the coming elections. He urged party workers to go to the people with DMK's "scams and betrayals" such as ceding of Katchatheevu islet in the 1970s and not taking steps for notifying the final award of the Cauvery disputes tribunal in a gazette.

He said there was no factionalism in the party and that no leader, including himself or Palaniswami, have said "be loyal to me", but only insisted for unity among the ranks. "Ours is the only democratic organisation where workers can become even chief minister and deputy CM, which is not the case with others.setting aside differences, work with the sole aim of party's victory (in the polls)," he said.

Palaniswami, targeting DMK over "dynasty politics", said that while earlier it was the late M Karunanidhi at the helm of affairs, "it was then (MK) Stalin and now Udhayanidhi (Stalin's son)." "In this election, end this dynasty politics," he said. For AIADMK stalwarts, the late chief ministers M G Ramachandran (party founder) and Jayalalithaa people were their heirs, he said.

He reiterated that the CM's post is a "responsibility" and said "I see everyone here as a CM." Palaniswami thanked "elder brother" Panneerselvam for earlier announcing him as the party's CM face in the coming polls and the general council and the executive for endorsing the same today.
Deputy Who Was Abandoned as a Baby Donates Gifts to Shelter That Took Him In 47 Years Ago

An Orange County sheriffs deputy led a massive holiday gift drive for a local childrens home, a shelter with which he has a profound connection. The same home took the deputy into its care after he was abandoned as a baby.

Deputy Josh Broadwater, 47, was just one day old when he was found in the restroom of Anaheim gas station. The Los Angeles Times reported on the incident, detailing that the baby boy had been wrapped in a blanket with a full bottle of milk, a can of formula, and a box of diapers, according to CBSLA.

Deputy Josh Broadwater, surrounded by donated gifts while researching his birth parents and the location of his abandonment as a newborn (Courtesy of Orange County Sheriffs Department)

A note left beside the baby simply read, Please love me. Broadwater was then taken to what is now Orangewood Childrens Home, a safe refuge for neglected, abused, or abandoned children.

Broadwaters colleagues at the Orange County Sheriffs Department filled a room on the second floor of the offices headquarters with 833 gifts for Orangewood, including toys, bicycles, balls, and dolls. The joyful gesture of support for kids in need from Orange County law enforcement arrived just in time for Christmas 2020.

(Illustration  Sara Nicole Garavuso/Shutterstock)

Anytime we do these toy drives, its just something I try to get involved in, Broadwater told CBSLA. This year I actually volunteered to be in charge of it, at least for our shift. The drive, he marveled, grew and grew and grew to amass more gifts than he could ever have imagined.

For the deputy, the gesture meant letting Orangewoods children know theyre not alone in their experience.

To me it shows the other side of what we do in law enforcement, he added. Everybody sees one side, but they never get to see this side, that we go out of our way to do things for other people and hopefully make somebodys Christmas a little bit better.

The departments 2020 toy drive, Broadwater revealed, was their biggest annual drive to date, according to WKRC.

We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Sugar is sweet but the reaction a Menlo Park candy store owner received after a photo of her attending President Trumps rally in Washington appeared on social media has been intensely bitter.

Sugar Shack, a pink and white striped candy shop in downtown Menlo Park, was closed Friday after owner Suzi Tinsley came under attack on social media when a photo of her attending the rally that preceded the assault on the U.S. Capitol was posted on Twitter.

Since then, a boycott has been launched, hundreds of comments have appeared on a variety of social media sites  particularly Nextdoor  and so many negative comments appeared on Yelp that the review website shut down reviews, saying they appeared to be more related to news events than to the business itself.

On Friday, the lights were out at Sugar Shack, and the phone was temporarily disabled along with the Facebook page. The stores website was offline, showing only a message saying it was overwhelmed by people attempting to access the site.

Tinsley said she did not post the photo, which shows her in a Make America Great Again T-shirt and cap, draped in a Trump flag and standing in a crowd with the Capitol in the background, but sent it to friends. She acknowledged that she attended the rally because it was Trumps last but said she did not enter the Capitol and was appalled by the violence.

I never imagined a peaceful protest would turn into complete chaos, she said in an email to The Chronicle on Friday evening. As you might imagine, the social media reaction has been extremely hurtful. I was not part of that mob that committed the deplorable attack at the Capitol building. I was back in my hotel room when the attack began, and along with the rest of America, watched in horror as the events unfolded on TV.

Henry Shane, 18, a senior at Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto who says hes a political activist, said he didnt launch the call for a boycott but has been active in promoting it. Hes been patronizing the candy store since he was young, he said, and was appalled that Tinsley would participate in what he considers an antidemocratic activity. While he welcomes differences of political opinion, he thinks attending Trumps ill-fated rally was going too far.

Here in Menlo Park, we should not be tolerating anti-democracy or trying to overturn a fair and legal election, he said. That is where the line needs to be drawn.

Sugar Shack, a popular place among Peninsula folks with a sweet tooth, has been getting trashed online.

If you have a sweet tooth for racism, arrogance & ounces and ounces of blind audacity, this is your spot, wrote Perla A., a Pleasant Hill reviewer who left a one-star rating on Yelp.

A steady stream of people traipsed up to Sugar Shacks locked door Friday afternoon, many of them to express support for Tinsleys business or right to free expression if not her political views.

Carey Mitchell, who owns Yellow Dog real estate, left a jar full of flowers and a couple of yellow signs. God Bless Sugar Shack, read one.

Shes just a local lady, a local businesswoman who had nothing to do with what happened, she said. Just like Black Lives Matters protesters had nothing to do with the looting and rioting after their protests. I just want to support her.

Scott Lohmann, 59, lives in Menlo Park and was moved to come down and buy some candy and lend a little support after reading hundreds of messages attacking Tinsley on Nextdoor, a neighborhood-based social media site.

Id look at it and see a few comments and close it and come back three minutes later and there would be more, he said.

Im not hard-core or anything. Im just in support of people doing business. If she went in and was breaking things, that would be one thing. But she gets to speak her side.

Tinsley said shes grateful for the support but understands the intensity of the social media reaction. She said she closed the business early Thursday and kept it closed Friday out of concern for her employees but didnt say when the Sugar Shack, open since 2007, would reopen.

Shane said he wants to speak with Tinsley, understand why she went to Washington and let her know why he finds it so distressing, he said, but he hadnt been able to get in touch by Friday afternoon. He said he had no idea how the boycott effort and social media campaign would take off but still supports the boycott.

The goal here was a boycott, nothing more, he said. Not any people doing damage to her business or holding a protest outside.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
Owner of WeChat Pay follows in footsteps of rival Ant Group with state-mandated corporate shake up to comply with new rules for financial firms

Verdict coincides with the Biden administrations decision last week to postpone the start date of a ban on new U.S. investments in companies allegedly linked to the Chinese military
Elderly patients were left queuing outside in hats and scarves during freezing cold temperatures to receive their Covid-19 vaccination at a south London GP surgery.

Hundreds were seen queuing along the pavement for their jab at The Jenner Practice in Forest Hill, south London, on Friday which began vaccinations for those over 80.

Maria Demetrious filmed the queue winding around several corners leading to the clinic after dropping off her father, 85, and mother, 79, for his vaccine at the surgery.

Hundreds were seen queuing along the pavement for their jab at The Jenner Practice in Forest Hill, south London, on Friday

Her brother Paul Demetrious, who posted the video on Twitter, said: 'My parents have been isolating since February 20. On arrival for dad's Covid-19 vaccine time slot met this circus! They left without it!'

The 41-second clip, which has garnered 471,900 views, shows hundreds of elderly patients waiting with coats and face masks on for their appointment.

Speaking to LBC, Mr Demetrious said: 'We shared this not as a witch hunt - although our mother was extremely upset - but for answers so that lessons can be learned to improve.'

The 41-second clip, which has garnered 471,900 views, shows hundreds of elderly patients waiting with coats and face masks

The footage shows some had even brought chairs to rest their feet while they waited and many appeared to be accompanied by carers or relatives for their appointment.

Ms Demetrious described how her parents left before her father received his vaccine and his GP is in the process of rearranging the appointment.

'Their own GP has been in contact to make sure they are okay, and is arranging something else,' Ms Demetrious said.

The footage shows some had even brought chairs to rest their feet while they waited and many appeared to be accompanied by carers or relatives for their appointment.

'I must say he has been a rock throughout many years of knowing my parents, and this is no reflection on him or that practice.

'I'm hopeful now they will be able to get the vaccine soon in a safe environment and not encounter the same as yesterday.'

Commenting on the video, Lewisham CCG said: 'We're sorry your parents faced this situation.

Paul Demetrious, who posted the video on Twitter, said: 'My parents have been isolating since February 20. On arrival for dad's Covid-19 vaccine time slot met this circus! They left without it!'

Commenting on the video, Lewisham CCG said: 'We're sorry your parents faced this situation'

'This was the first vaccination day for the service, lessons have been learned.

'Vaccinators doubled to reduce waiting time; patients asked to arrive five minutes before appointment.

'These will ease queues and hopefully reassure your parents.'

The Care Quality Commission commented on the video: 'Thanks for bringing this to our attention. The matter has been raised to the appropriate Inspector for review.'

Meanwhile Andrew Richards had an appointment for his mother at The Jenner Practice on Friday and was told it would be a three-hour wait in the cold for the jab.

He told London News Online: 'There must have been between 300 and 400 people in the queue.

'Some of them looked really fragile and frail, standing around with blankets around them.'

'We had to go straight back home because my mum cannot stand for more than a few minutes.'
When you remake Charlie, it's natural for filmmakers to think of a younger hero but I'm 48 now. I wanted the writing team to change the script to suit my age and wasn't in a hurry to remake the film, says Madhavan.

Maara is not a frame-by-frame remake of Charlie. The definition of a remake is making a film that is as same as the original. But in Maara, we have used the basic backdrop of the original story and adapted it for the lead actors. The beginning, climax, and even some of the story proceedings are different. But you would see a world that is similar to Charlie. What I loved about the Malayalam film is the backdrop and the world they created. We created a similar atmosphere for Maara," says R Madhavan in a group interaction ahead of the digital premiere of his upcoming Tamil film Maara.

"These days, we get introduced to a new person through smartphones and WhatsApp. We even start living an imaginary life because of these advanced technologies. But when you meet the person, things would be different and you have to start a new life with him or her from that point. But in Maara, the male protagonist doesn't have a smartphone and the female protagonist likes him only based on his actions. Similarly, he also gets smitten by a few things about her. They start developing a relationship without seeing each other," adds Madhavan who is missing those days where he would wait one week for the reviews of his films.

Talking about taking up a romantic film after a long time, the actor says, "When heroes of my age are romancing young heroines, I too envy them. But subconsciously, I know that if I did the same thing, would be losing my respect and people wouldn't accept me. I feel that if the romance in the film justifies my age, I can justify it as an actor. Maara will be one such film."

On teaming up with newcomer Dhilip, Madhavan says, "Dhilip wasn't entered into the film as a director. Initially, we were talks with a few filmmakers. When you remake Charlie, it's natural for filmmakers to think of a young hero but I'm 48 years old now. I wanted the writing team to change the script to suit my age and wasn't in a hurry to remake the film. To be frank, I didn't like the versions of others. When Dhilip approached me, we exchanged our ideas and when he came up with his version, I loved it. When I thought of asking him to direct the film, he voluntarily asked the same. He made a lot of television commercials so I was confident".

Talking about Irudhi Suttru, which is a comeback film of the actor, Madhavan says, "Before Irudhi Suttru, I was taking up and performing films based on what others told me but things weren't satisfactory. Thankfully, Irudhi Suttru came in my way and that's why I was able to prepare myself mentally and physically for the film. See, the basic criteria for me to accept a film is that the content shouldn't be below par."

Madhavan likes the way Hindi and Malayalam cinemas adapting to the modern-day changes. "In the last three years, the big blockbusters in Hindi cinema are not the films of Superstars. Small films like Andhadhun, Badhaai Ho, and Mission Mangal are minting huge money in Bollywood and that's why one could see producers up in the North are procuring a lot of remake rights of the South films but they shouldn't replicate the original and make sure to adapt it for the Hindi audience. A few years back, several Hindi actors played pivotal characters in Malayalam cinema. But these days, filmmakers in Malayalam are casting actors from their land. Only an actor who knows the language can justify the character given to him. In some Malayalam films, the screenplay wouldn't be great but they create unique and strong characters", says the actor.

Talking about what the audience can expect from Maara, the actor says, "I always want the audience to accept me as the character what I portrayed in the particular film and they should not see Madhavan anywhere. If they see the real me, I would consider it as my failure. There is a constant quest in Maara's journey. If someone meets him, they would get along with him. You can expect one such character without any fakeness."

Madhavan also spoke about the trend of making Pan-India films. "We have to make movies for the audiences across the globe and not for one territory. These days, our audiences are watching content from other languages. I'm sure if we release Thevar Magan and Nayagan again, people from other countries would celebrate our work. I'm glad that Tamil filmmakers are making universal content these days. Dhanush is becoming a universal actor now. In the last ten months, audiences have started watching international films and series so we have to deliver what they like."

The actor says that during his initial days many told him that his choices were wrong. "They told me that I shouldn't have revealed in the interviews that I'm married. They told me that I'm acting in films that have equal importance to the female leads and it's not good for my career. They told me that my move to act in one film at a time was wrong. But now, all of them have started doing what I did at the beginning of my career."

Madhavan is easily one of the most active Indian actors on social media, especially on Twitter and Instagram. He makes sure to reply to most of the questions of his fans. "Well, these days, people would accept you as a hero only if they also like you as a person. Twitter and Instagram will give a glimpse of our personal lives to them. Also, if someone asking me to wish him on his birthday, it would only take a few seconds for me to type and post it. A simple reply would make him or her super happy. I consider it as a blessing," he signs off.
Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu received a high-level endorsement in her campaign to become mayor of Boston.

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren announced her support for Wu on Saturday.

Ive been proud to fight alongside Michelle over the last 7 years, she said in a tweet. She gets out and does the work that needs to be done to make a difference in peoples lives.

Wu is a former student of Warren, having studied under her at Harvard Law School. She went on to volunteer on her senatorial campaign in 2012 before running for the Boston City Council in 2013.

She became the first Asian-American woman on the council when she was elected at 28 years old. She went on to serve as council president in 2016, the first woman of color in the role.

Ive been proud to fight alongside Michelle over the last 7 years. She gets out and does the work that needs to be done to make a difference in people's lives. Im thrilled to get on board the @WuTrain and endorse her run for Mayor of Boston. Join at https://t.co/RjonYSfUxK. pic.twitter.com/vXGOVU2tqB  Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 9, 2021

Wu announced her campaign in September, highlighting her advocacy work in housing and transportation.

We can build wealth in all our communities, value public education, plan for our neighborhoods, invest in housing we can afford and transportation that serves everyone, truly fund public health for safety and healing and deliver on a city Green New Deal for clean air and water, healthy homes and the brightest future for our children, Wu said in a statement.

Fellow Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell announced her mayoral campaign shortly after Wu.

Speculation remained for months if Boston Mayor Marty Walsh would run again before he was tapped by President-elect Joe Biden to lead the U.S. Department of Labor.

Walsh, a former union president elected in 2013 after five-term mayor Thomas Menino, was a longtime favorite of Biden.

Working people, labor unions and those fighting every day for their shot at the middle class are the backbone of our economy and of this country, he tweeted after news broke on Thursday. As Secretary of Labor, Ill work just as hard for you as you do for your families and livelihoods. You have my word.
A Massachusetts teenager has outed her MAGA mom who got punched in the face at the riot at the US Capitol when she got into a fight with a cop.

Helena Duke, 18, on Thursday, re-tweeted a viral video showing her mother, Therese Duke, with blood streaming down her face after being struck between the eyes by a female uniformed officer.

Duke added a caption the read: 'Hi mom remember the time you told me I shouldn't go to BLM protests bc they could get violentthis you?'

She said that until about thee years ago, her mother had been a Democrat, but a year into Trump's presidency she became 'brainwashed' by the Make America Great Again movement.

Scroll down for video

Helena Duke, 18, from Massachusetts, took to Twitter in Thursday to identify her mother as a US Capitol rioter who was seen in a viral video being punched in the face by a cop

Helena Duke, 18, on Thursday, re-tweeted a viral video showing her mother, Therese Duke (right) fighting with an unnamed cop (center)

Therese is later seen with blood running down her face after the confrontation

In a follow-up tweet, Helena shared a screenshot of the bloodied pro- Donald Trump protester alongside a photo showing a woman she identified as her mother, writing: 'for those that don't believe it's my mother...'

The video of the violent confrontation, which as of Friday evening has been viewed more than 9.5million times, shows Therese trying to snatch a cellphone from the hands of a black cop.

The uniformed woman immediately wheeled around and jabbed the Trump supporter in the face with her fist.

The officer is then shoved toward a crowd of cops, before a melee broke out between the two sides and pepper spray was deployed.

Another clip showed a bleeding Therese being asked who hit her, to which she replied: 'That girl punched me in the face. That black girl.'

Helena later re-tweeted that video, writing: 'Mom I think you mean to say that powerful black woman punched you for harassment...'

She claims that her mom went to Washington DC after telling family she was taking a relative to out-of-town doctor.

Helena shared a photo of herself with her mom, who she believes was brainwashed by Trump

Duke called out her mother for being a hypocrite for previously kicking her out of the house for attending Black Lives Matter protests

Helena told The New York Post that she only learned that her mother was taking part in the violent revolt inspired by Trump's speech calling on his supporters to march on the Capitol during Joe Biden's victory certification on Wednesday after seeing videos online.

According to the teen, her mother told her she was going out of town for three days to drive her aunt to a medical facility to undergo a procedure.

'She didn't give me any more information about it, she was very vague  When I found out about the Capitol being stormed, I looked at her location sharing and it had been off for two days, so I assumed in that moment, I was like, 'Oh my gosh, she might actually be there,'' Duke told The Post.

'And then the next day, my cousin shared a video of her getting punched in the face  by police after harassing them.'

Helena said initially she had misgivings about publicly shaming her mother, but ultimately she decided to do it because of her mother's past conduct, including kicking the daughter out of the house for attending Black Lives Matter protests last year.

'At first I was kind of uneasy about it, but I think it was definitely so hypocritical of her to end up kicking me out of the house for going to peaceful protests because she assumed they'd be violent, and then end up going to this, which was obviously a very violent attack on the Capitol  and end up harassing a cop,' she said.

To prove the woman in the video is her mom, Therese Duke, Helena posted these two side-by-side photos

'Her actions were appalling and I did not think she could possibly stoop this low,' Helena told Newsweek. 'Seeing her harass a black woman and attending a violent event is very hypocritical of her.'

Helena said that her aunt and uncle also took part in the unrest in Washington DC.

A LinkedIn page for a Therese Duke from Massachusetts lists her employer as UMass Memorial Health Care for the past 16 years.

On Friday, the nation's third-largest health care provider released a statement, saying it was investigating allegations that one employee or more may have taken part in the DC riots.

'We strongly condemn such behavior, if true,' the statement read in part.
U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered 126 individuals inside a refrigerated trailer during a human smuggling attempt reported at the Interstate 35 checkpoint, authorities said.

A commercial refrigerated tractor-trailer arrived early Wednesday at the checkpoint. A K-9 unit then allegedly alerted to the vehicle during an inspection.

The driver was referred to secondary but disregarded agents instructions and continued to exit the checkpoint onto I-35 traveling northbound. Agents proceeded to perform a vehicle stop on the tractor trailer north of the checkpoint, Border Patrol said.

Agents escorted the vehicle back to the checkpoint where a search of the refrigerated trailer led to the discovery of 126 people without personal protective equipment.

All were immigrants from the countries of Mexico, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras who had crossed the border illegally. The driver, a U.S. citizen, was arrested pending further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations special agents. Border Patrol seized the 18-wheeler.

Human smugglers continue to have no regard for the safety and health of the people they exploit for profit. With a noted increase in COVID-19 infections among detainees, the transporting of large groups of people without PPE in close dangerous quarters endangers the individuals and safety of our nation, Border Patrol said in a statement.

To report suspicious activity such as human or drug smuggling, download the USBP Laredo Sector app or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 10,045 new coronavirus cases and 273 more deaths on Saturday.

Across Pennsylvania, 713,310 people have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic almost a year ago. Statewide, 17,667 total deaths have been tied to the virus.

Cant see the chart? Click here.

The number of daily hospitalizations has been in the thousands for more than a month. According to the health department, 5,318 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized as of Saturday morning, 1,092 of them in intensive care.

Testing has increased from the spring, but so has the percentage of those tests proving to be positive. Of those whove had a test in seven days ending Jan. 8, 14.4% were positive, down slightly from a week ago. Anything over 5% shows significant community spread of COVID-19.

It will be months until all adults in the state can be vaccinated, state officials said Friday, but shots are going to health care workers.

Most of the patients hospitalized, and most of those whove died, are ages 65 or older, the state said. Nursing homes have struggled with the spread of the virus.

The health department reports 73% of those who have contracted the coronavirus have recovered. The state considers patients to have recovered when they are 30 days past the point of infection or the onset of symptoms. Around 3.3 million people have had negative tests.

Pennsylvania on Thursday reported its first case, in Dauphin County, of the mutant COVID-19 strain thats more contagious.

More:

Promising antibody found in llamas may help prevent COVID-19: study

Elementary students should go back to classrooms, Pa.s new COVID-19 guidance says

U.S. tops 4,000 daily deaths from coronavirus for 1st time

The Telangana government is geared up for the COVID-19 vaccination programme beginning January 16, state Health Minister Eatala Rajender said on Saturday. Stating that he would take the first shot to instil confidence among the people, Rajender said the dry runs preceding the vaccine rollout have been successfully conducted.

Vaccine would be administered at 139 centres on January 16 with two to three centres being set up in each district, an official release quoted the Minister as saying. A total of 13,900 would be administered the vaccine in the 139 centres on the first day and 2,90,000 healthcare personnel working in the public and private sector have registered their names for the vaccine, he said.

Meanwhile, state Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, who attended a video conference with Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, said the workers in the Panchayat Raj Department should be given the vaccination (on priority) as they faced a high risk, according to an official release. He wanted public representatives to also be given the vaccine as was sought by the Health Minister, the release said.
Right now hottie Sara and her on-brand lounging goodness inspires this morning peek at top headlines, community news and pop culture.

Check-it . . .



Restaurant owners pay it forward during KC Restaurant Week When diners go out to eat for KC Restaurant Week, they'll be helping one of the nation's most vulnerable populations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Don Bosco Centers are among the beneficiaries and will receive some of the proceeds from restaurant owners.

Rally Start Now

Union Station, other Kansas City landmarks, getting ready for Chiefs playoff run TO KANSAS CITY. UNION STATION HAS PLAYOFF BEAVER. YOU CAN SEE THE CHIEFS AND BANNERS DECORATING THE OUTSIDE OF UNION STATION.

Lady Fights Bad Gas

Northland woman battles for months to get reimbursed for damage after gas mix-up at Sam's Club KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Northland woman has been fighting since June to be reimbursed for a fuel mix-up at a pump that caused nearly $2,000 in damages. Liz Hein said that minutes after filling up her car at Sam's Club, it broke down.

Hottie Good Life Sells

Victoria's Secret Angel Sara Sampaio Gets Soaking Wet In Skimpy Bikini While 'Chasing Waterfalls' Sara Sampaio showed off her jaw-dropping supermodel curves on Instagram this week when she rocked a yellow bikini in an idyllic setting. The Victoria's Secret Angel wowed in the stunning photo shared to her account on January 6, in which she perched on a thick branch next to a waterfall after seemingly taking a dip in the water.

Impeachment Redux

Trump riots: Democrats plan to introduce article of impeachment US Democrats plan to introduce an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump for his role in Wednesday's invasion of the US Capitol. The charge of "incitement of insurrection" is set to be introduced by House Democrats on Monday. They accuse Mr Trump of encouraging a riot in Congress in which five people died.

Hillary Laughs Last

Hillary Clinton dunks on Trump with checkmark tweet after president's Twitter ban Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had some fun at the expense of President Trump Friday following Twitter's announcement that his account had been permanently suspended. Following Trump's brief suspension from the social media platform after the violence that took place on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Twitter announced on Friday evening that the president will no longer be able to tweet.

Handcuff Comparison

DC police made far more arrests at the height of Black Lives Matter protests than during Capitol clash Washington, DC's Metropolitan Police Department made roughly five times as many arrests during the height of last June's Black Lives Matter protests compared to the US Capitol insurrection on Wednesday, a CNN analysis of the police department's data found.

Prez Trump Deals With Deplatforming

Trump a Twitter rival? After ban, president says he's in talks with other platforms -- or may launch his own Why tweet it when you can Trump it? President Trump on Friday said he is considering other social media platforms and may even create his own after he was banned from Twitter in the wake of Wednesday's U.S. Capitol riot. He has also been blocked from posting on Facebook and Instagram -- at least until his term ends.

Inspired Last Words

Alex Trebek's final "Jeopardy!" episode ends with sentimental tribute More than two months after Alex Trebek's death, fans of "Jeopardy!" finally got the chance to say goodbye. A video tribute to the host closed Friday's episode of the quiz show, the final one that Trebek taped before pancreatic cancer claimed his life on November 8.

Kegger Gives Back

How Travis Kelce, Operation Breakthrough plan to turn this old muffler shop into a teen coworking space, lab As organizers look to re-open the doors to Walt Disney's historic Laugh-O-gram Studios, they're introducing Kansas Citians to a new era along Troost - in-part ushered in by a Kansas City Chiefs star and one of the city's highest impact non-profit organizations.

Biz Sparked In Brookside

Kansas City dispensary opens KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Among the first dispensaries in the metro is set to open Friday. From The Earth in Brookside will open its doors beginning at 11 a.m. At least three other locations in the metro including downtown and in the Crossroads will also be coming soon.

Overcast Forecast

Cloudy start to Saturday, some sun in store for Sunday Hide Transcript Show Transcript WIND CHILLS IN THE 20'S. ACTUALLY IT IS NOT INDIE AND THANKFULLY IT IS NOT RAINING OR SNOWING ON THEM. SOMETIMES YOU THINK WE COULD USE MARK RUTTE TO PETITION AND I HAVE TO SHOW YOU SOMETHING -- THAT WE COULD USE SOME MORE PRECIPITATION, AND I HAVE TO SHOW YOU THIS.

ZAYN - Vibez is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Tech companies are under pressure to support officials investigating the Capitol Hill riot. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia has sent letters to eleven tech companies urging them to preserve evidence linked to the mob that invaded the House and Senate. Most of them are social networks including Facebook, Gab, Parler, Signal, Telegram and Twitter. The requests also went out to Apple, Google as well as carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon (Engadgets parent company).

In each case, Warner noted that the rioters went out of their way to record the event, whether it was taking photos, sending messages or even livestreaming their actions. That and related info like metadata and cloud backups could be critical evidence for the FBI and victim lawsuits, the senator said.

Warner didnt give the companies a deadline for a response. Twitter declined to comment at this time, but a Facebook spokesperson told Engadget it was maintaining an ongoing, proactive outreach to law enforcement and was responding quickly to requests by deleting content, removing accounts and otherwise cooperating with investigations. Weve also asked Apple for comment.

This isnt a legally binding request. It might also be difficult for some of the companies to comply. Messaging services like Signal and Telegram have end-to-end encryption that prevents the creators themselves from accessing chats, for instance.

Still, the tech firms might be compelled to respond. Warner is the new Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee  he could lead investigations and other actions in response to the Capitol breach.
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.
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
Nurses temporarily assigned to Winnipeg personal care homes are warning the danger of redeployment has left staff shuffling from home to home, risking COVID-19 transmission between facilities, compromising care for residents and overworking staff.

Nurses temporarily assigned to Winnipeg personal care homes are warning the "danger of redeployment" has left staff shuffling from home to home, risking COVID-19 transmission between facilities, compromising care for residents and overworking staff.

Jamie and Mackenzie  not their real names  were part of a crowd of nurses redeployed from regular duties to the citys long-term care facilities at the beginning of December.

Originally told they would help cover one or two care homes in their catchment areas, the nurses said they were soon asked to cover several different homes for just days at a time  with assignments changing rapidly, often on short notice.

"I was digesting the idea of having to learn how to work in a PCH, and I could probably wrap my head around one or two places, getting to know it and being there to help," Jamie said in an interview Friday.

"But when reality started to set in, weve been pulled from PCH to PCH, being told the needs have changed and theyre moving resources."

Anxiety set in quickly for the nurses as new care home assignments every few days brought new uncertainties to each shift.

"They dont tell you if youre going into a red zone or a green zone, you dont know whether you need to come home and decontaminate. Is there going to be PPE at the door waiting for you or are you going to need to fight for it?" said Jamie.

"It makes you feel at times like youre a burden, because you dont know the facility and you dont know a lot of what comes naturally when youve been in a place for more than one or two days."

The nurses said the workloads at each home have been "impossible," even unsafe, to manage as they are tasked with covering entire units on each shift, caring for 20 to 30 residents at a time.

Night shifts can be even more dire: some care homes will leave one night nurse responsible for several floors, each housing several dozens of residents.

"Theres really a severe understaffing. To give good care and to respect the elders that staffing baseline has to be re-evaluated, and how we care for them needs to be reworked," Mackenzie said.

They noted long-term care is a specialty, not a task every nurse is trained for. While they understand the "unprecedented" situation calls for some sacrifices, Mackenzie said the constant reassignment with little training is severely "missing the mark."

"Theyve dropped us into those assignments... when we are under the impression were there to help. But it turns out were not there to help, were there to take a full assignment with next to no training," Jamie added.

"Its extremely dangerous and unsafe and its not fair; its not fair to those residents, its not fair to their families."

The constant movement also presents a dire infection risk both to residents and to staff, who are moved between facilities or units with outbreaks to those without outbreaks on a regular basis, the pair said.

In the spring, the province implemented a single-site staffing rule for personal care homes to help prevent the infection risks of constant staff shuffling.

According to a spokeswoman for Shared Health, that order is still in place  but personal care homes are able to apply for temporary exemptions "should a facility experience a significant impact on their ability to staff appropriately."

"Exemptions may be granted in situations such as staff being isolated due to testing positive for COVID, or a close contact requiring isolation, or a high number of COVID positive residents who require a higher level of nursing care," the spokeswoman said in an email Friday.

Currently, nine care homes in Winnipeg alone have been granted exemptions, she said.

Now, a month into the redeployment, the two say communication from management has been scant, and nurses who inquire about the frequent transfers are told the health-care system is "moving resources"  a term that leaves staff feeling neglected.

"Theyre dehumanizing the experience and theyre not acknowledging the caregiving that goes into our work," said Mackenzie. "So much is being expected of us without much consideration of the impact on us."

According to Shared Health there are currently 31 nurses redeployed to personal care homes in Winnipeg.

They are entitled to premiums set out in a memorandum of understanding between the province and the Manitoba Nurses Union. The nurses, however, say they are required to submit their own timesheets, using personal time to consolidate hours worked across several facilities, sometimes having their compensation denied through "loopholes."

On top of complicated remuneration processes, some have felt "pressure" to give up vacation time and "pitch in," said Mackenzie.

It remains unclear, as the impacts of the pandemic continue in care homes and the health-care system at-large, when the redeployment situation will be re-evaluated.

In the meantime, the present situation is dangerous, draining and detrimental to the health of all affected, the nurses said.

"Its just been so upsetting to feel like you dont have any control at all, youre being yanked from one spot to another, youre expected to be a caregiver but it feels as though the care for the givers is gone," Jamie said.

Mackenzie added: "This is not sustainable."

julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jsrutgers


UPPER THUMB - The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan assists hungry individuals and families throughout eastern Michigan in many ways. The Food Bank is a key source of food in their 22-county service area for a network of "partner agencies" serving those struggling to afford food. Many of these partner agencies are food pantries, enabling people to pick up and receive an assortment of basic food and grocery supplies.

The following is a list of times and locations of area pop-up food pantries to take place in the upcoming weeks.

Twitter has permanently suspended President Donald Trump from its platform on Friday due to the "risk of further incitement of violence."

Trump's Twitter account holds 88 million followers, which was initially banned for 12 hours on Jan. 6 due to severe violations of its Civic Integrity Policy. The suspension came after Trump used the social media platform to tweet condemnation against Vice President Mike Pence as his supporters breached and caused a riot at the U.S. Capitol.

"After a close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence," the company tweeted, as reported by NBC News.

Twitter said in a blog post that their public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly. The social media giant noted that its platform was built on the principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open.

Twitter added that they made it clear that these accounts are not above their rules and cannot use Twitter to incite violence.

"We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement," Twitter said, as NPR reported.

Twitter has been Trump's preferable tool for announcing major changes in federal policy and even in personnel changes. He also reportedly fired cabinet secretaries and aides via tweets occasionally.

Related story: Trump to Lose Special Twitter Protections in January



Aside from Trump, Twitter also banned some supporters of the president on their platform.

Twitter Banning Accounts of Flynn, Powell

Trump's first national security adviser Michael Flynn and former Trump campaign lawyer Sidney Powell were both suspended on Twitter. These permanent bans are among the highest-profile that Twitter instituted under its "coordinated harmful activity" policy.

In recent weeks, Flynn and Powell both met with Trump at the White House as part of efforts to alter the presidential election results. They are also high-profile figures in the QAnon community that Flynn even took an oath to the conspiracy theory last year.

On the other hand, Powell amplified the Dominion voting machine conspiracy, claiming that the company's devices switched votes from Trump to Biden. Dominion Voting Systems sued Powell for defamation on Friday, seeking more than $1.3 billion in damages.

Flynn was also allegedly involved in Trump's efforts to overturn the November election results. In 2017, he pleaded guilty to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation during the probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

According to a Tech Crunch report, the Justice Department dropped the federal case against him despite his pleading, and Trump eventually issued a pardon for him.

Meanwhile, Twitter has also removed the Twitter account of Ron Watkins. He is the administrator of the website 8kun, or previously named 8chan, and hosts posts from Q.

Q is reportedly the false digital "prophet" of the QAnon conspiracy theory. 8chan changed its name after white supremacists used the site to post manifestos before carrying out mass murder, including the terror attack in El Paso, Texas that left 17 people dead in 2019.

Related story: Twitter Criticized by U.S. President Trump for Labeling His Social Media Posts as "Misleading"




The anarchy that erupted on the streets of Washington D.C. and particularly at the U.S. Capitol Building on yesterday Jan. 6this a dark stain on the history of our nation.

When people advocate for their political leaders or objectives there is never a rationale for committing violence. The deep divisions in our nation right now are traumatizing tens of millions of people. As people of faith, we must provide the necessary response through prayer and action--needed to heal a wounded nation. The events at the U.S. Capitol have resulted in loss of life. Is there no balm in Gilead?

In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote:

In a real sense all life is inter-related. All men (women) are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.

Our destiny as Americans is not separate from the rest of the world; in fact, we are simply a part of Gods human tapestry in which the lives and experiences of all people are sacred. Dr. King also said in this seminal letter, written to Alabama clergy, whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be, and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be.

As a nation we can never be all that we are called to be unless we are willing to live out the creed that all men and women are created equal and that we are endowed with certain unalienable rights, chief among them life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Our call compels us to speak truth to power, to galvanize a movement for justice and to challenge our nation and its leaders to pursue the nature of our better angels.

Jan. 6 was not our best day as a nation but my prayer is that today and the next, we will all rise to the challenge of creating Beloved Community.

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches and its members churches I stand on the side of justice with peace. Violence is never an answer in settling our disputes. Aristotle was correct in stating that we are social beings. In our associations, however, we must learn the importance of mutual respect and affirming the dignity of all persons.

The Rev. Dr. Larry Pickens is executive director of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches.
The health ministry on Saturday said that the total number of cases of the mutant strain of Covid-19 in India, first found in the United Kingdom, has gone up to 90.

As per reports, eight of these cases of the mutant Covid-19 strain, believed to be more infectious, are new, the data showed.

This came a day after India resumed flights from Britain. An Air India flight from Britain, carrying 256 passengers, landed in New Delhi on Friday.

"The total number of cases infected with the new strain of the novel coronavirus, first reported in the UK, now stands at 90," the ministry announced.

Around 18,222 new Covid cases in a span of 24 hours took the overall tally to 1,04,31,639 on Saturday. The country also reported 228 deaths, pushing the total number of deaths linked to the infection to 1,50,798.

The active caseload, however, is 2,24,190 and over 1 crore people have already recovered from the killer virus.

The number of such SARS-Cov-2 cases of the new UK virus stood at 82 till Friday.

The Central Government has reduced the number of flights to the UK from 60 per week to 30 to curtail the faster-spreading mutant strain in the country.

All those who have tested positive for the new variant of coronavirus are being kept in single-room isolation at designated healthcare facilities by the respective state governments, the ministry had said earlier. Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine.

"A comprehensive contact-tracing exercise has been initiated for their co-travellers, family members and others and genome sequencing on other specimens is going on," the ministry had earlier said.

In Britain, the new Covid-19 virus strain has led to an unprecedented surge in fresh cases. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has declared a "major incident", saying the British capital was "at crisis point" and urgent action was required as beds for coronavirus patients could run out within weeks.

A few days back, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the strictest restrictions in months to check the Covid-19 spread.

The presence of the new variant of Covid-19, first reported in Britain, has already been reported by several countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

This might be tough to swallow, but we still might not have reached the bottom of the Trump presidency. Now we have to figure out what to do with a man who has encouraged sedition and resists accountability on all levels.

For the first time, thanks to the president and his enablers within his administration and Congress, a group of Americans stormed the U.S. Capitol, wreaking damage wherever they went.

If this was not an attempted constitutional coup, I do not know what is. Even secessionists who warred against the Union and Constitution acknowledged Abraham Lincolns reelection in 1864. Trumps army has managed to do more damage to our democracy. Proclaiming his love for the marauders whom he called very special people, the president poured fuel over the flames he had stoked. Armed with nothing but too-late platitudes, Republicans in Congress were profiles in opportunism and cravenness, and Trumps face-saving video came too late to prevent five deaths, damage to the Capitol, and the insurrection he urged.

 READ MORE: America hit rock bottom on January 6, 2021. Will there be an epiphany? | Will Bunch

For years, Republicans say how privately they voice misgivings, even to the president  but does anyone really believe that? And if they truly did, what good did it achieve?

Always quick to claim the mantle of law and order, Republican lawmakers could not move fast enough to whitewash Trumps misconduct and sat silently during his racist taunts, demonization of government, and war on the legitimacy of the electoral system and the Constitution itself.

As I watched these events, I was horrified but realized I had seen them before. As a young Jewish boy growing up in Alabama in the 1960s, I saw police and white Americans beat up peaceful protestors, sometimes lynching them. These marauders proclaimed themselves patriots just like those who vandalized Congress Wednesday.

When protestors were proclaiming Black Lives Matters near the Capitol, police surrounded Congress. When I walked into Congress in 2019 to testify against President Donald Trump in his impeachment proceedings, police were everywhere. When I returned to the Senate to work on President Trumps nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, police again were everywhere. But on Wednesday, as violence erupted at the Capitol, the police presence was weak. Trump refused to order the National Guard to protect Congress or its members  and later lied he had ordered them immediately to protect Congress.

How do we move forward? How will the president, and his many enablers, be held accountable? We can proclaim our commitment to the rule of law, but that is not enough, especially since some senators already abandoned their often-expressed reverence for states rights and insinuated they had the ultimate power to undo what the states upheld. Its easy for anyone, including the complicit, to cry rule of law and law and order amid this disaster. But how do we make sure we actually enforce those things with norms eroded to this extent?

The available options all have one thing in common: not just announcing our commitment to the rule of law, but actively applying it to Trump and those who broke laws in his name. Someone has to pay for the damage done, and it should not be the law-abiding citizens of this country.

 READ MORE: Law enforcement allowed the Capitol insurrection, but America deserves the blame | Opinion

For those Trump appointees who enabled Trumps misconduct, from the lying to the destruction of documents to obstructing the institutions of democracy, there must be accountability. It is not enough that some may be resigning now. That is not an act of courage, but a lame attempt to avoid responsibility. Rather than preventing further damage, they saved themselves. They should not find safe harbor to bide their time before they reenter government to pick up where they left off.

Any abetting lawyers should be sanctioned wherever they are licensed for breaking ethical rules forbidding them from making misleading and false statements and facilitating the commission of crimes and breaches of the Constitution. Allowing or ignoring smaller crimes supposedly to prevent larger crimes is not a defense: Two wrongs  or a dozen of them  dont make anything right.

Though impeachment is unlikely before Joe Bidens inauguration, presidents remain subject to the process after leaving office. Trump may be barred from any future federal service or pensions, for both attempted voter fraud in Georgia and inciting violence against Congress.

 READ MORE: The U.S. cant afford to just look forward after Trumps criminal behavior | Helen Ubinas

Each chamber of Congress also can sanction its own members. At the very least, House members and senators who fomented, encouraged, ignored, or sanctioned violence should be reprimanded if not ousted. Start with Sen. Josh Hawley, who raised his fist in solidarity with the marauders and did Trumps dirty work on the Senate floor; Sen. Ted Cruz, who spewed lies to support sedition; and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who denounced the violence and recognized Biden as duly elected, but blamed Democrats for starting this insurrection. How fitting that Georgias two new senators symbolize the change McConnells been fighting against.

The private sector, too, can hold insurrectionists accountable, from denying employment for the fleeing rats, firing insurrectionists (as has begun), and canceling Hawleys vanity book contract.

John Adams spoke of ours as a government of laws, not men. If we really wish to turn the page on Trump and the damage he has wrought, leaving office is just the beginning of his penance.

Michael Gerhardt is Burton Craige distinguished professor of jurisprudence at the University of North Carolina, and the author of several books, including the forthcoming Lincolns Mentors: The Education of a Leader.
A group of protesters gather inside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Capitol Police Officers Death Should Not Be Politicized, Family Says

Circumstances surrounding the death of U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick arent clear and should not be politicized, family members said.

Many details regarding Wednesdays events and the direct causes of Brians injuries remain unknown, and our family asks the public and the press to respect our wishes in not making Brians passing a political issue, Ken Sicknick, the mans brother, said in a statement. Please honor Brians life and service, and respect our privacy while we move forward in doing the same.

Sicknick passed away at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Thursday night due to injuries sustained while responding to protests at the Capitol, the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement.

Sicknick was injured while physically engaging with protesters, according to the agency. He was rushed to a hospital but died.

The death is being investigated as a homicide.

In the new statement from the slain officers family, Ken Sicknick said his brother was the youngest of three sons, born in South River, N.J. The 42-year-old always wanted to be a police officer and joined the New Jersey Air National Guard as a means to that end, serving overseas.

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick in a file photograph. (United States Capitol Police via AP)

In addition to asking for privacy, Sicknick said his family would like to express their gratitude to Brians law enforcement family for their kindness, compassion, and support during this difficult time.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle issued condolences to the mans family.

Devastating news. Please join me in praying for our fallen Capitol Police officers family during this heartbreaking time, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) said.

Our hearts break over the senseless death of United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who was injured in the line of duty during yesterdays violent assault on the Capitol, Reps. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) wrote in a joint statement. Our prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues on the force.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) ordered the Capitol flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of Sicknick.

The role of the U.S. Capitol Police is being probed in relation to what happened on Wednesday, as numerous officials expressed confusion as to how officers allowed protesters to breach the Capitol.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund is resigning, effective Jan. 16.
Comment - Spirits (Dark) - On the Rocks, with Amy Hopkins By: Amy Hopkins Spirits commentator Amy Hopkins keeps a check on the dark spirits category, featuring, whisky/whiskey, Cognac, brandy, aged rum et al.

India - Spirits' promised land still as tantalising as ever - comment

With new hope that free trade negotiations between the UK/EU and India could progress, Amy Hopkins looks at the spirits categories - beyond Scotch whisky - poised to benefit the most from a possible new trading relationship.

Why whisky/whiskey can no longer ignore the allure of flavours - comment

By and large, Scotch, Irish and world whisky/whiskey brands have seen the flavoured spirits trend unfold from their respective watchtowers, while American and Canadian players have advanced the frontline. As more brands now wade into the sub-category, spirits commentator Amy Hopkins asks if today's whisky consumers are ready to more widely embrace flavour innovation.

Why new standards herald a new dawn for Japanese whisky - comment

As distillers in Japan digest the introduction in 2024 of labelling standards for Japanese whisky, spirits category commentator Amy Hopkins looks at what radical industry-wide changes could be in store.

Why Scotch whisky could take years to rebound in the US - comment

A protracted trade dispute has blocked single malt Scotch whisky's access to the all-important US market at a time when the category desperately needs to demonstrate its relevance. As trends rapidly accelerate, this lack of visibility could damage Scotch for years to come, warns spirits commentator Amy Hopkins.

What's coming up in aged spirits in 2021? - Predictions for the Year Ahead - comment

This month, our category commentators are lining up to share with us their thoughts on how 2021 will shape their respective sectors. Here's our aged spirits expert, Amy Hopkins, with her take on the year ahead.

Why aged spirits should be wary of opaque low- & no-alcohol trend - comment

The seemingly-unstoppable rise of the low- & no-alcohol movement has resulted in an abundance of new brands and line extensions. But, Amy Hopkins warns, aged spirits would do well to tread carefully, lest they lose the consumer's trust and respect.

Why the latest sexism row will be a watershed moment for whisky - comment

The recent campaign against Jim Murray's 'Whisky Bible' has shone a light on sexism in whisky, and there's no turning it off now. Brands will need to take a proactive, as opposed to merely reactive, stance to show that their condemnation of misogyny and commitment to inclusivity goes beyond lip service, says Amy Hopkins.

How COVID is opening up aged spirits to a whole new world - comment

The dizzying rise of digital communication and purchasing brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has the potential to revolutionise the aged spirits market in the long term. Category commentator Amy Hopkins explains.

Why RTDs could spur the next wave of growth for whisky - comment

The ready-to-drink category has emerged as the unlikely hero of the drinks world. Whisky - particularly Scotch - has been slow to capitalise on the trend, but a wealth of planned NPD could offer a lifeline for a segment that has famously struggled to connect with a younger audience. Category commentator Amy Hopkins investigates.

Heritage is holding spirits brands back from progress - comment

The Black Lives Matter movement has forced the drinks industry to take a long, hard look in the mirror. For this reflection to turn into long-term action and progress, however, it's time whisky and rum brand owners reassess their blind loyalty to heritage, writes Amy Hopkins.

Why craft whisky/whiskey will never be the same again - comment

The craft whisk(e)y industry is trapped in a vice, with pressure from the coronavirus pandemic and retaliatory tariffs deepening the cracks that have existed for some time. In her debut for just-drinks, dark spirits category commentator Amy Hopkins forecasts that the road to recovery will be long and hard, and only the strong will survive.
Mamata Banerjee expands Bengal Cabinet, 43 TMC leaders sworn in as ministers: Full List here

All 77 BJP MLAs in Bengal to have central security cover

BJPs tally in West Bengal assembly down to 75

West Bengal Elections 2021: Governor to meet Shah today

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Kolkata, Jan 09: Amid the growing political turbulence in poll-bound West Bengal, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar will be meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Saturday.

He had last met Shah in October 2020.

"Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar will fly to New Delhi tonight. His engagements include calling on the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 9," Raj Bhavan sources said.

West Bengal assembly elections 2021: Amit Shah, JP Nadda to visit Bengal again this month

Dhankhar, who had been at loggerheads with the TMC government since taking charge as the Bengal governor, has criticised the Mamata Banerjee dispensation on several occasions over the "worsening" law and order situation in the state.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

BJP leaders in Bengal have been demanding imposition of President's Rule in the state, citing "breakdown of the rule of law" as reason.

Elections to the 294-member Bengal Assembly are likely to be held in April-May.
New Delhi: Actress Dia Mirzas former manager, Rahila Furniturewala, has been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday in relation to the ongoing investigation in actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case.

The NCB released a report stating that Rahila has been arrested along with her sister who was found in possession of Ganja.

The NCB statement read, "On the basis of specific information, NCB Mumbai effected a seizure of Ganja from one courier at Bandra West. In the follow-up operation, a huge stash of imported strains of Ganja was recovered from a resident of Jaswant Heights Khar west named Karan Sajnani (British National). Further on the revelation of Karan Sajnani Ganja Bud was recovered from Rahila Furniturewala who is also suspect in the investigation of Cr. No. 16/2020 of Mumbai Zonal Unit. The sister of Rahila Furniturewala named Shaista Furniturewala was also arrested as she too was found in possession of Ganja. Total contraband seized was approximately 200 kg."

The statement further read, "The contraband was packed in the form of pre-rolled Ganja Joints by Karan Sajnani and was marketed to high-class clients in Mumbai and various other states. The smuggling activity was supported by Rahila Furniturewala by providing financial and other aids."

Bollywood actors like Deepika Padukone, Sara Ali Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh and several others have also been questioned by the NCB in relation to this case.
The general assault on the pensions of US workers under the Obama era Kline-Miller Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014 has now taken aim at the pensions of tens of thousands of construction workers in southeast Michigan. Nearly 20,000 active and retired carpenters and millwrights in the Detroit metropolitan area are facing deep cuts in their pensions in July 2021.

The Warren, Michigan-based Carpenters and Millwrights fund submitted a revised application in 2020 to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin under the Application for Suspension of Benefits required by the 2014 federal legislation. The current Board of Trustees includes now president of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, Mike Barnwell, and other officials of the carpenters and millwrights regional and local unions.

Teamster retirees in Detroit hear pension cuts explained

According to data presented to the US Treasury Department, the $772 million carpenters and millwrights fund is only 34.5 percent funded and in critical and declining status. It is projected to run out of money to pay benefits to 19,600 active or retired members by 2035.

The latest communications from trustees to members report the financial shortfalls have been exacerbated by the losses in construction jobs resulting from the coronavirus.

This is the second submission to the US Treasury by the fund. Some retirees have been told they would get cuts of 15 to 26 percent in their monthly checks. The comments from pension recipients related to looming cuts to Detroit-area carpenters were closed by the US Treasury Department in mid-December, 2020. The projected cuts have been denounced by many workers on the Regulations.gov comments website.

One retiree, Michael Fannelli, outlined how the new cuts only added to previous ones imposed under laws existing before the 2014 federal legislation. He wrote of his personal losses, The Michigan carpenters fund trustees made the tough decisions in 2008 and raised retirement age to 58 and went to a 90 point requirement. He goes on to explain how several more cuts were made at key points in the following decade, and he wrote that when he applied for retirement, my body [was] worn out both knees needing replacement, already have undergone spinal fusion, rotator cuff repair, and hernia repair surgeries. His original pension would be cut a total of 60 percent, combining the proposed and previous cuts from the amount he expected to retire on after he put in decades of work.

Another retired carpenter, Michael Vanderhoff wrote, I have worked hard for 30 years and have been retired for 10 years. My body is shot! When I retired I felt confident I could survive on my pension. I feel I have been let down by both my union and government.

The next step in the grim legalistic process, a vote by the participants of the fund to approve the draconian cuts, is thoroughly rigged and can only produce an outcome beneficial to business. The vote is largely a formality to create a legal facade to undermine protection and promises made to construction workers during their working lives.

The Kline-Miller Omnibus Bill of 2014, supported by Democrats and Republicans alike in Congress, is the vehicle being used by business interests to gut the pensions of construction workers and other major sections of the working class in the US. Ever wider layers of workers are losing retirement benefits as corporations seek to claw back all the gains workers made through past struggles.

For 40 years, under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974, defined benefit plans have been allowed to change the rate at which a worker earns future benefits, but could not reduce the amount of benefits a worker or retiree had already accumulated.

Single-employer pensions have long been under wholesale attack as corporate raiding and bankruptcies closed or reorganized capitalist firms in order to cut costs. The 2014 law created a mechanism to expand the cuts to skills and classes of workers who likely labor at several different employers during their working lives.

The Kline-Miller Omnibus Bill created a legal mechanism to attack the multiemployer plans covering the retirement benefits for workers in trucking, mining, construction and other sectors. It was crafted with direct collaboration between business, government and the unions collecting dues from these workers.

The passage of Kline-Miller was preceded by the historic ruling of bankruptcy judge Steven Rhodes in 2013, overriding the Michigan state constitution, to allow the gutting of pensions of tens of thousands of Detroit city workers.

Like the blackmail narrative that union tops used to engineer the favorable vote in the Detroit city workers case, if the carpenters plan is voted down, the trustees claim retirees would lose out anyway. According to the law, their multiemployer pension fund is expected to go broke and pensions then shifted to draw from the federal Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC). That would mean pension cuts of between 20 percent and 90 percent for each beneficiary in multiemployer plans.

A recent vote by the Southwest Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Pension Plans 5,527 participants, concerning US Treasury-approved reductions under the same pension reform law, revealed a great deal about how the process is rigged against workers. The Treasury authorized the cuts based on a formula that counted non-voters as yes votes. The plan had been rejected nearly two to one by those voting.

Just as alarming is the fact that the multiemployer PBGC itself is expected to be bankrupt by 2025. The multiemployer plan was underfunded by $638 billion in 2015, up from $193 billion in 2007. The PBGC had a $54 billion deficit in 2018, up from $739 million in 2006.

A Treasury acceptance letter for an Ohio carpenters trust fund approved in 2019 says that the fund must now prove solvency every year going forward.

The massive fund for Detroit-area construction workers is one of about 125 multiemployer pension plans nationwide. The multiemployer funds that already have or are expected to submit applications for permission to cut benefits soon, affect 1.4 million workers and retirees in the US.

Among the multiemployer plans in trouble and listed on Treasurys pension reform site is the United Central States Pension Fund, covering truckers and UPS retirees. A plan proposing cuts of up to an 80 percent reduction in benefits was rejected as insufficient by Treasury officials in 2016, based on inequity in cuts to general truck drivers and some of the UPS participants. There are 400,000 participants and beneficiaries depending on the fund.

Various schemes to bolster failing pension funds have made no progress in Congress.

None offer a solution. An incentive to further risky investments comes as carpenters have cited the bad investments and outright graft that contributed to the insolvency of the fund and reduced benefits through point and retirement age adjustments in previous years.

One retired carpenter told the World Socialist Web Site that the number of employers who no longer pay into the carpenters pension fund has mushroomed. He noted: Yes, there are less young people paying in, referring to some estimates that put 2.5 retirees to every working carpenter or millwright paying into the plan. He continued: But how did that happen? You have a lot of construction now but many of the jobssometimes the same construction companies that were in it beforenot contributing into the pension plan. How can there be all that construction going on in downtown Detroit and there be so many fewer construction workers paying in?

This has been going on for some time. First the pension trustees told us that it would only affect the younger guys, not the ones who had been working for a while or already been retired. Its a very complicated formula now but I hear all are going to be cut by some amount.

I think there should be an investigation of the corruption. As to the claim they made bad investmentswhatever they did they lined their own pockets. [Former chairman of the pension funds board] Ralph Mabry went to jail, convicted and put on one year supervised release. The federal government seized files and everything.

I have a lot of relatives who are carpenters and they are going to lose at least 15 percent across the board. One of my younger relatives told me recently that he has not worked a union job in five years.
China silent on independent probe on charges of COVID-19 leak from Wuhan bio lab

Milkha Singh continues to be stable, shifted out of ICU; wife admitted with COVID pneumonia

COVID-19 origin: Biden asks US intel community to investigate, calls on China to cooperate

New UK strain of COVID-19 hits 90 Indians

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 09: The number of people infected with the new UK-linked variant of coronavirus has gone up to 90 in India, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday.

These 90 cases include the 82 announced by the ministry till Friday.

"The total number of cases infected with the new strain of the novel coronavirus, first reported in the UK, now stands at 90," the ministry said.

Coronavirus cases: India records 18,222 new COVID cases, 228 deaths in last 24 hours

All these persons have been kept in single-room isolation in designated healthcare facilities by respective state governments, the ministry had earlier said.

Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others, while genome sequencing on other specimens is going on, the ministry said.

The situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to designated labs.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

The presence of the new UK-variant has already been reported by several countries including Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 14:19 [IST]

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.
 Doug Jensen, an Iowa man, was jailed early Saturday on federal charges, including trespassing and disorderly conduct counts, for his alleged role in the Capitol riot. Jensen, 41, of Des Moines, was being held without bond at the Polk County Jail and county sheriffs Sgt. Ryan Evans said he didnt know if Jensen had an attorney. Video posted online during the storming of the Capitol showed a man who appears to be Jensen, who is white, pursuing a Black officer up an interior flight of stairs as a mob of people trails several steps behind. At several points, the officer says get back, to no avail.

President-elect Joe Biden declined to endorse lawmakers push to oust President Donald Trump, saying he was instead focused on taking office in less than two weeks.

Biden repeated his longstanding claim that Trump is unfit" for the presidency but said the fastest way to remove him was to move forward with his own inauguration.

I think its important that we get on the business of getting him out of office," Biden said at a speech in Wilmington, Delaware. The quickest way that will happen is us being sworn in on the 20th. What action happens before or after that is an action for the Congress to make but thats what Im looking forward to -- him leaving office,"

Biden said that instead of impeachment, he was concentrating on controlling the coronavirus pandemic and reviving the U.S. economy.

Despite the symbolism of one president handing power off to another at the inauguration, Biden said it was a good thing" Trump is declining to attend the ceremony at the Capitol, which this week was attacked by mobs of Trump supporters.

One of the few things he and I agree on," Biden quipped. He added, however, that Vice President Mike Pence would be welcome to come."

Biden spoke later Friday to both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, the president-elects transition team said in a statement. Biden discussed his legislative agenda, though the statement did not specify whether they also talked about impeachment or invoking the 25th Amendment of the Constitution to remove Trump from office.

Pelosi said Friday that House Democrats were prepared to impeach the president a second time if he didnt immediately resign.

In excerpts from an interview with CBS Newss 60 Minutes" that will be broadcast on Sunday, she calls Trump a deranged, unhinged, dangerous president."

Lawmakers are outraged that Trump encouraged supporters to march on the Capitol, where groups of them overwhelming law enforcement and broke into the building, forcing evacuations and sparking mayhem that left five people dead, including a police officer. Even though the president has only a few days left in his term, many have called for him to be stripped of power as soon as possible.

Pelosi has been calling on Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and said the House would move forward with articles of impeachment if nothing is done. The chambers top Republican warned such a move would further divide the country.

Those documents have already been drafted, but in a conference call Friday with House Democrats Pelosi didnt say whether shes made a decision about proceeding, according to people who listened in on the call.

Biden also declined to add his name to the list of those calling for the the resignation of senators who objected to his win being certified.

I think they should just be flat beaten the next time they run," he said of Texass Ted Cruz and Missouris Josh Hawley. They are part of the big lie. There are decent people out there who actually believe these lies because theyve heard it again and again."

Biden went so far as to compare them to Adolf Hitlers propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels.

Hawley slammed the comparison in a statement as undignified, immature, and intemperate behavior from the President-elect" and demanded Biden retract the comments.

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.
A two-day special session of the West Bengal Assembly will begin on January 27 when the state government will table a resolution against the Centre's new farm laws and discuss the issue of agitating farmers.

State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee told reporters on Friday evening that a letter has been sent to Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay, urging him for convening the special session.

Issues related to GST will also be taken up during the session, he said. Chatterjee said a draft of the resolution will also be sent to the Left and Congress for a united fight against the Centre's farm laws.

The Left parties and the Congress had on January 1 urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for a session of the assembly over the farm laws.
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
The Covid crackdown on moving around and meeting people has inflicted heavy damage to sectors including the arts, hospitality and travel. For those working in ethnic minority-owned takeaway food businesses the picture is particularly grim where an estimated eight out of ten takeaway operations have either seen applications for financial support rejected or unanswered. Ali Askir, founder of the Irish Curry Awards, says takeaways across Northern Ireland are closing down at a rate of at least one a day.

The absence of the 300 weekly support promised to takeaways last month is now a matter of life or death for these businesses. Mr Askir believes the sector has been left behind largely because of policy maker misconceptions about its reliance on late night opening.

"It's definitely not about feeding house parties because our records clearly show that orders for late night suppers up until 3am were from individuals and small family groups of three or four people, and we have lost this business because of the imposition of an 11pm curfew," he says at the time of writing.

The answer is for takeaways to operate remotely on a click and deliver only basis, he maintains. "That way, human contact is reduced to zero. Payment is made online, food is left on the doorstep." Which brings our attention to three award-winning takeaways who deliver and could do with your support. They cover a range of traditional food styles from Pakistan to the southern tip of India and they have proven themselves to the point of becoming part of their community fabric. Bithika on Belfast's Lisburn Road ("chicken korma, chana bhuna, fish fingers or kebab on chips delivered to your couch") marks its 33rd birthday making it one of the oldest Indian takeaways in Belfast. There's nothing old-fashioned about the food, though, and among the staple masalas, jalfrezis and vindaloos there are exciting hogie kebabs featuring BBQ chicken, spiced chicken fritters, sliced BBQ lamb and a handful of chips on naan bread, Scottish style. And that naan bread is beautifully fluffy, light and the size of a single duvet. The pilau rice which accompanied a decent and hugely proportioned chicken tikka chilli masala may be dotted with the traditional day-glo orange and green rice grains but the flavour pulling through with the bayleaf and other herbs is fresh and engaging. The sheer portion sizes mean a single tub easily serves two people. Never mind the quality, feel the weight of that. Zora's on Derry's Strand Road takes the world food theme further than anyone and the menu will take you from Italy to India via North America. So brace yourself for hot dogs, pasta and fish & chips among the kormas and makhanis. I'm never fond of fusion restaurants because they end up being neither fish nor fowl but in Zora's defence, if you're going into the takeaway business, do it well and give the public what they want. Interestingly the curry menu includes "buffet portion" dishes which are cheaper than the "full portion" versions and 20% smaller. So you can indulge in rogan joshes, special Punjabi chilli beef keema, kormas and the rest of it, safe in the knowledge that your New Year's resolution remains intact. Asha in Bangor has won many awards not least the Irish Curry Award for best Indian takeaway in Ulster. Here you will find the unusual and lesser known regional dishes from Bengal and elsewhere. There are khazanas, hariyalis, shashliks and the amazing mustard-based rezelas but if you're going to try this place for the first time go for Asha 21. This is the dish which clinched the best takeaway award for its richness, balance, heat and depth of flavours. Chicken marinated in cumin, ginger and curry is cooked in scallions, curry leaves and garlic to create a creamy dish of such magnificence as to remain firmly lodged in my and the other judges' minds for ever. Sample bill: Bithika: hogie kebab 6.50 Zora's: buffet portion jalfrezi 8.15 Asha: Asha 21 8.45 Bithika, Belfast Order online from www.bithikabelfast.com Zora's, Derry Order online from www.zorastakeaway.com Asha, Bangor Order online from www.ashaindian-bangor.co.uk
Photo: Contributed

Being a gourmand, I always have food on my mind.

At home I often think of comfort foods, but having just been through a month of indulgences and traditional hearty Christmas fare, a change of pace is needed.

The New Year warrants new flavours.

In winters past, we have looked forward to a trip that broke up the series of grey days and our desire for stews and bread.

Many vacations were spent with mornings in the Caribbean ocean, diving with the fish and coral; afternoons were for the beach and rum punch. Evenings we feasted on lobster, grouper, and even jerk chicken.

Last year, I was fortunate enough to take the trip of a lifetime, to western Africa, where the flavours and aromas were as intoxicating as the landscape.

I am ever so thankful now that we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary early, for that trip would have been cancelled had it been any later.

This year, there will be no diving and no beach and no grouper. There will be no exotic landscapes. We will not be travelling anywhere except in our memories.

I would much rather be safe at home and keep others safe. But that does not mean we cant have any fun. In fact, I have decided its the reason we have to come up with a new kind of fun.

We are going to have a virtual vacation this year. Not just a staycation, being at home enjoying the usual space. I am going to create a holiday space.

I havent decided if I will spread sand on the living room floor, but I shall be cooking jerk chicken and making coconut drops.

There will be freshly squeezed orange juice with Moroccan flatbread for breakfast, and tajine with preserved lemons for dinner.

Since work has been scarce and I have a new project on the go, we wont be turning off the computers or the phones. But I plan to watch a few tropical movies to keep me in the mood, and if we cant go scuba diving, then we can at least listen to Sir David Attenborough talk us through some ocean adventures.

I even looked online for a bit of inspiration. There are plenty of ideas out there, in case you want to get on our train. I rather liked a blog from a Canadian couple who have travelled extensively. They have a post that offers a wealth of armchair travel ideas.

I am getting excited now, looking forward to our armchair vacation just as I would the ones when we boarded a plane. I will set out some appropriate outfits and choose a proper book for lounging in the living room sand.

I can even rejoice at not having to worry about how heavy my suitcase is or remembering the sunscreen. It has taken my focus away from the grey skies and the lack of company.

Ever since I caught the travel bug as a young adult, my soul has been fuelled by new adventures.



Henry Theroux said:

"The wish to travel seems to me characteristically human; the desire to move, to satisfy your curiosity or ease your fears, to change the circumstances of your life, to be a stranger, to make a friend, to experience an exotic landscape, to risk the unknown.

I suppose I want to feel more human again, and planning my virtual vacation is helping me do that.
Delhi Congress President Anil Kumar Chaudhary said on Friday that the Narendra Modi government at the Centre and the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi have made the lives of the people of the national capital unbearable with constant hikes in the prices of petrol and diesel, at a time when the people are already stressed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said that both the Union and Delhi governments are silent on the spiralling rise in the prices of diesel and petrol on account of the Centre raising the excise duty by Rs 13 per litre on petrol and Rs 15 a litre on diesel, while the Kejriwal government has raised VAT during the Covid induced lockdown.

He said that the excise duty hike will enable the Centre to mop up an additional revenue of Rs 1.6 lakh crore.

"Prime Minister Modi seems to be least concerned with the prices of petrol and diesel soaring high, while Chief Minister Kejriwal is distracting the attention of the people by raising pointless issues without addressing the pressing problems like increase in VAT on petroleum and diesel," said Anil Chaudhary.

He said that petrol price in Delhi has hit an all-time high of Rs 84 -- 62 per cent of which is in taxes -- beating the earlier record of 2018. He said that petrol price jumped to Rs 84.20 per litre on Friday as against 83.97 on Wednesday while diesel price rose to Rs 74.38 per litre.

The Congress leader said that when the party was in power in 2013, VAT on petrol was 20 per cent while that on diesel was 12 per cent. The same has gone up to 30 per cent (Rs 19.32 per litre for petrol and Rs 10.85 for diesel) under the Modi-Kejriwal regime, Chaudhary said.

He further said that rise in the prices of petrol and diesel will have a direct impact on the farmers, who are already protesting against the three 'anti-farmer' laws on the borders of Delhi for the past 45 days. He said that the prices of agricultural products will shoot up, as transportation cost will also go up due to the hike in fuel prices.

The FBI on Friday arrested an Arkansas man who was photographed sitting at a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office following the storming of the Capitol by a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters, authorities announced.

Richard Barnett was arrested in Little Rock, according to Ken Kohl, the top deputy federal prosecutor in Washington.

Kohl said Barnett was charged for entering Pelosis office, where he left a note and removed some of the speakers mail. Barnett, 60, faces three federal charges: knowingly entering or remaining in restricted grounds without authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and theft of public property or records. If convicted, he faces up to a year in federal prison.

He was being held in the Washington County Jail in Arkansas. Jail records did not list an attorney for him.

Authorities say Barnett was among supporters of Trump who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. Five people died because of the protest and violence, including a Capitol police officer.

Authorities said in court documents that they were able to identify Barnett in part through photographs taken by news media when he was inside the building. Authorities also used video surveillance from inside the Capitol and a video interview Barnett gave to a New York Times reporter in which he said, I didnt steal (an envelope). ... I put a quarter on her desk, even though she aint (expletive) worth it.

Barnett is from Gravette in northwest Arkansas. He has identified himself on social media as a Trump supporter and gun rights advocate.

Jim Parsons, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who served in Vietnam as a Green Beret, told The Associated Press that he has been a guest speaker at a couple of patriotic gatherings that Barnett also attended. Barnett had an AR-15 rifle with him to make sure things stay peaceful, Parsons said. He called Barnett a good guy. Hes patriotic.

One of the groups that Barnett belongs to believes a face mask is a dress rehearsal for whats to come.  Itll end up with a chip in the forehead, said Parsons, who is from Bella Vista, Arkansas.

Gravette Mayor Kurt Maddox said the photo of Barnett in Pelosis office has brought his small town unwelcome attention and some residents have received threats.

A Texas Air Force veteran has been identified as the MAGA mob rioter dressed in combat gear and carrying zip ties who appeared to exit Nancy Pelosi's vandalized office, as his family reveal he had become obsessed with Donald Trump and had developed extreme beliefs since leaving the force.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Larry Rendall Brock Jr., 53, was among the violent mob of Trump supporters who stormed the US Capitol Wednesday in a riot that left five including one police officer dead.

The father-of-three, who now lives in Dallas, was pictured on the Senate floor Wednesday after the group had broken through barricades, pushed back law enforcement and sent lawmakers fleeing for safety.

Images show him wearing a combat helmet, body armor and a vinyl tag with the Punisher skull on - a symbol adopted by white supremacists and believers of conspiracy theory QAnon.

He carried zip-tie handcuffs and appeared to be speaking with fellow rioters, several of which were dressed in MAGA caps.

Brock, who was in the Air Force for more than two decades and now works for an aviation company, was also seen in footage, shot by ITV News, appearing to exit Nancy Pelosi's office - which was vandalized and looted in the chaos.

The MAGA mob rioter dressed in combat gear and carrying zip ties has been identified as a Texas Air Force veteran whose family say has developed extreme beliefs and started speaking 'weird rage talk' since leaving the force

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Larry Rendall Brock Jr., 53, was among the violent mob of Donald Trump supporters who stormed the US Capitol Wednesday in a riot that left five including one police officer dead

Brock's family members and a former Air Force comrade have painted a concerning picture of the veteran - one of a man who has become increasingly radical and been influenced by white supremacy in recent years.

Bill Leake, who worked alongside Brock in the Air Force for 10 years, told The New Yorker he had fallen out of touch with Brock because he had 'gotten extreme'.

He said Brock, who was nicknamed Torch in the force, became obsessed with Trump and with following 'the alternative-news-source world'.

'Torch got all in on Trump. He went all in on the alternative-news-source world,' said Leake.

'He actually believes liberals and Democrats are a threat to the country. You can see how the logical conclusion to that is, "We've gotta take over".'

Two family members, who have not been named, told the New Yorker Brock called himself a patriot, had started making racist comments and that they believe he was influenced by white supremacy.

'[He started saying] weird rage talk, basically, saying he's willing to get in trouble to defend what he thinks is right, which is Trump being the President, I guess,' one of the family members said.

They added that he developed a 'weird sense of power' from his military career and that he 'doesn't understand the fallout and the people he's hurting.'

That said, they were surprised to see him with the zip ties: 'I can't imagine what he was doing there with zip ties, or what he thought he was going to accomplish.'

While Brock has admitted to being the man in the videos and photos inside the Capitol, he has sought to distance himself from any violence and claims he didn't enter Pelosi's office - as the FBI is rounding up the perpetrators of Wednesday's attack on the seat of the US government.

Brock, who was in the Air Force for more than two decades and now works for an aviation company, was also seen in footage, shot by ITV News, appearing to exit Nancy Pelosi's office

Brock claimed he 'stopped five to ten feet ahead of the sign' at the entrance to Pelosi's office door and did not enter

The father-of-three, who now lives in Dallas, pictured in the green combat helmet on the Senate floor Wednesday

Brock told The New Yorker he thought he was welcome to enter the US Capitol - despite mob members smashing windows to break in, shots being fired and police trying to hold the crowds back.

He then claims he 'found' the zip ties he was spotted carrying on the floor and merely picked them up so he could hand them in to a police officer - but then forgot.

'I wish I had not picked those up. My thought process there was I would pick them up and give them to an officer when I see one,' he said.

'I didn't do that because I had put them in my coat, and I honestly forgot about them.'

He also claimed he 'stopped five to ten feet ahead of the sign' at the entrance to Pelosi's office door and did not enter.

Footage appears to show him emerging from the office with a group of other rioters.

Brock is seen left with his wife, Katya Wallery Brock, and their children in this undated file photo

While Brock has admitted to being the man in the videos and photos inside the Capitol, he has sought to distance himself from any violence and claims he didn't enter Pelosi's office

Brock told The New Yorker he thought he was welcome to enter the US Capitol - despite mob members smashing windows to break in, shots being fired and police trying to hold the crowds back

He claims he 'found' the zip ties he was spotted carrying on the floor and merely picked them up so he could hand them in to a police officer - but then forgot

Further, Brock claimed he saw no violence and was opposed to damaging the Capitol. 'I know it looks menacing. That was not my intent,' he said

The 53-year-old graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1989, with a major in international relations and affairs, and went on to serve as a chief operations inspector and flight commander with the 706th Fighter Squadron

The veteran served in Afghanistan and Iraq and is highly decorated with three Meritorious Service Medals, six Air Medals, and three Aerial Achievement Medals, the New Yorker reported

Further, Brock claimed he saw no violence and was opposed to damaging the Capitol.

'I know it looks menacing. That was not my intent,' he said.

Instead, he claimed he wore the body armor for his own protection because he feared he would get 'stabbed or hurt' by 'BLM or Antifa'.

The FBI said Friday there is no evidence that anti-fascist activists such as Antifa were involved in the riots.

Brock told the New Yorker he traveled to Washington DC because he was responding to Trump's call to action.

'The President asked for his supporters to be there to attend, and I felt like it was important, because of how much I love this country, to actually be there,' he said.

He said he believed Trump's unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud - claims that have not been backed up with evidence and have failed to gain any ground in dozens of lawsuits - after reading posts on social media.

Biden won the presidential election with 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232.

Brock also denied that he held racist views and said he was not part of any right-wing group that had descended on the capitol.

The 53-year-old graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1989, with a major in international relations and affairs, and went on to serve as a chief operations inspector and flight commander with the 706th Fighter Squadron.

The veteran served in Afghanistan and Iraq and is highly decorated with three Meritorious Service Medals, six Air Medals, and three Aerial Achievement Medals, the New Yorker reported.

He retired in 2014 and now works for Hillwood Airways, private aviation firm in Texas.

Brock was decked out in several symbols of his military career during Wednesday's siege.

On his combat helmet and body armor was the yellow fleur de lis, the insignia of the 706th Fighter Squadron.

The veteran was first identified Thursday through the use of facial recognition and image enhancement technology by John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, at the University of Toronto's Munk School, who has been tracing several of the mob members.

As the nation reels from Wednesday's attack on the Capitol, which senior Democrats are calling an act of domestic terrorism, the FBI is seeking the public's help in identifying the attackers.

The FBI has released new photos of at least 10 additional MAGA mob rioters they are hunting down after they stormed the US Capitol in the violent siege that left five dead

Richard Barnett - the man who put his feet on Nancy Pelosi's desk (above) and left her a threatening note before boasting about it - has been arrested

Supporters of Donald Trump are seen inside the US Capitol after rioters breached security and entered the Capitol

On Friday, the FBI released new photos of 10 additional MAGA mob rioters inside the Capitol who are wanted in relation to the violent siege.

Federal authorities are seeking the public's help in tracking down those pictured for making 'unlawful entry' into the Capitol building.

These are in addition to the dozens the FBI have already said they are trying to track down.

More than 80 rioters have already been arrested and 55 are being pursued on federal charges.

The DoJ announced on a call with reporters Friday that 15 people have now been charged.

This includes 60-year-old Richard Barnett - the man who put his feet on Nancy Pelosi's desk and left her a threatening note before boasting about it after he returned to the crowds outside.

Barnett, who proudly referred to himself as a white nationalist on social media, was charged with unlawful entry.

Lonnie Coffman, 70, was also arrested after police found his red GMC pick-up truck near the RNC - where a pipe bomb was left.

Dozens more, who were labeled as 'great patriots by Trump, are still yet to be identified.

Protesters were riled up by Trump, Giuliani and Donald Trump Jr. during a rally near the White House and told to head to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Biden's presidential victory.

Pro-Trump insurgents stormed Capitol Hill on Wednesday in an attack that left nation stunned

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

A violent mob stormed the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building.

Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob defecated in the Senate and House, invaded Nancy Pelosi's office and looted items potentially including state secrets.

One female Trump supporter, US Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, was shot dead by Capitol Police as she tried to climb through a window.

Three other Trump supporters died after 'medical emergencies' related to the breach and Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick died Thursday from injuries sustained in the attack after he thug allegedly hit him over the head with a fire extinguisher.

Three top Capitol security officials have stood down as questions are being raised over the failure to stop the breach as well as the difference in treatment of the largely white mob compared to the treatment of Black Lives Matter supporters in the streets of DC last year.

Dozens have been rounded up and arrested since the attack but the FBI is asking for the public's help in bringing all responsible to justice.

Meanwhile, House Democrats are planning to impeach Trump with a single impeachment article charging him with 'incitement of insurrection' after he egged on his supporters and then failed to condemn the violence or tell them to leave the Capitol for hours after the violence erupted.
In a recent update, WhatsApp is demanding users to share their data with Facebook. WhatsApp, the encrypted messaging app is famous for the privacy services it offers, but now pressuring users to give Facebook access to their personal data.On Wednesday, this update was sent to users with a short deadline that users have to accept the update and allow Facebook and its partners to obtain users data. Now everything will be shared with Facebook including the users contact number, contacts phone number, locations, chats, and more. WhatsApp has also given a deadline of 8th February, if users will not accept the update their accounts will be taken away from them.This saddening update is propelling people to uninstall their WhatsApp account and consider other smaller communication platforms like Signal and Telegram for secure communications.According to Mike Butcher, the TechCrunch editor tweeted that if users are worried about the privacy of their data then, Signal and Telegram are good options to go for. He also compared WhatsApp and Telegram in terms of data these platforms collect.On the other side, Elon Musk who is he CEO of Tesla is also included in those people who are suggesting to users to try shifting the services . Musk also has posted a sarcastic meme and claimed that Facebook is responsible for the protestors attack in the US capitol which happened on Wednesday.Facebook owned WhatsApp in 2014, since then, it has given users a one-time option to step back from sharing data with Facebook.In a conversation with Ars Technica , a WhatsApp spokesperson said that through this modification, WhatsApp chats will be saved by utilizing the advanced resources of Facebook. Companies will be enabled to have access to WhatsApp chats.The purpose of this update is still not clear. However, for users living in the EU or UK, this update is not for them. The spokesperson stated that the updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy will not affect users in the UK and EU. To clear out the confusion, WhatsApp in the European region wont give any access of users data to Facebook, and Facebook is not allowed to use any of the data for advertisements.Photo: Thomas Trutschel via Getty ImagesRead next: WhatsApp New Update Hints At What It's Planning To Introduce On The App
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A 24-year-old worker died and his brother was injured after a heavy boulder fell on them while they were engaged in mining activity in a village here, police said on Saturday.

Chunnilal (24) and his brother, Matadeen, were working on a hill in Pahra village, which comes under the Kabrai police station limits, on Friday evening when the boulder fell on them, station house officer (SHO) Deepak Pandey said.

Chunnilal died on the spot, he said. The SHO added that some workers were drilling in the hill when the boulder fell on the brothers after being hit by a JCB machine. "The mine is allotted to a former MLC," he said.

The officer informed that no complaint has been received so far, and the matter is being investigated.
Jason Williams takes office as Orleans Parish district attorney on Monday, three days after a federal judge refused to dismiss the tax fraud charges pending against him.

District Judge Martin Feldman denied a motion by Williams and his law partner, Nicole Burdett, to throw out the 11-count indictment against them based on their allegations of "vindictive" and "selective" prosecution. In an 85-page ruling Friday, Feldman found no evidence that federal prosecutors singled them out to keep Williams from holding office.

IRS agents on hot seat as City Councilman Jason Williams attacks tax fraud case as 'vindictive' Two years ago, over the course of just a few days, City Council President Jason Williams went from being a witness sought for questioning by t

"Has clear evidence been presented to support the theory that the decision to prosecute Jason Williams was based on a desire to prevent him from exercising his right to hold and run for public office? No. Or that he is a black person? No," Feldman wrote.

The decision removes one of the last big hurdles for prosecutors from the Western District of Louisiana as they seek to try Williams, now a City Council member, and Burdett in federal court in New Orleans. The U.S. attorney's office for the New Orleans-based Eastern District recused itself from the case.

+8 Jason Williams wins New Orleans DA race, promising new era in prosecutor's office Shrugging off federal tax fraud charges and opposition from much of the citys political establishment, Jason Williams clinched victory Saturd

A trial had been scheduled to start Monday, the same day Williams becomes the chief prosecutor in New Orleans. It has been postponed for at least two months under a pandemic-driven court order.

Williams and Burdett alleged the government vindictively singled them out for prosecution because he's an elected official who, at the time of their June 26 indictment, was campaigning as a reformer for district attorney.

The indictment alleges that the pair conspired to inflate Williams' business expenses by more than $700,000 over five tax years. Prosecutors say that saved him more than $200,000. It also alleges that Williams failed to file the proper tax forms for reporting cash receipts.

Williams won the runoff for district attorney over former Criminial District Court Judge Keva Landrum on Dec. 5, a day after Burdett was indicted separately on four tax counts for her own returns.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. They assert it was Henry Timothy, their tax preparer, who took the excessive deductions on his own while holding himself out falsely as a CPA.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Timothy has told federal agents and a grand jury that Williams, through Burdett, pressured him to bloat the business write-offs.

In Jason Williams' tax fraud case, tax preparer says he was directed to inflate write-offs A Westwego tax preparer told a federal grand jury last summer that City Council President Jason Williams directed him to inflate Williams bus

IRS records show that Timothy took similarly big deductions for hundreds of his other business clients, and Feldman said Williams and Burdett were alone among those clients in being prosecuted over them.

Timothy pleaded guilty Thursday to tax fraud for fudging his own taxes, and is cooperating with prosecutors in their case against Williams and Burdett.

+3 Jason Williams' law partner, Nicole Burdett, indicted separately, accused of fudging own taxes A federal grand jury has issued a new indictment against New Orleans attorney Nicole Burdett, the law partner of newly elected Orleans Parish 

Feldman said Williams and Burdett are the first defendants in at least 50 years to be charged in the Eastern District of Louisiana with failing to file certain Internal Revenue Service forms over cash receipts, the charge alleged in five of counts they face.

The judge described the evidence that Williams and Burdett were singled out as "hardly flimsy," but he said it wasn't enough to overcome the wide latitude that the law gives prosecutors. He also cited a lack of evidence that the government targeted Williams with "malintent" to halt the defendant's political rise.

The government "identified plausible nondiscriminatory factors that informed its discretion for selecting Jason Williams for prosecution," wrote Feldman, who was nominated to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan.

Still, Feldman suggested that prosecutors might live to regret their decision to charge only Williams and Burdett among Timothy's wide stable of tax clients, given how jurors might view it at trial.

Feldman has not set a new trial date.

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.

A rescue and search operation is under way.

A passenger plane of the Indonesian company Sriwijaya Air has plunged into the water near the capital of the country, Jakarta.

The Flight #SJ182 Boeing 737 plane crashed into the Java Sea near Laki Island, according to the Russian news agency TASS.

Read alsoRussia's fishing trawler sinks in Barents Sea, 17 feared dead

According to a representative of local authorities, information about the plane crash was received at about 14:30 local time (09:30 Kyiv time), and a search operation is currently underway.

Before that, the media reported that dispatchers in Indonesia had lost contact with Sriwijaya Air's Boeing, which could have carried at least 50 passengers. The plane was en route from Jakarta to the city of Pontianak, the administrative center of the West Kalimantan province.

The Boeing 737-524 airliner was last seen over the waters of the Java Sea in the northern part of Java.

The wreckage of the airliner, allegedly belonging to the Boeing 737-500 of Sriwijaya Air, was found by local residents on the islands near at the crash site.

This is reported by the TV news service TSN, referring to the Indonesian newspaper Merderka.

Residents of the Thousand Islands (officially Kepulauan Seribu) have discovered cables and debris that may be part of the plane.

The county regent said that "something fell and exploded on the island."

Reporting by UNIAN
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.
With the 116th Congress closing out its books, members and staff are already looking forward to working on top legislative priorities after the New Year. This agenda will include the annual fiscal year appropriations process and the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2022  both of which offer a vast multitude of topics, concerns, and programs to examine and address. In addition to everything else, Congress will begin to legislate spending on foreign security assistance, such as foreign military financing  commonly known as FMF  for several countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Colombia and Tunisia. While FMF is an important foreign policy tool to support our partners in key regions around the globe, it is U.S. taxpayer dollars that are spent on FMF, to the tune of several billion a year.

In looking at foreign security assistance, one specific issue that will be important to examine, especially during pandemic-induced national economic strain, is the Offshore Procurement Waiver. These waivers are allowed for precise purposes and are granted to foreign companies that perform work on U.S. government contracts that support wider U.S. policy goals. The general public is not likely as aware of their existence as they are other higher visibility or hot-button issues  but for a host of reasons, they should be.

The basic reason for the existence of Offshore Procurement Waivers is that in some highly specialized cases when objectives that are important to the U.S. cannot be performed by U.S. companies, a waiver can be granted to a foreign company to do the work. That said, obtaining a waiver is not easy. The U.S. government has established an extensive set of regulatory criteria  all of which absolutely must be satisfied to qualify. The list of eight conditions, which is covered in the Defense Security Cooperation Agencys Security Assistance Management Manual  colloquially referred to by practitioners as the green book  is considerable.[i]

Found under section C9 7.2.7.3, these eight provisions concern vital things like having no negative impact on the U.S. industrial mobilization base (e.g., dissolution of a company doing U.S. defense business) or on an area of U.S. labor surplus (e.g., increased unemployment) if the proposed procurement were from foreign sources  or  The defense article or service must be obtained from foreign sources in order to meet the requirement, meaning no U.S. company exists that can perform that work. Given the vastness of Americas economic and industrial base, workforce talent and expertise, and technological capability, its difficult to believe there arent U.S. companies that can perform most of this work.

With that in mind, and especially during these unusual economic times, the country and case managers charged with the administration and management of these contracts need to review and be ready to identify each of these waivers. They may need to be prepared to do the work of pulling some of the waived work that is currently foreign-sourced back to the U.S. workforce where it is desperately needed. Also, there may be a pressing need for Congress to take a closer look at Offshore Procurement Waivers, the history of their use, awardee evaluation processes and grants. Beyond oversight, however, Congress may also want to consider tightening the requirements for waiver grants as our new normal is most likely to become status quo in the foreseeable future.

Such actions would not be without merit for several reasons. As recently as late 2017, DSCA deemed it necessary to write and disseminate a letter to numerous agencies and departments that clarified the official regulations and guidelines[ii]  so there may already have been either ambiguity or misinterpretation regarding how these waivers are to be used, their purpose, and the restrictions on their use. This should concern Congress, simply from a transparency and accountability perspective, and establishing clarity for the new Congress  at the very least  would be value-add in their always-present mission to put their constituents well-being and economic health at the forefront of political and legislative agendas.

Additionally, given that the U.S. economy continues to struggle from the effects of COVID-19, working at the national level ensures that we can do everything possible to support U.S. companies, small businesses, and American workers not only "good business," but a moral imperative. In these unique and challenging times, larger American interests may supersede convenient arrangements or even pragmatic bureaucratic solutions  especially when U.S. taxpayers are footing the bill.

Looking ahead to the coming year, the 117th Congress would be well within its role and responsibilities to take a deeper look at the Offshore Procurement Waiver process and ensure principled but vigorous oversight of a new administration with a new agenda. With a fresh start in 2021, the desire for the new Congress to ensure that the administration and agencies are adhering tightly to codified guidelines written with the U.S. taxpayer in mind should be at a high thrust setting.

Times, policies, and national priorities change  and it is for all of these reasons that Offshore Procurement Waivers must receive additional oversight, diligence in application, and possibly legislative modification in process and procedure to ensure American interests hold the primacy U.S. workers and taxpayers deserve.

Dr. Richard McCool is a retired USAF F-16 combat pilot with 14 years of experience as an aerospace industry executive and consultant.

Notes:

[i] https://samm.dsca.mil/chapter/chapter-9#C9.7

[ii] https://samm.dsca.mil/policy-memoranda/dsca-17-47
Donald Trump and his henchmen did not single-handedly normalize political violence. That was the collective work of many hands. Our liberal consensus is dying because of ideologues on the left and the right.

Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump cover their faces to protect from tear gas during a clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington

Anzeige

Ours is the age of the mob and on Wednesday a mob stormed Capitol Hill. This particular gang was encouraged by the president, the most powerful man in the world, who for weeks has lied to his supporters, insisting that the election was stolen. Were going to the capitol, he said in a 70-minute speech at a rally on Wednesday, to try to give them the kind of pride and boldness they need to take back our country. His lawyer, Rudolph W. Giuliani, stood before the gathering and called for trial by combat.

What followed was a scene out of a banana republic. The mob attacked the police. They shattered windows. They trashed the office of the Senate parliamentarian. They took down the stars and stripes and carried Confederate flags. They live streamed and took selfies and bragged to reporters about stealing Nancy Pelosis stationary from her desk. One man wore a sweatshirt emblazoned with a skull and the words Camp Auschwitz: Work will set you free.

Exactly how they were able to do all of this is a scandal for another day. But by the end of Wednesday four Americans were dead, including an Air Force veteran named Ashli Babbitt.

Anzeige

Sometime in the chaos--time blurred between initial videos of the crowds overtaking the police and the unforgettable image of a digital age Viking, a shirtless man with a horned fur hat mugging for pictures in the well of the senate chamber-- the president-elect of the United States found his way to a podium to declare: This is not who we are.

A pro-Trump mob breaks into the U.S. Capitol Quelle: AFP

Im a sop for that kind of rhetoric. Give me speeches about our better angels, the ever-perfecting union, the shining city on a hill, the last best hope on earth. I cant stand at the Lincoln Memorial or think of the words on the liberty bell without crying. I carry a pocket constitution in my backpack.

I am a Jew, but if its possible to be of two faiths my other one was always Americanism. I grew up on American exceptionalism and the kind of passionate patriotism possessed by those whose family stories would simply not be possible anywhere else in the world. I was raised with the rock-solid faith that ours was the most brilliant constitutional government ever devised. That what was good about this country so radically outweighed what was bad about it. That the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Anzeige

I keep texting friends that I am heartsick. But maybe the more accurate way to put it is that I feel like Im losing my religion. When I heard Joe Biden insist that this wasnt America I wanted to reply: Isnt it?

Mitt Romneys speech

How we got to the vile events of January 6, 2021, will be a subject for historians. Surely a central figure in those stories will be our malignant, maniacal president. Mitt Romneys speech from the Senate floor on Wednesday presents as accurate a picture as any: We gather due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of supporters who we had deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning. The presidents disgraceful enablers, Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, will also have a prominent place in the sordid story.

But the 45th American president and his henchmen did not single-handedly normalize political violence of the kind we witnessed on Wednesday. That was the collective work of many hands.

Anzeige

I realize that the internet demands that we live in a state of constant nowness, Wednesdays news memory-holed in service of the ever-refreshing news feed. But try, if you can, to reach back to the events of this summer.

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police, protests broke out in cities and towns across the country. But peaceful protests were not the summers only activity: the collective riot damage, at more than $1 billion, is the most expensive in insurance history.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the U.S. Capitol Quelle: AFP

Statutes of George Washington and Frederick Douglass were torn down by ecstatic crowds. Businesses were destroyed. Lawmakers were harassed by mobs. In the dead of night, protestors marched down residential streets and singled out homes for the sin of having an American flag. In June, the Seattle police abandoned a precinct in the citys Capitol Hill neighborhood and for the next month anarchists set up an autonomous zone ruled by American warlords. Two unarmed black teenagers were killed before the government finally did anything. In July, a courthouse in Portland was firebombed.

The lunatic notion of abolishing the police was debated in our most storied newspapers. A book called In Defense of Looting was published by Hachette, a prestigious publishing house, in which the author argues that Jews and Koreans are the face of capital and that looting is mostly victimless crime. Destroying property, which can be replaced, is not violence, declared a Pulitzer Prize winner. And in one of the most emblematic images of the surreal gap between reality and The Narrative, a CNN reporter stood in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in front of roaring flames while the chyron beneath his image declared: fiery but mostly peaceful protest.

Such were the moral and linguistic contortions. We were supposed to acquiesce to the insidious idea that such nihilism was the language of the unheard. Speech was violence, our intellectual betters declared, but violence, when carried out by the right people with the right politics against the right targets, was something closer to virtue.

This isnt whataboutism. It is the crucial context for the inexcusable events on Wednesday. The norms had already been broken. We were already living in unreality.

The liberal order that I grew up in

Heres what I know: The liberal order that I grew up in, held up by Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, is falling apart. That was the order that insisted that all people were created in the image of God and therefore were entitled to equality under the law; that prized the sacredness of the individual over the group; that insisted on judging a person based on their deed and not based on their lineage; that upheld due process and the presumption of innocence; that rejected mob justice; that celebrated pluralism, tolerance and difference as sources of our strength; that saw liberty of thought, faith, and speech as the bedrocks of democracy; that held that true fairness demanded equality of opportunity but not equality of outcome. That liberal consensus is dying because of ideologues on the left and the right who hate the other side more than they love the country, who worship their own power more than they venerate the common good, our common story, and our common identity as Americans.

Anzeige

In the midst of the civil war, Lincoln called the United States the last best hope on Earth and I was raised, like millions of others, to believe in that creed and to stand in awe of those who sacrificed to make it so. It is not a coincidence that various American vandals began by taking down his statues and have now invaded the house where he made his name carrying the flag of those who tried to destroy our union. It is nothing less than that sacred inheritance that is under attack, as America threatens to become yet another country torn apart by the dislocations of the 21st century. Surely a new order must be built, even if it is the work of lifetimes.

Quelle: Sam Bloom

Bari Weiss was an op-ed staff editor of The New York Times until she quit the paper in July 2020.

WASHINGTON - A small quick-reaction force assembled by the Defense Department to assist if needed during protests in Washington on Wednesday did not immediately respond when a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol because of a lack of planning with Capitol Police over how it might be deployed, Pentagon officials said.

The D.C. National Guard force of 40 troops is mentioned in a new timeline of events that the Pentagon released Friday night, after two days of questions about how security on Capitol Hill was so lax that the mob could storm the building and force its evacuation. Five people died in the chaos, including a Capitol Police officer.

The timeline states that the quick-reaction force was a few miles away at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and authorized for use by acting defense secretary Christopher Miller "if additional support is requested by civil authorities."

But a senior defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the Defense Department and Capitol Police hadn't reached an agreement or settled on a concept ahead of time. The Pentagon had made plans with D.C. police, which oversees much of the city, including Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House, the official said.

Attempts to reach Capitol Police on Friday night were not successful. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund announced his resignation Thursday.

D.C. Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser's office did not respond to questions for this story.

Washington Post photo by Michael Robinson Chavez.

Defense officials have said previously that with no plan in place with Capitol Police, there was concern about injecting National Guard forces into the situation abruptly. After absorbing frequent criticism about the thousands of National Guard members that Trump deployed in the city in June in response to protests spawned by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the Pentagon sought a much narrower mission, preparing and providing only what D.C. officials specifically requested in advance.

"We receive our intelligence from law enforcement agencies, whether they're federal or local," Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said. Defense Department officials, he added, didn't in their "wildest imagination" envision the crowd breaching the Capitol grounds.

It's not clear how the quick-reaction force could have been used to restore order once thousands of Trump's supporters surrounded the Capitol and as some began entering the building. National Guard members at the D.C. Armory were also not deployed until Miller determined at 3 p.m. that all available D.C. National Guard forces should be sent to reinforce D.C. and Capitol police positions, according to the timeline.

The timeline states that Miller was informed that Trump's supporters were moving to the Capitol at 1:05 p.m. Capitol Police ordered the evacuation of the building at 1:26 p.m., as the mob stormed it.

McCarthy's office spoke with Bowser at 1:34 p.m., the Pentagon timeline said. It states she made a request for an "unspecified number of additional forces."

Fifteen minutes later, Sund called Maj. Gen. William Walker and also asked for forces, the Pentagon said.

McCarthy spoke on the phone with Bowser again at 2:22 p.m., with D.C. police and other D.C. officials also on the line.

Eight minutes later, Miller, McCarthy and Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met to discuss the request for more forces. Miller approved the deployment of all available forces to assist both police forces at 3 p.m.

At 5:02 p.m., 154 members of the National Guard left the Armory. They arrived on Capitol Hill at 5:40 p.m. and were then sworn in to work with Capitol Police.

Defense officials have deflected criticism of their response to the crisis, stating that law enforcement authorities were in charge and confident that they had the city under control. Pro-Trump groups had openly suggested online for weeks that they might take action on Wednesday, as a protest of the president's election loss was underway.

Additional members of the National Guard from nearby states were on the ground Thursday. It would have been nearly impossible for them to arrive more quickly, considering they were not put on notice that they might be needed, said Maj. Gen. Timothy Gowen, the top officer in the Maryland National Guard.

Gowen suggested that National Guard members might need to manage expectations better.

"We are not a first-response force," he said. "We are not the fire or police."

- - -

The Washington Post's Julie Zauzmer contributed to this report.
Govt welcomes criticism including right to ask questions; New IT rules will empower social media users: Ravi Shankar Prasad.
If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now!

Submit
[Read more on the Indonesia plane crash.]

BANGKOK  A passenger jet carrying more than 60 people crashed into the Java Sea on Saturday, minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, Indonesian officials said, bringing renewed attention to a nation long cursed by aviation disasters.

The fate of the plane, a Boeing 737-500, also carried the potential to ensnare the troubled American aviation giant in more bad publicity, even though the cause of the crash had yet to be determined.

Indonesias Transportation Ministry said that the last contact with the plane, Sriwijaya Air Flight 182, was at 2:40 p.m. local time. The plane was bound for the city of Pontianak on the island of Borneo. It had 62 people aboard, according to the Transportation Ministry. Four minutes after taking off amid a heavy monsoon season rain, following a bad weather delay, the 26-year-old plane lost more than 10,000 feet in altitude in less than 60 seconds, according to Flightradar24, the flight-tracking service.

The moment fans have been waiting for has finally arrived: ADA Dominick Sonny Carisi Jr. (Peter Scanavino) and Rafael Barba (Raul Esparza) went up against each other in a courtroom showdown for the ages. What are fans saying about Barbas return to the courtroom in Law & Order: SVU? We have all the details.

Season 22, Episode 4 Sightless in a Savage Land

Raul Esparza in Law & Order: SVU | NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

The new episode of SVU is focused on a murder after a 13-year-old girl named Nydia Davis (Vanessa Carrasco) comes up missing on New Years Eve. She is dropped off on the sidewalk of an ambulance bay and is brought to the hospital. The detectives learn that Nydia was sexually assaulted by her foster parent, Ajay Sharma (Bhavesh Patel), and hes done it before with previous foster kids.

Nydia was pregnant, but Ajay gave her medications to make her have an abortion. Her father, Mickey Davis (Brett Parks), is a combat veteran who fought in Afghanistan on six individual tours and was wounded. After Ajays arraignment, Mickey waits for him to be put in a transport car, and he shoots and murders him while hes outside the courthouse.

Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Sergeant Odafin Fin Tutuola (Ice-T) ask their old friend and colleague, Rafael Barba (Raul Esparza), a previous ADA of the squad, to take the case and plead him out. But when Barba goes to talk to Carisi about things, he chooses to take the case and represent the client in court.

The showdown in court

RELATED: Law & Order: SVU: The Bromance Some Fans Preferred Over Benson and Stablers Dynamic

The two go head to head in court, showing off their skills and experiences. Barba tells the potential jury members, But Im not gonna be nice during this trial. Sometimes Im gonna be loud, angry, sarcastic when I cross-examine witnesses from the ACS, VA, and NYPD. Who as you will hear, failed to do their jobs. Anyone have a problem with that?

But Carisi makes it clear it is only about the facts and the law. Carisi calls the evidence overwhelming considering they have video evidence of the murder.

Barba and Carisi take turns with people on the stand, including with Fin, whom Barba grills over his behavior after Mickey killed Ajay, as well as the girls who were sexually assaulted by Ajay. At one point, he argues with the judge saying hes fighting for his client just like he fought for his country.

But when Mickey goes on the stand, his comments help lead to his conviction when he admits he would knew where he was at the time and he would kill Ajay again. He gets convicted with second degree manslaughter and must serve three and a half years in prison.

Fans react to Barbas explosive return to court

That is all for tonight's new episode of #SVU! What did you think of Barba's return to the squad room? #BarbaReturns pic.twitter.com/tk6AXVxE2i  Wolf Entertainment (@WolfEnt) January 8, 2021

Reddit was recently buzzing about the return of Barba, and fans didnt hold back. The character has been a fan favorite for years, and he was on the series from season 14 to season 19 until he left after a case. According to his Fandom page, he was involved in a difficult case and turns off life support to a child with MDDS. After being indicted on murder charges but eventually cleared, he walks away from his job. His return was highly anticipated amongst many fans. This is the first time Barba has physically been back, although he is spotted in a video call with Benson in season 21, episode 13, called Redemption in Her Corner.

Fans expressed their thoughts in an episode discussion thread. Some weighed in about Barba in the courtroom against Carisi, someone he used to work with on a daily basis. One fan thinks Barba messed up the cross examination, and he should have objected when Carisi started yelling.

 I didnt appreciate the showmanship and the ego trip, a fan mentioned on Reddit in regards to Barba. Barba f***** up the cross, let his client hang dry and let Carisi to push him to confession. What did he expect? Why didnt he object when Carisi started yelling? 

One fan was hoping for more between Barba and Carisi in the courtroom scenes that were shown, and they think the promos for the episode itself made it seem like the two opposing sides would really go head to head.

 It was annoying that it didnt seem like Carisi and Barba actually got to spar in the courtroom like promos made it seem like they would, a fan said. It was also annoying that the courtroom scenes were just  that? I literally said, Oh, thats it? when Mickey confessed.

A fan calls Barba very full of himself, especially when he was addressing the potential jury. I consider myself a nice guy.. I will be this, I will that. Do you have a problem with that? Well yes. Its. Not. About. You, the fan said.

During the courtroom appearance, Barba is extreme when it comes to the case, and he even argues with the judge. But a fan doesnt think Barbas defense of his client was all that great in reality.

 Barbras defense wasnt that greatI dont get why he was so invested in this case, a fan said.

A viewer thinks Barba was really reaching with going for a not guilty verdict. They call Barbas defense of Mickey weird/bad/sloppy.

Yeah, Barba didnt make sense to me, another fan said. Hes done reaches before, but this was so clearly premeditated that going for not-guilty made no sense. Im sure members of the jury agreed with Mickeys actions, but theyre not there to debate if they think he was justified or not, so Barbas attempt at defense was just  weird/bad/sloppy.

Rafael Barba returned to Law & Order: SVU, and it was an explosive episode to say the least.
Photo-Illustration: Megan Paetzhold. Photos: Getty Images

Banned on Twitter and on Facebook, , indefinitely booted from Snapchat, and with r/DonaldTrump, his collection of cheerleaders on Reddit, banished from that platform, Donald Trump is now an island on social media. Yet theres one fast-growing social network that he could, in theory, join but hasnt yet: TikTok.

Thursday afternoon, I asked TikTok, which the outgoing U.S. president spent the second half of 2020 trying to ban, whether it would join other social networks in refusing Trump access to its app, should he want to join. More than 24 hours later, its media representatives still havent replied.

In reality, the likelihood of Trump joining TikTok  which is fighting the U.S. government in court to retain access to U.S. users  is small. Using the video platform would undermine his policy actions against the company and his months of claims that it is a Chinese deep-state conspiracy to spy on Americans. Its worth noting that Joe Biden also hasnt yet joined TikTok.

Presumably, doing so  beyond any substantive concerns  would have given the Trump campaign an easy shot, given the presidents claims that the app is a national security threat.

And yet Trump is left with few other choices if he wants to reach his base of supporters. In theory, as I reported back in August, TikTok could be a natural home for Trump: An early analysis of political content on the app from October 2019 through February 2020 showed his supporters were far more active on TikTok than supporters of the Democratic Party. Sixty percent more videos were posted by right-leaning accounts than by left-leaning ones. That may have changed since: Moves during the presidential campaign, including a plot partly hatched on TikTok to buy up thousands of seats to a campaign rally before no-showing, indicated significant numbers on the app dislike Trump.

TikToks silence, when other social platforms have been comparatively keen to shout quickly and loudly that Trump is not welcome after he incited a riotous crowd to storm the Capitol, makes business sense. Announcing any kind of ban would risk the ire of a notoriously tetchy president at a time when the company is in litigation with the federal government. Announcing he was welcome would mean stepping out of line with the overwhelming majority of social media, which, by a miraculous coincidence, have all recognized that a man who has spent the past five years spewing toxic hate speech is a threat, right as he loses the ability to regulate them.

Yet its still arguably important to know where the company stands on the question that is confronting its peers. TikTok has nearly 100 million users in the United States, who spend huge amounts of time on the app. And the number is growing: It was just 11 million in January 2018 and 26 million a year later.

If Donald Trump does try to launch a 2024 presidential campaign, TikTok will likely still be a social-media powerhouse by then  and the company may eventually be forced to come up with an answer.


Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 00:28:57|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Medical officials prepare at the SJ-182 flight crisis centre at Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 9, 2021. A passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air carrying over 60 people crashed into waters off Jakarta on Saturday. Human body parts and debris of the plane were found, Captain EKo Surya Hadi, commander of Trisula coast guard ship, told a local TV. The Boeing 737-500 plane was carrying 62 people, including 56 passengers and six crew members. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B)

JAKARTA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has confirmed the crash of a Boeing 737-500 plane of an Indonesian airlines with 62 people on board that lost contact with the air traffic controller on Saturday afternoon.

At a virtual press conference held on Saturday evening, the minister said the Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 heading from capital city Jakarta to Pontianak city in West Kalimantan province crashed into the waters off the Seribu District in north of Jakarta.

According to him, the plane was believed to have crashed near the district's Laki Island and Lancang Island, part of the Thousand Islands chain.

The plane departed from the Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta at 2.36 p.m. local time. According to Sumadi, the last contact with the plane was made by aviation authorities four minutes after its takeoff.

Search and rescue operations underway were hampered by the bad weather. Workers of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) have found debris and cables suspected to be of the ill-fated aircraft.

Boats and aircraft from various Indonesian agencies were involved in the search.

Sumadi said that President Joko Widodo has instructed rescue workers to maximize searching efforts.

Basarnas spokesman Yusuf Latief told Xinhua that about 100 rescue workers were at the location, and his agency has sent its ship equipped with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to search for the wreckage of the aircraft at the sea floor.

An investigation into the plane crash has been launched by the Transportation Ministry.

Earlier, Captain EKo Surya Hadi, commander of Trisula coast guard ship, told a local TV that human body parts and debris of the plane were discovered.

"We found body parts, life jackets, avtur (aviation turbine fuel) and debris of the plane," he said.

Sumadi said that aboard the Boeing plane were 50 passengers including seven children and three babies, and 12 crew members.

On Oct. 29, 2018, all 189 people aboard were killed after a Boeing 737 Max plane of Indonesia's Lion Air crashed into the Java Sea shortly after taking off from Jakarta.

In December 2014, an AirAsia plane crashed into sea en route from Indonesia's second biggest city Surabaya to Singapore, killing all 162 people aboard. Enditem
Dean Gaffney was pictured paying his respects to his former co-star Barbara Windsor outside her funeral on Friday.

The actor, 42, was seen arriving in a dark suit and face mask but was unable to attend the service as COVID-19 restrictions meant only 30 mourners could be in attendance.

Many of Barbara's former co-stars and friends including Ross Kemp, David Walliams and Matt Lucas were seen arriving for her funeral at Golders Creen Crematorium after she died last month at the age of 83 following a six-year battle with Alzheimer's.

Paying tribute: Dean Gaffney was pictured paying his respects to his former co-star Barbara Windsor as he attended her funeral on Friday

According to The Sun, Dean was unable to enter the service due to limits on the sizes of funerals during England's third COVID-19 lockdown.

Dean was pictured arriving in a black suit and brown tie, along with a face mask, which are mandatory for any funerals taking place indoors.

The actor starred alongside Barbara's Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders as Robbie Jackson for 10 years after joining in 1993, and returned to the soap in 2017 for a two-year stint.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Dean Gaffney for comment.

Sad: The actor was seen arriving in a dark suit and face mask but was unable to attend the service as COVID-19 restrictions meant only 30 mourners could be in attendance

Sombre: Dean was pictured arriving for the service in a black suit and brown tie, along with a face mask, which are mandatory for any funerals taking place indoors

Close bond: The actor starred alongside Barbara's Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders as Robbie Jackson for 10 years after joining in 1993

Tragedy: Barbara died on December 10 at the age of 83 after a six-year battle with Alzheimer's (pictured in April 2019)

Funerals in lockdown: The Rules COVID-19 guidelines state that 30 people can attend a funeral, and this does not include staff. However venues of a smaller capacity may allow less mourners to ensure social distancing is maintained. Face coverings must be worn inside a place of worship or crematorium. Mourners who are clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to stay at home. Linked religious events, such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to six people. Advertisement

On Friday Barbara's husband Scott Mitchell paid an emotional tribute to the star as he joined a handful of her celebrity friends at her funeral.

Stars including David Walliams, Matt Lucas and Christopher Biggins were among those who paid their respects during the service.

Flowers spelling out Babs, The Dame and Saucy adorned her coffin, while a topless photo from her Carry On days was included in the order of service, accompanied by her quote: 'That picture will follow me to the end'.

Scott, who was married to Dame Barbara for 20 years, wrote below it: 'Yep!!! Rest in peace my darling Bar, my love forever Scott xx.'

A topless picture of Barbara covering herself from the iconic film Carry On Camping adorned the cover of the order of service.

Famed for her infectious laugh and baring all in the Carry On films, the Shoreditch-born actress known as 'Babs' boasted a 66-year career in showbusiness, first appearing on stage aged 13 before retiring four years ago aged 79.

As dementia took its toll, 4ft 10ins Dame Barbara was forced to stop playing fearsome landlady Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders.

Moving: Her husband Scott Mitchell was among the mourners attending Barbara's funeral in north London

Scott said on December 11 that his 'best friend and soul mate' passed away peacefully in a London care home at 8:35pm the night before. He had moved into her home a few days earlier to be by her side when she died.

The actor shared the order of service for her funeral because COVID restrictions limited the number of mourners who can attend.

He said: 'As Covid has denied so many of Barbara's family, friends and fans a chance to say farewell properly, I wanted to share the order of service to let people be a small part of it.

'My heart goes out to every family who have experienced the same restrictions at their loved ones funerals.'

Followed her to the end: A topless picture of Barbara covering herself from the iconic film Carry On Camping adorned the cover of the order of service

He added: 'I would again like to thank my family, friends, the media and the public for their incredible support and well wishes since Barbara's passing.

'Barbara's condolences page for Alzheimer's Research UK has passed the 150,000 mark. Beyond anything we may have dreamed of.'

Ross Kemp, who played Windsor's son Grant Mitchell in EastEnders - paid a moving tribute to his co-star at the funeral, hailing her 'common touch'.

'She had time for everyone and anyone, no matter who or what they were. She was a diplomat who could walk with queens and princes, gangsters and politicians but she never lost the common touch.

Ross also praised Ms Windsor's husband Scott, saying while she had other husbands, 'there was only one true love of her life. And that was always Scott,' pointing to the work the pair did to raise 4 million for the couple's Dementia Revolution after publicly revealing her diagnosis in 2018.

He ended his eulogy, saying 'You were brave enough to publicly face Alzheimer's and help remove the stigma attached to it.

'You were a Dame of the British Empire, a Member of the British Empire, the nation loved you, we all loved you. And we will miss you very much.'
With their upset victories in this weeks Georgia runoffs, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff will soon become the 49th and 50th members of the Democratic caucus in the U.S. Senate  which means that Democrats will soon control the worlds greatest deliberative body for the first time since 2015.

But exactly when will that transfer of power happen?

Its a tricky question for a few reasons. For one thing, the current Congress  Americas 117th  has already convened without Warnock and Ossoff. For another, it will take some time for Georgia to certify its election results. And then theres the not insignificant matter of who actually controls the 100-member Senate when both parties hold 50 seats.

The simplest way to untangle all of these knots is in chronological order. With 98 percent of precincts reporting, Ossoff leads incumbent Republican Sen. David Perdue by 0.83 percent; Warnock leads incumbent Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler by 1.7 percent.

The remaining absentee and provisional ballots come from predominantly Democratic counties, so these margins wont likely fall below the 0.5 percent threshold required to trigger a recount. Thats one delay thats off the table.

The next step is for every county in Georgia to certify the results of its election. Their deadline is 5 p.m. on Jan. 15. After that, Georgias Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has until Jan. 22 to officially certify the statewide results.

Gabriel Sterling, a Republican who serves as Georgias voting system implementation manager, said Wednesday that there was no evidence of any irregularities in the runoff.

Weve seen nothing that seems real in any way, shape or form, honestly. Sterling added.

Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff, left, and Raphael Warnock on Monday, the day before the Senate runoff races in Georgia. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

Once their wins are certified, Warnock and Ossoff will present their certificates of election and take the prescribed oath of office in an open session of the Senate. Then they will be U.S. senators.

Whenever that happens  again, no earlier than Jan. 15 and no later (give or take) than Jan. 22  Democrats will hold 50 seats, counting two independents, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Maine Sen. Angus King, who caucus with the Democrats. But they wont actually have a majority until California Sen. Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president on Jan. 20 and her appointed successor, Alex Padilla, fills her Senate seat.

Why? Because control of a Senate thats split 50-50 between the two parties is determined by the partisan affiliation of the sitting vice president of the United States, who also serves as president of the Senate and holds the chambers tiebreaking 51st vote.

And so if Warnock and Ossoff are seated before Jan. 20, Democrats will have as many senators on their side as Republicans  but Vice President Mike Pence will still be Senate president and Republican Mitch McConnell will still be majority leader.

On Jan. 20, however, Pence will leave office. At that point, Harris will assume the vice presidency and Democrats will take control of the Senate  unless, of course, Warnock and Ossoff havent been seated yet.

In short, Warnock, Ossoff, Harris and Padilla all have to be sworn in before Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York can become Senate majority leader, with the power to decide what bills will be considered and which nominees for judgeships and posts in the administration will be confirmed. The earliest that could happen is Jan. 20; the latest, depending on when Georgia certifies its results, is sometime around Jan. 22.

Either way, Democratic control isnt assured for long. Thirty-four seats will be up for grabs in November 2022  including Warnocks. Last year, Loeffler was appointed to fill the seat of Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson, who resigned at the end of 2019. Warnocks prize for defeating Loeffler in Tuesdays special-election runoff is that he gets to serve out the remainder of Isaksons unexpired term, which ends on Jan. 3, 2023.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
PFAS investigation in Pellston completes second round of samples

Officials discovered polyfluoroalkyls in Pellston residential water sources in late 2019. The airport is believed to be the source of the substances.
On Jan. 6, Hong Kong authorities arrested more than 50 pro-democracy activists and politicians who participated in primary elections last year, charging them with "subverting state power" under the national security law that China forced on the city last year.

The big picture: The arrests indicate Chinese Communist Party leaders see any form of true participatory government as an illegitimate subversion of their power.

The arrests also suggest Beijing believes it will face no meaningful resistance from western countries. China enters 2021 as the only major economy that experienced significant growth in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Details: On Wednesday morning, a thousand Hong Kong police fanned out around the city, swarming 72 locations and eventually rounding up at least 53 pro-democracy activists and politicians, police said.

Most of those arrested, including former political candidates Tiffany Yuen, Gwyneth Ho, Alvin Yeung, Fergus Leung and Ventus Lau, had participated in unofficial primaries held in advance of the legislative elections originally slated for fall 2020 but canceled by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who cited the coronavirus pandemic as a pretext.

A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted.

Among the detained is John Clancy, an American lawyer who serves as the Hong Kong-based chairman of the Asian Human Rights Commission, and the first known foreign citizen without a Hong Kong passport to be arrested in Hong Kong under the auspices of the national security law.

Police also searched the premises of three Hong Kong news outlets and demanded they turn over information.

What they're saying: "The operation today targets the active elements who are suspected to be involved in the crime of overthrowing, or interfering (and) seriously destroy the Hong Kong government's legal execution of duties," said Hong Kong security minister John Lee in a press conference.

What's next: The national security law prescribes harsh punishments for offenders, including prison terms of up to 10 years or life in prison for those deemed the worst offenders.

The law also allows defendants to be transported to mainland China and tried in its courts, which are fully under the political control of the Chinese Communist Party.

So far, China has subjugated Hong Kong with near impunity. Condemnations of the arrests poured in on Wednesday, as the European Union, Germany, and U.S. leaders called on China to respect rights in Hong Kong.

But while western leaders have frequently criticized China's actions in Hong Kong over the past year, few have taken substantive action.

The U.S. has levied sanctions on some top Hong Kong and Chinese government officials involved in the political crackdown and downgraded the city's special economic status. Britain, the city's former colonizer, has opened its borders to Hong Kong residents who wish to resettle there.

But there have been no sweeping sanctions, China has faced no lasting diplomatic repercussions and has not been sidelined in any international organizations.

Last week, the EU even agreed to an investment deal with China, in a move widely seen as a major geopolitical win for Beijing just weeks before the Biden administration takes up the mantle of U.S. leadership.

What to watch: The home of protest leader Joshua Wong, who is currently serving time in prison for organizing an "illegal assembly" last year, was also raided  suggesting that the prominent activist may soon face further charges.

The bottom line: With these arrests, Beijing demonstrated that what the national security law prohibits is democracy itself.
NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing border tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian troops on Friday (January 8) apprehended a Chinese soldier from an area south of the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh, official sources said.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier had transgressed into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in the area, they said. The capture of the Chinese soldier comes in the midst of an eight-month-long bitter border standoff between the two armies in eastern Ladakh.

Troops from both sides are deployed along the LAC since the friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops.

The sources said the PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated.

Sources said that the Chinese Army has been informed about their soldier in Indian custody. Both sides are in touch over the issue, they added. Further details are awaited.

Live TV

Jaffna University war memorial demolished; hartal in NE tomorrow View(s):

Tamil civil society groups, political parties and Jaffna University student unions have called for a hartal to be observed tomorrow across the Northern and Eastern provinces to condemn the demolition of a memorial to remember those killed in the northern conflict.

A tense situation erupted outside the gates of the Jaffna University on Friday evening as the war memorial erected inside the university premises was demolished by the university authorities under the tight security of security forces.

The memorial erected by the student union was destroyed by the university administration on the basis that no approval was obtained to build it.

University students and the public gathered in front of the university on Friday night when the authorities locked the university premises, preventing students from entering. Throughout Friday night, students and residents protested demanding that the authorities should stop destroying the memorial.

The protests continued yesterday until the Police announced that those taking part in the protests would be taken for PCR tests for COVID-19. A gathering of about 200 people dispersed after that.

Two university students arrested on Friday were released on bail yesterday.

However, the university authorities went ahead and demolished the memorial. There are two more monuments erected within the university.

The monument was constructed by the student union in 2018 and declared open the following year. Former Vice Chancellor I. Vikneswaran was removed later reportedly for his failure to remove the monument.

The present Vice Chancellor, S. Satkunarajah, said the decision to remove the memorial was taken on the basis that no approvals was given for the construction.

He told the agitating students on Friday night that he had taken steps to remove the monument due to pressure from the government authorities since the monument was built without obtaining approval.

Meanwhile University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Sampath Amaratunga has denied reports that his office issued directives to demolish the memorial.

The Jaffna University is a delicate place. We cannot allow monuments that would create enmity between various communities inside the university. I havent given any particular directives or issued any circulars to the Vice Chancellor to remove the memorial. As a public official, he acted according to government rules and regulations, Prof Amaratunga told the Sunday Times.
Sony India has confirmed that it has finally set a release date for the PlayStation 5 (PS5): February 2, 2021, although pre-orders start from January 12 in the country. However, those hoping to reserve a Digital Edition have had their hopes dashed by blogs claiming the company has told them this version is not coming during this early-year launch period.

4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 5G , Accessory , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker

Sony's PS5 release announcement for the Indian market may have come as a long-awaited relief for many gamers in that country. However, it seems there is a sting in this tale: the company now apparently only plans to make the disc drive-enabled version of the console available between the start of its first pre-order window and its February 2021 release.

This means the Digital Edition will not be listed anywhere until a later, unspecified date. IGN India has reached out to Sony for confirmation of this story, as has the Twitter account @PS5India. They have been told the same thing: not only is this the case, but Indian sales of its first-party headset, HD camera and the charging station for the new DualSense controller are also now delayed.

The news may come as a blow to many prospective buyers who had been willing to settle for the Digital Edition. It is slated to cost INR 39,990 (~US$545), about the same as the Xbox Series S (widely seen as the less desirable alternative) in the same country.

The INR 49,990 (~$682) Classic Edition, at least, has reportedly landed safely with its various retailers across India in preparation for the first day of pre-orders (about 3 days from now (January 9, 2021)).

However, those planning to buy their PS5 offline have been advised to call Sony's toll-free 1800-103-7799 number to make sure of their closest possible store with available units.

In addition, metro areas are said to be in line for preferential treatment in terms of PS5 stock. Therefore, those in even slightly remote areas may be better off trying an online store from January 12 at 12:00 IST.
Photo: Nicholas Johansen Honolulu, Hawaii

Several Canadian politicians have come under fire for vacationing south of the border, and travel data from the State of Hawaii shows that thousands of people departed from Canada to the tropical state over the past couple of months.

The State of Hawaii's Safe Travels Digital Platform portal shows data on all of the fights that came into the country during the pandemic, including the airport of departure, what the reason for the visit was, the exemption to be able to visit Hawaii, accommodation upon arrival, and the airline.

Since Nov. 1, 2020, a staggering 4,415 people have flown from Canada to Hawaii.

Most travellers from Canada departed from Calgary International Airport, with a total of 2,598 people leaving from the Albertan airport. Of them, the majority of travellers, 2,168 people, visited Maui, while 428 visited Honolulu. The majority of travellers (2,207) say they were visiting for pleasure.

The second-highest number of Canadian travellers departed from Vancouver International Airport, with 1,781 travellers arriving from B.C.'s largest airport.

Roughly half of these travellers went to Maui (888) and the others went to Honolulu (847). The majority of travellers (1,304) say they were visiting for pleasure. After that, 187 travellers were airline crew and 183 were "visiting friends or relatives."

Following Vancouver, 20 travellers departed from Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport, while 16 of them departed from Edmonton International Airport.

While there is no public health order prohibiting travel outside of Canada during the pandemic, the federal government says you should avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.

Further, provincial governments across the country have enacted their own travel advisories. Health officials, including Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix in B.C., continue to encourage locals to stay in their communities, stressing that doing so will help to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Earlier this week, Transport Minister Marc Garneau issued an Interim Order formalizing the new COVID-19 testing requirements for all air travellers coming into Canada.

All travellers five years of age or older must provide proof of a negative laboratory test result for COVID-19 to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using one of two types of COVID-19 tests  either a molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)  and must be conducted within 72 hours of the travellers scheduled departure to Canada.

Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine, unless exempted under the Quarantine Act.
A group, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), on Saturday called on the heads of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and State Security Service (SSS) to independently investigate the last Wednesdays assault of three photojournalists in Abuja and sanction their operatives.

While the NSCDC confirmed the assault, the SSS denies the involvement of its operatives.

But, MRAs Programme Director, Ayode Longe, in a statement, also called for compensation for the affected photojournalists.

The trio of Olu Aremo of the Leadership newspaper, Olatunji Obasa of The Punch newspaper, and Mudashiru Atanda of The Sun newspaper, were reportedly assaulted by the security officers at the headquarters of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja on January 6, 2021.

The photojournalists were at the NIMC headquarters to cover the registration of Nigerians for the National Identification Number (NIN) following the ultimatum given to all Nigerians by the Federal Government to link their phone numbers to their NINs.

There have been concerns about the health implication of the large crowds brought about by the Federal Governments directive for the NIN registration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NSCDC and SSS officials were said to have assaulted the photojournalists who were trying to capture the pictures of the crowd at the NIMC headquarters on Wednesday.

The security operatives were also said to have deleted the pictures taken by Mr Aremo and damaged Mr Obasas camera.

I wonder how covering an exercise ordered by the government could have become an offence that could provoke such an attack on media professionals carrying out their legitimate duties.

The photojournalists have a duty and a right to cover the exercise to enable both the government and other citizens know what is going on and evaluate the success or otherwise of the exercise.

The attack on innocent journalists carrying out their legitimate duties was unwarranted, and constituted an unconscionable disregard for the rule of law, Mr Longe said in the MRAs statement on Saturday.

He added, It is the responsibility of security and law enforcement agencies to protect journalists to enable them to carry out their professional duties without let or hindrance.

It is therefore incomprehensible and unacceptable for officials and agents of the same security and law enforcement agencies to assault the very journalists that they are supposed to protect, especially where they have committed no offence.

He called on the Commandant of the NSCDC and the Director of SSS to carry out thorough and independent investigations into these attacks and ensure justice.

SSS, NSCDC react

The spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory command of the NSCDC, Segun Akinbinu, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the officers involved in the alleged assault were already undergoing disciplinary process.

Mr Akinbinu said the affected operatives had been withdrawn from the field and issued a query.

He said, We dont support bad eggs. So when we got the information, I placed calls to concerned media houses to apologise to them.

We called for the immediate withdrawals of the officers and the admin and the legal departments are looking into it.

ADVERTISEMENT

When anything of such happens, they (the officers) will be issued a query, and after the query the disciplinary committee will meet on the response to the query and the judgement is with the legal department. And that is what Commandant Mathias did.

But the SSS spokesperson, Peter Afunaya, denied the involvement of the agencys men in the incident.

Not true. SSS operatives do not assault. The Services SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) does not allow or encourage that, he stated in an SMS sent to PREMIUM TIMES.
Tokio, an asynchronous runtime for the Rust language, has reached 1.0 status. Designed for writing stable network applications, the runtime includes asynchronous APIs for TCP and UDP, timers, and a multithreaded, work-stealing scheduler.

Available on GitHub, Tokio 1.0 arrived on December 22. First introduced more than four years ago, Tokio has since become easier to use and more powerful, its developers said. But a significant amount of evolution in the project has caused some friction, they noted, with libraries required to track the many changes and confusing error messages resulting from accidental dependence on multiple versions of Tokio. The Tokio 1.0 release ends this churn.

There are no current plans for Tokio 2.0, with the developers set to hold back on such a release for at least three years. The Tokio 1.0 branch will be maintained for at least five years. An MSRV (minimum supported Rust version) policy of six months will be maintained. The planned stability, though, does not mean the technology will stagnate, the developers said. During 2021 the project will focus on areas including:

Stream , for asynchronous iteration utilities. Once the Rust standard library provides a Stream trait, stream utilities can be moved into the Tokio crate itself.

, for asynchronous iteration utilities. Once the Rust standard library provides a Stream trait, stream utilities can be moved into the Tokio crate itself. io_uring , a Linux interface for asynchronous operations of all types of I/O, including disk, while reducing the number of syscalls. With io_uring , Tokio can provide genuinely asynchronous file system operations.

, a Linux interface for asynchronous operations of all types of I/O, including disk, while reducing the number of syscalls. With , Tokio can provide genuinely asynchronous file system operations. tracing , to build a deeper integration between tracing and the rest of the Tokio stack, providing visibility into Tokio internals. This is part of an effort to define a first-class story around operating Tokio applications. The tracing crate already provides needed infrastructure. The tracing code ecosystem will grow, too.

, to build a deeper integration between tracing and the rest of the Tokio stack, providing visibility into Tokio internals. This is part of an effort to define a first-class story around operating Tokio applications. The crate already provides needed infrastructure. The tracing code ecosystem will grow, too. The Tokio stack, with a focus on Tower, a set of reusable components for building reliable clients and servers.

Tokio has been used to improve network reliability and performance by the likes of Discord, Fly.io, the Zcash Foundation, and the AWS Lambda development team. It also has been used in the Deno runtime for JavaScript and TypeScript. A tutorial has been published on getting started with Tokio.

Pilot projects and pilot errors View(s):

The Government got roasted this week in full public glare, and justifiably so, for a botched attempt at reviving the tourist industry which had fallen on hard times last year due to the pandemic.

That it was brave  or foolish enough to do so while the pandemic was raging, especially in Europe and the West  was only one aspect to what was euphemistically called a pilot project. It seemed there was only one pilot involved in the project and he had entertained a sense of arrogant invincibility by virtue of his personal ties to the Government hierarchy that he could throw caution to the winds, ignoring painstakingly drafted guidelines on how the tourists he brought should be handled. All hell broke loose in next to no time of the arrival of the first planeload of tourists.

The tourism sector has been lobbying hard to have the countrys borders reopened. The health sector responsible for the wellbeing of the nations citizens was rightly cautious. Both, however, just caved in before the pressure of the chief organiser of the tour group freely bandying the names of his relatives in high office which gave him the licence to do as he pleased. The otherwise vociferous doctors union GMOA was mute, while a Police DIG was on television every night, ad nauseam, warning that dadi piyawarawal (stern action) will be taken against the hoi-polloi, including arrests, police bail and confiscation of vehicles for breaking those very health guidelines. Ordinary citizens leaving the Western Province were subjected to instant antigen tests. The contradictions were all too glaring.

The chief organiser clearly abused not only his relationship, but also his office as the Coordinating Secretary to the Prime Minister. The PMs official residence, Temple Trees, cannot be used as anyones business address. He never missed an opportunity to drop the names of the Prime Minister and the President to the point of embarrassing them. He showed no remorse when the Lankans who were thrown to do his bidding complained. They eventually had to gang up, speak out on social media and then go on strike refusing to serve the tourists as the Army moved in to round them up and dispatch them to quarantine centres. The tourists were also taken for a ride, but not the ride they expected to the tourist spots they were promised.

The entire project was doomed from the beginning. Originally, these tourists were to be confined to a beach hotel under Army guard to ensure they did not mix with the locals. Later the proposal extended to the full package under this bubble concept devised as an ingenious method to move these tourists around the country. That was meant to be a blinding article of faith, but those very persons in the tourism sector, like the established hoteliers and even the Tourism Authority, had their reservations. They distanced themselves from the exercise, but that was as far as they could go.

The Tourism Minister had to toe the line and follow the diktat of his political superiors. From all accounts, the COVID Task Force was also split-minded, not everyone happy with the way the tourists were being handled, hence the Army move at Yala against the local guides  which set the cat among the pigeons and caused the entire bubble to burst into the open.

If at least there were lessons to be learnt from this reckless exercise, there will be some takeaways for the Government, and the country. Typically, the blame-game is now on with the organiser blaming the Tourism Authority for feigning ignorance of the arrangements he had put in place and all others blaming him for his high-handedness. He will face no reprimand. He is also above the law, so he acts that way. But for others, with plans to reopen the international airports and the countrys borders, the obvious question is whether the serious health guidelines they claim are in place for tourists can ever be followed in this country.

The fact is more than 65,000 Sri Lankans by official figures, mostly workers in West Asia and the Gulf are awaiting their turn to return to the country. The Government is being crucified for dragging its feet on this issue. On the other hand, they are trying to fast forward the arrival of tourists. The travel trade has no doubt been hit hard all of 2020. They are, however, not the only ones. Many other sectors in the economy have been all but crippled.

The entire country cannot be compromised to salvage one sector and to fall from the frying pan into the fire. The Ukrainian pilot project has crash-landed due to pilot error. The pilot has survived, but the project is in question.

Call from Delhi

The Indian Foreign Ministers sudden three-day visit to Colombo this week was clearly not to listen to Sri Lankas request for a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus, nor was Provincial Councils high on the agenda. It was to deliver a missive to Sri Lanka not to waste time implementing bilateral agreements, especially the Colombo Ports East Container Terminals done deal (Please see details on page 1 and the political commentary on this page).

During the previous Mahinda Rajapaksa Administration with the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota harbour being constructed with Chinese funds, the then Indian High Commissioner complained, only to be told that when the Colombo Port was being extended, India would get to have its share. A Presidents word may not be law as the incumbent wishes it to be, but the Indians wouldnt let go of even a verbal assurance.

The vaccine issue is a separate one which both sides were keen to put into the formal media releases to cover-up the underlying talks. In any event, Indias much-vaunted Neighbourhood First foreign policy manthra has to yield to its India First domestic compulsions, and understandably so. India is the pharmacy of the developing world and a billion doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine are expected in that country to be manufactured under licence by its Serum Institute (SII), but countries like Sri Lanka will have to wait till at least later this year as Indians are given priority. Questions have already been raised about India stockpiling the cheaper version of the vaccine as they try to sell it to countries as far away as Brazil while immunising their own 1.3 billion people.

With the UN Human Rights Council scheduled to take up Sri Lankas resolution next month, and India giving unsolicited advice of what is in Sri Lankas best interest, the Government will have its plate full on the foreign front as well in the months ahead.
A New York man was arrested last month and charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old child at a Wall Township motel in November, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office announced Friday evening.

Michael Torenheim, 33, of Brooklyn, New York was charged with second degree sexual assault, second degree luring and third degree endangering the welfare of a child, the office said.

The investigation began after the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Bureau received a report that Torenheim sexually assaulted the teen in a motel after he met the child in Lakewood and drove him to Wall Township, authorities said.

Torenheim was arrested in Spring Valley, New York last month by members of the U.S. Marshals Service, New Jersey State Police and Wall Township Police Department and was being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Facility, officials said.

Investigators were seeking more information about Torenheims activities and said they were concerned about the potential for additional victims, according to a statement from the Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni.

Anyone with new information was urged to call 1-800-533-7443 to speak with Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Detective Joshua Rios, the office said.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
My first time meeting a certain TD, we had barely moved past polite introductions when he put his hands on my waist and pulled me in close to him.

This was at one of the many events political journalists are required to attend, where alcohol greases and blurs the lines between social and professional. He was sitting on a bar stool and had pulled me between his legs, before running his hands down my dress while making a comment about my figure. It was disgusting and embarrassing and Im still seething about it.

We all lean in and start listening when women talk about things like this. There is something tantalising about the scandalous anecdotes which women become reluctant collectors of when we simply try to exist in a male-dominated field like politics.

But telling stories like the one about that TD will invite a demand that I cant meet. Before Ive even finished talking, Ill be ordered to name and shame.

Two politicians faced similar calls last year when they both decided to talk about their own experiences of sexism or harassment within Leinster House. Lynn Ruane, the independent senator, told the Seanad late last year that she had experienced harassment for years from two different men, including one who had access to the national parliament. It was so bad that Leinster House staff once had to escort her to the chamber, and to the bus stop. And Eileen Flynn, who became the first Traveller woman to be appointed to the Seanad last summer, revealed to this magazine that a male colleague had told her she was just a token seat.

Name and shame, people said, the thirst for more details stronger than the sense of injustice at what these women had endured. If you experience sexism, particularly in a field like politics, which stands and falls on public accountability, it seems to become your sole obligation to ensure the man responsible is held accountable. This is regardless of the personal and professional risk that a woman would have to take by identifying what is likely a rich and quite possibly litigious politician by name.

This primal desire for retribution fundamentally misunderstands the reasons why women talk about such things. We usually just want change, but people think we want vengeance.

Over the past few years, Ireland has been trying hard to reform and atone for the way it has treated women. But change has come at a cost, and womens stories have been the currency. From Repeal to the CervicalCheck scandal, we have relied on and often even expected women to share their stories before society has agreed change is justified.

As a journalist, Ive been complicit in creating a media atmosphere where these stories are demanded. Having written plenty of them myself, I can tell you that nobody ever shares them to get revenge or retribution. Once shes suffered herself, a woman will do incredible things to spare another from going through the same thing.

Women who decide to share a story usually do so because they want to change a system, not punish an individual man. When Lynn Ruane spoke, she did so in the context of needing a more accessible justice system for victims of harassment. Eileen Flynn was talking about challenging a political system that is still too hostile to diversity. Neither of them should be pressured to take the risk of naming individual men before we are willing to consider the change theyre asking for. If we are going to continue wanting stories from women, we should accept the safer and more abstract versions that they feel comfortable sharing.

Recently, a TD told me about a truly heinous sustained campaign of abuse she has suffered directly because of her job. She felt compelled to go to the Gardai, and I would have felt the same. I asked her if she wanted to do an interview about it, and she swiftly and firmly said no. She didnt want to be identified or known as a victim. The abuse was graphic and sexual in nature, and she didnt want to be sexualised either.

I should have tried to persuade her to change her mind but the journalist side of me was immediately neutered; my more humane woman side took over. She was completely right. Telling a story always comes at a high price, which not every woman is willing or able to pay. We shouldnt make them.

We Need to Talk About

Weve all become lockdown veterans against our will, and as we settle into our third, you may be scrambling for cultural comfort. I am sure you have an illustrious To Be Read pile, or perhaps youve been pursuing 2020s Best Of lists to find yourself a high-brow, stimulating box set. Take it from someone who tried and failed to concentrate through the opening credits of most of last years cultural highlights, and just go straight for the reality TV shite. The entire Real Housewives franchise, Below Deck, Say Yes to the Dress, KUWTK: all utterly mindless, yes. But most importantly: totally inconsequential.

Real life is more than challenging and stimulating enough for me at the moment. When I want to take a break from my small work screen to stare at my big relaxation screen for locked-down January, I want the least challenging viewing possible. Treat yourself.

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
Panaji, Jan 9 : Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday expressed concern over chronic instability in Goa's political spectrum, saying it is difficult to justify 30 governments in the state in a span of 57 years.

Naidu, who was addressing past and sitting legislators as part of the Goa Legislator's Day function, also said that it is important to introspect as to why the state has been politically so unstable.

"Goa has had 30 governments during the last 57 years. This is quite a huge number by any reckoning. Eleven of these 30 governments have had a tenure of less than one year, ranging from six days to 344 days. Another three governments lasted for less than two years. Only three governments ran a full term of five years each," Naidu said.

"Also, the state was placed under President's Rule for as many as five times for a total of 639 days, which is around two years. Change of government mid-course for genuine and compelling reasons is democratically sanctioned, but frequent such changes raise the issue of political stability and the ability of the governments to deliver," Naidu said.

The Vice President also complimented the people of the state and successive governments for the rate of development, which has placed the country's smallest state in the upper spectrums of the good governance indices. But he also said that the state may have performed even better had there been more stability in its politics.

"Stability and ability go together to make progress. Though Goa has done well... despite such frequent changes in government, it is difficult to justify such political flux. This results in negative perceptions. The question that I would like to raise is would Goa have done much better with more political stability," Naidu asked.
AUSTIN, Minn- All throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and even before, food insecurity has been an issue for many people living in Austin. On Friday, Austin Inspires helped give out bags of food at Austin First United Methodist Church, to last students and their families through the weekend.

"This is typically done in school," said Austin First Parent Engagement Coordinator Jessica Hutchinson. "They would get it in their backpack but since students have been doing distance learning, this is still a way for students to pick up food and receive food support for their weekend."

About 460 students are registered for the program, however, according to Hutchinson, the pandemic has caused the number to almost double.

"Food support is just something that is much needed," explained Hutchinson. "We knew that the need was going to be higher, so we were prepared to join forces and build a stronger team so that were able to provide more food."

Some of the items in the bags are tortillas, cans of chili, chunk chicken, and a jar of peanut butter. Meals can be picked up on Tuesdays and Fridays and the program will run until June.

Other organizations in the community that are partnered with the Backpack Program are United Way of Mower County, The Salvation Army, Mower County Women's Leadership Initiative, and Austin Public Schools.
Arrival of COVID-19 Vaccine in Gibraltar

Today the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo, HE The Governor, Sir David Steele and Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Samantha Sacramento were at St Bernards Hospital to receive the first consignment of the COVID-19 vaccine supplied by the UK and delivered by a Royal Air Force military transport aircraft.

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said, The UK Armed Forces have stepped up to support British nationals, wherever they are, since the very start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the RAFs delivery of thousands of vaccines this weekend, the airmen and women, sailors and soldiers of British Forces Gibraltar are working together to get the life- saving jab into British arms as quickly as possible.

Alongside the delivery of these vital vaccine, Armed Forces personnel from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and other military personnel based in Gibraltar will be held at readiness to provide logistical assistance to the Government of Gibraltar in their response to the pandemic. This follows a similar deployment last March, when Armed Forces personnel provided logistical support to the delivery of PPE and medical advice.

Commodore Steve Dainton, Commander British Forces Gibraltar said: The arrival of the vaccine in Gibraltar tonight is the culmination of a lot of hard work by British Forces Gibraltar personnel, worked relentlessly alongside RAF, FCDO and HMGoG colleagues to make this happen.

Support to Gibraltar forms part of Operation Broadshare, the UK Armed Forces response to the Covid-19 pandemic overseas.

The vaccine supplied to Gibraltar is the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine which has been given to the vast majority of people that have received a COVID-19 vaccination in the U.K. Studies so far show that up to 95% of people who are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine develop an immune response.

The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine works by triggering the bodys natural response to produce antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19, and also by stimulating the production of the bodys own cells to fight the virus. The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine does not contain any live COVID-19 virus and therefore cannot cause COVID-19.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP said: "The arrival of this vaccine is a demonstration of our work with the FCDO and MoD as part of the British family of nations, a stunning example of the power of science and a chance for each of us to get inoculated against deadly COVID 19. I have registered for the vaccine already and I urge everyone to do so and in that way help us to turn the corner and get Gibraltar and our economy and public finances back on track!"

The Minister for Health, the Hon Samantha Sacramento MP added: I am delighted that we now have many thousands of doses of the vaccine in our ultra-low temperature freezers in Gibraltar. Tomorrow will see the first residents and staff from ERS receive the vaccine along with front-line workers in the GHA and the Care Agency. Monday will see the opening of the public vaccination centre in the former Primary Care Centre in Casemates Square which will allow over 500 of our most vulnerable people to be vaccinated per day. I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has worked to make this possible. Every injection that we give from tomorrow starts to reduce the likelihood of people in Gibraltar becoming seriously ill or even dying. As soon as it is my turn I will be taking this vaccine.

The Medical Director of Gibraltar Health Authority, Dr Krishna Rawal said: There is no doubt in my mind that having this vaccine is the right thing to do. All through the pandemic I have followed the advice to protect myself and my family and to stay fit and well to serve our community. The vaccine is now the best way to do that and I am proud to say that as a front-line doctor I will be amongst the first to be vaccinated tomorrow. I will be asking all GHA staff and patients to have the vaccine when it is their turn.

The Gibraltar Director of Public Health, Dr Sohail Bhatti added: This vaccine has been given to millions of people and does not contain any live organisms. It has been found to be safe and even the initial restrictions about giving it to people with severe allergies and who are breastfeeding are being progressively relaxed. The Pfizer vaccine has produced a superior immune response in people of all ages more quickly than any other COVID-19 vaccine that is currently available so I am delighted that this is the vaccine that has been supplied to Gibraltar. Please take your one chance to be released from the nightmare of the last year and give yourself freedom from fear and uncertainty. When it is my turn I will be taking this vaccine.

The Director of the Gibraltar Primary Care Centre Dr Valerie Flores said: Your GPs are strongly recommending that you take the offer of vaccination against COVID-19 when it is your turn. We are fortunate in Gibraltar to have received this vaccine in advance of so many other countries who are still waiting for a vaccine. As Dr Bhatti has said, the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine has been given to millions of people now and has been shown to provide one of the best responses in adults of all ages. I will be taking the vaccine this weekend to help protect my patients, my family and friends, my colleagues and the public.

In a big disclosure following the tragic fire incident at Bhandara hospital in Maharashtra, an RTI reply from 2018 has revealed that fire safety instruments were not installed in the premises. Republic TV accessed the RTI response of 2018 that revealed fire hydrants, fire sprinklers, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and fire escape ladders were not installed in the hospital premises even as the reasons of the Janauary 9 tragedy is yet to be ascertained. Seven children lost their lives due to suffocation while three children succumbed to burn injuries in the fire that broke out at the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital in the early hours of Saturday.

READ | Bhandara Fire Incident: PM Modi Condoles Demise Of Newborns In Heart-wrenching Tragedy

Speaking to Republic TV, RTI activist Vikas Madankar noted that the incident was the result of a major lapse from the administration. Further, the RTI activist revealed that there was no response to the RTI filed by him and that there were no improvements made after. Vikas Madankar also revealed that the hospital lacked the 'most basic' safety instrument - smoke alarms, remarking that even the basic safety instruments were missing from the hospital.

READ | 10 Children Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out At A Hospital In Maharashtra's Bhandara

Maharashtra CM orders urgent probe

Following the tragic incident, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter and has directed the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police to investigate into the case. State health minister Rajesh Tope announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased in the fire accident at the hospital in Bhandara and is also scheduled to visit the hospital at 5 pm on Saturday. The state's opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis called for an immediate probe into the accident and demanded the culprits to be strictly punished while also expressing grief over the tragic accident. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh ordered Bhandara SP to file a primary report and is also scheduled to visit the hospital on Saturday.

READ | Bhandara fire incident leaves Bollywood celebs saddened; they call it 'colossal tragedy'

Speaking to ANI, Bhandara District Collector Sandip Kadam said, "the fire that broke out at around 2 AM claimed lives of 10 children. But we have been able to save the lives of 7 children. A technical committee will investigate to ascertain the reason behind the fir."

Speaking about the incident, Bhandara SP said that the hospital authorities informed that the 10 children died due to suffocation caused by the fire outbreak. Authorities further informed that when the nurse on duty opened the Intensive Care Unit door and saw a large amount of smoke in the room, he immediately informed the hospital authorities, after which a fire brigade was called.

READ | Bhandara Fire Incident: Maha CM Orders Probe; Harsh Vardhan Takes Stock Of Situation
Fraudsters are targeting elderly and vulnerable people with a vaccine scam and asking for bank details or cash payments for access to COVID-19 vaccines that are fake or non-existent, the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) warned the British public in a message this week.

As the UK's vaccination programme involving the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs began expanding to National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and centres, the authorities have also been alerted to scams including a case being investigated by the City of London Police of a 92-year-old woman being defrauded of 160 pounds by a man posing as a vaccinator".

The NCA said it is working with the government and law enforcement to urge people to remain vigilant and follow basic advice in relation to the NHS COVID vaccination programme, which will always be free and that the NHS will never ask for payment for vaccines or bank details.

The current level of reported fraud in relation to the vaccine remains very low but is increasing," said Graeme Biggar, Director General of the National Economic Crime Centre at the NCA.

The advice is very simple. The vaccine is only available on the NHS, and you will never be asked to pay for it or to provide your bank details. Anything that suggests otherwise is a fraud," he said.

In the UK, coronavirus vaccines are only available via the NHS in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. At the appropriate time, eligible people based on the risk criteria set will be contacted directly by the NHS, an employer, a general practice (GP) surgery or local pharmacy to receive the vaccine. However, the authorities are keen to stress that the vaccine is free of charge and at no point will people be asked to pay.

This latest scam, which plays on people's hopes for a vaccine, is one of the most callous and despicable so far, which is why we want to arm everyone with the knowledge that the NHS will never ask for cash or financial details to pay for the vaccine or verify a patients identity," said UK Cabinet Office minister Julia Lopez.

Its a sad reality that scammers and fraudsters are using the pandemic to fleece innocent people out of their hard-earned cash. If you receive an email, text message or phone call claiming to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, or pay for the vaccine, this is a scam," added UK Security Minister James Brokenshire.

Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cyber reporting centre, has warned that it has received around 57 reports of COVID-19 vaccination scams and reiterated the message for the public to be vigilant.

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.
On 29 December 2020, Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group announced thatits subsidiary, Yahua Lithium, had signed a five-year supply agreement with Tesla. The total value of the contract is reported to be US$630-880 million, with Yahua Lithium to provide battery-grade lithium hydroxide to Tesla from 2021 to 2025.

Roskill observes that Yahua Lithiums entry into Teslas supply chain soon after commissioningYanhua Lithium was established in 2016gives strong evidence that an increasing number of Chinese lithium convertors have gained the know-how to manufacture qualified battery raw materials, suitable for use by tier-1 cell makers in South Korea and Japan.

Until recently, there have been only five Chinese mineral-based convertors supplying or scheduled to supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide to the overseas market: Ganfeng Lithium, Tianqi Lithium, Zhiyuan Lithium, General Lithium, and Yahua Lithium.

The agreement between Tesla and Yahua Lithium also highlights the need for OEMs to secure large, long-term deals to ensure supply security as the quantities of lithium hydroxide needed in future are expected to increase rapidly, Roskill notes.

Tesla has been actively seeking sources to fulfil its growing appetite for lithium chemicals, not only from existing producers but also potential suppliers such as Piedmont in North Carolina.

Given the fact that Tesla has ambitions to move a portion of cell manufacturing in-house using its own designs/IP in future, securing long-term contracts for LiOH supply at an early stage will be vital to meeting its aggressive demand requirements and defending its enviable market share for EV sales, Roskill said.

Yahua Lithium commissioned the Yaan plant in May 2020 with 20ktpy of capacity for battery-grade lithium hydroxide. Alongside its State Lithium and Blossom Lithium operations, this increased the Groups total lithium compounds capacity to 32ktpy lithium hydroxide and 6ktpy lithium carbonate.
Posted Saturday, January 9, 2021 7:12 am

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has joined a growing chorus of lawmakers calling for President Donald Trump's removal from office.

Citing Trump's incitement of the mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Inslee said Thursday the president cannot be allowed to remain in office for 13 more days. He said Trump should be removed "by any legal means necessary"  whether through resignation, impeachment or invoking the 25th Amendment to the Constitution.

Inslee slammed Trump's "deceptions, deceit and continued lies" about the 2020 election, saying they led directly to the assault on Congress as representatives sought to complete the tally of the Electoral College votes confirming the election of Joe Biden. Four people died in connection with the rioting and more than 50 people were arrested.

"It was not a protest. It was an insurrection," Inslee said, speaking to reporters Thursday via a Zoom video call at the annual Associated Press legislative preview. "We need to go to the heart of that insurrection and remove that cancer."

All of Washington's congressional Democrats also have called for Trump's ouster, most citing the use of the 25th Amendment, a longshot constitutional option that allows for removal of a president deemed to be incapacitated and unable to carry out his duties. The drastic action would require sign-off from Vice President Mike Pence and members of the Cabinet.

By Thursday evening, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and all seven of the state's Democratic U.S. House members had publicly called for Trump's removal before his term ends.

Murray said Trump should be held fully responsible along with the insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol.

"The most immediate way to ensure the President is prevented from causing further harm in coming days is to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove him from office," Murray said in a statement late Wednesday. "As history watches, I urge Vice President Pence and the President's cabinet to put country before party and act."

Cantwell said in a statement she backed impeaching Trump again "for abusing power and attempting to interfere in the election results in Georgia."

In an online video on Thursday, Trump finally conceded the election to Biden, saying "a new administration would be inaugurated on Jan. 20." But the gesture was not likely to appease Democrats, and some Republicans, who are pressing to eject him from the White House.

In a tweet, Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, noted that he'd been the first Washington House member to call for Trump's impeachment last year.

"Now calling for VP to invoke 25th Amendment. Trump has lost it," Larsen wrote. He later added he would also support impeaching Trump a second time.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday if Pence and the Cabinet does not act, the House will consider impeachment again despite the brief time remaining in Trump's term.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Seattle, also called for Trump to be removed "immediately" via the 25th Amendment. "We must hold the man who incited today's dangerous assault on America fully accountable," she said in a tweet.

Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Medina, said in a statement she "couldn't have imagined the violence and lawlessness I saw around the United States Capitol. For the good of the country, the 25th Amendment should be invoked to remove President Trump from office immediately."

Reps. Kim Schrier, D-Sammamish, and Adam Smith, D-Bellevue, and newly elected Olympia-area Rep. Marilyn Strickland also weighed in with tweets supporting Trump's removal.

The calls to expel the president were not joined by the state's three Republican House Reps., Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Vancouver, and Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside.

___

(c)2021 The Seattle Times

Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Northern Territory has officially recorded its first case of the UK variant of coronavirus after a woman who flew in from London returned a positive reading.

The woman, 26, arrived in the Top End on a repatriation flight on December 30. Her positive test was confirmed on January 2.

On Friday, results from genomic testing conducted interstate revealed it was the more infectious mutant UK strain, which was already in Australia.

All other passengers on the same flight which left the UK have returned negative readings.

The woman is now in isolation at the NT Centre for National Resilience in Howard Springs, south-east of Darwin.

A woman who flew into the Northern Territory (pictured above) from London has tested positive for the UK strain of coronavirus

Abigail Trewin, an Australian Medical Assistance Team Paramedic (pictured above) said the safety of all the passengers in isolation was a key focus

Abigail Trewin, an Australian Medical Assistance Team Paramedic, confirmed the woman was asymptomatic, but reiterated the safety of all passengers is always the priority.

'We are doing everything we possibly can to guarantee the safety of everyone in isolation,' she told 9News.

'We do know everyone else on-board that flight has tested negative and the woman was travelling with a companion and so far, all testing on the partner has come back negative too.'

Ms Trewin also confirmed all the passengers were tested for Covid-19 before boarding the flight, then twice on arrival and again after 12 days.

The detection of the UK strain in the Northern Territory comes after a woman who flew to Brisbane on a flight from Victoria on January 5 also tested positive for UK variant of coronavirus.

Greater Brisbane and its surrounds are in a government imposed lockdown until Monday, January 11, with residents issued strict stay at home orders.

All other passengers on the same flight from London on December 30 tested negative for Covid-19 after extensive testing
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Nearly 30 Silver City homes will be connected to municipal sewer lines as the final project using settlement funds from the Freeport McMoRan Mining Co.

The Town of Silver City will use $1.3 million from the settlement for the Indian Hills neighborhood project.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

In 2011, the mining company settled with the New Mexico Office of the Natural Resources Trustee and agreed to pay $13 million for groundwater damage.

Natural Resources Trustee Maggie Hart Stebbins said the office asked area residents how they wanted the money to be used.

Its a priority for me to see how we can get these dollars working for the communities that were injured by these (hazardous) releases, she said.

The Chino, Tyrone and Cobre copper and iron mine sites date back more than a century. For decades, the sites have leaked a long list of hazardous chemicals into surface water and groundwater. Contaminants include arsenic, sulfuric acid and lead.

One major breach in 1999 at the now-closed Cobre mine site released 8 million gallons of mine waste into Hanover Creek and nearby streams, according to the 2011 consent decree.

The document states that the money be used to restore, replace, rehabilitate and/or acquire the equivalent of groundwater resources injured, destroyed or lost because of the toxic leaks.

The latest project will also decommission the existing septic systems and build a sewer lift station.

Freeport McMoRan also paid $5.5 million for wildlife and habitat damage in a 2012 settlement with the Office of the Natural Resources Trustee and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The settlement money has funded $5 million for Silver City groundwater protection projects and connected nearly 220 of the towns residences to sewer systems.

The office also recently reached a $150,000 settlement with Fronk Oil Co. for a 2016 fuel spill into the Cimarron River.

I was pleased that Fronk Oil became a partner in this restoration project, because I think it sets an example for other companies by displaying an understanding that companies have the responsibility to make residents whole, Hart Stebbins said. Unfortunately, $150,000 does not buy a lot of restoration. But our intention is if the court approves the settlement, it will add funding to an existing project restoring trout habitat on the Cimmaron River.

Other projects in the works include groundwater and habitat restoration at Fort Wingate and identifying cleanup solutions for groundwater contaminated by NASA activities at White Sands Test Facility.

Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A proposed settlement has been reached in the Cobra Sexual Energy Sales Practices Litigation, a class action lawsuit. The proposed settlement establishes a $100,000 settlement fund. Class members may be eligible for cash payments of up to $100.

On November 9, 2020, United States District Court for the Central District of California, Judge Andre Birotte Jr, preliminarily approved a settlement of a lawsuit between Nutraceutical and purchasers of Cobra Sexual Energy. The class action claims the herbal supplement Cobra Sexual Energy is falsely advertised and an unapproved aphrodisiac in violation of California law. The defendant strongly denies this, and the Court has made no decision on these issues. The case was litigated for seven years, and rather than continue litigating the case in court, the two sides have agreed to a class action settlement.

The proposed settlement establishes a $100,000 settlement fund and eligible class members may be eligible for cash payments of up to $100 if they have a proof of purchase and up to $10 if they do not have a proof of purchase. In addition to the cash relief, the defendant has also agreed to make certain changes to Cobra's label.

You may be a member of the settlement class if you purchased any Cobra Sexual Energy product in California between August 9, 2014 and December 31, 2020. A class action settlement gives you certain rights, including the right to make a claim for your share of a cash settlement fund, and also has certain deadlines.

You now have the following options. First, the attorneys who filed the case and were appointed to represent you recommend that you go to the settlement website (CobraLawsuit.com) and file a claim form, and then receive a payment if the Court approves the settlement. Second, you can ignore this notice and do nothing. You will not get a settlement payment, but you will give up the right to sue over claims related to Cobra's labels and advertising, though not for personal injury. Third, you can exclude yourself. If you exclude yourself, you get no settlement payment but keep the right to sue over these claims at your own expense. Finally, you can object to the settlement and tell the judge why you do not want the settlement to be approved.

You can make a claim at CobraLawsuit.com, as well as get more detailed information about this case, the settlement, and your options, as this is a summary only. If you need help and cannot access the Internet, you can also ask questions by mail by writing to Cobra Sexual Energy Litigation, c/o Classaura, 1718 Peachtree St NW #1080, Atlanta, GA 30309 or call 1-888-977-3554. If possible, please consult the website CobraLawsuit.com.com before calling. Do not contact Nutraceutical or the Court, except if you are serving and filing an objection. The deadline to file a claim form is March 6, 2021, but your appointed attorneys recommend that you file a claim now if you are eligible so you don't forget later, and to help them plan the cash distribution and estimate the settlement claims rate.

Your rights and options  and the deadlines to exercise them  are only summarized in this press release. A Long Form Notice describes, in full, how to file a claim, object, or exclude yourself, and provides other important information. For more information and to obtain a Long Form Notice, claim form or other documents, visit CobraLawsuit.com.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Filed by: Classaura LLC

Phone: 888-977-3554

SOURCE Classaura
MECOSTA COUNTY  The Mecosta County Board of Commissioners, this week, approved a letter of credit for the county's Parks Commission for funding construction of the Dragon Trail.

At a meeting in December, the parks commission board approved recommending the letter of credit to county commissioners for approval.

The funding approved  in a 5-2 vote  was in the amount of $410,800. Voting against the motion was Commissioners Jerrilynn Strong and Linda Howard.

Commissioners Marilynn Bradstrom and Tom ONeil, who serve on the park board, told the parks commission the trails available fund balance was about $7,800.

To move forward with next years scheduled build, an influx of up to $410,800 is needed, about 50% of which is matching grant dollars through a Michigan DNR Trust Fund Grant that will be reimbursed once portions of the trail are completed and certified by the engineer, the minutes from the meeting stated. The first segment scheduled to be built in 2021 is the segment that connects Davis Bridge Park to Brower Park.

Bradstrom motioned, seconded by ONeil, to have the Superintendent draft a letter requesting a line of credit up to $410,800 from Mecosta County.

Strong asked Parks Superintendent Jeff Abel why the parks commission did not use funds from their own contingency fund, rather than requesting money from the county.

I understand you have over $1 million above and beyond what you need for your budget, Strong said. Why are we not pulling from that line item instead of this line item? This is a tax-revolving fund. We should have had an open meeting to decide this.

County Administrator Paul Bullock said the anticipation was that they would use park funds, but the letter of credit was being requested as a backup source of funding, if needed.

We have a $410,800 DNR trust fund grant that was applied for by Mecosta Township because we did not have a Parks Master Plan, Bullock said. There is a requirement that we have the money up front. We need to pay for the project and then get reimbursed by the grant.

This line of credit is not intended as a primary source of funding, he explained. The parks commission does not plan to use it as a first source, but what they are asking you is if they get in a situation where they have a cash flow issue, they are asking for a pre-approved line of credit that they can draw from up to the amount of the grant.

The anticipation is they will never need to use the full $410,800 credit line at one time because the work will be done in phases, he added.

Abel told the board it is a high probability that the funding they need to complete the projects on the Dragon Trail will come in as needed, but the parks commission felt it would be good to have that as a contingency plan.

We anticipate that this section of the trail will be built in two to three months, and I think we can get the reimbursement pretty quickly, Abel said.

Strong said she is not against the completion of the Dragon Trail but felt like it should pay for itself.

I dont understand why you are not utilizing park funds, she said. You have a substantial fund balance and you have been doing fundraising to put toward the project. Why not pull against what they have in reserve, and then if they fall short of their budget, we can reimburse them.

If we (the county) have that much extra money, why arent we reducing taxes for our constituents? she asked.

Bullock explained the project is not a parks commission project, per say, but is an agreement between the county and the townships, and that the parks commission was selected to oversee it.

It is not actually our grant, it is Mecosta Townships, Abel said. We (parks commission) are the middleman. We are the liaison trying to keep the project moving forward. We need to have enough funds to build the bridges that give the trail connectivity, then utilize any additional funds that are raised to pay back the loan.

A requirement of the grant was that they have 49% matching funds on hand, which comes to around $205,000, he said.

Howard agreed that the optics of the county committing tax dollars to the project does not look good. "I am reluctant to proceed with this, when the parks commission is sitting on a substantial fund balance, she said.

Bradstrom said the reason they are requesting the line of credit from the county is because Mecosta Township put their neck out to get the grant for the county that made the Dragon Trail construction possible.

We did promise them (Mecosta Township) that we would help them in any way we could if they would use this for the parks, Bradstrom added. The parks plan to use their own money, but if they get in a bind and need more money, they want to know they have a place to go for it.

During the organizational portion of the meeting, the board unanimously elected Marilynn Bradstrom as chairperson for 2021. Bradstrom served as vice-chair during the previous year.

Commissioner Bill Routely was elected to serve as vice-chairperson by a vote of 4-3.

Also nominated was Commissioner Jerilynn Strong. Strong served as chairperson in 2019.

A vote to nominate a new chairperson and vice-chairperson takes place every January.

Thank you so much, everyone, Bradstrom said following the vote. I really appreciate it and I hope I can do as good a job as Raymond has done this past year. He has done a wonderful job considering this whole thing with the COVID-19 pandemic being new to us, and we were just kind of winging it.

Typically, during the first meeting of the new year, the remaining commissioners draw numbers to have their seats randomly chosen for the rest of the year. That has been postponed because the commission will be meeting virtually for the time being, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In other business, the board approved:

 A motion to approve the mileage reimbursement for 2021 at .56 per mile.

 A motion to authorize the administrator to reinstitute the workshare program where appropriate if the program is extended or renewed by the state.

 A motion to authorize continuation of the COVID-19 emergency leave provision for staff affected by or required to quarantine due to exposure to the coronavirus.

 A motion to approve an agreement between the zoning administrator and Morton Township to do their building inspections and bill them for the cost at $75 per inspection.
In the Trump tweets cited by Twitter, Trump stated that he will not be attending the inauguration and referred to his supporters as American Patriots, saying they will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. Twitter said these statements are likely to inspire others to replicate the violent acts that took place on January 6, 2021, and that there are multiple indicators that they are being received and understood as encouragement to do so.
(WTHI) - Government officials are expecting a rise in scams, targeting the COVID-19 vaccine.

That's as vaccine distribution continues throughout country.

Experts say scammers are contacting people through unsolicited calls, texts, e-mails and social media messages. They claim to offer the COVID-19 vaccine, or access to it.

CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Indiana, Tim Maniscalo, says if anyone reaches out to you about vaccine access, it's a red flag.

"You're not going to be solicited, just randomly, to get one of these COVID vaccines, or testing kit, or something like that," he said, "There is a distribution system."

If you're unsure if a message, or call, you received is a scam, The BBB recommends the following:

Politicians and trauma experts want government services to have better training across the board to deal with traumatised Australians and make sure they're getting the help that best suits them.

Liberal MP Bridget Archer and Labor's Luke Gosling say the outcomes for people dealing with government agencies including Centrelink, Services Australia and the Department of Veterans' Affairs would be vastly improved if there was a uniform trauma-informed approach.

This doesn't mean staff need to quiz people about what their experiences are, rather that they have an understanding that people who have experienced trauma of some kind might have a heightened stress response or be anxious, and responding with empathy and a recognition of individual sensitivities.

Liberal MP Bridget Archer says people dealing with government services would get better outcomes if there was a consistent trauma-informed approach. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

President of the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma, known as the Blue Knot Foundation, Cathy Kezelman says the need for "putting the humanity back into services" is greater than ever after a year of bushfires and the pandemic.
The Federal High Court in Abuja will today, Saturday, deliver judgement in a suit seeking the disqualification of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State as a candidate in the September 2020 governorship election.

The suit, which has sparked interests within and outside Edo State, was filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a member of the party, Williams Edobor.

The plaintiffs accused the governor of forging his Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies certificate which he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in support of his nomination as a candidate in the Edo State governorship election.

The governor, who contested and won the September 2020 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, denied the allegation.

Ahmed Mohammed, the judge who presided over the case, fixed today for judgement.

PREMIUM TIMES will provide you a live feed of the judgement, scheduled to commence by noon, as it unfolds.

LIVE UPDATE

The judgement was scheduled to commence by 12p.m., but the judge, Ahmed Mohammed, has not arrived as of 12.05p.m.

The judge, Mr Mohammed, arrives courtroom to deliver judgment at 1.10p.m.

The judge started delivering judgment at 1.20pm after lawyers announced their appearances.

The judge giving a recap of the testimonies, says the plaintiffs called six witnesses:

First plaintiffs witness, Edoba Omoregie, had testified that Governor Obaseki submitted false or forged certificate which he claimed to have obtained from the University of Ibadan in 1979.

Mr Omoregie, a professor, said that the certificate submitted to INEC for the purposes of the September 2020 election was without a date of issuance and signature of the registrar.

He said the certificate presented by the governor for the 2020 election was different from the one he submitted to INEC when he contested the earlier 2016 election for his first term in office.

He said Mr. Obaseki lied under oath and submitted false or forged certificate to INEC.

The second plaintiffs witness, Samuel Omale, an employee and legal officer of INEC, tendered Mr Obasekis Form EC9 submitted INEC ahead of the 2020 election.

He said he was not part of INEC team that received documents for the purposes of the election.

The plaintiffs fifth witness, Gabriel Iduseri, who said he graduated from the University of Ibadan and obtained Bachelors of Arts in Classical Studies in 1976.

ADVERTISEMENT

He insisted that Mr Obaseki gave false information in his Form EC9 where he claimed to have graduated from UI in 1979.

He said Mr Obaseki tendered an equivalent of the certificate in 2016 but completely different from the one he tendered in 2020.

He said with only three credit passes in Geography, History and Religious Knowledge, Mr Obaseki would not have qualified to be admitted into UI in 1976 whether through direct or indirect entry.

The plaintiffs sixth witness, Mikailu Asekome, said he gained admission to UI to study Agricultural Economics in 1974 and graduated in 1978.

He said it was not possible to be admitted to UI without five credits.

He said his own certificate he obtained from UI was signed by the university registrar and the Vice-Chancellor.

Mr Obaseki called three witnesses.

His first witness, Charity Aiguobarue, said he was the one who made the photocopy of the governors credentials attached to Form EC9 sumbitted to INEC last year.

He said he did not forge or falsify the documents. He said the form EC9 did not contain false information.

He said the absence of the the logo and signature of the registrar were cut off from the photocopy of Mr Obasekis UI certificate was ostensibly because the size of the certificate was bigger than the A4 paper on which the photocopy was made.

Mr Obasekis second witness was Abayomi Ajayi, the Deputy Registrar, Legal of the University of Ibadan.

He confirmed that Mr Obaseki was duly admitted into UI in 1976 to study Classics, later renamed Classical Studies in 1979.

He said Mr Obaseki was admitted as direct entry in 1976.

He said Mr Obaseki met the admission requirements despite the absence of credit in English Language in the governors result.

He said the governor duly graduated in 1979 and was duly awarded Bachelors of Arts in Classical Studies in 1979.

He said the incomplete signature of the VC on Mr Obasekis photocopy of the certificate and the absence of logo and the registrars signature from the photocopy was because the certificate was bigger than the size of the paper used for the photocopy.

Mr Obasekis third witnesswas Eghosa Osaghae, a professor of Comparative Politics from the University of Ibadan.

He confirmed that he was Mr Obasekis mate in secondary school. He also said he gained admission into UI along with the governor in 1976.

He confirmed that the governor duly graduated in 1979.

The judge has started reviewing the evidence.

The judge holds that the evidence of the plaintiffs is at variance with their allegations.

The judge says:

Allegation of forgery borders on crime which must be proved beyond reasonable doubt.

In the instant case, no iota of evidence talk-less of a proof beyond reasonable doubt was brought to prove the allegation of forgery against the first defendant (Mr Obaseki).

Having thoroughly analysed the evidence of this case, it is the conclusion of this court that plaintiff did not forge his OLevel Certificate, his HSC certificate, and particularly his University of Ibadan degree certificate.

Accordingly the plaintiffs case is dismissed.
Early Saturday morning, the F.B.I. arrested Doug Jensen, who was also among the extremist protesters. He was captured on video pushing far into the Capitol, ignoring the warnings of a law enforcement officer. The video, taken by Igor Bobic of HuffPost, shows the officer backing away as Mr. Jensen approaches him, moving up the stairs and through the halls of the building.

On his Twitter account, Mr. Jensen posted a photo of himself during the incursion with the captions You like my shirt? and Me .

Mr. Jensen is in custody in Polk County, Iowa, and is facing several charges. They include obstructing a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building, according to a spokesman for the Polk County Sheriffs Office.

According to The Bradenton Herald, a publication based in Bradenton, Fla., people who know Mr. Johnson, the man photographed carrying the lectern, identified him to the F.B.I. soon after the image emerged. The newspaper reported that Mr. Johnson had posted on social media just before the rampage, disparaging the Black Lives Matter movement and Washington police officers, calling the officers corrupt and saying they were picking the sides of criminals.

The authorities also arrested Richard Barnett, 60, on Friday. He is the man pictured with his feet kicked up on a desk in Ms. Pelosis office during the Capitol siege. Mr. Barnett, who was arrested in Bentonville, Ark., will appear in federal court on Tuesday and will ultimately be extradited to Washington, D.C.

The photo of Mr. Johnson, taken by a wire services photographer, and the subsequent arrest suggest that the authorities will use the myriad photographs and videos of the melee to pursue additional arrests. The F.B.I. posted images to its Twitter account and website on Friday asking the public for information about the people who were pictured.

The Justice Department announced charges for 13 individuals, including Mr. Barnett, after the riot. The charges include entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
The first in-person classes since CPS schools abruptly shut last March are due to happen on Monday for preschool and some special education students. But with the pandemic still surging  and many teachers refusing to report to in-person work because of fears of COVID-19  parents remain divided, and in some cases conflicted, about sending their children back for some masked, socially distanced classes.
Back in 1987, a 17-year-old kid suddenly appeared on the doorstep of a Arab-American family in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He claimed to be the son of a Saudi prince and warned that their family would be targeted by his father's secret police unless they let him live with them. The terrified family welcomed their strange new guest into their home, and apparently felt no reason to question anything until a short time later, when the same 17-year-old was arrested for impersonating Adnan Kashoggi, the 52-year-old billionaire arms dealer.

Now, none of that should have been remotely plausible. If two kids stacked on top of each other in a trenchcoat knocked on your door claiming to be Elon Musk, back from the future to borrow your car, your response would range from "I'm getting my bat" to "Stay here. I need to hammer a nail through my bat." But people actually bought these stories. And then the same guy got out of juvie and went on to do the exact same thing for over two decades.

Continue Reading Below Advertisement

This is the story of Anthony Gignac, the greatest liar in history. And by that, we don't mean he put a ton of effort into his lies, or was some kind of incredible chameleon, flipping between convincing personas. Anthony Gignac is the greatest because everything out of his mouth was so wildly, obviously, ridiculously implausible that all his scams should have fallen apart instantly. People should have been queuing up down the street just to call him out on his bullshit. And yet, nobody did. Time and time again, people just bought it. Seriously, we think he might have some kind of superpowers. The only reason he's not ruling us like a god is a complete lack of any ambitions in life beyond a shopping spree every day and a luxury hotel suite every night.

Miami Dade County Sheriff's Office Who could deny such obvious royalty?

Continue Reading Below Advertisement

Gignac was born in 1970s Colombia, which was not having a happy couple of decades. Thousands of kids were left to fend for themselves on the streets, surviving on wits alone. Unsurprisingly the country went on to produce more than its share of great scam artists, like Juan Carlos Guzman Betancur, who first hit the newspapers age 17, when he flew from Bogota to Miami hidden in the wheel well of a plane, something that should absolutely have killed him. He went on to become possibly the greatest hotel con artist in history, perfectly impersonating wealthy guests to gain access to their valuables.

Continue Reading Below Advertisement

Gignac was a much less sophisticated scammer, and even his stories of life in Colombia are so exaggerated it's hard to know what to believe. According to Gignac, he watched his father kill his younger brother after being unable to afford food for the whole family. He was later sold into sex slavery and ended up on the streets, single-handedly caring for yet another brother. This all supposedly happened before the age of 6, when he was adopted by a middle-class couple from Michigan. Whatever happened in Colombia, it apparently left Gignac with an overwhelming desire to appear rich. He spent most of his childhood lying about his parents owning half of Detroit, before running away from home in an attempt to start a new life as Adnan Kashoggi.
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.

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!
Christine MacBeth, president and CEO of The Brien Center, says of the pandemic: "We must also have confidence in our ability to weather this very difficult storm."
BJP president J P Nadda arrived



in West Bengal on Saturday to launch his party's door-to-door rice collection programme aimed at wooing farmers, amid the ongoing protest in Delhi over the contentious agriculture laws.

He will reach out to the farmers of a village here during his day-long visit to the state.

This is Nadda's first visit to West Bengal after the attack on his convoy during his journey to Diamond Harbour from Kolkata on December 10.

Nadda arrived at Andal airport at around 11.45 am and took a helicopter ride from there to reach Jagdanandpur village in Purba Bardhaman district, where he will first offer puja at a temple and then meet the farmers.

An elaborate security arrangement has been put in place across the district to prevent untoward incidents.

Nadda, in a bid to blunt opposition camp's "anti- farmer" allegations against the BJP-led central government, will float 'Ek Muthi Chawal' (a fistful of rice), a programme under which he would collect rice from farmers' homes and brief them about the benefits of three new farm laws.

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at Delhi borders for over a month against the three laws.

The BJP chief will hold a roadshow from Clock Tower to Lord Curzon Gate in Burdwan and address a press conference too.

His address at "Krishok Surokkha Gram Sabha" (farmers' security meeting at village) in Jagadanandpur will mark the beginning of 40,000 such meetings to be held by the BJP across West Bengal before the assembly

"After the launch of the campaign by our party president, our cadres will reach out to 48,000 villages of the state, where they will be visiting farmer households to collect rice and brief them about the new agriculture laws," a senior state BJP leader said.

Nadda will have lunch at a farmer's residence and hold a gram sabha meeting during the day.

There are 71.23 lakh farmers' families in West Bengal, 96 per cent of them small and marginal.

The saffron party has launched an aggressive campaign in West Bengal in its bid to end Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's 10-year-old reign in the state.

With Banerjee, also the head of the Trinamool Congress, backing the farmers who are protesting against the three agriculture laws, the BJP has gone all out to convince them about the "benefits" of these Acts.

to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly are due in April-May.

(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 general view of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta on Sept. 30, 2014. (Tami Chappell/Reuters)

CDC Says It Hasnt Seen USA Variant of COVID-19

A federal health agency has rejected the notion that a new variant of COVID-19 that originated in the United States exists.

Researchers have been monitoring U.S. strains since the pandemic began, including 5,700 samples collected in November and December, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spokesman told news outlets on Jan. 8.

To date, neither researchers nor analysts at CDC have seen the emergence of a particular variant in the United States, as has been seen with the emergence of B.1.1.7 in the United Kingdom or B.1.351 in South Africa, he added.

The White House Coronavirus Task Force told states in a report last week that there may be a USA variant of COVID-19.

This fall/winter surge has been at nearly twice the rate of rise of cases as the spring and summer surges. This acceleration suggests there may be a USA variant that has evolved here, in addition to the UK variant that is already spreading in our communities and may be 50 percent more transmissible, the report stated.

Aggressive mitigation must be used to match a more aggressive virus; without uniform implementation of effective face masking (two- or three-ply and well-fitting) and strict social distancing, epidemics could quickly worsen as these variants spread and become predominant.

The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Several new variants of COVID-19 have been detected in recent weeks, including B.1.1.7 in the UK. While that variant is more easily transmitted than the main COVID-19 strain, it doesnt appear to be deadlier, authorities say.

U.S. officials said the UK strain has been detected in the United States, but currently makes up a small percentage of total cases.

Both the United States and United Kingdom this week recorded their highest daily death tolls from the CCP virus this week. The U.S. toll topped 4,000 for the first time, while the UK recorded 1,325 deaths on Jan. 7.

Here are six key issues before the Texas Legislature, and their prospects in a session that will be dominated by financial concerns.

Why now: Given the controversy over the 2020 election results, there is little doubt Republicans will try to place further restrictions on early voting and absentee voting in the name of guarding against fraud, even though no evidence of widespread fraud has surfaced. A particular target will be Harris County, where Republicans are convinced election officials overstepped their authority by sending absentee ballot applications to all voters, and allowing multiple dropoff sites.

Why not: Texas already has some of the most restrictive rules in the nation regarding absentee ballots, Texas only allows absentee voting for people who are going to be away during the election, are sick, or are 65 or older.

POLICE REFORMS

Why now: The killing of former Houston resident George Floyd triggered national outrage and cast near-universal condemnation of police brutality. Even Republican leaders such as Gov. Greg Abbott called for police reforms to prevent the type of brutality the whole world watched.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Why not: Republicans in the fall of 2020 seized upon calls to defund the police and wielded them against Democrats who were hoping to flip state legislative seats, a move that helped the GOP retain control of the Texas House. For Republicans, the incentive now is to keep pressing to protect police budgets and target Democratic mayors for going too far.

REDISTRICTING

Why now: Every 10 years, lawmakers are required to redraw every legislative and Congressional district to assure each district has an equal number of residents. With the U.S. Census complete, this year lawmakers will have to redraw disticts. It has typcially been a bruising process politically as legislators try to craft districts to improve their own re-election chances.

Why not: Lawmakers may get a temporary reprieve. Because of delays in Washington, new census data may not make it to lawmakers in time for this session. Some lawmakers have said if the data arrives after April 1, theres little chance redistricting can be done during the regular session. The process may require a special session later in the year.

CASINO GAMBLING

Why now: The Texas budget is a mess thanks to COVID-19 and an international price war in the oil and gas industry. Opening the door would not only bring billions of dollars of gambling revenue but would recoup money Texans are spending on hotels, restaurants and lodging in neighboring states where casinos are legal.

Why not: The Texas Constitution prohibits casino gambling. Legislators would first have to put a measure on the ballot and voters would have to agree to change the Constitution. Not only does the platform of the Texas Republican Party expressly oppose expanded gambling, but Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also has made clear he fully supports that prohibition.

MEDICAID EXPANSION

Why now: Texas already had the highest percentage of uninsured in the nation and the pandemic made it worse, leaving millions of Texans without access to primary care doctors to get tested for COVID-19, and fueling calls from Democrats to expand Medicaid.

Why not: Republicans in Texas says Medicaid already eats up too much of the state budget, and adding more Texans to those rolls will only mean more costs, not just now, but in the future.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

Why now: There are not many states with more restrictions on marijuana than Texas. While at least 31 other states have comprehensive medical marijuana programs, Texas is one of the few that only allow low-level medicinal cannabis in extremely limited cases. If Texas decriminalized marijuana, it could be taxed and bring in revenues to help shore up the state budget while also reducing the number of people arrested each year for possessing the drug.

Why not: Public polls show Texans support decriminalization, but the Republican Party of Texas still is divided on the issue. Advocates are pushing for legislation to at least expand the ability of doctors to treat patients facing other diseases with medical cannabis.
By Ian J. Drake

President Trump urged supporters Wednesday to march on the Capitol and warned his supporters could never take back our country with weakness. After the march mutated into a riot at the Capitol Building, several Democratic members of the House of Representatives called for the Twenty-Fifth Amendment to be invoked to remove the president from power.

No matter what one thinks of Trumps actions or statements in urging the marchers-cum-rioters, the Twenty-Fifth Amendment is not a tool that can be used in this instance to remove the president from office.

The amendments origins date back to the presidency of Woodrow Wilson. Exhausted from a multistate tour to promote Senate ratification of the Versailles Treaty in 1919, Wilson suffered a severe stroke. He was partially paralyzed and almost blinded. For several weeks thereafter, he was seen only by his wife and physician.

The public was ignorant of the full extent of Wilsons condition for several months, during which time his wife and several close aides were gatekeepers who shielded Wilson from scrutiny and shepherded (and perhaps even made) policy decisions. Since there was no clear constitutional authority for replacing an incapacitated executive, Vice President Thomas Marshall was reluctant to assert any claim on the office absent a joint resolution from Congress or an official declaration from Wilson himself. Not only was Wilson literally partly paralyzed, but so too was the presidency.

Wilsons condition and the predicament into which it put the presidency was one of the historical examples congressional legislators had in mind when they proposed the Twenty-Fifth Amendment. Ratified in 1967 and spurred on by the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, the amendment allows for the voluntary relinquishment of power by the president or the involuntary removal from power by the vice president and a majority of the cabinet, or by a specially designated body created by Congress.

The amendment requires that the president be unable to discharge the power and duties of his office. As the Wilson and Kennedy examples demonstrate, the kind of problem solved by the amendment is related to a disability or the incapacity of the president. President Trump may be unwilling to make good decisions, but he is not incapable of making them in the sense that the unable language anticipates.

The Twenty-Fifth Amendment also allows only for the removal from power, but not from office. Under its terms, the president remains the president and has the power to issue a declaration that no inability exists and can resume his ability to govern. The amendment provides a procedure for the vice president and cabinet or the specially-created congressional body to continue to object to the president exercising the powers of his office, and ultimately if Congress can muster a two-thirds majority in both houses, the removal from power can continue. At a minimum, the procedures and plain language of the amendment demonstrate that this is simply not the proper constitutional tool for this presidents opponents.

If Congress dislikes Trumps behavior, impeachment is the most appropriate route. As we were reminded during the debate surrounding Trumps first impeachment in late 2019, impeachment does not require a criminal offense under statutory law. It involves a political offense, which Trump has arguably committed in urging his supporters to march on Congress. There is, however, likely too little time remaining in his administration  the inauguration of President-elect Biden occurs on Jan. 20  for a trial in the Senate. Yet, the House can note its strong disapproval by voting to impeach, leaving President Trump as the only president to be twice impeached.

Constitutional powers like those allowed under the Twenty-Fifth Amendment should be exercised only when clearly appropriate. In this case, President Trump is not unable to be president  in fact, the premise of the anger against him is that he knew full well what he was doing and made bad or immoral choices. The only viable constitutional tool left is impeachment, and the clock is running out.

Ian J. Drake, an associate professor of Political Science and Law at Montclair State University, appears as an expert in an Amazon Prime documentary titled Safeguard: An Electoral College Story.

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.
Large restaurants providing prepared meals to supermarkets for sale is causing the Government some concern as it says this is adding to additional customer traffic at those supermarkets, as it wants less movement of people during the State of Emergency.
New Delhi:

Zakir Musa, former Hizbul Commander and new recruit of al-Qaeda, on Monday, slammed Indian Muslims for not joining Islamic jihad for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind' (the final and last battle for the conquest of India).



In his first audio message since joining the global terrorist organisation, reiterated that the war was not just limited to Kashmir. "It's a war between Islam and the infidel," he declared in his first direct address to Indian Muslims in an audio clip shared via Telegram and WhatsApp groups. Against a black al-Qaeda banner, with a world map added along with and two Kalashnikovs rifles emblazoned on two sides, Musa spoke in Kashmiri-accented Urdu.



According to sources quoted by Times of India, two senior Jammu & Kashmir police officers have confirmed it was Musa's voice.

Read | Rift in Hizbul Mujahideen: Zakir Musa quits terror outfit after lack of support to his 'beheading' threats to Hurriyat leaders



In the audio message, Musa invoked recent "atrocities" against Muslims in India. "It is shameful that Indian Muslims are spineless and don't act against the perpetrators of such crimes," he said.



Musa then quotes the sayings of Prophet Muhammad and recalls the Conquest Of Hind (Gazwa-e-Hind). "Our beloved prophet has assured Jannat to those who participate in the conquest of Hind," he says.



The militant commander, who earlier had called for public hanging of All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders in Kashmir, calls the Indian Muslims most unconscionable."Indian Muslims are most unconscionable and have forgotten about the battle of Badr," he states before going on to talk about the issue of cow vigilantism in India.



He says, "My blood boils when I see Muslims being attacked by gau rakshaks and Indian Muslims must form groups to take part in the conquest of Hind."



Expelled Hizbul Mujahideen commander also refuted the reports that he ratted out Sabzar Bhat, the Burhan Wani successor who was recently killed by Indian security forces.

Read | Hizbul Mujahideen leader threatens to behead Hurriyat leaders for terming Kashmir struggle 'political'

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Kim Jong Un will put North Korea on a path to develop more advanced nuclear technologies and missiles, sending a chilling warning to President-elect Joe Biden that the Asian leader is ready to ratchet up security tensions.

Kim called the U.S. a war monster" and his biggest main enemy," at the first Congress of the Workers Party of Korea in five years, according to the states Korean Central News Agency on Saturday. He said he would focus on subduing" the U.S. and continue to enhance nuclear capability to ensure North Koreas autonomic development."

Kim laid down a fresh struggle line, and strategic and tactical policies," KCNA said. The comments made at one of Kims most important political meetings in years offered the first significant signals of how he intends to approach a relationship with the new administration in the White House.

The plans included making smaller and lighter nuclear weapons, proceeding with the development of large warheads and improving the ability to strike strategic targets within 15,000 km (9,320 miles). Kim seeks to develop solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles to strengthen intelligence-gathering capabilities with satellites, according to KCNA.

The report suggests a sweeping plan for the modernization of the countrys nuclear and conventional forces, and a reference to tactical nuclear weapons will raise global concerns, according to Ankit Panda, a Stanton Senior Fellow in the in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

It lights a fire under the Biden administration," Panda said. Kim is making clear that if Biden decides not to prioritize North Korea policy, Pyongyang will resume testing and qualitatively advancing its nuclear capabilities in ways that would be seriously detrimental for Washington and Seoul."

Kims message is aimed at pressuring Biden to officially accept North Korea as a nuclear state, said Cheon Seong-whun, who was a former president of the government-funded Korea Institute for National Unification think tank in Seoul. Kim is likely to go ahead with a series of provocations when Biden takes office, he said.

North Korea has a history of saber rattling when a new leader takes over the White House. It tested President Barack Obama with the launch of a long-range rocket and a nuclear device within months after he took power in 2009. President Donald Trump was welcomed with a series of ballistic missile tests that culminated with the launch in November 2017 of an intercontinental ballistic missile that experts said could deliver a nuclear warhead to the entire U.S.

The North Korean leader, who turned 37 on Friday, hasnt made substantive comments on his weapons program since unveiling a new intercontinental ballistic missile at an October military parade.

After a breakdown at a summit with Trump in Hanoi in 2019, Kim responded a few months later with tests of new solid-fuel ballistic missiles that are easier to hide, deploy and use on in a quick strike. Experts believe he has been working on a solid-fuel ICBM, which could be readied for launch quicker than his current liquid-fueled arsenal.

Kim entered 2018 saying his state had completed" its nuclear deterrent against the U.S. He put a moratorium on tests of atomic weapons and long-range missiles as he started talks with Trump. Kim may have another display of weaponry soon, with satellite imagery indicating preparations underway for a major march through central Pyongyang, the 38 North website reported.

Kim issued a dire warning in opening remarks to the Party Congress of 5,000 delegates, saying the previous five-year plan fell far short of goals and the party would explore a new path" for making a big leap forward."

North Koreas sanctions-battered economy was dealt further blows last year by natural disasters and Kims decision to shut borders due to the coronavirus. Gross domestic product likely shrank by 8.5% in 2020, according to a projection by Fitch Solutions, leaving it smaller than when Kim took power in 2011 with a pledge to improve peoples living standards.

Despite the bonhomie Kim showed in three meetings with Trump, the North Korean leader repeatedly rejected the Trump administrations call for a complete, verifiable and irreversible" nuclear dismantlement before Pyongyang could receive any rewards. North Korea is likely seeking to calibrate its approach during the transition to preserve Kims chances of securing a deal to relieve the sanctions.

While nuclear talks have sputtered Kim has been busy stockpiling fissile material. Experts estimate that North Korea has assembled 30-40 nuclear warheads, the fewest among the nine nations with nuclear weapons.

The Biden administration has indicated it may be ready to ease sanctions in exchange for steps by Kim to freeze, cap and wind down his atomic arsenal. Biden has said he wants to jump start" a campaign with U.S. allies and others for denuclearization.

Bidens choice for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, in a 2017 opinion piece in the New York Times, backed a negotiated settlement with North Korea that first freezes and then rolls back North Koreas nuclear program, with inspectors to carefully scrutinize compliance" before a more comprehensive deal is reached.

The plan poses a direct security threat to Washington as it may target the U.S. mainland," said Koh Yu-hwan, president of KINU.

North Korea is sending a clear message that it would continue to modernize its nuclear weaponry and delivery systems if sanctions are not lifted," Koh said.

(Updates with KCNA statement in second paragraph)

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2021 Bloomberg L.P.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!

Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.

The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.

The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.

The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.

Access to college recruiters and advisors  its harder to line up higher education.

Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.

Vote

View Results
Amid broader delays to the Covid-19 vaccine 's arrival in Brazil, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite a shipment of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, as per a letter on Friday.

The letter released by Bolsonaro's press office comes amid growing pressure to speed up Brazil's Covid-19 vaccine roll-out and end the world's second-deadliest pandemic.

"To enable the immediate implementation of our National Immunization Program, I would appreciate ... the supply to Brazil, with the possible urgency and without jeopardizing the Indian vaccination program, of 2 million doses," Bolsonaro said in the letter.

Meanwhile, critics say the immunisation campaign is running behind regional peers, and they question why the government has not moved more quickly.

Bolsonaro's message to PM Modi comes as the federally funded Fiocruz biomedical center said on Friday that the active ingredients needed to fill and finish millions of doses of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine in Brazil, previously slated to arrive in the country on Saturday, may not land until the end of the month.

Fiocruz, which was counting on the shipment Saturday to supply the government with doses this month, said it was in talks to import more finished doses of the vaccine, likely from India on top of the 2 million it has already ordered.

A source involved told news agency Reuters the active ingredient is ready to be shipped to Brazil but is waiting for an export license from China, where it is produced.

Earlier, Fiocruz requested an emergency use authorization for AstraZeneca vaccines coming from India, which are expected to arrive in Brazil in the middle of this month.

On Friday, Brazil reported 52,035 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, and 962 deaths, the health ministry said.

The South American country has now registered 8,013,708 cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 201,460, according to ministry data, in the world's third-worst outbreak outside the United States and India.

With agency inputs

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
First the rich, then the poor View(s):

Once while teaching in a class, I posed a question to the students:

How many of you think that you are poor?

The students gave me a surprised look at this unexpected question. I made my question clear and asked again, convincing them that what they heard was what I asked:

My question is that how many of you think that you are poor as you are from a poor family? Let me see your hands, if you think so.

Surprisingly, this time I saw everyone raising their hand! I was confused by their response. I questioned myself whether they think of their families subjectively or their families representing the nation, objectively. When I looked around at the class of 60 plus students, however, I noticed just two students who kept their hands down. I went towards the two and asked them: All the others raised their hands. It seems that only two of you have decided not to do so; why?

I am not poor, Sir; I never thought I was. One of them answered. The other also nodded his head in agreement.

I have so many unfaded memories of my years of experience as a university teacher. This incident, which happened many years ago, is one of those unfaded memories.

Status of mind

In fact, I didnt know whether the two students were rich by any means. Neither did I know whether the other students were poor. Usually, a class in a state university in Sri Lanka, unlike a school in a particular location, is represented by a wider social spectrum of the country. However, I never expected that all the students, except two, would identify themselves as coming from poor family backgrounds. In fact, it is not so.

Nevertheless, I realized that poverty is not necessarily the status of a person, but also a status of mind. It is not always a condition that some people must face in life; it can also be an attitude or even a choice of some people. As long as it is a status of mind, I believe, it is difficult to overcome poverty. It confirms the fact that, before poverty is eliminated from a society, it must be eliminated from the mind!

Lets look at poverty objectively. According to the national poverty line which is the minimum expenditure required by a person to fulfill the basic needs for survival, there were about 843,913 poor people in 2016 in Sri Lanka. The national poverty line for 2016 is Rs.4,166 which has increased by Rs. 1,000 over the past five years.

If we go by the international poverty line of US$ 3.20 a day, there are 2.3 million poor in Sri Lanka who earn less than Rs. 600 a day; this means that more than 10 per cent of Sri Lankans are poor! If we adopt a higher international poverty line of US$ 5.50 a day, then there are 8.8 million poor in the country, who earn about Rs. 1,000 a day. If it is the case of poverty in Sri Lanka, in fact, 42 per cent of our people are poor by international standards.

Poor people, poor nations

Just like having poor people and rich people, there are also poor nations and rich nations. According to World Banks country classification by per capita income levels, out of 218 countries in the world, there are 89 high-income rich countries; these countries have a per capita income of over $12,535. However, the average per capita income for the high-income countries is $45,353, the upper boundary of high per capita income rises above its average level for some of the Scandinavian and European countries as well as for Canada, the US, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Middle-income countries are divided into two groups as upper-middle-income category with per capita income between $4,046  12,534, and lower-middle-income category as per capita income between $1,036  4,045. There are 56 countries in the upper-middle-income category, while their average per capita income is $9,064. There are 50 countries in the lower-middle-income category, while their average per capita income is $2,176.

The poorest group of countries  the category of low-income countries, with per capita income lower than $1,035 included 29 countries. While most of the low-income countries are from Africa, there are two Asian countries too  war-torn Afghanistan and isolated North Korea.

Poverty is evil, whether it is about poverty of people or of nations. The poor are the last to receive any good thing out of what the rich enjoy, while it is also often at the mercy of the rich. For this reason, the poor often try to live and work among the rich; thats why people choose to go to rich countries leaving their homeland.

Save the rich first

Even if there is insufficient information and confirmation about the efficacy of the new COVID vaccines  not just one, but as many as 12 brands from many different pharmaceutical companies -, the countries have already started ordering and vaccinating their people. They are the rich nations, which can afford to buy the vaccination first and in big quantities irrespective of their cost, while the poor nations are still waiting at the mercy of others.

According to Bloombergs global distribution of COVID vaccine tracker information as published on January 6, Canada has the highest vaccine doses over 300 per cent population coverage. Then the UK, Australia and New Zealand also disclosed the contracts of doses to be purchased covering over 200 per cent of the respective populations. Most of the European countries as well as the US, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, and Uzbekistan have also secured contracts of vaccine doses over 100 per cent of the populations.

Then we have most of the poor nations from Asia, Africa and Latin America, which have disclosed their contracts of vaccine doses less than 100 per cent of the population  even as low as 5 per cent of the population.

If the performance level of COVID vaccines is as effective as anticipated, then it is the rich nations which have the ability to save their nations first. And it is revealed that the governments of poorer nations are unable to pre-order in adequate numbers. Some of these countries have been looking for external grants and loans from both multilateral and bilateral sources to finance even their smaller quantity of pre-orders. While the high prices of a vaccine dose ranging from $10  50 have excluded the poorer nations, the declaration of not-for-profit supply by the AstraZeneca vaccine manufacturer was a relief for the poorer nations. Unsurprisingly while wealthier nations have already started vaccinating their citizens, the poorer nations will have to wait  perhaps, another couple of years.

Key question

Poverty leads to inequality too. Perhaps, it is a miserable inequality in which the rich  whether it is people or nations -, can afford to enjoy the benefits of development, while the poor has no choice to get access even to basic needs for their survival.

The question in issue is that, Sri Lanka has been a so-called welfare state for almost three-quarters of a century, looking after the poor well with our extensive welfare system. However, it does not mean at all that the country as a nation is rich now; we are still at the mercy of someone else. Neither does it means that doing the same thing over and over would lead to a different result. Perhaps, it is a valid question to ask as to which policies and strategies would lead us to rise as a rich nation so that we will have no need to be at the mercy of someone else.

(The writer is a Professor of Economics at the University of Colombo and can be reached at sirimal@econ.cmb.ac.lk and follow on Twitter @SirimalAshoka).
The NSW government has shelved plans to start returning 1000 international students to Sydney each week in a blow to some of the city's major universities.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian told The Sun-Herald in November she wanted to use a third of the state's hotel quarantine slots to bring in international students and skilled migrants, starting as soon as this month.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian previously indicated international students were a priority. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The push was at odds with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and a national cabinet agreement which made returning Australians the priority leading up to Christmas.

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said returning international students will be a critical part of NSW economic recovery from the pandemic.
City of Londons The Economist Panicked That Trump and His Support Base Arent Going Away

Jan. 8 , 2021 (EIRNS)The Economist, the British Empires mouthpiece, devotes its Jan. 9 edition to thousands of words in a shoe-pounding attack against Donald Trump, stating with regards to its package, entitled, Trumps Legacy: The Shame and Opportunity, that be in no doubt that Donald Trump is the author of the attack on the heart of American democracy. Yet despite dredging up myths and lies against the President, The Economist, and its controllers in the City of London and British monarchy, cannot shout away one reality: Donald Trump and the portions of the population that brought him into the Presidency, are not going anywhere, and their hatred for the City of London-Wall Street policies that destroy economies, and of endless regime-change war, will not dissipate. Hence The Economists panic.

One of the most vitriolic articles against Trump is entitled, After the Insurrection: The Terrible Scenes on Capitol Hill Illustrate How Donald Trump Had Changed His Party; and How Hard It Will Be To Rid It of Him. The article characterizes Trump as isolated and spinning out myths, and never states what Trumps policy is. Yet, after lying that Trump was associated with pipe bombs placed at the offices of the Republican and Democratic parties, it voices its real concern over the troubling nature of the Senate session that the insurrectionists interrupted. Over two-thirds of Republican members of the House of Representatives and over a quarter of Republican senators were on the verge of voting to magic Mr. Trumps defeat into victory. This is isolation?

Worse, for The Economist, is that the large majority of Republican voters who claim to believe Mr. Trump won re-election in November are not responding to rational concerns. Rational concerns? There have only been thousands of affidavits; the admission that millions of mail-in ballots were valid, for many of which there was neither a way to check signatures, nor establish a chain of custody, etc. Then, more bad news for the City of London vultures: The belief that Mr. Trump was robbed has hardened among the Republican electorate. A poll for The Economist by YouGov this week suggested 64% wanted Congress to overturn the election result for Mr. Trump. Isolated?

The Republican base meanwhile was growing more radical. The Waukesha [Wisconsin] Republicans, once a bastion of well-heeled Republicans, have been transformed by an influx of super-fans. Many are working class whites, with no prior attachment to the party. They consider Mr. Trump to be at war with the corrupt Washington establishment. The Economist quotes the head of the Waukesha Republican Party that Trump supporters, are OK with being called a Republican because they support President Trump. But if they feel the party is not supporting President Trump, then they are not likely to be as loyal as Republicans were in the past. Yet, the article goes on, what to do about Republican voters who might indeed stay unusually loyal to their defeated leaderand how hard it will be to wean them back to moderation even if they do not. They are a new base ... who hear the Presidents raging against the liberal and conservative establishments as an expression of their own frustrations in a changing country. And much to The Economists chagrin, these forgotten men and women are not going away.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/08/2021



ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Tim Clarkson and Melyza Zeta have revealed they've broken up and decided to end their relationship.Tim, a 34-year-old from Dallas, TX, and Melyza, a 30-year-old from Colombia, starred on Season 2 of : The Other Way.The show's finale featured Tim, after visiting Melyza in Colombia and trying to work through their issues, moving back to the United States in order to work and save money for their future together.Tim told Melyza he would miss her and eventually move back to her country, and the pair seemed optimistic about making a long-distance relationship work temporarily.But Tim revealed on this week's premiere of : The Other Way Strikes Back! on Discovery's new discovery+ streaming service that he and Melyza have called it quits on their romance.Tim, who is still living in Dallas, told viewers, "Well, since the last time you saw us, Melyza and I aren't together.""And things haven't been the greatest between us since then," Tim added. "We still share [the cat] Pepino... It's good to have him."Tim said his cat helps him to "emotionally de-stress."After Tim checked in with fans, Melyza showed off her new look -- which includes pink highlights -- and the beautiful view from her apartment in Medellin, Colombia.Melyza also set out to show the world what Tim has been "missing" since their relationship ended."I love living here. We have amazing weather year round. The city's beautiful, people are nice, it's cheap, and this is what Tim's missing, for sure," Melyza bragged."And this too," Melyza said, before tilting the camera down to show her fit body.Neither Tim or Melyza revealed what led to their breakup or who initiated the split.However, it seems Tim and Melyza may not be over for good.When the pair watched back : The Other Way footage from their respective homes, Melyza couldn't help but comment on how cute Tim looked."He's kind of cute. I think I want to have sex with him again," Melyza said.Tim and Melyza clearly can't be on THAT bad of terms if she'd entertain the idea of hooking up with her ex again.Tim and Melyza have also left comments on each other's social-media pages in recent months, showing they've at least managed to stay friends or have an amicable relationship.Melyza first hinted her relationship with Tim might be over in a series of comments she wrote on a November 2020 Instagram photo of herself with her two fluffy white dogs. In the photo, Melyza was flashing a big smile.One of Melyza's followers commented, "Hmm she's smiling, must have left Tim."And Melyza responded, "I like your rationale," along with two crying-laughing emoticons."I think you hate Tim," wrote another fan."Maybe," Melyza replied.Melyza also commented three hearts when a person wrote to her that she deserves better than Tim and should be treated right.There is also no sign of Melyza on Tim's Instagram account except for a post in February 2020, when he shared a photo of the pair standing in front of an "I [Heart] Medellin" sculpture, as well as very old photos dating back to 2017.As for Melyza, she hasn't posted a photo with Tim on her own Instagram account since July 2017."You're committed, incredibly annoying, THE cutest, and definitely my favorite person in the world," she captioned the photo at the time.Tim and Melyza met at a bar when Tim was enrolled in school at the University of Ohio.Melyza was working as an au pair in Iowa and learning English when they met, and they apparently fell for each other quickly.However, Melyza had to move to Boston in order to take a different job as an au pair, so the pair was forced to make their relationship a long-distance one.Melyza eventually moved back to Colombia to finish her studies, which set the couple even farther apart, but Melyza had every intention to make a life with Tim in America and have children together.However, Melyza found out Tim had cheated on her about a month prior to her arrival on a Tourist Visa.Tim explained in a confessional, "Last year, the distance between me and Melyza at that time was very difficult. I felt lonely. And the girl that I ultimately cheated with was a co-worker. It just started off as casual conversation and it got to a point to where we did have a full-out, intimate sexual encounter."Tim recalled that Melyza "had her suspicions" when she came to visit him in the United States."She noticed with my social media that something was up and prompted her to start digging, and she eventually confronted me about it," Tim told the cameras. "After that, we started arguing all the time."Melyza was brokenhearted and felt betrayed, so Tim set out to prove to Melyza that he only wanted her for the rest of his life and his intentions were pure and genuine by moving to Colombia and making a lot of sacrifices for her."I never in a million years thought that he's the kind of person who cheats -- ever," Melyza explained in a confessional."The pain I was going through completely consumed me. I was angry and upset, but I love him and have been with him for years now, so he kind of deserves a second chance."Not only did Tim have to win back Melyza, but he also had to prove to Melyza's parents that he was worth of their daughter's love again.As the pair worked through their issues, Melyza admitted to Tim she had a sexual fling with another man while they were apart, but Tim wasn't so sure they had a clean break. Tim was therefore crushed by the news and lost some trust in his girlfriend."I'm feeling wracked with uncertainty because I don't have a job and marriage is not on the table right now. I'm going to have to move back to the States, and I'm extremely worried about how that's going to affect Melyza and I's relationship," Tim explained.Melyza confessed the idea of Tim moving to the United States made her "nervous and uncomfortable," but Tim insisted the only reason for him going back would be to put themselves in a more stable financial position long-term."I can't believe that he's leaving. I think this is bullsh-t. This was definitely not what we were planning on doing. This is not what I expected, and I'm just really disappointed," Melyza told the cameras on : The Other Way's second season.Melyza wasn't sure she should wait for Tim to make money, and Tim in turn wasn't convinced Melyza would stay loyal to him while he's gone."I'm not moving back to run away from you; I'm moving back so that I can run back to you," Tim said when saying goodbye to Melyza.And Melyza said in a confessional, "I did feel true and real love with him."Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
Aviation in the Ingleside

by Woody LaBounty



(Originally appeared in The Ingleside Light, 2011)

Flying is a commonplace miracle today. Perhaps a thousand airplanes and jets escape the bounds of earth each day, casually carrying human beings into the realm of eagles and angels. We take our ability to travel by air for granted, while at the same time understanding that the design, construction, navigation, and piloting of these giant metal machines is the work of scientific expertise and engineering beyond the understanding of the average passenger. But one hundred years ago, in the first decade of our ability to take off into the air, our attitudes and understanding were the reverse: flying was a wonder and the expertise to do so more egalitarian.

Less than ten years after the Wright Brothers made the first controlled, powered, and sustained heavier-than-air flight, many of the creators and pilots of airplanes and gliders were bicycle repairmen, hobbyists, and teenagers. In San Francisco, 15-year-old twin brothers Willy and Arthur Gonzales constructed and flew a biplane of their own design over San Francisco's Richmond District in 1912. They made their contraption in the backyard of 435 16th Avenue using pine, spruce, bicycle spokes, and a 35-horsepower four-cylinder engine. In the Sunset District, other young men built gliders to launch from the high points of the sand dunes. The Ingleside District had its own role in local aviation history. Along Ocean Avenue in the early 1910s a man by the name of Willis Grant Murray conducted a secret project to build an airship capable of transcontinental flight, while up the road, exhibitionist daredevils cavorted in the sky and carried some of the country's first airmail.

Willis Grant Murray had good reason to keep certain details of his new airship secret. Rich men had invested in his $100,000 flying machine to initiate long-distance commercial flights and government officials were enthusiastic about its potential. To have design details of such a lucrative invention stolen would be catastrophic. So Murray rented space at the closed Ingleside Racetrack (today's Ingleside Terraces) and built his strange new aircraft in a gully out of view of passersby.

Murray understood some media attention was necessary, if only to attract more investors, so he granted a long interview to a San Francisco Call reporter in December 1910. The reporter had a difficult time describing Murray's invention, writing that it was "hardly nameable." The airship combined elements of the biplane, the dirigible (gas bags were used as ballast, but not to lift the machine), and the helicopter, with three automobile engines driving two fourteen-foot, two-blade propellers set at each end. A deck beneath the superstructure was intended to hold five crewmen and up to ten passengers and had aluminum boats attached as skids in case of a sea landing.

Murray was a confident sort. He calculated his ship would be able to fly six days and nights without landing, covering some 4,000 miles. He planned to get off the ground by May 1911, and if all went well, fly over the Sierras, cross the continent, and perhaps continue on to Paris. "It is a great venture. I may say without egotism, the greatest that has been made in America. Nothing has been attempted on so large a scale. Your common bamboo, wire and cloth aeroplane is a plaything beside it."

After dismissing the reporter, Murray tightened security. He hired men to chase away loiterers and the curious. The Call later noted that it was "doubtful if any government has guarded its secrets [] with more zeal than do the watchman of the airship."

At the Ingleside Coursing Park, just a few blocks away at Ocean Avenue and Lee Avenue, humbler aviators hosted air shows in 1911 and 1912. Local daredevil pilot Roy Francis entertained crowds with flying stunts, speed tests, and even gave children rides. Eleven-year-old Gladys Grey took a spin through the clouds with Francis in December 1911, and the San Francisco Chronicle speculated she was "probably the youngest aeronaut in the world." The girl gushed that she had so much fun she wanted to take a plane trip everyday, but farther and higher. She might have revised her opinion after Francis' final flight of the day when he hit an air pocket and had to make an emergency landing in the Sunnyside, clipping an overhead wire on the way down and damaging his rudder.

Ingleside Coursing Park hosted an even larger aviation meet on November 24, 1912, in which one of the earliest transportations of mail by air took place. The postmaster opened a substation at the park for the day, "San Francisco, Cal. Aviation Post Office #1," and processed 47 pieces of mail, mostly postcards, for delivery. Pilot Harvey Crawford then carried the bag of mail through the skies to the Presidio. Crawford didn't bother landing; he just dropped the bag to the ground where a man retrieved it to take to the post office.

While mostly a publicity stunt at Ingleside, airmail had a brighter future than Willis Grant Murray's flying machine. Far from landing in Paris, Murray was still trying to get his 8,000-pound, 176-foot long, blimp/biplane/helicopter off the ground at the Ingleside Racetrack in February 1912. Joseph Leonard had bought the property, and at the time his crew was busy grading the land and building the first houses for Ingleside Terraces. Murray rushed to make his invention air-worthy, but heavy winds kept ripping the hydrogen gas bags asunder and damaging the frame. The Murray Airship was a failure and its inventor died in 1919. The country would have to wait until the 1930s for the first transcontinental commercial flights.

Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places!
New Delhi, Jan 9 : Reigning world number one Elavenil Valarivan won the women's T1 10m air rifle national selection trials at the Karni Singh Shooting Range here on Saturday while Assam's Hriday Hazarika won the corresponding men's competition.

Gujarat's Elavenil shot 628.3 after the 60-shot qualification round to enter the final in fourth place. Rajasthan's Nisha Kanwar top scored with 631.8 as she led a strong eight-woman field into the final.

The world number one turned out to be too strong in the final, beating senior shooter and Olympian Ayonika Paul of the Railways comfortably. Elavenil finished with 251.7, two points ahead of second-placed Ayonika. Shriyanka Sadangi of Odhisa finished third.

In the men's event, Assam's Hriday Hazarika delivered a start to finish performance in the final, beating Madhya Pradesh's Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, a Tokyo Olympics quota holder, 253.2 to 251.5.

Punjab's Arjun Babuta, who had topped qualifying round earlier with a score of 629.6, finished third with 230.0. Two-time Olympian Sanjeev Rajput, who had won the T1 50m rifle 3 position trials earlier, finished fourth.

The day also saw the commencement of the men's and women's T2 skeet shooting trials. Zahara Deesawala and Aayush Rudraraju were leading the women's and men's qualification fields, respectively. The final will be held on Sunday.
If we winter this one out, we can summer anywhere? But fingers crossed thats still summer 2021, right? After a hopeful pre-Christmas run-up, soaring Covid cases over the past fortnight have forced many holiday aspirations to make an emergency landing.

So, for some sense of hope, this week I reached out to my travel writer colleague and aviation expect, Eoghan Corry for his 2021 hot take and ever-colourful insights. And first up was the billion Euro question of when we may see Irish consumers travelling en masse again?

The odd thing is that it is not airlines, governments, health experts or vaccine salesmen who will decide when we travel again, it is the consumer, he begins.

There are several scenarios that can pan out in coming months; from the consumer getting fed up and ignoring the health advice, to the much wished-for mass vaccination programme that achieves near-certainty that people can travel without catching the virus. But amid this spectrum of scenarios, there is a sense that unprecedented airfare deals will help fast- track the industrys rebound and kickstart peoples booking decisions.

There will be price promotions we have not seen since 2009 and we could see fares as low as 1 to get things moving, Corry predicts, while admitting that the promise of refundable tickets and one buck fares isnt going to convince the Irish market alone.

Uncertainty still beats price in the consumer mindset so we need a run of luck, vaccine related, to get people booking again. We need it early in the cycle, before Easter, if we are to save outbound travel for 2021, or more importantly, inbound travel  there are 200,000 tourism jobs at stake.

Tel Aviv coast view as seen from Jaffa.

Watching the rollout  and efficacy  of the vaccines over the coming weeks will be gripping. For now, all eyes are on Israel, who currently boast the most effective Covid roll-out in the world with 15% of the population vaccinated. This week, Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he is expecting Israel to return to normal life within a matter of weeks, signalling global green shoots, albeit in distant parish.

There are also signs that tourism is starting to recover in albeit pockets across the world; Machu Picchu reopened to tourists in November, Dubai has become a quarantine-free winter haven for the Insta-set, while Thailand, which has only recorded 9000 Covid cases (for a population of 70 million) has recently announced its reopening to tourists.

It is no coincidence that Thailand is one of the long haul destinations that stuck to a pre-planned reopening date, explains Corry.

It has low infection rates and has a huge market on its doorstep  China  where air travel has returned to pre Covid levels albeit for domestic flights. He paints a different picture for closer to home.

"Europe shares a dual crisis; case numbers that are causing it to bounce in and out of localised lockdowns, and a policy crisis, where countries agree to a co-ordinated approach to the virus and abandon it once the numbers look like rising.

Ryanair plane at boarding on Ciampino Airport near Rome.

But fortunately, he predicts that Irelands robust aviation culture will offer it an advantage in ensuring myriad portals to overseas tourism once the market picks up. We have a golden ticket with two strong airlines, Ryanair and Aer Lingus, that will not only survive the crisis, but also continue to patriotically serve the homeland. But a paradox, is that airlines like Norwegian that were doomed before Covid, have muddled through with state aid and wangled out of the Covid crisis. Airline collapses, once the aid stops, will present opportunities for those with the lowest cost base; Ryanair and (fellow low-cost airline) Wizz will be big winners; losers will be Air France, Lufthansa and British Airways, with their dependence on long haul which will be slower to recover.

In fact, when it comes to the future and safety of flying, Corry holds as much confidence in the aviation industry than (Stephen Donnelly, avert your eyes) many other bodies. The aviation industry is good at safety; flights kept going during H1N1 and Ebola while protecting passengers while air crashes have been cut to negligible levels. Health officials can learn a lot from them.

But the abiding message is that with some luck, faith (and indeed competence), we can still look forward to travelling soon. Like youngsters on that first flight, we as airline passengers will have to relearn how to fly. It is an easy experience, albeit with a mask that must be kept on at all times  like a two hour strip to Aldi with sunshine at the other side. Once users learn that, the world of travel can start making dreams come true again.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 17:40:50|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

An Indian health worker mocks the vaccination process during a dry run of COVID-19 vaccination inside a COVID-19 vaccination center at a Hospital in Mumbai, India, Jan. 8, 2021. Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Friday said COVID-19 vaccines will be provided in the next few days. On Friday the second nationwide mock drill was rolled out in over 700 districts across the country. Recently India's Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approved two COVID-19 vaccines for restricted emergency use. (Str/Xinhua)

NEW DELHI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Friday said COVID-19 vaccines will be provided in the next few days.

"It will be given to our healthcare professionals followed by frontline workers," Vardhan told media in southern state of Tamil Nadu.

Vardhan was speaking after visiting the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai, the capital city of the state, where he had reviewed the arrangements for COVID-19 vaccine dry run of the vaccination.

On Friday the second nationwide mock drill was rolled out in over 700 districts across the country.

Officials say detailed insights and feedback obtained during the dry runs will help enrich the operational guidelines and IT platform and will strengthen the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out plan.

Recently India's Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approved two COVID-19 vaccines for restricted emergency use. The drugs regulator approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country, paving the way for a massive inoculation drive.

Vardhan earlier said in the first phase of inoculation drive, 30 million frontline workers would be provided with free COVID-19 vaccine.

India plans to inoculate 300 million people by July this year.
While continuing with its crackdown on the drug nexus in Mumbai, the Narcotics Control Bureau has busted a massive drug consignment while making three arrests on Monday. The NCB raid has led to the seizure of 200 KG of imported drugs which includes curated marijuana.

According to sources, the NCB conducted a raid at three locations in Bandra and Chembur. The investigative agency intercepted a courier that was to be delivered to a Bandra resident named Karan Sajnani, who is a British national of Indian descent. Apart from Karan Sajnani, two females are said to be nabbed, one of them is a former manager of Bollywood actress Dia Mirza. All those who are arrested will be produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court tomorrow.

This massive drug seizure is also linked to Anuj Keswani who has been named in the investigation into the drug nexus connected with the Sushant Singh Rajput death case. The NCB sources have stated that the drug raid would likely reveal bigger names in the film industry.

READ | Sushant Singh Rajput's Friend Rishikesh Pawar Absconding Notes NCB After He Skips Summons

READ | 320 Kg Ganja-laden Truck On Way To Gurgaon Seized, Driver Arrested: Police

NCB's probe in Sushant Singh Rajput Case

The NCB is also in search of Sushant's friend and assistant director Rishikesh Pawar as the Central Agency investigates the drug nexus connected to the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. The agency had summoned Pawar on Thursday, however, he skipped the summons and has been absconding since then.

The outrage after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput had sent shockwaves across the nation. Moreover, the loopholes in the investigation conducted by the Mumbai Police led to the case being handed over to CBI. The Mumbai Police at first was reluctant to hand over the case, but after the Supreme Court intervention, CBI took over the investigation.

The Enforcement Directorate was also involved in probing the allegations of financial misappropriation, after which the NCB joined the investigation when evidence of involvement of drugs came to the fore. The accused in the case Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik along with Dipesh Sawant, Samuel Miranda were all arrested and jailed, now out on bail. The investigation against the drug nexus has led to many Bollywood stars being questioned in connection with narcotic substances while a few being arrested as well.

READ | Drug Case: NCB Arrests Tollywood Actor Shweta Kumari, Sameer Wankhede Releases Statement

READ | Arjun Rampal's Sister Komal Evades Summons As NCB Continues Probe Into Bollywood Drug Case

Shopping for new wheels in Manitoba is as easy as surfing around local dealership websites to find the right vehicle with the right options at the right price.

Shopping for new wheels in Manitoba is as easy as surfing around local dealership websites to find the right vehicle with the right options at the right price.

Easy.

That is, unless the hope is to find one powered by an electric engine.

There are two sides to the story about why they have failed to capture as much of the market here as they have in other provinces: supply and demand.

In other words, Economics 101.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS There is sluggish demand and limited supply of electric vehicles in the province.

The numbers on Manitoba roads are rolling ahead, although they don't seem able to shift out of first gear. In 2019, Statistics Canada showed 138 new EVs registered in the province, compared to 73 in 2018 and a measly 19 in 2015.

That sluggish demand is the big problem, says Oumar Dicko, chief economist for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association.

"Most people do not know enough about electric vehicles to go and buy one," Dicko says. "I think theres still a very big lack of awareness."

More education would likely go a long way, as would increased investment in charging infrastructure in Manitoba, which is failing to keep up with other provinces, he says. Winnipeg has about half as many public chargers available as Edmonton; less than a third of whats available in Quebec City.

In the climate plan the Trudeau government released in December, $150-million was set aside for charging infrastructure. But Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jonathan Wilkinson says provinces need to step up, too.

"There is a role for the province, as well," he says in an interview with the Free Press. "So here in British Columbia, in almost every small town, you will find charging stations. And that's in part because it's both federal and provincial investment. So that is an area where were going to talk to the provinces about how we can accelerate the deployment of infrastructure."

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba doesn't offer prospective buyers any incentives for driving a zero-emission vehicle off the lot.

The national auto dealers association is also encouraging more provincial governments to create EV incentive programs in an effort to boost demand.

Electric vehicle policies vary widely across Canada. Manitoba doesn't offer prospective buyers any incentives for driving a zero-emission vehicle off the lot. Quebec offers up to $8,000, and $3,000 is available in B.C. In both cases, there is also an additional federal incentive of $5,000 for fully-electric purchases.

Ontario previously offered up to $14,000 in incentives, but Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government scrapped the program after being elected in 2018.

However, demand doesn't explain everything. Both B.C. and Quebec have introduced quota systems.

By 2025 in B.C., 10 per cent of light-duty vehicle sales must be electric. By 2030, it rises to 30 per cent, and to 100 per cent by 2040. Manufacturers are inclined to send their EVs there instead of here.

KIA, for example, makes one of the top-rated EVs in the North American market, but they are choosing not to sell the Niro EV to anyone in Manitoba.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba has the potential to have one of the cleanest transportation sectors in the country  if electrified  given its clean energy supplies.

Wilkinson says the federal government is aware of supply issues in provinces that havent prioritized EV policies and the goal is to create a quota system across the country.

"In terms of supply... it is a challenge right now," he says. "We need to ensure there's better supply and, particularly, better supply as we start to see electric vehicles come down that cost curve and more models being available. We have signalled in the plan that we are looking at tools like a zero-emission mandate, which would mandate car manufacturers to have a certain amount of supply."

Later this month, when U.S. President-elect Joe Biden is sworn into office, it is one of the first issues the two governments would like to engage in, Wilkinson says, noting the auto sector's cross-border integration.

There is speculation that manufacturers and dealers have a disincentive to sell EVs due to smaller profit margins and the fact that the vehicles require much less maintenance, and thus less service department revenue for dealerships. However, Geoff Sine, executive director of the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association, refutes that notion.

"Manitoba dealers are excited about the new EV models and gearing up by investing in EV-specific repair equipment, training and charging stations," he says in an email.

Manitoba has the potential to have one of the cleanest transportation sectors in the country  if electrified  given its clean energy supplies. Manitoba Hydro estimates the cost of driving an EV would be a penny or two per kilometre.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The national auto dealers association is also encouraging more provincial governments to create EV incentive programs in an effort to boost demand.

The Canadian Automobile Association estimates the cost of driving a four-cylinder compact gas-engine vehicle at about 3.25 cents per kilometre.

Adoption of electric vehicles is an important part of the national climate plan. Emissions from the transportation sector account for 43 per cent of Manitobas emissions. Nationally, transportation emissions have risen by 27 per cent since 2000.

Manitoba Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard says lowering emissions from the transportation sector is a priority; she is waiting on a final report from an advisory council on how to proceed.

"I look forward to receiving the expert advisory councils recommendations that will, in part, help develop a plan for electric vehicles in our province," she tells the Free Press in an email.

Eric Bibeau, an associate professor of engineering at the University of Manitoba, says both the federal and provincial policies are moving too slow. Hed like to see Canada institute a ban on the sale of combustion engines by 2030, something France has done.

"Manitoba is going to lag behind Canada. Canada is going to lag behind the world," Bibeau says. "One of the biggest problems is that we have misconceptions we have a lot of disinformation there."

sarah.lawrynuik@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @SarahLawrynuik
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
A man sits in his car as he is administered the Pfizer/BioNTech CCP virus vaccine at a drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination centre in Hyde, England, on Jan. 8, 2021. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

UK Records Highest Daily CCP Virus Deaths Since Start of Pandemic

The UK has recorded the highest number of CCP virus deaths in a day since the start of the pandemic, according to official statistics.

A total of 1,325 deaths were recorded today for people who had a positive test for COVID-19 within the last 28 days. The highest previous figure was 1,224, recorded in April.

The UK has one of the highest per-capita death rates from the virus in the world.

Daily recorded deaths, however, are prone to fluctuations due to the recording process. A more stable figure is the seven-day average daily death toll, which currently stands at 809, compared with the peak of 942 in the spring.

The running weekly death rate is currently rising at a rate of 45 percent per week, according to the government data.

Deaths from the virus are generally thought to be about three to four weeks behind infections.

Hospitalisations overall in the UK for the CCP virus have been above the levels reached during the spring peak since the New Year. The latest figures show hospitalisations increasing by 35 percent per week.

The government and their scientific advisers say the increase in CCP virus cases in the UK has been pushed by the rise of a more transmissible variant that spread from London and the Southeast.

In London, 1 in 30 people currently have the virus, according to a government-endorsed swab-test survey.

Major Incident in London

A major incident has been declared by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who said the city is at crisis point amid a surge of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus cases.

The situation in London is now critical with the spread of the virus out of control, Khan said in a statement.

The number of cases in London has increased rapidly with more than a third more patients being treated in our hospitals now compared to the peak of the pandemic last April, he said.

Another more up-to-the-minute method of tracking virus levels by people recording symptoms on a phone app, however, suggests that in London levels are now falling.

As London faces a healthcare emergency and lack of beds, our latest ZOE survey data shows the peak may have passed and numbers of new cases starting to drop, said professor Tim Spector, who manages the survey.

A similar drop for London and the Southeast and East is also indicated in the latest test-swab survey, published today by the Office for National Statistics.

Deaths from all causes is 12.3 percent above the five-year average in England for the year according to the latest figures, which are for the week ending Dec. 25, offering something of a delayed snapshot.

Data shows that over 95 percent of people who died with the CCP virus in England were recorded as having an underlying health condition.

However, that data uses a very broad definition of underlying health condition required by the health care recording system, which potentially includes many minor ailments, and could thus encompass much of the population.

Alexander Zhang contributed to this report.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Prime Minister will address the Youth Parliament Festival 2021 on January 12.

"Prime Minister will address the Youth Parliament Festival 2021 on 12th January at 10 AM," the Ministry of Education tweeted.

"The event will be covered live on Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal's Twitter/Facebook pages," the ministry said in another tweet.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi spoke at the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. During the event, Modi said that the country is ready to save humanity with two 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines.

"Today, India is ready to save humanity with two 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines. India has done this earlier and it is doing it now as well," PM Modi 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.)
Mumbai, Jan 9 : In glad tidings, 23 Indian crew members aboard the ship 'MV Jag Anand' stuck off China for over six months, were allowed to set sail for a port in Japan on Saturday evening, the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) said here.

NUSI General Secretary Abdulgani Y. Serang said that these crew members, along with their counterparts on another ship, 'MV Anastasia', were stranded off the China anchorage since six months.

"The 23 crew of the ship MV Jag Anand have lifted anchor, and cleared to sail and reach Chiba port, Japan by January 14. The crew change will take place there and after completing the Covid-19 formalities, they will start on their return journey to India," Serang said.

The NUSI is hopeful that the crew of 'MV Anastasia' also shall be accorded similar clearances soon as their anxious families in India await their return.

After having been at sea for more than 18 months, and in the clutches of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the seafarers on both ships literally found themselves on a 'floating prison' as they were unwittingly caught in a political tussle between China and Australia even though many were ill and needed urgent medical attention.

In Mumbai, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi had strongly taken up their cause with the Centre after which the Indian government followed up the issue at the diplomatic levels, culminating in the latest development and their return to the country soon.

Several of the crew members are from Mumbai, Thane and Palghar regions of Maharashtra and their families and other seafarers made a series of appeals to the Centre right up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding his intervention to secure their safe passage home.
Georgia Love recently revealed that she will finally be marrying fiance Lee Elliott in Tasmania this year.

And it seems that the former Bachelorette star has been shredding for the wedding, showing off her trim and toned figure in a bikini on Saturday.

The 31-year-old journalist looked incredible as she stripped off into a racy leopard print two-piece, posing up for a mirror selflie.

Shredding for the wedding? On Saturday, former Bachelorette star Georgia Love showed off her trim figure in a leopard print bikini - as she FINALLY prepares to tie the knot with fiance Lee Elliott

The brunette wore a pair of high-waisted bikini bottoms and a bustier-style bikini top.

She wore her short locks out and over her shoulders and showed off a soft, golden tan.

Georgia appeared to be wearing light makeup, including dewy foundation and a nude lip.

Wedding bells: She recently revealed that she will finally be marrying fiance Lee Elliott in Tasmania this year

'New Jets 'kinis making me feel like I belong in the M&B Wall Prints picture behind me,' Georgia wrote, referring to the pool print in the background of her selfie.

Georgia has been keeping fit in recent weeks by doing Pilates and regularly shares workout updates with fans.

Georgia and her plumber fiance Lee Elliott are preparing to tie the knot this year, after meeting on The Bachelorette back in 2016.

But planning their wedding has been a difficult journey for the lovebirds.

They originally wanted to get married in Italy, but then chose Tasmania as their alternative wedding destination when international borders closed.

Difficult: But planning their wedding has been a difficult journey for the lovebirds. They originally wanted to get married in Italy, but then chose Tasmania as their alternative wedding destination when international borders closed

Disaster: But disaster struck for the Melbourne-based couple, when Victoria slammed its borders shut in response to a second wave of coronavirus, meaning their back-up plans were also thwarted

But disaster struck for the Melbourne-based couple, when Victoria slammed its borders shut in response to a second wave of coronavirus, meaning their back-up plans were also thwarted.

Speaking to The Herald Sun in September, she said: 'We have set a (wedding) date next year and are forging ahead hoping it is going to happen as we want it to.'

She continued: 'We had planned an entire wedding for Italy and that has just gone completely out of the window.

'We then planned a wedding for Tasmania and that date has now changed.'

Georgia explained the pair don't want to plan a third wedding if they have to change their latest plans due to the pandemic.

'We don't want to have to plan a third wedding, but if it ends up that we have to postpone it we will do that.'
A North Philadelphia man is accused of gunning down a witness who testified against him in a shooting case in Montgomery County.

Gerard Gethers, 30, has been charged with first- and third-degree murder, witness intimidation, retaliation against a witness, firearms violations, and related offenses. Magisterial District Judge Gregory Scott held Gethers for court on those charges during a preliminary hearing Friday.

Gethers shot Jerry White, 34, in broad daylight on Nov. 3, walking up to the older man as he stood on a corner in Norristown with a group of others, according to the affidavit of probable cause for Gethers arrest.

White was shot multiple times and later pronounced dead at Suburban Community Hospital.

In court Friday, Assistant District Attorney Thomas McGoldrick played a video of surveillance footage from homes and businesses in the area. It captured a man authorities say was Gethers as he walked from an apartment building in Norristown and showed the gunman shooting White. The footage, which was shown to people who know Gethers, helped authorities identify him as the alleged shooter through the clothing worn by the gunman and distinctive tattoos on his hands.

Gethers attorney, Keith Harbison, said prosecutors could not prove Gethers was the gunman. No firearm was recovered, and there is no other forensic evidence linking Gethers to the scene, he said.

But McGoldrick contended that the evidence against Gethers was substantial, especially the video.

Thats not hearsay; thats the best evidence you can have, he said. The defendant caught on tape, killing in cold blood.

A witness, whom prosecutors did not identify, saw Gethers at the county courthouse in Norristown in 2019 and reported that he said he planned to get even with Spider, a nickname White sometimes used, according to the affidavit.

At the time, investigators said, White was cooperating with them as a witness in a May 2019 shooting in Norristown, during which a friend of Whites had been shot in the arm. White identified Gethers as the gunman, the affidavit said.

Gethers learned that White was the sole witness in the shooting during his bail hearing, according to McGoldrick.
Posted Friday, January 8, 2021 5:16 pm

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, was sworn in Wednesday to represent Washingtons 20th Legislative District.

The ceremony, held in Lewis County Superior Court, was small, with Abbarnos wife, Holly, and two young children in attendance.

Abbarno, who came out victorious over Democrat Timothy Zahn last fall, replaces Richard DeBolt, who announced his retirement from the Legislature after 24 years in February and now returns to Lewis County to lead the Lewis Economic Development Council.

In an interview after his swearing-in, Abbarno said his focus in 2021 will largely be on infrastructure issues: water, sewers and broadband.

I laugh when people say what are some of the issues youre most excited to tackle? And I say sewers,' Abbarno said. Sewers may not be sexy or grab headlines, but theyre going to be the reason why we improve quality of life or create family-wage jobs  successful communities are built with strong bones, and our community has aging bones, aging infrastructure.

One priority will be making more funding available to distressed counties such as Lewis County. State grants currently available to such communities, he said, require too high a match from local governments, making it more difficult for essential projects to get done.

Piecemealing will never get the problem solved, he said.

Abbarno also cited improved childcare as a goal, noting his work with the United Learning Center  a project in Centralia aimed at addressing the local childcare desert.

Early learning, early education, is essential to ending intergenerational poverty, he said.

The Legislature convenes Monday in a virtual session, where Abbarno will serve on the House Capital Budget Committee, Environment and Energy Committee and Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee.

Abbarno resigned from his position on the Centralia City Council late last year after winning the state seat in the November general election. The attorney is a partner at Althauser Rayan Abbarno, located on downtown Centralia.
The vast cosmos is a thing of beauty and wonder. Star systems, planetary movements, even comets hurtling through the vacuum of space make for sights beyond awe and marvel. Thanks to modern technology, we dont need to sit and wonder what these celestial events must look like hundreds and thousands of light-years away from us. The Hubble Space Telescope recently shared breath-taking images of galaxies colliding on the microblogging site Twitter and people cannot hold their amazement.

Galaxy collision is a very rare merging event where dramatic changes occur in their appearance as well as stellar content. The physical conditions can be extreme but the resulting view is phenomenal.

They published 59 images of such collisions with the earliest being 2008 and the latest from October 2020.

The official website of NASA-ESA Hubble (the Hubble Telescope is a NASA endeavour but jointly run with contributions from the ESA or European Space Agency) explained this phenomenon in a post accompanying these photographs. According to them, most star clusters in the Milky Way galaxy (our corner of the vast universe) have masses that can be 10 thousand times the mass of our Sun. But when the galaxies collide, the star clusters formed there can be more than millions of times greater than the mass of our sun.

These stellar systems have excellent luminosity. Their shine isnt limited to the collision itself. When they go into a quieter phase after the collision, their gleam persists in their host galaxy for a long, long time. These long-lasting shining signatures are proof of past collision events.

In a 2008 release of a similar space event, Hubble had dubbed this incident as galaxies gone wild and they couldnt be more right.

The new Twitter post features six galaxy mergers. They are from Hubble imaging Probe of Extreme Environments and Clusters (HiPEEC) survey. This survey had been investigating how these collisions impact star clusters. These events induce physical changes to the system and raise the rate of star formation.

Witnessing something like this may have been impossible a few decades ago, but thanks to Hubble such far off and fascinating events can now be documented. They observed through the ultraviolet and near-infrared study that these star clusters go through very rapid and large variations in their properties during the collision. They also observed that the larger clusters seem to form towards the end of the merger.

When galaxies collide, they go through dramatic changes in appearance and stellar content. Each of these merging systems was studied as part of a recent Hubble survey to investigate the rate of new star formation within such systems. Learn more: https://t.co/uSaUgwbdk8 pic.twitter.com/2bN0RzUr2j  Hubble (@NASAHubble) January 7, 2021

The first set of these images launched in 2008 were to mark the 18th anniversary of Hubble Telescopes operation in the Earths lower orbit. Now it has been nearly three decades since it was launched and it continues to awe scientists and enthusiasts alike with its magnificent and simply stunning discoveries.
New Delhi:

A pregnant Muslim woman was set ablaze allegedly by her family for marrying a Dalit man in Karnataka on Saturday night, reports said on Tuesday. Banu Begam and a 24-year-old Dalit man Sayabanna Sharanappa Konnur, both residents of Gundakanala village, were in a relationship.

Earlier, Banu's family dragged the girl to the local police station and sought a case of POCSO to be filed against Sayabanna. However, the police dropped the charges against him as they did not find any criminal case against Sayabanna. After the police let off Sayabanna, the couple decided to elope and get married. They returned home after she got pregnant, with the hope that they will have to accept their marriage.

"Banu's parents wanted her to leave Sayabanna and the boy's father was also not too pleased either. On Saturday night, when the couple refused to give in to their families' demands, Sayabanna's father, along with Banu's mother, brother and sister brutally assaulted him."

The families did not accept their marriage and a huge fight raged through the day, the Talikote DySP said.

Banus parents wanted her to leave Sayabanna, and the boys father was also not too pleased with the match. On Saturday night, when the couple refused to give in to their families demands, Sayabannas father, along with Banus mother, brother and sister brutally assaulted him, Patil added.

Sayabanna managed to escape with bite marks all over his body but Banu Begam could not escape. When Sayabanna returned with police, the family members had set her on fire.

Sayabanna received minor injuries while trying to douse the fire but was unsuccessful.

Based on Sayabannas account, none of Banus neighbours came forward when he begged them for help. He says that they too were of the opinion that the girl had done a terrible deed and went inside their homes and locked the doors while Banu was being burnt. However, when we went to question the neighbours, they said that they did not see or hear anything and are not cooperating with the investigation, an officer at the Talikote Police Station said.

On Sunday, Banus mother, brother, sister and father-in-law were arrested. They have been booked for murder and assault. Banu had been stabbed multiple times before being set on fire, Patil said.

Four other accused in the case - Banus two elder sisters and two brothers - are absconding, Patil added.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Hackers are now using DDoS attacks to pressure their victims even more! Security researchers suggest that companies and other organizations should invest in DDoS protection.

Why? Because hackers and other cyber attackers are currently extorting ransoms from different organizations, threatening them using a large-scale DDoS breach.

TechRadar reported that a Ransom DDoS hacking group previously attack a major Fortune Global 500 company. The group of cybercriminals claimed that they are from the Lazarus Group, a popular hacking team.

The incident took place in late 2020. The massive extortion was a part of a wider trend of ransom campaigns.

Researchers claim DDoS attacks will continue

Security experts predicted that the current improved massive DDoS attacks are likely to continue in the upcoming years. Hackers are also expected to use similar methods since they were proven successful. On the other hand, DDoS methods are very different from the usual hacking schemes of cybercriminals.

Also Read: Telegram's People Nearby Feature Can Be Exploited to Reveal User's Location, Launch an Orchestrated Attack on Neighbors

Unlike the methods that usually breach a company's network to obtain their sensitive files, RDDoS attack uses the threat of taking down the company's website itself. The hackers will use an overload of traffic that can cripple the business' system.

As of the moment, most companies are using cloud backup and other similar services to protect their data from being locked by a ransomware attack. However, DDoS protection ensures that your official website or system remains protected if hackers breached it using overload traffic.

How to know if you're under a DDoS attack?

According to Loggly's latest report, the first thing you need to do is to identify the DDoS attack while it is happening. Here are several signs or clues you need to watch out for.

There is a DDoS attack if your system's IP address makes several requests over a few seconds.

If you notice that there the connection is quite slow, then there's a chance that hackers are conducting a DDoS attack. This usually happens if the company is using the same connection for its internal software.

You could also notice that there are log analysis solutions that have huge spike traffic.

Also, watch out for the TTL (time to live) on a ping request times out.

The last clue would be your server. If the company's server responds with a 503 because of a service outage, then there's a high chance you are under a DDoS attack.

For more news updates about hackers and their new methods, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: SolarWinds Hackers Breach Thousands of DOJ Email Accounts! Did They Reach Classified Systems?

This article is owned by TechTimes.

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.


The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV.
The US on Saturday said that it is "encouraged" by the conviction of Lashkar-e-Taiba operations commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi in a terror financing case in Pakistan, but Islamabad should further hold him accountable for his involvement in terror attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai carnage.

Mumbai attack mastermind Lakhvi was sentenced to 5 years in jail on Friday by a Pakistani anti- court in a terror financing case, amidst mounting pressure on Islamabad to bring to justice terrorists roaming free in the country.

Anti- Court (ATC) Lahore Judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar sentenced UN proscribed terrorist Lakhvi to five years of rigorous imprisonment each on three counts with a fine of PKR 100,000 (approximately USD 620) each on three counts. His punishment will run concurrently.

Reacting to the court judgement, the South and Central Asia Bureau of the US State Department tweeted, We are encouraged by the recent conviction of Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. However, his crimes go far beyond financing should further hold him accountable for his involvement in terrorist attacks, including the Mumbai attacks."



on Friday said the timing of these actions clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of APJG (Asia Pacific Joint Group) meet and the next FATF (Financial Action Task Force) plenary meet in February 2021.

Lakhvi, who was on bail since 2015 in the Mumbai attack case, was arrested by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab province on last Saturday.

He was designated as a global terrorist by the UN in December 2008 for being associated with LeT and al-Qaeda and for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of both the entities.

The global terror financing watchdog FATF is instrumental in pushing to take measures against terrorists roaming freely in and using its territory to carry out attacks in and elsewhere.

The Paris-based FATF placed Pakistan on the Grey List in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The LeT, led by Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

(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.)
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.

At first glance, little Samson Farkas looks like most happy and healthy three-and-a-half-year-olds - he loves hugs, the moon and meeting people.

However, the Far North Queensland youngster's smile disguises the tough start to life he has endured after being born with half a heart.

Samson has undergone two open-heart surgeries, clinically died nine times and defied doctors who told his parents he would never walk or talk after he suffered a watershed stroke, which affects the brain.

His fight to survive is far from over as a third heart operation looms.

Samson's mum Renee McIntosh discovered at 16 weeks pregnant that her unborn child had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart.

The condition occurs in one of every 5,000 babies born.

Renee McIntosh (left) and Jason Farkas (right) will put their lives on hold once again if son Samson undergoes his third heart operation next year

Renee hopes this recent family Christmas photo won't be the last for Samson (sitting in mum's lap. He's also pictured with dad Jason (right) and his four brothers

'Doctors told me to terminate but something at the back of my mind told me that this kid wanted to be here,' the Cairns mum-of-five told told Daily Mail Australia.

'He's the most beautiful boy who melts the hearts of everyone he meets.'

'It blows my mind when I think of all the odds he's beaten.'

'I've never meet anyone with such a strong will to live, which he'll have until the day he dies.'

Samson weighed just 1600grams when he was born premature at 31 weeks and spent the first 54 days on life support.

He's one of eight babies born each day with a with congenital heart disease.

'At 30 weeks, the Royal Flying Doctor Service flew me from Cairns to Brisbane,' Ms McIntosh recalled.

'He held on for another few days and entered the world blue.'

Despite his challenging start to life, Samson (right) melts the hearts of everyone he meets. He also dotes on his four brothers, including baby brother Cruz (left)

Samson (pictured after his second open heart operation) faces the prospect of more surgery

Samson was just six months old when he underwent his first open heart surgery followed by a second operation 12 months later.

His heart conditions means he survives on 60 per cent oxygen saturation in his blood and can't play for more than a few minutes at a time without getting breathless.

Samson's closest call was 12 months ago when he was rushed to Brisbane after he stopped breathing.

'As horrible as it sounds, Samson has had half a normal life,' Ms McIntosh said.

'Two months ago, we decided to give daycare a go but he just kept on getting sick.

'The battles he's fought inspire me daily as he never stops smiling, despite what he's been through.'

Born at 31 weeks, tiny Samson (pictured as a newborn) spent his first 54 days on life support

Samson (pictured fighting for life in hospital) has been declared clinically dead nine times

This Christmas, Ms McIntosh, partner Jason Farkas and their five sons will enjoy a five day break at Bramston Beach, an hour's drive south of Cairns after a challenging year.

Mr Farkas has spent much of 2020 separated from his son due to work.

'We want make some memories and make this Christmas the best one yet as we have so much ahead of us,' Ms McIntosh said.

'It will be the first time we'll have all the family together because of Covid-19, which was a terrifying time. I wouldn't even let my oldest son come home.'

Ms McIntosh holds onto the glimmer of hope that her second youngest son will grow up and lead a normal life as possible.

The oldest sufferer of the rare condition recently lived into his 40s.

Young Samson (pictured with mum Renee as a baby) spent his first 54 days on life support

Samson continues to defy the odds after doctors told his parents he would never talk or walk

Renee McIntosh was told by doctors to terminate her pregnancy due to complications. ' Something at the back of my mind told me that this kid wanted to be here,' she said.. Pictured is newborn Samson fighting for life

'I hope he cn outlive me and lead half a normal life where he gets married and have kids,' she said.

'He could live another 20 years or it could all end tomorrow.'

Ms McIntosh will soon find out whether Samson's heart surgery will go ahead next year.

'It's a waiting game at the moment,' she said.

'If if doesn't go ahead, doctors say there's nothing more they can do.'

Friends recently set up a GoFund Me page to raise funds for the family prepares for the challenging months ahead.

'As you can imagine, the financial stress that this has put his Mummy and Daddy through is quite substantial,' the page states

'With a possible third open heart surgery approaching I would sincerely like to ask for any donation you could spare, so that both of Samsons parents can be by his side and not have the constant worry of how they will cover costs during this difficult time.

Samson (pictured) has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. He was born with half a heart

Renee McIntosh and Jason Farkas don't know what the future holds for Samson (pictured)

Ms McIntosh was initially reluctant to ask for help or share Samson's story until the local community rallied around them.

The GoFundMe page has raised more than $5,600.

'I never realised there was still so much good in the world,' Ms McIntosh told Daily Mail Australia.

'Life stop but the bills don't.'

'It means we can give Samson the happiest and brightest future possible.'

Samson (pictured second left) melts the heart of everyone he meets and love people, including his four brothers (pictured)
COVID: Odisha reports sharp decline, 6,736 cases registered 27 May 2021 | 12:27 PM Bhubaneswar, May 27 (UNI) In a major development the daily covid positive cases in Odisha witnessed a sharp decline in the number,the lowest in May, as 6, 736 new infection cases were reported in the past 24 hours. see more..

Arunachal reports 374 COVID-19 cases, death toll rises to 107 27 May 2021 | 11:34 AM Itanagar, May 27 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh COVID-19 caseload rose to 25,376 with detection of 374 fresh infections in the last 24 hours, while three more succumbed to the virus, taking the death toll to 107. see more..

Sikkim CM PS Tamang completes 2 years in office 27 May 2021 | 11:16 AM Gangtok, May 27 (UNI) Chief Minister PS Tamang on Thursday completed two years of his Government on Thursday. see more..

Sikkim reports 295 new COVID-19 cases 27 May 2021 | 11:13 AM Gangtok, May 27 (UNI) Sikkim reported 295 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total caseload to 13,806, Sonam Bhutia, Information, Education and Communication Officer, Health Department said on Thursday. see more..
Extremists are planning more violence ahead of Inauguration Day, experts have warned, in the wake of the US Capitol riots which left five people dead and dozens injured.

"We are seeing ... chatter from these white supremacists, from these far-right extremists  they feel emboldened in this moment," Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, told CNN.

"We fully expect that this violence could actually get worse before it gets better."

Twitter also warned of increased online chatter relating to violence in the days ahead.

Plans for future armed protests have already begun proliferating on and off-Twitter, including a proposed secondary attack on the US Capitol and state capitol buildings on January 17, 2021, the site said in a statement. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be inaugurated on 20 January.

The social media giant took the extraordinary step of banning Mr Trump from the platform on Friday, citing the risk of further incitement of violence following the deadly insurrection on Wednesday.

The pro-Trump mob which stormed the Capitol on Wednesday in DC quickly overwhelmed law enforcement who were unprepared for the violence following the Stop the Steal rally, which saw the president riling up the crowd. Rioters quickly overtook police officers and breached the federal building.

Trump supporters had been openly planning attacks on the Capitol online for the past several weeks, according to reports.

Social media had been flooded with extremist comments ahead of the attacks on the Capitol.

"We will storm the government buildings, kill cops, kill security guards, kill federal employees and agents, and demand a recount, one message read, CNN reports.

Mr Trump had also been feeding his supporters via social media, specifically his Twitter account.

"Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election," Mr Trump tweeted in December. "Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!"

During Wednesdays attacks  which saw rioters smashing windows, using chemical agents, carrying firearms and explosive devices  Mr Trump asked the great patriots to act peacefully and leave the Capitol. But the president used the brief video statement to once again promote the baseless claim that the election was stolen from him.

He subsequently released another video to condemn all acts of violence and destruction - even though he had implored his followers to march on the Capitol earlier that day during the rally.

New analysis by Alethea Group, an organization combating disinformation, found an abundance of plans to commit violent acts on large social platforms like Twitter and Facebook, along with smaller site like Parler, which has become the site-of-choice for conservatives.

So much of the conversation right now is the general making of threats, Cindy Otis, vice president of analysis at Alethea, told The Washington Post. Theres a risk of these particular dates leading to violence because thats the kind of amped-up conversation were already seeing from people.

The analysis also revealed that attacks were being planned in locations such as Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio; and Salt Lake City, Utah, in the days leading up to Inauguration Day, and on the day itself.

On another conservative site, TheDonald.win, created specifically for Trump supporters, one anonymous post read: Round 2 on January 20th. This time no mercy. I dont even care about keeping Trump in power. I care about war."

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser declared state of emergency that would last until on day after Inauguration Day following the riots. A 7-foot-tall non-scalable wall was also constructed around Capitol grounds and would remain up for at least 30 days.

Mr Biden being inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States on 20 January has already made the day a national security special event"  as what is done with every Inauguration Day. But if any other security changes will be made before the event remain unknown.

Twitter announced Friday evening that it has permanently suspended Donald Trumps personal account.

After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence, the company said in a statement.

The social platform had been under growing pressure to take further action against Trump following the Wednesday violence. On Wednesday, Facebook suspended Trumps account through Jan. 20 and possibly indefinitely. Twitter merely suspended Trumps account for 12 hours after he posted a video that repeated false claims about election fraud and praised the rioters who stormed the Capitol.

Twitters move deprives Trump of a potent tool he has used to communicate directly with the American people for more than a decade. He has used Twitter to announce policy changes, challenge opponents, insult enemies, praise his allies (and himself), and to spread misinformation.

Trump was locked out of his account on his preferred social medial platform for 12 hours earlier this week after a violent mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to stop Congress from affirming President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump posted a video on Twitter calling them very special people and saying he loved them. Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer.

Twitter has long given Trump and other world leaders broad exemptions from its rules against personal attacks, hate speech and other behaviors. But in a lengthy explanation posted on its blog Friday, the company said recent Trump tweets amounted to glorification of violence when read in the context of the Capitol riot and plans circulating online for future armed protests around the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

In those tweets, Trump stated that he will not be attending the inauguration and referred to his supporters as American Patriots, saying they will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future.

Twitter said these statements are likely to inspire others to replicate the violent acts that took place on January 6, 2021, and that there are multiple indicators that they are being received and understood as encouragement to do so.

 READ MORE: Philly Black Lives Matter activists contrast mob response with how they were treated: 'Violence by white folks was met with grace'

Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly, Twitters statement said. It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open. However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules entirely and cannot use Twitter to incite violence, among other things.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Twitter declined to make CEO Jack Dorsey available and had no further comment.

The official account for the President of the United States, @POTUS, remains live. In fact, Trump, who issued a statement Friday evening that denounced Twitter as an enemy of free speech and floated the idea that he might build his own platform, also posted it on the @POTUS account, where it was quickly deleted.

Twitter says using another account to evade a suspension is against its rules, and that while it wont ban government accounts like @POTUS or @WhiteHouse, it will take action to limit their use.

On Friday, Twitter also permanently banned two Trump loyalists  former national security adviser Michael Flynn and attorney Sidney Powell  as part of a broader purge of accounts promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory. Twitter said it will take action on behavior that has the potential to lead to offline harm.

Given the renewed potential for violence surrounding this type of behavior in the coming days, we will permanently suspend accounts that are solely dedicated to sharing QAnon content, Twitter said in a statement to the Associated Press. The company also said Trump attorney Lin Wood was permanently suspended Tuesday for violating its rules, but provided no additional details.

Now that Trump has been knocked off one of his favorite pulpits, he may resort to other online channels such as Parler, a 2-year-old, more freewheeling alternative to Twitter that has become increasingly popular among the presidents most ardent supporters. Many have used the forum to spread falsehoods and hateful comments.

But Parler, which was already tiny compared to Twitter, has bigger problems that could threaten its future. Google suspended Parler from its app store on Friday over continued postings that seek to incite ongoing violence in the U.S. The company cited an ongoing and urgent public safety threat and said Parler wont be reinstated until the issues are addressed.

Apple has issued Parler a similar warning and given it 24 hours to fix things. Parler CEO John Matze said in a post that the company wont cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech.

Earlier Friday, hundreds of Twitter employees demanded in a letter that the companys leaders permanently suspend President Donald Trumps Twitter account because of his actions surrounding the storming of the U.S. Capitol Tuesday, calling the companys response insufficient.

In an internal letter addressed to chief executive Jack Dorsey and his top executives viewed by The Washington Post, roughly 350 Twitter employees asked for a clear account of the companys decision-making process regarding the Presidents tweets the day that a pro-Trump mob breached the U.S. Capitol. Employees also requested an investigation into the past several years of corporate actions that led to Twitters role in the insurrection.

Despite our efforts to serve the public conversation, as Trumps megaphone, we helped fuel the deadly events of January 6th, the employees wrote. We request an investigation into how our public policy decisions led to the amplification of serious anti-democratic threats. We must learn from our mistakes in order to avoid causing future harm.

We play an unprecedented role in civil society and the worlds eyes are upon us. Our decisions this week will cement our place in history, for better or worse, the letter added.

The letter was addressed to Staff, company lingo for C-suite executives who report directly to Dorsey, including Vijaya Gadde, who leads the companys legal, policy, and trust and safety divisions. During a virtual meeting on Friday afternoon, Dorsey and Gadde shared their thoughts on Twitters response, according to an employee, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation.

This article includes reporting from the Washington Post and the Associated Press.

 READ MORE: A Pa. Republican lawmaker who marched to the Capitol before the mob attack is facing calls to resign
Now and then through the years we Texans have sent our share of buffoons, grifters, lightweights, crooks, ignoramuses and ego-obsessed asses to Washington as representatives of the people. W. Lee Pass the Biscuits, Pappy ODaniel comes to mind. So does Martin Dies, Jr., chairman of the witch-hunting House Un-American Activities Committee. So does Louie Gohmert.

In the wake of last weeks Capitol insurrection, add to this ignominious list the states junior senator, Ted Cruz and the 16 Republican House members who voted in favor of discredited objections to certifying the presidential election results in one or more swing states. The Seditious Sixteen voted to short-circuit democracy even after a Trump mob rampaged through the Capitol, even after blood was shed in the halls of that august building.

Also add to this list Ken Paxton. Like a tongue-flapping pup hopping into the bed of his masters pickup on a jaunt to town, our indictment-burdened, ethics-allergic attorney general headed to Washington last week for no reason other than to stand adoringly alongside President Donald Trump and echo his unhinged calls for insurrection. We called for Paxton to resign months agobecause of his own legal problems, including a bloodless insurrection of sorts in Paxtons own office, staged by whistleblowers in his senior staff alleging corruption. Thats not to mention the outlandish lawsuit he filed in the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to overturn the will of millions of American voters. After his servile pilgrimage to Washington, theres no question regarding what he ought to do now.

A rampaging mob ransacked the Capitol, our citadel of democracy. Five people, including a Capitol police officer, are dead. Trump and his MAGA maniacs have made a mockery of our democratic institutions, as both Democrats and Republicans (including Cabinet members past and present and White House staff) have acknowledged.

We must hold our elected officials accountable for their role in this outrage. Congress members such as Randy Weber, Brian Babin and even Troy Nehls, the former Fort Bend County sheriff who has been praised for protecting colleagues during the siege, ended the day where they began: in craven thrall to Trump and his true-believers. They must be censured, at the very least.

Cruz, whose resignation we called for Friday, was leader of this fanatic voyage. Since he first announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate back in 2012, Texans have known that he is a talented constitutional lawyer, that hes smart (if not wise) and that hes a facile speaker (given to grandiloquence). He has known all along that President Trumps bellowing accusations about election fraud were bogus. He knew they were about as likely as candidate Trumps claim back in 2016 that Cruzs father was in on the JFK assassination.

He knew, and yet Cruz  like his Missouri counterpart, Josh Hawley  is nothing if not calculating. And nakedly ambitious. With presidential ambitions paramount, Cruz calculated that he could ride a Trumpian wave into the White House, perhaps in 2024, by embracing the current presidents absurdist fantasies. Cynicism thy name is Cruz. And Hawley.

The assault that desecrated democracy just a few hours earlier prompted Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler and several of her GOP colleagues to reconsider their votes, acknowledging the harm of substantiating a myth of a stolen election that had already driven people to violence.

Not Cruz. With characteristic grating unctuousness, he continued to call for an emergency audit of the election results. By a vote of 93 to 6, his fellow senators shut him down.

Not every Texas Republican signed on. Cruzs senior colleague, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, warned that challenging the election results would do irreparable harm to our great democracy.

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, whose district stretches from Austin to Houston, told the Chronicle that he voted to certify the election results because if Congress chooses to ignore or second-guess the electoral votes cast by the states, it will set a dangerous precedent that could call into question the very institution of our democracy.

Newly re-elected Congressman Chip Roy, whose district runs from Austin into the Hill Country, told his colleagues late Wednesday night that voting to confirm the presidential election results could sign be synonymous with signing his political death warrant.

But so be it, he said. I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and I will not bend its words into contortions for political expediency.

Well done, sir.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady of The Woodlands, unable to vote because he tested positive for COVID-19, said he also would have voted to certify: I would remain true to the conservative constitutional principles that guide me, and vote to accept the Electoral College votes as legally certified by each state.

Here are the 16 Texans in the House who voted to flout democracy: Jodey Arrington of Lubbock; Brian Babin of Woodville; Michael Burgess of Pilot Point; John Carter of Round Rock; Michael Cloud of Victoria; Pat Fallon of Sherman; Louie Gohmert of Tyler; Lance Gooden of Terrell; Ronny Jackson of Amarillo; Troy Nehls of Richmond; August Pfluger of San Angelo; Pete Sessions of Waco; Beth Van Duyne of Irving; Randy Weber of Friendswood; Roger Williams of Austin; and Ron Wright of Arlington.

Notice that U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, the flamboyant former Navy Seal who represents a Houston-area district, is not on the insurrectionist list.

These people have been lied to en masse by the millions, he said Thursday. In the sense that they were led to believe Jan. 6 was anything but a political performance for a few opportunistic politicians to give a five-minute speech. That is all that it ever was. People were lied to.

We couldnt have said it better ourselves, and yet Crenshaw is being disingenuous if he doesnt acknowledge his role in perpetuating those lies. He was among the 126 House members who supported Paxtons unsuccessful attempt to challenge the election results in four states. He could have been as open and honest with his constituents then as he was after the riot, and yet Crenshaw, who of all people knows that bravery comes with a cost, was unable for weeks to show that political courage.

In a Dec. 14 interview with this editorial board, Crenshaw tried to downplay the harm of joining Trumps legal charade, arguing that it would be far more dangerous if people believed the legal process hadnt been taken as far as you can possibly take it.

You think its more damaging to let even the notion of a Trump win carry on, he told the board.  I dont agree that thats very damaging. I think a lot of people are upset. But theyre not going to do anything thats harmful.

How wrong he was. And he should acknowledge it.

We Texans need to remind ourselves that through the years we also have sent principled public servants to Congress, both Republicans and Democrats. Sam Rayburn comes to mind. So does Kay Bailey Hutchison. So does Barbara Jordan. In this hour of crisis, Cruz and his craven colleagues need to step aside. Bigger, braver, more principled Texans must step up. Texas needs them. So does the nation.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Wednesdays riotous storming of the U.S. Capitol by inflamed supporters of President Donald Trump shocked the nation as scenes of political violence played out in the hallowed halls of American government.

The violence, part of a fruitless effort to stop Congress certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory, may inspire lawmakers and citizens alike to tone down political rhetoric moving forward, a University of Scranton political science professor said. The episode may also give pause to some supporters of the president and those he convinced and provoked with unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud.

I think that there are Trump supporters who will really think wow, this really did get out of hand,  Jean W. Harris, Ph.D., said. I think there are a lot of people who after yesterday (Wednesday) will think well wait a second, am I being led down that same path? 

Lackawanna County Democratic Party Chairman Chris Patrick agreed Wednesdays insurrection was likely an eye opener for some longtime Republicans, but doubts it will do much to change the minds of the most fervent members of Trumps base, which Patrick called a cult.

A post-Trump era gives Republicans an opportunity to rebuild their party away from Donald Trump, Patrick said.

Efforts to reach Lackawanna County Republican Party Chairman Lance Stange Jr. by phone were unsuccessful, but he emailed a statement condemning the political violence at the Capitol. The statement did not attribute the violent actions to any specific group.

Tens of thousands traveled to Washington to protest peacefully, the statement reads. That is their constitutional right. We dont know who the violent people are yet but that will be determined. What we do know is we are a nation of laws and violence is wrong. I condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and anyone who engaged in it should be held responsible. Period.

While the long-term ramifications of the political violence remain to be seen, members of both parties have unambiguously denounced the actions of the rioters. Many Congressional Democrats and Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois have also called for Trump to be removed from office, either by impeachment or under the 25th Amendment.

Yesterday, domestic terrorists, inspired, encouraged and emboldened by President Donald Trump, attacked the U.S. Capitol Building in furtherance of an attempted coup, Democrat U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said in a statement Thursday calling for the invocation of the 25th Amendment. President Trump is a threat to our domestic and national security. It is self-evident that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

Archbald resident Michael Mancini is among those who blame Trump for inciting the riot at Wednesdays protest. A lifelong Republican until 2015, Mancini said he became a Democrat in part because he didnt like the direction the GOP was heading at the national or local level.

Hes not being honest with anyone, Mancini said of Trumps unsubstantiated claims that the November election was rigged. Hes careless with the truth.

Mancini  who also believes the Capitol riot caused Trump to lose the support of some Republicans  managed former Old Forge School Director Frank Scavos unsuccessful campaign for state Senate in 2018.

Scavo led a local contingent to Washington, D.C., to challenge Bidens election as president, though no one from the Scavo-organized group took part in the siege of the Capitol building, members said Wednesday. Mancini considers Scavo a friend, but said he does not agree with Scavos views on the 2020 election.

Reached briefly by phone Thursday, Scavo said he would call back later in the day but never did.

Wednesdays violence also prompted calls for national unity, including from the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of the University of Scranton.

Yesterdays violation and desecration is a blow to us all both substantially and symbolically, Pilarz said in a Thursday statement. In the weeks and months ahead, I pray that we move forward as one nation discerning through civil discourse the answers to the substantive challenges we face.
HUNDREDS of Harare and Bulawayo nurses, who went on strike on Thursday, resumed their duties yesterday after government provided the personal protective equipment (PPE) they were demanding.

On Thursday, nurses at major public hospitals demonstrated against being forced to go to work without PPE, arguing that they were being exposed to highly infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina) president Enoch Dongo yesterday told NewsDay Weekender that government had taken heed of their concerns and vowed to provide PPE.

Nurses at Sally Mugabe Hospital (formerly Harare Central) in Harare withdrew their services after some of their colleagues and other patients tested positive for COVID-19.

Government also gave in to the nurses demand for flexible working hours which will see a limited number of staff reporting for duty at any given time.

Authorities agreed to draft another duty roster with fewer health workers at any given time which will be effective starting Monday next week, Dongo said. This will result in nurses decongesting the health institutions. Also, it helps the number of nurses that will be exposed to the deadly virus at any given time.

Most importantly, government is not in a capacity to provide enough PPE if all nurses report for duty at once, but if we revert back to the flexible working hours, government will be able to provide the required PPE to all the fewer nurses who will be on duty, said.

Dongo added that government should address the plight of health workers with urgency as nurses were turning out to be carriers of the virus which was detrimental to all other government efforts in containing the virus.

There is a situation where patients come to hospital for treatment on other diseases, but they go back to their homes with the virus after contracting it from the health workers attending to them, he said.

Government last year cancelled the flexible working conditions where nurses work for 40 hours in three days and directed that all nurses work the same 40 hours over seven days.

An application by Zina which seeks to stop government from enacting that directive is still pending at the High Court. Newsday
Hong Kong: Specimen sample incident explained

The Hospital Authority today apologised for not sending five deep throat saliva specimens to the laboratory for COVID-19 testing.

It said Wang Tau Hom Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic collected five deep throat saliva specimen samples on January 7, which were scheduled to be sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital laboratory for testing together with those collected from Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital.

Clinic staff found that the five specimen samples were still in the collection box when it was returned to the clinic the next day.

As all the specimens were no longer suitable for testing, clinic staff contacted the people affected to explain the incident, offer apologies and arrange the return of deep throat saliva specimen samples to the clinic as soon as possible. They have returned the samples this morning and all test results were negative for COVID-19.

The authority said it is highly concerned about the incident and immediately reminded staff to be vigilant and pay more attention to the items transferred.

The workflow of handling specimens will also be reviewed, it added.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
In the aftermath of the January 6 fascist coup attempt in Washington DC, new revelations show that the plot was prepared with the involvement of sections of the military, police and Republican Party. The danger has not passed. Trump remains president for 11 days and is using the White House as the nerve center for his efforts to remain in office. There is every indication that plans for a second putsch attempt on Inauguration DayJanuary 20are now underway.

The minimal police presence at the Capitol building on Wednesday was not a mistake or oversight, as the corporate media has claimed, but part of a high-level conspiracy.

Trump supporters at a rally in Washington D.C. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Before the rally, intelligence agencies refused to investigate the plans for the insurrection that participants and organizers were openly promoting online. The Wall Street Journal revealed yesterday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation and an intelligence unit inside the Department of Homeland Security didnt issue a threat assessment of the Jan. 6 pro-Trump protests, even though such assessments are routinely made before nonviolent left-wing demonstrations and are used to prepare police crackdowns and identify participants.

The Washington Post also reported Friday that the Pentagon had issued orders disarming the Washington DC National Guard before Wednesdays rally, delaying any armed response for several hours pending deployments from out of state:

The Pentagon placed tight limits on the DC National Guard ahead of pro-Trump protests this week In memos issued Monday and Tuesday in response to a request from the DC mayor, the Pentagon prohibited the Districts guardsmen from receiving ammunition or riot gear, interacting with protesters unless necessary for self-defense, sharing equipment with local law enforcement, or using Guard surveillance and air assets without the defense secretarys explicit sign-off, according to officials familiar with the orders.

Even then, the Pentagon refused to act for several hours on a request by Maryland Republican Governor Larry Hogan to deploy his states National Guard against the insurrectionists. On Wednesday night, Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy downplayed this delay, claiming there was a little bit of confusion after congressional leaders called Hogan from a bunker, begging him to deploy the guard and save their lives.

The Pentagon delayed granting Hogans request, which McCarthy attempted to justify by saying a lot of questions were asked and military officials needed time to truly understand and work through how to respond. This has been incredibly fluid, he added.

More information is also emerging about the police response at the Capitol building itself. While it was already known that police opened barriers to allow demonstrators inside the building, video published yesterday shows that inside the building, Capitol police stepped aside to allow rioters into an internal hallway where a group of congresspersons had been standing just seconds earlier.

In a telling interaction on CNN Friday, retired capitol policeman Theortis Jones said, I think they allowed them to do what they did. The complacent moderator failed to ask who gave the orders to stand back. The interview with the 37-year veteran was ended abruptly soon after he added, They were a part of allowing these people to come up to the Capitol the way they did.

The Democratic leadership is boasting that it is conducting an investigation into the death of the police officer who was killed in the riot. But this investigation will be conducted by the Capitol Police and the FBIthe very institutions that must themselves be subject to a thorough investigation for their role in this ongoing plot.

The Capitol Polices self-investigation comes even as Democratic Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren reported that the chief of the Capitol Police lied to her by stating that the National Guard had been called up before January 6. The chief was not truthful to me, Lofgren told the press. It was just not true. They had not been called.

New details are also coming to light showing how close Wednesdays riot came to ending in a massacre or mass kidnapping event. PBS Newshour correspondent Lisa Desjardins told NPR yesterday that she realized the danger she was in when she noticed police had abandoned their posts inside the Capitol building. She was barricaded in a room with several congressional representatives who held hands and prayed, worried that they were about to be killed.

An aide close to Vice President Mike Pence also told CNN yesterday that the Trump administration did not contact Pence or take any measures to ensure his safety. Pence was with his wife, daughter and brother in the Capitol building Wednesday as he presided over the electoral vote certification. CNN wrote:

Several of the violent Trump supporters who were rampaging the US Capitol were heard screaming wheres Mike Pence, the source said, frightening the vice president and his family. Yet, the President and his top aides barely lifted a finger to check in on Pence to make sure he and his family were unharmed, the source added.

Online, fascist militias are now preparing for an even larger event on Inauguration Day. Hampton Stall, the founder of MilitiaWatch and an expert on the US far-right, told the World Socialist Web Site:

Theres a lot of really cryptic chatter and overt discussions of violence around the January 6 event, but a lot of inauguration-related organizing is related to a few different dynamics that have been planned for at least a months time. One that stands out is the Million Militia March apparently organized for 20 January at the Capitol. Propaganda and event fliers have been circulating around militia chat groups.

Militia members are also making plans for protests at various state capitols in the days leading up to the inauguration. Stall added that while Wednesdays demonstration in Washington DC was largely unarmed, this may change on January 20:

There are also multiple state capital events organized for the 17th, 18, 19th and 20th. Fliers for these events have been quite mixed as far as indications as to the specific ideological tendencies of those organizing, whether it be 2A activism, overt militia organizing, Boogaloo, or something else entirely. The one commonality is that all are expressly right-wing in nature and often point to a militant or armed gathering.

Exactly one year before the date of the scheduled inauguration, on January 20, 2020, the largest armed demonstration in US history took place in Richmond, Virginia involving roughly 10,000 fascists. In December, Trumps fascist adviser Stephen Miller said, The only date in the Constitution is January 20, adding that this was the deadline for action to protect Trumps presidency.

Despite this clear and present danger, the Democratic Party is engaged in a cover-up to prevent the eruption of social opposition to the ongoing threat of dictatorship. In a letter distributed to the House Democratic caucus yesterday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi refused to call for an investigation into those involved in the ongoing plot. President-elect Joe Biden told reporters at a press conference yesterday that he did not support impeaching Trump and would not call for his resignation.

The Democratic Party is well aware of the danger posed by Trumps occupancy of the White House, but avoids stating this publicly for fear of arousing social opposition among the masses of working people who are opposed to fascism and infuriated by Trumps role in Wednesdays putsch.

The New York Times reported that Pelosi spoke to General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the [nuclear] launch codes. A spokesman for Milley responded, telling the Times that the general answered her questions regarding the process of nuclear command authority.

But to the public, Pelosi offers a different explanation for what is taking place. At a press conference Thursday, she absurdly said that Wednesdays coup attempt was directed by the Kremlin in Moscow!

And the message that it sent to the world, a complete tool of Putin, this President is. Putins goal was to diminish the role ofthe view of democracy in the world. Thats what he has been about. With you, Mr. President, all roads lead to Putin. Putin wants to undermine democracy. Thats what hes about domestically and internationally. And the President gave him the biggest of all of his many gifts to Putin, the biggest gift, yesterday.

The Socialist Equality Party (US) demands the broadest investigation into the real culprits from within the state apparatus who are behind this ongoing conspiracy, including the Trump family, Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley and the more than 100 Republican congresspersons who voted against certifying the electoral college results.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

What is the Council for a Competitive New Mexico, Inc.?

If you Google the group, youll find a lot of news stories about it, but not much else. The groups Facebook page shows it has 15 followers, nine likes and two profile pictures, both of which are symbols. Some high school reunion Facebook pages have more followers and information.

Established in 2020, The Council for a Competitive New Mexico has one primary mission  to promote policies and initiatives that advance lasting and meaningful economic growth and opportunities for our state, says the About section of the councils Facebook page.

So why does this matter? Because the Council for a Competitive New Mexico spent nearly $131,000 on political advertisements last year  exerting considerable influence with mailers, radio ads and robocalls  while not disclosing its funding sources.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

The group was supporting five incumbent, moderate Democratic state senators in hotly contested legislative primary races, including former Sen. John Arthur Smith of Deming and former Senate President Pro Tempore Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces. Some of the groups expenditures in the weeks and days before the June 2 primaries included mailers targeting their primary opponents.

The group disclosed its campaign-related expenditures, but wont disclose its donors. It argues it doesnt have to under the states Campaign Reporting Act based upon the acts definition of a contribution. The council contends that because its donors were not specifically solicited for political activities, their donations arent political contributions under the law, even if donor money was later used for political campaigning.

Nonsense.

The nascent New Mexico Ethics Commission has filed a lawsuit aimed at forcing the Council for a Competitive New Mexico to disclose its donors. The groups attorney says ambiguity in the law prevents state officials from forcing donor disclosure, but the executive director of the Ethics Commission says the councils donations are dark money that is required to be disclosed.

The Secretary of States Office had directed the council to disclose its donors in September, but later rescinded the order and referred the matter to the Ethics Commission. Kicking the buck to the Ethics Commission was itself evidence of the acts ambiguity.

Changes to New Mexicos campaign finance laws in 2019 were aimed at requiring more disclosure from independent expenditure groups that can spend unlimited amounts of money on political ads. Anyone with a TV last year saw the considerable influence these independent groups wielded with barrages of negative ads, or ads favoring a candidate, although the groups are not supposed to coordinate with candidates or campaigns.

But loopholes a mile wide persist in the Campaign Reporting Act.

A separate group, the Committee to Protect New Mexico Consumers, spent more than $260,000 on educational mailers advocating for passage of Constitutional Amendment 1 restructuring the Public Regulation Commission in November, but wouldnt disclose its donors. That group said its contributors asked that funds not be spent on political advocacy, and such written requests make them exempt from disclosure under the state act, regardless of how the contributions are spent. The group reached a settlement with the Ethics Commission, but continued to shield its donors.

The Ethics Commissions lawsuit against the Council for a Competitive New Mexico could be a test case on dark money disclosure. But it shouldnt have to come to that. Any group whose primary purpose is political spending for education or other purposes should be required to register as a political committee and be required to disclose its contributors.

State lawmakers can negate the need for a series of precedent-setting lawsuits by rewriting the Campaign Reporting Act. Money given to an organization is a contribution, and money spent on an election is a political expenditure. Keep it simple.

Voters deserve to know who is behind election expenditures, whether its a mailer bound for ones circular file or TV ads one cant avoid. Sunshine is the best disinfectant in political spending, and New Mexico law needs to reflect that.

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.
NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating Magellan Health, Inc. ("MGLN" or the "Company") (MGLN) relating to its proposed acquisition by Centene Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, MGLN shareholders will receive $95.00 in cash per share.

The investigation focuses on whether Magellan Health, Inc. and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, 2) whether and by how much this proposed transaction undervalues the Company.

Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/magellan-health-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018 and 2019 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2019 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, in 2019 we recovered or secured six cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.

If you own common stock in Magellan Health, Inc. and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2020 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC

Related Links

https://www.monteverdelaw.com


Projects related to public services should be developed through a corporate-like structure with adequate user charge base so that the entities can sustainably deliver such services, World Bank India director Junaid Ahmad said on Friday.

Citing examples of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and Shimla water supply projects being developed through a corporate structure, he emphasised on creating entities that follow "company systems in order to deliver the infrastructure services".

Ahmad said corporatisation of government departments or agencies is a challenge for India, though such a mechanism has been introduced in the country to deliver public services in a sustainable manner.

The World Bank official, however, clarified that he was not proposing for privatising public service providers but to transform them through a corporatised structure.

Mentioning that poor people pay more than middle-class households for water, he advocated increasing of charges for delivery of public services.

"Traditionally, you cannot increase user charges because the poor will suffer. Today, who benefits from subsidised water charges? It is the middle class and above.

Poor people are not connected to piped water," Ahmad said addressing an event organised by Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

He also said no corporate body can sustain creditworthiness without its user charge base.

"In India, user charge accounts for about 20 per cent of operation and maintenance cost on an average," he added.

Reserve Bank of India to restore normal liquidity management operations

TCS confident of getting back to double-digit growth in FY22
She is engaged to marry Blake Shelton.

And Gwen Stefani flashed her massive engagement ring for the camera in a brief new clip she shared to Instagram this Friday.

The 51-year-old pop act included the clip in an album with a brief snippet of Grace Kelly showing off her engagement ring in the 1956 film High Society.

Looking fab: Gwen Stefani flashed her massive engagement ring for the camera in a brief new clip she shared to Instagram this Friday

Grace can be seen in character lying on the sofa and looking somewhat discontentedly at her massive diamond before wiping it on a cushion.

High Society was a musical comedy that sees Grace Kelly in a love triangle between Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, with songs by Cole Porter.

The movie was a remake of the 1940 film The Philadelphia Story in which the love triangle was played by Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart.

Gwen's engagement ring post comes after Us Weekly reported that she has at last secured a Catholic annulment from her first husband Gavin Rossdale.

Close-up: Early last month Gwen had flashed her rock whilst making an appearance on the Hallmark Chanel program Home And Family

Free bird: Gwen's engagement ring post comes after Us Weekly reported that she has at last secured a Catholic annulment from her first husband Gavin Rossdale

She can only remarry in the Catholic faith by having the first marriage annulled, thereby declaring that it was never valid anyway.

However her three sons by Gavin - Kingston, 14, Zuma, 12, and Apollo, six - are still regarded as legitimate under Canon 1137 in the Code Of Canon Law.

Gavin and Gwen shot to fame together in the band No Doubt and married in 2002, producing three sons before splitting up in 2015 and finalizing the divorce in 2016.

Now she can do what she wants: She can only remarry in the Catholic faith by having the first marriage annulled, thereby declaring that it was never valid anyway

Bride to be: Gwen has been dating Blake since late 2015 and he finally proposed last October as they self-isolated on his ranch in Oklahoma

Gwen has been dating Blake since late 2015 and he finally proposed last October as they self-isolated on his ranch in Oklahoma.

Ajay Anand who founded the diamond advice company Rare Carat has theorized to Insider that the 'eight-carat' ring cost $500,000.

Although Gavin has yet to remarry, Blake's first wife and fellow country star Miranda Lambert tied the knot in 2019 with Brendan Mcloughlin, a cop nine years her junior.
Sanctuary, workplace and chill zone: our homes have had to dance to several tunes lately. And this isn't set to change any time soon.

Since we're likely to spend the next few months locked indoors, it's a good opportunity to launch a fresh start.

Breathe new life into your home with this year's biggest trend: warm minimalism  spaces that are free of clutter, but still embody character and warmth. A few tweaks are all that's needed to find your groove.

Inviting: A sitting room by John Lewis featuring its Reed sideboard, 899 to add an instant injection of warmth and texture

Softly, softly

Banish thoughts of stark schemes and hard angles; 2021 is all about warmth, embodied by natural finishes such as boucle, cane, sisal, wool and velvets. A palette of soft neutrals from plaster pink to caramel is the order of the day, with green acting as a nod to nature.

'Creating a space that feels uncluttered yet welcoming is key,' says Helen Shaw, of paint company Benjamin Moore.

We usually associate simplicity with a sense of 'less is more'. But new minimalism allows for an element of homeliness to be incorporated into the scheme.

'When it comes to paint colours, avoid hues with grey-blue undertones, as these can feel cold, whereas yellow or red-based neutrals help to warm a room,' says Helen.

'Shades of oatmeal are a wonderful alternative to white without being too overpowering. These tones work especially well with natural woods and linens to add depth.'

The key to this look is to complement soft hues with plenty of texture. Don't shy away from bold accent colour, too, such as an ebonised dining table, a midnight blue kitchen or monochrome to add weight.

'Consider heavier textures like wool and cord for soft furnishings such as upholstered pieces or cushions and curtains, and reeded wood and rattan on furniture finishes like tables and consoles,' says Wil Law, home design stylist at John Lewis & Partners.

Try its Reed sideboard, 899, for an instant injection of warmth and texture.

Natural look

Look to the natural world for inspiration. Schemes that bring the outside in remain integral.

Touches of greenery bring hints of the outside world in

'This is not about a return to magnolia, it's about using soothing tones to create interiors that are smart and inviting,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

'Warm, earthy neutrals are not only pleasing to the eye and soothing for the soul, they also form a beautiful backdrop to simple contemporary furniture and accessories.'

Look to the brand's gentle Mushroom paint, which has a hint of red oxide for warmth, and neutrals such as Rolling Fog, which provides a mid-tone grey backdrop to materials such as wood, rattan and stone.

'It's crucial to add in natural elements - a soft rug underfoot, or a diaphanous drape at a window can truly transform a room,' says The White Company founder Chrissie Rucker.

'Natural materials, such as weathered wood, slubby linen or marbled slate, connect us back to nature and add interest.'

Touches of greenery bring hints of the outside world in. Place large houseplants in corners and smaller varieties clustered on shelves or sideboards for maximum impact. Patch Plants and Conservatory Archives sell unusual varieties.

Personal touch

Pieces that are meaningful create unique interiors.

'Recently, customers have been investing in coveted, wishlist items to elevate and revive their space,' says Sabina Miller, head buyer at Heal's.

'Opting for pieces you love, such as a show-stopping four-poster bed or a beautiful dining table, will quickly transform the overall feel of your interiors. Look for quality craftsmanship.'

A slim or sculptural silhouette will add a sense of modernity, creating a natural focal point.

Try the hand-turned pieces by Galvin Brothers, whose scale and finish can often be customised. We love its Bobbin sidetable, from 375, for its modern take on timeless design.

Handmade accessories can also add depth and warmth to a considered space. There's a range of orb-shaped porcelain vases by Arjan Van Dal, from 130, at The New Craftsmen which come in burnt orange, rust and ochre shades, lending an earthy note to softly minimal schemes.

'I like the challenge of introducing considered, sustainable pieces of furniture and accessories and taking the time to appreciate the maker or its lineage,' says interior designer Alice Leigh.

'I often opt for a mix, whether handmade, antique or a celebrated modern design. Then I layer in neutral colours, cosy upholstery fabrics, aged leathers, warm woods and woven materials found in jute rugs, baskets and lampshades.'

Don't forget art. 'Abstract pieces are key to any minimalistic design,' says Topology's Athina Bluff. Take a look at hanging art with warming colours such as rusts, browns, beiges, blacks and creams.'

Combine these elements and you'll create a nurturing environment perfect for heralding a more optimistic year.
Without food, wearing just sandals in the snow and lacking a roof over their heads, more than 3,000 migrants must brave sub-zero temperatures in the northwest of Bosnia-Herzegovina. This catastrophic situationlike the conditions in the Greek refugee camp Kara Tepe on Lesbos and the mass deaths in the Mediterraneanis a result of the European Unions criminal refugee policy.

European governments are abandoning these desperate people to their fate. On January 5, the German government announced it was not planning to take in any refugees from Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Refugees in Lipa on the Bosnian-Croatian border (AP Photo/Kemal Softic)

Near the town of Bihac, with 43,000 inhabitants, a few kilometres from Croatias external EU border, the temporary tent camp for refugees in Lipa, with about 1,300 residents, was closed on December 23 because of a failure to make it winter-proof.

The camp had been in operation since April and never had a functioning electricity and water supply. The thin unheated tents barely offered protection from the cold. Shortly before the eviction, several tents and containers went up in flames. Since then, the Lipa residents have literally been fighting for survival.

Anja, 25, from Switzerland, who has been working for the Spanish aid organisation No Name Kitchen in Bihac since November and asked to remain anonymous out of concern for her own safety, told Die Zeit, After the fire, they were on their own and occupied empty houses outside the camp. Some have even converted toilet containers into homes.

Conditions in the camp, run by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), were already unbearable before the onset of winter and then deteriorated massively with the fire and onset of the frost. Everything is lacking. Add to this the constant threat of infection amid the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which is also out of control in Bosnia-Herzegovina. According to Worldometers, more than 113,000 people have already contracted coronavirus in this country of just under 3.5 million people, and more than 4,200 have died from the virus.

At the turn of the year, the refugees were given hope of being moved to a heated camp in Bradina, in an old barracks. On December 29 they were put on 20 buses, only to disembark again after 30 hours in the same place they had boarded: the burnt-down camp in Lipa. Yet on the outskirts of Bihac, a few kilometres away from the Lipa camp, stands the fully equipped Bira reception centre, which has been empty since mid-2020, where there is heating, electricity, running water and safe sleeping space for 1,500 people.

In the meantime, some emergency tents have been rebuilt by the Bosnian military in Lipa. But this is only a drop in the ocean, as Anja reports:

There is no running water and no electricity. The tents also offer little protection from the cold. Temperatures are often below zero, as Lipa is at a relatively high altitude. In protest against these conditions, some of the residents went on hunger strike on New Years Day. According to our information, several hundred people are taking part. They apparently ended it only yesterday. People have written banners with slogans like We want freedom and We are not animals.

There are hardly any tarpaulins, sleeping bags or blankets to protect them from the winter temperatures. As Sumka Bucan from the aid organisation Care told the Hamburger Morgenpost, The closure of the camp in Lipa one day before Christmas was already inhumane, but now the former residents find themselves in a life-threatening situation. Without heating and adequate clothing, 1,300 migrants must sleep outside because they no longer have a place of refuge. Some of them were left in the snow with sandals on.

Meanwhile, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) regularly helps frostbitten people, as the aid organisations country director Nicola Bay told the Suddeutsche Zeitung. The situation there is absolutely unstable and dangerous. ... It has snowed a lot in the past few days and now the roof is threatening to collapse under the mass of snow.

Lipa refugee camp (AP Photo/Kemal Softic)

Speaking to Euronews German, a resident of the camp, wearing sandals and a pair of shorts, says, We live like animals. Even the animals live better than us.

Some of the camps 1,300 residents have since sought shelter in empty factory buildings or other ruins in the area. Window openings are often only sealed with plastic bags. In the so-called Jungle on the outskirts of the city, more migrants live in tents and under tarpaulins.

According to research by Tagesschau.de, in addition to the 1,300 residents of the camp, another 2,000 migrants live in the area around Lipa and Bihac without a roof over their heads. In total, more than 3,300 people are exposed to the cold, hoping to find a decent life in the EU after their arduous journey via the Balkan route.

Anja tells Die Zeit that her NGO is often approached by other refugees on their journey to the camp. We havent eaten for five days, please give us something too, they ask her. We are forbidden to distribute food and clothing, since then we have been doing it secretly. Refugees are seen as criminals, so those helping them are also regarded as criminals.

In addition, migrants confront xenophobia and racism. They are forbidden from taking certain buses and from entering certain petrol stations and cafes. On the Croatian side of the border, brutal pushbacks are systematically carried out under the aegis of the EU. In doing so, European governments are increasingly relying on fascist forces to fend off and outright terrorise war refugees and other migrants at the EUs external borders.
A lockdown party held in a cottage in Tintigny during the night of Friday to Saturday resulted in 61 fines, the prosecution said.

It was around 4am when Belgian police officers on patrol noticed people gathering in front of a lodge rented on Airbnb in Tintigny, in the province of Luxembourg, RTL Belgium reports.

After obtaining authorisation from Luxembourg's public prosecutor's office, the police entered the home. 61 people were present: they came from France and the Grand Duchy. All were fined 750.

The organiser, a young woman of 20, had rented the lodge to celebrate her birthday. She was questioned by the police, who seized her cell phone and vehicle. If the young woman were to be released after her interrogation, then it won't be her last time involved with the justice department, the prosecution said.
Laura Whitmore has revealed that Chris Ramsey and his wife Rosie helped save her relationship with husband Ian Stirling.

The Love Island presenter, 35, recently got married to the show's narrator and the couple are currently expecting their first child together.

Laura has since recalled the time that she and Iain, 32, had had an argument on a long car journey - but thankfully listening to Chris and Rosie's podcast, Sh**ged Married Annoyed, helped save the day.

Laura Whitmore has revealed that Chris Ramsey and his wife Rosie helped save her relationship with Ian Stirling from falling apart

Speaking to Rosie on the show, Laura explained: 'I was driving last Christmas to Ireland because I've got a dog and the dog isn't allowed on the plane.

'It's eight hours to Holyhead and then there's a boat to Dublin and then three and a half hours to where my mum is.

'So me and Iain were doing that drive and by the end of the drive, we thought, "I want to kill you, get out of the car".

Reminiscing: Laura has recalled the time she and Iain listened to Chris' podcast with his wife while arguing on a long car journey

Podcast hosts: Chris and his wife Rosie host the Sh**ged Married Annoyed podcast together

'We were listening to a lot of murder podcasts, so I said, 'Let's just throw on a little bit of Rosie and Chris - Sh**ged Married Annoyed,' and you [Rosie and husband Chris] saved our relationship so I want to thank you right now.'

She added: 'We had a lovely giggle. We needed that.'

Laura and Iain began dating shortly after meeting at an ITV party in 2016, and married in secret last November in Dublin.

Husband and wife: Laura and Iain married in secret last November in Dublin

After some speculation, Laura confirmed the news that she and Iain had tied the knot in a statement posted to Instagram.

Sharing a photo of her and her beau on their big day, she wrote: 'Entering 2021 like

'A year ago Iain asked me to marry him and we had the most magical, perfect ceremony. We loved having it to ourselves.

'We had been planning the perfect celebrating and I will forever be so thankful that's what we got. We have never spoken publicly about our engagement or wedding.

'Back at the time we never felt the need to say anything as it's all such a personal experience. We also were too busy enjoying it.

'We've never shared this picture before now but a lot of people have contacted us and congratulated us the last month with good intentions so here's to good news!'

Pregnant: Laura and Iain are currently expecting their first child

It had previously been reported that Laura and Iain had got married in a small ceremony at Dublin's City Hall.

They reportedly wed in front of 25 guests - the maximum allowed under Ireland's level five rules at the time - with Laura's half-brother Adam and Iain's sister Kirsten as witnesses.

Laura had also previously revealed her pregnancy news on Instagram, sharing a snap of a Guns N Roses baby onesie.

She said: 'So I've always tried to be protective over the personal side of my life.

Happy couple: Laura and Iain began dating shortly after meeting at an ITV party in 2016

'A lot of things are just for me and my loved ones and we've chosen not to share publicly.

'However I want to now share good news as it's our news to share - and I'm gonna be honest it's starting to look like my lock down beer belly is out of control.

'Iain and I are expecting a baby early 2021. It's been hard to keep such happy news quiet.

'Especially the times when I've had to run out of live radio to get sick in a bin or my penchant for a bowl of mashed potato in the morning.'
Peter Robinson has said he will never forget visiting Michaela McAreavey's grief-stricken family in the aftermath of her murder.

The former First Minister travelled to GAA manager Mickey Harte's Tyrone home following the shocking death of his only daughter on her honeymoon in Mauritius on January 10, 2011 - days after her wedding to John McAreavey.

Now, as the 10th anniversary of the 27-year-old's killing approaches, Mr Robinson said that, as a parent himself, he can still only imagine what the Harte and McAreavey families were going through at the time.

Expand Close Peter Robinson with Mickey Harte at Michaelas funeral Photopress Belfast / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Peter Robinson with Mickey Harte at Michaelas funeral

He told the Belfast Telegraph that what happened to Michaela was horrendous.

"There were so many factors that made this such a terrible crime - the age of the young girl, a pretty young woman on her honeymoon," the ex-DUP leader said.

"It was just awful circumstances - and the way Michaela had been left was really dreadful."

Mr Robinson, who walked his own daughter Rebekah down the aisle in 2014, said the circumstances of the murder - Michaela being strangled in the bathroom of her hotel room - were "very hard to take in."

He added: "I remember the Harte family that day I called at their house; there was such anguish and despair.

"It was certainly one of the most horrible experiences for me as First Minister, so you can only imagine the plight of Mickey, his wife Marian and their other children, and how they must have been feeling at that time.

"They were completely broken by events. Their loved one had just gone off to start a new life and then this tragedy occurred."

Mr Robinson recalled being moved by the strength of the Harte and McAreavey families throughout the ordeal. Mrs McAreavey was the first - and remains the only - tourist to be murdered in Mauritius. To date, no one has been convicted.

"The families through it all were close and tightly knit and were obviously providing support for each other - but none of that makes it easier to come to terms with what had happened," he said. "My own daughter was of a similar age, and you can for a moment try and put yourself in that position.

"But unless the circumstances are real and actual you don't feel the depth of the pain that the family would have gone through, and no doubt are still going through.

"Ten years has passed but there's still an empty place in that family - both for Mickey and his family and Michaela's husband John.

"The pain will last and at times like anniversaries of her death it will be particularly sharp.

"Losing a child is particularly difficult as it goes against the natural order of things. "The fact that this was in the aftermath of a celebration - the beginning of a new phase of her life and to be cut down in the way that she was is just an absolute tragedy."

Mr Robinson, who left frontline politics in 2015, said he and the late Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness sent a letter to the Mauritian authorities demanding answers.

He added: "All families can identify - so many of them will have had a daughter that age, they'll have gone through the experience of a marriage, honeymoon and it will have struck a chord with so many people because they can identify with it."
The number of children referred to the NHS with serious mental health problems is at an all-time high, say doctors.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists warned that the pandemic could create a lost generation who will be affected by lifelong mental illnesses.

Doctors blamed the crisis on school closures, cancelled exams and lockdowns.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists warned that the pandemic could create a lost generation who will be affected by lifelong mental illnesses (file photo)

NHS figures revealed that the number of youngsters referred to child and adolescent mental health services was 4,615 per 100,000  the highest on record.

The figures are up nearly 20 per cent from last year.

Dr Bernadka Dubicka, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: Landmark occasions in the lives of these young people will be lost.

'This adds to a perfect storm of a pre-existing mental health crisis, rising demand and years of under-investment in childrens mental health services, meaning children may not get the help they need, potentially leaving a generation lost to poverty and lifelong mental illness.

Students pictured taking a Covid-19 test at Oasis Academy in Coulsdon, Surrey. Doctors blamed the crisis on school closures, cancelled exams and lockdowns

She also wrote in the Daily Telegraph that half of the colleges child psychiatrists have reported a surge in emergency or urgent cases.

And NHS research also shows that one in six children now have a mental health issue, up from one in nine three years ago.

Dr Dubicka added: The effect of school closures, cancelled exams and empty lecture halls will reverberate through our communities long after Covid-19 is consigned to the history books.

A 23-year-old man was in jail Saturday on charges of shooting two people in north Covington.

Police think Keontez McGee of Covington wounded the victims Friday at about 4:45 p.m. in the 900 block of North Filmore Street. Medical personnel took the victims to a hospital while officers talked with witnesses to identify the gunman.

En route to assist police, St. Tammany Parish sheriff's deputies intercepted MeGee fleeing the area, the Police Department said. After questioning him, police obtained a warrant and booked him with:

two counts of attempted second-degree murder

obstruction of justice

possession of MDMA

violating gun-free and drug-free zones.

Police said McGee matched witnesses' description of the gunman.

The victims were reported in stable condition "and expected to survive," said Sgt. Edwin Masters, a police spokesman.

The Police Department did not provide a motive for the shooting or immediately release more information.
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.
Jammu, Jan 9 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth President, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, was granted bail by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jammu city on Saturday.

A PDP spokesman confirmed that Waheed Para was released on bail by the NIA court.

He was arrested by the NIA in 2020 on charges of being associated with funding of terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

He was also accused of having close links with the dismissed Deputy Superintendent of Police, Davinder Singh and two of his terror associates, Irfan Shafi Mir and Naveed Babu.

The NIA court sent Para to 30-day judicial remand on December 20.

His house was also raided by the Counter Intelligence Wing of J&K police on December 30 in Pulwama district.

News reports said the NIA had sought details of Para's properties in Srinagar city.

Para won in the District Development Council (DDC) polls held in 2020 but was not allowed to take oath as he was in judicial remand.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.

[To read more stories on race from The New York Times, sign up here for our Race/Related newsletter.]

BOSTON  Sometimes the guard changes slowly. Sometimes it changes overnight.

That is what is happening in the city of Boston, which has been led by white men since its incorporation in 1822. With the nomination of Mayor Martin J. Walsh as President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s labor secretary, the 2021 mayoral race is suddenly wide open, and the front-runners are all women of color.

If Mr. Walsh is confirmed and resigns from his mayoral post, his replacement as acting mayor will be Kim Janey, president of the City Council, a 56-year-old community activist with deep roots in Roxbury, one of Bostons historically Black neighborhoods. Ms. Janey has not said whether she plans to run.

The two declared challengers in the race are also, for Boston, nontraditional. Michelle Wu, 35, a Taiwanese-American woman, has as a city councilor proposed policies on climate, transportation and housing that have won her the support of progressives.
While all around him chaos reigned, tempers flared, and blood was shed, Edward Hay remained calm. He understood the bigger picture, realised that a rebellion, an uprising, while effective in the short-term, would only cause more hurt, more unrest.

Hay's goal wasn't to overthrow the government, to claim back what was rightfully ours. No, he simply wanted the freedom of his people, emancipation for the Catholic populace which continued to be treated as second-class citizens by the ruling classes.

But as someone immersed in political and social life it was inevitable that Edward Hay would play some part in the 1798 Rebellion, that he would become embroiled in the fighting, however reluctantly.

Born in 1761 in Ballinkeele, near Crossabeg, to Harvey and Catherine Hay (nee Fergus), Edward was the eldest of four sons and the potential successor to what was a significant family estate.

The Hays were unusual in that they were Catholic landowners, an anomaly which William Sweetman sums up in his book Brothers Divided. 'Compared to the vast majority of Catholics - or for that matter Protestants - Harvey Hay was a very wealthy man, enjoying the benefits of an estate of over a thousand acres and able to live with some style.'

Yet for all his wealth and prosperity, Harvey still had to abide by the rules. There were no schools for Catholics in Ireland at that time and the Hay children were educated at home.

Expand Close Local historian Brian OCleirigh at John Hays grave in Kilmallock cemetery, Ballymurn / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Local historian Brian OCleirigh at John Hays grave in Kilmallock cemetery, Ballymurn

Eager to see his eldest son further his studies, Harvey sent Edward to France, and later Germany and Italy, to attend schools there as a teenager.

And it was in France that the first seeds of rebellion and radicalisation were sewn in the mind of the young Wexford man. In her article Edward Hay: Historian of 1798, Margaret O hOgartaigh writes, 'Returning from the continent...where Catholics were members of the ruling elite, to Ireland where "a Catholic was scarcely considered a human being," irked him.'

Although he had, up to this point, lived in relative luxury, Hay was acutely aware of the plight of Irish Catholics and their continued persecution at the hands of the Protestant rulers.

Yet his world view was at odds with that of not just his father, but his brothers too.

Harvey Hay would remain loyal to the crown to his dying day, a conservative to the last, one eager to protect his own interests whatever the cost. And Edward's brothers, Philip and James, would sign up to fight with the British Army, conscripted to the West Indies where the latter would die in combat.

Their actions curried favour with Harvey, so much so that he decided to rewrite his will, naming Philip as the heir to his estate rather than Edward.

'Philip had his feet firmly on the ground, not like the older brother, Edward, who always seemed to be involved in hare-brained schemes that either came to nothing or, more likely irritated important people...putting all that was dear to their father in jeopardy,' writes William in Brothers Divided.

Meanwhile, Edward was quickly gaining a reputation as an agitator, a thorn in the side of those who wished to quell any Catholic insurgency.

Some bore arms in protest at their ill-treatment, but Edward Hay took a different route. He became Deputy Governor of Wexford in 1793 and used his influence to highlight the injustices suffered by Irish Catholics, setting in place a motion which he hoped would establish their numerical superiority and lead to their eventual emancipation.

His goal was to set up a national census, the first of its kind, knowing that to do so would reveal the country was at least three-quarters Catholic and would thus provide 'demographic and democratic arguments for Catholic emancipation'.

He brought his idea to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, the Earl William Fitzwilliam, a man known to harbour Catholic sympathies. With the support of the Earl, Edward proposed a sample census in Kilmallock, a trial run which would prove the efficacy of his plan.

However, this idea was scuppered by the local clergy, by a Bishop who worried about relinquishing his own authority, about civil unrest, a change in the status quo.

This was to be a common theme throughout Edward Hay's life; a reluctance on the part of powerful Catholics to upset the apple cart. The harder he fought for the freedom of his people the more resistance he faced from those who should have been his most ardent allies.

So frustrated was he by the slow-moving tides of Irish society that he had taken the decision to emigrate to America in early 1798. 'He was finding Ireland an unhappy place to live,' writes William Sweetman. 'Where he hoped there would be tolerance and reform, there was repression and persecution, with the people living in terror as the forces and of law and order...took simplistic and brutal measures to establish tranquillity.'

Hastening his departure was the death of his father Harvey in 1796 and the subsequent reading of a will which left the entire estate to Edward's younger brother, Philip.

Having contested the will and lost, Edward was auctioning furniture from the family home on the day the 1798 Rebellion began. He hoped to to finance his journey to the States with the money gained through the auction. But by the time the dust settled on this bloodiest of battles, that furniture had been reduced to ashes and Edward Hay would find himself imprisoned on a boat in Wexford Harbour.

Recognising the damage an uprising could do to civil relations in the county, Hay took to the streets of Wexford to plead for calm. While his voice went mostly unheard, he did manage to help women and children, innocent families, to escape the fighting and its inevitable aftermath.

A man of his reputation would have been a significant asset to the insurgents, to the United Irishmen (UI) who had gathered on Vinegar Hill. And thus, Edward Hay was duly summoned to the camp by the rebel leaders and asked to lead the rebellion, a request which he politely declined.

William Sweetman explains why a man so passionate about the freedom of his people chose not to side with an army assembled for that specific purpose.

'Many of their (the UI) aspirations were congenial to Hay. But there are no indications that Edward Hay, then or later, joined the UI,' Sweetman writes. 'He claimed later that, in the interest of his struggle for religious emancipation, he had formed a resolution "of never becoming a member of any political society whatsoever."

'This would appear to mean he had refused to join the UI not necessarily because he disliked their philosophy, but because he did not wish to compromise his objective of total emancipation for Ireland's Catholic population.'

Having refused to join the uprising, Hay turned his attention to maintaining the peace in Wexford town. He formed a committee, a peacekeeping body which aimed to ensure the safety of both Catholics and Protestants, Rebels and Loyalists, including the British soldiers imprisoned in Wexford jail. Local historian, Brian O'Cleirigh takes up the story:

'It fell to Hay and others to salvage what they could from the new situation and steer it towards a peaceable settlement while operating on what could naturally be the most ad hoc democratic processes, but democratic nevertheless.

'It all began at a great meeting held in what is Penneys on Main Street today, where the Wexford Senate was formed. All through the most difficult times of the Rising Hay and Matthew Keugh, the town's Commandant, insisted that this democratic element be put in place for all major decisions.

'Of all the characters acting under enormous pressures in Wexford town, Citizen Hay was the one who best managed to deal with effect with both sides.'

But even a man as persuasive as Hay couldn't reason with people who had seen their homes burned to the ground, families murdered, livelihoods destroyed. They came to Wexford town from all over the county, seeking justice, vengeance, and they found it in the prisoners of war, the men Hay had so desperately tried to protect, knowing that their killing would surely have repercussions when the Rebellion came to an end.

According to his own account of that day, 36 Loyalists were executed by the Rebels, a number which has been disputed in other records.

Either way, the rebellion was concluded with the arrival of British forces into Wexford and the execution of Rebel leaders, among them Edward's other brother, John.

For his part in the fighting, or perhaps more for his reputation as a prominent Catholic, Edward was sent to the sinking prison ship the Lovely Kitty while he awaited trial for as yet unspecified charges.

Conditions aboard the ship were less than lovely, with a local butcher commenting that he wouldn't keep his pigs in there. The impact on Edward was to be long-lasting. His health deteriorated while on board the ship and continued to do so when he was later moved to Wexford jail.

Ultimately, after more than a year in prison, Hay was acquitted of all charges and released as a free man. Mindful of his precarious position, Hay kept himself out of trouble in the years following the Rebellion, but, far from being inactive, he was plotting perhaps his most dangerous scheme, one which he believed was vital to the cause of the Irish Catholics.

While preparing for his trial, Hay had managed to acquire sheaths of documentation to bolster his defence, affidavits and materials which would prove his innocence. Following his release, he used those documents and more to write and release the History of the Insurrection of the County of Wexford, A. D. 1798.

Released in 1803, this title was in direct contrast to an account printed by Loyalist Richard Musgrave which sought to justify the killing and play down the motives of the rebel insurgents.

'I write ... for the information of those who have been led astray,' Hay declared.

Margaret O hOgartaigh explains the brazenness of the book's author. 'After the publication of his book, Hay wanted as many influential individuals as possible to have a copy of his work. He sent five hundred copies to London, through Earl Fitzwilliam, as he wanted every member of Parliament and King George III to read his account.

'It is not known if George III read a copy.'

Whether the King read a copy or not, Edward Hay continued to be an activist for Catholic rights, becoming Secretary of the Catholic Committee in 1807, his main role being to inform the public of Catholic activities, a role which, one might imagine, was perfectly suited to his talents.

Around this time he also challenged fellow author Richard Musgrave to a duel, an invitation which Musgrave did not accept.

Although he wouldn't live to see Catholic emancipation, it coming three years after his death in 1829, Hay's work laid the foundations for what was to follow.

'The gradual transformation of the Catholic committee into a nationwide organisation whose tentacles spread from Donegal to Waterford, was due, in no small part, to Hay's work as secretary for 12 years,' writes O hOgartaigh.

Remarkably Edward and Philip were still embroiled in legal disputes over the ownership of the family estate at this time, and they would do so until 1825, the year before Edward's death.

The reason for this becomes much the clearer when the details surrounding Edward's final days are divulged. 'By 1826, the Hay family (he had four daughters and three sons) was living in total penury. He died on 13 October, 1826, from blood poisoning when he cut his finger while chopping firewood for a fire. The bailiff had taken the family's last blanket. According to a Catholic meeting report, Hay "died in absolute want, unable to procure medicines,"' writes O hOgartaigh.

An undignified ending for a man who had done so much to bring dignity and honour to the people of his county.
SIX elderly patients were issued warning letters after parking longer than 20 minutes at Townlands Memorial Hospital in Henley while getting their covid-19 vaccinations.

This was despite an agreement with the hospital that its grace period would be extended to an hour due to the vaccination programme taking place at the Bell and Hart Surgeries.

Hospital patients can normally park for 20 minutes free or they have to enter their vehicle registration at reception for longer visits or appointments.

Patients at the surgeries cannot park at the hospital but an arrangement was reached with Saba Park Services, which monitors the car park, as they must wait in the surgery for 20 minutes after getting a jab to ensure there are no ill-effects before they go home.

Town councillor Stefan Gawrysiak, who was helping with the parking arrangements on December 15, also received a warning letter.

He said that he was told by the hospital that using its car park wouldnt be a problem.

He said: Saba Park Services had been asked to widen the window to allow a certain amount of time to park there.

Then people received a warning letter saying if it happens again they will be fined.

I was pretty annoyed  I emailed the company to say, Look, this was all arranged by the hospital and this shouldnt be happening.

Six people had letters and, of course, if you are of a certain age you are going to get worried about it.

This shouldnt have happened  the manager of the hospital had an agreement with Saba.

Cllr Gawrysiak said the issue had been resolved in time for patients to receive their second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which was administered on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Saba took over enforcement of the car park in December 2019 from Smart Parking, which was ordered off the site earlier in he year after numerous complaints that it was fining people unfairly.

Saba was awarded an initial three-year contract by NHS Property Services, which is responsible for the site, and has continued to use the automatic number plate recognition cameras.

A spokesman for NHS Property Services said: Following feedback from tenants concerned that the car park at Townlands Memorial Hospital was being utilised by non-hospital users, we informed Saba to re-start issuing parking charge notices from December 11.

However, with the expansion of the vaccination programme, the local team and clinical colleagues agreed to provide car parking provision while the GP surgery carried out the vaccination programme.

Unfortunately, warning notices continued to be issued. This situation was rectified immediately. We have contacted Saba to confirm that no notices have been issued or will be issued at this stage.

Saba declined to comment.
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.
Home > 2021 > India in a Scissors Crisis | Shubham Sharma

by Shubham Sharma

December 31, 2020

India, a modern-day bourgeois democracy with socialism sitting uncomfortably in the Preamble, neither faces a civil war nor an invasion of states. Its problems are self-generated. The twin blades of economic and political crisis have been self sharpened by the government on the whetstones of indifferent governance, communalism, and neo-liberal capitalism.

India is in a scissors crisis. The phrase was employed first, and duly plotted on a graph by a member of the Left opposition, to depict the widening gap between industrial and agricultural prices in the early years of Soviet Russia which was beleaguered by a raging civil war involving the invasion of armies of 21 nation-states. They were driven not by a geo-political calculation i.e. to safeguard borders from an expansionist Russia, but to smother the flickering flame of socialist democracy which had exposed the dark underbellies of all major bourgeois democracies of that time which had hitherto prided themselves in the ownership of colonies, subjugation of universal adult franchise (including those of women and coloured people) and an expansionist bellicosity, ruthlessly displayed during World War I.

India, a modern-day bourgeois democracy with socialism sitting uncomfortably in the Preamble, neither faces a civil war nor an invasion of states. Its problems are self-generated. The twin blades of economic and political crisis have been self sharpened by the government on the whetstones of indifferent governance, communalism, and neo-liberal capitalism.

Covid-19 and the subsequent ill-planned lockdown forced the GDP into a tailspin. The hammer fell on the working classes and marginalised sections, especially the Dalits, among whom one in three lost their jobs and means of livelihood. Three-fourth of migrant labourers stranded across the country were not paid their wages and half had less than just a day of ration, reported Stranded Workers Action Network (SWAN).

In such a state of collective misery, the government announced a fiscal stimulus (as percentage of GDP) of just 1.5 per cent, miserly when compared to 9.5 per cent of Vietnam, a much smaller country which successfully contained the spread of the virus via contact tracing, isolating and treating the infected.

As per the findings of Rohit Azad and Sourindra Mohan Ghosh published in the recent edition of the journal Social Scientist, the cumulative testing rate of Vietnam was a whopping 718 compared to Indias 12. Low spending by the government has led to a contraction of cumulative demand which has resulted in low investment. The greatest impediment to government spending is the centrepiece legislation of neo-liberal India, the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBM Act), piloted by Yashwant Sinha in 2000, the then Finance Minister of the BJP-led NDA government.

Although the Act contains the provision for exceeding set targets of fiscal deficit on grounds of national security and calamity, the government seems to be in no mood to spend money on its citizens. The much touted Atmanirbhar package with spending claims up to Rs 20 lakh crore i.e. 10 per cent of GDP, was nothing but an eyewash. Closer scrutiny reveals that of the Rs 20 lakh crore, only Rs 3 lakh crore i.e. 1.5 per cent of the GDP is a fiscal measure of which around Rs 90,000 crore was already accounted for in the budget of 2020.

The government has instead taken this opportunity to target labour, workers and small farmers. It has decided to pass the three labour codes which give greater flexibility to capital and abridge rights of workers. It increases the threshold relating to layoffs and retrenchment in industrial establishments from 300 to 100 workers. This implies that industrial establishments with less than 300 workers would no more be required to furnish a standing order regulating the terms and working conditions of labour.

The right to strike, the only weapon in the hands of the workers, has also been considerably weakened. The legislation says that a strike can be resorted to only after 60 days prior notice and 60 days after the conclusion of proceedings before the National Industrial Tribunal or any other tribunal.

The government has also failed to provide a single floor wage, not to speak of any increase from the bare minimum of Rs.178. Worst of all, the government has shelved the recommendations of a panel to increase the national floor wage to Rs. 375 on the egregious reasoning that it was too steep a rise from the existing floor wage. This would further aggravate the demand crisis by suppressing mass consumption. The nakedness of bourgeois democracies is best exposed when a capping of wages is seen as normal and subject to bureaucratic bungling whereas a similar restraint on profit by capital is seen as blasphemous, even during a calamitous pandemic.

The farm bills, again numbering three, have rattled the farmers in north India. The bills (now acts of Parliament) seek to remove the purchase mandis which had hitherto given the farmers, both big and small, the opportunity to sell their produce securely and at decent rates, unlike in places where deregulation kicked in. And it is the latter states which suffer low productivity in the farm sector with people being forced to migrate to prosperous states. Bihar is a case in point. Protesting farmers are afraid of this fate which afflicted their counterparts elsewhere.

Economists of the neo-liberal vein invoke Schumpeter to say that these farm laws are akin to creative destruction which would replace the existing state of affairs with something qualitatively better. Surprisingly, they offer no road map for industrialization which is indeed a qualitative leap. On the contrary, their arguments proffer succour to rampant contract farming by big corporations. Amenable to this are not the eighty per cent of small and medium farmers who own less than five acres of land since they do not have the required wherewithal to produce bespoke quantities of a specific variety of crop demanded by food corporates, but the large farmers who can undertake/risk such ventures. Nor can small and medium farmers avail justice in case of cheating or refusal of purchase by corporates.

The claim that the middlemen would be eliminated by these laws turns out to be hollow because a new type of middlemen would take the vacated place  lawyers, expensive lawyers. Going by their logic, there is also no guarantee that the APMCs would give way to large corporations ready to buy produce from the farmers. Bihar has had deregulation since 2006 and has seen no such arrival of food corporations with bags of cash. Kerala has no APMCs and has yet not seen thriving private markets. In Maharashtra, a state with around forty-two dams for irrigation, deregulation did not see the coming of big private players. The Vashi APMC is a case in point.

The farmers of Punjab and Haryana have rescued the country from recurrent food crisis. No doubt scientific innovation and state subsidies played an indispensable role. There is also considerable truth in the fact, as pointed out by the State of Rural and Agrarian India Report 2020 that accelerated production of monocultures have meant a loss to the agro-ecological diversity with nutritious crops such as millets and lentils being less favoured, but it is not the fault of the farmers. The policy of Green Revolution was taken in lieu of a red revolution i.e. radical land reforms and the concomitant depletion of water and soil are nothing but the unavoidable side-effects of such policy.

The protesting farmers were first subjected to communal divisiveness. They were branded Khalistanis masquerading as protestors. They defeated this ignominious attempt. And currently they are fighting against their impending mass proletarianization  the inherent tendency of capitalism.

(The writer is a student at the Department of History, University of Cambridge.)

(Courtesy: The Statesman)
Updates:

Where can I get the Covid vaccine in NY? Search

See detailed list of who is now eligible for Covid vaccine in NY

NYS Fairgrounds among mass Covid vaccine sites opening in NY: Get list, opening dates

Albany, N.Y.  New York will make Covid-19 vaccines available to millions more people in the state starting Monday, including teachers, police, firefighters and those age 75 and up.

The move will open vaccinations to 3.2 million more New Yorkers. The new group also includes public safety workers, public transit workers and other education workers.

The new groups come on top of the 2.1 million health care workers and nursing home residents already able to get shots.

But for the foreseeable future, vaccines will remain tough to get. New York still receives only 300,000 doses of vaccine a week from the federal government, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today.

If that pace continues, it will take until April to vaccinate all of the New Yorkers who will be eligible starting Monday.

Everyone is going to say, I need more,  Cuomo said during a briefing. And theyre all going to be right. We are rationing a scarce commodity that we dont control.

The state is planning to launch a website Monday that eligible New Yorkers will be able to use to find a vaccine site. Cuomo didnt provide the web address today.

After finding a distribution site, those eligible for a vaccine can call for an appointment, which will be required. But if the vaccine supply doesnt increase, New Yorkers will end up waiting weeks or months for their shots, Cuomo said.

The supply is a major problem, he said. Well wind up having 3,000 distribution points in a couple of weeks. But none of them will have nearly enough vaccines.

The new distribution points, which will begin coming online next week, include doctors offices, federally qualified health centers, local health departments, ambulatory centers and pharmacies.

The state already has 1,200 pharmacies committed to the program and some health departments are already doing shots. Onondaga County has been vaccinating health care workers at the downtown Syracuse War Memorial since late December.

The state is encouraging large union groups that represent eligible workers to handle their own vaccinations if possible. The idea is to take pressure off the rest of the distribution network and allow it to focus on the 1.4 million New Yorkers who are 75 or older.

Those individuals make up the largest chunk of the newly eligible group.

The expansion of eligibility to more people follows criticism of Cuomos vaccine rules as too restrictive.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had a plan in place this week to start vaccinating city police, but Cuomo said no. The mayor criticized Cuomo harshly for the restrictions during a press conference today.

Cuomo said yesterday he preferred to focus on health care workers. He has said he fears staff shortages caused by workers contracting Covid-19 could leave hospitals unable to care for patients.

Overwhelming the states hospitals remains a threat, he added.

I am telling you, we are in a danger zone, he said. The infection rate is going up quickly.

But officials said Cuomos rules have left thousands of doses unused, according to the New York Post. The New York Times reported some doses have been thrown out because workers could find no eligible New Yorkers who could receive them.

Cuomo did not directly address the criticism today, but said hospitals getting vaccines must continue to prioritize giving them to health care workers. He also said pharmacies, doctors and others who will soon start providing the shots must vaccinate their own staffs first.

Local officials have no authority to prioritize any of the newly eligible groups over others, Cuomo said.

This is a crisis, he said. Everyone needs it. Were going to do it fairly.

He said the state will distribute doses based on population and the proportion of eligible groups found in each region. Providers giving vaccines must follow the rules or face fines and penalties.

Cuomo said he has been pushing the federal government to send more vaccine doses to the state. He said he agrees with a plan by President-elect Joe Biden to release all available doses now, rather than holding some in reserve for the second shots of people already vaccinated with a first dose.

Both vaccines available so far require two doses. Cuomo said hes hopeful the Food and Drug Administration will approve additional vaccines soon.

Until now, hospitals have been the main distribution points for vaccines. But some have been moving too slowly, Cuomo said.

Slow facilities wont get further shipments, he added, but theyll keep what they have on hand now. Cuomo had previously threatened to redistribute vaccines from slow facilities to faster ones.

He has also been threatening fines for hospitals that dont use their vaccines fast enough.

No Syracuse-area hospitals have been among the slowest in the state. Oswego Hospital and Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse are among the fastest, with both using 100% of their vaccine allotments as of yesterday.

A total of 479,000 New Yorkers have been vaccinated so far. Inoculations at all of the states nursing homes will be finished by the end of next week, Cuomo said.

But just 23% of the health care workers and nursing home residents eligible in the state have received shots. In Central New York, its over 18,000 people, about 24% of those eligible in the region.

Those numbers are very, very low. And theyre just nowhere near where we need them to be, Cuomo said. Were going to bring in a much larger distribution network to do this.

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources

Exclusive: 2 of every 3 people killed by Covid-19 in Onondaga County lived in nursing homes

2 Central NY hospitals used all of their Covid vaccines: Good progress, Cuomo says

Onondaga County on pace to vaccinate 10,000 a week. But will there be enough vaccine?

Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
A nationwide campaign has been launched to find 25 members of the public, broadly representative of the Irish population, who are willing to be part of a Citizens Jury on what should happen to a persons health information.

It comes in advance of the creation of a national electronic health record which would have a summary of each individuals medical information allowing doctors to access it regardless of what health setting the patient is attending instead of the current system where details are not automatically shared.

The new campaign from Irish Platform for Patients Organisations, Science & Industry aims to get the views of the public on what wider use this information should be put to, such as research.

The organisations chief executive Dr Derick Mitchell said the Citizens Jury is an opportunity to cross-examine the experts.

I think its fair to say that people generally acknowledge that health professionals need to be able to access our health information when it comes to delivery of our individual treatment and care. Nurses and doctors need to able to look up our charts to review our medical history before deciding on what investigations or treatments to undertake.

However, when it comes to use of that information for a wider purpose, such as informing developments in broader health service delivery or research, people want to know more about who will be looking at their information and why. There can be strongly-held views both for and against and its fair to say that, in this regard, the jury is still out.

With this Citizens Jury, we want to assemble a group of people reflective of the Irish population, who would hear a wide range of perspectives from experts and who would then have the opportunity to "cross-examine" them.

We want to know the jurys views on whether a balance can be struck between individual information needs and using that information more broadly when in the public interest. If so, how do we ensure transparency and trust in the system to safeguard its use?

Dr Jane Suiter, Associate Professor at Dublin City University, and member of the Citizens Jury oversight board, jury members will perform an important public service.

We have already seen with the Citizens Assembly put in place by Government how useful and worthwhile such gatherings can be in teasing through sometimes complex issues and reflecting the view of the wider public.

Similarly, with this Citizens Jury, we want a really broad section of members of the public to be able to tease out the pros and cons of accessing health information.

I would encourage everyone who would like to perform this important public service to make an application today.

The Citizens Jury will sit virtually during the month of April for a series of two-hour sessions and, in recognition of their commitment, members will receive a 400 gratuity for their participation.

The jurys work is being overseen by an oversight board comprising representatives of HIQA, Dublin City University, CareDoc, Rare Diseases Ireland, Health Research Charities Ireland, the Irish EUPATI National Platform, Trinity College Dublin and the Irish Universities Association.

To be a member of the Citizens Jury, applicants must be aged 18 years and above, and resident in Ireland. The successful applicants will be selected based on criteria that reflects a broadly representative cross-section of the Irish population.

For full information and to make application, visit www.ipposi.ie/citizensjury before the closing date of Sunday January 31, 2021.
The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
Tasmanian tiger pups found to be extraordinary similar to wolf pups

Micro-CT scanning and digital reconstructions have been used to compare the skulls of the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) and wolf across their early development and into adulthood, establishing that not only did the thylacine resemble the wolf as adults, but also as newborns and juveniles.

"Remarkably, the Tasmanian tiger pups were more similar to wolf pups than to other closely related marsupials," Professor Andrew Pask from the University of Melbourne said.

The collaborative study with Flinders University and Museums Victoria complement earlier findings that thylacine and wolf have evolved similar instructions in their genome, which influence cranial stem cells during development.

While scientists have worked out that different animals evolve to look the same because they occupy similar places in the ecosystem, they have yet to explain how animals evolve to become convergent, particularly the forces driving their early development. The study provides significant new insights into how animals develop to look a certain way and then when in development these things happen.

Through collaborations with Australian museums and the Museum of the North in Alaska, USA, the team loaned thylacine and wolf skulls of different ages, stages and sizes, from newborns through to fully grown adults. They then applied micro-CT scanning to the skulls to generate digital models which could be compared to determine when during development similarities arose between the thylacine and wolf.

After reconstructing the early pouch development of the thylacine, lead author Dr Axel Newton focused on the question of when during development the Tasmanian tiger establish its dog-like skull shape.

"We know that the thylacine and wolf look similar as adults, but we don't know when they started to exhibit their remarkable similarities during development," he said.

Micro-CT scanning is a technique similar to a medical CAT scan, allowing researchers to generate high-resolution, digital reconstructions of complex shapes such as skulls and bones. From here they were able to establish that not only did the Tasmanian tiger resemble the wolf as adults but were very similar as newborns and juveniles.

Dr Vera Weisbecker, from Flinders University, said all marsupials - including the thylacine - are born with unusually well-developed jaws relative to the rest of the head.

"Scientists think that this reduces the potential of marsupials to evolve some extreme skull shapes. However, it clearly did not prevent the evolution of the thylacine's unusual wolf-like skull!"

The University of Melbourne's Dr Christy Hipsley, who specialises in CT, said the research shows how 3D imaging can reveal hidden diversity in nature.

"By comparing entire growth series from newborns to adults, we were able to visualise tiny differences in development that pinpoint when and where in the skull adaptations to carnivory arise on a cellular level. That is only made possible through museum loans of preserved specimens, in this case from as far away as Alaska."

###

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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 newly appointed (AAP) co-in charge and Delhi MLA on Saturday accused Chief Minister Amarinder Singh of working as an "agent" of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Captain Amrinder Singh is working as an agent of BJP and trying to finish this agitation and trying to save his family from ED, In 2019 Captain Amrinder Singh gave his consent on these three laws and captain is asking time from President to withdraw these black laws, not his friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi," told reporters here.

"Captain is not left his fort to stand with the farmers, earlier he met with Amit Shah but he never met with president or farmers," he added.

This comes after Chief Minister on Friday had rejected the allegations by the opposition parties, saying that there was no question of deputing police officers to negotiate with farmers protesting at the Delhi border.

Amarinder Singh had said that the Punjab government has no role to play in the negotiations with farmers and refuted the charges being made by Akali Dal and AAP leaders.

"Anyone who believes that a couple of police officers can negotiate with the farmers or persuade the Kisan leaders to accept the Centre's suggestions on amendments to the farm laws is really naive," the Chief Minister remarked.

The eighth round of negotiations between the protesting farmer unions and the Centre held on Friday remained inconclusive, and the next round of meeting will be held on January 15.

Farmers have been protesting at different borders here since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws -- Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

(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.)
Members of Midlands newest diversity and inclusion group have already hit the ground running this year.

With multiple meetings already conducted in the first week of January, and a community video production underway, the group  known formally as the We Hear You Coalition  has wasted no time. And the coalition will soon share engagement opportunities with residents.

Weve made a lot of progress over the years, but then again, we still have more work to do, Coalition member and Midland City Councilwoman Diane Brown Wilhelm said.

The We Hear You Coalition formed last summer in the wake of Minneapolis, Minnesota resident George Floyds death and social unrest across the nation. Community leaders such as Brown Wilhelm, Mayor Maureen Donker, and Midland City Police Chief Nicole, among others, identified a need to holistically and proactively address social justice issues, such as racism, discrimination and police brutality.

The overall objective is to ensure that everyone in Midland feels included and can thrive.

We see everything thats happening at a national level, but we want to focus on whats happening here in our local area, Brown Wilhelm said.

The coalition is made of 14 community members and is community-driven, rather than city-driven. However, the group did receive formal support from both Midland City Council and Midland County Commissioners.

In reference to hitting the ground running already this year, Brown Wilhelm explained there is a sense of urgency, as acts of police brutality against Black people still frequently make national headlines. She referenced the killing of Andre Hill, an unarmed 47-year-old Black man who was shot by a white cop in late December in Ohio.

We need to act, she said. And not just sit back and let it fester or let it just die down because it seems like its just something happening all the time.

The group has already taken a look at quantitative, public data but to understand issues specific to Midland as it relates to equity, inclusion diversity and justice, they will need to engage residents. She said they plan to conduct interviews and listen to firsthand experiences.

Brown Wilhelm shared one upcoming challenge she knows the coalition will be addressing: the uneven recovery among Black homeowners from the economic downturn in 2008. She said they have the data that shows that, but the group will be addressing the why this year.

In the next couple weeks, residents can look forward to a video shared by the group as well as an online survey that will cover six focus areas in Midland County: police, business, government structure, healthcare, income and poverty, and housing.

To date, we reviewed drafts around economics, housing and healthcare  the rest is still ahead of us, Brown Wilhelm said. But we want to dig deeper to understand: alright whats happening in our local area?

She added: We can always make change, but are we making the right change?

The survey will be posted for about a month, after which the coalition members will analyze the results and then share them back with the community. There will eventually be an online dashboard where progress will be tracked, and key discoveries and information will be shared with the entire community.

Brown Wilhelm said she expects the dashboard with the groups first update to go live this spring.

In addition, business owners and other local groups can look forward to partnering with the coalition, as Brown Wilhelm explained they cant do it alone.

Were going to be reaching out to everybody that we believe will be able to help, she said.

RELATED:

 Vision 2020: Sanford's Porte: 'We're going to be under construction all year'

 Vision 2021: Midland health director discusses return to pre-pandemic life

 Vision 2021: Midland area superintendents ID challenges, opportunities in 2021

 Vision 2021: Midland Center for the Arts committed to providing safe entertainment

 Vision 2021: Midland business leader expects a strong year

National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has announced a new plan under which customers can postpone payments on all personal, commercial, SMEs and mortgage loans, including those under the Mazaya housing scheme, for a six-month period, starting from this month.

This comes in line with the directive received by the Central Bank of Bahrain, and as part of the NBBs pledge to support the community and national economy at all times, said the statement from the Bahraini bank.

The directed initiative is aimed at providing financial relief to customers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, while working towards supporting the local economy it added.

Subah Abdullatif Al Zayani, Chief Executive of Retail Banking, said: "NBB is always keen on providing the maximum support in relation to Bahrains initiatives towards its citizens and residents by providing the outmost comfort and convenience."

"Furthermore, in line with NBBs overall strategy of extending its support during the pandemic caused by Covid-19 and diluting the economic and social impact, we have created a seamless and transparent digital journey whereby customers are able to identify the additional interest and insurance charges for the preferred deferral period without the need to visit a branch," stated Al Zayani.

"In addition, as part of NBBs dedication towards our elderly citizens, we have increased the insurance coverage for personal loans to encompass eligible customers aged up to 74 years. We continue to provide solutions and create initiatives designed to support our Kingdom and our customers as part of our promise of being Closer to You," he said.

NBB customers will have the option of postponing installment payments on their Personal, Commercial, SME, and Mortgage loans, until June of this year, providing relief on standing loan instalments with an application of interest charges and insurance premium charges for the desired postponement period, as directed by the CBB, he added.

Arif Janahi, Head of Commercial & SMEs, said: "Our dedicated team of Relationship Managers is proactively contacting designated Commercial and SME accounts and requesting an official communication listing the desired facilities in need of deferrals."

"As part of our contribution to this national initiative for the benefit of all businesses within the Kingdom, our team aims to maintain a thorough and seamless customer experience to efficiently process all deferral requests upon receipt of the required letters from their clients," he stated.-TradeArabia News Service
Another reason behind the surge in Southern California has been its dense housing.

New York, a vertical city of skyscrapers and residential towers, builds up. Los Angeles sprawls horizontally, its acreage masking for many a squeezed-in quality of life. Many poor and middle-class families in Los Angeles pack into homes and apartments, with generations of the same family or members of different families living under the same roof. One infection spreads quickly through the entire household, members of whom are often low-wage essential workers who do not have the luxury of working from home.

Just because we dont have skyscrapers everywhere, we know that inside homes where one family is, theres two or three, the mayor, Mr. Garcetti, said, adding, Weve known that weve had this vulnerability with poverty, pre-existing conditions and density the entire time.

And the worst may still be ahead.

Health officials said they were only now in the past couple days seeing the first cases from the Christmas and New Years holiday season from those who became infected after traveling or attending small gatherings.

We anticipate that the numbers of hospitalizations and deaths will remain high throughout this month because of what occurred over the holidays, Dr. Paul Simon, the chief science officer of Los Angeles Countys public health agency, told reporters on Friday.

In some areas of Los Angeles, which with its 10 million county residents is more populous than most states, ambulances have been forced to wait for hours to offload patients. The surge of hospitalizations has caused problems for the oxygen delivery and supply system used by medical facilities. Governor Newsom said this week that experts from the state and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were helping improve oxygen supplies.
The judges examined the experts' testimonies submitted in support of a judicial review launched by Keira Bell (pictured)

The shocking evidence that convinced a High Court judge to effectively ban an NHS gender clinic from giving puberty-blocking drugs to children can be revealed for the first time today.

Until now a court order has prevented the testimony of eminent physicians being made public. But lawyers for The Mail on Sunday successfully argued there was a significant public interest in disclosing the material.

Among the devastating statements that can now be divulged is one from Professor Christopher Gillberg, an expert in child and adolescent psychiatry, who believes prescribing drugs to delay puberty  a first step in gender treatment  is a scandal and tantamount to conducting 'a live experiment' on vulnerable children.

'In my years as a physician, I cannot remember an issue of greater significance for the practice of medicine,' he said.

'We have left established evidence-based clinical practice and are using powerful life-altering medication for a vulnerable group of adolescents and children based upon a belief.'

In their statements, Prof Gillberg and other leading medical experts revealed:

Puberty-halting drugs can harm a patient's brain and bone development;

Clinics are urging gender-changing teen girls to choose sperm donors to fertilise eggs before freezing them;

Medics are failing to warn about the infertility risks posed by puberty blockers;

Children who regret treatment find themselves 'locked' into new bodies;

Internet sites persuade autistic children they are transgender when they simply have 'identity issues'.

The Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) clinic in London, also known as the Tavistock Centre, began prescribing puberty blockers to under-16s in 2011. There has been growing concern ever since about the irreversible, life-changing dangers.

Last month the clinic suspended referrals for hormone therapy after judges ruled it was 'very doubtful' youngsters could give informed consent.

The High Court also recommended that doctors should not prescribe the drugs to those aged 16 and 17 without seeking the consent of the courts. Anyone who continues to prescribe puberty blockers to under-16s without court authorisation now runs a higher risk of pursuit for clinical negligence.

The shocking evidence that convinced a High Court judge to effectively ban an NHS gender clinic from giving puberty-blocking drugs to children can be revealed for the first time today

Before reaching their decision  viewed as a victory for common sense by many parents  the judges examined the experts' testimonies submitted in support of a judicial review launched by Keira Bell, who was born female but began questioning her gender identity at 14 and began taking puberty blockers at 16 after referral to the Tavistock. Now 23, also had a double mastectomy, which she now regrets.

Prof Gillberg warned that the lack of clinical understanding of gender dysphoria  a mismatch between an individual's birth sex and the person they feel they are  is so acute that the profession is 'dealing with a live experiment on adolescents and children'.

The court papers said the Tavistock had seen a 60-fold increase in requests for its services in the past 15 years. Judges were told there had been a sharp rise in the number of girls aged 12 to 17 requesting help and they outnumbered biological males wanting to transition by two to one.

Experts cited the influence of the internet and social media sites that 'disproportionately pressure girls' struggling with their sense of identity and body image.

Medics warned there was a 'disproportionate number' of children across the world claiming trans identities who were in care, adopted, autistic, anorexic or had psychiatric or mental illnesses.

Haunting stories of those scarred by sex change treatment The court was given harrowing testimonies from dozens of young women who wrote of how their lives have been ruined by sex change treatments. Judges heard how over the past decade there had been a huge rise in the number of girls identifying as male, and that 70 per cent of adolescent referrals to the Tavistock clinic were female. Expert witness Stephanie Davies-Arai, founder of parent campaign group Transgender Trend, compiled the accounts from online posts. They came from young women across the world who refer to themselves as 'detransitioners'. Ms Davies-Arai blamed the worrying rise on social media, 'selfie culture' and society's increasing sexualisation of young women. She said this was leading girls to become obsessed with their body image and 'fear' becoming women. One woman who underwent sex change surgery, Lucy, said she felt 'mutilated' afterwards. She wrote: 'I'm horrified that when I went for the hysterectomy they didn't emphasise to me how important these organs are. Now it's too late. I'm 23 and I am basically in menopause and all the health implications that come with that. 'I can't comprehend how doctors could let this happen.' Another young woman told a news website that she was 'traumatised' by the sex change operation, saying: 'I had chest surgery. It was botched and I was left with terrible scarring.' A detransitioner called Lee said on an internet blog post she was given powerful drugs by a doctor with almost no assessment of her psychological or physical health. She said: 'I went to see a gender doctor privately in London. On the first appointment, he said, 'Let's not waste any more time', and injected me with testosterone. It was what I wanted but now I think it was wrong  what I really needed was psychotherapy.' Ms Davies-Arai said the Tavistock clinic was aware there were young women who were now regretting sex change treatments, but claimed it had not taken any action. Advertisement

Professor Stephen Levine, a clinical psychiatrist, repeatedly questioned whether teenagers were capable of understanding the enormity of the 'irreversible' process of changing sex.

He said demand had grown 'exponentially' in recent years, 'with little critical oversight'.

Prof Levine, an American expert in the field of gender treatment, said puberty suppression medicine  also used for infertility, prostate cancer and to 'chemically castrate' violent sex offenders  was 'experimental' and the injections had not been scientifically established as a 'safe and effective intervention in the short or long term'.

He said 'there was no other field of medicine where such radical interventions are offered to children with such a poor evidence base'. And warning of 'life-long consequences', he said the vast majority of females on puberty blockers for two years had lower bone density than their peers.

Prof Levine also said there were reports of impaired brain development and 'negative effects on IQ for gender-dysphoric children'.

Nearly 100 per cent of children treated with puberty blockers, he claimed, went on to take cross-sex hormones, which trigger 'irreversible changes' such as hair growth and a deepening voice in females and the growth of breasts in males.

Recent studies, he added, pointed to serious cardiovascular risks, including a four-fold increased risk of heart attacks in biological females and three times the risk of deep-vein blood clots in biological males. Prof Levine's submission said some fertility treatments on offer were 'highly experimental' while teenagers often did not want to go through invasive procedures such as egg freezing.

Keira Bell was born female but began questioning her gender identity at 14 and began taking puberty blockers at 16 after referral to the Tavistock. Now 23, also had a double mastectomy, which she now regrets

'Another complicating issue is the fact that freezing unfertilised eggs has a low rate of success,' he said. 'For this reason, certain practices are now asking minors to choose sperm donors to fertilise the eggs prior to freezing them.

'The ethics of asking a child to choose the genetic father for their future child (and creating and storing embryos) pose a host of highly problematic ethical issues.'

Prof Levine said the medical treatments were taking place in such a 'toxic and febrile context that critical and cautious voices are shouted down as transphobic, hateful and engaging in conversion therapy'.

'Such a climate has created an intimidating and hostile environment where silence and acquiescence are the inevitable consequence. It is left to those of us at the end of our careers, who have nothing to lose, to voice our concerns.'

Prof Levine, from Cleveland, Ohio, said modern approaches to dealing with gender confusion were based on a 'cultural fashion' rather than science. And there had been no 'controlled clinical trials'  the gold standard of scientific testing  for puberty blockers. 'Scientific requirements for establishing an intervention's utility are well known in medicine,' he said. 'Advances are undertaken through carefully controlled clinical trials. Why should gender problems be considered an exception?'

But the director of GIDS, Dr Polly Carmichael, insisted in her submission to the High Court that all the potential side effects and impacts were explained to young people by clinicians before referring them for puberty blockers.

Dr Carmichael said the primary purpose of puberty blockers was to give the young person time 'to think about their gender identity'.

But Prof Levine disputed this. So too did Professor Sophie Scott, of University College London, who stated in her evidence to the court that puberty blockers were likely to have a harmful impact on 'brain maturation'.

Prof Scott added: 'I am concerned that the current treatment regime practised by the Tavistock is exposing young people to significant risk of harm.'

Prof Gillberg also criticised the practice of giving puberty blockers to the many autistic youngsters who are now presenting as transgender.

He said it was common for autistic young people to have both general and gender-related identity problems. And until recently the 'vast majority' of these patients learnt to deal with these issues following psychotherapy sessions. However, autistic youngsters are now being wrongly convinced they have gender dysphoria from information fed to them online.

Many looking for solutions were turning to the internet, where there was a 'ready supply of answers' leading them to believe their problems related to gender, Prof Gillberg said.

University College London Hospital and Leeds Teaching Hospital, which both administer drugs for GIDS, are planning to apply to the Family Courts to allow parents to give consent to a child under 16 receiving puberty suppressants. If successful, doctors would not need a judge's permission.

Conservative peer Baroness Nicholson, a former director of Save The Children, said: 'Puberty blockers are... a harrowing, physical destructive experiment on immature boys and girls. It closes normal development in favour of a painful life and a curtailed barren future  the NHS should never have allowed such unresearched use of public money on irremediable surgery on healthy bodies.'

The Tavistock said: 'We have sought permission to appeal the recent judgment, and so won't comment on the ongoing proceedings.'
Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Aditya Nath Das wrote to the State Election Commissioner (SEC) Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar, that the halted rural local body elections could be resumed once the total vaccination programme along with coronavirus management is allowed to proceed unhindered on Friday.

"Once this disaster is tackled with vaccination, state would agree to any schedule of resumption of the halted local election process. In view of the wellbeing of the people of Andhra Pradesh, the SEC may consider the request of state government," wrote Das.

He highlighted that most functionaries of the state government would be engaged in the massive vaccination operation, being undertaken by the Ministry of Health, Government of India.

Das reiterated that the state government has utmost regard for the democratic process, allegedly halted by the State Election Commission in view of Covid, which it would like to complete in a proper, free and fair manner.

The senior most AP Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer presented the government's difficulty in holding the elections in view of the invocation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Act by the Union Government.

"Subsequent to the above invocation of the disaster act, Covid management is being undertaken with the guidance of Union Government," he added.

Biden plans to go all out with vaccines Joe Biden is planning to release nearly all the vaccine supplies available to make up for the dire shortages America is facing, once he assumes office. There is a growing debate around the world, as nations rollout vaccines, whether it is right to delay the second doses for those who already got the first one, to maximise on the limited supplies and give them to as many as possible.

The Trump administration had till now followed the strategy of holding back shots to administer second doses. Read more Let's look at the global ...
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has today defended his plans for the mass rollout of rapid Covid-19 testing for people who cannot work at home during the lockdown, after the pilot faced efficacy issues.

Asked if the lateral flow rapid turnaround tests being deployed across England were the same as those used in a Liverpool pilot scheme Mr Hancock told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: 'They're the same lateral flow tests that worked effectively in Liverpool.

'The science is really clear, if you have a test and we find more people who have got the disease we're able to break these chains of transmission.

'The good news about these tests is that they're really easy to administer and you get the result back more or less immediately.'

Andrew Marr challenged Mr Hancock over the efficacy of the test, citing an evaluation which said the mass community testing pilot failed to detect 60 per cent of known positive coronavirus cases in Liverpool.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock today announces plans for the mass rollout of rapid Covid-19 testing for people who cannot work at home during the lockdown

But Mr Hancock said: 'That's not the assessment.

'What happened in Liverpool with this mass asymptomatic testing was we saw the case rate in Liverpool fall more sharply than it did in other similar areas where only the restrictions were brought in.

'You've got to get the testing as targeted as possible and it can only ever be one tool in the armoury.'

The lateral flow swab tests, which produce results in around 20 minutes, were found to only be half as accurate as proper lab tests in the November pilot in Liverpool.

In a report of the trial last month Department of Health officials tried to claim success, writing: 'These tests still perform effectively and detect at least 50 per cent of all PCR positive individuals.'

But independent testing experts raged at the findings of the report, saying the tests are 'not fit for purpose' and could put lives at risk by falsely reassuring people that they don't have Covid.

Speaking last month Professor Jon Deeks, a statistician at the University of Birmingham, said it was 'absolutely urgent that [the Department of Health] halts implementation' of the lateral flow tests.

Dr Duncan Robertson, a Covid-19 analyst at Loughborough University, called it a 'big problem' and said the use of the tests would 'put vulnerable people at risk'.

Mr Hancock says that using the tests across England promises to bring down the R number  the rate at which the virus reproduces  by up to 0.6, 'helping break chains of transmission and save lives'.

In an article for The Mail on Sunday, Mr Hancock said that while the vaccines represent the 'cavalry' in the battle, the ratcheting up of testing was an 'important weapon in our fight against the virus'.

More than two million new 'lateral flow' tests, produced by the British company SureScreen Diagnostics, will be made available to all parts of England from this week - with Mr Hancock set to announce the aim of testing essential workers [who can't work from home] twice a week, reports The Telegraph.

The aim of the new tests, which give results within 30 minutes, is to catch the 'silent spreaders'  the estimated one in three people who do not have any symptoms when they have the virus and so are unaware that they are infectious.

Barely one in three of the 317 English local authorities offers testing in the community for people who do not display symptoms. Testing is mainly directed at critical workers such as NHS staff.

More than two million new 'lateral flow' tests, produced by the British company SureScreen Diagnostics, will be made available to all parts of England from this week

Under the new plan, the test will be offered to all local authorities in England, and they will urged to make it available for anyone who has to leave home to work.

The Government is also working closely with the Welsh and Scottish administrations to make the tests available.

The Army is expected to assist with the beefed-up programme, as it is already with vaccinations.

In his article for The Mail On Sunday Mr Hancock says: 'We must use this lockdown to stop cases from rising by finding as many of those who have the disease, and insisting on total isolation.

'And we will be targeting this testing programme at those who cannot work from home and who have to leave home during lockdown, providing them with another layer of protection and helping us to drive down the spread of the virus'.

The Health Secretary, who took one of the tests in his office on Friday  and was found to be Covid negative  adds: 'If we do this, then we know that 2021 will be a year of recovery, and a year when this nation gets back on its feet once more'.

The test is claimed to be 98 per cent accurate in determining if a person is infected with coronavirus, costs 6 and can be used in 10 minutes

Capillary blood on a finger tip during a demonstration at SureScreen Diagnostics, based in Derby

The prospect of regular mass testing has led to fears among civil liberties campaigners that people could be prevented by the authorities from undertaking essential journeys unless they can produce documentation proving that they have tested negative  or that they have a so-called 'immunity passport' in the form of either a vaccination certificate or proof of antibodies from a Covid infection, which protect against the disease.

However, a Department of Health source said that there were no plans to use the testing plan for this purpose.

The source said: 'We want local authorities to be targeting the testing at people unable to work from home during lockdown. They can request military support if they feel they need it.'

SureScreen, based in Derby, says it will deliver two million lateral flow tests by Friday, but believes that it could deliver more than ten times this number over the next few months.

Baroness Dido Harding, the interim executive chairman of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: 'Lateral flow tests are playing an ever-increasing role in our testing programme as we continue to expand testing to find positive cases amongst those without symptoms.

'Having a British manufacturer provides greater certainty that we will be able to continue to grow our supply.'

MATT HANCOCK: Quick, easy and a vital tool to help us get back to normal

By Health Secretary Matt Hancock for the Mail on Sunday

We begin 2021 knowing that vaccines are our way out of this pandemic. Human ingenuity and phenomenal scientific advances make it a case of when, not if, we will return to normal life, writes Matt Hancock (pictured)

We begin 2021 knowing that vaccines are our way out of this pandemic. Human ingenuity and phenomenal scientific advances make it a case of when, not if, we will return to normal life.

The cavalry is here, thanks to our vaccination programme. Across the UK we have already protected more people through vaccinations than any other European country.

While we accelerate the vaccination programme, we must keep this virus under control. This has been made all the harder by the new variant, which spreads from person to person so much more easily.

So alongside the pivotal work on vaccine rollout, we must not lose focus on our system of testing, which we know is another important weapon in our fight against this virus.

We know that by isolating positive cases, testing can bring down the R number by between 0.3 and 0.6  helping break chains of transmission and save lives.

Since last autumn, we have been regularly testing our colleagues in health and social care and those working in critical infrastructure, to give them peace of mind and to keep them and their colleagues safe. Working with councils we have built community testing in the areas where prevalence is highest to help find more cases sooner, and we now have more than 400 sites in community centres, village halls and places of worship.

This targeted approach has yielded results, picking up more cases on average than the national average and allowing us to bear down hard on the virus in a local area. Today I am able to announce that testing for those without symptoms will be available everywhere in England, and we are working closely with devolved administrations, so every corner of the UK can benefit from this life-saving work.

Testing matters because it helps us all find who has the disease, and so breaks the chains of transmission. This expansion comes at a critical time. We recently had to introduce difficult but vital restrictions to deal with a highly transmissible new variant of coronavirus. It is vital that everyone stays at home, unless they have a reason why they can't.

But, of course, many key workers cannot work from home. People who keep vital services going are not able to. So even in lockdown, testing matters. We must use this lockdown to stop cases from rising by finding as many of those who have the disease, and insisting on total isolation. And we will be targeting this testing programme at those who cannot work from home and who have to leave home during lockdown, providing them with another layer of protection and helping us to drive down the spread of the virus.

Many large employers are playing their part in this national effort too, like John Lewis and Tata Steel, which are already doing regular workforce testing, alongside the NHS and social care.

I want to see more of this rapid testing available to employers whose staff can't work from home. I've asked NHS Test and Trace to work closely with other Government departments, employers and local authorities to make this happen.

This critical national infrastructure for testing will be so important as we ease restrictions, so we can use the confidence provided by accurate testing to find the virus, limit its spread and help us return to normal life.

One of the greatest breakthroughs in our testing programme was the use of lateral flow devices, which can pick up infectious cases and turn around rapid results.

So far, most of these tests have been shipped in from abroad, but we now have signed a contract with SureScreen Diagnostics, based in Derby, to deliver the first approved lateral flow tests made right here in Britain. The tests are easy to take and give a result in under 30 minutes. I took one on Friday, and thankfully I was negative.

Two million of these rapid tests have already been manufactured, and will be used from this week.

This is great news for our country, not only because it allows us to test more people, it also allows us to boost British industry and further enhance our world-leading life sciences sector. While we deliver our vital programmes for testing and vaccines, using the best of human ingenuity to keep us safe for the long-term, we must all play our part and follow the rules that we know can get this new variant of the virus under control.

If we do this, then we know that 2021 will be a year of recovery, and a year when this nation gets back on its feet once more.

BART plans to use nearly

$2 million budgeted to fill six vacant police officer positions to hire social work-trained civilians to respond to homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction that plague the train system.

The plan introduced Friday adds a supervisor and 20 crisis intervention specialists to connect people in need with services  twice as many as were approved by the board last year  to the agencys new bureau of progressive policing. It will also redeploy 10 existing sworn officers, two sergeants and two community service officers to the bureau. The plan is to pair a civilian with an officer who can stand by in case law enforcement is needed.

The plan, which will be presented to the board Thursday and doesnt require a vote to move forward, follows national upheaval over policing and internal discussion over the past seven months about how BART should deal with social problems.

This bureau of progressive policing is super important in this time in our law enforcement history, said Deputy Police Chief Angela Averiett, who is running the new bureau. It really complements our officers to support them in the work that theyve been doing. I have heard from a lot of people that homelessness never should have fallen on the shoulders of police officers, and I happen to agree with that. Its a societal issue, but the reality is we are the ones dealing with it.

BART police data showed that the highest number of calls for service in 2020  39%  were for well-being or medical assistance. Averiett said although officers can and do respond well to these calls, they detract from other emergencies.

The push to hire social workers in the Police Department, while supported by a majority of board directors, has ignited debate among some of BARTs leaders and law enforcement. Current and former police officers, their union president Keith Garcia and director Debora Allen, often a dissenting voice, argued officers are trained and equipped to respond to safety and social issues  and will still be called when things turn violent or criminal.

The new plan was the result of engagement with the Police Department, union leadership, frontline workers, outside advisers and riders, the presentation to the board says. Survey results show 35% of these groups wanted only a civilian response to the issues of homelessness, mental illness and drug use, 27% only police and 17% a combination.

The debate is how the agency will pay for the plan. The total labor budget for the new bureaus 45 positions is $8.1 million, with an additional $400,000 in ongoing training expenses and $560,000 to buy equipment.

The bulk of the money  $6.2 million  comes from existing and reclassified positions.

To fill new positions, money will come from leaving other roles vacant  including $1.9 million originally budgeted for six officers. Another $1.9 million will come out of money budgeted for COVID-19-related expenses in this years budget.

BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost said the new bureau doesnt take money budgeted for other departments. BART faces a $33 million deficit after the pandemic robbed the agency of a majority of riders.

Critics of the plan questioned why the agency was hiring during a fiscal crisis and cutting officer positions when the department was already understaffed. Before rebudgeting six positions for crisis intervention specialists, the department was looking to hire 21 sworn officers. Now it plans to hire 15.

Those opposed to the new plan said that with enough staffing, officers can ably respond to social calls and connect people with services, pointing to examples such as Senior Officer Eric Hofstein, who said he spends a majority of his time helping the homeless, mentally ill and drug addicts he meets in the train system.

The new proposal by the BART Board of having social workers follow officers around is not a viable solution, logistically or financially, Allen said in a statement. Unfortunately, the BART Police Department has been understaffed and underfunded for decades, often times leaving officers without the time and resources to regularly do this type of work. BART simply needs to adequately fund the police department with more officers and dedicate more officers like Hofstein to the work of helping those in crisis in the BART system.

Violent crime on BART has more than doubled over the past five years, and crime in general, while dropping under shelter-in-place rules, has not fallen as much as ridership. Board Vice President Rebecca Saltzman said that with trains running during reduced hours because of the pandemic, more officers are patrolling BART. Crime remains a problem, though, and adding more officers wouldnt necessarily solve it, she said. She agreed officers such as Hofstein have done some amazing work, but said more help is needed.

Other critics doubted whether creating more social service connections would be successful. Garcia, the president of the BART Police Officers Association, said the train system doesnt run homeless shelters or have treatment centers. Partnering with city and county agencies for those services has been ineffective, he said.

Is this going to be the end-all, be-all that cleans up the system? No. Hardening the system, keeping people from coming in, that will do it, he said. This is something that is a feel-good thing and hopefully we can do some good with it, but it wont solve our problems.

Saltzman pointed to existing partnerships such as a homeless outreach team at the end of the line in Contra Costa County that she said has helped people, although she added there have not been enough success stories because of BART capacity. She wants riders to feel safer on BART and for people in crisis to get assistance.

Theyre members of our Bay Area community who clearly need help and BART wants to be a part of that, she said.

Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench
Johnson was not among the suspects identified by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday as having been already charged in federal court for their alleged roles in the riot. Complaints had already been filed against others, but remained under seal.
TROY - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute biology Professor Chunyu Wang has been awarded a $233,776 federal grant to study how genetic mutations cause Alzheimer's disease.

The grant was issued through the National Institute on Aging, part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

This research will help us better understand and address the mechanisms behind the accumulation of amyloid in the brain, which is a key pathology in Alzheimers disease, Wang said. We are extremely appreciative of the federal support we have received for this important investigation.

Amyloid is a protein found deposited on the organs and in tissues of Alheimer's patients.

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, the Amsterdam Democrat who represents much of the Capital Region, was the first to reveal the grant award. Tonko has long supported federal Alzheimer's research.

Alzheimers has a truly devastating impact on millions of families and individuals living with this disease, Tonko said. Thankfully, there are brilliant and dedicated scientists and researchers in our own Capital Region working right now to discover new treatments and find a cure. We must make strong federal investments to support their vital research."
New Delhi: Amid rising concerns of bird flu cases, at least 24 crows have been found dead at a park in South Delhi's Jasola area in the past three days. While a total of 10 ducks were found dead at the famous Sanjay Lake and in Central Park at Mayur Vihar Phase 3 as many as seven crows were found dead.

Earlier on Friday too some dead crows were discovered in the same park in Mayur Vihar after which officials of the Animal husbandry department collected the sampkes and have sent them to the lab in Bhopal.

Meanwhile, on the death of the ducks, the forest department of the Delhi government was informed and samples of the ducks have been taken and sent to the labs to ascertain if they died from the bird flu.

"We are monitoring the situation very closely as DDA owns a large number of public parks many of which have water bodies," an official told PTI.

While DDA, which owns a large number of parks in the city, said authorities are monitoring the situation.

Taking cognisance of the situation, Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia instructed officials on Friday to maintain a strict vigil on birds at major bird sites, especially poultry markets, water bodies, zoos and other potential hotspots.

Notably, several poultry, crows, migratory bird deaths has been reported in as many as five states. On Thursday, nearly 400 birds were found dead in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat while 150 crows were found dead in Jammu's Udhampur district. Though, their cause of death is yet to be ascertained.

While other states are stepping up vigil to monitor bird movements and unusual deaths in forest areas.

(With agency inputs)
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
Mr. Biden and his aides have not yet finished the proposal or settled on its full amount. Forecasters expect further job losses this month, a casualty of the renewed surge of the coronavirus pandemic and state and local officials impositions of lockdowns and other restrictions on economic activity meant to slow the spread.

The price tag will be high, Mr. Biden told reporters in Wilmington, Del.

It is necessary to spend the money now, he said, apparently referring to his entire batch of economic plans, including both immediate aid and a larger bill that includes infrastructure spending. The answer is yes, it will be in the trillions of dollars.

The Biden team is also preparing a wave of economic actions that will not require congressional approval. Mr. Bidens aides said on Friday that the president-elect would direct the Education Department to extend a pause on student loan payments that was initially issued under Mr. Trump. Mr. Biden called on Congress on Friday to take prompt action to raise the federal minimum wage to at least $15 an hour.

He also pledged to ramp up efforts to slow the spread of the virus, which is now claiming 4,000 lives each day  more than those who perished during the Battle of Antietam during the Civil War, the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 or the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Mr. Bidens team said the president-elect would immediately provide more vaccines to states when he takes office, breaking sharply from Mr. Trumps practice of holding back some shots for second doses.

People are really, really, really in desperate shape, Mr. Biden said.

While he said the question of impeaching Mr. Trump was up to Congress, he assailed the president once again for his conduct in office even as he sought to position himself as focused on the issues of greatest immediate concern to voters: their health and economic security.
Note to readers: Soch to Success is a weekly column to enhance critical thinking skills for you to achieve success. Each article is packed with insights, tools, and a roadmap to action.

Have you ever been woken up by a burglar? I have been, just recently. In the last week of December, I was away with family and friends for our winter break. We were sharing a holiday home, nestled in a residential colony and secured by a high-rise compound wall with only one main entrance to the house. It must have been around 7.45 am, I heard someone push open the door with force. I had secured the door with a latch the night before but it must have been easy for the barrel to slip when brute force was applied. The first thought that crossed my mind was of my daughter who was in the other room and I jumped to check that door when I saw a man walking up the stairs. The holiday home has a couple of rooms on the ground floor and a lovely, wooden staircase going up to the rooms on the first floor. The man paused, turned around and gave me a stare and I thought how rude this housekeeping guy was.

Almost an hour later, it dawned on us that the man was a thief, had walked up to the bedroom on the first floor and taken out laptops from one room and then stepped into the other room to pick up some more gadgets and a laptop bag.

In one of the rooms, one person was sleeping and another was in the washroom. In the second room, two people were sleeping when their devices were swept off. Work and school from home means we travel with our computer devices. That man had a big haul of gadgets in a matter of a few minutes. The irony is, he not only saw me briefly, but he also met another guest on the first floor who asked him for a housekeeping errand as she walked out of the house for her morning stroll.

CCTV cameras on the property recorded him walking in through the main gate, getting inside the building and coming out with a water jug following the guest only to go back in. He again stepped out but empty-handed, maybe to check on the guests whereabouts and then went back in. When he came out of the house the final time, he was carrying a bag full of gadgets and walked out of the main gate to disappear into a narrow lane. There was no vehicle waiting for him. He had come empty-handed and walked out with a backpack full of electronic devices.

My memory said he wore a white shirt, which the CCTV confirmed. The other guests remembered his red trainers, again confirmed through CCTV footage. He wore a mask, as is expected during these times.

I am not narrating this story to bring to your attention that uncertainties are an everyday phenomenon and that uncertainties come in various forms. I am also not going to talk about how we dealt or how one should deal with such events.

Every time I think about the incident, it reminds me of this mans courage. The courage to walk in broad daylight, the courage to continue on his mission after meeting two adults on the way but courage doesn't come alone. We don't know how he would have reacted if the person would have come out from the washroom while he was packing gadgets in the bag. Courage doesn't mean the absence of fear.

In the first week of 2021, I am bringing your attention to a leadership skill that Nelson Mandela spoke about in 1994. He said, I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

Time magazines former managing editor Richard Stengel outlined Mandelas eight leadership lessons, starting with, Courage is not the absence of fearits inspiring others to move beyond it. Stengel wrote: In 1994, during the presidential election campaign, Mandela got on a tiny propeller plane to fly down to the killing fields of Natal and give a speech to his Zulu supporters. I agreed to meet him at the airport, where we would continue our work after his speech. When the plane was 20 minutes from landing, one of its engines failed. Some on the plane began to panic. The only thing that calmed them was looking at Mandela, who quietly read his newspaper as if he were a commuter on his morning train to the office. The airport prepared for an emergency landing, and the pilot managed to land the plane safely. When Mandela and I got in the backseat of his bulletproof BMW that would take us to the rally, he turned to me and said, "Man, I was terrified up there!"

Mandela was often afraid during his time underground, during the Rivonia trial that led to his imprisonment, during his time on Robben Island. "Of course I was afraid!" he would tell me later. It would have been irrational, he suggested, not to be. "I can't pretend that I'm brave and that I can beat the whole world." But as a leader, you cannot let people know. "You must put up a front."

And that's precisely what he learned to do: pretend and, through the act of appearing fearless, inspire others. It was a pantomime Mandela perfected on Robben Island, where there was much to fear. Prisoners who were with him said watching Mandela walk across the courtyard, upright and proud, was enough to keep them going for days. He knew that he was a model for others, and that gave him the strength to triumph over his own fear.

Often, during business decisions, leaders crumble not because they do not have the courage to take the decision but because they get crippled by the prospect of failure.

New project decisions, a new product design, a new market exploration, a new important hire there are many decisions that a business leader has to make during their tenure. Most decisions require logical thinking and are supported by data but there are some decisions, decisions that have a consequential impact, that require courage to move forward. Sometimes it is not the data, it is the fear of failure that holds the decision from becoming a reality.

Like intuition, fear is also an integral part of thinking like we face the fear of failure, fear of being judged as indecisive, etc. Fear is like a package offer with courage, buy courage, get fear free! Sometimes it is in insignificant form but sometimes it takes a larger space. This fear takes the path to safe decisions instead of bold, courageous decisions. In business decisions, multiple paths vary in degree of boldness and outcome. Some bold decisions have bigger chances of failure. Safe decisions are decisions that do not deliver spectacular outcomes but these also are not the reason for any failure or may fail only with limited damage. Leaders take safe decisions, well, to remain safe. That is why we see less change in culture, lesser innovations because staying in safe territory requires less or no courage.

Courage overshadowed by fear for any leader becomes visible to the team. Mandela was conscious as a leader that his expression of fear will have an impact on his followers.

It is an important leadership lesson that while courage is an individuals experience, it is being watched. So is fear.

As a leader, it is important to remember the following:

a) Courage is not the absence of fear.

b) Bold decisions have chances of getting overshadowed by fear. If the decision-maker is conscious of fear, he can address it logically and not let fear overshadow bold decisions.

c) Leaders are watched by team members. At times, it is imperative to display courage and keep fear under wraps.

If the man in the holiday home would have displayed any fear, maybe, one of us would have sensed misdeed. It is ironic that a burglar, in the bright morning light, in a house full of people, brought our attention to the fact  courage is not the absence of fear. He enacted it. It takes negative circumstances to teach us lessons, it takes a pandemic to teach us many values, it takes a thief to remind us that courage and fear co-exist and managing the balance between courage and fear is the key to our success.

(Vishakha Singh, author of a forward-thinking course SHIFT, is a business strategist & a design thinking practitioner. She writes at www.habitsforthinking.in , offering insights into the ever-changing business environment.)
CASS COUNTY, MI -- A person riding a scooter was injured after being struck by a pickup on U.S. 12, police said.

The scooter was not motorized, Cass County sheriffs deputies said.

Police responded to the crash about 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8 on U.S. 12 near the M-60 off-ramp in Milton Township.

Deputies said the scooter was struck by a passing pickup. The pickup driver called 911.

The scooter rider was taken to Niles Lakeland hospital for treatment. Police did not offer details on the severity of the injuries.

More from MLive

Kalamazoo man dies in single-vehicle crash

Gonzos Top 10 Michigan beers of 2020
But Wednesday was the first time that someone had managed to bring the flag into the building as an act of insurrection, according to historians.

The man carrying the flag faced less stringent security than that encountered by the Confederate soldiers who failed to penetrate Union forts guarding the Capitol during the Battle of Fort Stevens on July 11 and 12, 1864, said William Blair, professor emeritus of history at Penn State and the former director of the George and Ann Richards Civil War Era Center at the university.

The Confederate flag made it deeper into Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, than it did during the Civil War, he said.

The sight, Professor Blair said, was jarring and disheartening.

There is so much confusion about people who fly that flag, he said. But even if they try to divorce slavery from it  which you cant  how do you justify waving the flag of a confederacy that tried to tear the country apart, then call yourself a patriot?

Representative Colin Allred, a Black Democrat from Texas, said his wife had been texting him while he was on the House floor to see if he was safe and had sent him an image of the man with the flag.

The photo was confirmation, he said, that those who had stormed the Capitol were tied deeply to white supremacism.

That is something that will stay with me, Mr. Allred said. They set up a noose and scaffolding on the Capitol Hill. This event has to be a wake-up call.
Delta Airlines joined the ranks of Alaska and American Airlines in no longer accepting emotional support animals (dogs, cats, etc.) and requiring trained service dogs proper and official documentation when boarding their planes.

Delta will no longer take new bookings for an emotional support animal, although those who have booked before the announcement will be permitted to fly.

The new company policy defines 'trained animals' as dogs "regardless of the breed" who have been specifically trained to assist a person with a disability under legal documentation.

After the implementation, any passenger traveling with a service dog will have to go to the Department of Transportation and get documented through the Airline's website. The authorities should attest that the dog is healthy, has undergone proper training, has good behavior, and that it would be able to relieve itself properly (or not at all) during the flight's entire duration without having to raise sanitary concerns. All the necessary paperwork should be filed and complied with at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight. Failure to do so would lead to unnecessary altercations.

"If travel is booked less than 48 hours before departure, a customer may present the documentation at the ticket counter or the departure gate," the release said.

Service dogs with proper papers and credentials will still be admitted for free. However, animals who did not get the necessary certificates and passes may still fly in the cargo hold or in a carrier that can be fitted under the passenger's seat given that they meet the company's necessary requirements. But, this now comes with a fee, $125.

Alaska and American Airlines will be implementing the same policies on the same day as Delta.

The mentioned companies made this ban under the legislation of the revised Air Carrier Access Act. In the act, emotional support animals are no longer classified in the same category as service animals. Both classifications can still fly with passengers on commercial airline under the federal law, only under specific company implemented conditions.

ALSO READ: Dogs' Secret Tool to Save Wildlife

Emotional Support vs Service Animals

The emotional support and service classifications are labels put on animals to determine their specific purposes. This does not imply intent to undermine any sentimental values to the animals. Still, instead, the authorities want to classify the animals based on their usefulness and credentials.

There are not many differences in treating ESAs (Emotional Support Animals) and Service Animals that is because any animal, with enough compassion, can be considered a support companion.

ESAs are any animal that can provide emotional support and help alleviate the symptoms and/or effects of a disorder.

But, as defined by the ADA (American with Disabilities Act), service animals are any dog that is trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or mental disability.

Both animals are allowed by the Air Carrier Access Act to fly with their owners on an aircraft but, on most airlines, only service animals are allowed to be with their owners while ESAs are usually in the cargo holds or under the passenger's seat.

RELATED ARTICLE: Missing Pitbull Accidentally Gets Euthanized Over Human Error

For more updates about the latest animal news, don't forget to follow Nature World News
Schuylkill County Senior Community Centers will remain closed through January.

The centers, in Mahanoy City, Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah and Tremont, closed in December following state COVID-19 guidelines.

They planned to reopen Monday, when the restrictions expired, but Coordinator Debbie Herb said they decided to stay closed through the end of the month.

Its for the health and safety of our seniors, Herb said. We definitely want our doors open to serve their needs and so they can have conversation with their friends. Were hoping that in February that can happen.

After the holidays, Herb said they would not know if people had been traveling or seeing family members.

Herb said the centers continue to provide meals and have volunteers make outreach calls twice per week to check in with seniors.

We do know how important it is to feed them, emotionally and mentally as well, Herb said. If they do have any needs, or we perhaps sense a different voice or different attitude, we can always call the Office of Senior Services and let them know whats going on, make a referral and someone would go out and check on them.

Along with meals, Herb said they send puzzles, Fish Wrapper issues and nutritional information.

We want to keep everyones brain active, to keep them away from the TV so theyre not constantly hearing bad news, Herb said.

Herb said the centers provide a place for seniors to socialize and stay active, so loneliness has been a challenge to many.

Giving them a place to go, to sit and read the newspaper and have a cup of coffee, put a puzzle together, play cards, keep their brain active, thats the challenge, Herb said. Nobody ever dreamed this would happen and last this long.

When the centers were open, Herb said they followed social distancing guidelines, and everyone kept their masks on all the time, which was difficult.

While some had decided not to come back to the centers since the beginning of the pandemic, Herb said many were excited to be back when they reopened in the summer.

The days the doors opened were so full of joy to see everyone, Herb said. I know they miss the centers, but I also know that we miss them. Theyve become part of our family.

Herb said they hope to reopen in February, but they are waiting to see if the case numbers go down.

As much as we want the doors to be open, we also know we need to keep our seniors safe, and thats our goal, Herb said.

On Thursday, the state Department of Aging announced it is awarding $2 million in grants to Area Agency on Aging-affiliated Senior Community Centers, or SCCs. Each agency will receive nearly $5,000 for each eligible SCC.

SCCs will have until June 30, 2022, to spend the money on needs such as COVID-19 mitigation, capital improvements and renovations, programs and services, technology, nutrition services, marketing and outreach, and rent and utilities.

The Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services will disburse the funding to the countys five SCCs, according to Jack Eilber, deputy communications director of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speed-up the delivery of initial doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. Bolsonaro, in a letter to PM Modi, requested to look into the speedy delivery of 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Brazil without jeopardizing the Indian vaccination programme. This comes amid pressure on the Brazilian government to roll-out COVID-19 vaccines in the country as new cases and deaths continue to mount.

Read: Brazilian Women March To Argentina In A Bid To Overturn Abortion Ban

'Negotiations at advanced stage'

On December 31, an application for the import of two million doses from India by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) was approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which is Brazil's primary medicines regulatory body. Brazil's Health and Foreign Ministries had earlier said that negotiations between Fiocruz and the Serum Institute of India (SII) for importing the AstraZeneca-Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine are at an advanced stage, with a probable delivery date in mid-January. However, when reports emerged that active ingredients needed to finish millions of doses, vaccine in Brazil may not arrive until the end of the month.

Read: Brazil's Manaus City Declares State Of Emergency Amid Rise In COVID-19 Cases

Pressure started mounting on the Brazilian government, who later informed that finished doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine from India will reach the country by mid-January. Fiocruz had applied for emergency use authorisation for the doses arriving from India, so the government could start the vaccination process as soon as it reaches the country. Brazil is one of the most affected countries by the COVID-19 pandemic with over 8 million confirmed cases and more than 2,00,000 deaths. Brazil recorded more than 52,000 new cases on January 8, while 962 people died in the last 24 hours.

Read: Brazil Scrambles To Approve Virus Vaccine As Pressure Mounts

Read: Brazil's Pandemic Deaths Top 200,000 Amid A Return To Fun
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were stepping down as senior royals about a year ago.

It was a move that changed the royal family.

An insider detailed to People magazine how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex "took a huge leap of faith to embark on their new life," something The Firm has never seen before.

Despite publicly saying in a statement that she has accepted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision, saying that she was "entirely supportive," Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly upset with how the situation was handled.

But Thomas Woodcock, the Garter Principal of Arms, believed that the couple's move was "unsatisfactory."

He said, "I don't think it's satisfactory. One cannot be two things at once."

"It is such unusual times that it is a matter of waiting and seeing how things develop."

The adviser's comments came after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wanted to use "Sussex Royal" as part of their branding after leaving the royal family.

Woodcock's role in Buckingham Palace is to ensure that no British monarchy symbols will not be used commercially.

He even reportedly told the Sussexes', "You're either royal, or you're not."

With his intervention at the beginning of January 2020, a royal source claimed that for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to have a graceful exit, they would have to agree to the monarchy's specific rules and regulations.

The source revealed, "It was made abundantly clear to Harry, agree to this, and then you can go."

"By his own admission, it was not under the terms he wanted, but he had no other option."

But because Archie's parents were so desperate to leave behind that kind of life, they had no choice but to accept the argument.

If the couple continued to remain inside the British royal family, they would have been unable to take advantage of their fame for themselves.

No Regrets

But despite their exit and remaining outside of the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle do not regret their decision.

People magazine's source said, "They love that they can focus on projects and causes that are important to them."

Royal author Robert Lacey said that Prince Harry finally found a solution to create the life he had always wanted, knowing he will never be king.

"To stay in the royal system is to go along with subservience to those more senior than you. He has asserted his own identity."

READ MORE: Amber Heard A Liar? Johnny Depp's Wife Did Not Donate $7 Million Divorce Settlement As Promised

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  A nightmare showed up in Albuquerque resident Anthony Gonzalezs mailbox on Monday: A letter informing him that his unemployment benefits had been overpaid, and he now owed the state just under $7,000.

Thats money that Gonzalez  whose girlfriend is currently eight months pregnant  said he doesnt have, and wasnt expecting to pay.

Its just giving me bad anxiety, and I dont know what else to do, said Gonzalez, 23.

Like so many New Mexicans, Gonzalez lost his job  working as a server at Garcias Kitchen  at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and applied for unemployment benefits.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

After being approved, he said he received state and federal unemployment benefits for about a month and a half before turning down a chance to return for fewer hours. By June, he said hed taken another job at a Chevron station.

Gonzalez was originally notified in September that his benefits had been overpaid  a claim he disputes. He submitted an appeal to the state, but it was never processed correctly.

The final notice that arrived Monday state that Gonzalez has 15 days to repay the state total  $6,984  before his case is turned over to the states legal department for possible wage garnishment.

Im barely living check-to-check as it is already, Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez estimated that he has called the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions office about 50 times. Each time, he said hes told all agents are busy before the call disconnects  an experience other claimants have shared with the Journal.

Overall, Gonzalez said hes called about 11 different people to get his claim resolved. So far, it hasnt worked.

These cases arent common, but they do happen. DWS spokeswoman Stacy Johnston didnt comment on the specifics of the situation, but acknowledged that the department has had instances where claimants have been overpaid since the beginning of the pandemic, and have been asked to repay the state.

Gonzalez said he appealed the decision for a second time this week, which is currently pending. Until its resolved, he, and his pregnant girlfriend, are nervously hoping the worst doesnt happen as 2021 begins.

She depends on me right now, you know? Gonzalez said. And theres going to be a kid depending on me February 3rd.

Stephen Hamway covers economic development, healthcare and tourism for the Journal. He can be reached at shamway@abqjournal.com.
Today

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny. High 67F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 42F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 75F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.

NEW DELHI: In the past year, Chinese telecom giant Huawei has been accused of colluding with the Chinese government and sharing private user data with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The international community has now become aware of the dangers posed by not only Huawei but all other major Chinese telecom companies like ZTE.

The US has classified Huawei as a security risk and deemed it ineligible to bid for US government contracts. The US government also announced that all American carriers will have to remove all Huawei manufactured equipment from their infrastructure.

The cost of replacing all the Huawei equipment will be borne by the US federal government. The move allows one to see just how big of a threat the US deems Huawei to be.

While the case of Huawei is relatively well known, there is another instance of China trying to take control of the internet and all the private and sensitive data that travels through it.

This attempt by China to control global networks takes place beneath the ocean- through the control of underwater submarine cables. Roughly 380 active submarine cables (essentially bundles of fibre-optic lines) carry 95% of the world's data.

The sheer volume of the data traffic makes these lines critical for economies and the national security of countries. Security officials in the US and many other countries believe that these critical cables are increasingly vulnerable to attack or espionage.

Interestingly Huawei Marine, a subsidiary of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., has worked to build or upgrade roughly 90 submarine cable projects around the world.

In September 2018 the Chinese company completed a 3750-mile cable project that linked Brazil to Cameroon. The company has also worked on a 7500-mile cable project connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. The fact that Huawei has also been involved in building and upgrading submarine cables globally, sets off countless red flags.

The US had deemed Huawei a security risk because it believed that the company was just a pawn of CCP and if the CCP wished it could demand all data from Huawei.

In such an instance, Huawei would be obligated by law to provide Beijing with all the data it requests. As per Chinese law, any citizen or private company is obligated to assist Chinese officials in regard to intelligence efforts.

US officials have stated that Huaweis in-depth knowledge and access to the undersea cables could allow the CCP to attach devices to track and monitor the data flows. In times of conflict, China could also sever links to entire nations.

The US and its allies have repeatedly pointed towards China's long list of financial intrusions, the growing influence of the CCP in private Chinese firms like Huawei and Chinese legislation that requires companies to help Beijing with intelligence operations.

According to the Wall Street Journal, in 2017, the then head of Australias Secret Service Intelligence Service, Nick Warner, tried to block a Huawei Marine underwater cable deal that would connect Sydney to the Solomon Islands, a strategically located South Pacific archipelago.

During his trip, Warner told the Prime Minister of Solomon that the proposed deal with Huawei Marine would give China access to Australias internet grid through Sydney and this would create a cyber risk.

Ultimately Australia decided to finance the cable project and steered the contract to a trusted Australian company. The main threats and issues with China's involvement with undersea cables almost mirror the problems with Huawei and 5G.

China intends to create a Digital Silk Road, inclusive of undersea cables, terrestrial and satellite links. In January 2019, a Pentagon report stated while the undersea cables could benefit countries, they could also allow China to obtain foreign technology and enable politically motivated censorship by China.

Chinese government strategy papers have also revealed that Huawei plays an important role vis-a-vis undersea cable. In 2017, Britain's national security adviser, Mark Sedwill to stress the importance of securing undersea cables said in a parliamentary hearing that an attack of these cables would be the same as the bombing of London Docks in World War 2.

Most of Huawei Marine's projects are currently in the developing world. The cables are being funded by China's state-owned companies. The Brazil-Cameroon link was financed by the Export and Import Bank of China and China Unicom, a Chinese telecom operator. Another Asia-Africa-Europe cable that Huawei Marine worked on was financed by China Construction Bank.

As per a report on Subtle Telecom Forum titled Japans government to Counter Chinas Submarine China's presence.

Japan is trying to counter Chinas presence in the Submarine cable market by providing substantial aid to companies that export submarine cables. The report added that Japan had been spooked by the prospect that a China-led worldwide submarine cable network could lead to problems such as data eavesdropping. Japans new policy seeks to establish a system whereby local private companies that undertake overseas underwater cable Projects will be incentivised through investments and financing. A Cabinet decision in this regard is awaited soon.

Currently Huawei Marine has submitted bids for a project backed by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. The project intends to improve communications to the island nation of Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Kiribati.

The United States has sent messages to FSM, wherein they expressed strategic concerns and how allowing Huawei Marine to work on the project would compromise the security of the region.

Huawei Marine's bid on the East Micronesia Projects is more than 20% below its other rivals, making it the most appealing bidder from a purely cost-effective standpoint. Huawei Marine is currently listed on the US's Entity List which prevents it from acquiring goods and technology from US companies.

China has garnered a very bad reputation with the international community when it comes to technology and data. After the SG debacle, the international community realised that Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE cannot be fully trusted. Involving these companies in sensitive infrastructure would be opening up the country to unwarranted security risks.

The constant allegations of forced technology transfers and IP theft have also not helped. Since the world has realised that the CCP is trying to use Huawei to conduct espionage operations, the CCP is trying to distance Huawei from Huawei marine by transferring ownership to another Chinese company, Hentong Optic-Electric Co Ltd. Beijing hopes that by transferring ownership of Huawei Marine to the Hentong Group, Huawei Marine can skirt US sanctions and avoid backlash.

With control over underwater submarine cables, China will have access to the data flows between countries. These cables have a much higher capacity than satellites and are thus vital to nation-states. China and the CCP already keep a tight grip on their domestic internet through the Great Firewall. They use it to monitor and censor where required, content and online activity that is harmful to them or goes against their narrative.

If the CCP can exert that level of control over the worlds internet activity through the manipulation of underwater submarine cables, then they can craft narratives that heavily favour the CCP and China.

Live TV
The Ukrainian Embassy in Indonesia is checking the presence of Ukrainians among the passengers of the Sriwijaya Air plane, with which the connection was lost, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko said.

"According to the information of the Indonesian authorities, communication with the plane of the local airlines flight SJ182 has been lost near Jakarta. Search work continues. The Ukrainian Embassy in Indonesia is checking the presence of Ukrainians among the passengers," Nikolenko wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

Indonesia's aviation authorities reportedly lost contact with a Sriwijaya Air passenger plane that flew from the capital, Jakarta, to Pontianak on Kalimantan. According to local media reports, there were 59 people on board the Boeing 737-500, including six children. The Ministry of Transport said that the authorities have already begun search and rescue operations in connection with this situation.

According to the Flightradar24 resource, before contact with the aircraft was interrupted, it went down by more than 3,000 meters in less than a minute.

According to a number of media outlets, the plane allegedly fell into the water near Jakarta, according to preliminary data, the wreckage of the liner and body parts were found, the agency reports.
NEW York man has narrowly avoided jail for dangerous driving only five days after arriving in Northern Ireland.

Joseph Brogan was eventually stopped by police following a pursuit during which he drove on the wrong side of the road and through a red light.

The 30-year-old appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court today following his arrest on Thursday night.

A prosecution lawyer told the court that at around 9.40pm police on patrol near Forestside shopping centre on the Ormeau Road in south Belfast were undertaken by a Skoda Octavia which then went through a red light.

They followed the car and tried to get it to stop with their blue lights and siren but it continued until it came to another red light near the entrance to the Sainsburys supermarket at Forestside.

It then took off again when the traffic light changed to green and police followed with one officer waving out the window for the driver to pull over.

At one stage the car was being driven on the wrong side of the road before turning into the car park of a Tesco supermarket in the area where he was eventually stopped with the help of other officers called to assist.

Brogan identified himself and was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and ignoring a traffic signal.

A police officer in court explained the vehicle was a hire car and remained in the Tesco car park.

Representing himself, Brogan told District Judge Amanda Henderson he had been in Northern Ireland for five days to which she replied he was not making a good impression.

Pleading guilty to the charges, Brogan said he appreciated the fact the matter was being dealt with quickly and apologised for the offences.

Judge Henderson told him the case crossed the custody threshold and it was fortunate that nobody was hurt as a result.

However, given he has no criminal record in Northern Ireland he was given a three month prison sentence for dangerous driving, suspended for one year.

For failing to stop he was given one month in jail, also suspended for one year, and a conditional discharge of 12 months for ignoring a traffic signal.

Brogan was also disqualified from driving in Northern Ireland for one year.




ROCHESTER, Minn. - With indoor dining resuming at 50% capacity on Monday, local restaurants say they are excited to be welcoming both employees and customers back.

KIMT News 3 spoke with Canadian Honker about how the popular eatery is managing the transition.

Canadian Honker says it lost about 50% of its revenue this past year due to all the closures and restrictions.

The restaurant has all the COVID-19 safety protocols in place, including mask requirements and social distancing.

On Monday, there will be 20 tables available for people to sit and eat.

Typically, the restaurant would have 44 tables.

Canadian Honker needed to eliminate a section of tables becuase it needed a social distancing waiting area.

The restaurant says it is excited to have in-person dining, but also to have all the employees back.

"We're just excited to get them back to work and they can provide for their families again. So, yeah, it's been hard on the business, but we were more concerned and more hurt in our hearts for the employees than anything," says Canadian Honker Floor Manager Samantha Wilschek.

Canadian Honker is, in fact, opening up for in-person dining on Monday.
China blocked attempts to investigate into the origin of the COVID-19 virus, reports say.

One America News Network broke the news that China blocked the investigation attempts from the World Health Organization to look into the origins of the COVID-19 virus that brought about a pandemic that affected the whole world.

In their current report, the Chinese government is said to already be cooperating with the WHO to perform the investigation into the coronavirus outbreak though the Chinese government is still negotiating the particulars of the said investigation.

China blocked the WHO's initial attempt to investigate the origins of the pandemic.

OANN's Morgan Schmidt reported that "China seems to be hindering the World Health Organization probe into the origins of COVID-19 by delaying the arrival of the agency's investigators and international team of scientific experts."

Senior officials from the communist country claimed that WHO experts are not yet cleared and approved to enter the country despite the fact that travel arrangement has been made from the earlier agreement of an investigation from both parties.

Per Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director of WHO, this was as per arrangement jointly developed between WHO, the Chinese government and the countries for which the team was meant to travel through on their own, through on their way, to Wuhan.

Furthermore, Ghebreyesus expressed his dismay to "learn that Chinese officials have not yet finalized the necessary permissions for the team's arrival in China" when they have already been in talks of the team's deployment since July last year.

The team of experts involved in the investigation came from different branches like epidemiology, virology and public health.

In a separate report by Daily Mail, a possible leak in a Chinese lab is the "most credible" source of the outbreak that wreaked havoc in the whole world.

Matthew Pottinger, President Trump's Deputy National Security Adviser, said that intelligence reports point out to a growing evidence of the outbreak starting from a leak in a top-secret virology laboratory in Wuhan instead of its market where the virus was first thought to have originated.

"There is a growing body of evidence that the lab is likely the most credible source of the virus," Pottinger stated.

The security adviser added that China's refusal for journalist to visit the virology laboratory which is 11 miles from the Wuhan market looks like the place to be for the actual "ground zero" of the virus.

"We don't know what they have been doing in that laboratory. They may well have been fiddling with bat coronaviruses and looking at them and they made a mistake. I've spoken to various people who believe that to be the case."

The investigation, which is set to last until six weeks, aims to uncover the origin of the virus which started in Wuhan by examining samples from both human and animals. So far, the team of experts from WHO has been reduced to performing virtual meetings with their Chinese counterpart as the issue of their travel visa is still waiting to be resolved.
The volume of US apparel imports continued its upward trajectory in October, as retailers continued to recover from the pandemic lockdown and began to stock up for the holiday season. Sourcing powerhouse China saw its shipments increase year-on-year for the first time in 14 months.

In Bangladesh, the Ethical Trading Initiative is partnering with digital training supplier Quizrr to help 20 garment factories supplying retailers including Primark, New Look and Marks & Spencer operate in a Covid-safe way.

Vulnerable workers in the country's garment and leather export industries are also being assisted with EUR113m (US$136.6m) in funding from the European Union and Germany.

The aid comes as garment workers across the supply chains of major brands and retailers are reporting growing hunger and food insecurity as a result of falling income and job losses amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite efforts by the world's leading viscose manufacturers to move towards more responsible production, most fashion brands have made few or no commitments to clean up their viscose supply chains, according to new research.

And demand for new biomaterial innovations in the apparel industry far exceeds supply, a new report has found, with a common misconception being that these radical new materials are coming very soon.

Turkish denim giant Mavi sold 9.7 million pairs of jeans worldwide in 2019  and is ploughing on with its global expansion despite ongoing uncertainties around the Covid-19 pandemic, its CEO and director, Cuneyt Yavuz, has told just-style.

The population of many major countries around the world is ageing. The big question is how will this affect consumer purchasing power  especially for clothing?

There are a lot of confused  often wrong  ideas about what helped push retail giant Arcadia over the edge. Here are some of the real reasons.

Retailer M&S is likely to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Debenhams department store closures.

And apparel giant H&M Group has soft-launched a new membership-based brand that sells apparel and home products at the price they cost to make.

Meanwhile, in other news, VF Corp has opened its first multi-brand store; President-elect Joe Bidens pick for US Trade Representative has been welcomed by apparel and textile groups; and Lever Style is adding denim to its product capabilities with its third acquisition this year.
Cruz, Hawley Respond After Biden Compares Them to Nazi Propagandist

Two prominent Republican senators challenged President-elect Joe Biden after he compared them to an infamous Nazi propagandist.

Biden on Jan. 8 said Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) are part of the big lie. He then recounted being told that Joseph Goebbels, Adolf Hitlers minister of propaganda, falsely said that more people were killed in the bombing of Dresden than were really dead.

And our papers printed that. Our papers printed it. Thats a big lie, he said.

In a statement in response, Hawley said: President-elect Biden has just compared me and another Republican Senator to Nazis. You read that correctly. Think about that for a moment. Let it sink in. Because I raised questions in the format prescribed by the laws of the United States about the way elections were conducted in the state of Pennsylvania, just as Democrats did about other states in 2001, 2005, and 2017, he is calling me a Nazi.

This is undignified, immature, and intemperate behavior from the President-elect. It is utterly shameful. He should act like a dignified adult and retract these sick comments. And every Democrat member of Congress should be asked to disavow these disgusting comments.

President-elect Joe Biden speaks during an event at The Queen Theater in Wilmington, Del., on Jan. 8, 2021. (Susan Walsh/AP Photo)

Cruz took to Twitter to call Bidens comments really sad.

At a time of deep national division, President-elect Bidens choice to call his political opponents literal Nazis does nothing to bring us together or promote healing. This kind of vicious partisan rhetoric only tears our country apart, he said.

Bidens team didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment on the senators remarks.

Biden, who regularly said during the 2020 campaign that he would work to unite the country if elected, was upset that Hawley and Cruz objected to electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania during the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress.

The senators pointed to election irregularities and said it was the only forum in which they were able to raise concerns.

Biden has previously compared President Donald Trump to Goebbels and Hitler.
A West Virginia state lawmaker has resigned as he faces charges of entering a restricted area of the U.S. Capitol after he livestreamed himself with rioters on January 6.

Republican Delegate Derrick Evans notified Governor Jim Justice he was stepping down, effective immediately, in a letter on Saturday, and also issued a public apology for his actions.

Evans, 35, appeared before a federal judge in Huntington, West Virginia, on Friday after being arrested by the FBI. If convicted, he faces up to a year and a half in federal prison for two misdemeanor charges: entering a restricted area and disorderly conduct.

Evans issued a statement Saturday that he takes full responsibility for his actions, adding he deemed it best for him to resign to 'focus on my personal situation and those I love.'

In a letter, Republican Delegate Derrick Evans notified Governor Jim Justice he was stepping down, effective immediately, after facing charges in the January 6 riot

Evans, wearing a Tolsia Rebels High School sweat suit, was arrested on Friday and is now free on bail after arraignment. He faces up to 1.5 years in prison on federal misdemeanor charges

Republican Delegate Derrick Evans notified Governor Jim Justice he was stepping down, effective immediately, in a letter on Saturday

'I take full responsibility for my actions, and deeply regret any hurt, pain or embarrassment I may have caused my family, friends, constituents and fellow West Virginians,' said Evans.

'I hope this action I take today can remove any cloud of distraction from the state Legislature, so my colleagues can get to work in earnest building a brighter future for our state. And more importantly, I hope it helps to begin the healing process, so we can all move forward and come together as `One Nation, Under God,' he added.

The charges stem from Evans involvement in the riot, which was captured in a Facebook Live video he took of himself as he entered the Capitol building during the riots and shouting, 'Were in! Were in! Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!'

In a since-deleted video that was widely shared online, Evans is seen clamoring inside a jampacked Capitol building doorway, trying with others to push his way inside.

He hollers along with other loyalists of President Donald Trump and fist-bumps a law enforcement officer who let them in.

West Virginia Republican state Del. Derrick Evans exits the Sidney L. Christie U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building after being arraigned on Friday

West Virginia Republican state Del. Derrick Evans exits the Sidney L. Christie U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building after being arraigned, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in Huntington, W.Va.

After pushing into the building, video shows, Evans milled around the Capitol Rotunda, where historic paintings depict the republics founding, and implored others to not vandalize artwork and busts. Some of the pieces were later vandalized.

Evans joined and encouraged a crowd unlawfully entering the Capitol after days of telling his 30,000 Facebook followers to 'Fight For Trump' in the nation's capital on Wednesday, FBI agent David DiMarco wrote in a criminal complaint.

Before the rush to the Capitol, Evans posted a video in which he said, 'They're making an announcement right now: If Pence betrays us you better get your mind right because we're storming that building,' the charging documents state.

He then laughs and adds, 'Im just the messenger, so don't be hating on me.'

Legislators from at least seven other states traveled to Washington, DC, to back Trump and demonstrate against the counting of electoral votes confirming Democrat Joe Bidens victory.

It's unknown if any other elected official joined the attack on the Capitol.

FBI agents were spotted arriving at Evans home in Prichard, West Virginia, Friday afternoon and taking him into custody.

As Evans, wearing a Tolsia Rebels high school sweat suit, was escorted to a car and driven away by authorities, a woman emerged from the house and told WSAZ-TV that she was his grandmother.

She said that 'He's a fine man,' referring to Evans. 'And thank you, Mr. Trump, for invoking a riot at the White House,' she added.

He's a fine man,' said his grandmother, referring to Evans. 'And thank you, Mr. Trump, for invoking a riot at the White House,' she added

West Virginia House of Delegates member Derrick Evans, left, is given the oath of office Dec. 14, 2020, in the House chamber at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va.

West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, a Republican, said it's time to turn the page, move on and heal.

'In announcing his resignation, Delegate Evans said he accepted responsibility for his actions and apologized to those he's hurt,' Hanshaw said in a statement. 'In this time of overheated, hyperbolic political rage, I think that's a good first step for us all to take right now.'

Evans lost in the 2016 House of Delegates primary as a Democrat, finishing sixth among seven candidates in the district. He refiled as a Libertarian for the 2016 general election but finished last among five candidates.

He switched to the Republican Party for the 2020 election, received 50 percent of the vote in the GOP primary for the 19th District in June and was the leading vote-getter for two seats in November with 37 percent of the vote.

Like several other political first-time winners in Novembers West Virginia elections, Evans swept aside a Democratic rival to win his seat representing Wayne County.

High GOP turnout credited to Trump's drawing power elevated down-ballot Republicans in the state and gave Republicans a statehouse supermajority.
|

Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Govt welcomes criticism including right to ask questions; New IT rules will empower social media users: Ravi Shankar Prasad.

New rules designed to prevent abuse, misuse of social media: IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

COVID-19 pandemic biggest risk to growth outlook: RBI.

WhatsApp users have nothing to fear on new social media rules: IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
BOSTON  One Twitter wag joked about lights flickering on and off at the White House being Donald Trump signaling to his followers in Morse code after Twitter and Facebook squelched the president for inciting rebellion.

Though deprived of his big online megaphones, Trump does have alternative options of much smaller reach. The far right-friendly Parler may be the leading candidate, though Google and Apple have both removed it from their app stores and Amazon decided to boot it off its web hosting service. That could knock it offline for a week, Parlers CEO said.

Trump may launch his own platform. But that wont happen overnight, and free speech experts anticipate growing pressure on all social media platforms to curb incendiary speech as Americans take stock of Wednesdays violent takeover of the U.S. Capitol by a Trump-incited mob.

Twitter ended Trumps nearly 12-year run on Friday. In shuttering his account it cited a tweet to his 89 million followers that he planned to skip President-elect Joe Bidens Jan. 20 inauguration that it said gave rioters license to converge on Washington once again.

Facebook and Instagram have suspended Trump at least until Inauguration Day. Twitch and Snapchat also have disabled Trumps accounts, while Shopify took down online stores affiliated with the president and Reddit removed a Trump subgroup. Twitter also banned Trump loyalists including former national security advisor Michael Flynn in a sweeping purge of accounts promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory and the Capitol insurrection. Some had hundreds of thousands of followers.

In a statement Friday, Trump said: We have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon, while we also look at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future.

Experts had predicted Trump might pop up on Parler, a 2-year-old magnet for the far right that claims more than 12 million users and where his sons Eric and Don Jr. are already active. Parler hit headwinds, though, on Friday as Google yanked its smartphone app from its app store for allowing postings that seek to incite ongoing violence in the U.S. Apple followed suit on Saturday evening after giving Parler 24 hours to address complaints it was being used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities. Public safety issues will need to be resolved before it is restored, Apple said.

Amazon struck another blow Saturday, informing Parler it would need to look for a new web-hosting service effective midnight Sunday. It reminded Parler in a letter, first reported by Buzzfeed, that it had informed it in the past few weeks of 98 examples of posts that clearly encourage and incite violence and said the platform poses a very real risk to public safety.

Parler CEO John Matze decried the punishments as a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the marketplace. We were too successful too fast, he said in a Saturday night post, saying it was possible Parler would be unavailable for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch.

Earlier, Matze complained of being scapegoated. Standards not applied to Twitter, Facebook or even Apple themselves, apply to Parler. He said he wont cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech.

Losing access to the app stores of Google and Apple  whose operating systems power hundreds of millions of smartphones  severely limits Parlers reach, though it will continue to be accessible via web browser. Losing Amazon Web Services will mean Parler needs to scramble to find another web host  in addition to the re-engineering.

Gab is another potential landing spot for Trump. But it, too, has had troubles with internet hosting. Google and Apple both booted it from their app stores in 2017 and it was left internet-homeless for a time the following year due to anti-Semitic posts attributed to the man accused of killing 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Microsoft also terminated a web-hosting contract.

Online speech experts expect social media companies led by Facebook, Twitter and Googles YouTube to more vigorously police hate speech and incitement in the wake of the Capitol rebellion, as Western democracies led by Nazism-haunted Germany already do.

David Kaye, a University of California-Irvine law professor and former U.N. special rapporteur on free speech believes the Parlers of the world will also face pressure from the public and law enforcement as will little-known sites where further pre-inauguration disruption is now apparently being organized. They include MeWe, Wimkin, TheDonald.win and Stormfront, according to a report released Saturday by The Alethea Group, which tracks disinformation.

Kaye rejects arguments by U.S. conservatives including the presidents former U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, that the Trump ban savaged the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from restricting free expression. Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country, Haley tweeted.

Its not like the platforms rules are draconian. People dont get caught in violations unless they do something clearly against the rules, said Kaye. And not just individual citizens have free speech rights. The companies have their freedom of speech, too.

While initially arguing their need to be neutral on speech, Twitter and Facebook gradually yielded to public pressure drawing the line especially when the so-called Plandemic video emerged early in the COVID-19 pandemic urging people not to wear masks, noted civic media professor Ethan Zuckerman of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Zuckerman expects the Trump de-platforming may spur important online shifts. First, there may be an accelerated splintering of the social media world along ideological lines.

Trump will pull a lot of audience wherever he goes, he said. That could mean more platforms with smaller, more ideologically isolated audiences.

A splintering could push people towards extremes  or make extremism less infectious, he said: Maybe people looking for a video about welding on YouTube will no longer find themselves being offered an unrelated QAnon video. Alternative media systems that are less top-down managed and more self-governing could also emerge.

Zuckerman also expects major debate about online speech regulation, including in Congress.

I suspect you will see efforts from the right arguing that there shouldnt be regulations on acceptable speech, he said. I think you will see arguments from the democratic side that speech is a public health issue.

 The Associated Press
Interjet employees strike for months of unpaid wages, benefits

Cancun, Q.R.  Interjet employees across the country have voiced their frustration with the company, which has resulted in a nation-wide strike. Airline employees began their strike Friday afternoon for months of unpaid benefits and wages.

A majority of the Interjet workers say they have not been paid for four months. Aside from unpaid wages, workers also claim unpaid benefits and bonuses.

Interjet workers took to the airlines check-in area at Mexico City International Friday, posting signs about the companys lack of support.

Frustrated Interjet workers posts notices inside Mexico City International

According to a statement from the airline union, Interjet workers are owed four months of salary, six months of food vouchers, their Christmas bonus and the 2020 savings fund, as well as the Infonavit, Fonacot and IMSS payments.

The unionized workers took a vote, which resulted in 62 percent in favor of beginning to strike Friday.

Interjet suspended all its flights in December due to the lack of liquidity to operate and the imposed Tax Administration Service (SAT) embargo against tax debts from previous years.

The last possibility for the company to continue flying was to reach an agreement with SAT to negotiate its debt and thus, be able to receive bank loans, but unfortunately, as SAT mentioned in its statement, that was not possible, the Section 15 union reported in a statement.

Employees from around the country participate in the strike

In December, workers requested the Federal Government apply a requisition or expropriation against the assets of the Interjet company due to the breach-of-payment commitments to workers.

Three days ago, SAT said that the precautionary embargo on ABC Aerolineas, legal name Interjet, does not have to affect the payment of salaries to company workers.

The more than 5,000 Interjet workers are hoping to recover their wages and benefits under section 15 of the Confederacion de Trabajadores de Mexico (CTM).

In December, the company Reservalo, that managed the Interjet Vacations brand, filed for bankruptcy.
registered 298 fresh



cases, pushing the total caseload to 2.89 lakh, while the toll surged to 1,563 with two more fatalities.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 61, followed by Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri districts with 28 and 25 respectively, a state government bulletin said on Saturday providing details as of 8 PM on January 8.

The cumulative recovered cases stood at 2,83,048, while 4,822 were under treatment.

The bulletin said 31,187 samples were tested on January 8.

Cumulatively, the number of samples tested was 72.15 lakh.

The samples tested per million population was 1,93,868, it said.

The recovery rate in the state was 97.79 per cent, while it was 96.4 per cent in the country, it said.

The case fatality rate in the state was 0.54 per cent, while it was 1.4 per cent at the national level, 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 Made In Chelsea star's confectionary company's accounts revealed that the business saw an equity increase of around 2million in 2019

He recently placed as a runner-up in the Strictly Come Dancing final alongside his professional dance partner Karen Hauer.

And Jamie Laing has also seen success in his business, as it is revealed that he raked in a staggering 2million in just one year through his sweets brand Candy Kittens.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Made In Chelsea star's confectionary company's accounts revealed that the business saw an equity increase of around 2million in 2019, The Sun reported.

Cash: It has been revealed that Jamie Laing raked in a staggering 2million in just one year through his sweets brand Candy Kittens

The accounts, which were shared on December 31, showed Candy Kittens' equity sat at 3,801,878 - growing from 1,856,412 for the accounting period until March 2019.

Jamie, 32, founded the increasingly successful gourmet sweet brand, which has since become vegetarian and vegan friendly, in 2012 with his pal Ed Williams.

Click here to resize this module

The tasty sweets, which are developed in London, had animal gelatine removed from them in 2018 and aim to be sustainable, not using either palm oil or carnauba wax.

And accounts for the brand's sister company Longaim Ltd, which shares the same five directors as Candy Kittens, showed it had a total equity of 1,875,522 for 2019.

Increasingly successful: It comes after Jamie was reported to have raked in a staggering 2million in just one year through his sweets brand Candy Kittens (pictured in March 2014)

Longaim Ltd is responsible for the confectionary brand's retail sales, both via the internet and mail order.

These figures, which were also published on New Year's Eve, brings the overall equity for both of Jamie's companies up to an impressive 5million.

As well as Candy Kittens' success, the star has also achieved a personal triumph this year after reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing last month.

He narrowly missed out on Strictly victory as comedian Bill Bailey claimed the Glitterball trophy and was crowned as the oldest winner in the show's history.

Despite placing in the dreaded dance-off four times, the reality TV star made it into the much-anticipated final alongside Venezuelan professional dancer Karen, 38.

Impressive! The accounts, which were shared on December 31, showed Candy Kittens' equity sat at 3,801,878 - growing from 1,856,412 for the accounting period until March 2019

Jamie recently admitted it was 'incredible' to be given a second chance on Strictly, after injuring himself before the 2019 series properly got underway.

ADVERTISEMENT

Joking about his four dance-offs on BBC Breakfast last month, he said: 'I hurt my foot last year, and then doing it this year was incredible. But I also feel good because I did four dance-offs.

'A full series in normally 14 weeks, so including my dance-offs I did a full series, so I'm incredibly happy, I'm chuffed.

The funnyman went on to playfully quip that he'd even considered injuring himself in December's final in a desperate bid to return to the dance contest in 2021.

Jamie joked: 'I was thinking in the last thing, If I injure myself in the final, does that mean I get to come back next year? If I just undo this harness right now and see if I fall...

Triumph: As well as Candy Kittens' success, Jamie has seen achieved a personal triumph this year after reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing last month with Karen Hauer

'Doing it one years, doing it two years... It is incredible. It's a really great show. And Bill Bailey. Bill Bailey won Strictly Come Dancing - how amazing is that?'

The media personality has since come under fire for allegedly flouting Tier 4 rules after seeming to travel to his mother's home in the Cotswolds for Christmas.

He was said to have made his way to his mother Penny Baines' Cirencester farm on December 22, despite saying one day before that he would be 'stuck in London' amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Millions saw their Christmas plans cancelled due to the Tier 4 rules, which first came into force in London and the south east on December 20.

The strict safety measures banned households mixing, travel outside of the area as well as overnight stays.

Fury: The Made In Chelsea star has come under fire for allegedly flouting Tier 4 rules after allegedly travelling to his mother's home in the Cotswolds for Christmas

Jamie's apparent flouting of lockdown was revealed when he posted a video of himself mixing a cocktail in a kitchen with wood beams on Christmas Day.

ADVERTISEMENT

Moments later, his sister posted a photo showing herself looking out over a farm, with the beams and lights seen in the snap matching Jamie's clip, proving they were in the same room.

Jamie is said to have returned to London on December 27, as he posted a clip of himself with girlfriend Sophie Habboo, where they wished fans a Merry Christmas.

The star then reiterated his claim that he and Sophie had spent Christmas in London 'bored' during an live workout on Instagram on Monday.

A spokesman for Jamie declined to comment when previously approached by MailOnline.

Oh dear: His sister posted a photo showing herself looking out over a farm, with the beams and lights seen in the snap matching Jamie's clip, proving they were in the same room

Jamie's Tier 4 flouting came days after he insisted that he had not yet told his mother that he wouldn't be coming home for Christmas due to the top level restrictions.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast from his flat in Chelsea, he admitted 'I'm stuck like everyone else' as he confirmed he would no longer be spending the festive break at his parent's lavish Cotswolds home.

Jamie explained: 'I'm stuck like everyone else. I was planning on going to my mum's and I was gonna spend Christmas with the family, but I don't think that's going to happen now, unfortunately.

'But it's happening for a lot of people. It's just one of those years. We've been topped off with this tier 4 situation and we have to just kind of go with it I suppose.

Flouting? Jamie is said to have returned to London on December 27, as he posted a clip of himself with girlfriend Sophie Habboo, where they wished fans a Merry Christmas

'It's really upsetting. Everyone wants to see their families. It's Christmas time. It's a time to be together. I'm here in the flat in London and that's what it looks like what it's going to be like at the moment.'

The MIC star - who lives with girlfriend Sophie Habboo - admitted he hadn't told his mother that he wouldn't be coming home for Christmas, but insisted: 'I think she understands.

'We were meant to be having different families coming over but it's just too hard. It's too complicated. It's too concerning to risk anything. It's just staying in London.'

ADVERTISEMENT

Since the start of the New Year, the restrictions have been extended to the nation as the UK was plunged into a third lockdown, with people being urged to 'stay home' to control the virus.
Melody Black, from Minnesota, visits a memorial setup near the Capitol Building for Ashley Babbitt in Washington, on Jan. 7, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Federal Prosecutor Opens Excessive Force Investigation Into the Death of Ashley Babbitt: Report

Michael Sherwin, acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said that his office has started a federal, excessive force investigation over the shooting and killing of former U.S. Air Force veteran Ashley Babbitt in the Capitol on Jan. 6.

His civil rights section will lead the prosecution, which is being investigated by D.C. police and the FBI.

A Department of Justice spokesperson confirmed to The Epoch Times: The Metropolitan Police Department is conducting an investigation into the officer involved shooting that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. This is routine, standard procedure whenever an officer deploys lethal force. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia is overseeing the investigation.

#CapitolRiots NEW: US Attorney Michael Sherwin confirms @CBSNews his office has opened a formal, federal excessive force investigation related to the shooting death of Ashli Babbitt who was shot by US Capitol Police Wednesday within the Capitol building. Sherwin has assigned  Catherine Herridge (@CBS_Herridge) January 9, 2021

On Jan. 6, Trump supporters marched on foot to the Capitol after President Donald Trump gave a speech near the White House. Trump thanked his supporters for being present and listed a series of voting irregularities that happened in different states, alleging there was widespread fraud. Rudy Giuliani, the presidents attorney, also gave a speech listing evidence for the alleged fraud.

Babbitt entered the Capitol building with a group of protesters, including left-wing activist John Sullivan.

Protesters storm the Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Ahmed Gaber/Reuters)

A man in a widely circulated video of the shooting of U.S. Air Force veteran Ashley Babbitt (also spelt Ashli), 28-year-old Thomas Baranyi, later gave a recount of what happened.

A reporter from CBS affiliate WKRG interviewed him after he stormed the Capitol with protestors and Babbitt.

A social media selfie photo shows Ashli Babbitt. (Twitter/Ashli Babbitt)

We had stormed into the chambers inside and there was a young lady who rushed to the windows, Baranyi said A number of police and Secret Service were saying get back, get down, get out of the way. She didnt heed the call.

He said that he tried to pull her back when she got fatally shot.

And as we kind of raced up to grab people and pull them back, they shot her in the neck, and she fell back on me and started to say she was fine. Its cool. And then she started moving weird and blood was coming out of her mouth and neck and nose, Baranyi said.

Just make sure people know, because this cannot stand anymore. This is wrong. They dont represent anyone. Not Republican, Democrat, Independent, nobody. And now theyll just, theyll kill people, Baranyi added.

Tony Mazziott, Babbitts grandfather, told ABC News Good Morning America that she was an excellent patriot and a loving person.

She served time in the military and shes passionate about everything, particularly Donald Trump for some reason, he said. Family members said Babbitt served more than a decade in the Air Force.
A team of all-women Air India pilots is expected to script history by flying over the North Pole in an effort to cover the longest air route in the world. The flight, commanded by AI Captain Zoya Agarwal, will leave from San Francisco and reach Bengaluru after flying over the North Pole and covering a distance of 16,000 kilometres.

Talking to ANI Captain Zoya Agarwal said, Most people in the world will not see the North Pole or even its map in their lifetime. I feel truly feel privileged and humbled by the trust posed in me by the civil aviation ministry and our flag carrier. It is a golden opportunity to command a Boeing 777 inaugural SFO-BLR, one of the worlds longest flight over the North Pole.

Air India women pilots set to script history by flying over North Pole on world's longest air route



Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/BjyjHQNlwP pic.twitter.com/m0HL4lbLls  ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 8, 2021

Talking about her team she said, I am extremely proud to have with me experienced women team comprising Captains Thanmai Papagari, Akanksha Sonawane and Shivani Manhas. This is the first time an all-women pilots team will fly over the North Pole and create a history of sorts. Its indeed a dream come true for any professional pilot."

However, this is not the first accomplishment for Captain Agarwal, who became the youngest woman to ever fly a Boeing-777 in 2013.

Also Read: Indian Navy Recruits First Batch Of Woman Pilots For Maritime Reconnaissance Missions

Representational image/Youtube

An Air India official told the news agency that the journey was very difficult and that airline companies only send the very best and most experienced of their pilots to fly over the North Pole.

"This time Air India has given responsibilities to a woman captain for the journey from San Francisco to Bengaluru via polar route," the official said.

Also Read: Women On Navy Warships & Flying In Rafale's 'Golden Arrows' Squadron



Representational image/Twitter

Agarwal will become the first woman commander of Air India to command flight over the North Pole.

Here is to women literally reaching new heights!

Also Read: Women Deployed On Combat Duty Near LoC By Indian Army, For The First Time




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.
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
During its fourth annual Nio Day on Saturday  amidst performances by composer Shi Lei Chang and musician Wang Feng  the Chinese automaker revealed its latest EV model, the ET7 sedan.

Nio Days have become de facto launch events for the company. At the first one in 2017, Nio unveiled its first production model, the ES8 EV SUV, followed by the ES6 longer-range EV SUV at the 2019 event as well as the EC6 EV coupe. For this years Nio Day 2020 (it was delayed into the new year due to COVID), the company debuted its ET7, a new midsize premium sedan designed to compete with the Tesla Model S, offerings from domestic rival XPeng, as well as the BMW 7 series according to Nio President Qin Lihong when asked by a user on the Nio App.

The ET7 will start at 448,000 yuan (~$69,000) if buyers opt for the standard 70 kwH battery pack. However though if customers opt for the 980 yuan ($150)/month battery services subscription, the starting price drops to 378,000 yuan or around $58,375. The 70 kwH pack offers up to 500km of range while the optional new 150 kwH version, with its 360 Wh/kg of energy density, will reportedly deliver ranges in excess of 1,000 km  thats north of 600 miles and far beyond what the Tesla Model S can provide. Whats more, Nio claims that the ET7 has a 0 to 100 kmh of 3.9 seconds with a maximum power output of 480 kW. But note that when the ET7 goes on sale in Q1 2022, it will only be available with the 70 kwH and 100 kwH batteries to start  the solid-state 150 kwH version likely wont arrive until the end of that year.

Keeping the ET7 charged wont take long. Nio announced on Saturday that it is upgrading its battery swap stations as well. Rather than wait to infuse depleted cells with electricity, Nios automated service stations will simply swap out the entire pack with a fresh one. The company figures each station will be able to accommodate up to 312 battery swaps per day with the 13 packs each keeps on hand. Nio hopes to have 500 of these stations in operation by the end of 2021.

Finally, Nio executives showed off its latest advances in ADAS technology. The company debuted an updated version of its Navigate on Pilot (NOP) feature during the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2020 in September. NOP relies on a series of 23 sensors and cameras to map the world around the vehicle to 20cm of location accuracy, allowing the car to know when its safe to change lanes and even do so automatically on the drivers behalf.

But that was September. On Saturday, Nio showed off its latest and greatest driver assist technology, the Aquila Sensing feature. This utilizes a series of 11, 8MP high def cameras (compare that to the 1.2MP sensors Tesla uses) that can spot another car at 680 meters and pedestrians at more than 220 meters away. Additionally, the ET7s ADAS also uses a 1550nm LiDAR sensor with a 500 meter range along with a 5 mm Wave radar array, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a pair of high-precision positioning units to understand exactly what is around it. All of that information is fed into an onboard processor, dubbed ADAM, which per the company boasts seven times the raw computing power that Teslas FSD does. The ET7s autonomous driving features could achieve Level 4 by 2022, should Nios plans remain on track.

Gallery: Nio Day 2020 and the new ET7 Sedan | 10 Photos

















/10 Gallery: Nio Day 2020 and the new ET7 Sedan | 10 Photos

















/10

"2020 has been a challenging year for the whole world. Against this backdrop, NIO has achieved consecutive record-highs along the way, and closed the year on a high note with remarkable December deliveries of over 7,000 vehicles," said William Bin Li, founder, Nio chairman and CEO in a December release. In all, the company delivered 43,728 vehicles in 2020, a 112 percent increase over the previous year.
UPDATE: COVID vaccines to be available for homeless, group home residents, prisoners and staff in Massachusetts starting Monday, Jan. 18.

___________

After a bumpy federal rollout of the COVID vaccine, Massachusetts health officials have managed to get 141,108 first doses into the arms of health care workers and staff and residents in long-term care facilities across the state as of Tuesday, according to the Department of Public Health.

The second wave of shots, set to be administered next week, will be going to police officers and emergency personnel, followed by immunizations for those in congregate care settings. Prisoners and homeless people in shelters will come after first responders because of the high risk for spread in those settings. Officials anticipate the first of the three phases of the states vaccination effort to last through February.

So, at the present pace of the rollout, when will the shots be available to the general public, and have shipment shortages impacted the timeline at all?

Those 75 years old and older

The states initial projections for vaccinating the general public aimed for the spring of 2021. But health officials are still making tweaks to their prioritization list, doing so as recently as Monday, when residents older than 75, and residents of all ages with two or more comorbid health conditions, were bumped up in priority to the start of the second phase.

That change in prioritization impacts roughly 170,000 Massachusetts residents older than 75, who will now be eligible for first doses sooner than anticipated  perhaps weeks sooner. Officials say they are still taking the effort step-by-step.

As the process moves forward, additional specific groups will continue to be added, a Department of Public Health spokesperson said in an email.

The official list is updated twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m., and can be viewed at: www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine.

As part of the states plan to vaccinate law enforcement and first responders, officials have set up roughly 60 vaccination sites across the state, where they can get shots by appointment, Gov. Charlie Baker said on Tuesday. These mass vaccination sites will become part of the general rollout, he said.

Nearly all of the states hospitals  74 or 76, according to Baker  have received shipments of the vaccine and have given out shots to their workers since the effort began in December. As of Tuesday, the state has shipped 328,000 doses of COVID vaccine to providers across the state.

Receipt of the vaccine will continue to depend on a number of key partnerships: CVS and Walgreens, which Massachusetts has partnered with specifically for the purpose of providing residents and staff in long-term care facilities access to shots, and the federal government.

Staff working in federal government buildings in Massachusetts, such as the VA and the Department of Defense, receive the vaccine through a separate federal distribution channel, and are not counted as part of the states totals, health officials said.

Baker on Tuesday expressed optimism at the current statewide vaccination rate, despite a hiccup in December when the health officials were informed about an unexpected reduction in the number of doses ordered.

Hospitals across the Commonwealth received the vaccine at the same time as this process rolled out, and the rolling forward process will continue as vaccine is made available by the federal government through their distribution channels, Baker said on Tuesday.

While acknowledging the shaky start to the federal rollout, doctors statewide say the effort to get health care workers vaccinated, which wraps up this week, has been relatively painless. Douglas T. Golenbock, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology at UMass Medical School, said the rollout has encountered problems only because its such a huge task.

The system has not been fine-tuned yet, he said. In a month it should look much better.

Phase 2 and 3 of vaccinations

The bulk of vaccinations are expected to take place in phases 2 and 3. The second phase includes an extensive list of workers, encompassing everyone from early education and K-12 educators, to transit, grocery, food and agriculture, restaurant and cafe workers and public works employees. That effort is set to begin in February, lasting through March.

Everyone else

If all goes according to plan, state officials hope to begin vaccinating everyone else by April through June. That group generally includes higher education workers, including administrators, teaching and non-teaching staff; bottled beverage industry workers; veterinarians; funeral directors and funeral workers.

Related Content:
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 leaders of the farmers'



agitation in Delhi should discuss with the Centre on the three farm laws and try to resolve the issue as the government is ready to amend the laws, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment said on Saturday.

While the farmers' leaders want the farm laws to be repealed, the government is explaining to them that the new legislations are aimed at helping the farmers' cause, he said.

"Government is also ready to amend the laws.But, the leaders of the farmers are not ready.Therefore, I request all the leaders...on 15th (of January), there is a meeting with (Union Agriculture Minister) Narendra Singh Tomar," he said.

"I have confidence that leaders of the farmers... they should accept the proposal of the Government of India...," he told reporters here.

It is not good for democracy if the laws are repealed as there could be more demands to abolish the laws made by Parliament, he said.

The Centre is ready to make amendments with regard to the laws on the points raised by the leaders of farmers, he said.

Farmers from Punjab are active in the ongoing agitation and those from other states are not so active, he claimed.

He appealed to the TRS government in Telangana to provide five acres of land to landless poor, irrespective of caste affiliations, for their uplift.

Athawale, president of Republican Party of India (RPI-A), favoured extending reservations to people from economically backward classes in the society.

Referring to the demand by Maratha community in Maharashtra for quotas, he said the Reddy community in Telangana should be given reservation and the TRS government should take such a decision like the Maharashtra government did, 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.)
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Image: Reuters

Warnings flashing, Democrats in Congress laid plans Friday for swift impeachment of President Donald Trump, demanding decisive, immediate action to ensure an unhinged commander in chief can't add to the damage they say he's inflicted or even ignite nuclear war in his final days in office.

As the country comes to terms with the violent siege of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters that left five dead, the crisis that appears to be among the final acts of his presidency is deepening like few other periods in the nations history. With less than two weeks until he's gone, Democrats want him out  now  and he has few defenders speaking up for him in his own Republican party.

We must take action, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared on a private conference call with Democrats.

And one prominent Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, told the Anchorage Daily News that Trump simply needs to get out.

The final days of Trumps presidency are spinning toward a chaotic end as he holes up at the White House, abandoned by many aides, top Republicans and Cabinet members. After refusing to concede defeat in the November election, he has now promised a smooth transfer of power when Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20. But even so, he says he will not attend the inauguration  the first such presidential snub since just after the Civil War.

In Congress, where many have watched and reeled as the president spent four years breaking norms and testing the nation's guardrails of democracy, Democrats are unwilling to take further chances with only a few days left in his term. The mayhem that erupted Wednesday at the Capitol stunned the world and threatened the traditional peaceful transfer of power.

Pelosi said she had spoken to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes" for nuclear war. She said Milley assured her longstanding safeguards are in place.

The president has sole authority to order the launch of a nuclear weapon, but a military commander could refuse the order if it were determined to be illegal. Trump has not publicly made such threats, but officials warn of grave danger if the president is left unchecked.

This unhinged president could not be more dangerous, Pelosi said of the current situation.

Biden, meanwhile, said he is focused on his job as he prepares to take office. Asked about impeachment, he said, Thats a decision for the Congress to make.

The Democrats are considering lightning-quick action. A draft of their Articles of Impeachment accuses Trump of abuse of power, saying he willfully made statements that encouraged  and foreseeably resulted in  imminent lawless action at the Capitol," according to a person familiar with the details who was granted anonymity to discuss them.

The articles are expected to be introduced on Monday, with a House vote as soon as Wednesday.

If Trump were to be impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate, he might also be prevented from running again for the presidency in 2024 or ever holding public office again. He would be only the president twice impeached. A person on the call said Pelosi also discussed other ways Trump might be forced to resign.

Senators from a bipartisan group convened their own call to consider options for congressional action, according to an aide granted anonymity to reveal the private discussions.

Not helpful, the White House argued. Trump spokesman Judd Deere said, A politically motivated impeachment against a President with 12 days remaining in his term will only serve to further divide our great country.

Trump was tweeting again Friday, his Twitter account reinstated after a brief ban, and he reverted to an aggressive statement that his supporters must not be disrespected after he had sent out a calmer Thursday video decrying the violence. Toward evening, Twitter said it was permanently suspending him from its platform, citing risk of further incitement of violence.

The soonest the Senate could begin an impeachment trial under the current calendar would be Jan. 20, Inauguration Day.

Conviction in the Republican Senate at this late date would seem unlikely, though in a sign of Trump's shattering of the party many Republicans were silent on the issue.

One Trump ally, Republican Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, did speak up, saying as the White House did that impeaching the President with just 12 days left in his term will only divide our country more. 

McCarthy said he has reached out to Biden and plans to speak with the Democratic president-elect about working together to lower the temperature.

But Murkowski said she wants Trump to resign now, not wait for Biden's swearing in on Jan. 20.

I want him out," she said in a telephone interview with the Anchorage newspaper.

Another leading Republican critic of Trump, Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, said he would definitely consider impeachment.

Strong criticism of Trump, who urged the protesters to march to the Capitol, continued unabated.

Every day that he remains in office, he is a danger to the Republic, said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.

Schiff, who led Trumps impeachment in 2019, said in a statement that Trump lit the fuse which exploded on Wednesday at the Capitol.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, the independent from Vermont, tweeted that some people ask, why impeach a president who has only a few days left in office?

The answer: Precedent. It must be made clear that no president, now or in the future, can lead an insurrection against the U.S. government, Sanders said.

Pelosi and Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer both had private calls with Biden late Friday.

They have called on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to to force Trump from office. Its a process for removing the president and installing the vice president to take over.

Pelosi said later that option remains on the table. But action by Pence or the Cabinet now appears unlikely, especially after two top officials, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao suddenly resigned in the aftermath of the violence and would no longer be in the Cabinet to make such a case.

Trump had encouraged loyalists at a rally Wednesday at the White House to march on the Capitol where Congress was certifying the Electoral College tally of Biden's election.

The House impeached Trump in 2019, but the Republican-led Senate acquitted him in early 2020.
A New Ross man has raised 1,600 for New Ross Community Hospital following a hamper give-away featuring gifts donated from local business owners.

Bryan Haberlin from Charlton Hill said he wanted to raise money for the hospital where his grandmother was cared for.

Mr Haberlin said: 'It's just across the road from me. The hospital do great work and have looked after so many people around the area and especially the year that's in it too. They are under serious pressure with this crazy year over Covid so that's why I decided to raise money for them this Christmas to give some kind of joy over Christmas and a bit of positivity also.'

He said the support he received from the local businesses in this town was outstanding.

'I couldn't have done it without them so I just want to thank all them for getting behind me and also the people who donated. Thanks for everything I really appreciate the support and to give back to your community is a good way to end a very bad year for everyone.'

The hamper was won by David Blanche.
NEW YORK (AP)  A woman who falsely accused a Black teenager of stealing her phone and then tackled him at a New York City hotel was arrested Thursday in her home state of California.

Miya Ponsetto, 22, was jailed in Ventura County, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office there said. It wasn't immediately clear what charges she might face.

The New York Police Department flew detectives out to California earlier Thursday with a warrant for Ponsetto's arrest. The trip followed days of intense media coverage of the fracas at the hotel and demands by the teen's family and activists that she face criminal charges.

Ponsetto's lawyer, Sharen Ghatan, told The Associated Press in an interview before the arrest that her client is emotionally unwell" and remorseful for her Dec. 26 conflict with 14-year-old Keyon Harrold Jr. at Manhattans Arlo Hotel.

The teen's father, jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold, recorded the confrontation and put the video online.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

In his video, an agitated woman is seen demanding the teen's phone, claiming he stole it. A hotel manager tries to intervene. Keyon Harrold can be heard in the recording telling the woman to leave his son alone. Ghatan confirmed that Ponsetto is the woman in the video.

Security video later released by the NYPD shows Ponsetto frantically grabbing at the teen as he tried to get away from her through the hotels front door. Shes seen clutching him from behind before both tumble to the ground.

Ponsetto's missing phone had actually been left in an Uber and was returned by the driver shortly afterward, Keyon Harrold has said.

The altercation drew comparisons to cases like that of Amy Cooper, a white woman who was charged with filing a false report for calling 911 and saying she was being threatened by an African American man during a dispute in New Yorks Central Park in May.

Ventura County Sheriff's deputies arrested Ponsetto after spotting her driving near her home in Piru, northwest of Los Angeles, said department Capt. Eric Buschow.

She drove two blocks before stopping her vehicle, then refused to get out of the car, Buschow said.

She tried to slam the door on one of the deputies and thats when they just reached in and forcibly removed her, he said, adding that the sheriff's office would ask county prosecutors to charge her with resisting arrest.

Ghatan said she spoke to her client earlier Thursday, and that she strikes me as someone whos unwell."

She said Ponsetto lashed out" over worry about her phone disappearing, and that it wasn't racially motivated.

It could have been anyone," she said.
South Carolina confirmed another 4,576 new coronavirus cases Saturday, bringing the state to over 320,000 cases as it approached 4 million COVID-19 tests.

It's only the second day that the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has confirmed more than 4,500 new cases, and it comes one day after Friday's record of 4,986.

Over 50,000 new cases have been confirmed in the past two weeks, just a fraction of the time  over four months  that it took the Palmetto State to rack up its first 50,000 cases.

Statewide numbers

New cases reported: 4,576, which is 2,796 percent higher than the 158 tallied on March 31, the day Gov. Henry McMaster ordered nonessential businesses to close.

Total cases in S.C.: 320,105, plus 29,979 probable cases

New deaths reported: 52

Total deaths in S.C.: 5,267 confirmed, 491 probable

Total tests in S.C.: 3,995,219

Hospitalized patients: 2,383

Percent of positive tests, 7-day average: 31.5 percent. Five percent of tests or fewer returning positive results is a good sign the virus' spread is slowing, researchers say.

Hardest-hit areas

Sign up for our new health newsletter The best of health, hospital and science coverage in South Carolina, delivered to your inbox weekly. Email

Sign Up!

According to data from DHEC, the top counties for new coronavirus cases reported Saturday were Greenville, 723; Richland, 348; and Spartanburg, 312.

What about tri-county?

Charleston County had 250 new cases; Berkeley, 121; and Dorchester, 107.

Deaths

Two of the 52 deaths reported Saturday were patients aged 35 to 64, and the rest were 65 and older.

They lived in Aiken, Charleston, Chesterfield, Dorchester, Florence, Greenville, Horry, Jasper, Kershaw, Lancaster, lee, Lexington, Marion, Oconee, Pickens, Richland, Spartanburg and York counties.

Hospitalizations

Of the 2,383 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 on Saturday, 457 were in intensive care and 243 were on ventilators.

What do experts say?

Authorities continue to urge South Carolinians to take precautions, such as wearing masks or other face coverings, social distancing and frequently washing hands.

They also urge anyone who believes theyve been exposed to the virus or who is developing symptoms to get tested. Those out in the community or not able to socially distance should get tested monthly, DHEC advised.

Go to scdhec.gov/findatest to find a testing site in your area.
Guest post: How human activity threatens the worlds carbon-rich peatlands

Posted on 8 January 2021 by Guest Author

This article, guest authored by Prof. Angela Gallego-Sala & Dr. Julie Loisel, was originally published on the Carbon Brief website on Dec 21, 2020. It is reposted below in its entirety. Click here to access the original article and comments.

Peatlands

Peatlands are ecosystems unlike any other. Perpetually saturated, their wetland soils are inhospitable to many plants and trees, yet they are rich in carbon.

But the worlds peatlands are under threat on multiple fronts. From a warming climate and rising sea levels through to land-use change and wildfires, disturbing peatland ecosystems risks releasing their long-held carbon into the atmosphere.

In our recent paper, published in Nature Climate Change, we review the scientific literature and survey experts to explore the biggest risks to global peatlands and their potential impacts during this century and beyond.

Why are peatlands so carbon rich?

The key feature of peatlands soils is their saturation. Water excludes oxygen in the soil and plant roots need oxygen to function. This makes peatlands difficult environments for plants to survive.

As a result, high-latitude peatlands are dominated by sedges and mosses, which are well adapted to these anoxic conditions. Trees, meanwhile, find it harder to survive.

In tropical peatlands, though, a full canopy can develop above waterlogged peatland soils where trees have found strategies to cope with anoxia. One of these coping mechanisms is adventitious roots  roots that hang from branches before reaching the soil to get oxygen. Plants can often find a way to expand even in the most inhospitable of places.

Banyan tree aerial roots in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Bali. Credit: Leonid Serebrennikov / Alamy Stock Photo.

Meanwhile, below ground, the lack of oxygen in the soil slows down all the processes that see microbes break down organic matter. Decomposition without oxygen produces methane, which is why peatlands are natural methane emitters.

CARBON VS. CO2: The terms carbon and CO2" are often used interchangeably, but there is an important difference. Carbon is an element, while CO2 is a compound containing one carbon atom with two oxygen atoms. Read More

Ultimately, the slowdown means that the carbon inputs to the soil  from plant photosynthesis  exceed the outputs from decomposition and so carbon accumulates in the soil. In other words, peatlands in pristine state are natural carbon sinks, because they take up carbon from the atmosphere.

This slow accumulation of carbon year after year in peatland soils over millennia and all over the world has resulted in deep peat deposits  sometimes over 10 metres in depth.

Overall, global peatlands contain around twice the amount of all the worlds trees put together. And despite only covering 3% of the Earths land surface, peatlands store around 25% of the global soil carbon stock. These estimates vary  between around 400bn and 1,000bn tonnes of carbon in total  but the fact is that peatlands are massive carbon stores.

The Cinderella ecosystem

Peatlands have historically been considered unproductive and barren landscapes  even unhealthy and dangerous. This has resulted in a drive to improve them  in other words, to drain them and make them into more productive landscapes that either provide humans with food or fuel.

Drainage allows oxygen back into the peat soils, leading to fast aerobic decomposition. As a result, drained peatlands generally become carbon sources and are also less able to hold water. Approximately 15% of the peatlands worldwide are considered to be in a degraded state  this increases to 80% for UK peatlands.

The draining of peatlands as a management practice neglects to acknowledge all of the ecosystem services they provide. This is not only in terms of carbon sequestration, but also in terms of biodiversity, the provision of water and food, and as culturally important landscapes and records of past environments.

Many people depend on a peatland upstream for their drinking water, for example. It is time to switch our perceptions of peatlands from being desolate, barren spaces to realising they provide multiple benefits for humans and life on Earth.

It is, perhaps, not as easy for humans to appreciate the importance and beauty of peatlands when compared to, say, forests. But most of what goes on in a peatland happens underground and we are unable to see all those processes going on below. This is why the ecosystem has been termed the Cinderella ecosystem  as its beauty and benefits hidden for us to discover.

All it may take, however, is to crouch down to more closely inspect a sphagnum moss or a carnivorous plant to fall in love with peatlands.

Sundew (Drosera), a red carnivorous plant in a peat bog. Credit: Roman Kybus / Alamy Stock Photo.

Global warming and peatlands

There is still a lot of debate about how peatlands will respond to climate change. Fortunately, there is information stored in the peatland record itself, which we can extract to find out how peatlands have responded to climatic changes in the past.

Each year, as new layers of peat are deposited, the soil captures fragments of evidence on the environmental conditions of the time. These can be in the form of pollen, testate amoeba and carbon and oxygen isotopic ratios. Scientists can drill and extract a core through the soil to retrieve a timeline of past peat deposits.

These palaeoclimate studies indicate that high-latitude peatlands will likely increase their sink capacity with warming  that is, they will accumulate carbon more quickly as temperatures increase (assuming they are not degraded).

This would mean they are what we call a negative feedback  their response to warming has an effect that reduces further warming.

However, this is possibly only true at high latitudes, where warming will lead to longer growing season lengths and larger carbon inputs from photosynthesis. Microbial decomposition will also increase with warming, but data so far show that plant photosynthesis will increase even more.

This may not be the case in the tropics, although we cannot be sure of this as tropical peatlands are understudied. But our findings suggest that, overall, if peatlands are preserved, they may help us mitigate climate change.

Another issue is how climate will affect peatland distribution. The overall peatland carbon sink will be affected not just by how fast they accumulate carbon, but how expansive these ecosystems are.

Peatland extent will be affected by climate and, more specifically, it will be determined by having sufficient moisture to keep soils saturated. There is uncertainty about how the extent of peatlands will change in the future, but, like many other ecosystems, they are likely to shift their distribution northwards, if enough moisture is available.

Overall, climate change is likely to increase the carbon sink capacity of peatlands, especially at high latitudes, and change peatland distribution in ways we are not able to predict yet, so uncertainty remains.

The future of peatlands

It is not just climate change that will determine the future fate of peatlands. The graphic below shows some of the other agents of change that are also likely to play a role  including land use change, atmospheric pollution and fire.

The main agents of change impacting the global peatland carbon balance globally. Source: Loisel et al. (2020).

In our recent paper, we gathered the opinion on peatland from experts to examine how the peatland carbon sink has changed during the Holocene (the last ~10,000 years), the Anthropocene (the recent past) and how it is likely to change in the future.

Expert opinions vary, but, overall, they expect that peatlands will shift from an overall carbon sink to a source this century  primarily due to the effect of climate change and human impacts in tropical peatlands.

However, one limiting factor in understanding how peatlands will change is that they are not currently included in the Earth system models (ESMs) that scientists use to make climate change projections.

This is because they generally are not seen as having an important role in the carbon cycle. Partly because peatlands are slow carbon sinks  it takes thousands of years to build up a peatland  but also they have often been considered inert carbon stores.

We now know, however, that these large carbon stores are not stable. For example, we have seen large peat fires in southeast Asia, Russia and other boreal areas, such as the UK. We also know that processes such as fire may mobilise peat carbon and release it back to the atmosphere.

We, therefore, need to consider peatlands in ESMs if better predictions of the fate of peatlands and climate change are to be made.

Smoke rises from a peatland during fires near Banjarmasin, Indonesia. Credit: Reuters / Alamy Stock Photo.

Challenges and opportunities

Recently, there has been growing interest among scientists and practitioners into nature-based climate solutions  ways to remove CO2 from the atmosphere through conservation, restoration or improved land management actions.

Research has highlighted the importance of peatlands as a key option. For example, one study estimates that the global greenhouse gas saving potential of peatland restoration  only counting peatlands that are negatively affected by land-use change  is similar to the most optimistic sequestration potential from all agricultural soils. In other words, avoided emissions from peatlands may well be one of the most important natural climate solutions available to us.
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA)  Tunisian president Kais Saeid on Friday proposed to the country's scientific committee of the fight against coronavirus (Covid-19) to carry out a general health lockdown in regions most affected by the deadly virus
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Saturday dismissed the certificate forgery suit instituted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

The judge, Ahmed Mohammed, dismissed the suit on the grounds that the forgery allegations were not proved.

The suit was filed by APC along with one of its members, Williams Edobor, on July 14, 2020.

Mr Obaseki had won the September 2020 election on the platform of the Peoples Demoratic Party (PDP) platform to clinch second term in office.

Suit

Sued by the plaintiffs as co-defendants in the suit were Mr Obaseki, PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The plaintiffs accused the governor of forging his Bachelor of Art in Classical Studies certificate which he submitted to INEC in support of his nomination as the candidate of PDP in the September 2020 Edo State governorship election.

They also alleged that with Mr Obaseki having only three credits in Religious Knowledge, History, and Geography, without a credit pass in English Language in his OLevel result, the governor failed to meet the minimum requirement to be admitted to the University of Ibadan (UI), and could not have been admitted into the university in 1976 and graduated in 1979.

The plaintiffs alleged that the OLevel result purportedly issued by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) was forged.

They added that Mr Obaseki failed to submit his primary school leaving certificate to INEC, an alleged failure they claimed cast doubts on whether the governor attended a primary school to be qualified to attend a secondary school and sit for the WAEC examinations.

They also maintained that the UI certificate submitted to INEC by Mr Obaseki for the 2016 election was different from the one he tendered in 2020, a claim they held as a proof that the governor did not possess an authentic university certificate.

The plaintiffs asked the court to disqualify Mr Obaseki and his party from the September 2020 election for lying on oath and forgery, a prayer if granted would have paved the way for the APC and its governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to be declared the winner of the election.

Judgement

Delivering judgment on Saturday, Mr Mohammed said: he who alleges must prove adding that the plaintiffs failed in that regard.

None of the witnesses called by the plaintiffs was able to prove that the certificates were forged, the judge held.

Interestingly, all the witnesses admitted that none of them went to the University of Ibadan to confirm the authenticity of the certificate.

What played out in this case is that plaintiffs only relied on photocopies that were attached to the Form EC9 the first defendant (Mr Obaseki) submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He held that despite that the allegation of forgery was criminal in nature and required to be proved beyond reasonable doubt, the plaintiffs failed to bring any evidence not to talk of proving the allegation beyond reasonable doubt.

In this instant case, no evidence, not to talk of proof beyond reasonable doubt, was brought to prove the allegation of forgery against the first defendant, he said.

The judge said, The evidence of the plaintiffs is at variance with their allegations.

ADVERTISEMENT

The judge noted that the original copies of the various certificates of academic qualification of Mr Obaseki including his UI degree certificate tendered in court were direct evidence which the plaintiffs were unable to puncture.

Mr Mohammed also relied on the testimony of the Deputy Registrar, Legal, of the University of Ibadan, Abayomi Ajayi, who confirmed that Mr Obaseki was duly admitted to the university as a direct entry student to study Classics in 1976.

According to the judge, Mr Ajayi confirmed, in his testimony, that Mr Obaski, despite not having a credit pass in his OLevel result, met the admission requirement to study Classics which was later renamed Classical Studies and duly graduated in 1979.

He noted that the plaintiffs were unable to puncture the testimony of a representative of the university whose evidence he said laid the case to rest.

The case of the plaintiff can be likened to a situation where a father identifies his son as his biological father and another person contests it without providing another father, the judge said.

Having thoroughly analysed the evidence in this case it is the conclusion of this court that the first defendant did not forge his OLevel certificate, his HSC (High School Certificate), and particularly his University of Ibadan degree certificate.

Accordingly the plaintiffs case is dismissed with no order as to cost.
What Do The Murderous Fraudsters Fear?

by Limin Wang

January 08, 2021

The murderous fraudsters control the mainstream media and the social media, and they define democracy as silencing anybody, even the President of the United States of America, who does not agree with them because of truth and integrity. For the sake of the word DEMOCRACY the murderous fraudsters using too, please allow people, including President Donald J. Trump, to have the FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION which is written in the U.S.A. CONSTITUTION, or more specificly for the faster localization by SHAMELESS DENIERS in the name of FEAR, the First Amendment. Also, where is our beloved Vice President Mike Pence? How what really happened in Capitol needs a thorough investigation before the Congress frivolously reaches its UNILATERAL JUDGMENT: blaming everything on President Donald J. Trump and threatening him again one way or another. It is a REAL DISGRACE to the world who may still think, if not allowed to speak, on their own after witnessing what the USA Congress and some USA Democrats do. Where is the JUDICIAL BRANCH OF the USA system of CHECK AND BALANCE? Where is the SUPREME COURT?

For the Democrats and some self-defined heavy weight politicians, how about re-reading what FDR said in his first inauguration: "So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself  nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. " What do you fear President Donald J. Trump and his supporters of? Why most of the protesters outside and inside the Capitol on January 06, 2021 were so peaceful? How the protesters were peacefully and quickly ushered out by DC police? The fact itself speaks louder than the asserted fear.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Here's a look at the biggest stories and the best content from just-drinks this week.

Constellation Brands posted its latest set of results this week

This month, our category commentators are lining up to share with us their thoughts on how 2021 will shape their respective sectors. Here's our wine expert, Chris Losh, with his take on the year ahead.

As 2021 kicks off, soft drinks commentator Lucy Britner offers her views on the key trends that are set to shape the category during the next 12 months.

Drinks industry groups on both sides of the Atlantic have called for immediate talks after the US announced additional tariffs on European Union alcohol imports, including Cognac and still wine.

Hopes that 2021 will see a lessening of the tariff turmoil of the past two years in alcohol were dashed last week when US trade authorities announced new levies on European Union imports.

If only briefly, alcohol and cannabis met for the first time in 27 years in 2019, with consumption trends among one grouping of US teenagers reaching touching distance.

On just-drinks' news pages:

Anheuser-Busch InBev closed last year with a US$3bn boost, offloading a near-50% stake in can production unit Metal Container Corp. The transaction, which was both confirmed and completed late last month, sees the group sell 49.9% of the unit to a consortium of institutional investors led by private equity group Apollo Global Management.

Kirin Holdings is to pay about US$30m for a minority stake in India's B9 Beverages, the owner of craft beer brand Bira 91. Confirming the deal to just-drinks this week, Kirin said it will take a single-digit holding in New Dehli-based B9.

C&C Group has bought a minority holding in Scottish craft brewer Innis & Gunn. The Magners and Tennent's brand owner has taken an 8% stake in Edinburgh's Innis & Gunn, which brews some of its whisky-barrel-aged beers at C&C's Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow.

A remarkable sales showing in the fiscal third-quarter has returned Constellation Brands to growth in its year to date. Three months on from posting a near-5% decline in sales from the first half, Constellation this week reported a 22% rise from the three months to the end of November.

Michigan looks set to become the next US state to allow cannabis beverages after authorities issued official guidelines on how to secure production approval.

PepsiCo has launched a marketing programme for brand Pepsi, encouraging US consumers to support black-owned restaurants. The activation, called 'Dig In', aims to generate at least US$100m in sales for black-owned restaurants over the next five years.
Tehran, Jan 9 : The Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech that the West has a duty to immediately stop the sanctions against Iran, and Iran will resume its commitments if its counterparts fulfill theirs.

"The western front must put an end to this vicious sanctions against the Iranian people, and they must do it immediately. It is their duty to lift all sanctions," Khamenei said on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

He also called on officials to make plans for Iran's economy based on the assumption that the sanctions will not be lifted, relying on internal capacities and implementing resistance economy policies.

Later in the speech, Iran's top leader said Iran "is not in a hurry" for the U.S. to reintegrate the 2015 nuclear deal, but it has the "reasonable demand" that the sanctions are lifted.

"If they come back to their commitments, we will come back to ours as well," Khamenei declared.

Talking about Iran's regional presence, Khamenei said Iran has the duty to act in such a way that its allies will be strengthened, noting that Iran will not change its foreign policy.

He pointed in his speech to the United States as a destabilizing force in "Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and other countries in the region" in its pursuit of the "domination" of West Asia.

Iran's top leader recalled the western support for electoral protests in Iran in 2009, and said Washington was then seeking to "create insecurity and civil war" in Iran without success, and now, the U.S. is suffering a similar fate in its own territory, referring to the incidents in the U.S. capitol on Wednesday.

Talking about Iran's defence capabilities, Khamenei said that the country's authorities "do not have the right" to bring about a situation in which Iran can suffer a military attack without having the means to respond.
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.
This week we crawled our way to another lockdown in Northern Ireland. Thankfully past experience has delivered invaluable lessons on how to cope...

Stormont

When it comes to anything beyond the tribal politics of Orange and Green, the Northern Ireland Executive has proved itself unfit for purpose. Faced with real questions of life and death our leaders have shown a grim determination to stay resolutely behind the curve.

Even this week when the PM metaphorically hit the big red button marked PANIC, our politicians couldn't get their act together. While the rest of the UK went into immediate lockdown, complete with pictures of deserted "ghost" city and town centres, our lot dillied and dallied, dallied and dillied, lost the plot and just allowed people to roam... as if hoping that if they talked long enough it would just go away.

GCSEs and A levels were on, then off, BTecs are still up in the air. But it was the transfer test fiasco that truly exposed Stormont for what it is - a sectarian basket-case. Our lot turned the pressing issue of how to save as many lives as possible into a debate about the merits of academic selection - traditionally fought bitterly on Green and Orange lines.

Sinn Fein, which scrapped the 11-Plus, saw an opportunity to finish it off once and for all. The key issue should have been about finding the best way forward for those parents who want their child to have the opportunity of a grammar school education, not about winding up unionists.

After all many people here of whatever political hue are already wound up enough. They've witnessed the breath-taking arrogance of SF's rule-flouters at the Bobby Storey funeral - including a Deputy First Minister who without a blush continues to lecture others on how to behave - and have seen the DUP emerge as a natural home for Covid macho men.

Barely a day passes without Sammy Wilson being accused of flouting rules. After travelling to the House of Commons our Alpha Male told us: "I'm more in danger of being killed on my motorbike than I am of being affected by this virus." Maybe he should go into the recording studio for his own version of the Van Morrison classic Sammy Wilson Said. This week 80 people died from Covid in NI but we are still waiting on that minute's silence for them at Stormont.

Armchair lawyers

This time around avoid these people, if you'll pardon the pun, like the plague. They go to bed at night with a print-out of the latest NI Regulations and a highlighter. You know the type - often to be heard saying things like "you know, if you have a skin condition you don't have to wear a mask" or "you know, if a wet bar sold a Scotch egg that could make it a restaurant".

Every time there's a new lockdown they have a long list of - quite literally - Get Out clauses before the ink is barely dried. We all know what we are meant to do to help each other through this - starting with ignoring these people.

Mute button

Talking of which, one of the pluses of the pandemic has been people discovering the mute button on their social media feeds. If you truly can take no more of the conspiracy theories and the Tinfoil Hat Brigade, well the good news you don't have to.

Those people you originally befriended because you worked in the same type of job or shared a love of cats and who now bombard your timeline with their weird and angry political views? As if you care what they think... Just mute them. Simple. And they won't even know you've done it. God bless technology.

Mental health

Nearly one year on, it's no secret many people are struggling - and that awareness is a good thing because it proves we're better at talking about it. Northern Ireland has always been a reserved society so one benefit from all this (and yes there have been a few) is that some people have felt able to lower the emotional drawbridge. For the first time they have talked about how they really feel - and perhaps also noticed if a friend is under pressure.

Covid has forced us to live differently - perhaps juggling competing pressures of working at home/home-schooling/caring for relatives - and that's meant finding coping strategies too. Planting a few bulbs, taking the dog for a walk, marvelling at the serene wisdom of the cat, reading a novel... sure, none of this is going to be life-changing but it can provide some valuable headspace.

Switching off the Stormont drip-feed of information can help too. You'll find out eventually - and it will still seem half-hearted and be quickly undermined.

Shopping

By this stage, we should have nailed this - home deliveries for whoever requires them and as safe an environment as possible for those who have to go to supermarkets. Sadly, it's still a battleground with a variety of "enemies" trying to take you out either wilfully or through ignorance and/or selfishness.

Yes, we all know there are some who can't wear masks for medical reasons, but there aren't that many of them folks and they sure don't all happen to be in this superstore right now - but there they are, those who just refuse to do so to make a point.

Even that, however, is not enough. So many people have discovered they have magnetic personalities as strangers flock to their side. These people push up beside you, often coughing to signify their presence.

Then there are young couples, family outings, groups of friends who blithely sail past the 'only one person per household' signs to dander round the aisles. We all get it now - you're not worried about Covid, you don't think it exists, you couldn't be a***d. It's just your utter contempt for other people that continues to gall. Still, there's plenty of space emerging on the shelves... no post-Brexit Irish Sea border eh? Frankly, in the middle of a pandemic, it's all getting too dystopian-looking for my liking...

Still all in this together

We used to have many dividing lines - men or women, Green or Orange, Tory or Labour, worker or boss, BBC NI or UTV, Nolan or Frank... But now it's much more complex, so many competing needs, voices and views on absolutely everything.

Of course, there are very real concerns for those awaiting surgery - in some cases life-saving - whose operations have been cancelled due to Covid and who need urgent treatment. Those unable to work who need financial help. Businessowners perplexed that a multi-national can sell clothes to shoppers while they can't operate a click and collect service from their small independent store.

It's easy to understand why so many people feel increasingly on their own in all of this, especially when Stormont is so dysfunctional. In one sense we are all in this together, in another, possibly more than at any time in our history, even during the Troubles, because Covid has divided people even within usually monocultural communities, it does feel like it's everyone for themselves now.

But I have to say very quietly that this isn't so. Away from the shouting online and in real life, away from the anger and even the hurt, we all still are part of a strong community of resilient people; and we all know we have our small platoons of support, in family maybe, for some it'll be those next door, or in the next street, or the local pastor or the postie, for others it will be faith and for others it will be their own stoic Ulster stubbornness and thran personalities.

We draw on all of this to be who we are. So I say, hold your nerve. Sit your ground. Keep going. Choose whichever one of those suits you best and stick to it.

This is still a community of good people doing their very best.

Ahmad Amirabadi, a member of the Iranian Parliament Presiding Board, said that if the sanctions are not lifted, Iran will expel the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors on February 21, Mehr reported.

"If the sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran are not lifted by February 21, especially in the fields of finance, banking and oil, we will definitely expel the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from the country," said Amirabadi in a televised program on Saturday.

"If the sanctions are not lifted by the mentioned date, the Islamic Republic of Iran will definitely stop the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol; this is the law of Iranian Parliament, and the government is obliged to implement it," he added.

"We have given the Americans a one-month opportunity, and the new US administration will take office on January 21," Amirabadi highlighted, adding, "They have until February 21 to take action to lift the sanctions. Otherwise, the Islamic Republic of Iran will stand in the interests of its people."

"We do not see any reason to fulfill our obligations until the sanctions are lifted," Ahmad Amirabadi added. "Certainly, the implementation of the commitments without lifting the sanctions is to the detriment of the Iranian nation, and so far the Iranian nation has suffered from this issue, and the Americans and Europeans have not suffered any harm."
A member of the Bexar County Sheriffs Office command staff is retiring after he and the sheriff did not see eye-to-eye on shifting the agencys focus to organized crime and domestic terrorism.

On Friday, Assistant Chief Deputy Ronald Dale Bennett agreed to retire immediately and receive an honorable discharge, Sheriff Javier Salazar said.

Bennett rose through the ranks to the assistant chief deputy position during his off-and-on career of 34 years. In 2013, he left the department to work for another agency. He returned after Salazar took office in 2017 and became his assistant chief deputy.

Salazar said their disagreement came from his decision to reorganize resources, such as having the narcotics unit not just make drug-related arrests, but also seeking out drugs linked to organized crime.

The sheriff also said he wants a dedicated gang unit.

During Salazar's administration, the sheriffs office set up a mobile command unit on the Northeast Side to combat an increase in gang-related activity.

Salazar also said the department receives intelligence regarding gang activity from inmates at the Bexar County Jail. He said it is difficult for the department to act on it effectively without a gang unit.

The sheriffs office is part of the Texas Anti-Gang Center  a joint effort between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to combat gangs in Texas  but he said that operation mostly focuses on sharing intelligence.

I feel the next big threat for us ... is going to come from domestic terrorism. Its going to come from narco-terrorism from south of the border, Salazar said. We have got to be at the front end of this. I dont think that a uniform gang unit is too much to ask.

Bennett did not agree that shifting deputies from other units was the best course of action, Salazar said. He was also unwilling to help with reassigning and reorganizing the law enforcement units.

If anyone can show me good, hard evidence on why we dont need an organized crime effort, Im all ears, Salazar said. But if you dont want to do it just because you dont want to do it, that becomes problematic for me.

Salazar said supervisors from the agencys different units are now looking at how they can shift their resources, but he did not have an immediate timeline as to when the gang unit would be assembled.

He said any adjustments will not affect the current effectiveness of the countys law enforcement.

Salazar also said the Anaqua Springs case was not handled at the level he expected while addressing reasons that Bennett retired.

On Jan. 10, 2019, Nichol Leila Olsen, 37 and her two girls were found dead at a $1 million home in the gated Anaqua Springs Ranch subdivision near Leon Springs.

The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office ruled Olsens death a suicide and her daughters deaths as homicides.

On Friday, Hector Bribiescas, the father of London Sophia Bribiescas, Olsens 10-year-old daughter, filed a lawsuit accusing Charles Edward Wheeler, Olsens boyfriend, of negligence. He is seeking more than $1 million in damages.

As for the BCSO investigation, Salazar said that not enough of an attempt was made to answer certain questions that lingered in the case two years later.

Im sorry. I just beg to differ to anybody who laid that case on my desk and told me that it was completed and ready to go, Salazar said.

He has since reassigned the investigation to a cold case detective.
Hyundai says it's in talks with Apple to develop an electric car, quickly retracts statement

Korean car maker Hyundai Motor issued a statement that it is in talks with Apple to co-develop a self-driving electric car. However, it has amended that statement twice since the initial announcement, writes Bloomberg.

The first correction stated that Hyundai is only one of several car makers that Apple has contacted. The second correction removed references to Apple altogether. Cupertino is as always very secretive about its future projects.

And this one is in the early stages of development  the Apple car is at least half a decade away, with The Elec reporting that 2027 was discussed as potential launch target. Korean media reported that Apple and Hyundai will work together to develop the battery and the self-driving technology for the car.

Hyundai developed the first cruise control system based on machine learning

A few years isnt a very long time to develop a car, considering that Apple has no experience in the matter, no manufacturing capacity and no network of car dealers. That is why its looking to team up with an existing car maker.

Its too early to tell which company will be selected as partner. Even Hyundais now retracted statement made it clear that the two companies are in the early stages of the discussion.

Hyundai Motor formed a $4 billion joint venture with a General Motors spin-off, Aptiv, focused on developing self-driving cars. This is just part of the $55 billion investment that will be made over the next five years on projects related to electric and autonomous vehicles. The company aims to sell 1 million electric cars by 2025.

Source | Via

Passengers wear masks as they walk at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport in Vantaa, Finland, on July 13, 2020. (Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva/Reuters)

Denmark Limits Travel From All Countries to Try to Check Virus

COPENHAGENDenmark will restrict travel from all countries from Jan. 9, and has advised against going abroad, to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, in particular the more transmissible mutations first found in Britain and South Africa.

The move follows a decision this week to further tighten an already stringent economic and social lockdown.

Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod told reporters on Friday that the travel measures were a logical consequence of the domestic measures taken by the government in the last few days.

Danish authorities have so far found no trace of the South African coronavirus variant, but they estimate that the British variant will be the dominant one in Denmark by mid-February.

From Friday, entry to Denmark will be limited to people with a credible purpose and proof of a negative coronavirus test no older than 24 hours, Transport Minister Benny Engelbrecht told the news conference.

The travel restrictions will remain in place until at least Jan. 17.

By Nikolaj Skydsgaard
A supporter of US President Donald Trump said Friday that he has received a flood of death threats after being falsely accused of affiliation with far-left movement Antifa.

"People are sending me death threats every five minutes. I can't take it," Kristopher Drew of California, who asked not to be identified by his full name, told AFP.

The accusation stems from a video he filmed on the day that Trump loyalists stormed a session of Congress, interrupting the official certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election.

In the clip, he said: "I just got back from storming the Capitol. We stormed it, we were successful."

He then mentions people on Facebook claiming that it was Antifa instead of Trump supporters who were involved.

"It was us. We proudly took back our Capitol," he said, referring to the president's backers.

That remark, however, was taken by some as an admission of responsibility by Antifa, a structureless movement that says it is dedicated to fighting fascism online and in public. It is a favored target of American conservatives, including Trump.

Lin Wood, a pro-Trump attorney, spread a post on Parler that claimed the video showed an Antifa member saying "they were the ones to break into the capital yesterday."

The claim also appeared on video hosting site Bitchute.

Kristopher Drew said he is not Antifa, and that the original video he posted had been "cut up by people."

"I never went in the building, I was... outside, but I said 'we' stormed the Capitol, as like the group of people," he said.

For him, the claim about the video clip has turned into a nightmare.

"People are threatening me, and trying to hurt me every chance they get," he said.

wd/adm/acb
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trumps decision to skip President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration is not without precedent, though one must go back to Andrew Johnson in 1869 to find the most recent example.

John Adams and John Quincy Adams also opted not to participate in a tradition that began with George Washington.

The White House Historical Association points out that John Adams was never formally invited by his successor, Thomas Jefferson, to the event and perhaps didnt want to impose. The association also noted it was the first time the presidency was transferred to an opposing party and he may have wanted to avoid provoking violence between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Following in his fathers footsteps, John Quincy Adams officially departed the White House on the evening of March 3, the day before the inauguration of President Andrew Jackson. Jackson has been in Washington for about three weeks. He did not call on Adams, nor did Adams invite Jackson to the White House.

Some four decades later, President-elect Ulysses S. Grant refused to ride with President Andrew Johnson from the White House to the Capitol for the ceremony. When it was suggested that two carriages carry them separately, Johnson said he would simply not attend the ceremonies, remaining instead at the White House with friends and colleagues and signing last-minute legislation.

To me, he is much, much different from the two Adamses in that they truly were statesmen and they just had their reasons to be bitter. But they werent bad men, said Barbara Perry, director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia. Johnson was a bad man and a bad president.

Perry said she is quite forgiving of the first Adams because the tradition of attending a successors inauguration was just beginning, but less so for his son.

She said that over time it has become important symbolically and substantively for outgoing presidents to attend the inauguration of their successor. It reinforces the concept of a peaceful transition of power, but it also tells potential adversaries to be wary of trying to take advantage of the change.

We pride ourselves on this peaceful transition of power, but also dont fool with us, dont think that because were transferring power from one man to another, one party to another, or because weve had a controversial election, that were enfeebled and that were weak and that you can attack us," Perry said.

Notwithstanding Johnsons decision to skip the inauguration of Grant, the tradition of an outgoing president attending the inaugural ceremonies took on greater importance after the Civil War, said presidential historian Douglas Brinkley.

Its the ultimate healing gesture. Its the genius of American reconciliation, Brinkley said. Its with sadness that Trump seems unable to admit defeat and be large enough to wish the new president good luck.

But, on the other hand, given what has just happened at the Capitol, you know, the insurrection of the Capitol with Trumps culpability, the nation may be better off with him not being a part of the healing, because he may have been the cancer on the national ward.

In more modern times, Richard Nixon didnt attend Gerald Fords swearing-in, but there was no pomp and circumstance on that occasion. Rather, Ford was administered the oath of office in the White House East Room shortly after Nixon had tendered his resignation to avoid impeachment.

Perry said she is not surprised by Trumps decision, but she also believes that many people on both sides of the political aisle are probably good with it.

Biden, in fact, said he was happy to have Trump stay away.

Perry added: Because he is such a polarizing figure, the people who oppose him dont want to see him there. The people who support him dont want to see him there because they dont want him lending legitimacy to Joe Biden or the incoming administration. They want to keep fighting."

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
More than 5000 Victorians are waiting for state government permission to return home from NSW after being stranded by the New Year's border closure.

The trapped travellers ordeal could end as soon as Monday, with the Victorian government saying it hoped to be able to announce some form of relaxation of the hard border early this week, depending on how the neighbouring state was managing its COVID-19 outbreaks.

NSW recorded just one case of community transmission of the virus on Saturday, a diagnosis linked with the Berala cluster in western Sydney, and with the lockdown of the surrounding area due to end overnight, the state looks well on track to satisfy Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews stated requirements for a relaxation of the border closure.

Victoria recorded no new cases of community transmission on Saturday after conducting more than 28,000 tests, while an international flight crew member in hotel quarantine tested positive to the highly contagious mutated UK variant of the illness.
Chennai: The air customs officials at the Chennai airport have seized foreign currency worth Rs 1.04 crore and arrested one person. Based on intelligence that currency was likely to be smuggled out of India by passengers bound for Dubai by Indigo flight 6E 65, air intelligence officers maintained a strict vigil at departure terminal to intercept them.

Six passengers namely Mansoor Ali Khan, 27, Yakalik, 68, Thameem Ansari, 49, Mohamad Hussain, 30, and Yousuf, 67, all from Chennai and Abdul Rahman, 38, from Pudur, were intercepted after they had cleared Immigration and were proceeding towards security hold area.

Their personal search, as well as the search of their hand baggage and backpacks, was also carried out.

On examination of their backpacks, several power banks were found hidden inside. The power banks appeared to be heavy and were broken by a hammer and foreign currency notes were recovered which were concealed inside. Foreign currency was also recovered from the pockets of their backpacks.

74000 USD in 100 denominations worth Rs 53.5 lakh, 150000 Saudi Riyals in 500 denomination worth Rs 28.3 lakh, and 25000 Euros in the denomination of 200 worth Rs 22.2 lakh, totally equivalent to Rs 1.04 crore were recovered and seized under the Customs Act read with Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations, 2015.

Thameem Ansari whose individual seizure value crossed Rs 20 lakh was arrested.

Further investigation is under progress.

Live TV
As an active member of ASEAN and the UN Security Council (UNSC), Vietnam will continue to give priority to strengthening cooperation between the UN and regional organisations, especially in preventing conflict,

and is willing to coordinate with the international community for a better and more stable world, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung has said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung

The Deputy FM made the statement at a high-level open debate of the UNSC held online on January 6, during which he stressed that Vietnam has a deep understanding of the dangers to peace in unstable contexts.

According to Trung, maintaining international peace and security in the current context requires a comprehensive, inclusive, and systematic approach at all stages of the peace process and with the involvement of all stakeholders.

The root cause of issues must be solved in a comprehensive manner rather than singly, he said, noting that developing countries and nations facing instabilities need to be provided with adequate support to respond to global challenges.

As a key player in maintaining international peace and security, the UNSC should pursue a comprehensive and inclusive approach, maintain solidarity and resilience, and strengthen cooperation with other UN agencies and regional organisations to make positive changes in the field.

The multilateral system, with the UN at its core, should be an important mechanism for coordinating efforts at the global level, Trung said, adding that countries need to strengthen their commitment to complying with the UN Charter and international law.

Participants at the high-level open debate

According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, conflicts are becoming more and more complicated across the world. He called on international and regional organisations to promote the implementation of peace-building policies to support countries in carrying out socio-economic development goals.

He underlined the need for the international community to increase cooperation to overcome crises, and support post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the African Union Commission Abdel Fattah el-Sisi urged countries to coordinate and enhance policies to ensure security, build post-conflict reconstruction strategies, and promote unity towards reconciliation and the settlement of conflicts./.VNA

It took Automobili Lamborghini just 15 months to build the 10,000th Urus: next comes a PHEV

In recessions, the most monied people tend to stop flaunting their cash. That is exactly what has happened in those parts of the world mired in economic woe. Luckily, Lamborghini and Bugatti have China to fall back on as Europe, much of Asia, the Americas and elsewhere remain challenging places for hypercar brands.

As president of Bugatti and since December, CEO of Lamborghini too, Stephan Winkelmann has had much thinking to do about the future of both marques. His previous tenure at Lamborghini saw the company thriving during more than a decade there from 2005 onwards, although the Great Recession was a tricky time. Being able to draw on technology from Audi was a boon and decisions taken towards the end of his time at Lamborghini are now paying off, the success of the first SUV being proof.

Electrification will be the next step, and the first such model is now just months from launch. Some might argue that the Sian FKP 37 marked the start of a hybrid era but as only 63 coupes and 19 roadsters were built (between November 2019 and November 2020), it was really just a preview - if a dramatic one - of what's to come.

Lamborghini

The Huracan will be seven years old in March but it has another two, possibly even three, remaining. Lamborghini will continue to tweak the car and add low-volume, high-priced variants. The most recent of these was the STO (Super Trofeo Omologata), announced in November. Rear drive only, its V10 has outputs of 470 kW (640 hp) and 565 Nm.

The next generation model may use either a version of the Audi R8's architecture or else an evolution of the 992 Porsche 911's platform. In a major engineering change, it is expected to be a plug-in hybrid although the petrol engine will remain a normally aspirated V10.

A replacement for the Aventador, which could be called Egoista, will be a plug-in hybrid, with the combustion engine a normally aspirated V12. It is extraordinary how long the Aventador has lasted but its successor should finally appear by mid-2021, fully one decade since Lamborghini began building this model.

A petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain will become available in Lamborghini's big SUV later in 2021. Power and torque numbers for the Urus PHEV are not known but they are likely to be greater than what is on offer in Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe. These have total power of 680 PS (500 kW) from the combination of a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine (550 PS/404 kW with 770 Nm) and an electric motor (136 PS/100 kW and 400 Nm) integrated into the eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Maximum system torque is 900 Nm and the battery's capacity is 17.9 kWh.

As with other versions of the Urus, the petrol-electric one should be facelifted in 2022 or 2023 and replaced in 2026/2027.

Bugatti

The Chiron has been in small scale production in France (with engines coming from Volkswagen's vast Salzgitter powertrain plant) since April 2016. Build will, however, cease soon. Last year, there were two new variants, the first of which was announced in March. This, the Pur Sport has no extra power but loses 50 kg. Sixty cars would be made, Bugatti stated.

While not directly a Chiron variant, the Bolide, announced in October 2020, uses the same basic structure and 8.0-litre engine. Unlike the Chiron, this one is a track-only model and is powered by an 1,825 horsepower version of the quad-turbo W16.

How the Chiron will be replaced is not yet known. Key will be profitability and exclusivity. On the topic of another model, Stephan Winkelmann stated in a July 2020 interview that a decision on approving such a project had been delayed.

"For the time being we need to put this issue aside. Given the prevailing economic conditions, our utmost priority is on liquidity," Bugatti's president stated.

In November 2019, Winkelmann had suggested that the marque might in future consider a four-seat electric GT or crossover priced somewhere between half a million and a million euro.

As for the potential sale of Bugatti to Rimac, Volkswagen is saying nothing. In September there were rumours claiming that the Croatia-based start-up, in which Porsche has a 15.5% holding, would acquire the hypercar maker. Since then, nothing has been said officially, although other claims that Lamborghini too would be spun off were denied. It should be noted that whatever the PR spin is from Bugatti, JATO data show the brand delivering only 19 cars in all of Europe during the year to the end of November.

This was the final chapter in a Volkswagen Group future models series. The next OEM to have its brands looked at will be Great Wall Motor.

The Imam of Jihadis: Why Pakistans actions against Lakhvi are just an eye-wash

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 09: On Friday a Pakistan court sentenced Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the operational commander of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba to 5 years in jail and also ordered him to pay a fine.

He was found guilty of extending financial help to terrorists through various umbrella businesses. He was convicted for running a dispensary as a cover for terror funding.

The United States had on Tuesday welcomed the arrest of Lakhvi on charges of terror financing, but also called for his prosecution in the Mumbai 26/11 case.

Routine for Pak to come up with 'farcical actions' prior to key intl meets: MEA on Lakhvi sentencing

India, while reacting to the development said that this is a routine exercise and was done ahead of the crucial hearing of the Financial Action Task Force, where Pakistan is trying to wriggle out of the Grey List or doing its best to avoid being downgraded to the Black List.

Mumbai attack mastermind Lakhvi gets 15 years jail | Oneindia News

For one, Pakistan would never take real action against Lakhvi, considering the clout he has on the cadres of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba, which the ISI's most trustworthy proxy. One must note that there has never been a rebellion by the outfit against the Pakistan establishment. While the Jaish-e-Mohammad too is an important proxy for the ISI, there has been a falling out once, when the outfit plotted the assassination of General Pervez Musharraf.

Pakistan watchers and Intelligence Bureau officials that OneIndia spoke with say that Lakhvi has and will always be asset. Lakhvi's passion for Jihad against India is what makes him such a key player for Pakistan. While Hafiz Saeed is the ideological head, it is Lakhvi who oversees the recruitment, training and planning.

He is without a doubt the most passionate jihadi in Pakistan. When it comes to a passion to attack there is none more lethal than Lakhvi is what every analyst that we spoke to would say.

Unlike a Hafiz Saeed who can preach sermons against India, Lakhvi is a field man. He is not a great planner, but what he brings to the Lashkar is that element of passion.

The manner in which he commands his forces and speaks about his passion to wage war against India has been a major draw for the Lashkar. The cadres love and respect him and they fought the fiercest of battles against India when Lakhvi was in command.

In Pakistan he is known as the imam of Jihadis. He has put his family on the battlefield and every person in the Lashkar is in awe of him for this. His two sons, Abu Qasim and Abu Qatal died fighting in Kashmir against the Indian army.

He had also instructed his wife not to lose heart after they lost their sons. In fact he instructed her to run a camp for those widows who had lost their husbands fighting in Kashmir.

These are the factors that have added to his reputation and hence is considered to be the most passionate jihadi of Pakistan. Even the Pakistan establishment realizes this and hence have very reluctantly kept him behind bars.

Some of his statements against India are a clear indicator of why he is loved so much in Pakistan. He had said that his primary agenda was the destruction of India. He also said that the entire network of the Lashkar would be extended into India.

He was the same one who said before the Kargil war that a war against India was on the cards. He said that it was time to prepare for the disintegration of India.

Lashkars operational commander Lakhvi sentenced to 5 years in jail

On November 29, 2012, India posed a question to Pakistan about Lakhvi having become a proud father. When he was arrested in 2009 for the 26/11 there was no mention of him being a father of a new born child. However, in the year 2010. while he was still in jail, he announced the good news to several of his accomplices including Abu Jundal. However, there was no response from Pakistan.

India also confronted Pakistan with more proof about him being meted out privileges while in jail which included orderlies and also a television set and communication access. None of these questions have got an answer as yet. Pakistan found him so important and chose to dole out goodies to him including an alleged conjugal visit only goes on to show what sort of high esteem he is held in.
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.
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.
PFAS investigation in Pellston completes second round of samples

Officials discovered polyfluoroalkyls in Pellston residential water sources in late 2019. The airport is believed to be the source of the substances.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
U.S. law enforcement authorities are stepping up a criminal investigation into Wednesday's attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump that could include his role in instigating the mob.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Michael Sherwin said a total of 55 people have been charged with various crimes, including 15 people in connection with rioting at the Capitol.

Trump has been widely condemned for inciting the violence by imploring supporters angry over his electoral loss to march on the Capitol. In a rare rebuke, former Attorney General William Barr, a staunch Trump ally while in office, said in a statement that the president's conduct "was a betrayal to his office and supporters."

Asked if federal prosecutors were examining Trump's role in inciting the violent assault on the Capitol, Sherwin said, "We're looking at all actors here and anyone that had a role and the evidence fits the elements of a crime, they're going to be charged."

Trump told a crowd of supporters gathered near the White House on Wednesday morning to "fight like hell" before urging them to march on the Capitol, where lawmakers were deliberating over the certification of the electoral victory of Democratic President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. The president is facing calls to resign over the incident less than two weeks before his term ends on January 20.

The attack left five people dead, including U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian C. Sicknick. Dozens of people were injured in Wednesday's violence.

Arrests are 'just the beginning'

On Friday, Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen issued a statement saying, "the FBI and Metropolitan Police Department will jointly investigate the case and the Department of Justice will spare no resources in investigating and holding accountable those responsible."

Sherwin said prosecutors are aggressively pursuing the perpetrators and are not ruling out bringing charges of sedition.

"Make no mistake about it: This was obviously a very dangerous situation," Sherwin told reporters. "We're aggressively trying to address these cases as soon as possible, and make no mistake about it, even though we just teed up 15 cases, I think that's a good start, but it's in no regard the end."

The federal charges against those arrested include theft of government property and firearms violations. One man was arrested near the U.S. Capitol on charges of carrying a semi-automatic assault weapon and 11 Molotov cocktails that were "ready to go," Sherwin said.

He added the arrests are "just the beginning" of a potentially monthslong investigation. Because all but a handful of the hundreds of rioters who stormed the Capitol were allowed by Capitol Police to leave, the effort to identify and arrest the perpetrators could take months, perhaps all year.

He said hundreds of investigators are combing surveillance videos and social media footage to identify the perpetrators.

"We'll aggressively charge these cases," Sherwin said.

Rosen said the Justice Department "is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack on our government and the rule of law face the full consequences of their actions under the law."

"Our criminal prosecutors have been working throughout the night with special agents and investigators from the U.S. Capitol Police, FBI, ATF, Metropolitan Police Department and the public to gather the evidence, identify perpetrators and charge federal crimes where warranted," Rosen said in a statement Thursday.

Incriminating evidence

The brazen assault, the first mass violent attack on the Capitol Building in more than two centuries, began with hundreds of supporters of Trump storming the Capitol while members of Congress were meeting to certify Biden's win in the November 3 election. Capitol Police said "thousands of individuals" were involved "in violent riotous actions," attacking law enforcement officers with metal pipes, chemical irritants and other weapons.

In a video posted late Thursday on Twitter, Trump addressed the "heinous attack on the United States Capitol," saying he was "outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem."

Sherwin stopped short of second-guessing the Capitol Police's decision not to arrest the rioters at the scene, but he said the failure has made it more difficult for federal investigators to track down and arrest the perpetrators.

Many left behind incriminating evidence in the form of videos and photographs posted on social media. One QAnon supporter was photographed in the Senate chamber. Another Trump supporter had his photograph taken in Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office.

Jordan Strauss, a former federal prosecutor and now a managing director with Kroll, a risk management consultancy, said the videos and photographs offer a "plethora of evidence" that prosecutors can use to bring charges.

"A lot of people livestreamed their crimes while they were committing them," Strauss said.

Potential charges

The rioters could face several federal charges, from destruction of property to threatening members of Congress and sedition, he said. Sherwin said no charges, including sedition, are off the table.

Sedition is the act of opposing government authority by force. Barr raised the prospects of bringing sedition charges against anti-police protesters in a memo to federal prosecutors last summer.

Strauss said prosecutors will likely opt for "cleaner" charges that don't "risk infringing on First Amendment issues or allowing for an individual to claim that there's some sort of political prosecution."

Joel Hirschhorn, a criminal defense attorney, said arresting and charging every rioter is going to be virtually impossible.

"I think anyone who was inside the Capitol building is at risk because that was a trespass on government property," Hirschhorn said. "Will they be able to prosecute all of them? No, that's an impossibility."


Punjabs economy, including its agriculture, has been in crisis for some time on various fronts. But the pandemic provided an opportunity to the state government to set up an expert committee to suggest measures for rolling out a medium- and long-term strategy for the revival of the state economy. This article provides critical commentary on the various recommendations of the committee to deal with the agrarian crisis and presents an alternative perspective.

It is well known that Punjab agriculture has been in crisis for quite some time, including on economic, environmental and social sustainability fronts, and solutions have eluded it for various reasons. However, unlike in the past, the Government of Punjab (GoP) has proactively set up a committee of experts under Montek Singh Ahluwalia, to suggest a strategy for revival of the state economy in the post-COVID-19 medium- and long-term scenario. The committee has just submitted its first report and is scheduled to deliver the final report very soon. If this first report is anything to go by, then the portents are very clear. The report, which takes a multisectoral approach to build resilience and recovery, aims at opening up the state economy to the private sector, especially the agricultural sector in all possible ways. But, it does so without going into any documentation and analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the states economy and its implications for future livelihoods of the people. This article focuses on the recommendations of the committee on the agricultural sector as that is the most crisis-ridden, crucial, and controversial sector of the Punjab economy from a policy angle.

Crop Diversification
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A Republican colleague rebuked him on the Senate floor. A home-state newspaper editorial board declared he has blood on his hands. But for Josh Hawley, the Missouri senator who staged an Electoral College challenge that became the focus of a violent siege of the U.S. Capitol, the words of his political mentor were the most personal.

Supporting Josh Hawley ... was the worst decision Ive ever made in my life, former Missouri Sen. John Danforth told The Associated Press on Thursday. He has consciously appealed to the worst. He has attempted to drive us apart and he has undermined public belief in our democracy. And thats great damage.

Aside from President Donald Trump, who roiled up supporters just before they stormed the Capitol, no politician has been more publicly blamed for Wednesdays unprecedented assault on American democracy than Hawley. The 41-year-old first-term senator, a second-tier player through much of the Trump era, has rapidly emerged as a strident Trump ally, and may be among the most tarnished by the events of Jan. 6 for years to come.

There will be political fallout for his actions, said Alice Stewart, a Republican strategist and former adviser to the 2016 presidential campaign of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who like Hawley, drew significant criticism for pushing ahead with the Electoral College challenge.

The initial decision to oppose the will of the people was downright wrong, Stewart said. The post-insurrection calculation to continue the charade is fallacious and dangerous.

The Kansas City Star went a step further, saying in an editorial posted late Wednesday that no one other than Trump was more responsible than Hawley.

Assault on democracy: Sen. Josh Hawley has blood on his hands in Capitol coup attempt, read the headline of the editorial.

Hawley, who defeated Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill in 2018, was once celebrated by the Republican establishment as a rising star. The Stanford- and Yale- educated lawyer was young, ambitious and savvy. It surprised some when he was first to announce he would endorse false claims of fraud and take up Trumps cause, forcing House and Senate votes that would inevitably fail and in no way alter the elections outcome.

Support of the challenge to the electoral vote count was seen as keeping in good stead with Trumps supporters, who dominate the Republican base. The move instantly raised his national profile. Soon Hawley and Cruz were leading about 10 other senators in the effort  notably not winning over Sens. Ben Sasse of Nebraska or Tom Cotton of Arkansas, two other young Republicans viewed as having presidential ambitions.

As he walked into the Capitol on Wednesday, Hawley cheered on pro-Trump protesters gathering outside the building with a thumbs up and fist pump.

But Hawleys scheme fell apart almost before it got going. As the Senate began debate, pro-Trump mobs barreled into the Capitol and interrupted proceedings. By the time the Senate reconvened, after one woman was shot and killed by police and parts of the Capitol ransacked, support in the Senate for challenging the results had all but evaporated.

Dozens of courts, state elections officials and even Trumps former attorney general have said there was no evidence of widespread election fraud. Still, Hawley asked his Senate colleagues to address the concerns of so many millions of Americans by investigating the 2020 vote.

He faced instant rebuke from his own party. With Hawley sitting near, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney blasted those who objected to finalizing President-elect Joe Bidens election.

Accusing Trump of inciting insurrection, Romney said those who choose to continue to support his dangerous gambit by objecting to the results of a legitimate democratic election will forever be seen as being complicit in an unprecedented attack against our democracy.

That will be their legacy, he added.

President-elect Joe Biden echoed the sentiment, calling Hawley and Cruz just as responsible as Trump for Wednesdays violence, during a press conference Friday.

I think the American public has a real good clear look at who they are. They are part of the big lie, Biden said, stopping short of suggesting they resign. I think they should just be flat beaten the next time they run.

In the deeply divided GOP, that may not be the prevailing view. In Missouri, a state Trump won by almost 16 percentage points, some argued Hawley was blameless.

For people to blame Sen. Hawley for the people that came up to the Capitol to break the windows  and came wearing helmets and trying to break in  thats absurd, said Republican state Rep. Justin Hill, who skipped his own inaugural ceremony Wednesday to attend Trumps rally in Washington.

Hill, who was the lead sponsor of a Missouri House resolution last month asking Congress to reject some states Electoral College votes, said Hawley was defending the Constitution.

Yet, GOP state Sen. Shamed Dogan of Ballwin in suburban St. Louis, like Danforth, said late Wednesday he regretted supporting Hawley.

I have never regretted a vote as much and as quickly as my vote for @HawleyMO in 2018, he tweeted. His refusal to accept the legitimacy of Joe Bidens election, even after todays violence, is an embarrassment.

At least one major donor turned on Hawley, now calling him a political opportunist and urging the Senate to censure him.

David Humphreys is president and CEO of Tamko Building Products in Joplin, Missouri, who has donated millions of dollars to Hawley and other Republicans. But Humphreys opposed Trumps election in 2016, saying he couldnt justify supporting Trump to his children.

I need to say the same about Missouris U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who has shown his true colors as an anti-democracy populist by supporting Trumps false claim of a stolen election, Humphreys said in a statement provided to the AP Friday. Hawleys irresponsible, inflammatory, and dangerous tactics have incited violence and further discord across America. And he has now revealed himself as a political opportunist willing to subvert the Constitution and the ideals of the nation he swore to uphold.

The pile-on continued. The student bar association at the University of Missouri law school, where Hawley taught, issued a statement calling for his resignation.

The Star noted that Hawley had issued a political fundraising solicitation as the siege was underway.

But this is not about me! It is about the people I serve, and it is about ensuring confidence in our elections, said the email sent just as thousands were marching up Pennsylvania Avenue from a rally outside the White House headlined by Trump. Thats why I am standing up on behalf of the people I serve to relay their concerns to Washington. For conviction. For principle. For our country. For YOUR VOTE.

Simon & Schuster canceled publication of Hawleys upcoming book, The Tyranny of Big Tech.

The publisher said it values publishing diverse view points. At the same time, we take seriously our larger public responsibility as citizens and cannot support Senator Hawley after his role in what became a dangerous threat to our democracy and freedom, it said in a statement.

Hawley responded by calling the decision a direct assault on the First Amendment.

I will fight this cancel culture with everything I have. Well see you in court.

Danforth, who served for three terms, said he remembers how impressed he was when he first met Hawley at a dinner party when Hawley was just a law student. The young man reminded him of his friend, Democratic Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Danforth said.

I felt he could add real intellectual heft and make a great, great contribution to the Senate, he said.

Now Danforth wonders how Hawley will be able to work with his Senate colleagues, even Republicans, moving forward.

How is he going to operate in the Senate with Republicans? When (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell pleads dont do this and he does it, and then this is the consequence, he said. How is he going to get along with his colleagues? How is he going to do anything? Whats his political future?

___

Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. Associated Press writer David Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri contributed to this report.
This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech.

This article originally appeared in Tech Policy Press.

At 6:21 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Twitter finally did it. After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence. With those 30 words, the Silicon Valley company summarily removed the President of the United States preferred mechanism for reaching his 80+ million followers, and arguably one of his key tools to govern the country.

Advertisement

But wait! What about the official @POTUS account? Indeed, the president quickly availed himself of it to announce he would be taking action against the censors at Twitterbefore the series of tweets he issued were summarily deleted. Trump is just working his way through the accounts he has access to and getting them suspended, tweeted Philip Bump, a correspondent for the Washington Post. Now, @TeamTrump, which was enthusiastic about spreading misinformation anyway. He even reportedly tried a staffers account. One Twitter user wondered, How long until hes tweeting from @TrumpDoral?a reference to the corporate account for one of the presidents properties, which was made famous in 2019 for its record of infestation with bed bugs and other creepy crawlies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

And so continued what may well come to be known as The Great Cancellation of 2021as Silicon Valley companies removed or limited Trumps access to a host of services following the violent insurrection he incited on Capitol Hill:

Advertisement

 Reddit banned the subreddit forum r/DonaldTrump, Axios media reporter Sara Fischer reported on Friday morning, one of the companys largest political communities dedicated to support for President Trump.

 Twitch disabled Trumps channel following the insurrection on Capitol Hill.

 Snapchat locked the Presidents account indefinitely.

 Apple and Google told Parler, the social media network favored by far-right extremists and other supporters of the president, that it must start moderating its content, while Google delisted from its Play store.

 Discord banned the TheDonald server due to its overt connection to an online forum used to incite violence, plan an armed insurrection in the United States, and spread harmful misinformation related to 2020 U.S. election fraud, the company said in a new statement.

Advertisement

 Shopify took down online stores affiliated with President Trump that sold Make America Great Again hats and merchandise, on the grounds that Trump violated its policy against promoting or supporting violence.

 YouTube announced it would restrict channels posting videos that support the presidents false claims about the election, including Trumps channel.

Advertisement

And of course all of these acts followed a move by Facebook, whose CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Thursday his company would lock Trumps accounts at least through Inauguration Day because the risks of allowing the president to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great.

To be certain, restricting Donald Trumps ability to incite violence following Wednesdays attack on the United States Capitol is not only in the national interest, it is well within the rights of private companies whose terms of service permit them almost total discretion as to what transpires on their platforms. It is not, as the President and his supporters claim, a matter of free speech or the First Amendment. The platforms should have a heavy bias in favor of leaving political leaders speech up, argues Jameel Jaffer, director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. Not because platforms owe this to political leaders, but because they owe it to the public.  But there are limits to this principle. A political leader who uses his account to incite imminent violence is causing harms that cant be countered by speech and cant be undone by a future election. Indeed, the five dead on Capitol Hill are proof enough of the permanent dangers, which could have been far worse if the bombs and molotov cocktails found at the scene had detonated.

Advertisement

Advertisement

No matter the harms averted, the presidents supporters will no doubt be enraged, and the President himself incandescent. They were already fairly exercised about the idea of cancel culturewitness the presidents daughter, Ivanka Trump, campaigning against it in December in Georgia. And Fridays events will fit squarely in tired narratives from folks like Sen. Ted Cruz and Fox News Tucker Carlson about censorship by Big Tech, and surely lead to another disingenuous, uninformed round of Republican calls to end Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects internet platforms from liability for content posted by users. Precisely because it checks so many boxes, the Great Cancellation will itself cause a substantial furor, and will therefore further inflame the most dangerous of the presidents supporters. It will satisfy a number of conspiracy theories, including QAnon, which posits such bans are proof of its claims.

Advertisement

Therefore in the short term, it is likely to make the country less safe, as already enraged extremists plot inevitable reprisals. It will also invite danger to the executives of the tech platforms themselves, an unfortunate effect of having waited so long to confront a bully. The sad reality is that no matter how hard Silicon Valley tries to sweep Donald Trump under the rug, the hatreds he fomented are still alive across its platforms. Well be contending with Trumps disciples long after the Great Cancellation is forgottena challenge that is greatly compounded by the unwillingness of people like Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey, and Susan Wojcicki to act before now. No matter how hard they try to cancel Trump, they own whatever comes next.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
More than seventy gardai have been redeployed at three days notice to frontline duties helping to police the Covid-19 restrictions.

More than seventy gardai have been redeployed at three days notice to frontline duties helping to police the Covid-19 restrictions.

The group are part of an overall contingent of about 130 gardai, who take up their new temporary posts on Monday.

The group includes members of the Garda band as well as specialist crime fighting units in Harcourt Square and officers attached to Garda headquarters in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.

They were informed yesterday in a circular that they had to take up their new duties in three days.

Read More

The circular was sent out by the chief superintendent in charge of the forces human resource management section at headquarters, Chief Supt Louise Sinnott, who offered sincere apologies to all concerned for the short notice.

Twenty five members of the Garda Band have been temporarily allocated to operational frontline duties across the six Dublin divisions.

The rest of that group are being sent around the country to Wexford/Wicklow; Laois/Offaly/Kildare; Meath/Westmeath; Clare/Tipperary and Roscommon/Longford/Mayo; and Louth divisions.

They include gardai from the Anti Corruption Unit, the Economic Crime Bureau, the Firearms Section, Youth Diversion section; fixed charge notices office; human resources department, the community engagement section and internal audit.

They join another 54 officers from the Garda training college in Templemore, which has been shut down until further notice, apart from essential training.

The gardai will remain on the frontline duties until at least the end of the month when the decision will be subject to a review.

A further 70 trainee gardai have been attested and deployed in garda stations along with 60 garda reserve personnel.

Apart from coping with the additional duties emerging from the Covid pandemic, the force has also been hit by the growing number of officers, who are currently unavailable for work because they have either tested positive for coronavirus or they are self isolating.

Members of the bands of the Defence Forces have been redeployed since last March to provide support to the HSE, along with military cadets, on contact tracing.

The Defence Forces have committed up to 56 military first responders daily to help provide a surge in capacity of up to an additional 4,000 swab tests a day while an extra 60 personnel were trained by the HSE over Christmas to complement the bands and bringing the total number of military supporting the HSE with contact tracing to 100 for the third wave.

As of 6 January, Egypt has been among the countries with the highest reported number of coronavirus-related deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean region, after Iran, Iraq and Pakistan, the World Health Organisations Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) said.

While Egypt has reported so far 8,085 coronavirus deaths as of 8 January, 56,018 deaths have been reported in Iran, 12,877 deaths in Iraq and 10,558 in Afghanistan.

Since late December, Egypt has been facing a second wave of the deadly virus, with the government announcing extra measures to curb the heavy surge in daily cases and deaths.

Ahmed Al-Mandhari, the WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said in the report that the coronavirus situation in the Eastern Mediterranean region is widely variable from one country to another. He noted that countries like Egypt and Bahrain are showing an upward trend.

On the other hand, countries like Tunisia and United Arab Emirates have shown a high level of stability in the coronavirus situation. Other countries like Kuwait, Oman and Qatar are also showing a stable situation but to a lesser degree, Al-Mandhari added.

Concerning the new variant of SARS-COV 2, Al-Mandhari warned of its greater transmissibility, noting that Jordan, Lebanon and the UAE have already reported cases of infections with the new variant.

He also warned of the high risk of finding this new strain in other states in the Eastern Mediterranean region, unless effective public health and social measures are carried out.

If we do not, we risk further resurgence of cases, Al-Mandhari warned.

He affirmed that the WHO continues to work closely with the states in the Eastern Mediterranean region, with the aim of detecting and monitoring mutations.

Al-Mandhari said approved coronavirus vaccine doses will only be available for the most vulnerable groups in the coming months, and may then become available for the rest of the population after many more months.

While news of an approved vaccine is welcome, it is still too early to celebrate in our region, where millions have been infected, and tens of millions more remain at risk, Al-Mandhari said.

He urged all countries of the region to stick to coronavirus prevention and control measures that we know can protect us and our loved ones against COVID-19.

Of course, we must remain vigilant and continue to apply the public health and social measures that we know work against the virus, Al-Mandhari added.

Egypts Presidential Adviser for Health Affairs Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din said on Friday that Egypt officially contracted with the Vaccine Alliance (GAVI) to secure for Egypt 20 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

Egypt already received a first 50,000-dose batch of a coronavirus vaccine developed by Chinas Sinopharm on 10 December.

The Chinese pharma giant said in late December that phase 3 trials of its vaccine found it was 79 percent effective.

Health Minister Hala Zayed announced earlier this month that the vaccination process is expected to start for priority groups in mid-January.

Vaccine doses will first be provided to medical staff at quarantine, fever and chest hospitals, then patients suffering from cancer or kidney or immunity problems, patients with chronic diseases, and the elderly.

Eventually all citizens above 18 will be able to be vaccinated.

The vaccination process remains optional.

Short link:


Why Meyersdale nursing care workers are protesting

According to its website, the skilled nursing facility has the lone Veterans Administration contract in Somerset County.
KABUL  Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar had a telephone conversation this afternoon with his Norwegian counterpart, Ms. Ine Marie Eriksen Sreide.

At the outset, Mr. Atmar conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of Norway on the tragic landslide that occurred in the village of Ask, 25 kilometers northeast of Oslo last Wednesday destroying houses and killing several people.

The Norwegian foreign Minister thanked Mr. Atmar for his sympathy and condolences for the loss of life, promising to convey the message of condolence not only to the mayor of the respective city, but also to the rescue team.

The two sides discussed the latest developments on the Afghan peace process and the resumption of the 2nd round of talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in Doha.

With regards to the resumption of the 2nd round of negotiations in Qatar, Mr. Atmar pointed out that it was essential to ensure that the peace process moves along in the right direction towards an outcome that has the approval of the Afghan people and the support of the countrys international partners.

The Foreign Minister expressed concerns at the increase in the level of violence and Talibans deliberate targeting of journalists, media workers and civil society activists that increased anger, frustration and anxiety among the Afghan people highlighting that a lasting peace could only be sustained by a democratic and inclusive Afghanistan. Mr. Atmar said that given the above circumstances, Kabul wanted to work not only with the Taliban, but also to seek its regional and international partners support to persuade the Taliban to honor their obligations and commitments made during the peace process.

Mr. Atmar expressed hope that Kabul and Oslo should be able to shape their policy environment in support of their shared goals and interest asking Norways continued cooperation on gaining the UN Security Councils further support for the Afghan peace process.

Assuring Mr. Atmar of her governments full backing of the ongoing negotiations in Doha, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Oslo would work very closely with Kabul and Washington to make the Afghan peace process is a success.

Ms. Sreide noted that Norway was looking forward to updating and renewing its Strategic partnership Agreement (SPA) with Afghanistan on which a special task force was already working

Chinese, US officials discuss bilateral trade, agree to maintain contacts: Ministry 27 May 2021 | 9:52 AM Beijing, May 27 (UNI) Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and US trade representative Katherine Tai discussed on Thursday the development of the bilateral trade and agreed to maintain further contacts, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said. see more..

BNP protests against withdrawal of word "Israel" from B'desh passport 26 May 2021 | 2:45 PM Dhaka, May 26 (UNI) BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has termed the Bangladesh Home Ministry's silence on removing the word" Israel "from passports as" unprincipled position of the government ". see more..

Sewa International to build 100 oxygen generation plants in India 26 May 2021 | 8:22 AM Houston (TX), May 26 (UNI) US-based Sewa International will be funding the installation of 100 oxygen generation plants in hospitals across India to ease oxygen scarcity in the country. see more..

Brazil: COVID death toll crosses 4 5 lakh-mark 26 May 2021 | 8:08 AM Rio De Janeiro, May 26 (UNI) The death toll from the Novel Coronavirus in Brazil has surpassed the grim milestone of 450,000-mark. see more..
A man has been charged with assaulting two gardai who were allegedly injured when they fell as he resisted arrest on a street in west Dublin.

It is alleged one officer suffered bruising to her head as Shane O'Malley (32) attempted to get away after being stopped for a search, Blanchardstown District Court heard.

Mr O'Malley, from Kilmartin Avenue, Tallaght, is charged with assault at Wheatfield Avenue, Clondalkin on September 19 last year.

Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan said the DPP directed summary disposal of the case in the district court and gave a summary of the alleged facts so the judge could consider the issue of jurisdiction.

Fled

She said gardai told Mr O'Malley he would be searched on the day and he fled, but was stopped a number of minutes later.

Sgt Callaghan said it was alleged the accused violently resisted arrest and as he made efforts to get away, the gardai fell.

One suffered bruising to her head and a medical report was available, the court heard.

The alleged assaults happened in an attempt to flee, Sgt Callaghan said, and it was not alleged that Mr O'Malley "drew out and hit the gardai."

The prosecution's case was that Mr O'Malley caused them to fall and become injured.

Judge David McHugh accepted jurisdiction to deal with the case and adjourned it to a date in February.

The accused has not yet indicated how he intends to plead.
Grammy Awards postponed View(s):

The Grammy Awards ceremony due to take place on Jan. 31 has been rescheduled to March 14 because of the coronavirus surge in Los Angeles, organisers said on Tuesday.

The Recording Academy and broadcaster CBS said in a joint statement that the ceremony to present the highest honours in the music industry had been delayed after talks with health experts and musicians.

After thoughtful conversations with health experts, our host and artistes scheduled to appear, we are rescheduling the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards to be broadcast on Sunday, March 14, 2021, the statement said.

The deteriorating COVID situation in Los Angeles, with hospital services being overwhelmed, ICUs having reached capacity, and new guidance from state and local governments have all led us to conclude that postponing our show was the right thing to do it added.

The postponement was earlier reported by Rolling Stone magazine and Variety and the Recording Academy had told its members in a memo that the new date would be March 21.

Los Angeles is experiencing a spike in coronavirus deaths and hospital admissions. Gyms, hair salons and restaurants have been shut down and residents urged to stay at home as much as possible.

Beyonce leads nominations for this years Grammys with nine nods in a November announcement that was overshadowed by a stunning snub for Canadian musician The Weeknd.
Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

Showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. High 68F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 43F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
(Newser)  An unusual and persistent blizzard that Madrid's mayor is calling "the worst storm in 80 years" has blanketed large parts of Spain with snow, freezing traffic and leaving thousands trapped in cars or in train stations and airports that had suspended all services as the snow kept falling on Saturday. The capital and other parts of central Spain activated for the first time a red weather alert, the highest, and called in the military to rescue people from vehicles trapped on everything from small roads to the city's major thoroughfares, per the AP. The national AEMET weather agency warned that some regions would be receiving more than 24 hours of continuous snowfall due to the odd combination of a cold air mass stagnant over the Iberian Peninsula and the arrival of the warmer Storm Filomena from the south. AEMET had said that up to 8 inches of snow could accumulate in large parts of the country, but the build-up reached more than 19 inches, even in urban areas.

story continues below

Carlos Novillo, head of Madrid's emergency agency, said that more than 1,000 vehicles had become trapped. "The situation remains ... high risk. This is a very complex phenomenon and a critical situation," Novillo posted Saturday morning on social media. "We ask all those who remain trapped to be patient, we will get to you." Airport operator AENA said that the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas International Airport, the main gateway in and out of the country, would remain closed throughout the day after the blizzard bested machines and workers trying to keep the runways clear of snow. All trains into and out of Madrid, as well as railway lines between the south and the northeast of the country, were suspended, railway operator Renfe said. The storm is expected to move northeast throughout Saturday, AEMET said.

(Read more Spain stories.)
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Air Force officials have toured the grounds of Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque to evaluate the site as a possible location for the U.S. Space Command.

Strategic basing officials during the Thursday tour focused primarily on infrastructure at the base to house the Space Command, the latest of 11 unified commands under the U.S. Department of Defense, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

Kirtland is one of six locations being considered. The others include Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, Redstone Army Airfield in Alabama, Port San Antonio in Texas and its current temporary headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.

This is the very end of a long process, Kirtland Partnership Committee founder Sherman McCorkle said of the site visit. The committee is assisting the efforts to lobby for the site.

Eva Blaylock, a spokeswoman for the base, said the highly trained scientists at Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory, in addition to the Kirtlands military infrastructure, could be advantageous in the citys bid for the headquarters.

If Kirtland is chosen, it is expected to bring more than 1,000 jobs to Albuquerque, officials said. The Space Command will be where all branches of the military coordinate with each other when conducting operations in, from or through space.

Assistant Air Force Secretary John Henderson said the department is expected to announce its preferred location later this month.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................
When you live in soapland lifes certainties and risks are very different from the real world. Most major characters will serve at least one stretch in prison, battle an addiction, have an accident that leaves them in a coma and be reunited with a child they gave up or didnt know existed.

And if theyre really unlucky theyll eventually find themselves in need of an organ transplant.

Coronation Street loves a transplant story  and if a family member can swoop in to play the hero then so much the better. This coming week we learn that Peter Barlow needs a new liver, and his half-brother Daniel steps in to offer him a chunk of his.

Tracy Barlow got a new kidney courtesy of her stepfather Samir while Carla Connors kidney donor was her half-brother Aidan.

In EastEnders, Phil Mitchell had to rely on a deceased stranger for his new liver when the hospital refused to allow his son Ben to be a living donor.

But transplant patients in soaps recover at lightning-speed, and are back in the pub and having affairs in the blink of an eye.

CORONATION STREET: IS PETER A GONNER IN THE GINNEL?

Steve finds Peter (pictured) slumped and passed out in the ginnel in this week's Coronation Street

Peter is back from Scotland and proudly declares that he hasnt touched a drop of alcohol. However, his few days of sobriety arent enough to save his damaged liver and hes told he will require a transplant.

Its then that Daniel decides to see if he is a match and can be a living donor.

But Peter has other plans. He doesnt want a donor and instructs Adam to draw up a legal document to that effect. Peter then marks the occasion by going on a bender at The Rovers.

Daniel (pictured) checks if he is a match and can be a living donor

Realising that living among temptation isnt helping his health (not to mention her profits), Jenny tells Peter to move out of the pub and Steve later finds him slumped and passed out in the ginnel.

Simon struggles to care for Leanne, who is not looking after herself. When Nick calls at the flat he is surprised to find Leanne there but she lies to him, claiming she has just returned from France.

When Simon tries to make Leanne see that Nick is grieving for Oliver too, Leanne snaps at him. By the end of the week, Simon is glad of an escape when Dev offers him an evening job delivering fish and chips.

EASTENDERS: JEAN'S UNDONE

Jean (pictured) disappears before a biopsy can be performed, after becoming convinced her cancer has returned in EastEnders

Jean heads to the doctors, convinced her cancer has returned. The doctor tries to reassure her but, before the biopsy can be performed, Jean disappears, deciding shed rather not know.

Later she deletes the voicemail messages from the doctor and tells Iqra its vital to live in the moment.

Jean may be trying to live her best life, but elsewhere in Albert Square, murderers are running amok.

Gray continues to cover his tracks by telling the Carters that Tina could still show up for her hearing, and later he sends Shirley a text from Tinas phone to throw her off the scent.

But his plan doesnt work, and Shirley insists they must get to the bottom of her sisters disappearance. Asking Gray what happened to the shower curtain would be a good start.

Ian collapses at The Vic and Sharon, aka the Walford Poisoner, insists hes just tired and doesnt need medical help.

Later, someone overhears Sharon making a suspicious-sounding phone call. Is her deadly game up? It should be.

Mixing up her poisonous potions while her husband watches telly in the next room? Shes not exactly being discreet.

And if that wasnt enough, the supposedly reformed Lucas continues to loiter even though its apparent that someone wants him dead. Thats got to be a longer list of suspects than the ones after Ian.

EMMERDALE: DEB'S NOT DELIGHTED

Debbie gets Cain (pictured) and Charity to help find her missing tearaway daughter Sarah in this week's Emmerdale

Debbie is back in Emmerdale and on the warpath, hunting for her missing tearaway daughter Sarah. Debbie gets help from Cain and Charity, and they track her down to a barn where she is taking drugs with her boyfriend Danny.

After a heart-to-heart Sarah tells her mum that shes lonely and Debbie, who abandoned her to fix cars in laybys in Scotland, feels guilty. Joining in the guilt-fest is Zak, also newly returned.

He apologises to daughter Belle for not being there when she was in hospital. Dont worry, Zak, therell be plenty of opportunities  Belle spends half her life in a hospital bed.
Ireland's limited supply of Covid-19 vaccines  the key weapon for escaping the worst of the pandemic  could be boosted early next month as the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab may be approved earlier than expected.

But it will be next summer before millions more inoculations will be available for the wider population.

The green light for the vaccine would mean three supplies are available to administer to older residents and staff of long-term care and frontline healthcare workers by February.

The HSE is promised over 40,000 doses a week from Pfizer/BioNTech over January and February while 4,000 doses of the Moderna jab are due next week.

Read More

The possible arrival of vaccines from Oxford/AstraZeneca  regarded as a game changer by health officials because it is easy to store and has been ordered in large quantities  could speed up the roll out.

It will make it easier for GPs and pharmacists to be brought on stream to administer jabs to the wider community said Professor Karina Butler, chair of National Immunisation.

Non-healthcare professionals, once trained-up as immunisers, could also be called upon to administer the vaccine as the programme ramps up, she added.

The logistics will be simplified with this vaccine, Prof Butler told the Irish Independent. It will be hugely beneficial to the system, not only because there are large quantities scheduled to come in but because of the handling characteristics. It will be suitable for administration in GP offices and pharmacies and for administration in large centres that will be set up.

Prof Butler, also a member of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), added: That doesnt mean that GPs might not come on board sooner.

But in terms of doing this in their own surgeries, with their own patients, this is much more suitable. The handling characteristics will be much easier.

Health officials insisted yesterday they are stepping up the administration of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab to long-term care facilities and frontline healthcare staff with 35,000 expected to have been immunised by tomorrow.

More than 180 long-term care facilities will be offered the vaccine next week and the plan is to have all residents and staff given a first dose in the next 16 days.

The HSE plans to hold a weeks supply in reserve and all other doses will be administered.

However, opposition politicians who were briefed by task force chairman Prof Brian MacGraith and health officials yesterday, said the plans are still too vague. There are around 2,000 vaccinators including staff who deliver jabs in schools and trained hospital staff.

Talks are also under way with the Army to use some of their medics as the campaign broadens.

Work has also begun to finalise where mass immunisation sites will be around the country.

A small number of adverse reactions in people who received vaccine have been reported but they have been described as normal and transient.

Later this year, Ireland can also expect a further 3m doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine following a new deal reached with the European Commission yesterday.

Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said that along with the Moderna vaccine also authorised for use in the EU, we have already secured an amount of doses that we need to vaccinate 380 million Europeans, and this is more than 80pc of the European population.

She said other vaccine authorisations were expected in the coming weeks and months so Europe will have more than enough within a reliable timeframe.

Meanwhile, a new study indicated the effectiveness of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will not be affected by the two more infectious virus strains from the UK and South Africa, both of which are circulating here.
"However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules and cannot use Twitter to incite violence. We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement. "In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action. "After a close review of recent tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence." Social media companies have cracked down on Trump's accounts in the wake of the turmoil in Washington, which led to five deaths. Facebook Inc said earlier this week it was suspending his account through until at least the end of his presidential term. He is due to hand over to President-elect Joe Biden on January 20.

A day earlier, Facebook had barred Trump for the rest of his term, and other digital platforms  including Snapchat, YouTube, Twitch and Reddit  also recently limited Trump on their services. Google followed by announcing that Parler - a Twitter alternative increasingly seen as a refuge for the incendiary rhetoric increasingly barred by other platforms, and a possible haven for Trump - would no longer be available for download on its App Store, citing continued posting ... seeking to incite violence. Apple has written to Parler, saying the platform was not "removing content that encourages illegal activity and poses a serious risk to the health and safety of users." Major tech companies are cracking down on Donald Trump in his final days in office. Credit:AP Apple gave Parler 24 hours to comply before the app would be removed from Apple's App Store.

In a blog post on Friday, Twitter said that two of the president's tweets posted that day were in violation of its policy against the glorification of violence. After being temporarily suspended earlier this week, Trump was required to delete three rule-breaking tweets before his account was unblocked. He returned to Twitter on Thursday with a video acknowledging that Biden would be the next US president. Twitter said that Trump's tweet that he would not be attending Biden's inauguration was being received by a number of his supporters as further confirmation that the November 3 election that he lost was not legitimate. Twitter deleted tweets made by President Trump after his permanent ban. Credit:AP It said another tweet praising "American Patriots" and saying his supporters "will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!" could be seen as "further indication that President Trump does not plan to facilitate an orderly transition."

Trump's personal @realDonaldTrump account, which has sometimes fired off more than 100 tweets a day, has been used to reach supporters, spread misinformation and even fire staff. Both Twitter and Facebook have long afforded Trump special privileges as a sitting elected world leader, saying that tweets that may violate the company's policies would not be removed because they were in the public interest. They said he would lose access to those privileges upon leaving office, however. Loading Twitter last year started labelling and putting warnings on Trump's tweets last year for repeatedly violating its rules, including its policies against glorifying violence, manipulated media or sharing potentially misleading information about voting processes. Trump still has access to the official @WhiteHouse and @POTUS accounts but will lose this when his presidential term ends. Asked if Trump could create another account, a Twitter spokeswoman said if the company had reason to believe he was using accounts to evade Friday's suspension, those accounts too could be suspended.

The suspension came just hours after hundreds of Twitter employees demanded in a letter that the company's leaders permanently suspend his account. The Washington Post reported that in an internal letter addressed to chief executive Jack Dorsey and his top executives, roughly 350 Twitter employees asked for a clear account of the company's decision-making process regarding the President's tweets the day that a pro-Trump mob breached the US Capitol. Loading Employees also requested an investigation into the past several years of corporate actions that led to Twitter's role in the insurrection. Also on Friday, US time, Twitter permanently suspended a number of accounts pushing QAnon content, banning prominent right-wing boosters of its conspiracy theories including Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn and Sidney Powell, a former Trump campaign lawyer.

Both been close allies of the president and promoted efforts to cast doubt about his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. Twitter also suspended Ron Watkins, the administrator of fringe message board 8kun, which effectively serves as home base for the QAnon conspiracy movement. "Given the renewed potential for violence surrounding this type of behaviour in the coming days, we will permanently suspend accounts that are solely dedicated to sharing QAnon content," Twitter said in a statement. QAnon followers espouse an intertwined series of far-fetched beliefs based on anonymous web postings from "Q", who claims to have insider knowledge of the Trump administration. At the core of the baseless conspiracy theories embraced by QAnon is the idea that Trump is secretly fighting a cabal of child-sex predators that includes prominent Democrats, Hollywood elites and "deep state" allies.
MUSKEGON, MI  When Oh Brothers opened in Montague a year ago, it was a dream come true for owners Chad Egan and Josh Gray.

The best friends talked about opening a restaurant 20 years ago when they met working at Pinheads in Whitehall. They both moved out of the West Michigan area but maintained their friendship. In 2019, the Villa Venafro Restaurant, 9521 Water St., was listed for sale and Gray revived their plans.

Somehow, we just ended up full-circle back in the same area and opening up a restaurant, Egan said.

The name Oh Brothers was inspired by the owners favorite movie Oh Brother Where Art Thou, and it highlights the brother-like friendship between Egan and Gray.

As veterans of the restaurant industry, the pair put their focus on developing a creative menu that would resonate with diners in Muskegon County.

Egan says much of the handcrafted comfort food is made in house, using recipes that are as close to scratch as possible.

Chad Egan and Josh Gray bought the former Villa Venafro Restaurant in Montague, and renovations turned it into Oh Brothers. (Photo by Chad Egan)

Five pizzas on the menu use a sourdough crust and are cooked in a stone oven. Each pizza is $13 and includes unique selections like garlic chicken and the favorite, cluck and oink, a pizza topped with spinach dip, grilled chicken, capicola, smoked gouda and rosemary.

Egan says Oh Brothers barbeque is also where they shine.

Two on-site smokers provide the flavor on beef brisket that is slow smoked for at least 12 hours. The ribs, pulled pork, wings and brisket dishes are all served with homemade sauces.

Related: Local Eats: Muskegons Papa Bears receives overwhelming community support

Oh Brothers opened on Jan. 10, 2020. Two months into business, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Egan and Gray to nimbly adapt their business.

Like riding a rollercoaster that stops on the way down and stops on the way up, Egan said.

Oh Brothers amped up its social media presence, started offering specials and shifted their servers to become delivery drivers. Egan said they also invested in takeout containers that maintain the presentation and quality of their food.

Those efforts paid off. As the months went by, Egan said new customers names kept popping up on orders and people came back.

The new restaurant survived its first year in business and navigated additional challenges brought on by the pandemic. Egan acknowledged its been difficult, but theyve been able to keep their doors open, keep their staff employed and pay their bills.

I love this community, he said. We wouldnt be here if it wasnt for them.

Egan is looking forward to welcoming customers back into the restaurant, saying the dining room is wonderful, warm and inviting.

Oh Brothers is offering takeout and delivery, and orders can be placed online. See the full menu here. The restaurant can be reached at (231) 894-0222.

More on MLive:

Kalamazoo brewery tucks heaters under tables to create outdoor Campground Patio

Its devastating. Michigan craft distillers react to Whitmer veto of bills to expand distribution options

Historic mansion, moved in 2019 and restored, opens doors as bed and breakfast in Spring Lake
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951

/var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fbfebc97830)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfebc3bd68)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fbfebc97830)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfebc3bd68)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fbfebc94fe8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfebc3bd68)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfebc3bd68)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfeb6aa788)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbfebc442c0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbfebc442c0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0

Ananya Panday, who has often faced the dark side of cyber bullying, is a positive person and does not go into a low because of something that has been said about her, says Bhavana Pandey, who tags herself as a protective mother.

Talking about being a guarded mother to Ananya or letting the actress handle her own things, Bhavna told IANS, "Yes, I am guarded and protective of her as any mother would be about her child and, of course, with her being in the public domain there are a lot of judgements that are passed."

Bhavna said that initially she would get upset reading comments about her daughter.

"In the beginning, I would read every comment and read everything that came her way, and I would get more upset than even her. But now as time has passed, I have got used to all that and I understand."

She said that Ananya has acquired her positive streak from her father, actor Chunky Panday.

"I think with Ananya she has taken that from her father. She is a very happy and positive person and she doesn't take things to her heart too much. She doesn't go into a low because of something has been said about her. So, the atmosphere is generally very happy and nice," Bhavna said.

Bhavna, who was recently seen in the web show The Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives, said as a mother she used to get very "hurt and angry", adding, "Now I understand that being a public figure it's okay. Sometimes they write unnecessary things that are not required. If someone is giving constructive criticism is welcome. You have put yourself out there people are paying for the ticket and they have an opinion. But body-shaming and talking about looks and things which are unnecessary that I feel like it is just a bit much. That is not required."
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un underscored the need to drastically improve his nation's ties with the outside world as he addressed a major political conference for the third consecutive day.

State media said Kim also reviewed relations with rival South Korea but didn't elaborate on what steps he said he wanted to take. Observers had expected Kim to use the first congress of the ruling Workers' Party in five years to send conciliatory gestures toward Seoul and Washington as he faces deepening economic troubles at home.

In his speech on the third day of the meeting Thursday, Kim "declared the general orientation and the policy stand of our party for comprehensively expanding and developing the external relations," the Korean Central News Agency said Friday.

Kim also examined relations with South Korea "as required by the prevailing situation and the changed times," KCNA said.

The congress is the party's top decision-making body which review past projects, lay out new priorities and reshuffle top officials. This month's congress was convened as Kim is struggling to overcome what he calls "multiple crises" caused by an economy battered by pandemic-related border closings, a series of natural disasters and US-led sanctions.

In his opening-day speech, Kim admitted his previous economic developmental plans had failed and vowed to lay out a new five-year development plan. On the second day of the meeting, he said he would bolster his country's military capability.

The congress comes as Kim's high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with President Donald Trump has remained stalled for about two years because of disputes over US-led sanctions on the North. President-elect Joe Biden, who is to take office on Jan. 20, has called Kim a "thug" and is unlikely to hold any direct meeting with him unless North Korea takes serious steps toward denuclearisation.

Ties between the Koreas once flourished after Kim entered talks with Trump. But Pyongyang halted exchanges with Seoul and resumed harsh rhetoric against it after Kim's second summit with Trump in Vietnam in early 2019 collapsed over Trump's rebuttal of Kim's push for sweeping sanctions relief in return for a limited denuclearization step.

Some observers say North Korea is frustrated because Seoul has failed to break away from Washington and revive stalled joint economic projects held back by the US-led sanctions. They also speculate North Korea initially thought South Korea would help it win sanctions relief but got upset after Kim returned home empty-handed from the 2019 summit with Trump.

Experts say North Korea may reach out South Korea first to promote reconciliation mood before pushing for talks with the Biden administration. The stalled Kim-Trump diplomacy began after South Korean officials met Kim in early 2018 and conveyed to Washington his intent to deal away his nuclear programme in exchange of economic and political benefits.

Reserve Bank of India to restore normal liquidity management operations

TCS confident of getting back to double-digit growth in FY22
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.
"However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules and cannot use Twitter to incite violence. We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement. "In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action. "After a close review of recent tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence." Social media companies have cracked down on Trump's accounts in the wake of the turmoil in Washington, which led to five deaths. Facebook Inc said earlier this week it was suspending his account through until at least the end of his presidential term. He is due to hand over to President-elect Joe Biden on January 20.

A day earlier, Facebook had barred Trump for the rest of his term, and other digital platforms  including Snapchat, YouTube, Twitch and Reddit  also recently limited Trump on their services. Google followed by announcing that Parler - a Twitter alternative increasingly seen as a refuge for the incendiary rhetoric increasingly barred by other platforms, and a possible haven for Trump - would no longer be available for download on its App Store, citing continued posting ... seeking to incite violence. Apple has written to Parler, saying the platform was not "removing content that encourages illegal activity and poses a serious risk to the health and safety of users." Major tech companies are cracking down on Donald Trump in his final days in office. Credit:AP Apple gave Parler 24 hours to comply before the app would be removed from Apple's App Store.

In a blog post on Friday, Twitter said that two of the president's tweets posted that day were in violation of its policy against the glorification of violence. After being temporarily suspended earlier this week, Trump was required to delete three rule-breaking tweets before his account was unblocked. He returned to Twitter on Thursday with a video acknowledging that Biden would be the next US president. Twitter said that Trump's tweet that he would not be attending Biden's inauguration was being received by a number of his supporters as further confirmation that the November 3 election that he lost was not legitimate. Twitter deleted tweets made by President Trump after his permanent ban. Credit:AP It said another tweet praising "American Patriots" and saying his supporters "will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!" could be seen as "further indication that President Trump does not plan to facilitate an orderly transition."

Trump's personal @realDonaldTrump account, which has sometimes fired off more than 100 tweets a day, has been used to reach supporters, spread misinformation and even fire staff. Both Twitter and Facebook have long afforded Trump special privileges as a sitting elected world leader, saying that tweets that may violate the company's policies would not be removed because they were in the public interest. They said he would lose access to those privileges upon leaving office, however. Loading Twitter last year started labelling and putting warnings on Trump's tweets last year for repeatedly violating its rules, including its policies against glorifying violence, manipulated media or sharing potentially misleading information about voting processes. Trump still has access to the official @WhiteHouse and @POTUS accounts but will lose this when his presidential term ends. Asked if Trump could create another account, a Twitter spokeswoman said if the company had reason to believe he was using accounts to evade Friday's suspension, those accounts too could be suspended.

The suspension came just hours after hundreds of Twitter employees demanded in a letter that the company's leaders permanently suspend his account. The Washington Post reported that in an internal letter addressed to chief executive Jack Dorsey and his top executives, roughly 350 Twitter employees asked for a clear account of the company's decision-making process regarding the President's tweets the day that a pro-Trump mob breached the US Capitol. Loading Employees also requested an investigation into the past several years of corporate actions that led to Twitter's role in the insurrection. Also on Friday, US time, Twitter permanently suspended a number of accounts pushing QAnon content, banning prominent right-wing boosters of its conspiracy theories including Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn and Sidney Powell, a former Trump campaign lawyer.

Both been close allies of the president and promoted efforts to cast doubt about his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. Twitter also suspended Ron Watkins, the administrator of fringe message board 8kun, which effectively serves as home base for the QAnon conspiracy movement. "Given the renewed potential for violence surrounding this type of behaviour in the coming days, we will permanently suspend accounts that are solely dedicated to sharing QAnon content," Twitter said in a statement. QAnon followers espouse an intertwined series of far-fetched beliefs based on anonymous web postings from "Q", who claims to have insider knowledge of the Trump administration. At the core of the baseless conspiracy theories embraced by QAnon is the idea that Trump is secretly fighting a cabal of child-sex predators that includes prominent Democrats, Hollywood elites and "deep state" allies.
Gazprom increased utilization of the TurkStream gas pipeline since its commissioning 2.2-fold, particularly for European consumers - 2.5-fold, Chief Executive Officer of the Russian gas producer Aleksei Miller told reporters on Friday, TASS reports.

"Today marks one year since the grand ceremony of opening of the TurkStream offshore gas pipeline. It safely transports the Russian gas via the Black Sea for consumers in Turkey and as many as six European states: Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Gazprom has increased utilization of the gas pipeline since commissioning 2.2-fold, particularly for European consumers - 2.5-fold," he said.

In 2020, Turkey, Greece and North Macedonia increased gas purchases from Gazprom, CEO added.

The TurkStream export gas pipeline runs along the bottom of the Black Sea from Russia to the coast of Turkey. Its throughput capacity is 31.5 bln cubic meters of gas per year. The pipeline is aimed at supplying gas to Turkey and southern and southeastern European countries transiting Turkey.
Rachael Woods of Cu Chulainn Guides, Drogheda, pictured with her proud mum and Guide Leader, Jessica Woods, and all 120+ Guide badges (it is very rare for a Guide to earn all badges)

Nineteen local Girl Guides finished the year on a high when they received the Trail Blazer National Guide Award - Irish Girl Guides' highest award - at special outdoor ceremonies recently.

The Irish Girl Guides (IGG) members from Drogheda, Monasterboice, Tullyallen and Boyne Valley each received a Trail Blazer gold pin and a National Guide Award certificate from their Guide Leaders. One award recipient, Rachael Woods of Cu Chulainn Guides, earned every single one of IGG's 120+ interest badges - an amazing feat, which is rarely achieved!

Her proud mum Jessica Woods is a Guide Leader and was on hand to present her with one of the awards.

Under normal circumstances, the Guides would have headed to Croke Park with their proud parents and Leaders to receive their Awards from the Irish Girl Guides (IGG) President at a national ceremony. However, due to the current Covid restrictions, this year's ceremonies had to take place outdoors at a local level.

'You have been on a journey with lots of challenges and new experiences, you have gained new skills and friendships, and I am sure had fun too,' said IGG President Maureen Murphy, sending a message of congratulations to the girls. 'When you think back to 2020, I hope, as well as remembering the pandemic, you will also remember that 2020 was the year you achieved your Trail Blazer Award under exceptional circumstances when you showed commitment, persevered and achieved. It takes commitment and self-determination to complete the award and I have no doubt you will shine going forward and, as a Trail Blazer, will make a positive contribution to your local community.'

Irish Girl Guides welcomes new members from age 5+ and volunteer leaders from age 18+. Previous experience of Guiding is not necessary. To find out more, see www.irishgirlguides.ie, email info@irishgirlguides.ie or tel: 01 6683898.
A team effort from some talented local people has seen the China Tea Man restored to his place of honour on South Street.

'The Chinaman', as he is known locally, has been a permanent fixture in New Ross since the 1800s.

Known at the time as The Man Over Merry's this iconic piece of 19th century merchandising is reputed to have come from Armstrong's premises on Charles Street after they moved their retail outlet to 16 South Street.

The statue, complete with lantern, dates back to a time when China tea was the only tea imported and in big tea chests. It was then blended, packed and sold by each merchant/shopkeeper under their own brand name.

In 1896, Robert A Merry & Co. took over the business and for years Rossonians knew him as 'The Man Over Merry's', Myles Courtney of New Ross Street Focus said.

In turn that business became Jacob Brothers in the 1940s, Gorry's Chemists and, lastly, McCauley's.

Expand Close The much-loved statue before its restoration / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The much-loved statue before its restoration

In all, three family grocery businesses traded under the China Tea Man. The first were Armstrong's followed by Merrys and Jacobs and then a pharmacists, Sam McAuley's chemists prior to their relocation further north on South Street.

Following appeals to New Ross Municipal District, funding was sourced for the repair of the China Tea Man.

Pierce Handrick was charged with repairing the statue which had fallen into grave disrepair. Mr Handrick said: 'The main structure was in very bad condition. He was shook but then, he's 120 to 130 years old. His left arm was falling off and the feet were gone but we had to keep the original. I was contacted in July and I knew straight away that he had to be rebuilt.'

One woodworker said the statue would have to be built from scratch, but the place it has in the hearts of the people of the town meant that was never an option. 'I got Colm Kenny in Bannow to do it in his workshop. He brought it back as much as humanly possible to the original. It was painted by Baiba Zalcmane and looks much brighter now. She did a good job.'

Mr Handrick said to restore the China Tea Man properly a hat would have to be sourced for him.

'The hat went missing in a storm a long time ago.'

Noel Bennett made the hat having consulted with renowned craftsman Willie O'Connor at his Irishtown home.

Noel said: 'I made it out of copper and bet it into the shape of a round hat.'

An addition to the original is the glass in the lantern meaning a candle or light can be placed inside or a symbol of tea.

Mr Handrick said: 'Joe Delaney came to the rescue for this. It was a team effort; 100 per cent. That is what it work. Local knowledge is a good thing. A lot of intricate work was involved.'

Mr Handrick said the focus was on returning the China Tea Man to South Street by Christmas and he managed just that.

'We thought it would be nice for people to see it over Christmas,' he said.

As for the longevity of the new improved China Tea Man, he is confident it will stand the test of time for several decades.
Staff Sgt. Timothy and Airman 1st Class Ashli Babbitt, then Ashli McEntee, take a break with newly adopted, former military working dog, Sorbon A333. This photo of Babbitt, provided by Eielson Air Force Base, was taken in 2008 shortly after she left Eielson for Texas. Courtesy Eielson Air Force Base
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Salman Toor, The Star, 2019

By Laurie Fendrich / Critics have been lavish in their praise of the Brown, queer-themed figurative paintings by the Pakistani-born Brooklyn artist Salman Toor, currently on view in the Whitney Museums first-floor lobby gallery (free of charge to the public). And rightly so. Toors pictures touch the heart, and his audacious drawing and sensitive paint handling satisfy our aesthetic longings.

Salman Toor, Man with Face Creams and Phone Plug, 2019

Curated by Christopher Y. Lew and Abrika Trasi, How Will I Know  the title comes from the eponymous Whitney Houston song  is Toors first solo museum show, and likely not his last. With fifteen fairly small oil on panel paintings, its neither overwhelming nor skimpy. Most of the pictures are imagined scenes of the artist and his friends  in relaxed or stressful settings  and the show is hung in a semi-sequential manner that permits a viewer to suss out the story of Toors blended American-Pakistani life.

Salman Toor, How Will I Know, 2019

Born in 1983 into a middle-class family in Lahore, Pakistan, Toor grew up loving to draw and imitating such Old Masters as Caravaggio and Van Eyck. He came to the United States to attend Ohio Wesleyan University, where he studied realistic painting. (In a New York Times interview, he said he originally wanted to be a very good academic painter.) After moving to New York, Toor earned an MFA from Pratt. The Whitney presents him here as part of its emerging artist program, but his work is so mature hes akin to Athena popping fully formed out of the head of Zeus.

Although a few of the pictures are fraught with anxiety about Brown queerness in a hostile white world  or in Pakistan, where LGBTQ are veritable criminals  what sets the mood are the many paintings of the artist and his friends as they go about ordinary living. The scenes reveal them gathering together inside apartments and talking, or hanging out, flirting and dancing in places where members of the LGBTQ community feel free to express their sexuality and ludic impulses. The exhibition reveals the shapeshifting performances required of all Brown queer people who navigate between survival in the real world, where being obsequious is a necessity, and their private world, where they experience joy and anguish of friendship, love, and sex just like everyone else.

Toors scenes center on his effective avatar  a gangly, awkward, hairy fellow sporting a long and comical nose that also appears, in various iterations, on the faces of other characters. Hes adorable, but, like The Pokey Little Puppy when facing the punitive prospect of no dinner, hes also sad. When asked about the long noses in a New York magazine interview, Toor brought up Pinocchio and said he was interested in marionettes in general because they have different parts that are put together to make this person who is maybe relatable and nice and moral  but in the fairy-tale language of a marionette.

In The Star (2019), this deflection plays out almost literally. Toor sits in front of an oval mirror (setting the oval within the tondo that is the painting makes for a smart composition), while makeup artists ready him for some sort of public appearance. The artist gives us a profile of the artists face as he gazes at his reflection in the mirror, but a full, emotionless, puppet-like face shows up in the reflection. His long nose is depicted as both the real and the reflected, which suggests Pinocchios nose lengthening whenever he tells a lie; the idea that putting on makeup is a form of lying comes almost immediately to mind.

Salman Toor, Bar Boy, 2019

In Bar Boy (2019), the characters reflect emotions ranging from insecurity and anxiety to happiness, longing, and infatuation. Toor, who might have just arrived at the bar, stands in the center of the painting while gazing down at his cell phone (a gesture that says. Im preoccupied or Im using this phone in order to hide). Meanwhile, the patrons to either side of him go about their business, oblivious to his presence. On the far left, the drawing of the man with his head resting on his hand is breathtakingly deft. With nods to Daumier and Van Gogh (in the drawing), Manet (in the bottles above the bar on the left), and even Goya (in the paint handling), the artist has taken precisely what he needs from a variety of great artists. The agitated, radiant green, which ranges in value and tone, dominates not only this painting but the whole show. The artist says he sees green as a completely aesthetic choice that makes for a sense of ambiance without being over-emotional, and that green is inviting and poisonous and glamorous. Im not aligned with him on this understanding of green, but this painting is a real tour de force.

Salman Toor, installation view

The Whitneys website offers an audio guide of Toor speaking about a few of his paintings. Its idiosyncratic stuff, but artists convictions help propel them forward, and should rarely be taken as universal truths. What matters is that Toor knows how to move his brush and, unlike many painters today, understands Hans Hofmanns great lesson that in painting, color creates light, whereas in nature, light creates color.

Whether theyre about the struggles of being gay in Pakistan or living as a gay man in the vastly more open and free social space of the West, Toors paintings are suffused with melancholy. By his own pictorial account, the urban Wests style of freedom doesnt solve everything.

Salman Toor: How Will I Know, Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY. Through April 4.

About the author: Laurie Fendrich is a painter, writer, and professor emerita of fine arts at Hofstra University. Based in New York City and Lakeville, Connecticut, she is currently working on a new series of abstract paintings.

Related posts:

Art and race: Through A Lens Darkly, Nick Cave and Jordan Casteel

Haley Josephs talks to Austin Lee about her new paintings

Didier William: The unblinking eye
China has denied permission for India to operate chartered flights, citing reinforced strict coronavirus measures with the ongoing pandemic situation globally.

The Indian Embassy has asked thousands of Indian students who are enrolled in Chinese universities to continue their online classes.

In a statement, the Indian Embassy in China has informed students: "Chinese authorities have denied permission for the operation of any chartered flights between India and China, citing their strict control measures."

Meanwhile, the Embassy continued to take up the issue of Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities, but there has unfortunately been "no positive evolution of this situation", an Embassy press release has said.

With the reports of a resurgence of fresh coronavirus cases in China, authorities have further reinforced controls and restrictions on travel and entry into China, informed the Indian Embassy. Further, it stated that the suspension of visas of Indian nationals issued before November 2, 2020, is an instance of these enhanced controls.

However, the Embassy advised, "Indian students to monitor its websites and social media channels to remain updated about the evolving situation with respect to the prospects of their return to China."

It also advised the students to remain in touch with their respective universities for further updates.

More than 23,000 Indians study in Chinese universities, mostly the medical stream.

Most of them are stuck in India as they await permission for their colleges to reopen.

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities said the restrictions in place are not likely to be relaxed in the coming months and students studying in China were advised accordingly with respect to their studies for the next semester, which is likely to continue only through online platforms.

With agency inputs

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha bows before addressing the country from the ministry's headquarters in Seoul's Jongno District, Saturday, regarding the government's stance on Japan being ordered by a court here to compensate the country's victims of wartime sexual crimes committed by the Japanese military before and during World War II. Yonhap



Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha requested Japan, Saturday, to refrain from responding excessively to a local court ruling that Tokyo must provide compensation for its wartime sexual enslavement of Korean women.



Kang made the remark during a 20-minute phone call with her Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



The phone call came after South Korean victims of wartime sexual enslavement won their first legal victory against the Japanese government in a landmark ruling Friday.





Japan's Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi smiles during the signing of agreements at Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Jan. 8. AFP-Yonhap




Deutsche Bank has agreed to pay a fine of more than $100 million to avoid a criminal prosecution on charges it participated in a foreign bribery scheme.

Lawyers for the bank waived its right to face an indictment on conspiracy charges Friday during a teleconference with a federal judge in New York City.

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn didn't reveal at the hearing which nations were involved. Previously, the bank has agreed to a Securities and Exchange Commission fine of $16 million to resolve separate allegations of corrupt dealings in Russia and China.

Deutsche Bank said it would have no immediate comment. The bank's agreement to avoid prosecution comes in the waning days of the administration of President Donald Trump, who had a longtime personal business association with the bank.

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.

Bowel cancer sufferers could soon be spared surgery that leaves them needing a stoma bag for the rest of their lives. Following pioneering research by NHS experts, thousands will be offered a two-part treatment, which involves a short, sharp burst of radiotherapy, followed by a 60-minute op involving no external incisions.

Patients can be free from cancer in a matter of weeks after the two-part treatment  while avoiding the risks of major surgery.

Previously, we would remove the entire rectum to get all the cancer, says Mr Simon Bach, consultant colorectal surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, who co-authored the research along with colleagues from the Leeds Cancer Centre. But now, with routine bowel cancer screening tests for over-50s and greater awareness, we can spot these tumours far earlier, when theyre very small.

Actress Lynda Bellingham, who died of bowel cancer in 2014 aged 66, pictured, spoke of her regret ahead of her death of not seeking help earlier because of the dramatic nature of the treatment

Traditional treatment involves surgeons removing a patient's rectum to ensure they taken away all of the cancer but leaving the person requiring the use of a stoma bag

Actress Lynda Bellingham, who died of the disease in 2014 aged 66, spoke of her regret at not having testing  early detection, she said, would have spared her a barrage of potent treatment later.

Of the 42,000 new bowel cancers detected every year, more than 11,000 are located in the rectum, which acts as a reservoir to expel waste from the body. The first step for most patients, even at early-stage, is to remove the entire rectum, so doctors can be sure theyve removed all the cancer. Rectal cancer can easily spread to other parts of the bowel and the liver if some disease remains.

Unlike treatment for other cancers, radiotherapy is seldom offered for small, early-stage tumours, as the benefits are not deemed worth the risk of the side effects such as skin damage, sickness and fatigue. But now, Mr Bach and colleagues have shown that even small tumours, less than 4cm in size, can be safely shrunk using radiotherapy and then extracted via a tube through the back passage.

The results of a trial involving 152 patients at 21 UK hospitals, showed patients treated with the new technique had half the number of post-surgical complications  including infections, and long hospital stays  compared to those who underwent the traditional bigger op.

Eight in ten remained cancer-free three years later, roughly the same in those who have the rectum removed. In more than a third of patients, the radiotherapy alone was enough to obliterate the cancer. Some need just one week of radiotherapy  20 minutes for five days  and the treatment will be over, says Mr Bach. Others will need the quick procedure a few weeks later to be sure we get all the cancer.

The treatment is currently available to NHS patients at 20 UK specialist cancer centres as part of the STAR-TREC trial, funded by Cancer Research UK. The procedure is typically given ten or more weeks after radiotherapy has finished, to allow the bowel time to recover and to identify those who dont need surgery. First, scans are performed to identify where the tumour is. Under general anaesthetic, a tube is placed into the back passage, and instruments threaded through, including a camera and electric knife. Using delicate movements and images for guidance, doctors remove the cancer and a section of the bowel lining, to which tumour cells are often attached.

Small stitches repair the wound, and the tube and instruments are removed. Those who have the procedure in the morning can return home the same day.

Thomas Roberts, a 69-year-old retired mechanic from the West Midlands, was diagnosed with rectal cancer last January, after an at-home test kit picked up a tiny traces of blood in his sample.

Cancer specialists said, due to the position of the small tumour, his only option was to have four-hour, major surgery to remove the rectum, and fit a stoma bag. He says: I thought: its been caught so early I barely had symptoms, theres got to be an alternative. I had a relative that died during this exact operation, so I was more scared of the surgery than I was of the cancer.

Mr Roberts visited a private doctor for a second opinion, who told him of Dr Bachs research. He underwent a week of radiotherapy treatment in May last year and, after a few months of monitoring, had the procedure in late December. The remains of the tumour and a small patch of healthy tissue were removed. He is now cancer-free.

I didnt even have soreness afterwards, he says. They kept me in overnight because my procedure was late in the day, but I was pretty much back to normal within a couple of days.
As many as 17,290 subscribers sending spam calls were handled in December 2020, according to the Authority of Telecommunications (AoT) under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC).

Of these, 45 percent of spam calls were settled by Viettel, 7 percent by MobiFone, 1 percent by Vietnamobile, and 0.5 percent by I Telecom.

Viettel prevented 7,844 subscribers from delivering spam calls, VNPT 7,301 and MobiFone 1,155.

AoT in July 2020 sent a document on preventing spam calls to telecom carriers. In the document, the watchdog agency described spam calls and pointed out the responsibilities of telecom carriers in preventing the behavior of delivering spam calls and protecting consumers.

If telecom carriers dont prevent spam calls, they may be punished in accordance with Clause 3, Article 66 of Decree No 185/2013/ND-CP dated November 15, 2013 which stipulates administrative fines for producing and trading counterfeit and prohibited goods.

Following the document, mobile network operators agreed to prevent spam calls by applying technical measures. The prevention and filtration of spam calls is carried out under the Law on Protection of Consumers Rights.

In the last six months of 2020, network operators blocked 89,649 subscribers that spread spam calls, which showed the great effort made by state management agencies and telecom carriers.

Spam calls and messages are delivered mostly to advertise products and services, such as offers to sell houses, apartments, and condotels, and include invitations to buy insurance policy, use financial services and register for English training courses.

The subjects that deliver spam calls and messages use sophisticated technical measures which change regularly to fool appropriate agencies. It can be difficult dealing with this kind of violation.

State management agencies have called on people to join forces with agencies and telecom carriers to prevent calls.

After each call from a subscriber suspected of delivering spam calls, telecom carriers will send a question under the form of USSD (unstructured supplementary service data) message in order to collect users comments. Users should cooperate with carriers by answering the question to complain if the subscriber actually delivered spam calls.



The systems of mobile network operators are integrated with machine learning.

In another way, users can complain about spam calls and messages by sending messages to Switchboard 5656.

In addition, users can register the entry in the Do Not Call list, i.e. a list of subscribers who refuse ads by sending a message with DK DNC to 5656.

Trong Dat

Network operators are not doing enough to prevent spam calls, texts Millions of fake calls and tens of thousand of subscribers in the last five months were handled, but network operators do not appear to be sufficiently determined to fight against spam calls.
New Delhi:

The board of cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday said that pilgrims will have to furnish bonafide medical certificates and those below 13 or above 75 years will not be permitted.

Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, which conducts the annual pilgrimage to the high-altitude shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, has issued an advisory which said that every pilgrim will have to submit an application form and compulsory health certificate (CHC) to obtain pilgrimage permit.

The formats of the application form and CHC, and the list of doctors/ medical institutions authorised to issue CHC are available at SASBs website- www.shriamarnathjishrine.com.

One pilgrimage permit will be valid for registering only one pilgrim and each designated registration bank branch has been allotted a fixed per day/ per route quota for registering the pilgrims, the advisory of the shrine board said.

The registration bank branch will ensure that the number of pilgrims registered does not exceed the allotted per day/per route quota.

No one below 13 years or above 75 years and no woman more than six weeks pregnant shall be registered for the pilgrimage, it said.

Also read: Amarnath Yatra: MHA warns of threat of stone-pelting on pilgrims, seeks more troops to ensure safety

The specific day on which a pilgrim is registered to undertake the pilgrimage (i.e., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) has been printed on the pilgrimage permit.

The day printed on the permit is the day on which the pilgrims will be allowed to cross the access control gates at Baltal and Chandanwari (Pahalgam).

The bank branch shall ensure that the date for which the permit is issued for crossing the access control gates matches with the day printed on the permit before issuing the permit to the pilgrims.

The registration official shall issue the permit bearing BALTAL for Baltal route and PHALGAM for the Phalgam route, the advisory said.

The shrine is situated at an altitude of 12,756 feet and about 141 km from Srinagar. The pilgrimage will begin on June 29 and conclude on August 7.

Also read: 400 workers to be deputed for high quality sanitation during Amarnath Yatra

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
OnSceneTV

A man was shot and killed early Saturday while on his way to meet a friend after leaving a Midtown club, officials said.

Police responded to the reported shooting around 2:50 a.m. at the intersection of San Jacinto and McIlhenny Streets, said Lt. R. Willkens of the Houston Police Department.
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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted the fiscal and reform measures undertaken by the government following the COVID-19 outbreak as he held deliberations with top economists who pitched for pushing privatisation, avoiding challenging international arbitrations and increasing infrastructure spending.

Participating in a virtual meeting with the Prime Minister, some economists suggested that the government could take a lenient view on fiscal deficit in the forthcoming Budget for 2021-22 due to the urgency to revive the pandemic-hit economy, sources said.

According to a note issued by Niti Aayog after the meeting, all the attendants agreed that high frequency indicators are showing signs of a strong economic recovery, and that too earlier than expected.

"The attendants were broadly in agreement that next year will see robust growth and suggested measures to maintain this growth rate to drive India's socioeconomic transformation," it said.

In his concluding remarks after the two-hour long meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted that together with a fiscal stimulus, the government also tried reform-based stimulus, which was seen in historic reforms in agriculture, commercial coal mining and labour laws.

Modi further said the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent management threw up new professional challenges for all those involved.

"The prime minister explained his vision behind an Atmanirbhar Bharat, where Indian companies are integrated in global supply chains in a manner not seen before," it said.

On infrastructure, Modi highlighted the National Infrastructure Pipeline as the government's commitment to developing world class infrastructure.

"The prime minister ended his talk by stating the importance of partnerships in achieving our goals, and that such consultations play a crucial role in setting the broader economic agenda," the note said.

According to the sources, the participants urged the government to come up with policies to increase exports and build investors' confidence as despite multiple structural reforms across sectors, investments are still not flowing into India in a big way.

"There is a need to boost investor confidence. Government should avoid challenging everything (international arbitration awards). This is important as investors are still wary of investing in India despite several reform measures," one of the sources present in the meeting said.

The speakers also stressed on the need to raise India's tax-to-GDP ratio, which is declining since 2008, embark on import tariff rationalisation and undertake bank recapitalisation.

Some participants also pitched for creating a separate ministry for privatisation of PSUs and assets, if needed, as was the case earlier.

The note said the participants highlighted the strong structural reform measures that have been undertaken in the past few years and how they would help in the creation of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

"Suggestions were made by participants on future reform areas...Participants also highlighted the need to tap household savings as a potential avenue to secure long-term funding for infrastructure projects," it said.

According to the note, the participants also stressed the importance of investing in public health and education, as human capital would also likely emerge as a driver of growth, especially in the knowledge economy going forward.

The note also said a focus on labour intensive manufacturing was also mooted by participants, given the success India has achieved in launching the production-linked incentives (PLI) scheme in mobile manufacturing. Among others, the meeting was attended by Arvind Panagariya, K V Kamath, Rakesh Mohan, Shankar Acharya, Shekhar Shah, Arvind Virmani, Ashok Lahri, Abhay Pethe, Abheek Barua, Ravindra Dholakia, Saumya Kanti Ghosh and Sonal Varma,

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State (MoS) for Finance Anurag Thakur, MoS Planning Rao Inderjit Singh, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar and Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant too were present at the meeting.

The meeting assumes significance as it was held ahead of the Union Budget to be presented by Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha on February 1. Some of the suggestions are likely to be considered by the minister while preparing the budget proposals.

According to sources, several economists suggested that the government should focus on export promotion as it was essential to boost domestic manufacturing. The sectoral experts underlined the need for more steps to increase investor confidence.

India's GDP is estimated to contract by a record 7.7 per cent during 2020-21 fiscal as the COVID-19 pandemic severely hit the key manufacturing and services segments, as per data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on Thursday.

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's economy is projected to contract 7.5 per cent in the current fiscal ending March 31, 2021, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have estimated the contraction at 10.3 per cent and 9.6 per cent, respectively.

The economy contracted by a massive 23.9 per cent in the first quarter and 7.5 per cent in the second quarter of this fiscal on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

India's economic growth stood at an estimated 4.2 per cent in 2019-20.

Reserve Bank of India to restore normal liquidity management operations

TCS confident of getting back to double-digit growth in FY22
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Officials with the Department of the Air Forces Strategic Basing Office toured the grounds of Kirtland Air Force Base on Thursday to evaluate the site as a possible location for the U.S. Space Command.

Kirtland is one of six locations being considered for the Space Command, which would bring more than 1,000 jobs to Albuquerque if it is chosen, not to mention possibly billions in spending over time. The Space Command will be where all branches of the military coordinate with each other when conducting operations in, from or through space.

New Mexico elected officials, including Sen. Martin Heinrich and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, are among those who have lobbied for Kirtland.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

This is the very end of a long process, Sherman McCorkle, the founder of the Kirtland Partnership Committee, said of the site visit.

The committee is assisting the efforts for Kirtland to be the Space Command site.

Eva Blaylock, a spokeswoman for Kirtland Air Force Base, said the tour of Kirtland by Air Force officials on Thursday was focused primarily on infrastructure at the base. But the highly trained scientists at Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory, in addition to the Kirtlands military infrastructure, could also be advantageous in Albuquerques bid for the headquarters.

In addition to Kirtland, Air Force bases in Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, Alabama and Texas are also under consideration.

In November, Assistant Air Force Secretary John Henderson sent a letter to Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller congratulating the city and state for being one of the six sites still under consideration.

He said the Department of the Air Force would conduct virtual and in-person visits while developing a qualitative assessment of each location.

The Air Force expects to announce its preferred location later this month, along with other reasonable alternative locations, Henderson said in the letter.

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.
MOUNT PLEASANT  Efforts to build a museum and education center in Mount Pleasant honoring recipients of the nation's highest military honor are taking shape as designs and exhibit plans for the project come together.

The National Medal of Honor Leadership and Education Center is set to be built near the waterfront at Patriots Point. First announced in mid-2019, the project was slowed somewhat by the COVID-19 pandemic, and organizers now hope to open it by Memorial Day 2024  about a year later than a previously announced date.

Still, 2020 wasn't a quiet year for the organizers. Thanks to virtual meetings, their work continued, and the group is starting the new year with floor plans and exhibit concepts in-hand.

"It gave us time to pause and set a plan," Tommy McQueeney, who heads the executive committee of the foundation leading the effort, said of their last year prepping for the museum project.

Second attempt

McQueeney is leading what is the second attempt to build a landside Medal of Honor museum at Patriots Point. The first was in the planning stages for about six years before a longstanding lease between that group and Patriots Point ended and a national search was initiated for a new location.

That project, which calls its planned museum the National Medal of Honor Museum, unveiled renderings for a new building design in the fall, about a year after it chose to move the project to Arlington, Texas.

Like the current effort in Mount Pleasant, that Medal of Honor museum is also angling for a 2024 opening.

The previous design that the first museum group had hoped to build at Patriots Point became a point of contention when plans were brought to town officials in Mount Pleasant.

While the organization ultimately said it left the Lowcountry so it could find a larger market to support its hefty $100 million-plus price tag, tension between the foundation, the Patriots Point board and the town was building when those relationships dissolved in late 2018.

Several months later, McQueeney and Medal of Honor recipient and retired Marine Maj. Gen. James Livingston of Mount Pleasant started making moves to initiate another local medal museum project, this time on a smaller scale and with a pledge to work more closely with the town. It is intent on becoming the new headquarters for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, which has been housed on the aircraft carrier Yorktown at Patriots Point since 1992.

Floor plans for the museum building show spaces for offices for the society and a place for its archives on the second floor. An area was also added for a green room  a request from the society, McQueeney said  so Medal of Honor recipients can be filmed sharing their stories.

The museum itself will be housed on the first floor of the building. The first major exhibit visitors enter from the lobby will be the "We Are Americans" gallery, followed by displays that take them through the major conflicts the U.S. has fought in, starting with the Civil War. Those exhibits will lead to a domed "Medal of Honor Gallery" honoring recipients.

Plans also include classroom space for visiting school groups, a retail area, a separate entrance for the society's offices and an outdoor terrace on the second level.

Outside the main entrance to the building, metal ribbons that extend along the side of the building are meant to evoke an American flag rippling in the wind. Shadows cast by the ribbons will change throughout the day and will be visible in the windowed lobby area, McQueeney said.

Confidence factor

Sign up for our new business newsletter We're starting a weekly newsletter about the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email

Sign Up!

Preliminary plans were presented to Mount Pleasant Town Council in early December. Nothing was up for a vote, but McQueeney said his organization wants to be "very transparent" about what it's doing  and to avoid some of the issues that led to the unraveling of previous Medal of Honor museum plans.

"What we want to do is build confidence in what were doing," he said, "and to build confidence in the public sector and then move this methodically and correctly to a conclusion."

To that end, McQueeney said he's also been in touch with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and with Michael Bennett of Bennett Hospitality who is in the process of developing some of the land at state-owned Patriots Point.

The Medal of Honor Museum and Bennett's mixed-use development, called Patriots Annex, will collaborate on parking arrangements, McQueeney said.

Committees for the museum group are predominantly filled by locals, and except for the exhibit designer, HealyKohler of Washington, D.C., the businesses that have been involved are all based in the Charleston region, including architect Glick-Boehm.

So far, it looks like the project might come in at a smaller price tag than expected, McQueeney said. When plans were unveiled in 2019, the estimate for the total cost was $45 million  $35 million for a building and $10 million for exhibits, furnishings and other costs. That's less than half the expense quoted to build the museum concept that moved to Texas.

McQueeney said the group now estimates their project's cost will fall below the $45 million mark, to about $41.6 million.

To build confidence in their plans, McQueeney has billed the project as "a museum or your money back" and said the group is trying to spend as little as possible before they actually break ground.

"Weve had very few expenses in getting to where we are now," he said.

Raising money

So far, two major pledges from local governments have been secured: $3 million from Mount Pleasant and $5 million from Charleston County.

The county donation is contingent upon whether the group can get the $5 million in state funding that was pledged to the previous Medal of Honor museum effort at Patriots Point. When that project relocated to Texas, the money was returned to the state.

McQueeney said his group has stayed in touch with state lawmakers about the project and said legislators have been "very supportive," but the COVID-19 pandemic has likely delayed any monetary support the state will be able to give.

Breaking ground won't be possible until the group secures 75 percent of the money needed for construction. That's one of the new terms Patriots Point set for future development agreements with nonprofits in mid-2019, in light of the Medal of Honor museum lease it had terminated months before that.

McQueeney's group will have to comply with all of those conditions, which also include set expectations for "regular communication with elected officials and planning staffers in Mount Pleasant.

Those terms will have to be met before the group can enter into an official lease agreement with the Patriots Point Development Authority, said Chris Hauff, a spokesman for the state-owned naval museum.

Until then, Patriots Point's board extended an option to lease the land that's good through fall 2022.

That gives them "ample time" to get the funding together, said McQueeney, who was a Patriots Point Development Authority board member before stepping down to direct the Medal of Honor project.

McQueeney's team has been keeping Patriots Point's board up-to-date on plans, Hauff said, and most recently made a presentation in November.

On January 8, Friday, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that their vaccine against the COVID-19 virus is effective even against one of the mutations present in the new contagious variants which has been detected in Britain and South Africa. The UK, recently, identified a second more transmissible COVID-19 variant linked to South Africa which was spreading at a dangerous rate despite the tiering system put in place, UK health secretary Matt Hancock announced. The release by Pfizer says, Though these two rapidly spreading viruses are different, they share the N501Y mutation, which is located in the receptor binding site of the spike protein and results in the viruss spike protein binding more tightly to its receptor. It has been shown to infect mice more efficiently.

All that you need to know

To find out if people who have received the vaccine could neutralise SARS-CoV-2 with the N501Y mutation, a virus with substitution was generated in UTMBs laboratory. However, this virus did not include all the spike mutations found on the rapidly spreading strains.

It was indicated that the key N501Y mutation does not create resistance to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine induced immune responses. The release said that further data is needed to monitor the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 caused by new virus variants. The release read, If the virus mutates such that an update to the vaccine is required to continue to confer protection against COVID-19, we believe that the flexibility of BioNTechs proprietary mRNA vaccine platform is well suited to enable an adjustment to the vaccine.

Read: Saudi Arabia's King Salman Gets First Dose Of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

'Very significant problem'

Recently, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the mutant coronavirus from South Africa was more of a problem than the variant found in the UK. Both the countries reported the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant in December 2020. While the African variant named 501Y.V2 has been reported in countries including France and Japan, the British variant named B.1.1.7 has been reported in Australia, US and Canada amongst others. Meanwhile, speaking at a press meet, Hancock stressed that he was incredibly worried about the South African strain. Furthermore, he reasoned that it was because of this concern, that the UK had previously banned all incoming flights from South Africa. This is a very, very significant problem ... and its even more of a problem than the UK new variant, he said at the briefing.

Read: COVID-19: WHO Recommends Two Doses Of Pfizer And BioNTech Jabs Within 21-28 Days

Situation in South Africa

The South African health minister has revealed that elements related to the new coronavirus strain strongly indicate that the second wave in the nation is carried by the new variant as nearly 90% of the samples tested in the country contain the new strain. As per reports, unlike other mutations that eventually die away, the 501.V2 has key changed in the part of the pathogen that helps it to stick to host cells in humans. It is also the same part of the virus which is impacted by the vaccines and antibody therapies.

Read: Portuguese Nurse Dies Two Days After Taking Pfizer-BioNTech's Coronavirus Vaccine: Report

Also Read: In Key Global Move, WHO Accords Emergency Use Approval To Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID Vaccine

(Image Credits: AP)


MBABANE  Faith versus a pandemic. A group of 80 Christians are on a dry fast atop the Kunkomo Mountains at Nhlambeni, with a clear mission to intercede for the country and the world against the coronavirus pandemic.

The Christians determination comes amid a heavy onslaught on the nation which has seen the head of government, policy makers and business executives falling under the coronavirus debilitating sword.

The prayer was organised by the Church Of God under Pastor Muzi Manana, but attracted interest from Christians in other denominations.

One of the Church Pastors, Ntokozo Lukhele, explained that the Christians had not been drinking even a glass of water during the heatwave as they soldier on in prayer.

When we started on Monday, we were eating food, but that was only until Wednesday. From Wednesday, we have been on a dry fast. We are asking God to intervene, he said.

comfort

Lukhele said the saints left all forms of comfort in their homes as they sleep in the bushes.

We bath at a Ndzinisa homestead, where we parked our cars below the mountain, he said.

When attending to the call of nature, the Christians drift from the rest of the praying group to a secluded spot in the mountainside.

Lukhele explained that when it rained the Christians use large plastics to cover their heads.

These are the same plastic bags that we sleep under. However, there are a few camp tents for our pastors, he said.

He said the Christians were aware that mountains were the habitat of snakes and scorpions, but said the Christians were least worried about that. He said there was no provision for medical assistance.

Even if one can be bitten by a snake, we would pray for such a person to be healed because the level of faith is high. However, we do not prohibit anyone from seeking medical attention if they want it. If a Christian says take me to hospital, we would do so because that is what the Christian wants but our conviction is that we need to believe in God for everything, he said.

He said though this years primary focus was on interceding against the coronavirus, the Christians also take some time to hear the word and teachings on holiness.

hope

Pastor Lukhele said his position on the COVID-19 was that the whole world should know that the hope is in the Lord.

What has contributed to the spread of this disease is the evil things that people have done in the world, which angers the Lord.

If people could humble themselves and repent then God would hear their cries and heal the land, he said.

He said the prayer would end today, and that Christians would descend from the mountain and go to their respective homes. Lukhele said every year the Christians ascended the mountain to pray for 14 days. He said the first seven days were for appreciating the departing year while the other seven days were dedicated to the new year supplications.

Meanwhile, from midnight yesterday, government has banned all gatherings because they have the potential to spread the virus.

The ban has disorganised many churches that organised prayer and fasting services marking the beginning of the year.

Through social media, there is a global initiative to have one million people raising their voices to God while praying for a solution to the coronavirus pandemic.

prays

The one million Lords Prayer idea is such that one prays and then passes the message to eight other people, with the hope that the message will reach one million people.

Reads one of the prayers made: Father God, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ: I pray, speak and declare healing all over the nations of the world. We are standing and trusting in your promises! No plague shall come near our dwelling. Heal us, for by your stripes we are healed! Touch the kinds and hearts of our leaders to implement only the counsel of God for the nations. Whatever the devil has planned against the nations is cut off in Jesus name. We are praying this special blessing over the ones that are reading this prayer and are passing it on to others. I declare victory in the name of Jesus! (sic)
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.
Nvidia is a gaming-friendly GPU brand giant that has recently encountered graphic drivers and security flaws. Last Thursday, the brand settled the system imperfections influencing its illustrations Game-Ready driver. These system flaws permit terrible hackers to cripple device systems with the refusal of to claim service attacks, heighten benefits, alter information, or sniff out delicate data.

Nvidia Releases Update to Address Game-Ready Driver Security Problem

The main problem arises from Nvidia's illustrations driver named formerly among tech geeks as the GPU Display for Windows. The most grave among these flaws is the (CVE20211051) which is a problem in the graphic drivers' kernel mode layer. This GPU issue ranks 8.4 out of 10 based on the CVSS scale, which means it is an alarming issue for users.

In other words, hackers could hack your device by making the graphics cards stop working. Afterwards, they can get control of your PCs and alter several files or steal sensitive information from your device. Techradar also noted that the Nvidia GPU can be a very good tool for cracking passwords, which puts your security at high risk.

Nvidia has upated users last thursday of an fix that addresses these concerns. The design driver is used in gadgets and is being utilized by devotee gamers. In this scenario, it is the computer program component that empowers the device's working framework and programs to utilize its high-level, gaming-optimized design hardware. This is the reason why Nvidia has prompted an update to highten security for the Graphics drivers and security problem. Not to mention, these issues by the tech giant are being encountered prior to the CES 2021 event where they are expected to launch the RTX 380 Mobile GPU.

See more: Nvidia RTX 3080 Mobile GPU Specs Leaked Ahead of CES 2021 Launch

How to Prevent Nvidia Game-Ready Driver System Hacking

It is also worth noting that hackers can only do these when they have lcoal acccess to your Linux box or PC. In order to succeed hacking into your system, they have to use a computer or another computer device stationed on the local network. Another way that this can be done is to plant malware on your machine to make the attack successful.

According to Tom's Hardware, Updating your device from Nvidia's recently released system security update for the GPU display driver is the only way to prevent this from happening.

Those who use the Nvidia consumer graphics cards who utilize and install the GeForce Experience desktop application will be alerted by the system to introduce the overhauls. On the other hand, for Windows users of Nvidia GeForce cards, the update can be conducted into the driver version of 461.09.

Even if you don't have GeForce Experience installed in your device, or if the Nvidia updates aren't working well, you may get the patches right from the Nvidia Driver Downloads. However, you need to make sure that you chooe the right kind of graphics based on the graphics card that you have.

See related article: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080: Restock Updates and Retails You Need to Keep an Eye On

This article is owned by Techtimes

Written by Nikki Delgado

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Koppal : , Jan 9 (IANS) The next time your child plays with a remote controlled car, watch it, as it might well be manufactured in Karnataka.

Bhanapur, a remote village in Koppal district, is poised to attain star status with the Karnataka government the laying foundation stone for the country's first toy manufacturing cluster in the village on Saturday.

Spread over 400 acres of land, the toy manufacturing cluster is expected to attract Rs 5,000 crore worth of investments and comes with the potential to generate direct employment for about 30,000 people.

The manufacturing campus is being promoted by Aequs SEZ Pvt Ltd in partnership with Karnataka. Bhanapur village in Koppal district, which has a population of less than 2,000 people, is located 365 km from Bengaluru.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Vocal For Local', and to boost toy manufacturing, Koppala will have India's first toy manufacturing cluster.

After taking part in the foundation stone laying ceremony here, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said that the toy manufacturing cluster will contain over 100 units with a potential to generate 25,000 to 30,000 direct jobs and over one lakh jobs indirectly.

He added that the toy manufacturing industry is labour intensive and most of the workers are women, hence this toy cluster coming up at Koppal is a bold step towards empowering women.

"This is a momentous occasion as the Koppal toy cluster is the first in the country. The construction of the campus is expected to be completed by December this year. If it happens, we will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the toy cluster," Yediyurappa said.

The CM said that preference would be given to women for employment in the manufacturing cluster in Koppal. "Women who are earning Rs 200 per day now will be able to earn Rs 600 per day. We will prioritise employment for women and Aequs has promised to train the locals in skill development," he said.

Karnataka is the third-largest market for toys in India and is worth $159 million, 9.1 per cent of the national market. The industries department said the state has invited domestic and global toy makers in line with the Prime Minister's vision of boosting toy manufacturing in India.

Karnataka is poised to emerge as a leading toy-making cluster due to the robust ecosystem the state has created to support toy-making industries, the industries department claimed.

The state has supported and nurtured tool manufacturing and precision engineering (TMTP), polymers manufacturing clusters in Bengaluru, Dharwad, Tumkuru and Mysuru, robust design capacity and testing certification agencies in Bengaluru, Dharwad and Koppala and GTTC (Government Tool Room and Training Centre).

"Koppal has a tradition of making traditional toys such as Kinnala. It is against this backdrop that we aim to make Koppal the country's toy-making hub by promoting this art. I want to thank Aequs and other toy industries who have joined hands with the government initiative," Industries Minister Jagadish Shettar said.

He said the foundation of this toy cluster has played a vital role in unlocking Karnataka's toy-making capacity.

The Koppal toy cluster will be a one-stop destination, facilitating globally competitive and reliable manufacturing solutions with co-located facilities.

Regarding apprehension among the locals that the promised jobs would be given to those from outside the district, Shettar said that 80 per cent of the jobs would be given to the locals from Koppal and other parts of the state.

"We are implementing the Sarojini Maharshi report which calls for employment for locals. We will give companies a margin of 10-20 per cent of their workforce to be hired from outside the state. These will be the high-level skilled jobs. First preference will be given to the residents of Koppal," Shettar said.

Prior to the BJP coming to power in the state, the toy manufacturing cluster was to come up in Ramanagara district. However, Koppal was chosen in 2018 by former Industries Minister and Congress MLA R.V. Deshpande as it is 380 km away from Bengaluru, 400 km from Hyderabad, 95 km from Hubballi and 215 km from Belagavi, all of which have airports. Koppal also has a well-connected railway network and is strategically closer to Mumbai, Goa, Mangaluru, Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Thoothukudi, which have major ports.

The global toy industry experienced continued growth, reaching a value of $90.7 billion in 2019, posting a 0.5 per cent growth over 2018.

On the other hand, India's toy industry has grown at a CAGR of 15.9 per cent during 2011-19 to $1.75 billion in 2019, principal secretary (industries) Gaurav Gupta said.

"Karnataka's toy market grew at a CAGR of 17.54 per cent between 2010 and 2017. Currently, Karnataka is the third-largest market for toys in India. It constitutes 9.1 per cent of the national market valued at $159 million," he claimed.

The six companies that signed the MoUs include Playgro Industries Pvt Ltd, which is investing $15 million to manufacture remote controlled cars in Koppal with its manufacturing unit spread across 4 lakh sq ft; Sterling New Horizons Pvt Ltd, whose manufacturing unit will be spread across 50,000 sq ft and it will invest $10 million; Hotshot Tooling and Engineering Ltd, which will invest $6 million in a manufacturing unit spread across 1 lakh sq ft; Aequs Force Consumer Products Pvt Ltd, which will invest $60 million for a unit spread across 6 lakh sq ft; and Aequs Engineering Plastics Pvt Ltd, which will invest $80 million in a manufacturing unit spread across 8 lakh sq ft.
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.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
In a short statement, Armenias National Security Service (NSS) said the meeting took place in no-mans-land at a section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border about 70 kilometers south of Yerevan.

The statement said NSS Director Armen Abazian and the chief of Azerbaijans State Security Service, Ali Nagiyev, discussed the exchange of prisoners and the search for missing persons. Contacts on these topics are continuing, it added without elaborating.

Abazian and Nagiyev already discussed these issues late last month at a meeting in Moscow hosted by Alexander Bortnikov, the head of Russias Federal Security Service. The NSS said afterwards that they reached unspecified understandings.

The ceasefire deal brokered by Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 9 calls for the exchange of all prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians held by the conflicting sides. So far 54 Armenians have been freed and returned home. Dozens of others remain in Azerbaijani captivity.

They include 62 Armenian soldiers who were taken prisoner in early December when Azerbaijani forces seized the last two Armenian-controlled villages in Karabakhs Hadrut district occupied by them during the six-week war.

In a letter to United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres publicized earlier this week, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov branded the soldiers as saboteurs and indicated the Azerbaijani authorities intention to prosecute them on relevant charges.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned Bakus plans as a gross violation of international law and the Karabakh truce agreement. It accused the Azerbaijani side of using Armenian prisoners of war as hostages to advance its political agenda.
RejectCCP.com Banner Flies Across the Australian Skies Exposing Communist Infiltration

Roughly 100,000 people witnessed the bold message of Say no to communism, RejectCCP.com flying across the bright blue skies of Western Australia in late December last year.

The airplane towing the giant banner flew high up in the skies for 2.5 hours, making the thought-provoking message visible to thousands of people along its route on Dec. 20, 2020.

Karen Danelle Dunscombe, 37, who organized the event, told The Epoch Times that she felt the need to raise awareness of how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is trying to subvert freedom and undermine culture and traditions across the world, including in Australia.

While, Victor Bernal, the man behind the camera, said that he joined the event with the intention to awaken people to the evil nature of the communist regime.

The message of Say no to communism, RejectCCP.com flying across the skies of Coogee beach in Western Australia on Dec. 20, 2020. (Courtesy of Brian Collingridge)

I needed to do a banner to wake people up to the CCP culture and infiltration in Australia, Karen said. It was a refreshing way for people to question what the CCP is and its intention.

Say no to communism was more so for people to become aware or question Chinas intent. RejectCCP.com was for everyone who is aware of what the CCP is and to give those people some sort of platform to take action by signing their name if they please, she added.

Hinting at the current CCP-related happenings unfolding in the world, the airplane with a long banner trailing behind departed from Jandakot airport. From there it headed toward Coogee beach, then went up the coast and flew down the Swan River into the city of Perth. Then flying over the coastline to the northern beaches, the airplane headed back down the coast to Coogee again and made it back to the airport.

Jason Moir, 38, who interviewed people during the event, said that he is increasingly concerned over the effect communism is having on western societies, including socialist or communist political movements, media bias, censorship, elimination of free speech, and other civil liberties in Australia.

The vast majority of people arent aware that they are experiencing the transition to communism and have put their full faith in corrupt media and political entities, Jason said.

Karen Danelle Dunscombe, 37, the organizer of the event. (Courtesy of Karen Danelle Dunscombe)

Communism Results in Absolutely Nothing Good

According to the RejectCCP.com website, the communist regime is responsible for over 80 million deaths in China, and now it is attempting to dominate the world, much like it has controlled China.

The website states that the CCP over the course of time has increasingly infiltrated into universities, news media, governments, and international organizations and undermined economies, national security and the moral fabric worldwide.

Karen strongly believes there is absolutely nothing good that results from communism.

It may appear positive, to some, in the beginning, but it is dark and sinister at its absolute core, poison, she said. It is good for people to have the knowledge, and educate themselves on Chinas infiltration in Australia, and the rest of the world for that matter.

For instance, in early December last year, Western Australias new museum in Perth had to alter a digital exhibit referring to China as the origin of the CCP virus after the Chinese community and consul-general raised complaints, reported the Sydney Morning Herald. The popup about the year 2020 described that the CCP virus originated in mainland China.

Yoga Zhang, the director of the WA-based Chinese language media company MostWA, wrote a letter to the museum demanding an explanation; Zhang also alerted WA Chinese consul-general, the report said.

The World Health Organisation, governments, and relevant departments of various countries have yet to confirm the origin of the coronavirus, Zhang wrote.

However, based on the The Epoch Times special coverage on the CCP virus and editorial, the Chinese communist officials knew in early December of 2019 that the virus had appeared in Wuhan, but they sat on the information for a period of six weeks. The officials arrested those who tried to warn of the danger, accusing them of spreading rumors, and employed the regimes rigorous censorship to prevent any media coverage related to the outbreak.

RejectCCP Is the Most Popular Topic

This is not the first time Karen has done something of this magnitude. In December 2018, she did an aerial banner with an inspirational message of Be True, Be Kind, EndureFalun Gong.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is an ancient mind-body cultivation practice based upon the universal tenets of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. The peaceful spiritual system, comprising five meditative exercises, is freely practiced in over 100 countries worldwide but is being brutally suppressed and persecuted in China by the communist regime since 1999.

After getting a positive message about the universal moral values out to people in the past, this time Karen chose to do something more impactful to shed further light on the atrocities of the communist regime.

While covering the RejectCCP aerial banner event on-field, Jason said that almost 50 percent of the people who saw the banner werent aware of the grave issues related to communism. Meanwhile, many who were very well-versed with the CCPs agenda had strong views of the opposition to communism and its infiltration in Australia.

Victor said that he saw many onlookers applauding on seeing the bold and affirming banner flying high in the skies.

It is very concerning that they [the CCP] are so far spread wide in these democracies and up in high organizations making important decisions, and you dont know what is behind those decisions, said Lloyd Le Ciinu, a civil engineer who saw the RejectCCP banner.

Lloyd Le Ciinu, a civil engineer based in Australia. (Courtesy of Victor Bernal)

Citing his concern that if there is someone controlling an Australian government member, Lloyd said he worries if Australian interests would be taken into account during the process.

It is very concerning that those interested support the head of the Australian interest, he said. That is essentially where the decision gets made in China instead of being in Australia.

John LeCornu, an iron-ore worker who came across the banner, paused to share his apprehension on noticing the five words in the skies of Perth.

We are giving them [communist China] a pass with everything, I dont like that, environmentally they dont adhere to the same standards and laws that we have here in Australia, John said. We are putting ourselves out of business with this environmental stuff and we are playing exactly into Chinas hands.

John LeCornu (Courtesy of Victor Bernal)

They are taking the world over, John added. We need to take things back in our control, start making things here in Australia such that we can take them on because at the moment we are losing the battle.

Victor, who grew up in Columbia, said that communism and infiltration in Australia was the most popular topic on Coogee beach that day. He said he came across two people, one from Poland and the other from Portugal, who suffered under similar regimes agreeing that communism is really bad.

In a way, people felt connected to the topic, Victor said.

Arshdeep Sarao contributed to this report.
Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

In the introduction to his book The Content Trap, author Bharat Anand asks readers to consider what caused The Yellowstone Fires of 1988, which lasted for months and destroyed over 1.3 million acres of the worlds oldest, and one of our nations most treasured, national parks. The traditional story places the blame on a worker who dropped a single, still-lit cigarette. Anand disagrees.

The cigarette certainly triggered this fire, but a million cigarettes are dropped every single day. That year (likely even that day), other cigarettes and, for that matter, lightning strikes, fell in Yellowstone. Why did this one spark so much damage? Anands point has to do with the pre-existing conditions, which made something that is benign in most other circumstances, a trigger for incredible destruction.

On Wednesday, as protestors stormed the Capitol, Illinois Representative Kinzinger, a Republican, said, We (Americans) are not what we are seeing today Others remarked how shocking it was to see the sort of political unrest common to other countries, here in America. And, of course, it was shocking.

But wed better be clear on why. Its not because somehow Americans, even those who love freedom and wish to protect the remarkable gift that is our nation, are somehow exempt from the Fall. Its not because America has some sort of Divine pass to last forever. Its not because the rules that govern nations and civilizations, which have been proven over and over again throughout history, somehow do not apply to us.

In what now seems like an ominous prediction, my friend Trevin Wax tweeted out a quote from Chuck Colson Wednesday morning: People who cannot restrain their own baser instincts, who cannot treat one another with civility, are not capable of self-government  without virtue, a society can be ruled only by fear, a truth that tyrants understand all too well.

Colson was right. Another way of saying what he did is, Character is destiny. Its tempting to apply this undeniable truism rather selectively, but it is as true for individuals on our side as it is for those on their side.

It is true for presidents and for peasants. Its as true about a president not as bad as she would have been, who delivers strong policy wins for our side as it is about anyone else. It is true for the narcissist and for the abortionist, for the one who rejects religious faith and the one who uses it for his own ends.

But, and this is the much more important point that many miss, character is destiny for a people as well as for a person. Yesterday, when President-elect Biden said that the actions of the mob did not reflect America, I wish he were correct. But he wasnt. We are not a moral nation. We are lawless. We are not a nation that cultivates the kinds of families able to produce good citizens.

Our institutions cannot be trusted to tell us the truth or advance the good. Our leaders think and live as if wrong means are justified by preferred ends. Our churches tickle ears and indulge narcissism. Our schools build frameworks of thinking that are not only wrong, but foster confusion and division.

Wednesday's riot was not the first in our nations recent history, nor will it be the last. There are certainly immediate causes for what we witnessed, including the words of a president who appeared to care more about the attention the riots gave him than the rule of law that they violated. Still, there are ultimate causes, ones that predate his administration and that have created what is clearly a spark-ready environment.

Wednesdays events cannot be understood, much less addressed outside this larger context. And the moment we excuse ourselves from being part of the problem, we have lost our saltiness.

Often throughout history, moments like this have been embraced by the Church as an opportunity by Gods people. When a people reach this level of vulnerability, either as individuals, as families, or as nations, it is clear that they are out of ideas. There is no sustainable way forward when the ideological divide reaches this level, not only about how best to reach commonly held aims but when there is no consensus on the aims themselves.

To be clear, civilizations usually die with a whimper, not a bang. America will go on, but we arent OK. Even more, the resources once found in various places within our culture to build new things or fix whats broken are largely depleted. The only way out of the long decline of decadence, punctuated as it is by noisy, scary moments like yesterday, is either, as Ross Douthat wrote, revolution or religious revival.

The story of Yellowstone Park is that now, decades later, it has been largely revived and reborn. Lets pray thats also the story of the Church, and even our country.

Originally published at BreakPoint
2021 Traffic Safety Year launched across Vietnam

Many cities and provinces have launched the 2021 Traffic Safety Year, promising to reduce the number of accidents, deaths and injuries in the new year.



2021 Traffic Safety Year launched across Vietnam.







Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
On January 7, the head of the spiritual office of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), Archbishop Arshak Khachatryan, announced the need for Nikol Pashinyan to leave the post of Prime Minister of the republic as soon as possible, referring to the demand of the Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, who called on Pashinyan to resign. The AAC believes that Pashinyan is personally responsible for the military escalation in Karabakh and the defeat of Armenia in the second Karabakh war. Nikol Pashinyan himself did not comment on the words of the Armenian clergy in any way.

Recently, criticism of Pashinyan and demands for his resignation have become a kind of trend: many Armenian politicians, experts and bloggers take advantage of the situation of unlimited public censure of the prime minister and try to make a name for themselves through this. The AAC, it would seem, does not need PR, and issues of internal politics, including the backstage intrigues of the political establishment of Armenia, are outside the field of vision of the clergy. However, the clergy say that in the current political situation "the Church cannot be an outside observer."

How did Pashinyan annoy the Church? The AAC is an influential and non-poor structure, although its income is unknown, since major sponsors remain in the shadows. In the modern history of Armenia, the AAC reached its heyday during the reign of the Karabakh clan: Presidents Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sargsyan often demonstratively made political decisions, coordinating them with prominent figures of the AAC. Then the influence of the church increased so much that the obligatory subject "History of the Armenian Church" appeared in schools. Pashinyan, on the other hand, destroyed the usual comfort of the Armenian Apostolic Church, deciding that its influence should not go beyond church and temple complexes. The prime minister studied the proposal to abolish the teaching of Church history in schools and did not skimp on criticism of the clergy, hinting at the "counter-revolutionary policy" of the archbishops.

Moreover, Pashinyan swung at the "sacred" - he tried to take away from the Armenian Apostolic Church the status of the "unifier" of Armenians not only in Armenia itself, but also abroad. In September 2019, he launched his PR campaign to unite within the framework of the "Pan-Armenian Idea". Numerous foreign diaspora visits were supposed to strengthen Pashinyan's image as a unifier. The AAC was not involved in organizing this campaign, although it retains an extensive network that operates in many countries of the world; various kinds of spiritual centers cooperate with the political leadership of certain countries, public and cultural organizations, and attract representatives of the Armenian diaspora.

Now, despite the fact that Pashinyan's political career is practically buried, the Armenian Apostolic Church opposes the prime minister, who has become a direct competitor for the Church in matters of Armenian consolidation. When there is no trace of Pashinyan's former popular support, the Armenian Apostolic Church can realize its potential to unite Armenians on the basis of a negative attitude towards the prime minister. It remains only to observe how the Armenian Apostolic Church is developing a strategy that it can implement immediately after Pashinyan's departure. And the next Armenian administration will certainly try to strengthen ties with the Church to create a powerful tandem.
The US and UK May Not Will Assanges Death, but Everything They are Doing Makes it More Likely

By Jonathan Cook

January 08, 2021 " Information Clearing House " - - There was a hope in some quarters after Judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled on Monday against an application to extradite Julian Assange to the US, where he faced being locked away for the rest of his life, that she might finally be changing tack.

Washington has wanted Assange permanently silenced and made an example of  by demonstrating to other journalists its terrifying reach and powers of retaliation  ever since the Wikileaks founder exposed US war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan a decade ago.

There were reasons, however, to be suspicious of what Baraitser was really up to even as she made her ruling in Assanges favor. This district judge has a record of nodding through extradition cases, including several that have recently been overturned on appeal by a higher court.

During the hearings back in September, Baraitser had endlessly indulged lawyers representing the US while showing absolute disdain for Assanges legal team, obstructing them at every turn. Her contempt for Assange and his political and moral worldview was on show throughout the proceedings. She often arrived in court with a prepared script she read from, barely feigning a pretense that she had listened to the legal arguments presented in court.

No Advertising - No Government Grants - No Algorithm - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Newsletter

Her script always favored Washingtons line, apart from on those occasions when she took an even more hostile position towards Assange than requested by the US. That included sealing him off from the rest of the court in an impregnable perspex box, treating him more like Hannibal Lecter than a publisher and journalist fighting for press freedom.

Much of the time, Baraitser sounded unnervingly like a prosecution barrister rather than the judge.

First, a Dangerous Ruling

So it was barely surprising, as I explained in my last post, that, while denying the extradition claim, she supported all the arguments advanced by the US accruing to itself the right to prosecute Assange  and any other journalist  for the crime of doing journalism. She ignored the facts, the expert testimony presented in court and the legal arguments  all of which favored Assange  and backed instead what amounted to a purely political case made by the US.

She disregarded warnings from Assanges legal team that acceptance of the political rationale for extradition amounted to an all-out attack on fundamental journalistic freedoms. She established a terrifying legal precedent for the US to seize foreign journalists and prosecute them for espionage if they expose Washingtons crimes. Her ruling will inevitably have a profoundly chilling effect on any publication trying to dig out the truth about the US national-security state, with terrifying consequences for us all.

But while she enthusiastically backed the political case for Assanges extradition and trial, Baraitser at the same time got the Wikileaks founder off the hook by accepting the humanitarian concerns raised by medical and prison experts. They had counseled that extradition to the US could be expected to lead to Assange spending the rest of his life in a barbaric US super-max prison, exacerbating mental health problems and the risk of suicide.

Then, a Perverse Ruling

Her ruling, while deeply disturbing in its political and legal implications, did at least suggest that Baraitser was ready to take a compassionate approach in regard to Assanges health, even if not his journalistic exposure of western war crimes. He should have walked free there and then, had the US not immediately said it would appeal her decision.

Given Assanges discharge by Baraitser, his team hoped that bail  his release from a high-security prison while the lengthy appeals process unfolds  would prove a formality. They hurried to make such an application after the extradition ruling on Monday, assuming that the legal logic of her decision dictated his release. Baraitser demurred, suggesting that they prepare their case and make it to her more fully on Wednesday.

It now seems clear the judge manipulated Assanges defense team. Apparently like Assanges lawyers, former British ambassador Craig Murray, who has attended and reported on the hearings in detail, was lulled by Baraitser into assuming that she wanted a cast-iron case from the defence to justify a decision to release Assange on bail.

There were good reasons for their confidence. Any move to prevent his release would look perverse given that she had decided Assange should not be extradited or stand trial in the US.

Suicide Danger

They were deceived. Baraitser denied bail, effectively signaling that she thinks her ruling might be wrong and overturned in a higher court. That is extraordinary. It suggests that she has no confidence in her own judgment of the facts of the case. As Murray has noted: There was little or no precedent for the High Court overturning any ruling against extradition on Section 91 health grounds.

Any appeal by the US against Baraitsers ruling to discharge Assange will be hard to win. Its lawyers will have to prove that she was wrong not on her interpretation of the law, but in assessing verifiable facts. They will have to show that she was deceived by prison experts who warned  based on submissions made by the US itself  that Assange would be subjected to permanent, inhuman solitary confinement in a US super-max jail or that she was misled by medical experts who warned that in these conditions Assange would be at significant risk of suicide.

But the perversity of Baraitsers decision runs deeper still. Her ruling keeps him locked up in Belmarsh, a high-security prison in London that is Britains version of a super-max jail. Her refusal to free him, or put him in house arrest with a GPS monitoring tag, flagrantly contradicts the expert assessments she concurred with during Mondays extradition decision: that Assange is at high risk of suicide. Those expert evaluations are based on his current state  caused by his incarceration in Belmarsh.

Unlike Assange, most of Belmarshs inmates have been convicted or charged with major crimes. But while Assange long ago served out his only offense, a minor violation of the UKs bail regulations, he has been routinely held in even worse conditions than the other prisoners.

If Assanges mental health is in such poor shape and he is so likely to commit suicide, it is because of the horrifying regime of abuse he has already faced in Belmarsh over the past nearly two years  a regime classified as torture by the UNs expert on the subject, Nils Melzer.

Raising Assanges hopes of release and then shutting him back in his cell, denying him the chance to see his partner and two young children for the first time since March, risks tipping him over the edge  an edge Baraitser herself is only too aware of and on which she based her decision to deny extradition.

No Flight Risk

In fact, the judge was up to something else entirely in delaying the bail hearing till Wednesday, two days later. She wanted  as presumably did those who have been supervising her behind the scenes  to refashion the image of her court, which for months has given every appearance of being entirely beholden to the US administration.

As the corporate media briefly raised its head from its slumber to meaningfully acknowledge for the first time the Assange hearings, she wanted to ensure those reports noted how independent her court was. For two days, commentators could crow about British legal sovereignty and humanitarian values, even as most tacitly accepted her dangerous premise that the US has a justified claim to extradite Assange.

When Baraitser slammed the cell door shut once again on Assange, leaving him exactly where he was before she discharged him, her decision was presented as little more than a technical ruling based on a reasonable assessment of Assanges flight risk.

In fact, Assange is no flight risk, and never was. He didnt jump bail in 2012 by heading into the Ecuadorean embassy. He sought political asylum there to escape the very real threat of being extradited to the US for his journalism. He was accepted by the Ecuadorean authorities because they believed his fears were genuine.

Back then, a Swedish prosecutor had revived demands Assange return to Sweden for questioning over flimsy sexual assault allegations  allegations that had been dismissed by a previous prosecutor. That investigation, we now know, was kept alive at British insistence. Nonetheless, Sweden refused to give assurances that they would not extradite Assange on to the US, where a grand jury was drawing up charges against him.

Illicit Collusion

Assanges decision to seek asylum in the embassy has, of course, been entirely vindicated by the fact that the US did indeed seek his extradition  as soon as they could get their hands on him.

Baraitser even let the cat out of the bag herself at the bail hearing, disrupting her own narrative that he had absconded in 2012, when she stated  as evidence against Assange!  that he entered the embassy to evade the threat of extradition to the US.

In doing so, she undermined the narrative promoted for years by every corporate media outlet in the UK that Assange had holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy to flee the Swedish investigation. (In fact, that statement was typically corrupted even further by the media, including notably the Guardian, which repeatedly referred not to an investigation, one going nowhere, but to entirely imaginary rape charges.)

Baraitser exploited and accentuated Assanges suffering to make her court look good, to add a veneer of credibility to her deeply flawed political ruling, and to create the impression that she was making her judgment based on the facts rather than illicit collusion with US authorities denying Assange his rights.

Where Next?

Where does the case head now?

Assanges only immediate hope is that his legal team can appeal the bail decision and win, or that the US throws in the towel and decides not to submit its own appeal on the extradition ruling within the next couple of weeks.

If Washington does press for an appeal, as still seems likely, Assange faces many more months in Belmarsh high-security jail, in declining health in Covid-infested conditions he may not survive if he catches the disease. As experts have warned, the toll taken by nearly two years of almost no contact with other humans, no mental stimulation, no prospect of release  his case ignored by most of his peers and the public  will intensify his sense of despair, his deep depression, and the danger that he tries to take his own life.

His death looks increasingly like an outcome Britain and the US desire, and possibly one that they have been striving towards. That is certainly the conclusion of Yanis Varoufakis, a public intellectual and former Greek finance minister who has seen up close himself how ready European and US elites are to ruthlessly crush dissent.

But even if Assanges death is not the goal of the US and UK authorities, they have recklessly ensured that possibility grows ever more likely, and will continue to do so until they swiftly bring his incarceration and torture to an end.
A Capitol building rioter captured in news photographs wearing full body armor and brandishing zip tie handcuffs on the floor of the Senate has been identified as a retired Air Force officer.

Larry Rendall Brock Jr., who wore a Kevlar helmet and military patches on his flak jacket during Wednesday's U.S. Capitol siege by pro-Trump demonstrators, retired from the Air Force Reserve in 2014 as a lieutenant colonel, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek told Military.com.

"As a private citizen, we no longer have jurisdiction over him," she added.

Queries about Brock's military record and awards did not receive an immediate response.

The news about Brock's Air Force affiliation was broken by Ronan Farrow of the New Yorker Saturday.

Farrow, who spoke with Brock and confirmed his participation in the riot, reported that Brock told him he had found the handcuffs on the floor and picked them up, then regretted it; and that he denied entering House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office suite, despite video that appeared to show him emerging from there.

Citing a since-deleted LinkedIn profile and information provided by Brock, the New Yorker story reported he had graduated from the Air Force academy; deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan; and received awards including six Air Medals and three Aerial Achievement medals.

The story also notes Brock sported a patch with the insignia of the 706th fighter squadron out of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where Brock claimed he served as a flight commander.

Farrow spoke with another Air Force veteran, Bill Leake, who flew with Brock, but said he had since distanced himself because Brock had "gotten extreme."

In the Capitol break-in, which lasted several hours, a mob carrying flags and banners supporting President Donald Trump overwhelmed police and forced lawmakers and staff to shelter in place. They broke into offices, most notably that of Pelosi, a California Democrat; broke furniture; and took pictures of themselves on the floor of the House and Senate chambers.

Trump, who initially posted a message telling the mob to go home but also calling its members "very special," later condemned the riot more forcefully.

While law enforcement officers have arrested dozens for participation in the siege, its not clear if Brock has been apprehended to date.

Brock is the latest, and most senior, of the Capitol rioters reported to have military ties.

Ashli Babbitt, the 35-year-old woman fatally shot by Capitol police after attempting to climb through a broken door frame in an apparent effort to get inside the Speaker's Lobby, has also been as a veteran who served in the active-duty Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve a total of 14 years, departing in 2016 at the relatively junior rank of senior airman.

And a Capitol police officer killed in the siege also had Air Force ties. Brian Sicknick, who died Thursday from injuries sustained while on duty that day, had served six years in the New Jersey Air National Guard, deploying to Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan before leaving the service in 2003.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
A 44-year-old Ivory Coast national was arrested from Santacruz in Mumbai allegedly with 204 grams of cocaine worth Rs 51 lakh in the illicit market, an Anti Narcotics Cell official said on Friday.

A car was stopped in the early hours of the day in Vakola by the ANC's Bandra unit on suspicion and Honore Igve Gahi, a resident of Turbhe in Navi Mumbai, was arrested with the contraband, he said.

"Gahi is from Ivory Coast. Further probe into the details of the network he was part of is underway," he added.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
His office is still reviewing the larger criminal justice overhaul proposal, but Raoul is backing one provision that would give his office the authority to investigate law enforcement agencies in the state for a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing. That would be similar to the U.S. Department of Justice investigation that eventually led to a consent decree with the Chicago Police Department after the murder of Laquan McDonald in 2014 by Officer Jason Van Dyke.

Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
The agreement was reached by Vietnamese Defence Minister Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich and Cambodias Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tea Banh during their online talks on January 8.

At the talks, both sides spoke highly of defence cooperation results in 2020. Despite impacts of the pandemic, almost all contents in the 2020 Cooperation Plan were implemented effectively, particularly cooperation in training, the COVID-19 combat, borderline protection, and the search and repatriation of remains of voluntary Vietnamese soldiers who died while doing duty in Cambodia during wartime.

Gen. Lich appreciated Cambodias support for activities chaired by the Vietnamese Defence Ministry during Vietnams ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020, especially the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus and related meetings.

Gen. Tea Banh took the occasion to congratulate Vietnam on successfully assuming the role as the ASEAN Chair in 2020.

They agreed to continue carrying out contents of the Protocol for 2020-2024 period and the 2021 Cooperation Plan, with the priority given to stepping up disseminations on the bilateral traditional friendship, solidary and comprehensive cooperation; improving the efficiency of collaboration mechanisms, particularly the Defence Policy Dialogue.

The two countries will also speed up all-level delegation exchanges, intensify cooperation in personnel training and cooperation and coordination in preventing cross-border crimes and drug smuggling.

After the talks, the two ministers signed the Cooperation Plan for 2021.
We're trying to get this vaccine into people's arms as fast as we can, but everyone seems to have a better solution than the ones we're using. I'm not very popular right now. I've been called incompetent more times in the last month than I have in my whole career.

Could our vaccinations have been more efficient from the get-go? Absolutely. I could spend all day trying to pass around blame and dodge responsibility, but I've been in public service for 40 years, and part of being in a leadership position is knowing how to stand up and take some hits. We're trying to get better. We're figuring it out as we go.

I'll be the first to admit that I didn't expect for us to be managing this rollout at the county level. For whatever reason, I made the assumption back in the fall that when vaccines became available, it would be handled by some combination of federal and state government. Why I didn't think beyond that, I can't tell you. I'm feeling a little stupid right now. Each state was left to figure this out. The state handed the operations piece on to the county. That's not what I anticipated. I've gotten a lot of emails from people saying: "You've known for nine months that this was coming, and you should have had a plan in place." But the truth is, nobody told us what to be ready for. I had no idea this would be our responsibility. I'm sorry, but I just didn't.

There had been rumors for weeks about vials of vaccine starting to show up in Florida, but we didn't know where, or which one, or if it would be one dose or two, or who would be eligible to get it. I got a phone call the Saturday after Christmas from our local health department asking for my help, and that was the first time I got involved. The state had given us 12,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine with instructions to administer it as fast as possible to health-care workers and anyone over age 65. There wasn't a whole lot more information. We asked the higher-ups: "How much more vaccine are we getting? When should we expect to have more?"

Nobody knew. We've been given a lot of responsibility when it comes to giving out this vaccine, but not much control. It was basically: "You know as much as we do. Go get shots in arms."

The best and fastest way we could come up with was to have people line up - first come, first served. You get them in the same place and then it's "next, next, next, next." We have 240,000 seniors in this county. Cases are spiking, and we've got this new strain to worry about. It's a race. We have to be fast. I'm lucky that I work for a great county commission, and we have a big team. The sheriff got involved, the department of public safety, emergency management. We opened up community sites, put out a press release and got everything together within about a day.

We expected to have a big demand, but I don't think anyone could have anticipated just how much. People started lining up 10, 15 hours before we opened. They camped out overnight, even though we asked them not to. So now you've got seniors coming with blankets and medications, and they're sleeping in chairs in a parking lot. That's not what anyone really wants. It got a little chilly overnight. The criticism was extreme, and I understand it. I recognize that's a hardship for some people. We had one gentleman fall down while he was waiting in line, and the ambulance came, and he got his vaccine in the back of the ambulance because he didn't want to miss out. We had snowbirds, tourists, people caravanning from other parts of the state. If they're over 65, the federal and state rules prohibit us from turning them away. So now you're dealing with hard feelings about that. You're dealing with traffic issues, because you have 2,000 people showing up at a rec center. There's line-cutting. There's anxiety. We don't have a mask mandate in Lee County, so we can't force people to wear masks, and that's another issue in line. We asked them to maintain social distance, but a lot of people don't. A few people complained it was going to be a superspreader event, and I'm not so sure about that, but you certainly don't want to be doing more harm than good. The police brought a mobile watchtower, and 12 nurses administered vaccines. You had seniors who are breaking down in tears because they're so grateful and relieved that they can finally start seeing their grandkids again. We were getting through 200 vaccinations an hour, so that's a very happy crowd. But then you had other people who waited for hours and couldn't get in, and they're getting panicky. They're cursing. They're trying to call in favors. They're pleading with you even though there's no vaccine left on-site.

So it's this tremendously emotional event, and afterward you look at the numbers, and the math isn't very forgiving. That first week across all the sites, we administered a total of about 5,000 doses. That's a tiny percentage of our seniors. Then we still have to do the second dose. Then it's the rest of our population.

We could trudge along for months and months, and that's not an option. We have to do more. Last week, we decided to construct a centralized site for vaccinations out at the airport to build our capacity. We hired people to manage traffic flow. We got a big air-conditioned tent from New York. We trained more paramedics to give out the vaccine. We set up a phone reservation system through a vendor so people could call in and get a guaranteed slot.

We had 5,000 slots for appointments spread out over the week, because that's all we could accommodate until the state gives us more vaccine. The 1-800 number went live Monday at noon. Within the first four minutes, people started to get a busy signal. Thirty minutes in, we'd hit 1.5 million calls. These residents are smart and they're determined. We looked at the phone records and one woman had called something like 236 times. People would enlist 15 relatives from around the country to keep calling on their behalf. We had situations where 10 seniors would get together in a room, and if one got through to somebody, they'd make their appointment and then say: "Hold on. The guy next to me needs an appointment, too." The system was flooded. It started to fail. People were getting odd sounding beeps and error messages. Apparently, some calls got intercepted by scammers trying to sell vitamins. Other people were put in a cue to get a reservation time, and they waited on hold for three or four hours and then suddenly got cut off.

I hear about all of it. It's emails and more emails. Hell, I'd be mad, too. I know the call center can fix the glitches. That part we'll sort out. But with a lot of these emails lately, they're asking me questions I still can't answer: "How many more doses will you give this month." "I got my first shot. What about my second?" Look, if I knew right now that we had 50,000 doses to give every week, we could set it up on a schedule and really manage this thing. We could scale up. We could do it fast. We could take more control. But I don't know when we're getting more vaccines. I can't create a long-term schedule. I don't know how many doses will be in the next batch. I don't know what to tell people about their second shot, because we're still waiting on that information from above.

The message we keep getting from the state and federal level is it all depends on the supply chain. They say we need to be prepared to roll with the punches as they keep coming.

There's only one way to satisfy everyone. We got 5,000 more seniors vaccinated last week, and they're happy. That means we have about 230,000 left to go.
Holidaymakers may end up trapped in hotel rooms abroad for two weeks due to new rules preventing British tourists from travelling home if they test positive for Covid-19.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will introduce laws this week forcing travellers to produce a negative test result no older than 72 hours before they board a plane, boat or train to the UK.

But Britons who test positive at the end of their holiday or business trip will have to follow that countrys local quarantine rules  which could mean up to two weeks confined to a hotel room in places such as Italy, Spain and Dubai.

British holidaymakers may end up trapped in hotel rooms abroad for two weeks if they test positive at the end of their holiday or business trip

Travel expert Alex Macheras told The Mail on Sunday: People need to remember that if you test positive in a foreign country then they will be bound by their local laws and may have to quarantine for up to two weeks.

In Italy, travellers have to test negative twice before they are released from the countrys two-week quarantine. Dubai also has two-week isolation orders in place for infected people.

Spain has banned British tourists from flying there but those already in the country can fly back home. If they test positive they will have to quarantine at their hotel or holiday accommodation for 14 days.

Mr Macheras said: If people are travelling in a global pandemic then they have to accept theres going to be disruption and your trip could end up being much longer than you planned.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured) will introduce new laws this week that will force travellers to a produce negative test 72 hours before they board a plane, boat or train to the UK, with 500 fines for those who flout the rules

From Thursday, all travellers will have to provide a negative test before arriving in the UK to prevent the spread of new Covid variants. The results must be obtained less than 72 hours before departure, with 500 fines for those who flout the rules.

Fears have been raised that if strict border controls remain in place once travel opens up again, holidaymakers could face paying hundreds of pounds for costly tests both before departure and on return, potentially pricing many families out of trips.

Travel companies including Thomas Cook are understood to be considering offering tests as part of their package holidays.

Fears have been raised that once travel opens up again, holidaymakers could face paying hundreds of pounds for costly tests both before departure and on return, potentially pricing many families out of trips (file image)

Rapid private tests can be bought online for as little as 30, while gold-standard PCR swab tests run from around 80 to as much as 300 for same-day results.

Meanwhile, airline bosses say passengers who test negative for Covid-19 up to three days before take-off should be allowed to fly into and out of Britain without having to quarantine.

The chief executives of British Airways, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic and Heathrow airport want the Government to urgently introduce testing before departure as standard in the UK  and then end the ten-day quarantine rule completely.

They say moves to remove quarantine restrictions are vital to restarting international travel, and want the Government to set out a clear timetable for ending lockdown border restrictions.

Rapid private tests can be bought online for as little as 30, while 'gold-standard' PCR swab tests run from around 80 to as much as 300 for same-day results. Pictured: London Heathrow airport

Under the new rules on negative tests for the virus, international travellers arriving here still need to self-isolate for ten days, with quarantine halved for those with a negative test taken after five days.

Travel experts warned the testing plan on its own will do little to help struggling airlines because the majority of holidaymakers will not book overseas trips for later in the year if they have to quarantine on return to or arrival in the UK.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: We are still in the middle of a global pandemic and there are risks associated with travelling. Everyone must stay at home unless travelling for a very limited set of reasons, including for work.

If you are abroad and have a positive test you should not travel to the airport but should follow the local guidance.

Influencers and Love Island stars 'are inundated with abuse' for going on holiday during pandemic as thousands scramble to get back to the UK before new testing regime begins

Influencers including Love Island stars have been 'inundated with abuse' for going on holiday during the coronavirus pandemic - as Britons scramble to get home before the UK's new testing regime begins.

Downing Street yesterday confirmed that all international arrivals to England, including UK citizens, will soon be required to present a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours before their departure.

However, scientists have warned that cases of the virus could be missed at the border if the Government allows travellers to choose 'less accurate' lateral flow tests to prove they are Covid-free.

Pictured: Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury in Dubai last month, there is no suggestion they are the reality stars referenced as receiving 'death threats'

Influencers including Love Island stars have been 'inundated with abuse' for going on holiday during the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured: Maura Higgins seen in Dubai in December

The new rule, which will come into force 'next Wednesday or Thursday', means around 100,000 Britons who are currently abroad will face a scramble to find Covid tests overseas before returning home.

Those who do not won't be permitted to travel, or will face a 500 fine on arrival. It is unclear whether those who arrive without a test will then forced into quarantine.

Celebrities have been heavily criticised on social media for travelling over the festive period, with one agent claiming an unidentified star received 'death threats in [their] direct messages' following a recent trip to Dubai.

'It's been relentless,' they told the Mirror. 'We warned them not to travel abroad while a lot of the nation is under severe restrictions as it's a terrible look, but they ignored it.'

The source added that 'work' for influencers consists of 'doing vlogs' and 'advertising diet drinks', which allows the stars to travel in return for publicity.

They added: 'But it has gone down like a lead balloon with their fans, and you have to wonder if it is really worth it.'

Pictured: Love Island star Laura Anderson is among those who travelled to Dubai in December

Pictured: Georgia Harrison in Dubai on Friday. There is no suggestion she is the reality star referenced

Love Island stars are among those who have travelled to the United Arab Emirates in recent months, with some jetting off while parts of the UK remained in strict Tier 3 and Tier 4 lockdown.

However, others departed from areas under Tier 2 lockdown in December, when international travel was permitted.

Before the third lockdown began, Love Islanders including Laura Anderson, Molly-Mae Hague, Maura Higgins, Amber Davies, Georgia Harrison and Kady McDermott, were all pictured in Dubai.

Although some have since returned to the UK, the likes of Anderson, McDermott and Harrison are understood to still remain in the United Arab Emirates.

The desert city has been an ideal choice for many as visitors aren't currently required to quarantine upon their return to the UK.

Many stars have insisted their trips are for 'work', as the Government currently asks UK residents to avoid any non-essential travel.
(Natural News) With each passing day, the Marxist left, using whatever tools available to it, marches one or two steps closer to a complete takeover of our struggling, dying republic  and that includes the disgustingly corrupt mainstream media.

In the immediate aftermath of the foolish breach on the U.S. Capitol Building by some supporters of President Trump, the establishment press has already invented a fake narrative to justify the complete deplatforming and delisting of all of the presidents supporters, including the 99 percent who attended his Stop the Steal rally ahead of the assault.

We Are Change noted:

Predictably, this entirely American disruption has blue-checkmarked commentariat shrieking about Vladimir Putin on social media. Just as predictably, its also got them calling for the censorship of social media.

The New York Times has published two new articles titled The storming of Capitol Hill was organized on social media and Violence on Capitol Hill Is a Day of Reckoning for Social Media, both arguing for more heavy-handed restrictions on speech from Silicon Valley tech giants.

Are you picking up on that? The liars in the mainstream media are allowed to post their fabricated narratives on the same left-wing social media platforms that often ban Trump supporters and conservatives who post things that are true.

Did you also pick up on the fact that this media outlet, which operates under the First Amendments speech protections and press guarantees, is calling for censorship?

In the first story, the Times Sheera Frenkel claims the violence Wednesday was the result of online movements operating in closed social media networks where people believed the claims of voter fraud and of the election being stolen from Mr. Trump.

Note to Frenkel: The election was stolen from the president  but Russia did not help him steal the election from Hillary Clinton in 2016. What liars.

Anyway, Frenkel cited the expert analysis of Renee DiResta, a think tank type who claimed once that Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) was a Russian asset when she was running for the Democratic presidential nomination last year.

These people are acting because they are convinced an election was stolen, DiResta said. This is a demonstration of the very real-world impact of echo chambers.

This has been a striking repudiation of the idea that there is an online and an offline world and that what is said online is in some way kept online, she continued.

So, whats the solution? Kick these right-wing conspiracy nuts offline!

Of course. Just like a Democratic tyrant  and hypocritical too, as We Are Change points out:

This narrative which seeds the idea that unregulated communication on the internet will lead to violent uprisings is funny coming from Frankel, who, as a Twitter follower recently observed, wrote a piece in 2018 condemning the Iranian government for restricting protesters social media access during the demonstrations at that time.

Social media and messaging apps have become crucial to antigovernment demonstrators around the world, as a means of both organizing and delivering messages to other citizens, Frankel wrote. Not surprisingly, restricting access to such technology has become as important to government crackdowns as the physical presence of the police. (Related: Pence praises Capitol police after they shot unarmed woman dead during unarmed protest.)

Social media for Iranian freedom fighters and libertarians good; for American freedom fighters and libertarians, bad.

The Times second piece by Frankel, Mike Isaac and Kate Conger pushes for bans of Trump supporters online even less subtly.

As pro-Trump protesters stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday and halted the certification of Electoral College votes, the role of social media companies such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube in spreading misinformation and being a megaphone for Mr. Trump came under renewed criticism, they write.

So when violence broke out in Washington on Wednesday, it was, in the minds of longtime critics, the day the chickens came home to roost for the social media companies.

Translation: You must deplatform all who disagree with us!

Again, conservatives, listen up: Stop relying on these clowns and sycophants to come to their senses and be fair. Theyre not going to be. So we have to develop our own parallel economy and ecosystems. Because sooner or later, the insane left will take all of theirs away and shut us out.

Be sure to visit and join video platform Brighteon.com and the new social site Brighteon.Social.

Sources include:

WeAreChange.org

NaturalNews.com
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 19:32:13|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BANGKOK, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's police chief on Saturday pledged to crack down on human-trafficking rackets across the Thai-Myanmar border as well as any officials who may have been involved.

During his visit to border patrol police units in Mae Sot district of Tak province, Pol. Gen. Suwat Jangyodsuk said he had assigned the deputy police chief to head a police mission to investigate the alleged trafficking of Myanmar migrants and any bribe-taking officials allegedly involved.

More CCTV cameras will be installed in some areas in Mae Sot district and Mae Ramat district of Tak province in addition to more frequent border patrols, according to Suwat.

The police chief made the comments in response to allegations on social media which claimed some officials had taken part in the cross-border trafficking of Myanmar migrants. Enditem
Shi'ite Muslims in Pakistan have ended nearly a week of sit-in protests and allowed the burials of 11 ethnic Hazara coal miners killed by militants from the extremist Islamic State (IS) group.

The funerals on the outskirts the southwestern city of Quetta on January 9 marked the end of protests that highlighted the plight of the Shi'ite minority Hazara community.

Tens of thousands attended the funerals at a cemetery where more than 500 other Hazara have been buried in more than a decade of attacks.

The Quetta sit-in, which continued through freezing nights, also sparked protests in other cities to demand that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan visit the mourners.

Khan drew widespread criticism from activists, opposition parties, and others on social media on January 8 when he called the protests a form of "blackmail."

But the countrywide sit-ins began to disperse after the government and protesters reached an agreement late on January 8.

The agreement included security guarantees for ethnic Hazara and a promise from mourners that they would bury the bodies of the victims before the prime minister visited them.

After the burials on January 9, Khan traveled to Quetta and met families of the victims close to the protest site.

He told them the attack on the miners was meant to stoke conflict between the two major sects of Islam, Sunnis and Shi'a, to destabilize Pakistan.

The miners were captured and shot dead on January 4 in Machh, about 50 kilometers south of Quetta. Thousands of people had rallied in several Pakistani cities after the slayings to demand greater protection for Shi'ite Muslims.

Burials are meant to take place as quickly as possible after death under Islamic tradition. But the protesters refused to allow the 11 victims to be buried until the killers were arrested and Khan personally visited them to assure their security.

Shi'ite Hazara have in the past been targeted by Sunni militant groups, both in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Quetta is the capital of resource-rich Balochistan Province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran. It has been plagued with thousands of casualties since 2004 linked to sectarian violence, attacks by Islamist militants, and a separatist insurgency.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, and dpa
Covaxin, Bharat Biotech

Bharat Biotech International Limited in a statement issued on January 9 said the probable cause of death of a volunteer during the Phase-III trials of its COVID-19 vaccine in Madhya Pradesh was cardio-respiratory failure as a result of suspected poisoning. The company added that the case is under police investigation and the death is not related to the vaccine trial.

A volunteer named Deepak Maravi received the trial vaccine at Bhopal's People's Medical College on December 12, 2020. He was found dead nine days later at his home. The investigation into the cause of death is still going on.

We would like to state that a volunteer passed away on December 21, 2020, and the death was reported to the Peoples College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre by the son of the deceased. The volunteer, at the time of enrolment, had fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria to be accepted as a participant in the Phase-III trial and was reported to be healthy in all the site follow-up calls post seven days of his dosing and no adverse events were observed or reported. The volunteer passed away nine days after the dosing and preliminary reviews by the site indicate that the death is unrelated to the study dosing, the company said in its statement.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Prabhuram Choudhary on January 9 said that the postmortem report is awaited.

"We conduct the vaccine trials only according to the guidelines issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research. A person shows the side effects within 30 minutes after getting the vaccine. Its effect remains visible for the next 24 to 48 hours. However, the volunteer died many days after he was administered the vaccine," he said as questions were being raised on the safety of the COVID vaccines that have been approved for emergency use.

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

"It is very unfortunate that the person died, but the initial reports show that his death occurred due to poisoning. The post-mortem report is still awaited. We can say anything only after the final report comes," he added.

With inputs from ANI
The Covid-19 vaccination programme in Ireland to be 'accelerated' in the coming weeks.

The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, TD has this evening announced the acceleration of the countrys vaccination programme.

By the end of this week, the plan is to have given over 40,000 vaccines to frontline healthcare workers and nursing home staff and residents. According to the Minister, this plan is 'on target'.

Were now going to accelerate our plan for residents and staff in long term residential care facilities  this means nursing homes as well as mental health and disability residential centres," the Minister said.

We had planned to vaccinate all 75,000 residents and staff with the first dose of the vaccine by the end of January. Were now accelerating this plan to finish earlier, meaning that the first dose will be given to all residents and staff in the next two weeks.

Were mobilising 65 vaccination teams including hospital vaccinators, community vaccinators, school vaccinators and the National Ambulance Service. Vaccinations will take place seven days a week.

The Minister said that the Government has decided to use some of the one week buffer as the supply of vaccines has been constant and they received solid reassurance from Pfizer that this will continue to be the case.

Speed is of the essence and this is especially true for the most vulnerable people in our society, he added.

The Minister also noted todays announcement by the European Commission in relation to additional doses of Pfizer/BioNTechs vaccine under the Advance Purchase Agreement negotiated on behalf of Member States.

Minister Donnelly commented: Todays news is good for Europe and I look forward to reviewing the options which will be made available to Ireland. No decisions have been taken as to the allocation of additional dosages to Member States at this stage.

Separately the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD has, this evening, welcomed the agreement between 16 private hospitals and the HSE to provide additional hospital capacity to HSE, to deal with the surge in Covid-19 cases and any further surges in the pandemic, if they arise within the next 12 months.

Minister Donnelly said, I am delighted that this agreement has been reached and note that the HSE was still in ongoing constructive engagement with the one remaining private hospital, which is already providing service to the public system.

Under the agreement, the hospitals have agreed to supply, depending on the incidence of the disease, up to 30 per cent of their capacity. The agreement also provides for additional capacity to be made available by mutual agreement and a number of hospitals have already indicated that they might be willing to offer such capacity if required.
Steve Bannon's podcast has been removed from YouTube just hours after Rudy Giuliani appeared on the show blaming the MAGA mob riot that left five dead on the Democrats for 'censoring and suppressing' Donald Trump supporters.

The YouTube account for Bannon's War Room podcast was taken down Friday for violating the platform's Terms of Service, according to the Washington Examiner.

A Friday evening search for the podcast brought up an error message reading: 'This page isn't available. Sorry about that. Try searching for something else.'

Youtube had warned earlier this week that it would ban accounts that continued to spread misinformation about voter fraud.

Giuliani, Donald Trump's personal attorney and the man who spearheaded his failed legal battle to overturn the presidential election, appeared on the show earlier Friday where he defended Wednesday's rioters who stormed the US Capitol.

He pointed the blame for the attack, which sent lawmakers fleeing for their lives, led to five deaths including that of a Capitol cop and triggered calls for Trump's impeachment, on 'the fascists now running the Democrat Party'.

He also continued to push unfounded claims of voter fraud despite Trump's own administration saying the election was legally conducted and done fairly and Congress certifying the Electoral College votes in the early hours of Thursday.

Steve Bannon's podcast has been removed from YouTube just hours after Rudy Giuliani appeared on the show blaming the MAGA mob riot that left five dead on the Democrats for 'censoring and suppressing' Trump supporters

A Friday evening search for the podcast brought up an error message reading: 'This page isn't available. Sorry about that. Try searching for something else'

In the now-removed podcast, Giuliani dismissed the viewpoint among Democrats as well as a growing base of Republicans that the president is responsible for inciting Wednesday's violence.

'Most of them hadn't come there with implements to do it and also led on by people from, you know, groups that are experts at it. Believe me, Trump people were not scaling the wall. So there's nothing to it that he incited anything,' said Giuliani of the rioters, who senior Democrats have labeled 'domestic terrorists'.

Instead, Giuliani pointed the blame to the Democrats who he said 'imposed censorship' on Trump's supporters. He did not back up this claim with any reasoning.

'And also there's equal if not more responsibility on the fascists who now running the Democrat Party, who have imposed censorship on these people, who have been singling them out for unfair treatment since the IRS started going after conservative groups,' he said.

'The media may deny it, but those people know it. They know their freedom of religion is being taken away. They know their freedom of speech is virtually decimated.'

Giuliani also continued to push unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud - claims that have not been backed up with evidence and have failed to gain any ground in dozens of lawsuits.

Biden won the presidential election with 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232.

'You keep being told you can't say there was fraud. They know there was fraud. Probably half of those people there observed it,' he told Bannon, a former Trump adviser who was arrested in the summer of 2020 for an alleged massive border wall scam.

Giuliani, Donald Trump 's personal attorney and the man who spearheaded his failed legal battle to overturn the presidential election, had appeared on the show earlier Friday where he defended Wednesday's rioters who stormed the US Capitol

'And then they have phonies get up and say there's no fraud.

'It's like hearing someone saying they didn't rob your home and they did rob your home and they took all your belongings. So are they angry? Of course they're angry.'

Giuliani said that it was a 'credit' to anyone who was not violent and, despite the mob being supporters of the president, pushed the blame for their actions onto the opposition party.

'They're very, very angry. And I think in light of that, the mere fact that 99.9 percent of them did nothing but act appropriately is a credit to them,' he said.

'The responsibility here has to be put also on the left, who has conducted a reign of terror all this year.

'So a lot of responsibility comes from the people that are imposing the suppression. It's like the kind of thing that happens in a government where people are suppressed; they rise up.'

Giuliani even went as far as to suggest he was aware that Wednesday would turn violent saying he found it 'surprising' that there were 'so few people' storming the capitol building.

'And given that, it was quite surprising to me that it was so few people, that the consequences were terrible,' he told Bannon.

'And there were no doubt that there were professionals and activists that were helping to make it worse.'

Bannon, a former Trump adviser, was arrested in the summer of 2020 for an alleged massive border wall scam

Giuliani's defense of the mob that desecrated the US Capitol and his denial of Trump's role in egging it on comes as the Washington DC Attorney General suggested the former New York City mayor could also be investigated for inciting Wednesday's violence.

Less than two hours before hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the capitol Wednesday, Giuliani took to the stage at Trump's rally and urged demonstrators to pursue a 'trial by combat'.

DC AG Karl Racine told Good Morning America his office was investigating who was behind Wednesday's attack - both the perpetrators on the ground and those who encouraged them.

'The real question is how far up does it go? Clearly the Capitol was ground central in all of this mob's behavior,' he said.

'Donald Trump Jr, Giuliani, even the president of the United States were calling on their supporters and hate groups to go to the Capitol and in the words of Rudy Giuliani 'exercise combat justice'.

'We're going to investigate not only the mobsters but also those who invited the violence,' he said.

The removal of Bannon's right-wing show comes in the midst of a purge by tech platforms of content that 'incites violence'.

Less than two hours before hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the capitol, Giuliani took to the stage at Trump's rally and told demonstrators to pursue a 'trial by combat'

On Friday night, Twitter announced it had permanently banned Trump's account due to the risk of 'further incitement to violence'.

'After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them  specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter  we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence,' the company wrote.

Earlier on Friday, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and attorney Sidney Powell - two Trump loyalists - were also permanently banned by Twitter.

Discord also announced Friday that it had banned the server The Donald which was connected the TheDonald dot Win and the Donald subreddit.

Facebook and Instagram had already banned the president's account 'at least' until his term is over on January 20, if not indefinitely.

Meanwhile, this isn't the first time Bannon's show has been taken down.

Back in November, Twitter temporarily banned the podcast and YouTube removed an episode after the right-wing pundit called for the beheading of FBI director Christopher Wray and Dr. Anthony Fauci.

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

Pro-Trump insurgents stormed Capitol Hill on Wednesday in an attack that left nation stunned

Richard Barnett, a supporter of Donald Trump, sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday. He has since been arrested

Supporters of Donald Trump are seen inside the US Capitol after rioters breached security and entered the Capitol

In the episode he first suggested firing the duo then said: 'I'd actually like to go back to the old times of Tudor England, I'd put the heads on pikes, right, I'd put them at the two corners of the White House as a warning to federal bureaucrats.'

Meanwhile, the nation is reeling from Wednesday's riot on the US Capitol.

Protesters were riled up by Trump, Giuliani and Donald Trump Jr. during a rally near the White House and told to head to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Biden's presidential victory.

A violent mob stormed the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building.

Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob defecated in the Senate and House, invaded Nancy Pelosi's office and looted items potentially including state secrets.

One female Trump supporter, US Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, was shot dead by Capitol Police as she tried to climb through a window.

Three other Trump supporters died after 'medical emergencies' related to the breach and Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick died Thursday from injuries sustained in the attack after he thug allegedly hit him over the head with a fire extinguisher.

Three top Capitol security officials have stood down as questions are being raised over the failure to stop the breach as well as the difference in treatment of the largely white mob compared to the treatment of Black Lives Matter supporters in the streets of DC last year.

Dozens have been rounded up and arrested since the attack but the FBI is asking for the public's help in bringing all responsible to justice.

Meanwhile, House Democrats are planning to impeach Trump with a single impeachment article charging him with 'incitement of insurrection' after he egged on his supporters and then failed to condemn the violence or tell them to leave the Capitol for hours after the violence erupted.
Leaked documents showed that almost 80 million dollars of federal funds were spent to overseas abortion provider, EngenderHealth.

Breitbart reported that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded two different grants to EngenderHealth, an overseas abortion provider.

From the leaked documents dated Dec. 11, 2013, a total sum of $74,490,086.00 was granted to EngenderHealth by the USAID. For over six years, millions of taxpayer money were used to pay for abortion overseas.

The agreement was originally agreed under the reign of former President Barack Obama. It ended in 2019, six years right after it was signed in 2013.

However, the stipulations stated in the agreement demanded that the grant be paid out even under the new administration of Trump who has been against abortion as he is a strong supporter of life.

In the leaked documents, EngenderHealth began receiving federal fund in 2013, then again in 2018 after five years as was set in the agreement called the "Fistula Care Plus Project." Another separate program called the "Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health Program" was awarded a separate grant of $4,999,562 between 2014 and 2019.

The USAID funding was reported to "promote women's health in foreign countries." However, EngenderHealth was explicitly prohibited to use its funds to distribute equipment that will be used to induce abortions "as a method of family planning."

Originally founded as "The Sterilization League of New Jersey," the organization EngenderHealth focuses on women's health and their reproductive rights.

The organization was founded by Marian Stephenson Olden who became notorious for being an advocate of improving the human species and made her reputation even more 'remarkable' when she began the promotion of compulsory sterilization of people with traits that are considered to be "undesirable" while she worked for the Princeton League of Women Voters.

Olden started the organization with the goal of "improving the biological clock of the human race."

Now, EngenderHealth "supports comprehensive abortion care (CAC), including safe induced abortion, emergency treatment of abortion-related complications, and postabortion contraception," as stated on their official website.

According to the organization, they were able to help avert a reported total of 1.4 million unsafe abortions in 2019 and also mentioned helping women reduce the stigma that comes with getting an abortion.

"We also work within communities to reduce abortion-related stigma and increase awareness of unsafe abortion as well as aid civil society organizations that advocate for conducive policies and systems."

While the earlier agreement with USAID has been signed under Obama's administration, EngenderHealth made an earlier protest in 2017 when then President Donald Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy which banned federal funding on abortions overseas.

In their statement, EngenderHealth made it clear that "it is a fundamental right for all women and girls to be allowed access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care."

The president and CEO of the organization, Ulla Muller added how the Mexico City Policy strips women of their rights.

"The Global Gag Rule effectively strips them of this right to make decisions in their private lives that will empower them to lift themselves out of poverty and enable them to live up to their full potential."

EngenderHealth is one of the prime examples of a social organization ruled by three movements in modern family planning in the U.S. - reproductive rights, eugenics and population control - all of which push for abortion.
India has approved two COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use.

In the last few days, the focus has shifted from the coronavirus to its vaccine and after India gave an emergency nod to two jabs, logistics have taken the centre stage. While the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was globally the first to get the emergency nod, needs to be stored at minus 80 degree Celsius, the two jabs cleared by India have to be transported at 2-8 degree Celsius.

The Serum Institute of India (SII), which has partnered with AstraZeneca for the Covishield, is located on the outskirts of Pune. The company is the world's largest vaccine producer and was founded in 1966. While the company exports to more than 100 countries, Pune does not have a full-time civilian airport that can support large-scale cargo operations.

As SII starts shipping millions of doses of Covishield across India and caters to orders from across the world, the Pune airport, which is a civil enclave and controlled and owned by the Indian Air Force, is undergoing runway resurfacing. It is closed from 8 pm to 8am, severely restricting the hours of operations and shipping of cargo.

Follow our LIVE Updates on the coronavirus pandemic here

While there is an issue with the restricted watch hours, the airport due to its shorter runway and lack of apron space cannot cater to wide-body aircraftboth passenger and cargo.

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

Industries around Punepharma as well as non-pharmahave to rely on the Mumbai airport for exports or ship them via Delhi, Hyderabad or Bengaluru. The airport also lacks space to build a larger cold storage area, much needed for vaccines or other pharma products.

Also read: Airlines, pharma companies in talks to work out logistics for COVID-19 vaccines: Report

At a time when India is being projected as the pharma factory of the world, one of the few areas where the country does better than neighbouring China, it is an irony that pharma clusters are not well connected or lack air infrastructure for exports.

Where are the pharma clusters?

Indian pharma is spread across regions. Some states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim, which are hilly and have seen little industrialisation, welcomed the pharma industry for its relatively non-polluting nature.

There are pharma hubs at Baddi in Himachal Pradesh, Pantnagar-Haridwar in Uttarakhand, Ankleshwar-Vapi-Vadodara-Ahmedabad belt in Gujarat, Pune and Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Bengaluru-Mysuru in Karnataka and areas around Hyderabad, Chennai and Puducherry also have a thriving pharma industry.

Also read: Covishield vaccine rollout delayed; Serum Institute yet to receive order from Centre

While the pharma clusters around Bengaluru and Chennai are serviced from their airports, which have good global connectivity and freight operations, the rest have one challenge or the other. The nearest airport for Baddi is Chandigarh, another airport owned and operated by the Indian Air Force. Same for Sikkim, which is serviced by the airport at Bagdogra in neighbouring West Bengal. While the air force has always gone out of its way to accommodate missions, issues related to land, safety and security have meant that runway extension, expanding apron area, setting up cargo operations has not been possible.

Read: Second dry run of COVID-19 vaccination conducted; Vardhan says vaccines to be made available in next few days

What are the challenges?

The Ankleshwar-Vapi-Vadodara-Ahmedabad belt along with Pune and Aurangabad rely on the Mumbai airport for exports. The clusters in the north dependent on the Delhi airport and the one in Sikkim relies on Kolkata. Multi-modal transport increases not just the cost of operations but also the risk of contamination or inability to maintain the desired temperature that can cause quality issues.

Apart from multiple sops, availability of power, infrastructure and manpower, exports and in turn foreign exchange would be earned if airports with adequate infrastructure are close to the production areas.

Tailpiece

An airport cannot be built overnight but with the government focusing on infrastructure, there cannot be a better time to plan for the future as focus shifts to Mission Atmanirbhar and exports to make India a manufacturing hub.

A new civilian airport for Pune has been in the pipeline for more than two decades. The project has moved from one land parcel to the other multiple times and the cost of acquisition has shot up manifolds.

Bagdogra airport has no land for expansion. While it does handle limited international trafficnotably that of Druk Air from Bhutan and onwards to South East Asiathe infrastructure is not enough to cater to regular international cargo.

The infrastructure needed for pharma, especially the cold chain logistics, can easily be extended to farm produce, which will also aid the government's goal of doubling farm income. Hopefully, the coronavirus outbreak will speed up multiple projects that have been stuck in time.

( Ameya Joshi runs the aviation blog Network Thoughts)

The fire on the Dzukou range is



under total control but all operations will continue, a forest officer said on Friday.

No active fire was noticed after over 10 days of operations. Smoke seen arising at three locations were quickly doused during the day, Kohima Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rajkumar M said.

Fire on the range has been raging since December 29.

"The situation is totally under control but operations will continue," he said.

Around 300 personnel of the NDRF, SDRF, Home Guards, police and volunteers of the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) and four Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters are engaged in the firefight, Rajkumar said.

"Both ground and air teams are constantly monitoring the situation as we don't want to take any chance," he said.

The IAF choppers will continue dropping essential supplies for the ground teams at the base camp, conducting aerial surveys and undertaking Bambi bucket operations, the DFO 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.)
Screenshot

The League of Women Voters of Albany County was very interested in Steve Hughes article, Report: Berne town board flouts open meetings law, Jan. 1.

The League supports government transparency. Our position is clear in the 2016-18 "Impact on Issues" from the League of Women Voters of the United States: The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens at all levels of government. The League further believes that governmental bodies must protect the citizens right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings and making public records accessible.



We have long worked for citizens right to know and for broad citizen participation in government. Our current active issues include:

 Making legislative processes, including the budgeting process, more open and transparent;

 Opening up enforcement proceedings for violation of a number of good government measures, including ethics and lobbying violations;

 Making materials available electronically online in a searchable format and filming open meetings; and

 Using all technology and social media tools to ensure that the activities of government are transparent to its citizens and that those citizens have the ability to interact with the governmental bodies that make decisions.



We look forward to learning how the Town of Berne addresses the concerns raised in the Coalition for Open Government report.



Patricia Sibilia
WhatsApp has recently rolled out an updated statement to their privacy policy document. One of the newest regulations is, now, you'll soon have to share your WhatsApp data with its parent company, Facebook.

"As part of the Facebook Companies, WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information (see here) with, the other Facebook Companies," the statement reads.

The privacy policy will be effective starting February 8. If you do not agree by the aforementioned date, the company suggests you delete your account, or it will automatically be removed. However, WhatsApp also reassures that the messages will be end-to-end encrypted, meaning that neither Facebook nor WhatsApp could read them.

"We offer end-to-end encryption for our Services. End-to-end encryption means that your messages are encrypted to protect against us and third parties from reading them," the company says.

If you still can't see the notification, you can check out the full privacy policy here.

Read also: Airlines for Online Booking and Overseas Flights from Qantas Airways to Air New Zealand, Vaccine Only Way to Normalize Travel.

What It Means for WhatsApp Users

It means that WhatsApp will have the power to share its users' data with Facebook, despite Facebook's repeated controversies regarding privacy breaching.

"We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our Services and their offerings, including the Facebook Company Products," the privacy policy reads.

The new policy does not offer a choice to opt-out of data sharing. The data includes your phone number for your WhatsApp account, your profile name, your photo, who you've been contacting, and the in-app transactions you've made over WhatsApp.

WhatsApp vows that it would never allow third-party banner ads to appear on its platform, "but if we ever do, we will update this Privacy Policy."

Monopolistic Accusation

For the last couple of years, Facebook has been on an acquisition spree.

WhatsApp remains Mark Zuckerberg's most significant acquisition deal with a record of $22 billion in 2012. Instagram, a photo and video sharing media, merged with Facebook in the same year for $1 billion. Facebook purchased Oculus VR two years later for $2 billion, and its most-recent acquisition deal occurred in 2019 when Facebook bought CTRL-Labs for $500 million.

In December 2020, Facebook was in hot water after the US government and 48 states filed a parallel lawsuit against the social media behemoth in a "major antitrust offense," accusing Zuckerberg and co to intentionally 'crush rivals' following the acquisition spree.

"Instead of competing on the merits, Facebook used its power to suppress competition so it could take advantage of users and make billions by converting personal data into a cash cow," said the leader of the campaign, Latitia James, as noted from the suit. James is also a New York-based legal attorney.

Related post: Apple Includes Antitrust Risk on the Company's Proxy Statement.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Protesters gathered in front of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis office on Richmond Avenue in Bulls Head on Saturday demanded that the congresswoman resign -- less than week after she took the oath of office.

The calls for Malliotakis to step aside follow Wednesdays events at the U.S. Capitol, when protesters stormed the building after a rally where President Donald Trump maintained that voter fraud led to his defeat by President-elect Joe Biden.

Following the deadly violence that interrupted the certification process, Malliotakis voted with a group of fellow congressional Republicans who objected to the certification of electoral college votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania, two key states in Bidens victory.

Malliotakis has been trying to pit others against the immigrant communities, said protestor Yesenia Mata of La Colmena, an immigrant advocacy group.

We are doing this protest because we have seen exactly what transpired directly from the Capitol and it was due to hatred, it was due to the messaging that was completely happening directly from the White House and from here, from Nicole Malliotakis, our new congresswoman, Mata said.

Her message had a lot to do with what happened at the Capitol. Staten Island is changing and were not going to be accepting that rhetoric anymore. Were asking her to resign.

We are here to protect democracy, we are here to exercise our constitutional rights, said Cesar Vargas, an immigration attorney with Sustainable Staten Island, a coalition of advocacy groups seeking equality for all people. Were going to demonstrate what true democracy is all about.

He led protesters in chants, including, This is what democracy looks like.

People rallied for the resignation of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/Maura Grunlund)

The executive board of Young Democrats of Richmond County has called for the immediate resignation of Malliotokis, according to K.C. Hankins, president. He stressed that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris won both in the Electoral College and by some seven million popular votes, yet on Wednesday, terrorists stormed our nations Capitol, violently attacking the halls of Congress, our representatives and their staff.

We cant pretend that none of this happened, said Teresa Caliari of Sustainable Staten Island, about the storming of the Capitol, which she believes is directly connected to Malliotakis vote against certification of the electoral college votes.

We cant pretend that Wednesday was a fluke, Caliari said. There must be consequences or this wont be the last time we see objection to the outcome of democratically cast votes.

There is already chatter on social media to disrupt the transfer of power on January 20th, so our republic is in great danger and its imperiled further if we dont do and take swift action.

Im going to speak as a Black man here in America, said said Bobby Digi, a North Shore activist and partner in OHenrys Publick House, describing how he reacted to the riot at the Capitol.

I was triggered by what I saw and Ill tell you the kind of memories that came up for me. I thought about all the injustices that I as a Black man in America, in Staten Island and in New York City, witnessed as a kid.

I support every Americans right to peaceful protest and thank them as well as the countless constituents who have reached out to thank me for upholding my oath and taking a strong stand for election integrity, Malliotakis said in a statement to the Advance/SILive.com.

At a joint press conference Friday, Assemblyman Charles Fall and State Sen. Diane Savino -- both Democrats -- condemned the attack on the Capitol and called for accountability from elected officials they say played a part in inciting the riot, demanding an explanation and an apology from Malliotakis.

I will not turn a blind eye to the irregularities and alleged fraud that took place in Arizona and Pennsylvania or the fact that election rules were changed in violation of their state Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, Malliotakis said in response to Fall and Savinos comments. I will always uphold my oath of office and work to improve the integrity of our electoral system to restore Americans faith in free and fair elections.

The lawmakers were joined by several community and religious leaders who also denounced Wednesdays violence.
Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller announced Friday that he has appointed four people to a commission created by Congress to examine how to rename military bases that honor Confederate leaders.

Miller selected Sean McLean of California, Joshua Whitehouse of New Hampshire, Anne G. Johnston of North Carolina and Earl Matthews of Pennsylvania to serve on the Commission on the Naming of Items of the Department of Defense that Commemorate the Confederate States of America or Any Person Who Served Voluntarily with the Confederate States of America, according to Pentagon news release issued Friday.

The commission is mandated by the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which sets funding and policy for the military.

Passed into law Jan. 1, the NDAA also includes a measure from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D- Mass., to remove Confederate names from Defense Department property within three years and provides $2 million for the commissions work.

These four commission members will join four other members who will be selected by the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.

The 10 Army posts named in honor of Confederate generals are Camp Beauregard and Fort Polk in Louisiana, Fort Benning and Fort Gordon in Georgia, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort A.P. Hill, Fort Lee and Fort Pickett in Virginia, Fort Rucker in Alabama, and Fort Hood in Texas. The installations were named primarily during the souths Jim Crow era in the 1910s and 1940s.

Aside from the bases, the commission also will plan how to remove symbols, displays, monuments and paraphernalia that honor the Confederacy.

The commission will be required to brief Congress by October on their progress and then issue a formal plan by October 2022 that will detail a list of assets to be removed or renamed and the cost associated with doing so.

thayer.rose@stripes.com

Twitter: @Rose_Lori

___

(c)2021 the Stars and Stripes

Visit the Stars and Stripes at www.stripes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The trial of a former soldier accused of the attempted murder of a vulnerable man shot dead in a field 46 years ago has been adjourned again

The trial of a former soldier accused of the attempted murder of a vulnerable man shot dead in a field 46 years ago has been adjourned again.

The Belfast Crown Court trial of 79-year-old Dennis Hutchings, accused of attempting to murder Co Tyrone man John Patrick Cunningham on June 15, 1974, was fixed to open next month.

However, yesterday Mr Justice McAlinden accepted defence submissions that it would be unfair to have the former Life Guardsman, already diagnosed with an incurable chronic kidney disease, travel here for his trial given the Covid crisis.

Mr Justice McAlinden said that Northern Ireland had the highest infection rate in the UK and the former soldier to travelling to Belfast would "place him in a hotbed of Covid infection".

He said concerning the effectiveness of the available vaccines, we were in a "state of flux" given the proposed gap between administrating doses.

With regard to any trial hearing being held remotely, Mr Justice McAlinden said he had no power to compel the pensioner, who has given firm instruction he wants to attend his trial in person, to do otherwise.

The judge said to have Mr Hutchings come to Belfast for his trial, and to receive other medical treatments while here, was something "this court in all conscience can't countenance".

Mr Hutchings, from Cawsand in Cornwall, and initially twice informed he would not face prosecution, denies attempting to murder, or attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Mr Cunningham.

The innocent 27-year-old with learning difficulties died in a field at Carrickaness Road, Benburb, after being shot in the back as he fled from a patrol led by Mr Hutchings near the village.

While not conceded that Mr Hutchings fired any shots, it is said the then Squadron Quarter Master Corporal fired only warning shots to get Mr Cunningham to stop. The prosecution in turn claim his intention was to kill or cause grievous bodily harm.
Nepal has continuously been endorsing non-aligned foreign policy. However, it has suffered a lot from the geopolitical situation of being sandwiched between two giant countries, China and India. It should indeed be advantageous for Nepal from these neighbours booming economy, but Nepal has witnessed several direct and indirect meddling of these countries into its socio-political affairs.

The external encroachment and power exertion over an independent nation-state have many implications. It has mainly contributed to the political style of thought. Nepal has currently been highly sceptical of its relations to two competing world powers: China and India. The issue of border security and national sovereignty has become the pressing one at present.

There are many instances of how Nepali governments have been under the influence of foreign power centres. The Comprehensive Peace Accord is an example of foreign meddling over Nepals internal politics. Political analysts often argue that the deal was betrayal and imposition of foreign interests in Nepali politics. Yubaraj Ghimire, a senior journalist, in recently televised The Bravo Delta Show, stated that that Peace Accord was an outcome of Indias interest in federalism and Americas interest in secularism.

He further said the accord was ironical as the signatories in it are not oppositions but the allied political parties which together demonstrated against King Gyanendra. The manipulation in the Peace Accord is evident as King Gyanendra, a supposed political enemy, is not a part of the Comprehensive Peace Accord. Instead, it was signed by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal and Nepals government in New Delhi.

Nepals wounded autonomy and sovereignty along with foreign encroachment have invited insecurity and mistrust in its international relations with other countries. The economic blockade caused by India in 2015 has strained the India-Nepal bilateral ties and generated anti-Indian sentiments in Nepal. It was further worsened by the inauguration of an 80-km-long road connecting Lipulekh pass with Dharchula of Uttarakhand by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 8, 2020. It later incited a cartographic war between Nepal and India as Nepal claimed its territory based on historical facts. Nepal, for the first time in history, asserted its firm stance on the territory of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura.

Unnecessary surveillance, meddling, and the imposition of agenda by the neighbouring giants in Nepals decision-making process have deeply wounded its agency and autonomy. Therefore, Nepal seems to be hesitating in receiving foreign aids like the MCC and the BRI. It is now susceptible of obligations such aids may create in the future. Hence, paranoia has been a dominant and defining feature of Nepali politics in recent years.

Paranoia for Richard Hofstadter is a way of seeing the world and of expressing oneself. Nepalis have developed a view for the neighbouring countries that they have always been the tragic scene creators in Nepali politics. Thus, Nepal has often compromised its sovereignty in different bilateral agreements.

Moreover, Nepali subjects have witnessed many political changes ranging from the Rana regime to democracy, Panchayat, democracy again and the federal republicanism. All these pollical systems cause no more than anxiety among people. The inefficacy of present government in the deliverance of good governance has further contributed to the paranoia of people. They had a lot of aspirations concerning development and prosperity from the Oli government which came to power on the nationalism mantra.

Peoples faith in a stable government has been deeply distressed by the dissolution of the House of Representatives recently. They have now become sceptical of any political force that would claim driving the country to development and good governance.

People are highly critical of Research and Analysis Wing chief Samanta Goels visit and secret meeting with the Prime Minister KP Oli. There was another high-level visit from India to Nepal on the eve of the House dissolution: that of Manoj Mukund Naravane, the army chief of India. Likewise, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi, had intensified her meeting with political leaders of the Nepal Communist Party including President Bidya Devi Bhandari when an intra-party dispute in the ruling party exacerbated to the point of the split.

Besides, China shown its additional interest in Nepal as Guo Yezhou, the vice-minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), visited Nepal and met various leaders around the same time. These scenarios lucidly exhibit foreign meddling into Nepali politics furthering distrust and despair in the citizens towards the giant neighbours.

However, the government in the recent past has demonstrated some silver linings in its assertion of the autonomy of the nation. The inclusion of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura in a renewed and legalised map of Nepal and the measurement of the height of the Mt Everest by the present government are of strategic significance. The slightly increased height of Mt Everest is symbolic that Nepal has achieved another level of stature in the international community.

But, in order to impart this message, the present government of Nepal and the Nepali politicians have yet to see themselves in opposition to the interest of neighbouring countries and resolve the current fiasco on its own.


This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Organize your refrigerator. Often the tipping point in a kitchen is the refrigerator. When your fridge is a mess, its hard to know what you have available to cook, what food might spoil soon and what you need from the store. Wirecutter has the best fridge organization advice from Marguerite Preston, a former pastry chef, who knows how professional chefs organize a kitchen. In restaurants, organization is important not only because it helps cooks move quickly and smoothly, but also because wasted food is wasted money, she writes. The same is true at home. You may not see the effects of a chaotic fridge in a bad Yelp review or a balance sheet, but they will show in the time it takes to cook dinner and the stress involved.

Watch the jellyfish. One of the best mindfulness tips I came across this year was from Cord Jefferson, the television writer who thanked his therapist on national television when he won an Emmy. Mr. Jefferson told me he struggled with traditional meditation, but he enjoys watching the feed from a web camera showing the jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Bookmark the jelly-cam on your phone or laptop browser and get lost in the jellyfish for a short mindfulness break during your workday.

Do the Standing 7-Minute Workout. All you need is a wall and a chair nearby for balance. You dont even have to change your clothes. Our new workout video is a friction-busting workout for anyone who avoids exercise because its hard to get up from the floor after a push-up, plank or situps.

Complete a 1-minute task. One of my favorite health tips for dealing with stress is the one-minute rule. It comes from Gretchen Rubin, author of Better Than Before, a book about forming new habits. This simple advice helps you decide what to tackle on a long to-do list. Just do the one-minute tasks first. Hang up a coat. Read some emails. Clear and wipe the kitchen counter. Tidy a book shelf. Whenever you take on a one-minute task, youll get a sense of accomplishment and quick boost of happiness.

Do a five-finger meditation. This is an easy way to calm yourself, no matter where you are. (I tried it in a dentist chair, and it worked for me!) Start by holding your hand in front of you, fingers spread. Using your index finger on the other hand, start tracing the outline of your hand. Trace up your pinkie, and down. Trace up your ring finger and down. As you do this, breathe in as you trace up, and out as you trace down. Continue finger by finger until youve traced your entire hand. Now reverse the process and trace from your thumb back to your pinkie, making sure to inhale as you trace up, and exhale as you trace down. You can find more tips for beating stress in my story, Peak Anxiety? Here Are 10 Ways to Calm Down.

Create a Sunday basket. I learned this tip from Lisa Woodruff, author of The Paper Solution. She suggests dumping your bills, receipts and various papers into a basket. (She sells a product for this, but I just use a regular basket.) Once a week, sort your actionable papers (those that need attention) from your archive papers (those that can be filed.) The Sunday basket approach (she claims it will add five extra hours to your week) is part of a larger system proposed by Ms. Woodruff that uses three-ring binders rather than a filing cabinet. (She suggests five binders for financial information, medical needs, household reference, school items and daily operations.) For me, the Sunday basket is enough, but if you feel chronically overwhelmed by paper, you can learn more on the Organize365.com website.

Buy partially prepared food. Buying chopped up food and meal kits costs more, but it does save time. I always used to avoid buying cut fruits and vegetables in the grocery store, but I found I actually use them sooner, so in the end it kind of pays off, said Dr. Wood.
This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
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.
DAVIESS COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - In September human remains were found near Maysville in Daviess County. Friday Daviess County Sheriff Gary Allison confirms those human remains belonged to Dan Grannan.

Grannan lived in the Maysville area. That's in Daviess county. The 72-year-old went missing in August of 2019. For weeks rescuers searched for Grannan with no luck.

A year after he went missing human remains were found in Daviess County. Those remains were found near Hawkins creek. The Daviess County sheriff's office and Indiana State Police examined those remains.

Remains were then sent to the University of Indianapolis. The university's anthropology department has confirmed the remains are those of Grannan. Sheriff Allison says Grannan's family was contacted Friday morning.

Allison says, "They were happy to get some closure on the situation here. And hopefully, we'll be able to get that to them so that they can do what they need to do."

The investigation into what happened to Grannan is on-going.

A former Hells Angels associate and convicted drug trafficker is among the supporters who have offered to help fashion magnate Peter Nygard win his release on bail while he faces possible extradition to the U.S. for sex crimes and racketeering.

A former Hells Angels associate and convicted drug trafficker is among the supporters who have offered to help fashion magnate Peter Nygard win his release on bail while he faces possible extradition to the U.S. for sex crimes and racketeering.

Steve Mager, 43, was among 34 gang members and associates arrested in 2009 in what was described at the time as one of the biggest drug and gang busts in Manitoba history.

FACEBOOK A former Hells Angels associate and convicted drug trafficker is among the supporters offering to help fashion magnate Peter Nygard win his release on bail while he faces possible extradition to the U.S. for sex crimes and racketeering.Steve Mager, 43, was among 34 gang members and associates arrested in 2009 in what was described at the time as one of the biggest drug and gang busts in Manitoba history.

In 2012, Mager was sentenced to 5 years in prison for his part in brokering a deal for four ounces of cocaine.

Mager acknowledged his criminal record, which includes a 30-month sentence for a related conviction in 2002, in a court affidavit in which he offers to be a surety for Nygard if he is released on bail. Mager notes he has no convictions for fraud or perjury.

Mager said he met Nygard while playing poker and in 2017 was offered a job working construction for him. Mager was later made director of construction, he said.

"He gave me a second chance knowing my background," Mager said.

Mager says he has equity of $300,000 in two homes, one a rental property and the other a family home owned by Mager and his wife.

"I have discussed being a surety for Peter Nygard and she is agreeable," Mager said.

Nygard's lawyer, Jay Prober, said he would not have considered offering Mager as a surety if he thought his criminal past was an issue.

"In my view, it should not give the court pause," Prober said Friday. "Steve Mager has paid his debt to society. He has put his past behind him and is a contributing member of society."

Court records show Prober represented Mager for at least some time following his arrest in 2009.

Nygard, 79, was arrested on an extradition warrant and taken into custody Dec. 14. A contested bail hearing is set for Jan. 19.

A nine-count indictment filed in the Southern District of New York alleges Nygard, business associates and co-conspirators engaged in a "pattern of criminal conduct involving at least dozens of victims in the United States, the Bahamas, and Canada, among other locations" from 1995 to 2020.

Nygard is accused of raping and trafficking women and girls for sex, targeting victims from "disadvantaged backgrounds" and with a "history of abuse." He is accused of silencing them with "threats, false promises of modelling opportunities" and "other coercive means."

At a hearing earlier this week, Scott Farlinger, counsel for the attorney general of Canada, said he will oppose Nygards release on bail, arguing he poses "a serious risk of flight and is a risk to offend while on release.

Mager, in his affidavit, said he spent time with Nygard "almost every day" from February 2020 until his arrest in mid-December.

"He grew weaker, his energy level declined, and he aged considerably," Mager said. "During that same 10 months, he never gave any indication whatsoever that he wanted to leave the jurisdiction. In my opinion, he is not at all a flight risk."

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca

Former U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, a Chester County Republican, is taking steps toward running for Pennsylvanias open U.S. Senate seat next year.

Costello, 44, of West Chester, served in the House from 2015 to 2019. He decided not to seek reelection in 2018 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared the states congressional map an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander and imposed a new map with districts that were less favorable to Costello and other Republicans, especially in the Philadelphia suburbs.

His decision to drop out of the race upset many Republicans who believed he was their best chance of keeping the seat.

But Costello is positioning himself as an anti-Trump Republican who could be an antidote to the GOPs struggles in the suburbs. When a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee attacked GOP lawmakers for abandoning President Donald Trump after this weeks insurrection at the Capitol, Costello responded on Twitter: If I run I will literally take this entire bulls head on. And if I would lose I would do so with 100% pride in the fact I did it for a cause greater than myself.

While in Congress, Costello had positioned himself as a relative moderate, joining the Tuesday Group led by center-right Republicans.

He is expected to form an exploratory committee to run for Senate soon, which would allow him to begin raising money for a campaign. A candidate will likely need to raise at least tens of millions of dollars to win. The most expensive Senate races in 2020 neared or topped $200 million in total spending each, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

The Washington political newsletter Punchbowl News first reported Costellos plans Friday.

 READ MORE: Pat Toomey's retirement makes the 2022 elections in Pennsylvania a total free-for-all

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) announced in the fall that he would not seek reelection in 2022, setting up a competitive race for an open seat. The race is already considered one of the most competitive in the country and will help determine which party controls the chamber after the midterm elections.

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, an Allegheny County Democrat, told The Inquirer on Thursday that he is taking a serious look at a run for Senate. He ran unsuccessfully in 2016. Pennsylvania will be the most important Senate race in 2022, Fetterman wrote in an a fund-raising email to supporters Friday. Im confident we can win if we go for it.

Costello wrote on Twitter that if he were the GOP nominee, hed smoke Fetterman in the suburbs.

Republicans have been routed in Philadelphias populous suburbs ever since Trumps election, much the consternation of some in the party. Costello has been a sharp Trump critic since leaving office (and at times while in office), which might help his appeal to moderate voters in those areas. But he could also face a fierce backlash with the fervent Trump supporters who make up a significant piece of the Republican electorate and from the states GOP establishment, many of whom were furious that he dropped out late in the 2018 election cycle.

After retiring from Congress, Costello started a lobbying firm, which reported $340,000 in receipts last year, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. His clients included Calpine Corp., which describes itself as Americas largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources, and Americans for Carbon Dividends, an advocacy group that supports a carbon tax to fight climate change.

Costello was succeeded in Congress by Chrissy Houlahan, who became the first Democrat to represent Chester County in the House since the 1850s. Houlahan, who was reelected to a second term last year representing Pennsylvanias 6th District, has said she is also considering running for Senate.

Before serving in the House, Costello was chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners.
But State Representative Beau LaFave, a Republican from Michigans Upper Peninsula, said its a stretch to connect those dots. There were a lot of angry people at both things, but nobody did any damage or hurt anyone in Michigan, he said. They were angry and yelling, but they didnt punch any cops, and they didnt do any damage inside the building.

Indeed, while the protest in April was loud and tense, it did not get violent, although one person was arrested after an altercation between two men outside. But the rhetoric in the crowds at protests in April and May was heated. One protester carried a sign that read, Tyrants Get the Rope, and another carried an American flag that had a doll made to look like Ms. Whitmer hanging from it.

Meshawn Maddock, head of the national organization, Women for Trump, and in line to become the vice-chair of the states Republican Party, helped organize that Unlock Michigan rally in April and recently organized busloads of Michiganders to travel to Washington. Photos and videos from the rally in the nations capital filled her social media pages and, while walking toward the U.S. Capitol, she praised the most incredible crowd and sea of people Ive ever worked with.

While she attended the rally outside the Ellipse, she said she was not at the Capitol when the mob of Trump supporters stormed the building, and she later condemned the violence.

On Wednesday, while Ms. Maddock was in Washington, several hundred people gathered outside Michigans statehouse to protest the election certification happening nearly 600 miles away. The statehouse was closed, though, to comply with Covid rules that it be shuttered when the Legislature is not in session. The rally, which featured Trump flags and hats and a handful of men armed with weapons, remained peaceful  and pointed. One protester waved a Trump flag that had four bobblehead dolls hanging from it: Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

Michigan is an open carry state, so it is not unusual to see armed individuals walking the halls of the state Capitol. The Capitol Commission, the body that sets rules and approves maintenance projects for the building, debated banning guns in the Capitol after that April protest, but no action has been taken.
Now and then through the years we Texans have sent our share of buffoons, grifters, lightweights, crooks, ignoramuses and ego-obsessed asses to Washington as representatives of the people. W. Lee Pass the Biscuits, Pappy ODaniel comes to mind. So does Martin Dies, Jr., chairman of the witch-hunting House Un-American Activities Committee. So does Louie Gohmert.

In the wake of last weeks Capitol insurrection, add to this ignominious list the states junior senator, Ted Cruz and the 16 Republican House members who voted in favor of discredited objections to certifying the presidential election results in one or more swing states. The Seditious Sixteen voted to short-circuit democracy even after a Trump mob rampaged through the Capitol, even after blood was shed in the halls of that august building.

Also add to this list Ken Paxton. Like a tongue-flapping pup hopping into the bed of his masters pickup on a jaunt to town, our indictment-burdened, ethics-allergic attorney general headed to Washington last week for no reason other than to stand adoringly alongside President Donald Trump and echo his unhinged calls for insurrection. We called for Paxton to resign months agobecause of his own legal problems, including a bloodless insurrection of sorts in Paxtons own office, staged by whistleblowers in his senior staff alleging corruption. Thats not to mention the outlandish lawsuit he filed in the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to overturn the will of millions of American voters. After his servile pilgrimage to Washington, theres no question regarding what he ought to do now.

A rampaging mob ransacked the Capitol, our citadel of democracy. Five people, including a Capitol police officer, are dead. Trump and his MAGA maniacs have made a mockery of our democratic institutions, as both Democrats and Republicans (including Cabinet members past and present and White House staff) have acknowledged.

We must hold our elected officials accountable for their role in this outrage. Congress members such as Randy Weber, Brian Babin and even Troy Nehls, the former Fort Bend County sheriff who has been praised for protecting colleagues during the siege, ended the day where they began: in craven thrall to Trump and his true-believers. They must be censured, at the very least.

Cruz, whose resignation we called for Friday, was leader of this fanatic voyage. Since he first announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate back in 2012, Texans have known that he is a talented constitutional lawyer, that hes smart (if not wise) and that hes a facile speaker (given to grandiloquence). He has known all along that President Trumps bellowing accusations about election fraud were bogus. He knew they were about as likely as candidate Trumps claim back in 2016 that Cruzs father was in on the JFK assassination.

He knew, and yet Cruz  like his Missouri counterpart, Josh Hawley  is nothing if not calculating. And nakedly ambitious. With presidential ambitions paramount, Cruz calculated that he could ride a Trumpian wave into the White House, perhaps in 2024, by embracing the current presidents absurdist fantasies. Cynicism thy name is Cruz. And Hawley.

The assault that desecrated democracy just a few hours earlier prompted Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler and several of her GOP colleagues to reconsider their votes, acknowledging the harm of substantiating a myth of a stolen election that had already driven people to violence.

Not Cruz. With characteristic grating unctuousness, he continued to call for an emergency audit of the election results. By a vote of 93 to 6, his fellow senators shut him down.

Not every Texas Republican signed on. Cruzs senior colleague, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, warned that challenging the election results would do irreparable harm to our great democracy.

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, whose district stretches from Austin to Houston, told the Chronicle that he voted to certify the election results because if Congress chooses to ignore or second-guess the electoral votes cast by the states, it will set a dangerous precedent that could call into question the very institution of our democracy.

Newly re-elected Congressman Chip Roy, whose district runs from Austin into the Hill Country, told his colleagues late Wednesday night that voting to confirm the presidential election results could sign be synonymous with signing his political death warrant.

But so be it, he said. I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and I will not bend its words into contortions for political expediency.

Well done, sir.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady of The Woodlands, unable to vote because he tested positive for COVID-19, said he also would have voted to certify: I would remain true to the conservative constitutional principles that guide me, and vote to accept the Electoral College votes as legally certified by each state.

Here are the 16 Texans in the House who voted to flout democracy: Jodey Arrington of Lubbock; Brian Babin of Woodville; Michael Burgess of Pilot Point; John Carter of Round Rock; Michael Cloud of Victoria; Pat Fallon of Sherman; Louie Gohmert of Tyler; Lance Gooden of Terrell; Ronny Jackson of Amarillo; Troy Nehls of Richmond; August Pfluger of San Angelo; Pete Sessions of Waco; Beth Van Duyne of Irving; Randy Weber of Friendswood; Roger Williams of Austin; and Ron Wright of Arlington.

Notice that U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, the flamboyant former Navy Seal who represents a Houston-area district, is not on the insurrectionist list.

These people have been lied to en masse by the millions, he said Thursday. In the sense that they were led to believe Jan. 6 was anything but a political performance for a few opportunistic politicians to give a five-minute speech. That is all that it ever was. People were lied to.

We couldnt have said it better ourselves, and yet Crenshaw is being disingenuous if he doesnt acknowledge his role in perpetuating those lies. He was among the 126 House members who supported Paxtons unsuccessful attempt to challenge the election results in four states. He could have been as open and honest with his constituents then as he was after the riot, and yet Crenshaw, who of all people knows that bravery comes with a cost, was unable for weeks to show that political courage.

In a Dec. 14 interview with this editorial board, Crenshaw tried to downplay the harm of joining Trumps legal charade, arguing that it would be far more dangerous if people believed the legal process hadnt been taken as far as you can possibly take it.

You think its more damaging to let even the notion of a Trump win carry on, he told the board.  I dont agree that thats very damaging. I think a lot of people are upset. But theyre not going to do anything thats harmful.

How wrong he was. And he should acknowledge it.

We Texans need to remind ourselves that through the years we also have sent principled public servants to Congress, both Republicans and Democrats. Sam Rayburn comes to mind. So does Kay Bailey Hutchison. So does Barbara Jordan. In this hour of crisis, Cruz and his craven colleagues need to step aside. Bigger, braver, more principled Texans must step up. Texas needs them. So does the nation.
A COUNTY Limerick businesswoman is warning that a shortage of horticultural peat is the biggest threat the business has faced in its 30-year history.

Young Nurseries, which employs 24 people in Kilfinane, is a wholesale supplier of a wide range of Irish grown plants and herbs.

Nuala Young, who runs the business with her husband Joe, says a shortage of peat, due largely to Bord na Monas decision to suspend all peat harvesting on its bogs last year, is a major concern.

She told RTE News that if a solution is not found, jobs will be at risk and that customers will be faced with a shortage of plants and increased prices.

Her husband, Joe Young, added that peat is the base material that most businesses in the Irish horticultural sector relies on.

Bord na Mona, he said, has indicated it will not be in a position to supply peat to the company from next March.

Efforts are underway to find an alternative source of supply of horticultural peat.
Daniel Dillon, who died earlier this week, was a longtime community leader and volunteer.

Community Remembers Dan Dillon as Selfless Advocate

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Many are mourning the loss of local human services advocate Daniel Dillon, 79, who passed away on Monday, Jan. 4, at Berkshire Medical Center from complications of COVID-19.

Born June 14, 1941, and a graduate of St. Joseph's High School and Berkshire Community College, Dillon held many important roles throughout his lifetime including as a soldier, a leader, and a helping hand.



"I had the privilege to know and to work with Dan Dillon for nearly 20 years," President and CEO of Greylock Federal Credit Union John Bissell said. "He set the standard for community service, and service above self. In every capacity, from community volunteer roles to his leadership of the Berkshire United Way, to his engagement with local politics, and his part-time role at Greylock, Dan demonstrated how deeply he cared for all of the people in this region. We will miss his tireless energy, his upbeat spirit, and his Irish charm."



Dillon was president of Berkshire United Way for 12 years and, in 2005, was presented the Francis X. Doyle Award by the Berkshire Health Systems Board of Trustees for his commitment to those in the community who need help. In 2005, Berkshire United Way presented him the Helping Hands, Caring Heart Award, which was then renamed in his honor as the Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Hearts Award.



"In many ways, Dan Dillon was larger than life. A true local hero who embodied Berkshire United Ways tagline  Here for Good," President and CEO of Berkshire United Way Candace Winkler said. "Whether playing Santa Claus at the annual tree lighting ceremony in Pittsfield or raising money to address social challenges, he inspired others to volunteer and give back to the community. All of us at Berkshire United Way are saddened by his passing but his legacy will live on through the Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Hearts Award."



A 2005 press release announcing Dillon's retirement said: "His leadership has been characterized by a positive attitude, creative ideas, insightful thought process, and a tireless work ethic."



After retiring from BUW in that same year, Dillon took leadership as the relationship development officer for Greylock Federal Credit Union, where he benefited staff by creating fun events to encourage employee engagement. It was said that playing Santa Claus was Dillon's favorite community role.


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.

A long standing member of Skerries Fire Brigade has recently retired, having dedicated his working life to protecting and serving the local community.

Joe Scully, who joined Skerries Fire Brigade in 1984, retired recently having spent 36 years serving the people of Skerries and Fingal.

Joe joined Dublin Fire Brigade in 1984 and was based in Skerries Fire Station, known as Delta 241.

He quickly rose through the ranks and was soon appointed driver/mechanic before being promoted some years later to sub-officer of the station.

Joe brought plenty of skills and knowledge in fire fighting with him to Skerries, as he also served as a full-time Dublin Airport fire fighter.

Joe will be sorely missed by all his colleagues at Skerries Fire Brigade where his dedication to the role has been commended.

His colleagues at Skerries Fire Brigade wish him all the best for the future.
The Morning Star project, started two years ago, has transformed the former church property on Tyler Street into 29 market-rate apartments. The final units are being completed. The church has 11 units but the former church's nave and altar areas have been kept as common space. Efforts were made to keep many of the original woodwork and painted decorations intact. A stairway to the upper floor that opens on to a bridge to the other side of the buildings. Views from one of the apartments. PreviousNext

Morning Star Apartments at Former St. Mary's Church Near Completion



The buildings on the complex have been transformed into one to three bedroom market-rate apartments.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  CT Management Group has substantially completed the Morning Star Project, a conversion of the former St. Mary of the Morning Star Church on Tyler Street into 29 market-rate apartments.



The Morning Star complex consists of the church, convent, rectory, and school building. A good majority of the 29 units are already rented out. Just last week, the remaining open apartments located in the former St. Mary's school began leasing and are expected to go off the market quickly.



Developer David Carver said the main priority of the project was to preserve as much of the interior and exterior detail of the original buildings as possible while meeting functional requirements and building permits.



He said this is one of the biggest challenges in restoring old buildings and changing their use. The project's attention to detail resulted in a harmonious mix of original elements and modernized features.



In the church building, residents enter through the former altar area and are greeted by an expansive ceiling mural. In the third-floor hallway, hand-painted original beams line the ceiling and residents can even get a glimpse of the former church in the front entranceway, as the original doors were preserved but blocked from use for fire code.



"I would say we caught this one just in time," Carver said, as the building had been sitting empty and was starting to experience minor ceiling leaks when construction began.



St. Mary's Church was built in 1942. It is a Lombard Romanesque style building that is commonly seen across Italy. The church has a history on the property dating back to 1913 when the school was built and served as the original church.



The rectory and convent buildings were constructed after the new church in 1954.



St. Mary's closed in 2008 as part of a regionwide consolidation plan implemented by the Diocese of Springfield. It was empty for several years until it was under contract with a developer who planned to demolish the buildings to construct a Dunkin' Donuts restaurant with a drive-through.



This idea was scrapped when it became clear that there was little support for the concept and the property was put back on the market. This is when CT Management Group planned the purchase and adaptive re-use of the four buildings into market-rate housing.

CT Management has found its niche in the market of renovating churches into apartments. In the last decade, it has converted churches into the Power House Lofts on Seymour Street and the Notre Dame Residences on Melville Street. It has also converted a church in North Adams and another in Williamstown into housing.



"CT Management Group is extremely grateful for the support received from the City of Pittsfield, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mass Development, the Diocese of Springfield, Berkshire Bank, Mill Town Capital, the Tyler Street Business Group, and the Friends of St. Mary's," Carver said. "Combined with the other projects planned or in progress by the City of Pittsfield, Mill Town Capital, and other private investors, the Tyler Street corridor has a bright future and should see steady sustainable growth and improvements for many years."
The father of a 10-year-old girl shot to death with her mother and sister at a home in far Northwest Bexar County almost two years ago filed a lawsuit Friday against her late mothers boyfriend, who owned the home.

Hector Bribiescas, the father of London Sophia Bribiescas, who was a Leon Springs Elementary School fifth grader, accused Charles Edward Wheeler, 33, of Austin, of negligence and is seeking more than $1 million in damages.

The lawsuit alleges that the childs mother, San Antonio hairstylist Nichol Leila Olsen, 37, used a gun that Wheeler kept unsecured in their bedroom to kill London, her other daughter, 16-year-old Alexa Montez, and herself.

Bringing the lawsuit was really hard, but in the end, I want to know what really happened to London, but mostly, why, Hector Bribeiscas said in a statement released through his attorney, Joe Hoelscher. London deserves to have those questions asked, even if theres never an answer. This is the only way to make sure that happens.

Olsen and her two girls were found dead at Wheelers $1 million home in the gated Anaqua Springs Ranch subdivision near Leon Springs on Jan. 10, 2019.

The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office ruled Olsens death a suicide and her daughters deaths homicides. The Bexar County Sheriffs Office is still investigating after detectives reached an initial conclusion late last year that agreed with the medical examiners finding, Sheriff Javier Salazar has said.

On ExpressNews.com: A single mother, her millionaire boyfriend and how their storybook romance ended in horror

Wheeler, who has since sold the home and moved to Austin, has repeatedly declined to comment on the case and has requested privacy. His attorneys have said he had nothing to do with the deaths and have called on Salazar to publicly clear their clients name.

Wheeler, an oil and gas businessman and former rodeo competitor, told investigators he left his home the night before the shootings after an argument with Olsen. He called 911 to report the deaths when he returned the next morning.

The lawsuit, filed in Bexar County late Friday afternoon, said Olsen exhibited increasingly erratic behavior during a lengthy argument with Wheeler at the residence. It also claims Wheeler was likely present at the home when Olsen accessed the loaded firearm, which Wheeler kept in his bedside table.

Wheeler knew Olsens behavior was escalating, was erratic and was potentially threatening and/or could lead to actual violence, the lawsuit states.

Olsen obtained the gun in (the) defendants bedside table, in the bedroom they shared, and used it to kill herself, (London) and another child, the suit states. Wheeler knew the children were present and was aware that they were exposed to Olsen while she was in an inflamed and erratic emotional state and actually or potentially armed with Wheelers firearm.

Wheeler knew that (London) and the other child could not protect themselves from Olsen. Wheeler took no reasonable measures to protect the children from Olsen, who was armed with Wheelers gun.

The lawsuit also claims that Olsen would not have posed a risk of violence if it wasnt for Wheelers behavior toward her, but it doesnt elaborate on that allegation.

On ExpressNews.com: Bexar County sheriff says Anaqua Springs shootings investigation fell short

The civil petition accuses Wheeler of failing to take reasonable measures to protect the children and of fleeing his home. It also argues that the killings were reasonably foreseeable.

Wheeler failed to notify authorities of a threat of abuse or injury to the children, secure his firearm, notify competent adults who may have protected the children, including their fathers, to remove the children with him when he fled or take other reasonable protective measures, the lawsuit states.

It goes on to accuse Wheeler of failing to secure his gun, failing to prevent a person showing signs of a mental or emotional disability or threatening behavior from accessing it, leaving it in a place where he should have known Olsen would gain access, failing to heed signs of the risk Olsen posed to her children and failing to do what an ordinary, prudent person would do in such circumstances.

The petition raises the claims of negligence and gross negligence. It seeks wrongful death damages, survival damages, exemplary damages, interest and court costs.

Londons father is asking for a jury trial to weigh the civil suit.

Hoelscher, his attorney, said the Bribiescas family cannot rely on the sheriffs office to find answers for why the shootings happened.

We have called upon Salazar to involve independent investigators from the FBI without response, Hoelscher said Friday night in an email. Due to his delays and failed oversight, there is no other legal option for an investigation outside the office that already botched their investigation than for us to do it ourselves.

On ExpressNews.com: Sheriff says Anaqua Springs killings most likely a murder-suicide, case may soon be closed

As a result, after much difficult discussion, even most of today, Londons family decided to file suit before their ability to ask important questions and find answers would be lost forever, he said, referring to the two-year statute of limitations for bringing such a suit.

Hoelscher also said the sheriff has attacked him and Londons family by claiming they are seeking profit.

This accusation is shameful, threatens due process of law and shows the deepest disrespect for this familys pain, Hoelscher said.

His law firm is representing the childs family pro bono.

Nobody wants to profit from something like this. We just want to fill the holes left in our lives, Hoelscher said.

Salazar recently reassigned the investigation to a cold case investigator in his office. But the sheriff has said he doesnt expect to find anything to challenge the medical examiners ruling that Olsens death was a suicide.

Salazar has previously described Wheeler as a person of interest in the shootings, but no one has ever been charged in the case.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: Peggy_OHare
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
2020 marked the final year of China's three-year battle to bring back blue skies.



In July 2018, the country vowed to fight against air pollution in its three-year action plan, setting 2020 targets to improve major air quality indicators from the 2015 levels.

Before announcing a complete victory, China fulfilled some of the goals ahead of schedule, with its continuous air pollution control efforts yielding fruitful results.

In 2019, Chinese cities that failed to meet the national standards for average PM2.5 density saw the indicator decline by 23.1 percent from 2015, while days with good air accounted for 82 percent of the year in 337 major cities, beating the 80-percent target set in the plan, data from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) showed.

Remarkable progress continued into 2020 as the three-year plan came to a close. In the first 11 months, the 337 cities enjoyed good-quality air for 87.9 percent of the period on average, up by 5.4 percentage points from one year earlier. The average PM2.5 density further shrank by 8.8 percent year on year to 31 micrograms per cubic meter, below the benchmark set by the World Health Organization of 35 micrograms per cubic meter.

By Dec. 27, the total number of heavily-polluted days in three key regions, namely the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Fenhe-Weihe Plain, had been slashed by 631 from the same period in 2015.

Beijing, the Chinese capital that used to be smog-hazed during wintertime, saw no heavily-polluted skies from the beginning of autumn to Dec. 27, with good air persisting for a record 40-plus days compared with all previous autumns and winters.

Multiple efforts underway



Behind these impressive figures was a hard-fought battle during which the country tailored measures to curb air pollution.

Great efforts have gone into the green transformation of energy generation and consumption to mitigate pollution from fossil fuels. By the end of 2020, coal-fired generators with a total installed capacity of 900 million kilowatts transformed into a low-emission mode, said Xu Bijiu, an official with the MEE.

In north China's Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Fenhe-Weihe Plain, approximately 25 million households had switched from coal-burning to clean energy approaches for winter heating by the end of 2020, Xu said.

Low-pollution production is becoming prevalent in the country's heavy industries. Crude steel-producing facilities with a production capacity of 620 million tonnes are now embarking on low-emission renovations.

Meanwhile, various technological breakthroughs in air pollution control have further helped China make blue skies a regular occurrence.

Led by the MEE, scientific research groups have gathered in a program to trace the sources of air pollution, assess pollution levels, and provide pollution control solutions for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surroundings.

An air-pollution monitoring mechanism has gone into operation through the research program over the three years, featuring cutting-edge technologies such as satellite remote sensing and lidar monitoring. An online monitoring platform, equipped with the Internet of Things and big data, was also launched to track and locate heavy-duty diesel vehicles that may cause air pollution.

Commenting on the country's technological improvement in forecasting air pollution, Zhao Yingmin, vice minister of ecology and environment, cited Beijing as an example when noting that the accuracy of heavy pollution forecast reached 100 percent in the capital as of September 2020.

Zhao added that the accuracy of classifying air pollution levels neared 80 percent, and the city was able to provide air pollution forecasts for the public ten days in advance.

The country also led the world in promoting the use of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) amid efforts to reduce car exhaust pollution. Boasting the world's most sizable inventory of NEVs, China accounts for 55 percent of global NEV sales.

By 2035, purely electric automobiles are likely to become the mainstream in the sales of new ones, while automobiles in public transportation will be exclusively electrified, according to a development plan released by the State Council.

Looking forward to furthering measures to improve the environment next year, Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu called for lowering carbon emissions and controlling air pollution simultaneously.

As high carbon-emitting fossil fuels, which are still widely used nationwide, produce both greenhouse gas and air pollutants, upgrading the country's energy structure and industrial structure will double the effectiveness of environmental protection, Huang said.

Accordingly, China will continue to accelerate industrial transformation and upgrades, set stricter restrictions on high energy-consuming and high-emission projects, and promote the use of non-fossil energies, Huang added.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
The city continues to press the province for details about when paramedics, firefighters, police and other front-line workers will get the vaccine for COVID-19.

The city continues to press the province for details about when paramedics, firefighters, police and other front-line workers will get the vaccine for COVID-19.

Mayor Brian Bowman said Friday that he wrote to Premier Brian Pallister on Thursday to find out where the city's essential workers are on the priority list.

He said he sent the letter because he hadn't received an answer despite repeatedly asking provincial officials for the information.

"As the eligibility for vaccine criteria is expanded, we're looking to ensure our essential service personnel are prioritized so that essential city services are protected for our residents," Bowman said.

"I've been reaching out to the province since early December to get as many details on the province's vaccine rollout efforts as possible. We've learned from media reports and press conferences that the province is expanding vaccines to northern communities and, next week, to personal care homes.

"This is great to hear, but we do need more details at the city to ensure our essential workers are on the province's radar for priority access to the vaccine."

Jason Shaw, the city's emergency operations centre manager, said they have asked the province to consider adding front-line emergency workers to the priority list "to ensure staff can continue to provide care and serve those in need.

"It is our hope the vaccine will be rolled out to front-line workers as soon as possible, including to our bus operators, once supply of the vaccine is more widely available."

President-elect Joe Biden on Friday called for increasing the most recent payments to $2,000 as part of the next coronavirus stimulus bill.

We need more direct relief flowing to families and small businesses, including finishing the job and getting people $2,000 in relief, Biden said in Delaware. Six hundred dollars is simply not enough when you have to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table and keeping the lights on.

But at least one key Democrat isnt that enamored of the idea, saying the top priority needs to be vaccinating Americans.

If there are to be checks, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., told the Washington Post, they needed to be targeted to those in need.

If they can direct money and they say, This will help stimulate the economy, hell yeah Im for it, Manchin told the newspaper. But basically right now, you better get them vaccinated.

Because the base is so much higher than it is with $600 checks, a family of four, which would start with $8,000 in stimulus checks, would have to make $310,000 before the entire payment would end, according to calculations by the Center for a Responsible Federal Budget. For a family with five children, the cutoff would be $430,000.

What makes Manchins vote so crucial is that Senate Democrats can bypass a filibuster and approve the higher checks with just 51 rather than 60 votes, and he is one of the 51. So if hes a no, incoming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York would need to find at least one Republican to pass the bill.

Of course, that may not be an issue as several GOP senators supported the $2,000 payments after President Donald Trump called for them, but outgoing Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., refused to allow a vote.

Both Biden and Schumer endorsed Trumps call for the higher checks.

Now that he will be the one deciding which bills reach the floor, Schumer said approving higher checks was one of the first things that I want to do after victories in Georgias two U.S. Senate races earlier this month gave the Democrats their first Senate majority since 2015 thanks to incoming Vice President Kamala Harris tie-breaking vote.

The Democrats also could try to get the 60 votes needed to pass the bill under regular procedures with the support of Republican senators, led by Josh Hawley of Missouri, who demanded higher payment. Without Manchin but with every other Democrat on board, Schumer would need 11 of the 50 Republicans.

Manchin was part of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., who developed a $908 billion plan that wound up jump-starting negotiations on the final coronavirus stimulus bill.

That legislation did not include stimulus checks, which were added after Senate Republicans refused to support federal help for states and municipalities.

The Internal Revenue Service currently is sending out the $600 payments, either through direct deposit or prepaid debit cards.
She returned home to Australia alone last month, weeks after getting engaged to Hollywood mega-agent Patrick Whitesell in Malibu.

And Pia Miller, 37, spent the weekend pining for her long-distance lover by taking to Instagram with a throwback photo from their June 2019 holiday to Paris, France.

On Saturday, the former Home And Away actress uploaded a romantic photo of herself and Patrick, 55, cosying up beneath the Eiffel Tower.

'Miss you': Pia Miller, 37, (left) pined for her long-distance fiance Patrick Whitesell, 55, (right) on Saturday as she uploaded a throwback photo from their 2019 Paris holiday on Instagram

'Miss you,' the glamazon wrote next to the image, which was taken two months before the couple officially confirmed their romance.

Pia announced her engagement on November 28, showing off her huge diamond ring on Instagram, alongside the simple caption: 'PW'.

In the picture, Pia and Patrick held glasses of sparkling wine and shared a celebratory toast on the water-view deck outside Patrick's Malibu mansion.

Whirlwind romance: Pia returned home to Australia alone last month, weeks after getting engaged to Patrick (right) in Malibu

Stunning! Pia announced her engagement on November 28, sharing this post showing off her incredible diamond ring

Pia was first linked to the Hollywood power agent in August 2019, following her split from her longtime fiance, Tyson Mullane.

In April that year, The Daily Telegraph reported that Pia and Tyson had 'amicably' ended their 18-month engagement, with Tyson moving out of their Sydney home.

Meanwhile, Pia and Patrick made their public debut at a Halloween party in LA in October 2019, amid reports they'd started dating back in May.

Former flame: Pia was first linked to the Hollywood power agent in August 2019, following her split from her longtime fiance, Tyson Mullane. In April that year, The Daily Telegraph reported that Pia and Tyson had 'amicably' ended their 18-month engagement

She made their relationship 'Instagram official' around Christmas 2019, sharing a loved-up photo with Patrick outside of the Louvre in Paris, and captioning it 'P'.

The couple made their red carpet debut at that Academy Awards last February.

Pia and Patrick's romance follows the breakdown of Patrick's marriage to Lauren Sanchez, who is now reportedly engaged to Amazon boss Jeff Bezos.
Brought to you by Top Tomato

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Having a guardian, someone who can help make important decisions in your life and protect your welfare, is good. And people should know what it takes to be a guardian.

It can be a parent, but not necessarily; it can be an aunt, uncle, grandparent or even a family friend. You want someone who understands your disability. The person who needs a guardian doesnt always have family unity, which is not the best thing for the person they are trying to help.

Its a long process though. It can test the patience of everyone involved. Anything they can do to make it shorter, thats a good thing.

Experiences with bureaucracy can be stressful to a living nightmare. You feel like you have to have all the right answers and sometimes youre not understood.

Surrogate Matthew Titone and Irini Bekhit, court attorney with Surrogate Court, joined us on a Zoom meeting to answer our questions and prepare us for what to expect. In the process, they addressed these concerns and more.

Surrogate Titone was elected in 2019 to, in his words, see how we can be more efficient, see how we can better serve families. His mandate to the guardianship department, he said, was to recognize that most families with kids with disabilities have enough to take care of with healthcare and educational issues. The legal issues are also very important, but under no circumstances should we be another layer of bureaucratic nonsense filling their day.

So he and his staff rebuilt the guardianship department by streamlining the process so no one was waiting six months or even six weeks for a response on paperwork. They also aim to help families know, not only about Article 17A, the procedure for a guardianship for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, but also about the alternatives, some less restrictive.

Their answers to our questions were direct and helped make us feel safe about approaching Surrogate Court to work on these important issues.

The Richmond County Surrogates Courts hosts the Guardianship Recognition Ceremony on August 19, 2019 at The Richmond County Courthouse in St. George. In response to Covid regulations for social distancing, the Court has produced instructional videos on YouTube and arranges virtual meetings to continue to provide information and personalize the process. (Life-Wire News/Aaron Bialer)Life-Wire News

Life-Wire: Who should you talk to when you want to start?

Bekhit: [Because of Covid restrictions] we made YouTube videos on the entire process and so if anyone is interested in starting a guardianship, all they would have to do is contact us and we will send the links. The videos are broken down to subcategories. We talk about the alternatives. We try to educate parents and family members about the alternatives. We state that 17A is the most extreme type. Maybe theres alternatives. Maybe theres other things that can be done. But if you do feel that guardianship is the right avenue for you, heres a video, a tutorial on how to fill it out. And then we also have mock forms that we created  So if you watch the video with the mock form, you should be able to manage your way through it.

Titone: The people you can talk to first are the people you are closest to when you make the decision whether or not to go with the guardianship or not. You talk to family members, you talk to social workers, people who are there to assist you in many aspect of your lives. Then you make the decision. How far do you want to go? Do I want to be completely 17A, do I want something less restrictive? Do I want someone to manage my money only? Do I just want someone to manage my healthcare decisions? My doctor appointments? These are very personal decisions, that we can guide you, but we cant make the decisions for you.

Here is Guardianship Information Session 17A Alternatives to Guardianship, the second of four videos, produced by Richmond County Surrogate Court. Search Guardianship Information Session 17A on YouTube for the whole series or email Irini Bekhit at ibekhit@nycourts.gov to request the links.

Life-Wire: Do I need a lawyer to help with all the paperwork?

Titone: Absolutely not. Its recommended, but you do not need a lawyer to proceed in Surrogate Court. We have a fantastic what we call pro se [for those representing themselves] department, but we also have a fantastic staff in our guardianship department that can help you every step of the way.

Life-Wire: What does it take to be a guardian?

Bekhit: We do background checks on people who want to be guardians when they apply to be guardians. We have two types of guardian checks that we run to make sure that the person who is approached by the court is fit to be your guardian. When we do that, then we can appoint that person as guardian if everything checks out OK.

- Surrogate Matthew Titone addresses a Guardianship Recognition Ceremony in Surrogates Court in August 2019. (Life-Wire News/Aaron Bialer)Life-Wire News

Life-Wire: Does having guardianship over someone hurt when it comes to money?

Titone: I dont think the word hurt is the best term when it comes to the finances. There can be a guardianship of property where the person would manage your finances, your money. Again, it comes down to the individual. If the individual can affirmatively handle their own finances, the court would look at that and consider that maybe a guardian of the property is not appropriate. It goes case by case and what the individual needs and what the family needs, and what is in the best interest of both the individual as well as the family.

It can be restrictive if you have a guardian of your finances, your money. You would be restricted as to how the money was spent. Often we get families coming in looking for budgets for their children, which we approve and we scrutinize them. So it can be restrictive. I dont want to use the word hurt though because we dont see it as hurting individuals.

- Court attorney Irini Bekhit addresses a Guardianship Recognition Ceremony in Surrogates Court in August 2019. (Life-Wire News/Aaron Bialer)Life-Wire News

Life-Wire: Why does a parent become a guardian?

Bekhit: The most common scenario that we see is when a parent is asking to be a guardian and so they are already doing what theyve always done, but now its from a legal perspective.

Titone: Just think of a situation where a child turns 18, they are now an adult, you go on vacation to Florida and that person gets injured. Youre in the hospital. Who makes the decisions? Because technically, without the guardianship, it can become a very sticky situation. So thats the argument for why its important to have all of this in place by the time a child turns 18 or reaches majority [the age when they can make legal decisions on their own behalf].

Education is key. Its astounding how many parents and other potential guardians come to us not knowing their options.

-----------------------------------------------------

To contact Surrogate Court to ask a question about guardianships, to receive the links to video presentations or to arrange a virtual information session for your group, email Irini Bekhit at ibekhit@nycourts.gov.

Surrogate Court is located at 18 Richmond Terrace in St. George. At this time access is limited to court employees. However, the court continues to handle both essential and non-essential matters. More information can be found on the NYCourts.gov website.

-- Written collaboratively by Aaron Bialer, Anthony DiFato, Joseph Jones, Andrew Moszenberg, Joseph Padalino, Eric Schwacke for Life-Wire News Service with Kathryn Carse

Learn more about the Advance/SILive.coms partnership with Lifestyles for the Disabled, sponsored by Top Tomato.

"Minari," an Academy Award-winning film will be screened at Tango Theaters, Micronesia Mall on the evening of May 28 as part of a cultural eve Read more
The sharp export slump will only weigh down on any incipient recovery.

Speculations on an incipient recovery are floating abound, with some even expecting a turnaround in most sectors of the economy in the second half of the fiscal year. However, any significant shift in financial fortunes would require a big spurt in at least one of the three major exogenous demand components, namely government spending, investments, and exports. But a fiscal package to boost government spending is unlikely, given the governments continued obsession with ultra-conservative fiscal policies. And reduction in excess capacities in industry and services is still too meagre to command a pick-up in new private investments. So that leaves the burden of recovery disproportionately on the export sector, a segment that has borne the brunt of the global slowdown.

Logically, the external sector, and especially exports, can indeed play a major role in facilitating a recovery and accelerating growth. Though the share of Indias external trade in the gross domestic product (GDP) has shrunk from more than half in the early years of the decade to just a little more than a third now, its contribution to growth is next only to investments and marginally more than of government consumption. Moreover, new evidence also indicates that the performance of Indias merchandise exports have not been as lacklustre as widely believed, as Indias manufacturing sector export growth was the third fastest globally next only to China and Vietnam since the mid-1990s.
The Italian team is represented by a 458, whose owner made a good decision by grabbing the Spider over the Italia fixed-roof model (we explained what's what in our review of the latter). However, we're not so sure about the enthusiast's idea to race a modded Mustang just hours after landing in the driver seat of the Maranello machine.Speaking of the Blue Oval, we're dealing with a Mustang GT packing the dream mix brought by the latest revamp, namely the Gen III Coyote and the ten-speed automatic gearbox.In factory trim, the pony sits about 100 hp behind the Prancing Horse, but the 5.0-liter V8 of the first had been gifted with multiple custom goodies - the list includes a cold air intake, long tube headers, an x-pipe exhaust, a Lund tune and others.Oh, and you should know the muscle car features a drag-friendly wheel/tire setup, which involves meaty-sidewall rubber at the back (think: this helps with the launches) and skinny tires that reduce rolling resistance up front.Even with the folding metal roof and YouTuber StangMode riding shotgun to capture the adventure, the Fezza packs a massive scale footprint advantage of the Ford. Besides, it relies on a lightning-quick dual-clutch tranny. However, given the said ownership details, a rematch might be required. And here's to hoping such a stunt takes place at the drag strip, where things can be kept on the safe side.Meanwhile, you can check out the 4.5-liter flat-plane crank Italian V8 and the custom exhaust-aided American motor screaming at each other in the piece of footage below (the sprinting action awaits you at the 10:19 timestamp).

A decade on from southeast Queensland's once-in-a-hundred-year flood, the sound of rain falling on a tin roof still sends chills down the spine of a survivor who lost both her parents in the tragedy.

Sarah Matthews was three-months pregnant and had two young children when the 'inland tsunami' hit her family property in Spring Bluff on the northern outskirts of Toowoomba, on January 10, 2011.

The 36-year-old said a small creek in between her cottage and her parents' homestead had become a 'raging torrent' with the flash flood converging from three directions and quickly rising above the roof of her parent's house.

'There is life before then, and life after. It has never been the same since that moment, not in any way,' Ms Matthews told the Weekend Australian.

Family members of Sam Matthews, who was dubbed a hero of the floods in south-east Queensland in 2011, are seen farewelling him at a funeral. Sam had saved his sister but lost his parents in the floods

You've lost people, you've lost the life you knew, you've lost just about everything that was important to you, and then the next 10 years is all about finding a life again. That's been a hard journey.'

Ms Matthews phoned police for help, but with the CBD of Toowoomba already underwater along with large parts of the Lockyer Valley west of Brisbane, it would be some time before help arrived.

She locked her babies Israel, two, and Vera, one, inside her home and ran outside towards the floodwater looking to see if she could help her parents Steve, 56, and Sandy, 46.

Ms Matthews screamed out as loud as she could but the roar of the thunder, heavy rain and floodwater muted her voice.

As she watched a huge gum tree crash to the ground beside her she could see her brother Sam, 20, clinging to the roof of her parent's house as his car bobbed in the water like a cork nearby.

One woman is still left with the scars from the floods that took the life of both of her parents (pictured floods in Toowoomba in January, 2011)

A car is seen floating away in Goodna, west of Brisbane in November, 2008

Sam and Sarah's sibling Victoria, 15, was inside the home with their mother clinging to a kitchen bench.

Their father was on the outside with Sam and the two went inside to help them.

Sam saved Victoria's life by hoisting her through a hatch in the ceiling.

He then crawled to another part of the house where he punched a hole in the ceiling to make his escape.

Steve and Sandy were swept away in the chaos and found 8km away.

Ms Matthews said they would have gone under and not come up, adding that It would have been 'violent, horrible and atrocious'.

From November 2010 to January 2011, similar scenarios played out across southeast Queensland resulting in the death of 36 people.

Extreme rainfall caused by La Nina weather patterns broke the banks of the Brisbane River and caused unprecedented flash-flooding in Toowoomba and across the Lockyer Valley.

Cars are seen in horrific floods that swept through Toowoomba at the start of 2011

Extreme rainfall caused by La Nina weather patterns broke the banks of the Brisbane River and caused unprecedented flash-flooding in Toowoomba and across the Lockyer Valley

It is estimated about $2.5billion in damage was done.

But even when the water subsided Ms Matthews would suffer another traumatic blow.

Sam died in the cruelest of circumstances just six months later.

Her heroic brother had filled a shipping container on his property with various items he had salvaged from Spring Bluff.

One of those things was a Jaguar he had bought with his dad.

Somehow the sedan caught fire and the backdraft of smoke inside the enclosed space is believed to have killed him.

'Every day you want what you had but you know you can't have it. You live in this sort of space where you have to move on with your life, always carrying this pain,' Ms Matthews said.

She now lives in Brisbane with her three children.

It is estimated about $2.5billion in damage was done in the floods in south-east Queensland
Position-tracking app required in 5 provinces

BANGKOK: People in the COVID-19-hit provinces of Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Trat, Rayong and Samut Sakhon must use the MorChana position-tracking app, according to the spokesman of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By Bangkok Post

Saturday 9 January 2021, 10:25AM

A sign at a Bangkok food shop invites people to use the MorChana app.

Spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said on Friday (Jan 8) that use of the app would allow quick control of COVID-19 in the five provinces, which have the highest levels of infection.

Its use is stipulated under regulation number 17 newly issued under the executive decree for public administration in emergency situations, imposed to control COVID-19.

Records from the MorChana app would protect infected people against charges of concealing information in the event they cannot remember every place they have visited, Dr Taweesilp said.

Infected people who intentionally conceal information and did not use the app could be seen as obstructing disease control investigation and in violation of the new regulation. This carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and/or fine of B40,000.

The app effectively supported the governments disease control efforts and relieved the workload of medical personnel in disease investigation, Dr Taweesilp said.

The MorChana app was downloaded 1.5 million times on Tuesday, 1.65mn times on Wednesday and an impressive 3.69mn times on Thursday, he said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday urged people to download and use the app, but said there would be no penalty for not doing so  so long as people inform officials of their travel plans when crossing provincial borders.
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.
A returned traveller who completed mandatory hotel quarantine in Melbourne before flying to Queensland to visit her parents has returned a positive result for the more infectious UK strain of coronavirus.

Health authorities are urgently investigating a case of an international traveller who flew into Melbourne on December 26, tested positive for COVID-19 the following day and stayed for 10 days in quarantine.

The woman, in her 50s, was allowed to leave Victoria and fly to Queensland on the 5th of January.

Later, Victorian authorities alerted their Queensland counterparts to inform them that the woman had tested positive for the UK variant.
The case presented against one of the men accused of murdering Dublin gangland boss Robbie Lawlor was "a masterpiece of vagueness", a court heard yesterday.

Counsel for Adrian Holland (37) claimed the charge depends entirely on complex, circumstantial CCTV evidence, number plate registrations and mobile phone analysis.

Lawlor was gunned down outside Holland's house at Etna Drive in Ardoyne, north Belfast on April 4 last year.

Prosecutors claim the 36-year-old underworld figure had moved north because he feared he was going to be attacked in a deadly feud.

But his assassination had already been commissioned three weeks earlier at a meeting in a Sligo hotel attended by an international drugs dealer, it has been alleged.

Neither Holland nor 45-year-old co-defendant Patrick Teer, of Thornberry Hill in Belfast, are accused of being the gunman. Instead, they were charged as part of a joint enterprise to murder, based on their alleged involvement in events surrounding the murder.

According to police, Lawlor went to Etna Drive in a pre-arranged appointment to collect cash.

Shooting

A gunman emerged from the property and opened fire, shooting him in the head and body. Lawlor died at the scene.

The attack is believed to have been part of an ongoing drugs dispute which claimed three lives in the past year.

Originally from Dublin, Lawlor was heavily involved in a bitter feud between rival Drogheda-based factions.

With both of the men charged with his murder still in custody, counsel for Holland challenged the case advanced against his client at a previous hearing.

"The outline of the facts by the prosecution was a masterpiece of vagueness," Joe Brolly told Belfast Magistrates Court.

Confirming Holland intends to apply for bail next month, the barrister requested police interview tapes and CCTV from a Tesco store in Crumlin, Co Antrim where Lawlor allegedly met a suspect on the day before his murder.

Footage from a hotel in Sligo where police claim a meeting was held to commission the assassination should also be disclosed, it was contended.

Accused

"The evidence against this accused is the coincidence of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), CCTV footage, and cell-site analysis of a mobile phone not recovered which the prosecution say is attributable to the accused," Mr Brolly added.

Crown lawyer Natalie Pinkerton responded that evidence is not ready to be disclosed at this stage, but added that she would take instructions on the material sought.

Adjourning the case for four weeks, district judge George Conner told defence representatives: "I suggest you put in writing the matters you are specifically asking for.

"I expect the prosecution to examine those matters and to release any documents that can be released at this stage."
"We are seeing over 800 patients a day admitted to London hospitals with coronavirus. That is the equivalent of a new hospital full of coronavirus patients every day," says Sir Simon Stevens, the chief executive of the National Health Service in England. Loading "We've got 50 per cent more coronavirus patients in our hospitals than we had at the peak of the April first wave and that is true in every region in the country now. And that number is accelerating very, very rapidly. We've seen an increase of 10,000 hospitalised coronavirus patients just since Christmas Day. That's the equivalent of filling 20 acute hospitals with extra coronavirus patients. "And that is all happening at what is traditionally the busiest time of year for hospitals and the wider NHS." More than 1000 people are dying a day, the economy has been smashed and the third national lockdown will crush even more business owners and workers. But it would be a mistake to prepare the Prime Minister's political obituary just yet. Brits have been extremely forgiving of Johnson given the scale of the calamity that has unfolded since last March. And while colleagues are growing weary, there is no serious talk of Johnson being rolled by his party.

Johnson's personal approval ratings have not recovered since they crashed last year but the Conservative Party retains its lead over Labour in most opinion polls. The Prime Minister has a few things in his favour. The public largely accepts that the extraordinary surge of infections over recent weeks has been fuelled by a highly transmissible new variant. Johnson also has no obvious leadership rival. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is popular with MPs but inexperienced. Credit:Bloomberg The baby-faced Chancellor Rishi Sunak has impressed colleagues but he is inexperienced and was reportedly one of the loudest voices in cabinet against nationwide lockdowns. Jeremy Hunt, a former health secretary who has been highly critical of the government's approach and ran against Johnson in the 2019 leadership contest, could be a dark horse but is playing the long game. To his credit, Johnson has delivered Brexit  something his two predecessors David Cameron and Theresa May were unwilling or unable to do. But with Brexit done, Johnson's usefulness to the Conservative Party begins to decline and his handling of the pandemic becomes a more critical political question.

The central criticisms of Johnson are that he waits too long to make decisions, is blinded by his natural inclination for optimism and boosterism, and over-promises and under-delivers. A sense of incompetence within Downing Street and the broader British state is his Achilles heel. After breaking a string of pledges about when life might return to normal in Britain, Johnson has now made another promise: to vaccinate 15 million of the most vulnerable people by February 15. The priority groups  older care home residents and staff, everyone aged 70 or over, all frontline NHS workers, and all those considered clinically extremely vulnerable because of pre-existing health conditions  together account for 88 per cent of all those who have died in the UK since the pandemic began. Brian Pinker receives the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine at Oxford University Hospital Credit:PA With 1.5 million already given at least one of two jabs, that leaves 13.5 million people, or 337,500 per day, still to be offered the first of two jabs by Valentine's Day. "I have found this logistic operation to be unparalleled in its scale and complexity and I say this having served in operations around the world," says Brigadier Phil Prosser, the Army's logistics commander who has been put in charge of the military's involvement in the rollout.
An Indonesian plane carrying 62 people is believed to have crashed into the sea shortly after take-off from capital Jakarta.

The Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 passenger plane lost contact four minutes into its journey to Pontianak in West Kalimantan province, said a BBC report.

The plane took off from Soekarno-Hatta international airport on Saturday at 1.56pm for a 90-minute flight over the Java Sea between Jakarta and Pontianak in West Kalimantan - Indonesia's section of Borneo island.

There were 56 passengers - seven of whom are children and three are babies - as well as two pilots and four cabin crew.

Flight tracking website Flightradar24.com said the aircraft lost more than 3,000m (10,000ft) in altitude in less than a minute.

Witnesses said they had seen and heard at least one explosion.

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed personnel to the last known location of the airplane.

A number of residents of an island near where the plane disappeared told the BBC they had found objects they thought were from the plane.

The transport ministry said search and rescue efforts were under way.

The Indonesian navy has been deployed to look for the aircraft, reports say. Navy official Abdul Rasyid told Reuters news agency it had determined the plane's coordinates and ships had been deployed to the location.





Haiti - Drama : Shipwreck off the Colombian coast, 3 other Haitian bodies found





Following the sinking on Monday January 4, 2021 of a boat in the area of the island of Terron de Azucar in the municipality of Acandi (Dept. Choco) off the Colombian coast https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32703-haiti-flash-shipwreck-off-the-colombian-coast-9-haitian-survivors-2-dead-5-missing.html carrying 16 Haitians the provisional toll was then 9 survivors, 2 dead and 5 missing .



The searches continued both by sea and by air and the Colombian National Navy found 3 other dead bodies. Wednesday the navy found 2 bodies including a minor; the first was located 2 nautical miles north of Acandi, while the body of the underage was found 9 nautical miles south of this municipality. On Thursday January 7, the body of a young castaway over 21 years old was recovered 21 nautical miles from the town of Acandi.



The sinking toll now stands at 9 survivors, 5 dead and 2 missing. The bodies of Haitians who perished at sea were handed over to judicial police officials for identification.



S/ HaitiLibre


















New Delhi: Comedian Kapil Sharma was recently summoned by the Crime branch of the Mumbai police to record statements against car designer Dilip Chhabria. The latter reportedly duped the comedian of over Rs 5 crores.

Dilip was arrested by the Mumbai police in connection with car finance and fake registration racket on December 29. Kapil was called for enquiry on January 7 by the police. He met the Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) in charge API Sachin Waze and recorded his statements.

I read about Dilip Chhabria and his scam in newspapers and that is when I decided to meet Mumbai Police Commissioner. We had also asked Chhabria to design a vanity van for which full payment was done but he didn't deliver. We had also complained to Economic Offences Wing (EOW) earlier regarding it. I am happy that people like Chhabria are being arrested. There are a lot many people involved in white-collar crime. I do not have the exact amount that we paid, that is known to my accountant, India Today quoted Kapil as saying.

Dilip Chhabria is a popular car designer and founder of car modification company DC.

Kapil Sharma had registered a fake registration case against Dilip. He also paid Chhabria to build his vanity van. However, The Kapil Sharma Show host filed a case against the car designer after he failed to deliver his van.
Lucknow/Meerut: The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh, which earlier apprehended a retired Army soldier, Signalman Saurabh Sharma, in counter espionage operation, has made another arrest from Gujarat.

According to reports, the UP ATS team on Friday arrested Anas Giteli from his residence and is seeking his transit remand to bring him to their UP ATS HQ for joint questioning and examination.

The ATS team had earlier arrested Saurabh Sharma on the basis of the inputs provided by Lucknow based Military Intelligence (MI) Unit. Inputs suggested that the suspect, retired Signalman Saurabh Sharma (among his multiple payments in lieu of the sensitive information shared) had received a payment of Rs 4000/- electronically in February 2020.

This amount was transferred to Saurabh's account by Anas Giteli s/o Yakub Giteli resident of Panchmahal, Godhra, Gujarat.

Interestingly, it was also reported that Anas Giteli's elder brother, Imraan Giteli (37 years), was earlier arrested by NIA Hyderabad in September 2020 in the infamous Vishakhapatnam Espionage Case for his involvement in sending money to sailor sending critical information to a Pakistani agency.

However, further details are being ascertained in this regard. Sharma, the ex-serviceman was working for a Karachi-based Pakistani intelligence agency since 2016, according to sources.

In November 2020, the MI officials had received inputs indicating the involvement of Signalman Saurabh Sharma (Retd) in espionage activities. The input was further developed as "Operation Cross-Connection", and the details were shared with UP ATS in early December and a joint investigation was initiated.

After working on the input for a month UP ATS on Friday arrested the suspect, Signalman Saurabh Sharma (Retd) from his parental house in Hapur district's village Bihuni.

Signalman Saurabh Sharma accepted his involvement with the Pakistani intelligence agency and revealed that he came in touch with the Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) on Facebook in 2014.

Initially, the PIO introduced 'herself' as a defence journalist but later started seeking sensitive military information by 2016 in return for money. He used to share this information in form of text, audio and photo messages and also on call mostly using WhatsApp. He reportedly has received several payments from his handlers.

The soldier retired from the Army in June 2020 for medical reasons. Traces of his activities have been found on his mobile phone.

An FIR has been lodged at Gomti Nagar Police Station in Lucknow against the accused under sections 120B, 123 of IPC, sections 3,4,5 & 9 of Official Secrets Act (OSA), and section 13 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

He is being produced before the court. It is anticipated that UP ATS shall ask for Police Custody (PC) of the accused of furtherance of the investigation. Further leads of the case are being examined jointly by Lucknow MI, UP ATS, and Central Intelligence Agencies.

Live TV
I have been a member since 1983. This is how weve been trained, she said. It has been instilled in us. We are socially active. You hear from him because you all (the media) go to him. Right now ... we are stepping up and doing what we do as people of St. Sabina.
The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV.
Sydney mayors have called for greater powers to deal with dodgy private certifiers, saying their councils have been inundated with complaints about building sites.

Waverley Council received 801 complaints about illegal development or use of buildings in 2019-20, compared with 414 in 2018-19.

Waverley mayor Paula Masselos said the council was concerned about issues at building sites under the authority of private certifiers. Credit:James Alcock

Waverley's Labor mayor, Paula Masselos, said the council was concerned about issues at building sites under the authority of private certifiers.

"[We] would like to see improved auditing of certifiers and faster responses from Fair Trading NSW to complaints from residents and council," she said.
New Delhi:

Wipro Limited Chairman Azim Premji has denied a media report that promoters of the IT company were contemplating sale of their holdings in the IT major and said he "remains committed to Wipro."

In his letter to Wiproites, he had termed the news article reportedly published in this regard as "baseless and malicious."

A news website had yesterday quoting banking sources reported that the promoters of the India's third-largest IT services company are in the early stages of evaluating the sale of the company or some of its units, and have even approached investment banks.

In the letter sent out late last night to its employees, Premji said he continued to be "incredibly excited" about the potential of the IT industry and Wipro.

"Over the past 50 years, I have seen Wipro grow from a small regional player in vegetable oils to a global leader in technology. I continue to be incredibly excited about the potential of the IT industry and Wipro.. I see enormous energy within the company to power the success of our clients and therefore the success of Wipro," he said.

"I remain as committed to Wipro as I have ever been.. The news article about promoters of Wipro evaluating sale of their holding in the company is baseless and malicious.. There is no truth to these unsubstantiated rumours," he added. Premji along with his family own about 73.25 per cent shares in the company.

For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) attends the State of the Union address in the chamber of the House of Representatives in Washington on Feb. 4, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Manchin Absolutely Opposes Further Blanket Direct Payment Checks

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a moderate Democrat, on Friday said he opposed providing $2,000 stimulus checks, putting him at odds with President-elect Joe Biden.

Absolutely not. No, Manchin told The Washington Post in an interview published Friday. Getting people vaccinated, thats job number one.

How is the money that we invest now going to help us best to get jobs back and get people employed? And I cant tell you that sending another check out is going to do that to a person thats already got a check, he said.

Later Friday Manchin said in a tweet that if checks do go out, they should only go to the neediest.

If the next round of stimulus checks goes out, they should be targeted to those who need it, he wrote.

Earlier this week, Biden said if Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) were elected it would allow the Senate to approve the $2,000 stimulus checks that Democrats have been trying to pass with the recent budget.

Their election would put an end to the block in Washington on that $2,000 stimulus check, that money that will go out the door immediately to people who are in real trouble, Biden said Monday at a campaign rally in Georgia.

Manchin, the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is one of the senators that broke from other members of his party who were calling for progressive policies like the Green New Deal.

With the wins in Georgia, Democrats are now poised to be in control of which laws are enacted, with a tie of 50-50 and the vice president breaking any deadlock in votes.

In 2019 Manchin, from the coal-heavy state of West Virginia, voted against the Green New Deal, although his party had passed it in the House.

In a press statement after the vote he said: While I appreciate the renewed conversation around climate change that the Green New Deal and its supporters have sparked, I think we need to focus on real solutions that recognize the role fossil fuels will continue to play. Thats why I voted against the resolution today.

Democrats say the Green New Deal aims to improve the environment by bringing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions down to net-zero and meet 100 percent of power demand through renewable and zero-emission energy sources by 2030.

Republicans say the deal would create $2 trillion worth of debt, abolish fossil fuels, and ban fracking, which they say would cost hundreds of thousands of American jobs across the heartland.

Now with Democrats controlling the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the White House, it is more likely that many progressive bills will pass unless senators like Manchin vote with Republicans.

Opposing the Green New Deal along with Manchin were Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), and Angus King (D-Maine).

(Newser)  A Boeing 737 with 56 passengers and six crew members fell off the radar Saturday just minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. Per the New York Times, the nation's Transportation Ministry says Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 disappeared over the Java Sea, with the last contact made with aviation authorities at 2:40pm local time. The plane, which had been headed for Pontianak on the island of Borneo, had taken off from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in heavy rain, and just four minutes after it ascended into the sky, the Flightradar24 tracking service noted a drop of 10,000-plus feet in under a minute. Shortly after that, it fell off the radar, Bloomberg notes. Per the Antara news agency, the plane was about 11 nautical miles north of the airport, at an altitude of about 11,000 feet and climbing, when it vanished, CNN reports.

story continues below

Fishermen in the Thousand Islands regency spotted debris and an oil slick in the water, per local media, though it's not clear whether that's from the missing plane. The regent says a report was filed about a plane crash on the uninhabited island of Laki. The 26-year-old 737-500 plane is a much older model than the 737 Max that has brought much turmoil to Boeing. "Management is still communicating and investigating this matter and will immediately issue an official statement after obtaining the actual information," the airline says in a statement, per the Times. Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency has sent patrol boats to the section of the Java Sea near where the plane was last caught on radar, and local TV says first responders have also been dispatched in the hopes there are survivors. Boeing is also aware of what has happened and is keeping tabs on the situation, a rep says. (Read more missing plane stories.)
Coronavirus outbreaks in care homes more than doubled in a fortnight over the New Year period, after it emerged that only ten per cent of residents had been vaccinated.

According to data from Public Health England, there were 503 reports of Covid-19 outbreaks in care homes in England in the week up to January 3, up from 304 the week before.

The week before that, there were 236, meaning infections increased more than 113 per cent in two weeks.

A care home outbreak is classed as two or more confirmed cases, meaning the number of residents being infected with the virus will be even higher.

When the first coronavirus wave as at its peak in March and April last year, the Government was heavily criticised over the way care homes were residents were left exposed to the disease - with more than 20,000 dying.

The Government's vaccination priority list, a version of which was first published in September, puts care home residents and staff among those first in line for a jab.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted earlier this week that the vaccination plan needs to speed up as figures showed only one in 10 care home residents, and 14 per cent of staff had been vaccinated so far.

Nadra Ahmed, the chair of the National Care Association, said the delays were 'not good enough' and said the Government was 'failing' vulnerable care home residents.

The new infection figures in care homes came as it emerged that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have been given the Covid-19 vaccination at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace revealed today.

The Monarch, 94, and Prince Philip, 99, have joined more than 1.5million people across Britain who have been one either the Pfizer/BioNTech or Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine. .

Coronavirus outbreaks in care homes more than doubled in a fortnight over the New Year period, after it emerged that only ten per cent of residents had been vaccinated

Number 10 blamed complications in getting the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine - which needs to be stored at -70C - for the poor progress in vaccinating care home residents.

However, it is thought the rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab - which began last week - will accelerate the vaccination programme because it is easier to store and transport.

The Department of Health said it is aiming for all care home residents to have been offered vaccines by the end of January.

But Nadra Ahmed, the chair of the National Care Association, told the Telegraph that the delays were unacceptable.

She said: 'It's not good enough. For once we would have loved to see the statistics being ahead of the curve, rather than behind it,' she said.

'If we don't do this, we are failing the vulnerable citizens in this country who are in care settings, and this will be the failure of the government to safeguard the people who are the most vulnerable.'

According to data from Public Health England, there were 503 reports of Covid-19 outbreaks in care homes in England in the week up to January 3, up from 304 the week before

Adam Briggs, senior fellow at independent charity The Health Foundation, tweeted on Thursday: 'The rise in reported care home incidents is really concerning.

'The NHS is (rightly) all over the news but care homes cannot be neglected again.'

The Independent Care Group, which represents more than 200 providers in North Yorkshire and York, said last week it is heartening that care homes are a high priority and have been promised the vaccine by the end of the month.

Care home staff told to go to work despite testing POSITIVE for coronavirus Care home staff have been told to go into work despite testing positive for coronavirus, an alarming new report revealed on Friday. In the past fortnight inspectors have flagged more than a dozen care homes over problems with infection control. The Care Quality Commission reportedly warned at least 14 homes about flaws, including telling workers with Covid to work due to staff shortages, the Guardian reported. This comes as the NHS makes plans to commandeer spare care beds across the country to help release pressure on hospitals where wards are filling up with Covid patients as the crisis escalates. National Care Association chairwoman Nadra Ahmed told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the sector had been receiving calls over Christmas about filling beds in nursing homes. But she warned: 'There's no way that providers can go back to April when we were told everything was OK and people were being discharged out of hospitals. 'Of course we want to help the NHS if we can, but we have to do that safely. 'The only way that can be safely done is if we're absolutely clear that the person is no longer shedding the virus and bringing it into the care service.' Advertisement

But chairman Mike Padgham said the Government this time needed to deliver after 'similar promises' which failed to materialise.

He said: 'We have had similar promises before and we pray the Government can deliver this time. We need a dose of realism.

'If the Government can deliver the vaccine to homes by the end of January, we want to see them do it swiftly.

'If they can't then they must be honest and tell us a realistic timescale. There is no time to lose.'

An independent House of Commons review said care homes were 'thrown to the wolves' by the Government when tens of thousands of hospital patients were discharged into the sector during the first wave without being tested for Covid.

It comes as another 1,325 Covid deaths were reported on Friday - nearly one a minute - a higher figure than the peak of 1,224 in the first wave last April.

The death toll - which has doubled in a week - takes the UK to the brink of almost 80,000 victims.

Coronavirus infections hit a record high of 68,053.

Experts fear the daily death counts will continue to spiral because of rocketing cases and hospitalisations.

Department of Health figures show the UK has recorded more than 50,000 cases for 11 days in a row.

It means the five worst days of the pandemic have all occurred since the start of 2021. Cases have risen by almost 30 per cent week-on-week.

The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital in England also stood at a record 29,346 as of 8am on Friday, up by 30 per cent from a week ago.

Hospital admissions also hit a new high with a total of 3,967 admissions in England reported for January 6, passing the previous record of 3,697 on January 5, according to NHS England figures.

In a more positive development, a third Covid-19 vaccine, from US biotech firm Moderna, was given the green light by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) - joining the vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca.

But the Government has doubled down on its 'stay at home message' by launching a new advert, fronted by England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, urging everyone in England to 'act like you've got' coronavirus.

Prof Whitty said: 'Vaccines give clear hope for the future, but for now we must all stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.'

Mr Johnson added: 'I know the last year has taken its toll - but your compliance is now more vital than ever.'

Some hospitals are approaching breaking point, and preparing to turn to care homes for help, the chief executive of NHS Providers has said. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital had surged past 30,000 by January 4, NHS data reveals

The advertising campaign will run across TV, radio, newspapers and on social media and will feature images of patients in hospital.

Government death figures continue to be affected by a lag in the publication of recent data and will contain some deaths that took place over the Christmas and New Year period that have only just been reported.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are given Covid vaccine The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have been given the Covid-19 vaccination at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace revealed today. The Monarch, 94, and Prince Philip, 99, have joined more than 1.5million people across Britain who have been administered the jab since the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was approved for use in December. News of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's vaccination is unusual from Buckingham Palace, which rarely comments on the private health matters of the royal couple. It is understood the Queen decided the information should be made public to prevent inaccuracies and further speculation. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have today received Covid-19 vaccinations.' Advertisement

Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies for deaths where Covid-19 has been mentioned on the death certificate, together with additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been 95,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK.

Scientists advising the Government believe the current lockdown may lead to a plateau of cases of coronavirus across the UK rather than the dramatic cut seen following the March and April lockdown.

They estimate there are currently more than 100,000 new infections per day and possibly higher than 150,000 which they believe puts the current number of daily cases at a higher level than during the first wave of the pandemic.

With the current lockdown and vaccine rollout, deaths from coronavirus are expected to start dropping in February, while hospital admissions should fall after that.

Coronavirus cases are expected to drop in the spring due to vaccination plus the fact people spend more time outdoors, making it harder for the virus to spread.

Elsewhere, hospitals also reported increasing pressures, with more than half of all major hospital trusts in England currently having more Covid-19 patients than at the peak of the first wave.

Data shows hospitals are also seeing far more younger people than during the first wave.

In London, mayor Sadiq Khan declared a 'major incident' as the spread of coronavirus threatens to 'overwhelm' the capital's hospitals.

City Hall said Covid-19 cases in London had exceeded 1,000 per 100,000, while there are 35 per cent more people in hospital with the virus than in the peak of the pandemic in April.

NHS England figures published later on Friday showed the number of Covid patients in London hospitals stands at 7,277, up 32 per cent on the previous week.

The new infection figures in care homes came as it emerged that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have been given the Covid-19 vaccination at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace revealed today

A 'major incident' means the 'severity of the consequences' associated with it are 'likely to constrain or complicate the ability of responders to resource and manage the incident'.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) said an estimated one in 70 people in private households in Wales had Covid-19 between December 27 and January 2 - the equivalent of 44,100 people, or 1.45 per cent of the population.

This compares with an estimated one in 50 people in England during the same period, which the ONS first announced on Tuesday this week.

Separate estimates by the ONS suggest around one in 115 people in private households in Scotland had Covid-19 between December 25 and 31 - the equivalent of 45,900 people or 0.87 per ent of the population.

Scotland also recorded its highest daily number of coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic, while the number of people being treated for Covid-19 in hospitals has exceeded the April peak.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that 93 virus-related deaths had been recorded in the past 24 hours - more than the previous daily high of 84.

She also said 1,530 people are currently receiving in-patient care due to Covid-19 - which is 63 more than the figure for Thursday and exceeds the peak of 1,520 recorded in April.

In Northern Ireland, an estimated one in 200 people in private households had Covid-19 between December 27 and January 2, the equivalent of 9,100 people or 0.50 per cent of the population.

The approval of the Moderna jab means the UK should have three vaccines to use when it comes on stream in spring.

Elsewhere, new research published on Friday suggests the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech appears to protect against a mutation in two coronavirus variants that are causing spread across the UK.

The pharmaceutical giant and researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch carried out lab tests on the strains, one of which was found in the UK while the other originated in South Africa.

Row erupts over NHS bid to shift Covid-19 patients to care homes again to ease burden on hospitals

Care homes may have to take in hospital patients again to help the NHS cope

Charities say the move would be even riskier now due to more infectious strain

Over 25,000 people were admitted to care homes from mid-March to mid-April

By Eleanor Hayward, Health Correspondent for the Daily Mail

A furious dispute erupted last night when it emerged care homes may again have to take in hospital patients to help the NHS cope with the coronavirus crisis.

Campaigners warn this may lead to a repeat of the 'disaster' last spring when infectious patients were sent to care homes and tens of thousands of deaths resulted.

Charities and care leaders say they have a 'horrible sense of deja-vu' and it would be a 'grave mistake'. But NHS bosses say they are running out of beds due to soaring virus admissions and desperately need to offload patients to the care sector.

'We are now reaching the point where hospital beds are full, community beds are full, and community at-home services are also full,' said Chris Hopson, head of NHS Providers. What trust leaders are now trying to do is [use] spare capacity in the care and nursing home sector.

NHS bosses say they are running out of beds due to soaring virus admissions and desperately need to offload patients to the care sector (Pictured: Staff in an intensive care ward in St George's Hospital in London)

'They are in the middle of conversations with their care and nursing home colleagues to see if they can access that capacity.'

Mr Hopson said care homes were better placed to accept patients than Nightingale hospitals because they had more staff. He called on the Government to create financial incentives for care homes to take NHS patients.

He added: 'There is, of course, no question of using this capacity for patients who could introduce Covid-19 infection risk into care homes or for patients requiring complex or specialist hospital care.'

Campaign groups are furious that the NHS is willing to 'repeat its mistake'. Over 25,000 people were admitted to care homes from mid-March to mid-April as hospitals scrambled to clear beds for Covid patients.

As many as 16,000 were not tested, so the virus was seeded into care homes where it could rip through elderly and vulnerable residents. There were more than 400 Covid-19 care homes deaths per day at the peak.

Care leaders say the move would be even riskier now thanks to the new, more infectious, strain.

Fiona Carragher of the Alzheimer's Society said: 'There's a horrible sense of deja-vu  the Government must ensure everyone receives a negative covid test before being discharged, something Alzheimer's Society called for from the start.'

Charities and care leaders say the move would be a 'grave mistake' and would be even riskier now due to more infectious strain. (Pictured: Ellen Prosser, known as Nell, who is 100 years old, receives the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine at the Sunrise Care Home in Sidcup, Britain on Jan 7)

Diane Mayhew of campaign group Rights for Residents said: 'It is awful that hospitals are full to capacity but this is not the answer. There could be a repeat of the disaster in the spring. As relatives we are unable to get into care homes to see our loved ones in order to 'protect' them  so it beggars belief that patients are being allowed in again.'

But Caroline Abrahams of Age UK said: 'If a care home has space and is confident that it can look after a discharged patient safely and get the medical back-up  then there's no reason why it shouldn't take them.'

A Department of Health spokesman said: 'No care home should be forced to admit an existing or new resident if they do not feel they can provide the appropriate care.

We are putting in place designated care home or NHS community settings that can provide covid-positive residents with the care and support they need while protecting other vulnerable residents.'
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 03:57:21|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A bar provides more outdoor seats in New Orleans, Louisiana, the United States, Jan. 8, 2021. U.S. city of New Orleans on Friday tightened its COVID-19 restrictions as the situation of the pandemic continued to worsen in the past days. (Photo by Lan Wei/Xinhua)

HOUSTON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. city of New Orleans on Friday tightened its COVID-19 restrictions as the situation of the pandemic continued to worsen in the past days.

According to authorities, New Orleans started to follow the Modified Phase One restrictions from 6 a.m. on Jan. Under those restrictions, gatherings and special events are not allowed except for people who live together in a single household; all indoor activities are reduced to 25 percent of permitted occupancy; only people from the same household are allowed to sit at the same table at restaurants and bars with the limitation of six people.

Nearly all COVID-19 measures soared in the past days in New Orleans. The positivity rate went up from 5 percent two weeks ago to over 10 percent now; average daily cases have increased exponentially to over 200; hospitalizations reached an all-time record earlier this week statewide, with more COVID patients admitted than in April of last year.

Authorities said for all these reasons, it was necessary to take immediate action to slow the spread of COVID-19 in all sectors.

"With vaccines coming but our COVID-19 numbers rising, these next few weeks will be a defining moment in the history of our response to this pandemic. That's why we need everyone in our community to take this change in COVID-19 restrictions very seriously," the city's Mayor LaToya Cantrell said earlier this week during a press briefing.

In the state of Louisiana where New Orleans is located, 2,553 more confirmed COVID-19 cases and 92 more confirmed deaths were reported on Friday. The Louisiana Department of Health said that Friday's death toll is the second highest total reported in a single day in the state.
London: Ministers are considering a "tough crackdown" to ensure more Britons stay at home after the daily coronavirus death toll hit a record high.

There is growing concern in government over compliance with the current lockdown after cases continued to rise sharply. One in 15 people are now estimated to be infected in some parts of London. Rates in Liverpool and other areas have almost quadrupled in a week.

The British government has ramped up its warning as the infection rate soars in London. Credit: AP

A new hard-hitting advertising campaign has been unveiled warning the public that if they leave their homes "people will die".

In a television ad, Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, warns: "COVID-19, especially the new variant, is spreading quickly across the country. This puts many people at risk of serious disease and is placing a lot of pressure on our NHS. Once more, we must all stay home."
Home > 2021 > Modi government getting ready to confront the farmers | Arun (...)

by Arun Srivastava

After 40 days of peaceful nonviolent satyagraha, a situation reminiscent of the famous 1942 Do or Die movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi, is fast emerging on the political horizon with the farmers not willing to accept anything below scrapping of three black farm laws and providing legal status to the MSP acquiring a new dimension and dynamics.

If it was the reluctance of the Britishers to listen to the Indian voice that forced Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 to give the call for quit India movement, this time, in 2020, it is the arrogance of the government not to concede to their demands that has forced the farmers to hold their own Republic Day parade in Delhi in protest against the unwillingness of the government to concede their demands.

The farmers plan to organise the twice-rescheduled tractor rally on the KMP (Western Periphery) Expressway as practice for January 26. On January 23  the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose  farmers across the country will march to their respective Raj Bhavans since the governors represent the central government in the states.

"Our demands are the same as before-repeal the three farm laws & guarantee MSP. If our demands arent met, then, well hold tractor march on Jan 6 and also on Jan 26," said Sukhwinder S Sabra, Joint Secy, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Punjab ahead of the seventh round of talks with the government.

Though the Modi government has been inviting the farmers to the table to discuss their problems, its obstinacy to accept their pleas has been at the root of talks. So far seven rounds of talks have been held, but shockingly the government has not shown its eagerness to find a solution.

True enough failure of seventh round of talks held on January 4 did not come as a surprise. It was on the expected line; Modi government would not agree to the proposition to repeal the contentious laws. This has been the part of the strategy to frustrate, exhaust and break the moral of the farmers. Once they are exasperated they will abandon their agitation and go back to their villages.

The design of the government was also manifest in the actions of the ministers who unlike the talks on December 30, did not join the union leaders for the langar food and were seen having their own discussion separately during the break. Through their action the ministers made it explicit that government was ready to confront and there was no going back.

Realising that the BJP-RSS combine led by Narendra Modi is determined to pursue its mission , the farmers have also decided to look for other mode of protest. They have been holding demonstration at the residences of the senior BJP leaders across the country. The protesting farmers have served ultimatum to the Narendra Modi government, vowing to march into Delhi on January 26 and hold Kisan Gantantra Divas Parade without disrupting the official showpiece event if the three new farm laws are not repealed.The farmers made it clear that they had lost faith in the Prime Ministers words.

Questioning the Niti Aayogs arguments against food procurement as India has a surplus of food stock, the AIKSCC pointed out that the country also has the maximum and rising number of hungry people. Referring to the Hunger Index, the committee said Indias score had fallen from 38.8 in 2000 to 27.2 in 2020.

While Modi has triggered a farmer revolt his failed promises have attracted the poor and landless labourers to protest at Delhis borders. The daily wage earners gathered at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border in support of farmers complain of being duped with the promise of achchhe din (good days) six years ago.

Though the farmers have not allowed political parties to share their platform, majority of them are not happy with the role played by the Opposition, especially the left parties. They feel the opposition is not taking position to express its solidarity as a force multiplier. They nurse the view that the entire country would have erupted in protests if the Opposition parties had played a proactive role.

Though the agriculture minister announced that the 8th round of discussion will take place on January 8, going by the mood and posture of Narendra Modi it can safely be said that it would also prove to a futile exercise. The government is trying to engage the farmer leaders in psychological war and is using all kind of intrigue to enervate them.

The farmer leaders also made it absolutely clear; we will not agree to any alternatives. It is indeed shocking that the Modi government was pushing its own people to the wall and forcing them to resort to a protracted struggle. While the Modi government has been maintaining the facade of engaging the farmers in dialogue, farmers organisation All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), has come out with the accusation that the police in Haryana has been resorting to violent action against them.

In fact thirty-five students of Panjab University have written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) S A Bobde and other judges of the Supreme Court seeking an inquiry into alleged police atrocities on the farmers protesting at Delhi borders against the three farm laws. In the open letter, the students of the Centre for Human Rights and Duties of the university have alleged that there has been "illegitimate use of water cannons, tear gases shells and lathis on peaceful protesting farmers" by police authorities which needs to be probed.

Confirming that tear gas shells were fired, Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bawal, said: The protesters said those who had gone ahead did not have enough provisions. They asked for permission to go to them and set up a langar, and were allowed to do so. However, when they got there, the entire group tried to break through the barricades and move forward. Read more

Meanwhile in a major move Reliance Industries has distanced itself from the contentious farm laws. This is being viewed as a major setback to the Modi government. RIL has said it neither buys food grains directly from farmers nor is in the business of contract farming. The company said, "RIL have not done any corporate or contract farming in the past, and have absolutely no plans to enter this business." On the vandalism of towers and telecom infrastructure owned by Jio, the company moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking urgent intervention of the government.

With the Modi government determined not to accede to the farmers demands of not allowing unregulated private markets in competition with APMCs; giving a legal guarantee for MSP; and, not allowing the entry of corporates into purchase of and trade in agricultural produce, the farmers are left with no other alternative but to take their struggle to a new heights. This is for the first time the Independent India has been witnessing this nature of complete non-violent, peaceful protest which has been witness to the death of 57 innocent farmers at the protest site.

The most shocking scenario has been while the farmers wept at the death of each farmer, the ministers participating in the deliberations were unmoved. Today three more farmers died at the Singhu and Tikri borders; they were Jagbir, 66, from Jind district, and Jashnpreet, 18, from Bathinda, died in Tikri, while, Shamsher, 44, from Sangrur. They were found dead inside a truck at Singhu protest site. It is indeed a matter of shame that the government does not feel guilty. For it the farmers who died in the chilly winter did not count as human beings.

Nevertheless the agitating farmers have a question for Modi: What are the disadvantages of withdrawing the new farm laws and who stands to lose if they are withdrawn? While the farmers reiterate that they do not need such laws, Modi is insistent, you ought to have these as these are for your welfare. It is an open secret that he has been thrusting these laws down farmers throat to serve the interest of his corporate bosses, particularly Adanis and Ambanis, nonetheless he ought to realise by maintaining silence he was pushing the country into a black hole. He is ruining the future of the next generation.

Modi claims that these laws will transform farmers lives. If he is so confident then why is he evading them and does not sit with them across the table and explain them the benefits. Instead he has been playing the brain game and using all machination to break the agitation.

Modi is determined to assert his majority-inspired supremacy. But he is absolutely mistaken. Mohan Bhagwat crutch will not help him for long. Bhagwat too must do some amount of introspection. In his quest to transform India into Hindu Rashtra, he will turn 72 per cent of the Indians as beggars, of which not less than 90 per cent will be Hindus. Modi and Bhagwat must stop the implementation of their perverse notion of so called agriculture reform.

Farmer union leaders have warned the government that it should not take their agitation lightly and think that it can be handled like the Shaheen Bagh protest against the citizenship regime. The warning came a day after the younger generation of protesters gathered at Shahjahanpur on the Rajasthan-Haryana border and pushed their way past barricades.

SKM leadership also cautioned that the collective leadership of the movement might not be able to rein in the youngsters if the government continued to test their patience. While the blockade of Delhi will continue, they will broaden the movement by mobilising opinion across the country with a Desh Jagriti Abhiyan.

In a significant development the veteran actor and former BJP MP Dharmendra on Monday said he prays with all his heart that the farmers agitating against the three farm laws get justice today. Braving the cold and rains, thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, are protesting at various borders of the national capital for more than a month against the new agri legislations. "I hope today my farmer brothers get justice. I pray with all my heart. Every noble soul will get relief," Dharmendra, 84, wrote in Hindi on Twitter. This is not the first time the screen icon has spoken up in the wake of the farmers crisis. In December, Dharmendra urged the Centre to find a solution to the protests over the farm laws.

The Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) reiterated; Either repeal the three central farm acts or use force on us to evict us. The time has come for decisive action here and we have chosen January 26 because Republic Day represents the supremacy of the people and also because we would have demonstrated patiently and peacefully at Delhis borders for two full months in extreme weather conditions by then.
Richard Barnett, the Arkansas Trump supporter who declared himself a white nationalist and bragged about breaking into the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been arrested and charged.

Federal officials announced Friday that Barnett was arrested in Little Rock and charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, knowingly entering and remaining in a restricted area, and theft of public property.

Barnett took an envelope from Pelosi's desk, but later told the New York Times it wasn't stealing because he left a quarter on her desk.

Matthew Rosenberg/NYT

The Washington Post reviewed Barnett's Facebook page, and found several conspiracy theories and threats of violence.

In a Dec. 28 post, he announced he would be attending Wednesday's event and asked why others he knew weren't going. "This is OUR COUNTRY!!!," he wrote. "Can you give one day from the Internet or work or whatever to be active."

He added, "Get the f--- up people. Please STAND!!! If not now, when?"

In another post, he wrote that he "came into this world kicking and screaming, covered in someone else's blood," and, "I'm not afraid to go out the same way."

Barnett was one of several individuals that federal agents have arrested and charged for their roles in the Capitol riots.
Queensland's health authorities are urgently checking possible community transmission links on the Sunshine Coast from a second case of the easily transmissible UK COVID-19 strain found in the region on Saturday.

People who visited two supermarkets in Brisbane's south earlier this month have also been asked to get tested and quarantine for 14 days, with the Public Health Unit saying they could have had close contact with the latest confirmed case.

A woman in her 50s who arrived in Melbourne from the UK on Boxing Day tested positive to COVID-19 on December 27 and spent 10 days in isolation.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young addresses the media on Saturday. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty

Although she was at the end of the period of being COVID-19 infectious, she has spent three days in the Sunshine Coast community from January 5, before again testing COVID-19 positive on January 8 by Queensland Health.
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
Khloe Kardashian and her famous family officially wrapped 20 seasons of Keeping Up With The Kardashians on Friday.

The 36-year-old Good American founder shared a selfie on Saturday from her last day of shooting as she cuddled up to True, two, and her brother Rob's daughter Dream, four.

Looking glamorous in a brown leather tube top, she wrote, 'Happy Saturday!! Thumbs up!!'

Thumbs up: Khloe Kardashian, 36, shares a selfie with daughter True, two, and Rob's daughter Dream, four, as they celebrate the end of Keeping Up With The Kardashians after 20 seasons

True looked sporty as she sat on Khloe's lap in a black Burberry dress while flashing a big grin.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dream looked pretty in pink as she flashed a thumbs up.

Click here to resize this module

Though Rob, 33, has been less involved with the show in recent years, he made sure to properly wrap up this era of his life with his daughter by his side.

Khloe also looked grateful on the last day as she beamed from ear to ear surrounded by her family as they closed the chapter on the show that made them famous.

That's a wrap: The family showed off their labeled microphones as Kim said 'we just finished filming forever'

Cookie to the face: The family was all gifted edible place settings in the form of a cookie with their face on it as True was seen munching away

Sporty: The two-year-old daughter of Khloe and Tristan Thompson rocked a sport black Burberry dress

Care package: The family was treated to a Beignet Box truck as Khloe seemed to be indulging in the sweet treats despite her strict workout schedule

Khloe: Despite the divorce rumors, Kim took to Instagram to share many inside looks into the family's last day of filming

All the sisters shared an inside look at the last day of filming as they photographed their glamorous lunch table that featured a cookie name card with their face on it as they dined al fresco in Kim's backyard.

The rustic table featured bright colored flowers and the family was treated to a Beignet Box truck.

Khloe photographed her sweet goodies in her Rolls Royce which featured a Starbucks that had 'Happy Last Day' written all over it.

Despite Kim's swirling divorce rumors from husband of seven years, Kanye West - who was not present - Kim took to her social media to shoot a lot of behind the scenes looks into the last day.

Done forever: Kim led a champagne toast with the crew as she told her fans 'cheers to 20 seasons of craziness and lots of love'

Pour it up: The last day featured lots of tears and lots of alcohol as they said goodbye to the end of an era

The KKW Beauty founder - who rarely drinks - was seen toasting with champagne as she said she was 'sobbing.'

'It's a wrap! Not on the tears or the drinks tho,' as she said 'cheers to 20 seasons of craziness and lots of love.'

The family who puts a great emphasis on their fitness had good reason to celebrate as they wrapped 15 years of their life.

ADVERTISEMENT

On Thursday, Khloe caused a stir as she posted a gym selfie and said her body would be 'ready' come summer as she manifested the pandemic's end.

Kendall?: Fans were quick to think Khloe's Thursday gym selfie was Kendall as they wrote that they looked like 'twins' in the photo

Twins: Followers could not stop commenting on her slim frame that made Khloe look like her model sister

Compliments: The Good American founder took the compliment in stride as she sent kissy faces to the follower

Fans were quick to look at the photo and mistake her for model sister Kendall Jenner as she flashed her very thin legs in the mirror.

'I thought this was Kendall at first no joke,' one follower wrote.

Though she has been guilty of many-a photoshop fails in the past, Khloe took the compliment in stride as she responded, 'OMG stooooooppppp,' with two kissy faces.
The Alabama Department of Public Health says state hospitals are being overwhelmed with calls from people asking to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and asks the public not to call hospitals directly to schedule an appointment.

Within hours of announcing that the state planned to begin vaccinating anyone over age 75 and more essential workers on Jan. 18, ADPH says Alabama hospitals have been flooded with calls from people looking to set appointments, and that the number of calls is creating problems for those hospitals.

Please do not call your local hospital directly to set up appointments to be scheduled to receive your COVID-19 vaccine, the department said in a news release Friday.

We have learned that hospital switchboards are being overwhelmed with phone calls, which is creating an obstacle to patient care, the release states. Hospitals throughout Alabama are overwhelmed in providing care to both COVID-19 patients as well as responding to all other medical needs of our citizens.

Alabama is currently vaccinating only people in Phase 1a of its plan, frontline health care workers and some emergency responders, plus people who have extensive contact with COVID patients through their jobs, including laboratory and mortuary workers. Some areas have begun offering vaccine to other groups, if they have enough supply, but those have been largely at county health departments.

While hospitals in a few areas of the state have begun vaccinating those 75 years of age and older, most are still working to make sure their frontline workers are vaccinated, ADPH said. Additional information will be provided when hospitals and locations other than county health departments have vaccine available for additional groups.

The ADPH launched a statewide Vaccine Scheduling Hotline on Friday as well for people to call in 1-855-566-5333. Calls are answered from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. seven days a week, but ADPH says the line received more than 1.1 million calls on its first day of operation.

As a result, ADPH is asking people to only call the hotline if they are eligible to receive the vaccine on or before Jan. 18, meaning people over age 75, or who work in jobs listed under Phase 1a or 1b of the states vaccine allocation plan.

Please do not call the appointment line if you do not qualify to schedule a vaccine at this time, the ADPH said Saturday. Due to the overwhelming amount of calls, our target population cannot get through to schedule their appointments.

COVID-19 vaccination appointments are currently only available for healthcare workers, people 75 years and older, and first responders (including law enforcement and firefighters). The demand for vaccine continues to exceed supply in Alabama, with more than 300,000 healthcare workers and nearly 350,000 people that qualify for a vaccine at 75 years old and older.

ADPH said that people with general inquiries about the vaccine who are not wishing to schedule appointments to receive it can call 1-800-270-7268.

The ADPH also provided a list of hospitals and medical facilities that have received the vaccine as of Jan. 6, though more locations will be added as the state receives more shipments of vaccine.

In Birmingham, the Jefferson County Department of Health also has a hotline for vaccine info at 205-858-2221. Jefferson County residents can also text 888777 with the message INFOJEFFCO to sign up for COVID-19 vaccine text message updates.

*Updated at 10:15 a.m. with additional info from ADPH.
NSW will start managing cases of COVID-19 among overseas travellers differently in light of the new COVID-19 mutations around the world, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has announced.

The announcement was made on Saturday morning, as the state reported one new locally acquired case of coronavirus, linked to the Berala cluster. The state also recorded five cases in hotel quarantine, from about 25,500 tests.

"As the Premier indicated, we are seeing the emergence worldwide of a number of strains, and with travel, they are no longer the UK strain or the South African strain. We live in a global world and so all returning travellers are at increasing risk of having one of these mutations which need to be investigated," Dr Chant said.

"Some of the mutations are associated with increased transmissibility, and obviously we need to be vigilant for other impacts of the viruses as they change. This is a normal part of the evolution. It is what we expect virus to do, but it is important that we therefore take a very precautionary approach."
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
The electricity tariff hike is already taking its toll on the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), the private power distribution firm in charge of power supply to the institution, has disconnected the university from its supply.

Since January 5, the entire university campus, including the academic areas, staff quarters and hostels have been thrown into darkness as a result of the disconnection.

While parts of the academic area are supplied irregular light from the universitys central generator, residents of the staff quarters and officials in charge of the hostels have been without light in the last four days.

The university management has blamed IBEDC for the development, saying the distribution company unjustly hiked its bills for the months of October and December 2020.

But the electricity company has denied the allegation, saying the university was billed based on the approved template by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, had earlier warned that if the new tariff regime is not reversed, most academic institutions would be disconnected from public power supply.

He said the new bills are clearly unfordable for the academic institutions and that these institutions must look out for sustainable alternatives towards ensuring smooth academic and non-academic activities whenever the institutions are reopened.

The Nigerian universities have been shut since March, 2020, when the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on a prolonged industrial action, paralysing activities on the campuses nationwide.

Though ASUU has since suspended its strike in December 2020, the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic has necessitated the continued shutdown of the institutions.

Meanwhile, workers at the OAU have begun to count their losses, saying the power outage has further compounded their pains as researchers.

Reasons for the disconnection

According to the power distribution company, based on the number of hours the light is supplied to the campus, OAU belongs to Band A and it is charged N56.78 per kilowatt because it gets power supply for an average of 20 hours per day.

Based on the new categorisation, the company said a bill of N44,243,136.02 was sent to the university for the month of October but that the institution only paid N25 million, leaving a balance of N19 million.

Findings by this newspaper revealed that following federal governments intervention that the new tariff regime should be halted, the university received an old rate of about N32 million for the month of November, which was paid promptly.

However, for the month of December, IBEDC billed the university a total of N56,350,743.20 which the institution claimed was not only arbitrary but also illegal.

According to the universitys vice-chancellor, Eyitope Ogunbodede, the management of the institution was not aware when the embargo placed on the implementation of the new tariff regime was lifted, and so could not afford to pay the new bills.

But according to IBEDC spokesperson, Busolami Tunwase, based on the companys calculation, the university is owing the company a total N43 million.

Speaking on the phone with our reporter, Ms Tunwase said; IBEDC never closes its channels of communication to the institution. Various letters were sent and meetings held, and we are still willing to sit with the university management over this again.

New rate unaffordable VC

The universitys vice-chancellor has kicked against the new tariff regime, insisting that the institution cannot afford to spend such huge resources on power supply alone.

ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking on the phone with our reporter, Mr Ogunbodede said the total money annually released as overhead cost to run the university is less than N100 million.

He said; Honestly, the last bill they brought is N56 million and students are not on campus. Imagine if students were to be on the campus, then we would be paying far above N100 million per month. The overhead for the whole year in our budget is less than 100 million. Not one month, but for the whole year.

So, by the time we start paying 100 million for electricity per month, theres no way the university will be able to cope with that. They are claiming they put us on commercial rate, why must a university be put on a commercial rate?

Workers union counts losses

Reacting to the development in a telephone chat with our reporter, the chairman of the universitys branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Adeola Egbedokun, said the fact that students are not on the campus does not mean that academic works including researches, result processes, among other activities are not ongoing.

Describing the situation as unfortunate, Mr Egbedokun said most of these duties have been stalled since the issue of power outage started.

He said; I must also mention that it has been extremely challenging for academic staff members to cope with the situation, since all resources and works are 100 per cent tied to electricity. Colleagues in the Chemical, Health and Biological sciences must be under serious pressure in terms of their specimens that must be kept under a specific cooling temperature. Internet supply have been truncated thus result processing officers and HoDs cannot perform their tasks.

In fact, course lecturers cannot load results because of this challenge. Even in the staff quarters, many must have stocked their freezers for their families but this power cut would have seriously troubled them. The various businesses are not spared. We have an unbearable situation at hand, considering the economic situation of the country; salaries are either not paid or mutilated, the value of naira is crashing every hour and running on generator is too expensive. Really, it is not a friendly situation at all.

He said his union had engaged the university management on the matter and that modalities towards restoring the power supply is currently being pursued.

Varsity in search of solution

Mr Ogunbode told PREMIUM TIMES that the university has set up a committee to address the challenge and that the committee is currently weighing options available towards an enduring solution.

He said; We have set up a committee to look into the matter. The remedies to take are that; we need to reduce our electricity consumption, we need to look for an alternative source of power and number we need to look at our gas project. So, if we spend the N56 million payment per month on solar, it will go a long way. As a university, we are rethinking our electricity supply.

The vice-chancellor also addressed the issue of water crisis on campus. He confirmed the claim that lecturers had to dig personal boreholes in their official quarters and blamed the development on the analogue system installed at the universitys dam, which was constructed in 1981.

Mr Ogunbodede, however, thanked the federal ministry of water resources for coming to the universitys aid, saying the water supply system has been digitised and that new pipes are currently being laid to replace the old ones.

Now as Im speaking, all the pumping machines have been changed to digital but we also need to change the pipe because when you pump under high pressure some of the pipes will burst. Regarding this, we have concluded a project to lay the pipes and the ministry is also supporting us. In fact, we have even put tanks on top of the hill, so that water can drop to some other parts of the campus. The issue of water is better now and we arent discouraging those that have boreholes already, the vice-chancellor said.

The vice-chancellor added that the university spends as much as N2 million every two weeks to purchase alum to prepare the water for supply. He said running universities in Nigeria is a big task for the administrators.

As universities groan, financial scandal rocks NERC

While customers of the power distribution companies including individuals and academic institutions continue to groan under the heavy weight of increased tariff regime, the board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been accused of being profligate with the commissions finances.

A recent report by PREMIUM TIMES has exposed how the commissions board members have illegally paid themselves billions as salaries, severance entitlements and purchased exotic cars, which were allegedly registered in their names.

The immediate past chairman of the commission, James Momoh, confirmed to this newspaper that the allegations may not be totally untrue. He said the men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had sought explanations on the matter and that his board provided answers. He added that all decisions taken by the board concerning the allegations were jointly taken by all the members of the board.

It is noteworthy that the NERC, by the law establishing it, is funded through 1.5 per cent of charges paid to the distribution companies by electricity customers.

However, many weeks after the report by this newspaper, no relevant arm of the countrys government has deemed it necessary to query the commission.
Betsy DeVos spent four contentious years as education secretary as a tireless advocate for school choice, an ally of for-profit colleges and a frequent opponent of federal consumer regulations and civil rights protections.

She left office Friday as one of President Donald Trump's best-known - though also most-polarizing - secretaries. Much of her policy work will probably be reversed by the Biden administration, just as she reversed policies of the Obama administration.

Her most lasting legacy may be a sweeping directive governing how schools handle allegations of sexual assault and harassment. Those rules, which give more due-process rights to the accused, will be difficult to unwind, though President-elect Joe Biden has said he will try.

She also used executive authority to roll back Obama-era guidance on affirmative action, and to require college campuses to recognize free speech rights.

Other DeVos priorities required congressional action, and she was able to move almost none of them through Congress.

"If you want to make lasting changes in public policy, you need to enact laws," said Terry Hartle, senior vice president for government relations with the American Council on Education, which represents colleges and universities. "If you're going to live by executive-branch action, you die by executive action. That's the world we live in."

DeVos was a stalwart ally to Trump, even as White House aides whispered that the president did not think much of her. She rarely said anything that could be read as criticism of Trump until Thursday, when she resigned with 13 days remaining, to protest his role in igniting a mob that breached the U.S. Capitol.

"There is no mistaking the impact your rhetoric had on the situation, and it is the inflection point for me," she wrote in her resignation letter to Trump.

Her last day was Friday. "It has been a privilege to serve America's students alongside you," she wrote in a brief goodbye note to Education Department staff Friday morning.

Her final chapter was a consequential one, as the coronavirus pandemic shut down U.S. schools. DeVos joined Trump in pushing schools to reopen for in-person learning, with mixed success. Some experts agreed with her, fearing remote learning is leaving many children behind. Critics noted that the federal government failed to provide schools with clear guidance or funding that would have made it easier to open doors.

Before and during the pandemic, DeVos trained her focus on school choice policies, which allocates taxpayer money to families who choose alternatives to traditional public schools. For DeVos, that includes private schools, religious schools, parent-organized "pods," home schooling and charter schools of all sorts.

She branded it "education freedom" and suggested federal dollars to support traditional schools had been wasted. When the pandemic hit, DeVos saw the failure of some schools to open doors as evidence that parents needed taxpayer-supported alternatives.

In an interview last month with Frederick Hess, director of education policy studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, she was asked what her most significant accomplishment was. "Hands down, it's changing the national conversation around what K-12 education can and should be," she replied.

Her work was welcomed by conservatives who argue that power over education belongs with parents, not systems.

"Not beholden to the education establishment and teachers unions, Betsy was clear from the beginning that she was the secretary of education, not just traditional public education," said Kay C. James, president of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that DeVos and her husband have supported through their family foundation.

Her supporters note that several states have expanded school choice programs and say DeVos's advocacy made a difference in the public debate. But the issue went almost nowhere in Washington.

"She'll be remembered as an unapologetic voice for expanded school choice, and I think after racking up no legislative victories over the past four years, it's hard to see a lot of concrete impact of that," Hess said in an interview.

Her signature proposal would have created a type of federal school voucher program, where donations to state scholarship programs would be reimbursed in the form of federal tax credits. It garnered GOP support in Congress but was opposed by Democrats, who control the House, and some Republicans.

DeVos has said she regrets not pushing the issue harder earlier in Trump's term, when Republicans controlled both the House and the Senate. Her best chance was probably in a sweeping tax bill, signed in 2017, but the White House did not even include school choice proposals in its blueprint for the bill.

She also tried to funnel additional dollars from a pandemic relief bill to private schools. That effort was blocked by a federal judge, and even some Republicans called it misguided.

DeVos believed the federal government should have a light touch when it comes to education, and she shrunk the size of the Education Department workforce by 11 percent, as of June, declining to fill positions. She seemed more comfortable leaning down to talk with children on school visits than interacting with official Washington.

The White House proposed annual budgets slashing the Education Department's funding, and DeVos defended them on Capitol Hill, although Congress - even when controlled by Republicans - rejected the cuts.

The result was an annual drubbing of DeVos by congressional committees in service of proposed cuts that were never going to happen anyway. That was never more painful than last year, when DeVos absorbed three days of hits over a proposal to cut funding for the Special Olympics that the White House had insisted upon, only to watch as Trump dramatically announced that he was restoring the funding.

Her tenure also will be known for rolling back Obama-era civil rights protections, including those aimed at protecting transgender students and eliminating racial disparities in school discipline rates. Under DeVos, the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights jettisoned most systemic investigations, focusing instead on clearing a significant backlog of cases.

Critics said she failed to protect students' civil rights. "Speed is not the measure of whether justice is served," said Liz King, senior director of the education equity program at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. "Secretary DeVos's primary legacy is an agenda of discrimination and exclusion."

In higher education, her most consequential work involved regulating how colleges and other schools investigate sexual harassment and assault under the federal civil rights law known as Title IX. Earlier in her term, DeVos rescinded less-formal guidance issued by the Obama administration. The new regulation, published last year, carries the force of law.

It creates a clear but controversial road map to navigating these highly charged investigations, including mandating a judicial-like process in which the accused has the right to a live hearing and to cross-examine accusers. Supporters say it provided much-needed due-process protections. Opponents argued it would allow assailants and schools to escape responsibility and discourage victims from coming forward.

Unraveling it would require legislation or another complex rulemaking process.

"This is an extraordinarily big, complicated task," said Hartle, of the American Council on Education, which opposed the rule. He expects the Biden administration to roll it back, but said it will not be quick or easy, partly because the regulation is complex with many different elements. "You can't do this by fiat. You have to go through a regulatory process."

DeVos quickly proved herself an ally of for-profit colleges by withdrawing, delaying or announcing plans to revamp more than a half-dozen Obama-era measures that affected the industry, all within her first year. The secretary tapped former for-profit college executives to marshal higher-education policies that critics say gave predatory schools a pass.

"DeVos hired for her team a group of former for-profit college executives, and they worked to dismantle all the protections, block debt relief for ripped-off students, and ensure that federal dollars kept flowing to the worst colleges," said David Halperin, an attorney who has been critical of the for-profit industry.

DeVos was also a fierce critic of the Obama administration's consumer regulations, accusing her predecessor of putting taxpayers at risk with policies that made it too easy for college students to shirk their financial responsibilities. She once complained that "all one had to do was raise his or her hands to be entitled to so-called free money."

In her first year in office, she delayed an Obama-era regulation that granted loan forgiveness to borrowers who had been defrauded by their colleges, known as borrower defense to repayment. Her move was challenged in court and in Congress, but took effect in July. It limits the time borrowers have to apply for relief and requires they prove financial harm.

"Her legacy is clearly one of disdain for the public good in higher education, students' rights and lawful proceedings of government," said Toby Merrill, director at the Project on Predatory Student Lending, a legal-aid group.

DeVos was also sued by former Corinthian Colleges students angry that their debts had not been fully forgiven. DeVos refused to change course, and was held in contempt by a federal judge for violating an order to stop collecting loan payments.

It took nearly four years for DeVos to dismantle Obama-era consumer protection rules. The Biden administration could restore many of those policies in much less time, but some will be easier than others to revive.

Restoring the 2016 borrower defense rule would require negotiated rulemaking at the Education Department, a process that could take months, if not longer. The same is true for restoring the gainful-employment regulation, which penalizes career-training programs for producing too many graduates with more debt than they can repay.

In the meantime, a Biden administration could clear out the backlog of borrower defense claims using a more generous methodology for approval and loan forgiveness.

- - -

The Washington Post's Andrew Ba Tran contributed to this report.
Marking the start of Phase 1B under the Pennsylvania Department of Healths vaccination protocol, Lehigh Valley Health Network announced Friday it is offering first responders the COVID-19 vaccine.

That means those eligible to receive the vaccine now includes law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, Pennsylvania National Guard members not otherwise covered in Phase 1A, and workers in protective services for older adults, adults and children.

We are administering the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, LVHN said in a statement. While patients will not be able to choose which vaccine they will receive, both have been proven safe and effective.

Both vaccines received Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration based on data showing that Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine is 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 while Modernas vaccine has shown to be 94.5 percent effective.

LVHN invited first responders to schedule their COVID-19 vaccine appointment by visiting LVHN.org/MyLVHN or calling 484-884-1767.

In moving beyond Phase 1A, which covered health care personnel and residents of long-term care facilities, Lehigh Valley Health Network joins St. Lukes University Health Network in offering up vaccinations to people in Phase 1B.

Phase 1C will cover a wider range of jobs, age groups and conditions, followed by Phase 2 for anyone 16 and older who is fit to receive the vaccine.

It will take several months before there is vaccine available for everyone, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine said Friday, estimating Phase 2 will not be reached until late spring or early summer.

Pennsylvania's updated #COVID19 #Vaccine Plan is on the DOH website, along with details about Phases 1A, 1B, 1C and 2.



View the vaccine plan, FAQs and other resources: https://t.co/K2TVVcvL77 pic.twitter.com/j2Aex8sxVA  PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) January 8, 2021

Pennsylvania, meanwhile, is developing a signup portal for residents, similar to a preregistration program already offered in New Jersey.

That comes as New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday voiced disappointment about the states vaccine supply from the federal government.

Pennsylvania on Friday reported 10,178 new cases of COVID-19, pushing the states cumulative total to at least 703,265 cases since March. Another 215 deaths brings the coronavirus toll to 17,394 Pennsylvanians lost statewide. The state is seeing 100,000 new cases every two weeks, and 1,000 deaths weekly.

New Jersey on Friday reported 5,791 newly confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 112 more confirmed COVID-19 deaths. New Jersey has now reported 516,608 positive PCR tests for COVID-19 and 19,756 related deaths.

Editors note: This article has been updated to specify vaccines are being given to Phase 1B populations defined as first responders under Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
T.K., a high school student in Ho Chi Minh Citys Phu Nhuan District, opens his vape and adds some drops of oil.

There are no tastes Ive never tried. Among all, chocolate flavor is the best, he told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper after taking a long drag then exhaling slowly.

Vaping has been sneaking into schools with a kit affordably ranging from VND120,000 to VND150,000 (US$5.19 to $6.49) in form of a lipstick, pen or USB.

E-liquid is diverse in flavors, from strawberry to orange, mango which contains nicotine and cannabis.

I tried this in my eighth grade

On a winter day in the southern metropolis, smoke billowed an air-conditioned coffee shop on Nguyen Thai Binh Street in Tan Binh District where a group of schoolboys in their uniforms gathered for vaping.

Your eyes must feel stinging. This place is exclusive for vapers like us, one of those schoolboys told Tuoi Tres reporter.

Exhaling chillingly while spinning an e-cigarette around his fingers, T.K. said he started using vapes at eighth grade.

I tried for fun and felt quite dope at the first time. Now I get addicted to it and become the best smoker of my group, he said proudly.

At school, they smoke in toilets yet as teachers start inspecting, these schoolboys have to gather at cafes for vaping.

T.K. opened his vape and added some drops of oil.

There are no tastes Ive never tried. Among all, chocolatey flavor is the best, K. told Tuoi Tre after taking a long drag then exhaling slowly.

He has tried almost all kinds of vapes available and traded them if no longer interested.

I cannot stick with a vape kit for so long. I am urged to upgrade. There was a time I pledged my motorbike for VND10 million ($433) to buy this vape, K. added.

H.T.H, an 11th grader, said he knew all about e-cigarettes harms.

We buy them online, from sites certified by vaping communities which sell quality products. Is there any cigarette that not harmful? But we are young then it is going to be fine, said H.

Like a ball pen or highlighter

It is not a strange scene to witness students smoke vapes in front of high schools in Ho Chi Minh Citys District 3.

V.T.H, a 12th grader, left his school on a customized Honda motorbike, riding two other friends. Stopping by a street cafe, H took out a pen-like vape, having a long drag.

Half of my classmates are vapers including girls. No matter how hard teachers try to uncover us, we manage to sneak smoking anyway, H. laughed, showing stained teeth.

H. said he first gave it a try as hearing vape was on trend. He opts to cheapest types, from VND120,000 to 150,000 a kit.

Showing a small pen-like vape, H. said it was only VND100,000 ($4.33).

My friends used to share me theirs. As I got addicted to it, I decided to buy my own. As my vape is small, I can bring it to school and even put on my desk without having my teachers suspect, he said.

Boys like vapes shaped like ball pens or highlighters. For girls, they prefer those looked like lipsticks. Flavors are diverse, mostly fruity. I like grapefruit taste the most as it is fresh, he added.

Pointing to schoolboys smoking cigarettes at a coconut juice stall nearby, H. said they started with vapes.

As they got more addicted and could not afford expensive e-liquid, they switched to tobacco, he said.

In case of giving up on e-cigarettes, I will take tobacco too as I will feel a void without smoking, said H.

Tran Quoc Toan Street in District 3 is well-known for vape shops among students. An owner of a shop opposite Tran Quang Dieu High School showed Tuoi Tres reporter two types of pen-like vaping kits, priced VND120,000 and 130,000 ($5.62) each, advertising that they were popular among students.

We dont sell e-liquid, he said, adding the prices remained unchanged for bulk purchasing due to huge demands.

Students usage of e-cigarettes is an emerging issue, according to Nguyen Nho Huy, deputy head of the Department of Physical Education under Ministry of Education and Training.

The Vietnam Tobacco Control Fund is developing regulations regarding e-cigarettes for the Government. Meanwhile, the ministry is expected to enforce mechanisms to prevent students from using vapes.

Two types of vapes priced at VND100,000 each are sold at a shop on Tran Quoc Toan Street. Photo: Thao Thuong / Tuoi Tre

Red alerts The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Tran Phu High School in central city of Da Nang has warned against the invasion of vapes to schools under forms of lipsticks, tumblers, lighters or pens on its official fanpage. In order to prevent the dangers of e-cigarettes, the Youth Union will be in charge of raise awareness of students on health risks of e-cigarettes and tobacco in general as well as have mechanisms to stop the trade and transport of e-cigarettes among students. Each student must be alert to the disguised forms of e-cigarettes, the union wrote. Ph.D. Doctor Le Khac Bao  Director of Medical Education Center under the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy High risks of cancer, bronchitis E-cigarettes are harmful, firstly because of addictive nicotine. Vape smokers may switch to tobacco later. Secondly, e-liquid contains nicotine and other chemicals which causes cancer and other additive ingredients of cocaine and marijuana  leading to both smoking and cannabis addiction. Young people and students may reluctant to pay attention to these threats. E-cigarette poses the same threats as tobacco, including cancer and bronchitis. Meanwhile, it is advertised as trendy, thus easily luring young people to use. Students in puberty are more vulnerable to e-cigarettes harms compared to adults.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Brasilia, Jan 9 : A Brazilian woman has become the first person in the world to be re-infected with a variant of the novel coronavirus known as E484K, state media reported.

The case, discovered by researchers from the D'Or Institute for Research and Education in Bahia state, was detected in a 45-year-old woman who had tested positive for Covid-19 in May 2020 and was diagnosed again in October with the mutation, Xinhua news agency quoted the state media report as saying on Friday.

In both cases, the patient did not present serious symptoms.

Originally identified in South Africa, the E484K mutation has been previously detected in Brazil, but this is the first case of re-infection with it.

To confirm a re-infection, it is necessary to undertake an analysis of the genome of the two viruses and compare the sequence of RNA, the "prime" molecule of DNA, to see if they are in fact two different strains.

Researchers at the D'Or Institute expressed concern over the discovery, since the mutation may entail alterations that can prevent the action of antibodies from treating patients.

"The discovery serves as an alert and reinforces the need to maintain pandemic control measures through social distancing, and the need to accelerate the vaccination process," institute researcher Bruno Solano warned on Friday.

In Brazil, at least five Covid-19 variants have already been discovered.

As of Saturday morning, Brazil's overall coronavirus caseload and death toll stood at 8,013,708 and 201,460, respectively.

Brazil currently accounts for the third highest number of cases in the world after the US and India, and its death toll is the second largest after the US.
Anthony Albanese was rushed to hospital after a horror car crash on Friday

The Federal Opposition Leader, 57, was 'heavily shaken' after the incident

He spent the night in hospital but was discharged on Saturday afternoon

The 17-year-old involved has been slapped with a ticket for negligent driving

Anthony Albanese has been discharged from hospital after he was t-boned in a terrifying crash just a few metres from his Sydney home.

The Federal Opposition Leader, 57, was involved in the two-car crash on Hill Street in Marrickville, in Sydney's inner-west, while driving home on Friday afternoon just before 5pm.

ADVERTISEMENT

He was treated at the scene and later taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for precautionary X-rays.

The 17-year-old Range Rover driver of the other car escaped with no injury but has been slapped with a ticket for negligent driving.

Albanese on Saturday revealed that he was suffering from significant pain in his neck and back, as well as internal swelling from the horrific crash.

He also sent a powerful message to the teen driver while addressing the media on Saturday afternoon.

'I hope this experience leads this young man to commit to becoming one of the safest drivers in Australia,' he told reporters.

Anthony Albanese (pictured with partner and son) has been discharged from hospital after he was involved in a horrific crash. He told reporters on Saturday afternoon he will be treated as an outpatient

Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese was rushed to hospital after a car crash on Friday in Sydney (pictured above)

A spokesperson said Albanese was 'heavily' shaken following the incident in Marrickville (pictured above)

'It showed some character that he apologised while I was still stuck in the car.'

Albanese said he will now be treated as an outpatient and will require a steady dose of painkillers and a few more MRI tests.

He gave a special thanks to the medical team at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, as well as an off-duty nurse named Aly, who had witnessed the crash and rushed to his aid.

Click here to resize this module

The opposition leader also said that had it not been for advanced technology in cars, the outcome could have been fatal.

'If this accident was ten years ago I wouldn't be speaking to you here,' he said.

'I have to come back for MRIs, the next 24 hours won't be terribly easy for me.'

Despite his extensive injuries and the 'serious' shock from the collision, Albanese said he felt confident to return to his role as soon as possible.

The opposition leader also said that had it not been for advanced technology in cars, the outcome could have been fatal

Albanese announced on Twitter on Saturday he would be going home after spending the night in hospital

The opposition leader said he's still suffering significant pain in his back and neck, and would need to be on painkillers

'I was always very confident that I could deal with anything, any of the challenges that 2021 threw up. After yesterday I'm not just confident I'm absolutely certain that I can meet any challenge that's before us,' he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Daily Mail Australia understands Albanese was alone in the car at the time of the accident.

Witnesses said Albanese's car was t-boned at the intersection with Glen Street.

Marrickville local Nikoleta Kastanis described the crash scene as 'chaos'.

'I didn't know it was (Albanese) at first, until he got out of the car,' she told the Daily Telegraph.

'The paramedics came and checked him out he seemed really shaken up, he could walk but he just seemed totally in shock.'
Fisheries New Zealand is running a campaign to encourage fishers to know, and follow, the rules in their area this summer.

Acting National Manager Fisheries Compliance, Garreth Jay says his team is expecting an influx of fishers over the coming months and its important everyone does their part to protect the fishery.

Were very lucky in New Zealand  none of us are too far away from the coast and the opportunity to go out into nature and catch some kaimoana, says Garreth.

Many of us have great memories of fishing with our friends and whanau and we all want to help make sure that continues and that there are enough fish in the water for future generations to enjoy.

The key thing to remember is that the rules can and do change. You cant rely on your knowledge of last summers rules to see you through. For example, rules have changed over the last year for blue cod, crayfish and set netting.

Fortunately, theres an easy way to get up to date and look after our fisheries  fishers can download the NZ Fishing Rules App before they head out. Itll give them all the latest rules about catch limits, fishing methods, and restrictions in their area so they never get caught out.

To help us get the message across this summer were launching a number of advertisements on radio, TV, and social media. Well also be going where the fishers go, so youll see our ads at wharves, fish and chip shops, and where you get your weather information.

Remember, do your part to look after your local fishery this summer and follow the fishing rules. To find out how, download the NZ Fishing Rules App wherever you get your apps from and protect our kaimoana for future generations.

Further information about fishing rules and how to download the app is available online at https://www.fisheries.govt.nz/rules

Popular gaming platform Twitch has banned indefinitely Donald Trump's official channel on its platform, following the storming of Capitol Hill by supporters of the outgoing US President.

"In light of yesterday's shocking attack on the Capitol, we have disabled President Trump's Twitch channel," the company said in a statement according to CNN.

"Given the current extraordinary circumstances and the President's incendiary rhetoric, we believe this is a necessary step to protect our community and prevent Twitch from being used to incite further violence," the live-streaming platform said.

The San Francisco-based company is the latest among social media and tech platforms that have launched a crackdown on Trump after the president's supporters breached the Capitol Hill building bringing to a halt the congressional debate to certify Electoral College votes of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' win in the November 3 presidential elections. The chaos forced a lockdown and confrontations with police. Several police officers sustained injuries, while one woman was confirmed dead after being shot in the chest.

Before the violence, President Trump had falsely told supporters in Washington that the election had been stolen.

Facebook on Thursday suspended US President Donald Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely, while Twitter had on Wednesday said Trump's account will be blocked unless he deletes three tweets.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Facebook, in a post on the social networking website wrote that the account blocks have been placed indefinitely and "for at least two weeks until the peaceful transfer of power is complete."

He pointed out that the risks of allowing the President to continue to use the service during this period are "simply too great." "We are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete, he wrote. Twitter said Trump's account will be locked until he deletes three tweets which the company said were. "severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy". The company later confirmed that his account has been restored after he removed the tweets.

It however said that "Any future violations of the Twitter Rules, including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies, will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account."

Trump returned to Twitter with 'election fraud' rhetoric".

"My campaign vigorously pursued every legal avenue to contest the legal result. My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote; I was fighting to defend American democracy. I continue to believe that we must defend our election laws to verify the identity and eligibility of all voters and to ensure faith and confidence in all future elections," posted Trump on a Twitter video.

Conceding his defeat for the first time, he said, "Now Congress has certified election results, a new administration will be inaugurated on January 20. My focus is now turning to ensure a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation."
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
A nonprofit long-term care facility in Allentown says the Pennsylvania National Guard is helping with COVID-19 testing amid an outbreak that has led to 105 active coronavirus cases among residents and 36 among staff.

At this time, we continue to maintain appropriate staffing levels above state regulatory requirements, Sue Schlener, executive director of Phoebe Allentown, said in a letter to residents and families posted on the facilitys website.

National Guard members arrived Thursday and have been assisting with re-testing residents and staff members, according to the letter. That was after a significant number of residents and staff tested positive for COVID-19 over the past two weeks, Schlener said.

Phoebe Allentown said it has been taking all precautions to protect residents and staff, while following all state and federal guidelines. That includes no in-person visitation except for qualifying compassionate care visits, such as an end-of-life situation; testing for the virus; and no drop-offs of items for residents or laundry by families.

The facilitys parent, Phoebe Ministries, has also announced dates for CVS to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to residents and frontline staff, that will be continuing into February.

Phoebe Allentown is home to 375 residents, with more than 400 staff members, Phoebe Ministries spokeswoman Donna Schudel confirmed to lehighvalleylive.com.

The National Guard deployed to Lehigh Valley long-term care facilities previously during the coronavirus pandemic, including in spring and again in early summer to assist with testing at Northampton Countys Gracedale in Upper Nazareth Township.

Current data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health shows, to date, 1,839 cases of COVID-19 among residents and 422 cases among employees at 40 long-term care facilities in Lehigh County, with 349 deaths. In Northampton County, 1,521 cases among residents and 360 cases among employees have been reported to date at 37 long-term care facilities, with 305 deaths.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
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
As of Saturday morning, 4,846 new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were recorded in Ukraine, 7,961 people recovered, 80 patients died, Minister of Health of Ukraine Maksym Stepanov reported.

"Some 4,846 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Ukraine as of January 9, 2021. In particular, 168 children and 176 health workers fell ill. Also, over the past day, 2,411 people were hospitalized; 80 people died; 7,961 people recovered," Stepanov wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday morning.

A day earlier, on January 8, some 5,676 cases of COVID-19 were recorded; on January 7, some 8,997 new infected with coronavirus were detected; on January 6, some 6,911 cases of COVID-19 were reported; on January 5, the minister informed about 5,334 new cases; on January 4, some 4,158 cases were reported; on January 3, there were 4,576 new infections in Ukraine.

On Saturday morning, the number of infected people since the beginning of the pandemic was 1,110 million people, 19,668 people died from COVID-19, 786,305 people recovered.

Over the past day, the largest number of confirmed cases was registered in Dnipropetrovsk (471), Zaporizhia (456), Mykolaiv (416), Kyiv (375) and Cherkasy (353) regions.
Lehigh University announced it is revoking President Donald Trumps honorary degree two days after a mob of pro-Trump supporters breached the U.S. Capitol.

The decision comes as the president faces mounting calls for his removal from the nations highest office over his role in inciting the mob that attacked Congress, leaving five dead, including a police officer.

Lehighs executive committee of its Board of Trustees held a special session Thursday, where members voted to rescind and revoke the honorary degree Trump was awarded in 1998 when he delivered the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania schools commencement address.

The full board of trustees affirmed the decision Friday, the university announced. The universitys board of trustees confers degrees and is the only body that can rescind them.

This is not the first time the boards weighed revoking Trumps degree.

A large part of the Lehigh communitys fought for years to have Trumps degree rescinded, but the board has declined to act.

After Trump equated neo-Nazi protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, with anti-racism ones, a petition garnered more than 30,000 signatures calling for the Bethlehem institution to take back the honor. But the board announced in October 2017 it planned to take no action.

A survey of nearly 800 students, staff, faculty, parents and alumni conducted by The Brown and White, Lehighs student newspaper, found that 75% supported rescinding Trumps degree.

In 2018, nearly two-thirds of the Lehigh faculty indicated they supported revoking the degree. The board of trustees released a statement later that spring indicating it had reaffirmed its prior decision to take not action on the request.

Lehigh has revoked an honorary degree before. It joined other universities in rescinding comedian Bill Cosbys degree after details of a 2005 deposition were made public. Lehigh said the conduct described was antithetical to its values.

Trumps brother Frederick C. Trump Jr., was a 1960 Lehigh graduate, The Morning Call reports. He died in 1981.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.
A baby at the Chengdu Children's Hospital in Chengdu in Sichuan Province, China, on Sept. 22, 2008. (China Photos/Getty Images)

China Recalls Baby Skin Cream After Report of Deformities in 5-Month-Old Girl

Chinese health authorities have recalled 1,200 bottles of skin cream that are believed to cause growth defects in babies.

The antibacterial skin cream products for infants developed by a company in Chinas Fujian Province were suspected of containing hormones that cause swelling, weight gain, stunted growth, and excessive body hair.

The recall came after revelations made by a popular Chinese consumer rights advocate, known for breaking tainted product scandals, in a Jan. 7 video. Wei Wenfeng, in a short video posted on a Chinese social media, shared pictures of an unnamed 5-month-old girl with a swollen face.

According to the video, the girls mother applied an antibacterial skin cream called YiFuLing onto the babys body two months ago, after which she began exhibiting growth abnormalities.

She didnt grow in height for two months, and every month, she became fatter, gaining about three jin [roughly four pounds] each month, the mother, holding the baby on her lap, said in the video that Wei shared.

Then she began to grow black, thick, and long hair on her forehead. Soon we found that hair was growing all over her body.

The worried family went to see the doctor. However, upon full examination, they couldnt find anything wrong. Still concerned, they transferred to Nanjing Childrens Hospital at the end of October 2020.

As soon as they walked in, the nurse asked whether they had applied anything on the babys body, the father said. The family soon learned that the hospital had received four babies with similar symptoms connected with a hormone-tainted ointment.

Test results on the cream and a similar product from the company showed it contained hormones of up to 31.1 mg/kg, which should have been zero as required by Chinas regulator, according to Wei.

Workers from the local market regulation bureau said they are waiting for official testing results, and asked consumers to preserve the questionable products, according to Chinese media.

On Jan. 8, the manufacturer, Fujian Ouai Infant and Child Healthcare Products, in a statement denied that its products are defective. Rather, they accused the babys parents of creating hype through the short video platform.

The manufacturer in May 2019 released on its official WeChat social media account test results for its products which found that they contained no hormones or antibiotics, local media reported. The tests were conducted in March 2019 by an official quarantine center in eastern Chinas Ningbo City.

Infants have been regular victims of the long line of product safety abuses in China, the most infamous being the tainted milk scandal more than a decade ago. In 2008, then-Chinese milk powder giant Salu Group announced a recall of its milk and infant powder products because they were found to have been contaminated with melamine, a poisonous chemical compound.

The tainted powder sickened at least 300,000 infants and caused at least six deaths.

Sanlu added melamine to inflate the protein content of its milk powder, as the synthetic compound is rich in nitrogen, to pass quality-control testing.

Former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in a 2010 state media interview that at least 30 million children were affected by the tainted milk powder.

Children who consumed the milk product as infants continue to exhibit health problems.

The 5-month-old girl in this case may also continue to experience health problems as she grows, her father said in the video. A doctor advised the family that the tainted cream may cause the girl to have early puberty, and it might take years before the facial hair comes off.
The parents of the missing servicemen from the military unit of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), Armenia, have spent the night in front of this military unitand in tents. Anahit Adoyan, the mother of missing soldier Vardan Adoyan, told about this to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

"No one in charge has approached us during this time. We will stay [here] until our children are returned to us," she said, adding that at the moment there are about 20-30 parents outside this military unit.

The parents of these missing servicemen have been on a sit-in outside the Etchmiadzin military unit for three days now, saying that they have not had any information about their missing soldier sons for 82 days already. According to these parents, 40 of the servicemen from their sons group are 40 missing.
New Delhi:

Those involved in cow slaughter and illegal transport of milch animals for slaughter will be booked under the stringent National Security Act and Gangsters Act in Uttar Pradesh as per DGP's order.

The directive has been conveyed to all district police chiefs by the state Director General of Police (DGP) Sulkhan Singh.

NSA and Gangsters Act is to be invoked against those involved in cow slaughter and trafficking of milch animals for slaughter, said the DGPs order.

The central government on May 23 banned the sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter and prohibited practices which are cruel to animals including painting of horns and putting ornaments or decorative materials on them.

ALSO READ | UP: Yogi Adityanath govt issues fresh directives to curb illegal animal slaughter



(With PTI Inputs)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
An ancient tale, told to schoolchildren in the Muscrai Gaeltacht for countless generations, has received a modern-day update in a first novel from a local teacher.

The Gadai Dubh or Black Thief features in the book, as Gaeilge, by Siobhan Ni Mhuimhneachain, a teacher from Cul a Bhuacaigh in Cill na Martra who is now teaching in Scoil Naisiunta Chuil Aodha/Barr d'Inse.

According to the myth, the Gadai Dubh came to rob the church in St Gobnait's cemetery. He escaped with his plunder but didn't reckon with Gobnait's power.

Then the abbess of the monastery she had founded, Gobnait caused a fog to be brought down to surround the fleeing thief. When the fog lifted in the morning, he found himself back at the monastery, and he was swiftly captured and, for his trouble, decapitated.

To this day, an effigy of his head is carved into the inside gable end of the church. For generations of Muscrai schoolchildren, this was always the grim highlight of a visit to the shrine.

Siobhan's version of the tale brings the story up to date with the inclusion of a young schoolboy, Daithi O Dalaigh.

According to author Siobhan, Daithi is a bit of a thief himself and inclined to throw his weight around in school and with his friends in general.

"Daithi is a bit like 'too cool for school'," she said. "He also doesn't believe in all the old stories and superstitions such as the story of the gadai dubh."

The climax of the book takes place in St Gobnait's cemetery and the surrounding wood.

As a school teacher working in the Muscrai Gaeltacht, Siobhan's delighted to have written a book which features her local community.

The book is part of the 'Seidean Si' series, which is aimed at primary schoolchildren and mostly features books from Donegal, Conamara and Kerry Gaeltachtai.

"I was very happy that the book was published as it's a book which features a story from my own area and there are too few of those around," she said.

Siobhan hails from a family of storytellers and writers as her father is author, poet and performer Sean O Muimhneachain. She had taught in the Gaelscoil in Bandon until a few years ago, when she took a career break after being offered a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to travel to Notre Dame University in the US to teach Irish.

"It was a wonderful year," she said, describing Notre Dame as very supportive.

"It's the only American university with its own Irish language department," she further explained.

Now that Siobhan has her first book published, she's teeing up her next challenge: "I'd like to write a play as Gaeilge which would be performed by the schoolchildren."

The escalating pandemic means the book is unlikely to be available in bookshops for a number of weeks or, possibly, months.

The book is available, however, from websites such as www.litriocht.com and, when children return to school, they may find it on their desks or as part of their homework!

Just weeks into the countrys coronavirus vaccination effort, states have begun broadening access to the shots faster than planned, amid tremendous public demand and intense criticism about the pace of the rollout.

Some public health officials worry that doing so could bring even more chaos to the complex operation and increase the likelihood that some of the highest-risk Americans will be skipped over. But the debate over how soon to expand eligibility is intensifying as deaths from the virus continue to surge, hospitals are overwhelmed with critically ill patients and millions of vaccine doses delivered last month remain in freezers.

Governors are under enormous pressure from their constituents  especially older people, who vote in great numbers and face the highest risk of dying from the virus  to get the doses they receive into arms swiftly. President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s decision, announced Friday, to release nearly all available doses to the states when he takes office on Jan. 20, rather than holding half to guarantee each recipient gets a booster shot a few weeks after the first, is likely to add to that pressure.

Some states, including Florida, Louisiana and Texas, have already expanded who is eligible to get a vaccine now, even though many people in the first priority group recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  the nations 21 million health care workers and three million residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities  have not yet received a shot.
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 hospitality sector has shared its outrage over being unfairly scapegoated when Covid-19 infections rose last year and has called for its own designated minister.

Next Monday will see parliament discuss the Seat at the Table's campaign's petition, after it received almost double the required signatures it needed to get it there.

The campaign has seen the industry get together, backed by leading entrepreneurs and chefs including Robin Hutson, Tom Kerridge and Angela Hartnett, after what has been a torrid eight months as it has tried to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Seat at the Table campaign is calling for a designated Minister for the hospitality sector

Restaurants, pubs, hotels, bars and many other venues in the hospitality industry have been forced to closed several times since the nationwide lockdown was implemented in March 2020, and remain closed today across most of the UK.

This has often been done at short notice, causing severe financial and emotional strain and what's more, the sector was made to take the fall as the cause when infections rose shortly after the Government's Eat Out to Help Out campaign.

Members and supporters of Seat at the Table feel having a hospitality minister would care for it better and help promote the importance of the its economic, social and employment contribution to the country, while driving strategy and advancing its status.

Representation in parliament is currently split between two departments: the department for business, energy and industrial strategy and the department for digital, culture, media and sport.

As the UK's third largest employer, the industry feels it needs a clear and strong voice.

The sector is responsible for five million jobs and generates a 130billion contribution to the economy, yet it has been at the mercy of what it believes to be disjointed decision making and subsequent scapegoating.

The (currently closed) Greenhouse restaurant at The Pig in Brockenhurst in the New Forest

The organisers behind the campaign said: 'Many of the restriction challenges we have faced might have been avoided if our representation in government had operational experience and a deeper understanding of the sector.

'Pubs and restaurants are more commonly referred to when the hospitality industry is discussed in the media or in parliament, but there are so many more elements that make up this wonderful industry.

'Hotels, cafes, bars and B&Bs are often overlooked in the narrative. We share a seat at our tables, we deserve a seat at the top table.'

The petition was started by chef Claire Bosi in October 2020 and Seat at the Table was created in early December, by a team of management trainees put together by Robin Hutson (pictured), founder of The Pig Hotels, to find ways to build support for it.

On 6 December, the campaign kicked off its 30 days of promoting 90 different hospitality venues, giving them a voice, and sharing what it would mean to them to have that voice heard in parliament.

The campaign came to a close this week and as at Friday 8 January, the petition has around 197,000 signatures - almost double the required 100,000 need it to get it to parliament in the first place.

Robin Hutson of The Pig Hotels said the sector has been 'unfairly scapegoated'

Lydia Rigby, of Seat at the Table, told This is Money: 'The response has been absolutely phenomenal and we are extremely grateful to all who have not only signed the petition but also shared and promoted our media.

'We have had support from both those in the industry, those that play vital roles in the supply chain as well as those outside the industry entirely.'

She added that a designated minister is something the industry has wanted for some time, and not just as a result of the pandemic.

'This has been discussed for years and one of the primary focuses with our messaging is to ensure this campaign is not just for a moment in time.

'This could have massively helped us over the past eight months which have been devastating but our focus now is the next five, ten years and beyond.'

Meanwhile campaign trailblazer, Hutson, said, 'If 2020 has shown us anything it's how little Government understands the complexities and the power of the hospitality sector.

'More importantly, it doesn't understand how vital the hospitality sector is not only to the economy but also for employment and to the nation's happiness and overall mental health. This industry must have a powerful voice within government.'

Robin opened his first Pig Hotel in 2011, and now has eight across the UK in various counties including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Kent.

Turnover in 2020 fell by almost 10million from the previous year, heightened by the 'stop-start' nature of the Government's decision-making which Robin says has been challenging to manage.

He said: 'There was some good support initially at a high level in terms of the furlough scheme but the Government have tripped up imposing unnecessary rules that have severely impacted the sector for no health benefits.

'Changes to rules without warning has created operational challenges and while the sector has invested heavily to make it safe, it felt unfairly scapegoated with harsh measures when cases rose towards the end of the summer last year.'

'Just flicking a switch doesn't work' Neil Potts, co-founder of The Vurger Co, which has three restaurants across London and Brighton, said the past year has been extremely tough. 'One thing that made it worse was the shock stopping and starting of everything,' he said. 'Being told to close is hard enough but at least you can then prepare and communicate with your team. But just flicking a switch to make a change and do it instantly doesn't work.' In terms of revenue, the business is down by around 40 per cent year on year, despite a busy summer when things temporarily reopened and especially during the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The Vurger Co was busy during the summer at its three sites in London and Brighton Neil added: 'The scheme was good for us but the resulting accusations that we were to blame for the sudden rise in infections was unfair. 'I stand by the fact I dont believe it was restaurants that have caused the acceleration, then or now. Being close to and inside the industry, I see how safe it is. 'There is cleaning happening a million times a day, sanitiser, screens, you name it. I dont believe we were the problem and I think that's clear as we have been closed for so long, well before the most recent rise.' Customers can order The Vurger Co's signature vegan burger meal kits to try at home Neil said he has managed to keep the business running by offering takeaway and delivery services as well as the introduction of a new meal kit offering its signature vegan burger for customers to enjoy at home. 'The meal kit did really well at launch and has only grown in popularity. We are looking to add new meal kits very soon.'

Meanwhile, English chef and protegee of Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, who is also one of the leading supports of the Seat at the Table campaign, said all her restaurant sites were 'devastated' as a result of the closures in 2020.

She said: 'Even later in the year, despite being allowed to open, the series of restrictions placed on hospitality, such as the rule of six, 10pm curfew, and only allowing single households, resulted in operations that saw trading potential severely hampered at best and loss-making at worst.

'Targeted support was needed for the worst-hit sectors such as hospitality while focus was needed on supporting businesses to enable them to survive rather than simply job preservation.

'The biggest issue being unpaid rent. The risk is of mass insolvencies in the coming months as rent is pursued.'

Angela Hartnett is one of the key supporters of the Seat at the Table campaign

Angela understands that the Government was faced with an unprecedented crisis in the form of the pandemic and that anyone would have struggled. But that said, she feels lessons did not seem to be learnt as the year progressed.

'We were faced with a series of last minute decisions, poor forward guidance, mixed messaging and what seemed an irrational focus on hospitality as the driver of infection,' she added.

'We need a voice in the Government with an understanding of the complexity of the hospital sector who can really support us during times like these.'
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has his temperature checked at The Doherty Institute in Melbourne, Australia on Nov. 13, 2020. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

No Local Victorian COVID Cases, Day Three

A strict three-day lockdown in Greater Brisbane has plunged Victorians travel plans into disarray, while the state has recorded zero new local COVID-19 cases.

Victoria has recorded a third consecutive day without a locally-acquired COVID-19 case as interstate travel headaches for the states residents continue.

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said Victorians in the Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Redland, Ipswich, or Logan council areas of Greater Brisbane should cancel plans to return home.

Greater Brisbane has gone into a strict three-day lockdown after a hotel quarantine worker caught the more contagious UK strain of COVID-19.

All Victorians in these areas are advised to follow the guidance of the Queensland government and any Victorian with plans to travel to these areas should cancel them, Prof Sutton said on Friday.

Those who have arrived in Victoria from the Greater Brisbane area since January 2 should get tested and self-quarantine until Monday when a further assessment will be made, Prof Sutton said.

The direction followed a Friday morning meeting of the national cabinet which resulted in Greater Brisbane being declared a coronavirus hotspot.

Its implications for Victorias travel permit system are yet to be made clear.

Meanwhile, Victoria on Saturday announced a third straight day with no new locally-acquired virus cases from more than 28,000 tests.

One case was uncovered in the states hotel quarantine system.

The streak has Premier Dan Andrews upbeat in the belief contact tracers are winning the fight against the 27-case outbreak linked to a Thai eatery in Melbourne.

AAP
Cezanne Khan, who became popular for his role of Anurag Basu in Kasautii Zindagii, has been in the news for personal reasons. The actor had recently introduced to the love of his life and revealed that he is all set to marry this year. But the US-based Pakistani lady had claimed that she was married to him and he cheated on her to get green card in the US. However, the actor had denied all her allegations calling her as an obsessive fan. Cezanne had also said that he stayed away from TV as he was getting reality show offers which he didn't want to do. He also added that he is in talks for a project.

In his latest interview with ETimes TV, Cezanne spoke about Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 days. He revealed that he is in touch with some actors and recalled working with Shweta Tiwari. He added that there were times when they were not speaking at all. The actor also spoke about problem with his father.



When asked how he pulled it off every day when he had differences with his co-star Shweta, he said, "True, there was a time when Shweta and I were not speaking at all. It's okay, many actors don't get along. Things happen in life but we being professionals continued doing our job with sincerity."

Cezanne is the son of a famous sitarist, Ustad Rais Khan, when asked how his brother entered the field of music and he didn't, he said, "My parents divorced when I was three. My brother and I were with our mother. My father did not help us financially; he left us penniless. He went off to Pakistan and got married again. We had a very difficult time. There were times when we had no money at all and my mom had to sell off her things to look after my brother and me. She even started renting out our rooms to paying guests. Many couples separate but they are looked after by their father, not so in my case though. Till the age of 21, I didn't have a room of my own. Luckily, my maternal uncles were paying for the flat we stayed in. Not just that, they stood by us also in bearing our education expenses. Thank God, Kasautii Zindagi Kay happened and changed our lives."

Cezanne added that he had started modelling to earn money and had no inclination towards classical music.

Also Read: US-Based Pakistani Lady Claims She Was Married To Kasautii Actor Cezanne Khan; Says He Cheated On Her

Also Read: Kasautii Zindagii Kay's Cezanne Khan Reveals How His Girl 'Stumped' Him; To Marry Her This Year
Great opportunity for Bengal to do image makeover: Governor Dhankhar on assembly polls

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 09: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday expressed concern over the "violent" atmosphere in the state under the governance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and appealed to the people to vote "wisely".

"The year 2021 is challenging for West Bengal as it goes for Assembly polls. It's a great opportunity for West Bengal to engage in a makeover of image as so far elections in the state have been plagued with rampant violence, compromising basic rights of voters and the role of bureaucracy and police," the Governor said.

"It's time for us to set an example by engaging in best practices so that every voter is in a position to freely, fairly express their franchise in a peaceful atmosphere where violence has no role," Dhankhar said after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.

Talking about the security threat that terrorist organisations such as the Al Qaeda pose in the state, the Governor said that the police in the state act under political influence.

"The security environment (in WB) is under threat. The Al Qaeda is spreading, illegal bomb-making is rampant. I'd like to know what they (administration in the state) are doing. The position of the Director General of Police in West Bengal is an open secret. That's why I say we have 'political police'," he said.

BJP launches farmers outreach campaign in Bengal; Nadda highlights Modi's pro-farmers face

Dhankhar also said that no one living in West Bengal will be considered as an "outsider".

"My heart pains that ignoring constitutional provisions, a child of 'Maa Bharti' is called an outsider in West Bengal because he doesn't belong to the state. We're all the children of 'Maa Bharti' and we believe in our unity. No person living in this land can be an outsider," he said.

Dhankhar, who had been at loggerheads with the TMC government since taking charge as the Bengal governor, has criticised the Mamata Banerjee dispensation on several occasions over the "worsening" law and order situation in the state.

BJP leaders in Bengal have been demanding imposition of President''s Rule in the state, citing "breakdown of the rule of law" as reason.

Elections to the 294-member Bengal Assembly are likely to be held in April-May.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 19:53 [IST]
Frackville

The 14th annual Golden Ticket Raffle to benefit the Frackville Public Library, North Lehigh Avenue, has a virtual drawing set for 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 31. To purchase tickets, or for more information, stop at the library or call 570-874-3382.

Shenandoah

The Anthony P. Damato American Legion Medal of Honor Post 792, 116 N. Main St., is on a relentless quest to enlist new members. Come visit our post, see what we have to offer for you and your family, officers said in a press release that called for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine veterans to consider joining. For more information, call 570-462-2387.

Shenandoah

The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St., is selling naming bricks that will be part of the multistory innovation facility, called Center for Education, Business and Arts, it is developing in the 100 block of North Main Street where once stood a JCPenney store, Davisons Furniture and Karvois Cleaners. Brick sizes, according to the DSI Herald newsletter, include 4-by-4 and 8-by-8 inches. For more information, visit DiscoverCeba.com. People may also call the DSI office at 570-462-2060.

Tamaqua

The church council of St. John Lutheran Church, 200 E. Mauch Chunk St., will meet at 7 p.m. Monday. Church office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For more information, call 570-668-4570.

William Penn

Rich Stevens of the William Penn Fire Company, Mount Olive Boulevard (Route 54 just west of Shenandoah), has released a statement stressing that local volunteer fire companies need junior firefighters ages 14 to 18 and firefighters 18 and older as well as support personnel including fire police and auxiliary. We will get you trained, Stevens said, adding, Please contact your local fire company today.
Apple has warned right-wing social media platform Parler to produce and implement a content moderation plan or risk its removal from the App Store, following incitement of violence that has spread across the platform in the wake of an insurrection attempts at the US Capitol.

Google has also suspended Parler from its Play Store in light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat.

In an email to Parler executives, Apple wrote: "We have received numerous complaints regarding objectionable content in your Parler service, accusations that the Parler app was used to plan, coordinate, and facilitate the illegal activities" in Washington DC.

The app also appears to continue to be used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities," the email said.

The Twitter- and Facebook-like, timeline-focussed app grew in popularity last year after far-right, pro-Donald Trump personalities abandoned other social media networks over perceived censorship issues or were banned from them altogether. The app has described itself as an "unbiased social media focused on real user experiences and engagement" that allows free expression without violence and no censorship.

Over the last several months, violent political threats, conspiracies and insurrection-related posts have proliferated across the app, particularly in the days leading up to Wednesdays violent siege at the Capitol. The app has served as a more-mainstream access point for QAnon conspiracies and messages from Proud Boys leadership.

On Friday morning, Apple gave Parler 24 hours to submit a content moderation plan, attaching several examples of incitement and calls for violence that appeared on Parler accounts with large followings. The news was first reported by BuzzFeed News.

In a statement from Google, the company said: We are aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the US. We recognise that there can be reasonable debate about content policies and that it can be difficult for apps to remove all violative content.

Later that day, Twitter permanently suspended the president from its platform due to the risk of further incitement of violence, the company announced.

Twitter users who migrated from the platform to Parler have urged the president to do the same; several GOP members of Congress use the app, as well as White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.

Apple said it disagreed with Parler CEO John Matze, who said in recent remarks that he doesnt feel responsible for any of this and neither should the platform, considering were a neutral town square that just adheres to the law."

We want to be clear that Parler is in fact responsible for all the user generated content present on your service and for ensuring that this content meets App Store requirements for the safety and protection of our users, the company said. We wont distribute apps that present dangerous and harmful content.

Apple said Parler must remove all objectionable material from the app, including but not limited to several examples that Apple provided.

The company included screenshots of posts that called for the assassinations of Democratic elected officials and vice president Mike Pence, as well Twitter threads that screenshot Parler posts containing retaliatory and insurrectionary calls for violence from Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, Trump attorney Lin Wood and anonymous far-right users.

Apple said the proliferation of posts and other similar content on the app violates two elements of its safety guidelines.

The company said: We found that your app includes content that some users may find upsetting, offensive, or otherwise objectionable. Specifically, we found direct threats of violence and calls to incite lawless action.  Your app enables the display of user-generated content but does not have sufficient precautions in place to effectively manage objectionable content present in your app.

The Independent has reached out to Apple for comment.
Indias independent foreign policy and national security interests guide its decisions on defence acquisitions, the government said on Friday, responding to the outgoing American Ambassador Kenneth Justers statement that tacitly suggested that New Delhi should choose the United States over Russia as the primary source of its military hardware.

India has always pursued an independent foreign policy. This also applies to our defence acquisitions and supplies which are guided by our national security interests, Anurag Srivastava, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), told journalists.

He was responding to a query on New Delhis view on the recent statement of the outgoing envoy of the United States to India.

Juster on Tuesday stated that India might like to keep its options open for procuring military hardware, but it would ultimately have to make its choices.

He indicated that the United States might not have any plan to immediately impose restrictions mandated by the 2017 Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) on India for buying S-400 missile defence systems from Russia. He, however, added that it might not be optimal for India to source its military hardware from a range of suppliers from different countries, given the prevailing strategic landscape.

India and the US have a comprehensive global strategic partnership, the MEA spokesperson said on Friday, adding: India has a special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia.

The US last month imposed the CAATSA sanctions on Turkey for the $ 2.5 billion deal President Recep Tayyip Erdogans Government clinched with Russia for procuring the S-400 Triumf air defence systems. The US move against its NATO-ally Turkey triggered concerns in New Delhi, where many saw in it a not-so-subtle warning to India, which too in October 2018 inked a $5.4 billion deal to buy five S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile systems from Almaz-Antey Corporation of Russia and is expecting the delivery to start in 2021. The US not only imposed sanctions on Turkey, but also asked other countries to take note and avoid acquisition of military hardware from Russia.

The US Congress in July 2017 passed the CAATSA to impose sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea. Trump signed it into law in August 2017 and its scope was further expanded in October 2017. Section 231 of the CAATSA mandated secondary sanctions to any nation entering into high-value deals to procure military hardware from Russia.

New Delhi has been arguing with Washington D.C. over the past few months that India cannot abruptly scale down its reliance on military hardware from Russia, given the decades-old history of defence cooperation between the two countries.

While we appreciate that India has its own historical and geographical perspective, in todays strategic landscape it may not be optimal to source equipment across a range of suppliers from different countries, Juster said on Tuesday.

His comment appeared to be a subtle attempt by the US to nudge India to lessen its dependence on Russia for defence equipment.
France on January 8 detected at least two clusters of the mutated UK Covid variant, French Health Minister Olivier Veran announced. Frances border with the UK would remain shut "until further notice" as authorities investigate into the risk clusters of the mutant coronavirus and speed up the mass vaccination programme, he added. The government was aiming to vaccinate at least 1 million French people by the end of January, Veran told state broadcasters. Health experts sounded an alarm over the spread of virus variant, which the scientists found more contagious than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex told BFM TV that the French government was ramping up the efforts to expand and fast-track vaccinations. He also warned of a worsening of the Covid-19 crisis in the coming weeks due to the surge in UK variant cases. Castex told a news conference that the COVID-19 cluster had pushed the healthcare system to the point of exhaustion and it was out of the question to lower the guard.

The UK variant cluster was detected across Hauts-de-Seine, near Paris, and in Ille-et-Vilaine in Brittany, according to sources of French broadcaster Connexion. The health authorities initiated rigorous contact tracing as 19 cases of COVID-19 infections of the UK variant were confirmed in France. The cases were detected from the genome sequencing of the 25,379 new infections in the last 24 hours, which surged from 20,489 recorded the previous day.

Read: US: Arizona Braces For New Year Spike As Coronavirus Surges

Read: Ecuador Envoy Participates In Covaxin Trials, Praises India's Fight Against Coronavirus

French President tested positive

Last month, French President Emmanuel Macron had tested positive for COVID-19. The 42-year-old leader took the PCR test after he reported symptoms. Macron had remained in isolation for nearly seven days and continued to work remotely as he was still in charge of running the nation despite the sickness to lead the response to the pandemic. Macrons COVID-19 diagnosis came after a night curfew was imposed on France to contain the fast-spreading disease. Thus far, a total of 66,565 people have succumbed from the virus in France.

Read: Macron 'doing Well' After Testing COVID Positive, Trump Wishes Him 'speedy Recovery'

Read: US: Biden To Speed Release Of Coronavirus Vaccines

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.

GROTON  A small house sits tucked behind some trees along busy Route 117 that cuts through the center of town.

No one answered the door Friday at the address listed in the Washington Metropolitan Police records for the 40-year-old Groton residents who were among the dozens of people arrested Wednesday in the aftermath of a mob storming the U.S. Capitol building.

Victoria Bergeson and Maurcio Mendez, the only Connecticut residents listed in the arrests logs in connection with the protest, have each pleaded not guilty to curfew violation and unlawful entry.

While there was a car parked in their driveway, the only sounds came from dogs barking from inside the home. Outside, there were no signs supporting President Donald Trump.

One neighbor said he knew Bergeson and Mendez went to Washington to attend the demonstration, but he declined to say anything more about them.

Others who lived nearby either declined to comment or said they didnt know Bergeson and Mendez.

Facebook and LinkedIn accounts associated with Bergeson appeared to have been taken down by Friday evening.

In an email Friday evening, Bergeson declined to comment and referred questions to her attorney.

Bergeson and Mendez were arrested after the Washington mayor set a 6 p.m. curfew Wednesday to help disperse the thousands who protested the certification of Joe Biden as the next president.

Police said Bergeson and Mendez were each taken into custody around 7:15 p.m. in the 100 block of First Street Northwest  less than five minutes from the Capitol building.

Court records show the Metropolitan police chief issued at least three warnings for the individuals to disperse and go inside, according to court documents regarding their arrests. Those warnings were given at 7:15 p.m., 7:16 p.m. and 7:17 p.m., more than an hour after the curfew went into effect.

The listed individuals did not obey the warnings, the documents stated. They were stopped and placed under arrest for violation of mayors curfew order.

The documents said that while Metropolitan police were issuing warnings, the Capitol police through audio-amplification devices around the U.S. Capitol grounds broadcasted numerous warnings related to the closing of the Capitol grounds to unauthorized persons.

Bergesons attorney, Samuel Bogash, said his client and others may not have heard the police announcements to disperse. He said his client may also not have realized she was on Capitol grounds.

It remains unknown what role Bergeson and Mendez, who are each due back in court on June 10, played in the protest.

An attorney listed for Mendez has not responded to requests for comment.

Metropolitan police said its agency only made two arrests of people from Connecticut.

Roughly 40 people have been charged in Superior Court  where Mendez and Bergesons cases are being heard  in connection with the demonstration, according to the Department of Justice.

Those cases include unlawful entry, curfew violations, and firearms-related crimes, among others, according to a press release.

As of Friday, another 13 people have been charged in Federal Court, according to the Department of Justice. Those arrests include 60-year-old Richard Barnett, of Gravette, Ark., who authorities say was photographed with his feet up on House Speaker Nancy Pelosis desk in her office.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority has also suspended one of its employees, Will Pepe, of Beacon, N.Y., the New York Post reported. The FBI is investigating Pepes role in the protest, the Post reported.

A spokesman for the MTA confirmed the suspension in a tweet Friday.

Effective immediately, this individual has been suspended from Metro-North without pay and will be disciplined in accordance with his collective bargaining agreement pending an investigation, spokesman Ken Lovett said. This alleged conduct is abhorrent and goes against the values of MNR, NY and the nation.
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
NAIROBI: Soldiers and police in the northern Ethiopian city of Mekelle have expressed concerns about insecurity, with one saying women were raped this week, after the city fell to federal forces during a war late last year.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds government declared victory in its conflict with the Tigray regions former ruling party after seizing Mekelle, the local capital and home to half a million people, on Nov. 28

Though the government says it is restoring law and order, aid agencies, residents and the United Nations are concerned at ongoing instability and shortages.

At Fridays meeting in Mekelle broadcast on ETV, a state TV channel, an unidentified man in Ethiopian military uniform spoke of repeated abuses against women.

I was angry yesterday. Why does a woman get raped in Mekelle city? It wouldnt be shocking if it happened during the war because it is not manageable and could be expected for such a thing to happen," he said.

But women were raped yesterday and today when the local police and federal police are around. We need to communicate among ourselves and act together and strengthen our chain of command."

No more details were given and Reuters was unable to verify his account. Communications and access to Tigray remain hard.

Mekelles mayor did not answer phone calls seeking comment, while national military and police spokesmen, Abiys spokeswoman and the spokesman for a government taskforce on Tigray did not immediately respond to questions.

At the meeting on state TV, the new government-appointed mayor of Mekelle, Ataklti Haileselassie, said security forces would work more closely to guarantee peace and security.

Another soldier complained that when criminals were arrested, there was no one to hand them to. Basic institutional structure has been destroyed," he said.

A policeman said he and colleagues had not been paid.

Air strikes and battles since early November in Tigray are believed to have killed thousands of people. Fighting is continuing in some parts and more than 2 million people need aid, the United Nations said this week.

Fugitive leaders of the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) had vowed to continue to fight from the mountains, but Reuters has been unable to contact them for weeks.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 00:58:07|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

CHATO, Tanzania, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has achieved great success and become a new monument to China-Africa friendly cooperation, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday.

Wang made the remarks at a joint press conference here with Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Palamagamba Kabudi during his official visit to the African country.

Wang noted that over the past two years, China has fully implemented the eight major initiatives with African countries proposed at the Beijing Summit.

Cooperation in areas of industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, green development, capacity building, health care, people-to-people exchange, and peace and security have been carried out in a comprehensive way, he said, adding that the overall implementation rate has exceeded 70 percent.

Noting that China-Africa cooperation on the "Belt and Road" is progressing smoothly, Wang said over 1,100 cooperation projects continue to operate during the epidemic.

Meanwhile, nearly 100,000 Chinese technical and engineering personnel also stick to their posts to coordinate and promote epidemic prevention and control as well as resume work and production, making important contributions to local economic and social development.

The friendship between Chinese and African people has continued to grow and the two sides have established 11 pairs of new sister cities, bringing the total number to 150, said Wang,

Furthermore, the China-Africa Institute has been inaugurated, a number of Confucius Institutes have been set up in Africa and exchanges in sectors of sports, health, tourism and youths between the two sides have yielded fruitful results, Wang added.

Wang noted that despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will not stop China and Africa from moving forward together. The two sides are scheduled to hold a new session of the FOCAC in Senegal later this year.

"China is ready to enhance communication with our African friends and we will carefully design the outcomes of the meeting and upgrade China-Africa cooperation based on the new situation, new needs and new opportunities of China-Africa cooperation," said Wang.

A seven-point plan for upgrading of China-Africa cooperation is also proposed by Wang.

--China will strengthen health cooperation, work together with Africa to completely defeat the epidemic, help Africa enhance its capacity to prevent and respond to major diseases, and jointly build a "Healthy Africa".

--China will enhance production capacity cooperation and upgrade China-Africa project cooperation to a more clustered, large-scale, industrialized and localized scale. China will help Africa raise its capacity for independent production and jointly build a "Made in Africa".

--China will strengthen regional connectivity, explore China-Africa free trade cooperation, and help Africa enhance internal infrastructure connectivity, unimpeached trade and financial integration so as to jointly build an "Inter-connected Africa".

--China will strengthen agricultural cooperation, carry out cooperation in grain production, storage and transportation, help Africa strengthen its food security and guarantee capability to jointly build a "Harvest Africa".

--China will strengthen digital cooperation, give full play to China's technological advantages, help Africa seize the opportunity of the information revolution and jointly build a "Digital Africa".

--China will carry out environmental protection cooperation, practice the concept of sustainable development, help Africa improve its ability to cope with climate change and jointly build a "Green Africa".

--China will strengthen military security cooperation, promote political solutions of critical issues in Africa, help Africa enhance its peacekeeping and anti-terrorism capabilities, and jointly build a "Safe Africa".

Wang also expressed confidence that with the joint efforts of both sides and under the guidance of the forum mechanism, China-Africa cooperation will continue to bear fruits and make greater contribution to the building of a closer China-Africa community with a shared future. Enditem
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Wagner College issued a brief statement Friday night that it would rescind the 2004 honorary degree it gave President Donald Trump.

The short message posted to its website and social media did not elaborate as to why its Board of Trustees reached the decision.

The Wagner College Board of Trustees met in a special session to review the honorary degree granted to Donald J. Trump in 2004, the message read. Today, the board voted to rescind that degree.

A spokesman for the school said they did not have further comment as to why the board reached its decision.

The Wagner College Board of Trustees met in a special session to review the honorary degree granted to Donald J. Trump in 2004. Today, the board voted to rescind that degree. pic.twitter.com/A3DHiwjU7G  Wagner College (@WagnerCollege) January 8, 2021

Trump spoke at the schools graduation that year, and appeared at the school with his then fiancee, First Lady Melania Trump.

The president was at the height of his fame with the first season of The Apprentice, and was well-received, according to reporting from the time.

You never really know where the journey will take you, he said at the time. Look at me ... Here I am, a star, and theres nothing like it.

Trump called Wagner one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. He described being a boy and tagging along as his father collected coins from washing machines at the apartment complex he owned, Grymes Hill Apartments.

On Friday night, Twitter also moved to permanently suspend the presidents account, which has been one of his primary ways of communicating with the American people throughout his presidency.

The social media site said that (a)fter close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.

After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.https://t.co/CBpE1I6j8Y  Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 8, 2021

On Wednesday, the presidents supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to have them reject the results of the 2020 presidential election. Five people are dead as a result of their actions.

Before the violence started, Trump told his supporters to go to the Capitol to encourage Republicans to reject the Electoral Colleges decision.

Were going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue  I love Pennsylvania Avenue  and were going to the Capitol, he said. Were going to try and give our Republicans, the weak ones because the strong ones dont need any help. Were going to try and give them the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country.

Despite the efforts, Congress confirmed the Electoral Colleges decision, and former Vice President Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president on Jan. 20.
To the Editor:

It has become an article of faith among Donald Trump loyalists that he truly won the election, and that the only reason Joe Biden was certified as president-elect was because of massive voter fraud and other irregularities. Wild conspiracy theories like this are not uncommon in politics, and history is replete with mass delusions fervently believed by millions, often in response to unwelcome events or circumstances.

Huge numbers of people in 14th century Europe believed that what was killing up to half the population was not the Black Death but Jews poisoning the wells. Everybody in Salem, Massachusetts, once knew that witches abounded in their village. Millions in the 1950s believed that communists were infiltrating Congress, the State Department and virtually every other institution in society. And millions of people during World War II endorsed the necessity of relocating thousands of Japanese Americans to what amounted to concentration camps because everybody knew many of them were enemy agents.

The common thread here? Strong emotions (fear, anger) and a credulous segment of society willing to subscribe to the delusion despite the complete absence of credible evidence to support it. It is an all-too-human tendency to throw logic and rational thought to the winds and embrace fantasy when it fills a need  to belong, to justify groundless fears, to ratify our prejudices.

Or to rationalize not accepting an election result. No doubt many in Trumps echo chamber would take considerable umbrage at having their certitude that he won equated with belief in witches or communists in the State Department. But the common thread holds  tenacious clinging to a belief lacking any factual support, evidence to the contrary be damned.

You beg to differ? OK, then heres a challenge: Find me (and detail in a signed letter to this paper) one or more specific instance(s) of fraud massive enough to have changed the electoral outcome in a state or states that Biden won, which would subtract enough electoral votes from his total to throw the election to Trump. If such evidence is so abundant and compelling, you should have no trouble providing it, citing your credible source, and explaining why such obvious facts were not argued to the courts OR why the courts were wrong to reject them. I will take a careful look at what you provide and if your facts are convincing, I will acknowledge that Trump was the victor. In other words, put up or shut up.

Until then, your silence will be deafening.

Thomas K. Noonan

Barnesville
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.
Owing to the evolution of the coronavirus, scientists have called for the continuous monitoring of changes in the virus for vaccine coverage

When the researchers tested the sera of 20 participants who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine they found that it could act against the engineered coronavirus variants. (Photo:AFP)

New Delhi: Scientists have found evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine co-developed by the US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech may protect against the novel coronavirus variant which originated in the UK and has been reported in several parts of the world, including India.

In a yet-to-be peer-reviewed research, scientists from the University of Texas Medical Branch in the US, tested the ability of blood serum from 20 individuals immunised with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to neutralise coronavirus engineered to carry the new mutations.

"Rapidly spreading variants of SARS-CoV-2 that have arisen in the UK and South Africa share the spike N501Y substitution, which is of particular concern because it is located in the viral receptor binding site for cell entry and increases binding to the receptor," the scientists noted in the study.

In these mutant forms, the molecule asparagine in the 501st position of the viral spike protein's amino acid sequence, is replaced by another amino acid tyrosine which is noted as Y.

"These rapidly spreading variants share the spike N501Y substitution. This mutation is of particular concern because it is located in the viral receptor binding site for cell entry, increases binding to the receptor, and enables the virus to expand its host range," the study noted.

When the researchers tested the sera of 20 participants who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine they found that it could act against the engineered coronavirus variants.

"The new data provides important confirmation that the multiple antibodies generated against the spike protein (S) by vaccination remain able to inhibit cell entry by variant viruses," virologist Ian Jones from the University of Reading in the UK, who was unrelated to the study, said in a statement.

"This is because while some antibodies may not bind to S proteins with, for example the N501Y mutation, most antibodies still do, and this is sufficient to maintain protection," Jones added.

Gary McLean, Professor in Molecular Immunology from the London Metropolitan University in the UK said while the findings offer "good news", the study "did not construct SARS-CoV-2 with the full set of spike mutations in the UK variant and therefore further conclusions cannot be made fully at this stage."

While the current research, assessed the ability of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to counter the strains carrying the N501Y mutation, virologist Lawrence Young from the University of Warwick in the UK said there are also other changes observed in these strains which might affect infectivity "and these have not been examined."

"This is particularly a concern with the South African variant which has accumulated two additional changes in the key receptor-binding domain of the spike gene," Young said.

"These changes are very likely to influence the infectiousness of this South African variant and may also impact its ability to be blocked by antibodies," he added.

Owing to the ongoing evolution of the coronavirus, scientists have called for the continuous monitoring of the significance of changes in the virus for vaccine coverage.

"This surveillance is accompanied by preparations for the possibility that a future mutation in SARS-CoV-2 might necessitate a vaccine strain change," the scientists wrote in the study.

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.
2021 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #2

Posted on 9 January 2021 by John Hartz

A chronological listing of news articles linked to on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Jan 3, 2021 through Sat, Jan 9, 2021

Editor's Choice

After the Insurrection: Accountability, Reform, and the Science of Democracy

The poisonous lies and enablers of sedition--including Senator Hawley, pictured here with the president--will remain even after Trump leaves office. The new president and Congress have the chance to begin to right many wrongs. But they need our strength to hold them to task--and to hold them accountable for resetting the norms, actions, and policies of our government. Photo: Charlie Riedel/AP

I have led the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists since 2012 when it was formed. We came into being because UCS believes that science and scientists have a critical role to play in our society and because of the urgent needs to strive for a healthy planet and a safer world.

When we are witness to the events of this weekand indeed the last four yearsit is impossible to avoid the conclusion that those who support the role of science in American constitutional democracy must also defend and strengthen that democracy in order to achieve our aims. We, as the UCS community, can not stand by as our very democracy is attacked by President Trump, his henchmen in Congress, and his rioters attacking the Capitol.

There are many organizations working on civil rights and democracy reform. What UCS brings to the battle is a connection to the science of democracy, elections, and fair representationand the critical importance of fair voting and broader representation to achieving virtually all of the policy reforms UCS advocates for across our issue areas. Our supporters, based on science as well as the urgent need for civil rights, advocate for the changes we need as a country to combat disinformation. Together we fight to institute policies that secure fairer representation, safer elections even in times of pandemic, and policies that serve the interests and needs of all of the public.

Make no mistake that we, as the voice for science, have a unique role and responsibility in the movement for a healthy democracy and fair representation. Just as science is needed to ensure that policies are effective, a healthy democracy is needed to ensure that they are fairand the success of both hinge on peoples right to vote and fair representation. Simply put, we cannot realize the role of science and evidence for achieving a healthier and safer society until we can ensure our government is serving and accountable to the people.

After the Insurrection: Accountability, Reform, and the Science of Democracy by Andrew Rosenberg, Blogs, Union of Concerned Scientists, Jan 8, 2021

Articles Linked to on Facebook

Sun, Jan 3, 2021

Mon, Jan 4, 2021

Tue, Jan 5, 2021

Wed, Jan 6, 2021

Thu, Jan 7, 2021

Fri, Jan 8, 2021

Sat, Jan 9, 2021
Runway 07R/025 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City will be put into use again on Sunday after six months of closure for upgrading, according to Cuu Long Corporation for Investment, Development and Project Management of Infrastructure under the Ministry of Transport.

Pham Duy Lai, deputy director of the company, said the inauguration of the newly-upgraded will take place on January 10.

The facility, which is 3.048m long and 45.72m wide, is one of the two runways of Tan Son Nhat, the largest airport in Vietnam.

In mid-December 2020, the investor of the upgrading project hired a foreign agency to conduct flight calibration, ensuring the runway meet 4E technical requirements of international airports.

Therefore, the facility is able to receive several types of new generation airplanes with large wheels and tire pressure such as Airbus A350-900, Boeing B787-9 or B787-10.

The Ministry of Transport said the upgrade of Tan Son Nhat Airport is crucial for both domestic and international trade, political, socio-economic activities, security in the southern metropolis as well as for raising its handling capacity of 50 million passengers a year.

The upgrading project began in June 2020 with the investment of VND2 trillion (US86.5 million).

The other runway of Tan Son Nhat Airport is expected to be upgraded in the near future.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
(Natural News) There is never going to be a better example of how disgustingly corrupt and dishonest Democrats and their propagandists, our mainstream media, have become than seeing them react to the admittedly disturbing breach of the U.S. Capitol Building by hundreds of so-called supporters of President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

A quick stroll around the Internet the following day provided more than a few examples of the blatant hypocrisy and gaslighting by Democrats and their sycophantic media allies, whom many have blamed for causing all of the division in our country to begin with.

Trump told supporters to show strength. Then a deadly riot unfolded, said one headline at Fake News Central CNN, directly blaming the president for the few hundred knuckleheads who assailed the Capitol Building.

These are the rioters in the domestic terror attack, said another headline from CNN, falsely claiming that what demonstrators engaged in was an act of terrorism. Whats even funnier (in a sad-but-true kind of way) is that this story is listed under CNN Investigates.

No, they didnt. They didnt investigate anything.

Always ready to stir up racial tensions, the news network also featured a story, This was the response when it was Black protesters on DC streets, complete with a photo of National Guard troops standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Never mind that during that period, BLM and Antifa anarchists were literally rioting and destroying and looting businesses. And never mind that DC Mayor Muriel Bowser requested the DC National Guard be deployed ahead of President Trumps Stop the Steal rally, which eventually spawned the Capitol rush. (Related: Trump adviser drops second bombshell report in Art of the Steal series explaining how Dem-aligned deep state stole the election.)

Meanwhile, over at equally pathetic MSNBC, this headline: Outrage grows over Trump response, leading to calls for 25th Amendment  which outlines how to remove mentally incompetent presidents (better dust it off for the brain-dead Biden when he takes office).

Of course, calls are increasing. The Democrats have honed in on it, and MSNBC is nothing more than a Democrat propaganda mill. And the Washington Post proves it with this headline: Pelosi, Schumer urge use of 25th Amendment or impeachment.

Heres another from MSLSD: The Capitol isnt designed to keep the MAGA hordes out. Thats a problem.

Mind you, President Trump never told his supporters to storm the Capitol Building. Yes, he did say they should march to it and give Republican lawmakers the backbone to challenge fake electoral college results  but he never said, Invade!

No  gaslighting journalism is the problem.

Where were these moral preeners when BLM and Antifa were burning down city blocks, destroying businesses, attacking the presidents supporters, and looting stores  in the name of racial justice?

We can tell you where they were: Excusing it.

Speaking of CNN, its chief jerk and bodybuilder, Chris Cuomo, got ticked off when people pointed out his hypocrisy on these issues.

BizPac Review notes:

CNNs Chris Cuomo lashed out at those reminding him of the awkward truth of his own hypocrisy over polite and peaceful protests.

The CNN host was called out on Twitter after he posted comments condemning President Donald Trump and the protests that turned violent at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Apparently lacking any self-awareness, Cuomo fired verbal shots at Trump and those who stoked the flames that he believed led to the deadly demonstrations at the U.S. Capitol.

You cant control what you caused. And this is what you will he remembered for, he tweeted in response to the presidents call for demonstrators to stay peaceful. They are not peaceful- because you are not about peace.

Too late. They are not peaceful- because you are not about peace. You can't control what you caused. And this is what you will he remembered for https://t.co/jX48y9LSnR  Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) January 6, 2021

In response to Fox News Laura Ingrahams observation that the breach was disgraceful, Cuomo tweeted: Those who stoked these flames must be remembered. They fed lies and moved people to exactly what we are seeing. #Remember.

Those who stoked these flames must be remembered. They fed lies and moved people to exactly what we are seeing. #Remember https://t.co/z902jgRLy0  Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) January 6, 2021

Last year, during the rioting taking place all over the country, Cuomo the Hypocrite noted on his little-watched CNN show: Please, show me where it says protesters are supposed to be polite and peaceful.

You cant make this up.

"Please, show me where it says protesters are supposed to be polite and peaceful."  Fredo Cuomo Remember last summer when CNN was using MLKs quote, A riot is the language of the unheard out of context in order to add fuel to the fire? I do. These people have no shame. pic.twitter.com/30FxXJOS2C  John Henry (@fake_news_u_r) January 6, 2021

See more reporting like this at NewsFakes.com.

Sources include:

CNN.com

MSNBC.com

NaturalNews.com
If you believe the media and most Beltway politicians, the entire country is appalled at President Trump and wants him erased from history. A moral panic is being pushed by the media and other Democrats in the wake of the incursion into the United States Capitol. It has been persuasive to the media, including many nominal conservatives. And it may have convinced many Republican politicians that President Trump is now a marginal figure, at best, and should be shunned.

But unless the Rasmussen polling organization suddenly has become inaccurate after being far more accurate than most presidential polls, the mainstream of conservative America, roughly half the country, isn't buying it, and Trump's approval has actually risen.

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll, Sponsored by SLANTED from Sharyl Attkisson, for Friday shows that 48% of Likely U.S. Voters approve of President Trump's job performance. Fifty percent (50%) disapprove.

On the fifth and sixth of January, Trump's total approval figure was 47%. The movement may be small, but it is the direction that is important. Far from deserting Trump, the public is staying with him and even increasing approval (within the margin of error).

The latest figures include 35% who Strongly Approve of the job Trump is doing and 42% who Strongly Disapprove. This gives him a Presidential Approval Index rating of -7. (see trends) This survey includes the first full night of polling following the events on Wednesday in Washington, DC.

Rasmussen

The media and other Democrats don't realize it, but they have so discredited themselves that their attacks on Trump are now working against their own interests.
Large restaurants providing prepared meals to supermarkets for sale is causing the Government some concern as it says this is adding to additional customer traffic at those supermarkets, as it wants less movement of people during the State of Emergency.
Investigations editor

Larry Parnass, investigations editor, 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 and CommonWealth Magazine.
The celebrities of the film industry expressed their grief over the death of 10 newborn babies in a fire accident at a hospital in Maharashtras Bhandara district. Calling it a colossal tragedy, gut-wrenching and irreparable loss, they sent their prayers and condolences to the family.

READ: Bhandara Fire Incident: Maha CM Orders Probe; Harsh Vardhan Takes Stock Of Situation

Bollywood stars mourn victims of Bhandara tragedy

Anupam Kher, Pulkit Samrat, Nimrat Kaur, Farah Khan Ali were among those whose hearts went out to the victims. They wrote that they were saddened and termed it as an unimaginable tragedy.

My heart goes out to the families of the children who lost their lives in the hospital fire in #bhandara #Maharashtra. It is such a colossal tragedy. I am saddened beyond words. Hope the injured recover soon.   Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) January 9, 2021

Even actors-turned-politicians like Smriti Irani, Urmila Matondkar and Nagma reacted to the incident. With words like unfortunate, horrific & heart wrenching, they extended their prayers and condolences to the family.

Fire at Maharashtras Bhandara district hospital & subsequent death of infants in the unfortunate incident is horrific & heart wrenching to say the least. My deepest condolences to the parents & families of children who lost their lives. Om Shanti!  Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 9, 2021

 Heartfelt Condolences on this very unfortunate incident in Bhandara where 10 children lost their life in an hospital due to a tragic fire break out . Praying that almighty gives strength to their families to bear this grave loss . https://t.co/9bGsZf1cEU  Nagma (@nagma_morarji) January 9, 2021

READ: 10 Children Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out At A Hospital In Maharashtra's Bhandara

Previously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders across political parties expressed their sadness.

The PM tweeted, "Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as early as possible."

"The fire accident in Bhandara district hospital, Maharashtra is very unfortunate. I am pained beyond words. My thoughts and condolences are with bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss," wrote Home Minister Amit Shah.

Bhandara fire incident

Ten newborn babies at the Bhandara District General Hospital's Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) in Maharashtra died in a fire in the wee hours of Saturday. They passed away from suffocation due to the fire outbreak.

"I have been told that the prima facie cause of the fire at the Bhandara hospital was a short circuit. Of the 10 children, 3 died due to fire while 7 died due to smoke. Strict action will be taken against culprits," Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope was quoted as saying by ANI.

The District civil surgeon Pramod Khandat informed that there were 17 babies in the unit, and seven of them were rescued. The babies were aged between one month and three months.

Maharashtra Chief Minister ordered a probe into the incident, while the state health minister announced a Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the family of the deceased.

Union Health MinisteHarsh Vardhan took stock of the situation.

READ: Maharashtra Hospital Fire: Goa CM Condoles Death Of Infants

READ: Bhandara Fire Incident: PM Modi Condoles Demise Of Newborns In Heart-wrenching Tragedy

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.
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 Kerala government has issued orders to reopen spas and ayurvedic resorts in the state, which were closed due to the novel coronavirus, state Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran announced on Friday.

"Such institutions must be open in full compliance with the Covid protocol. Institutions should take all precautions to ensure hygiene and safety," Surendran added.

The Kerala Tourism Minister further added that the existing general guidelines regarding the functioning of the tourism sector during the novel coronavirus pandemic should also be fully complied with by Ayurveda resorts and Spas.

Surendran had earlier said that the state's tourism sector has incurred a loss of 15,000 crore due to the Covid-induced lockdown.

Kerala is among the few states that have a higher coronavirus positivity rate. It is one of the worst-hit Covid-19 states.

Meanwhile, three UK returnees were among 5,142 people who tested positive for coronavirus on Friday in Kerala, which also recorded 23 deaths, taking the total infection count to 8,01,075 and the toll to 3,257.

The state registered 5,325 recoveries, while active cases stood at 64,236, the government said.

Health Minister K K Shailaja said three more returnees from Britain tested positive for the virus.

As many as 50 people who have so far returned to the state from that country had tested positive for Covid-19, among whom six were found to have the new mutated strain of the virus detected there, she said.

With agency inputs

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
UPDATED Jan 9 5:24 p.m. On Saturday, Apple removed Parler, the alternative social media platform popular with conservatives, from its app store. "here is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity," the iPhone maker said.

Jan. 8, 5:42 p.m. Google has blocked the messaging and social network app Parler from its store.

The company cited the "urgent public safety threat" in restricting the app, touted as a free-speech alternative.

Jan. 8, 4:17 p.m. Parler is currently down.

If you've noticed your social media feeds have become a little less fringe over the past few months, that's because many conspiracy-minded posters have flocked to Parler, a right-leaning network that refuses to censor posts under the guise of free speech, resulting in a torrent of death threats and offensive imagery.

Now after this week's violent storming of the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump, Apple has taken an aggressive stance towards limiting the potentially dangerous hate speech rampant on the app.

RELATED: I tried Parler, the social media app where hate speech thrives

BuzzFeed News obtained an email that Apple sent to Parler executives this morning accusing the company of facilitating the activities that took place at the Capitol. The email reads:

"We have received numerous complaints regarding objectionable content in your Parler service, accusations that the Parler app was used to plan, coordinate, and facilitate the illegal activities in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021 that led (among other things) to loss of life, numerous injuries, and the destruction of property, Apple wrote to Parler. The app also appears to continue to be used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities.

The message goes on to demand that Parler require a moderation plan within 24 hours or face removal from the App store.

Google has been pressured to follow suit, with the activist group Sleeping Giant posting screenshots from the app which showed continued threats of violence, including ones against Vice President Mike Pence. Google has yet to make a statement in reply.
Bay of Plenty

Ever thought of joining the civil construction industry? if so then this is your chance to get a foot in the door. We are...



View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz

'We all know that we have to dramatically reduce or carbon footprint to redress the environmental catastrophe that is looming.' (Stock photo: Getty Images)

Understandably residents of this and many other areas of the country are concerned when they come up against new and at times innovative projects that are designed to reduce the country's dependency on fossil fuels for our energy.

In many cases the residents express that concern by raising formal objections with the planners to such projects.

In some cases these objections are perfectly valid and deserve to be fully examined and addressed by the planners and developers before an adjudication is made.

Inevitably some objectors are singled out for criticism by those who should know better, for the reality is that we are all in favour of any project that may be seen as intrusive as long as it is not on our doorstep.

This applies with the erection of wind turbines both on land and in the sea, solar energy projects and most likely energy saving projects that are still in development.

Of course we can't have it both ways for we all know that we have to dramatically reduce or carbon footprint to redress the environmental catastrophe that is looming.

Increasingly we see incidents of climate change in our own country with wetter winters resulting in extensive flooding and warmer summers, but we are fortunate in that we do not experience such dramatic extremes of climate change as many other third world countries.

That does not excuse us from playing our part in helping to reduce our carbon footprint for we all have a responsibility in this regard.

We here in Louth with a lengthy coastline and the Cooley mountains can expect more energy saving projects to be mooted in the coming years.

Our approach to these projects should be based on reason and the common good, for once the genuine concerns of objectors are given proper consideration, we must be prepared to live with some inconvenience or perhaps a blight on our landscape to play our part in protecting our cherished way of life for our children and children's children.
As President Trump denounced the violence in he Capitol and called for peace and order, Joe Biden had a different idea: Attacking President Trump. And pinning the racism tag on the cops.
Apple Watch just got even better as it receives a new gesture-sensing band! The newly added feature allows users to access and activate the wearable tech without even touching the device's screen.

Right now, touchscreen devices are considered the most accessible gadgets. You can just swipe up, down, left, and right your fingers to do online tasks.

Some laptops are also now a touchscreen, saving you the hassle of using a mouse to hover from tab to tab. However, there's a more convenient way to use different kinds of gadgets.

Apple Watch's new Mudra Band

According to Engadget' latest report, people with cognitive and physical disabilities, such as ALS, are having a hard time using touch screen devices.

This might just change since Apple Watch receives the new Mudra Band. This new gesture-sensing band will be introduced in the upcoming CES 2021 Innovation Award event.

Also Read: Facebook 'Smart Glasses' Will Not Have AR's Digital Overlay Technology, Will Arrive in 2021

The design and concept are very similar to the Myo armband North, which is also known as Thalmic. The previous Myo armband was released to focus on its Focals smart glasses.

The Mudra Band is intended to work with an Apple Watch. It uses a sensor to detect electrical signals, which are sent by the users' brains to their fingers.

After that, the band will use deep-learning algorithms to analyze the impulses and map them to a corresponding finger movement. It will then send the data to the user's Apple Watch with the help of Bluetooth LE.

Advanced tips for new Apple Watch owners

The Apple Watch, together with its new Mudra Band, can really be helpful to many people, with disabilities or none. If you decided to own one, here are some advanced tricks and tips you need to do, as stated by MacRumors.

Delete apps

Use Tapback for Messages

Take advantage of Smart Replies

Clear notifications

Silence a phone call

Jump back to the top of an Apple Watch app

Quickly access favorite apps

Use List View

Ping a lost iPhone

Pause a workout

Skin the workout countdown

Access Control Center

See battery life in Nightstand Mode

Use Siri to read time

Make a Memoji

Control Airpods

Swap between apps quickly

If you want to learn more on how to use it, just click here for more details.

For more news updates about Apple Watch's updates and other popular wearble gadgets, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: AirPods Max Condenstation Issue Cause: Is it Normal or Due to Bad Design?

This article is owned by TechTimes.

Written by: Giuliano de Leon.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President Emmanuel Macron called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the representatives of the two countries discussed key issues at their annual strategic dialogue. Modi told the French diplomat that he is happy with the progress the two countries have made and conveyed his best wishes to the French President.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) later informed India and France discussed key issues such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and vowed to accord high priority to their partnership.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led the Indian delegation, while the French delegation was headed by Emmanuel Bonne at the talks.

The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with the progress both countries have made on key aspects of the India-France strategic partnership, including counter-terrorism, cyber-security, defence and strategic cooperation, etc.

Bonne also briefed the Prime Minister on India-France cooperation on various regional and global issues, including maritime and multilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister fondly recalled his recent exchanges with President Macron, and conveyed his best wishes for his health. He also reiterated his invitation to President Macron to visit India as soon as conditions permits.

The Prime Minister later tweeted, Had a productive meeting with Mr. Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to President Macron. Expressed joy at the progress in India-France Strategic Partnership, a force for global good in the post-COVID world. Reiterated the invitation to my friend Emmanuel Macron to visit India.

Had a productive meeting with Mr. Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to President Macron. Expressed joy at the progress in India-France Strategic Partnership, a force for global good in the post-COVID world. Reiterated the invitation to my friend @EmmanuelMacron to visit India. pic.twitter.com/YQHmbqJXST  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2021

In its statement, the MEA said the two sides held discussions on a variety of issues including counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, defence cooperation, maritime security, regional and global issues and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The French release on the dialogue said, at the dialogue, they reiterated their attachment to an inclusive, rules-based Indo-Pacific which contributes to a multipolar Asia in a multipolar world.

the agenda of the strategic dialogue covered all aspects of the Indo-French strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific and in the fields of space, defence, security, civil nuclear energy, among others.

On each topic, the two sides noted the high degree of convergence of views and agreed on concrete steps to further enhance their cooperation, the French statement said.

During his meetings, Bonne conveyed President Macron's wish to further strengthen the relationship of trust and friendship between France and India in 2021.

"Indo-French cooperation will be key to tackling global challenges in 2021, such as ensuring equal and universal access to COVID-19 vaccines, protecting climate and biodiversity, and building a renewed multilateralism," the French statement said.

Bonne highlighted that France will work closely with India in the UN Security Council in 2021-2022 and reiterated France's support for India's bid for a permanent seat, it said.

Both sides reaffirmed the high priority they accord to the India-France strategic partnership and highlighted the convergence of views between the two countries, the MEA said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
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.
Police have warned of the dangers of walking on ice after a parent encouraged their child to stand on a frozen lake for a picture.

The incident occurred at Hillsborough Forest Park on Saturday.

Police attended the scene after reports of a number of people walking on ice at the lake in the park.

A PSNI spokesperson said police spoke to one parent after they encouraged their child to stand in the middle of the lake for a picture.

Police posted an initial warning on the Police Lisburn & Castlereagh Facebook page.

"Yes, the lake appears frozen but the sheet ice is not as thick as it looks and is already thawing in places," the spokesperson said.

"Please if out and about today, be sensible and dont risk walking on the frozen lake. This is highly dangerous."

Expand Close The lake quickly thawed. Credit: PSNI / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The lake quickly thawed. Credit: PSNI

Police then posted pictures to show how quickly the lake thawed and returned to its natural state.

"I wanted to share these images especially with those who argued that the 'Frozen' lake isn't dangerous to walk on," the spokesperson said.

"One parent who encouraged his child to go to the island in the middle of the lake as it would make for a cool picture (I don't think pun was intended) then when spoken to by police blamed his child for going so far.

"Anyways after a foot patrol of the lakes and an unacceptably large number of persons spoken to, the below images were taken showing how shallow this ice is and how rapidly this ice becomes water again, Is the picture worth the risk?

"We will continue to conduct patrols in the area and along with partners in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council look at what other actions may need to be taken."
A group of police reform activists Friday submitted about 20,000 signatures needed to get a City Charter amendment on the ballot that, if approved by voters, would repeal local implementation of a state law that gives police the right to collectively bargain.

But the group, Fix SAPD, did not submit the roughly 80,000 additional signatures necessary to get a second amendment on the ballot to repeal, on the local level, another state law that governs hiring, promotions, discipline and access to police records.

Still, group leaders said it was a victory.

This is a first step for San Antonio, said Ojiyoma Martin, co-founder of Fix SAPD. For the first time in decades, San Antonio, you get a chance to vote on these laws. Your voice can be heard on this issue.

The two laws were authorized by the Legislature but had to be approved by San Antonio voters to be made part of the City Charter.

Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code, which was approved locally in 1947, provides civil service protections for police officers and firefighters. It also governs police hiring, promotions and discipline.

Layered on top of that is Chapter 174, which was adopted in 1974. It gives police the right to collectively bargain and adopt local rules that supersede those established by Chapter 143.

Each law has a different threshold of signatures, established by state law, needed to put them on the ballot.

For Chapter 174, its 5 percent of voters who participated in the most recent November general election  or no more than 20,000 signatures. For Chapter 143, the minimum number is higher  10 percent of all voters who were registered as of the most recent municipal election.

Critics of the laws say they explain why such a high percentage of San Antonio police officers fired for allegations of misconduct are able to win their jobs back later through arbitration, an appeal process. By various estimates, about two-thirds of firings are reversed by arbitrators independent of city government.

No one wants bad cops on the force, Martin said. Bad officers are a threat to everyone, including good officers, and cannot be exempt from responsibility for their actions.

On ExpressNews.com: Police chief, union leader take rare united stance against charter amendment

But taking a hatchet to anything having to do with police is a tricky proposition in San Antonio, where police, firefighters and their unions have been overwhelmingly popular  and very good at turning out their supporters at the polls.

Earlier this week, Police Chief William McManus and the incoming head of the police union appeared together, in a rare move, to put up a united front against Fix SAPDs efforts.

McManus said Fix SAPD has misrepresented his statements about the collective bargaining process.

I am not opposed to collective bargaining, McManus said. I think that what we need to do can be done at the negotiating table.

John Danny Diaz, the incoming president of the police union, said at the same time that Fix SAPD members have misrepresented themselves as police officers while gathering signatures. On Friday, union officials reiterated those claims.

We believe that a great number of these signatures have been collected fraudulently and under false pretenses, said Michael Helle, outgoing union president.

We have received several credible reports from citizens, including reports that have been filed with SAPD, that (Fix SAPD) has been misrepresenting themselves as being from or with the San Antonio Police Department, Helle added.

Express Briefing: Get the morning headlines in your inbox

Leaders from Fix SAPD, which is registered in Texas as a nonprofit, have disputed those allegations. They said no one from their organization had identified themselves as police officers as they sought signatures at events or visits to residences.

At no point have any of us petitioners said were with SAPD or SAPOA, Ananda Tomas, deputy director of Fix SAPD, said earlier this week, referring to the Police Department and the San Antonio Police Officers Association. I believe people are getting confused because the name is Fix SAPD.

To put both proposals in front of voters, the group  working with the Texas Organizing Project  began collecting signatures for the two amendments over the summer.

Martin said she had hoped to put both amendments on the May ballot. Unfortunately, she said, members only gathered the signatures needed for Chapter 174.

We do not have the infrastructure of SAPOA, Martin said. We did not have their deep pockets. So we did our best. We pulled ourselves up by the bootstraps. We were scavenging for change.

In the months to come, Fix SAPD will continue collecting signatures in an effort to get the second charter amendment on the November ballot.

In the meantime, the City Clerk has 20 business days to verify the submitted signatures or advise Fix SAPD of any deficiencies. At that point, the City Council votes, in a ministerial act, to place the item on the May ballot.

Martin said she was confident the amendment, once placed on the ballot, would be approved by voters.

What legislators in this city and City Council members have been unable to do, we San Antonio voters have a chance to advance, Martin said. The first pillar is coming down come May 2021.

Staff Writer Joshua Fechter contributed to this report.

eeaton@express-news.net

Its a given in Texas politics that Latino voters have the power to make or break campaigns.

We dont generally hear too much, however, about the impact of the Latino vote in Georgia.

Nonetheless, Latinos make up nearly 10 percent of the Georgia population and they were semi-secret weapons Tuesday in Georgias two U.S. Senate runoffs, both of which went to the Democratic challengers in upset fashion.

Those victories carried serious historical weight.

The Rev. Raphael Warnock became the first African American senator in the history of his state. Jon Ossoff, a documentary film executive and former congressional aide, became, at 33, the youngest person elected to the U.S. Senate since a brash Delaware attorney named Joe Biden won his 1972 race a couple of weeks before his 30th birthday.

By flipping two Republican seats, Warnock and Ossoff also enabled the Democratic Party to take back majority control of the Senate after six years of GOP domination. In addition, the two Georgia races instantly altered Bidens prospects for legislative success in the first two years of his presidency.

Laura Barberena helped make it happen.

Barberena, a San Antonio Democratic consultant, specializes in the art of campaign messaging, and she assumed a key role in Ossoffs bid to engage and motivate Georgia Latinos.

Barberena was enlisted by Adrian Saenz, a University of Texas at San Antonio alum who served as special assistant to former President Barack Obama and will soon be Bidens deputy director of the Office of Public Engagement.

Ossoffs media firm subcontracted Saenz and Barberena to handle Latino outreach. Saenz and Barberena co-wrote a series of Spanish-language and bilingual radio and TV ads for the candidate, with Barberena as director.

In a nod to the public-health threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked virtually, choreographing the Georgia action behind a laptop in San Antonio.

We did polling, so we were driven by polls, Barberena said. We did several phone calls where we were asking what the most important issues were and what was resonating with Latino voters.

The polling determined that three issues particularly connected with Georgia Latinos: the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about jobs and President Donald Trumps 2018 policy of separating children from parents at the U.S.-Mexico border.

I really wanted to talk about how what (Trump) was doing with these children was not just wrong, it was morally wrong, Barberena said. I thought, Lets have a conversation on morality.

Ossoff prevailed over Republican Senator David Perdue by roughly 50,000 votes, a margin that would have been impossible without a strong Latino turnout.

Ordinarily, a runoff election in January of an odd-numbered year, with only two races on the ballot, would have produced a lackluster turnout.

Roughly 4.5 million people turned out for the Georgia runoffs, however, and 65 percent of the Latinos who voted early in the November general election also voted early in the runoff.

Bernard Fraga, an associate professor of politics at Emory University, said last week, This is the highest turnout there will ever be for Latinos in a runoff. Fraga credited the tremendous efforts to mobilize Latino voters across the state.

Those efforts included campaign appearances from former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro on behalf of Warnock and Ossoff.

Barberenas ads were just one piece of that mobilization push, but an important piece.

Barberena entered the campaign knowing that Ossoffs wife, Dr. Alisha Kramer, spoke Spanish.

The first ad that Barberena handled for the campaign was a general-election radio spot starring Kramer. But Barberena was surprised when Ossoff delivered his obligatory I-approved-this-message statement for the end of the ad.

He delivered it smoothly in Spanish, with a flawless accent.

He read it and I said, Wow! Barberena recalled. He said, What? Do I sound like a gringo? I said, No, you sound really good.

After Ossoff made it to the runoff, Barberena and Saenz decided that they needed to start featuring him in their spots.

His Spanish is actually very good, she said. And the thing about Jon is that you could tell it was important to him. It wasnt an afterthought. He didnt want to rush it. He wanted to make sure it was right.

For one ad, Ossoff spontaneously decided to mention that his Australian-born mother was an immigrant. Without any help, he knew how to say it in Spanish.

He was such a delight, Barberena said. You knew that he really cared about doing it right to reach out to the Latino community.

Thats what I felt good about. I felt like I was able to put my finger on the scale to help. Of course, Im not going to discount any of the hard work that people did on the ground. But you need all these forces working in tandem to make the difference.

ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470
 Flash

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held talks in Chato, Tanzania, with his Tanzanian counterpart Palamagamba Kabudi on bilateral cooperation.



Wang said China-Tanzania relations are precious treasure forged by late Chairman Mao Zedong, the late Premier Zhou Enlai, then President Julius Nyerere and other leaders of the older generation of the two countries, which should be passed on from generation to generation and carried forward.

Tanzania was the first African country that President Xi Jinping visited after he took office as the Chinese president in 2013. During that visit, Xi proposed the principles of sincerity, practical results, affinity and good faith for China to deal with its relations with Africa, he said.

The recent telephone conversation between the two heads of state charted the course for the future development of bilateral relations. China is ready to carry forward the traditional friendship with Tanzania, inject new connotation into bilateral relations and push for greater development of China-Tanzania relations in the new era, Wang added.

China firmly supports Tanzania in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, taking a development path that suits its national conditions, opposing external interference and playing a more important role in the international and regional arena, especially in African affairs, he said.

We believe that Tanzania will continue to stand with China on issues concerning China's core interests. China is ready to strengthen exchange of governance experience with Tanzania, advance and discuss practical cooperation in railway, infrastructure and agriculture in line with Tanzania's national development needs and encourage Chinese companies to import more Tanzanian products, Wang added.

"Tanzania is an advocate of Pan-Africanism and African solidarity. China stands firmly on the side of developing countries and holds high the banner of multilateralism. China's development is a growing force for peace, for justice and for other developing countries," said Wang.

China highly appreciates Tanzania's important contribution to maintaining African solidarity and stability as well as strengthening China-Africa cooperation, said Wang.

China is ready to work with Tanzania to reflect on and design a blueprint for the development of China-Africa relations in the new era to strengthen the construction of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), push China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, and build a closer China-Africa community with a shared future with stronger measures, Wang added.

China is willing to work with Tanzania to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries on the international and regional stage, he said.

Kabudi, for his part, said Tanzania-China relations were jointly forged by the older generation of leaders of the two countries and China is Tanzania's all-weather partner and best friend.

In the face of the complex and volatile international situation, the Tanzanian side regards China as its most trustworthy and staunch friend and partner. The Tanzanian government will always support China's position on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, he said.

Kabudi said the Tanzanian side thanked China for its strong support during Tanzania's struggle for independence and development, adding that the country hopes to further deepen Tanzania-China cooperation in infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, fisheries and other fields, in a bid to jointly promote the construction of the Belt and Road and continuously strengthen the special friendship between Tanzania and China for the benefit of the two peoples.

Tanzania is ready to deepen cooperation with China under the framework of the FOCAC and work closely with China on international and regional issues, he said.

Tanzania and China have stood side by side through thick and thin in the past and will continue to work together in the future, Kabudi added.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. Ministers of Finance and Planning, Energy, Livestock and Fisheries, Industry and Trade, Transportation, Education, Science and Technology, Minerals and Defense attended the talks.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday said he was lifting "self-imposed restrictions" on the relationship between the United States and Taiwan.

"Today I am announcing that I am lifting all of these self-imposed restrictions," Pompeo said in a statement.

"Executive branch agencies should consider all 'contact guidelines' regarding relations with Taiwan previously issued by the Department of State under authorities delegated to the Secretary of State to be null and void," he added.

Short link:


Health guidelines better late than never By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):

The official set of health guidelines to be adhered to during the tourism pilot project was issued on Tuesday and circulated to the travel agents just as each authority passes the ball and changes the rules in a flexible space of bringing down tourists to Sri Lanka.

Tourism Ministry Secretary Siri Hettiarachchi told the Business Times that the rules and regulations under the pilot project in which Ukranian nationals are brought down by former Sri Lankan ambassador to Russia and political heavyweight Udayanga Weeratunga were flexible and subject to change due to the dynamic nature of the said project.

From time to time we change according to the requirement, he noted adding that during discussions between travel agents and health authorities even the number of days was changed from 14 to seven and then the place for carrying out the PCR test from the airport to the hotel.

He noted that travel agencies had stated that since the large numbers of travellers will be having an uncomfortable experience on arrival when PCR testing is carried out at the airport it was requested to be allowed to carry it out at the hotels.

Mr. Hettiarachchi noted that they expect to entertain about 5000 Ukranians in the country during the pilot project and pointed out that the adjusted guidelines will be submitted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to the travel agencies engaged in this operations and other stakeholders.

Asked about the reason for the delay in submitting the necessary health guidelines prior to their arrival, the Secretary explained that initially the guidelines in the Ministers letter sent out to the Chairperson and himself were following approvals obtained from the Health Ministry over the telephone. He said this was a regular practice when they had to speed up matters.

The Secretary also pointed out that though the date of the airport to open for commercial travellers has been mentioned as January 21 the official date is fixed for January 23.

Commenting on the incident at Yala where drivers were subjected to a 14 day quarantine, he noted that travel agencies were to blame since it was their task to inform the jeep owners and it is believed that these owners would not have passed down the message to the jeep drivers.

In fact, Mr. Hettiarachchi explained that under the regulations they could not use any other jeep drivers to carry out any further rides and only those that have already been involved in the project will be asked to come back.

Flying in Germans in lockdown Sri Lanka is determined to bring down German tourists who are currently in a lockdown in their country that has now been extended till January 31. Reports from Germany state that authorities there have extended travel restrictions on their residents in a lockdown that had been extended due to the increase in numbers of coronavirus deaths that reached 35,518, according to the Robert Koch Institute. Authorities have taken these measures since partial lockdowns had not been possible to reduce the number of cases, reports stated. Moreover, Germany has confirmed the presence of the new variant of the COVID-19 since November that is said to spread rapidly. Sri Lanka imposed a ban on travel from the UK due to the new variant that emanated from there. Tourism Ministry Secretary Siri Hettiarachchi said that though they had not yet decided the date of arrival of the German tourists numbering around 500 there had been requests from the German embassy and the German Chamber of Commerce that had been in touch with them to ascertain how tours could be planned for arrival in late January. He noted however, that the tour has not been finalized yet and they are still going ahead with the process of finding a local tour agency to bring down the tourists.
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.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
Przepraszamy!

Ogoszenie na stanowisku:

Lead/Expert Java Developer (Card Simplification)



wygaso z dniem 2021-01-17



Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Nordea Bank Abp SA Oddzia w Polsce

Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia oferty to:

oferta zamieszczona przez pracodawce zostaa usunieta z serwisu praca.egospodarka.pl

zleceniodawca zakonczy proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc osob

rekruter zmodyfikowa tresc zlecenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem WWW

dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych

zy adres url ogoszenia

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Informatyka / Telekomunikacja, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Informatyka / Telekomunikacja

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku Lead/Expert Java Developer (Card Simplification), zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Lead/Expert Java Developer (Card Simplification)

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: Warszawa, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Warszawa



Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj.

Inne ogoszenia, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan:
A mob of several thousand outraged people rampaged through the streets of the city after a long rambling speech by their leader inciting them to do so. Some used violence. Windows were broken, shots were heard, there was bloodshed. The leader of the pack demanded that the political swamp be drained. After a tumultuous few hours, order was restored, and elected officials emerged from their hiding places.

No, this is not Washington D.C., Jan. 6, 2021. This was Munich, Nov. 8, 1923. The instigators did not come to Munich to support a president who was voted out of office. They did not gather in front of the nation's seat of power but rather started their rally in a beer cellar where a young Adolf Hitler seized control after silencing the politicians and the crowd assembled there with a pistol shot to the ceiling. Obviously, the circumstances surrounding the storming of the U.S. Capitol are very different from those of the Munich Beer Hall Putsch. But Germany during the 1920s offers crucial lessons for us today about how democracies become imperiled.

Germany's democracy was young but the majority of the population stood behind it in the early 1920s. Yet, humiliated by defeat in World War I and plagued by an unprecedented economic crisis, a growing minority resorted to lies and conspiracy theories, such as the stab-in-the-back myth, which blamed scapegoats like Jews and socialists rather than the military for losing the war.

It was these lies that resonated with Hitler and his followers. They hoped to establish authoritarian rule first in Munich and then in Berlin to restore Germany's military strength. But first came the fight against the enemies within. During the night of unrest, the resurrectionists took numerous Social Democrats as hostages, destroyed the offices of the Social Democratic newspaper and broke into many houses of Munich's Jews. This night represented the first confrontation with the life-threatening horror of Nazi terror - to the day 15 years before the November pogrom known as Kristallnacht.

In the end, the Beer Hall Coup failed. The governor of Bavaria and his closest aides, threatened by the guns of the insurrectionists, initially gave assurances that they'd be hands off. But when morning broke they retracted those statements and after some hesitation got to work suppressing the putsch. Even as 2,000 Hitler supporters began to march to one of the city's main squares, authorities forcibly stopped them in the center of the city. Fifteen of Hitler's supporters, one civilian bystander and four policemen lost their lives.

Hitler himself was injured and fled to outside of Munich, where he was arrested two days later. He and some of his associates were put on trial and sentenced to five years of confinement for treason. But Hitler's claims that he was a strongman who would clean up the political mess and march to Berlin to make Germany great again won him many sympathies among the deprived masses, conservative politicians, business elites and even within the judicial system. He received a mild sentence, was freed after a few months and relaunched his political career. Ten years later he was Germany's strongman.

What at first blush looked like a failed coup proved successful in the long run because of a justice system that was blind in its right eye and conservative political leaders who fueled the myths that Hitler had tapped into, planted the seeds of political polarization and discredited the legitimacy of elected officials. These leaders were also convinced that they could use Hitler and his mass movement as a vehicle to stay in power, even though they despised him and looked down on him as an upstart. His vice-chancellor, Franz von Papen of the Catholic Center Party, famously claimed that he and his moderate cabinet members would keep Hitler and his Nazi troops in check. Von Papen lost this game, and so did all the other enablers who made Hitler's rise possible. But they didn't decisively move to squelch his movement during the 1920s when they had the opportunity.

This history highlights how the real risk to American democracy came hours after order had been restored in the U.S. Capitol when seven U.S. senators and 138 members of the House of Representatives voted to sustain an objection to Pennsylvania's electoral votes, giving credence to the lies that nourished the mob's anger. Further, to date, Vice President Mike Pence and members of the cabinet have stood by without invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from power. By doing so, they enable the president - who initially doubled down on lies about the election in subsequent videos and tweets - to cause additional harm to the nation, including his ability to pardon more of his supporters and spread more lies. Even many of those Republican elected officials who during the last days of this presidency have distanced themselves or expressed disgust with the President's deeds, only a few weeks ago fought to keep him in office for another four years.

The historical example of Germany is often, perhaps too often, invoked. But rarely has it been so close to our reality as it is today. Germany was at a political crossroads in the 1920s. It could have remained a vibrant democracy, but for many reasons it became a dictatorship. The United States, with its long democratic tradition stands on much firmer ground, but since Jan. 6, we can no longer ignore the abyss that has opened up before us. And as in Germany, here too, responsibility for the situation lies with those who either passively stood by or those who actively enabled the rise of a political monster.

The lessons of history are clear: those who precipitated and carried out the attempted insurrection - including President Trump - must face swift and severe consequences for their actions. Further, those willing to ally with Trump, thinking they could contain him, need to see the errors of their way. Enabling the spread of lies and conspiracy theories, as well as the rise of unfit individuals poses an existential risk to a democracy. On Wednesday, Americans avoided the worst potential consequences. As the German example warns us, however, knocking down an insurrection does not yet mean winning the fight for democracy. This fight will go on until our politicians learn the crucial lessons from the past.

- - -

Brenner is professor of History at American University in Washington, DC, and at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany. His forthcoming book, "In Hitler's Munich: Jews, Antisemites, and the Rise of Nazism" will be published by Princeton University Press.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A sign that reads, Off with their heads  stop the steal and a small handwritten poster with the words Trump won, swamp stole are among dozens of objects and ephemera from pro-Trump rallies and the Capitol takeover Wednesday that are heading to the National Museum of American History, collected by curators from the division of political and military history.

The museum, a branch of the Smithsonian Institution, announced Friday that it has begun archiving protest signs, posters and banners from protests on the National Mall and from the violent mob that stormed through the Capitol on Wednesday. Only a day after Trump supporters invaded the halls of Congress, Frank Blazich, a curator with the museum, was on the National Mall collecting ephemera from the demonstrations before the winds swept them away.

As an institution, we are committed to understanding how Americans make change, the museums director, Anthea M. Hartig, said in a statement, explaining that this election season has offered remarkable instances of the pain and possibility involved in that process of reckoning with the past and shaping the future.

Dr. Hartig added that the objects and stories collected will help future generations remember and contextualize Jan. 6 and its aftermath.
Amber Heard has admitted she has yet to give the bulk of her 5million divorce settlement to charity as promised after her ex-husband Johnny Depp accused her of pocketing the sum.

The American actress vowed to divide the payout between two charities in 2016.

But Miss Heard, 34, has given just 74,000 to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, while the amount donated to her other nominated charity, the American Civil Liberties Union, is unknown, according to documents seen by DailyMail.com.

Amber Heard (pictured with ex-husband Johnny Depp) admitted she has yet to give the bulk of her 5m divorce settlement to charity as promised after Depp accused her of pocketing sum

Miss Heard claimed she had been delayed in making payments after being forced to spend millions defending herself against her ex-husband in court.

Depp, 57, has accused his ex-wife of lying about her intention to donate the money to charity, but she has claimed she will eventually fulfil her pledge.

The actor, who lost his libel case against The Sun last year after it called him a wife beater, took his latest swipe at Miss Heard ahead of his defamation suit against her in the US. He said the assertion in her witness statement that she donated the entire amount of her divorce settlement to charity was false.

The American actress, pictured outside the Royal Courts of Justice, blamed delay on being forced to 'spend millions' on defending herself against ex-husband Johnny Depp, 57, in court

One of the reasons Judge Andrew Nichol found in favour of The Sun during the libel trial was that Miss Heards donation did not tally with Depps assertion that she was a gold digger.

Miss Heards US attorney Elaine Bredehoft claimed her ex-husband had acted to plant stories criticising her to divert attention from the UK courts findings relating to allegations of Mr Depp committing domestic abuse and violence.
Hong Kong: Voyeurism offences report published

The Security Bureau today published the public consultation report on the proposed introduction of offences of voyeurism, intimate prying and non-consensual photography of intimate parts and related offences.

The Government earlier proposed to introduce six new criminal offences and consulted the public's views.

During the three-month public consultation that concluded on October 7 last year, the Government received about 200 submissions, including those from major stakeholders such as the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.

The bureau said the majority of the submissions received expressed strong support for the legislative proposals and some of them also offered constructive views on specific proposals.

It will brief the Legislative Council Panel on Security members on the consultation's outcome and the detailed legislative proposals on January 15.

The Government is working on the drafting of the proposed amendment bill. Its target is to submit the amendment bill to LegCo in the second half of this legislative year.

Click here for the consultation report.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

In 2016, Christopher Garcia was sentenced to more than three decades in prison for not calling 911 after a 14-month-old boy he had been babysitting was fatally injured.

On Friday, the New Mexico Supreme Court wiped all that away by reversing the 34-year-olds conviction.

The courts decision, following a yearslong appeal, states that there was insufficient evidence to prove medical neglect in the 2015 death of Isaac Arevalos. The court dismissed the child abuse and conspiracy charges to avoid a double jeopardy violation.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

This has been a heartbreaking and tragic case, said Justine Fox-Young, Garcias attorney. We appreciate that the Supreme Court took a hard look at the legal issues involved and reversed Mr. Garcias convictions.

Attorney General Hector Balderas struck a different tone on the reversal.

New Mexico is already one of the most dangerous states in the nation for children and this ruling will make it even more difficult to hold child abusers accountable, he said in a statement. The Legislature should immediately review our child abuse statutes to address this ruling and give law enforcement any tool necessary to prosecute child abusers.

In March 2015, Garcia and his wife, Lizy Portillo, 31, were babysitting Arevalos when the boy was injured and lost consciousness at their South Valley home. Garcia did not call 911 or seek medical help and told the childs mother that the boy struck his head on a nightstand and asked her not to tell police the child was with the couple.

The boy suffered brain injuries and was taken off life support two days later.

A jury acquitted Garcia of inflicting, or permitting Portillo to inflict, the fatal injuries, but found him guilty of child abuse by medical neglect. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison.

Portillo later pleaded no contest to child abuse and conspiracy charges, and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. During Portillos sentencing hearing, according to a Journal report, it was alleged Garcia had thrown Arevalos into the air with such force that the child hit the ceiling before the boy bounced off a sofa and went limp.

Supreme Court Justice Barbara Vigil called Arevalos death undeniably tragic, but said prosecutors did not prove that a delay in medical care led to the childs death.

We are reminded in this case of our responsibility to ensure that convictions are supported by the evidence and not merely by speculation or conjecture, Vigil wrote in the opinion.

She later added, to convict Defendant, the jury was required to speculate that Isaac might have survived had Defendant immediately called 911.

Vigil wrote that no medical expert testified with medical certainty that Arevalos would have lived with earlier medical care.

The courts decision was not, however, unanimous as Justice David Thomson did not agree with the decision to dismiss the child abuse conviction. He wrote there was sufficient evidence to charge Garcia with child abuse and that there should be a new trial.

Thomson wrote that the jury instructions in the initial case created juror confusion and misdirection by not explaining how Garcia could be considered the cause of the babys death by medical neglect.

Thompson also wrote that he worried the courts opinion regarding medical neglect will create a number of perverse incentives.

It appears to incentivize an abuser to deny a victim medical care, he wrote. In the absence of any medical care, the question of when an injury would have been survivable (and at one point the injury was certainly fatal) becomes more difficult, if not impossible, to answer with any degree of certainty.
Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community.

Submit here
Rain ruins sesame harvest Pix and text by Hiran Priyankara Jayasighe View(s): View(s):

Acres of white sesame cultivation are at the risk of being destroyed due to heavy rain fall experienced in the North Western Province.

Farmers in Anamaduwa, Mahakumbukkadawala, Nawagattegama and Wanathawilluwa areas in the Puttalam District are complaining of rotting harvests as their agricultural produce does not fetch a good price in the market.

Though it usually yields a good harvest, planted in September 2020, the sesame harvest has been lost due to the prevailing rains.

Anamaduwa Kiwula Katuwa I H Maliyaratne, a sesame cultivator, has faced substantial rains for the whole month and has lost his harvest, resulting in financial loss and growing debts. He has now abandoned cultivated land.

He said: We planted sesame on a two-acre land through a loan. Our produce is sold for a meagre sum of Rs 6,000 in the market. The sesame is now left to rot in the rain. As we are experiencing heavy rainfall, it is not possible to harvest sesame.

Due to the continuous rains, the sesame trees that were cut down were not harvested and plants have now sprouted.

Mrs R P Sumanawathi said: Elephants invade our cultivations and destroy crops. We had to find alternatives, and moved to cultivate various crops to make a living.Unfortunately, the sesame crop grown during this Maha season was destroyed by the rains and now we are out of the frying pan into the fire. We cannot think of anything else to do.

She said that officials had not addressed the issue so far.

Speaking to the Sunday Times Puttalam District Deputy Director of Agriculture BV Tharangika Shamani said: There is no method of paying compensation for crop damages earlier this year. Agricultural Production Assistants have collected the necessary information in this regard.

It is possible to provide relief to these growers soon. Also, seed subsidies are ready to be implemented this year as well, she said.

Cultivators say they are struggling to survive amidst the epidemic, and will lose out in future due to the lack of guidance to protect their crops from natural disasters.

Mark Wahlberg is teasing a temporary move to Australia after falling in love with the country during a recent business trip.

The Hollywood star told The Saturday Telegraph that he's hoping to shoot a movie on the Gold Coast soon and that he wants to bring his family with him.

'I'm looking forward to coming back,' the 49-year-old said.

'I'm looking forward to coming back': Mark Wahlberg is teasing a temporary move to Australia after falling in love with the country during a recent business trip

'Hopefully I'll be able to move my family down to Australia for four to five months and make a movie on the Gold Coast and enjoy that beautiful country.'

Mark added that his wife, model Rhea Durham, 'would fall in love with Australia' if she visited.

The 49-year-old has a number of business interests in Australia, including being an investor in Aussie fitness chain F45.

Fresh start? Mark added that his wife, model Rhea Durham, 'would fall in love with Australia' if she visited. (Pictured together)

Mark also recently announced that he would be bringing his US burger chain Wahlburgers to Australia.

In an interview on Wednesday, he revealed that he would consider changing the menu to cater for Australian tastes, too.

In an interview with A Current Affair, the Hollywood actor said he was receptive to the idea of placing beetroot on burger buns.

'If that's what the customers want,' the 49-year-old responded when questioned about whether he would consider adding the Australian favourite.

'My palate has grown a bit - I didn't think I liked Vegemite, either, and I had quite a bit of it while I was there. '

He means business! The 49-year-old has a number of business interests in Australia, including being an investor in Aussie fitness chain F45

Mark revealed to The Daily Telegraph on Monday his latest venture to bring the US chain to 15 locations across the country was in partnership with the owners of United Cinemas.

'I am partnering up with the Mustaca family and hopefully we will be not only bringing you Wahlburgers but wonderful cinematic experiences,' he told the publication.

The deal is worth more than $50million and will employ 500 staff, and see movie-themed restaurants open in 15 locations inside or next to the chain's cinemas.

These locations include Sydney's Warriewood and Narellan, Melbourne's Craigieburn, Brisbane's Indooroopilly and Perth's Rockingham.

Expanding: Mark also recently announced that he would be bringing his US burger chain Wahlburgers to Australia

'What we are really focusing on now is creating exclusive content just for the customers. So people will see movie trailers early and all that stuff,' Mark said.

The first store to open its doors will be in Sydney's Circular Quay in coming months, which Mark promised to return to Australia for.

The Mile 22 star arrived in Australia on November 30 and was granted permission to self-isolate at a luxury retreat, instead of the mandatory two-week hotel quarantine.

The Good Vibrations hitmaker was required to stay at the retreat for 14 days, before flying into Sydney to film an ad for online betting agency Ladbrokes.
Bhogi 2021: What bhogi means? How is it celebrated?

19-year-old woman going for holy dip on Makar Sankranti gangraped in Odisha

Makar Sankranti: Centre sanctions Rs 37.8 cr for facelift of Parshuram Kund

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 09: The Centre has sanctioned Rs 37.87 crore for the facelift of Parshuram Kund pilgrimage site in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit district, an official communique said on Friday.

Parshuram Kund is one of the most sacred places in the country which is visited by a large number of pilgrims throughout the year and thousands of people take a holy dip in the Lohit river during Makar Sankranti, the governor said.

Makar Sankranti: MoU signed to develop Ram city

"To make the place convenient for visitors by maintaining its sanctity, an inclusive development of the Kund was proposed by the state government and Rs 37.87 crore has been sanctioned by the Centre for it," he said.

Thanking the Centre for sanctioning the project, Mishra said it will boost the sources of livelihood of the locals and lead to the socio-economic development of the area.

"There will be an improvement of the steps leading to the Kund, better services and suitable accommodation for visitors," he said.

The governor said the project must be completed at the earliest.

The tourism minister assured the governor of personally monitoring the project and said it will boost the tourism sector of the state.

{quiz_480}

Nalo thanked the governor for vigorously pursuing with the Centre for the approval of the project.
She returned home to Australia alone last month, weeks after getting engaged to Hollywood mega-agent Patrick Whitesell in Malibu.

And Pia Miller, 37, spent the weekend pining for her long-distance lover by taking to Instagram with a throwback photo from their June 2019 holiday to Paris, France.

On Saturday, the former Home And Away actress uploaded a romantic photo of herself and Patrick, 55, cosying up beneath the Eiffel Tower.

'Miss you': Pia Miller, 37, (left) pined for her long-distance fiance Patrick Whitesell, 55, (right) on Saturday as she uploaded a throwback photo from their 2019 Paris holiday on Instagram

'Miss you,' the glamazon wrote next to the image, which was taken two months before the couple officially confirmed their romance.

Click here to resize this module

Pia announced her engagement on November 28, showing off her huge diamond ring on Instagram, alongside the simple caption: 'PW'.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the picture, Pia and Patrick held glasses of sparkling wine and shared a celebratory toast on the water-view deck outside Patrick's Malibu mansion.

Whirlwind romance: Pia returned home to Australia alone last month, weeks after getting engaged to Patrick (right) in Malibu

Stunning! Pia announced her engagement on November 28, sharing this post showing off her incredible diamond ring

Pia was first linked to the Hollywood power agent in August 2019, following her split from her longtime fiance, Tyson Mullane.

In April that year, The Daily Telegraph reported that Pia and Tyson had 'amicably' ended their 18-month engagement, with Tyson moving out of their Sydney home.

Meanwhile, Pia and Patrick made their public debut at a Halloween party in LA in October 2019, amid reports they'd started dating back in May.

Former flame: Pia was first linked to the Hollywood power agent in August 2019, following her split from her longtime fiance, Tyson Mullane. In April that year, The Daily Telegraph reported that Pia and Tyson had 'amicably' ended their 18-month engagement

She made their relationship 'Instagram official' around Christmas 2019, sharing a loved-up photo with Patrick outside of the Louvre in Paris, and captioning it 'P'.

The couple made their red carpet debut at that Academy Awards last February.

Pia and Patrick's romance follows the breakdown of Patrick's marriage to Lauren Sanchez, who is now reportedly engaged to Amazon boss Jeff Bezos.
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.
US President Donald Trump has said that he will skip President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, refusing to fulfill the outgoing president's traditional role in the peaceful transition of power and undercutting his own message just one day earlier on the need for "national healing and unity."

President-elect Joe Biden welcomed Trump's announcement that he won't attend the 20 January inauguration, calling it a "good thing."

"I was told on the way over here that he indicated he wasn't going to show up at the inauguration," Biden said while speaking to reporters in Wilmington, Delaware.

"One of the few things he and I have ever agreed on," Biden said, adding, "It's a good thing, him not showing up."

"He's been an embarrassment to the country," Biden added.

'Trump not fit to serve'

"He's not fit to serve," the president-elect added of Trump, who is already facing mounting calls to step down or risk impeachment, for inciting his supporters to storm the US Capitol.

"He exceeded even my worst notions about him," Biden said. "He's one of the most incompetent presidents in the history of the United States of America."

Biden said Vice President Mike Pence would be welcome at his inauguration.

Biden's remarks came after Trump tweeted earlier Friday that he would not attend the inauguration.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," Trump tweeted.

Traditionally, the incoming and outgoing presidents ride to the US Capitol together on Inauguration Day for the ceremony, a visible manifestation of the smooth change of leadership.

Joe Biden will become president at noon on 20 January regardless of Trumps plans. But Trump's absence represents one final act of defiance of the norms and traditions of Washington that he has flouted for four years.

While Trump stays away, former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will be there to stand witness to the rite of democracy. The only other living president, 96-year-old Jimmy Carter, who has spent the pandemic largely at home in Georgia, will not attend but has extended best wishes" to Biden.

With agency inputs

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

How on earth does someone who "is at the centre of several investigations and a major class action over the death of 38 residents from COVID-19" obtain a travel exemption to fly to Athens from the Department of Home Affairs ("Mogul facing legal action leaves for Greece", January 3)? Kerrie Wehbe, Blacktown

I was sickened to read about an aged-care home mogul, who lives an extravagant high life, while people died in his care, and while conditions in two of his homes deteriorated to an appalling levels amid the [COVID-19] crisis. This case exemplifies what is wrong with the current concept of aged care. No aged care facility should exploit its vulnerable residents in this way. There is a simple way to put this right. Abolish for-profit aged care. Mutualise all facilities, so residents and their relatives become owners and insist that quality care is provided. Geoff Black, Caves Beach

A worthy cause

Despite the challenges thrown up by COVID-19, I wish the McGrath Foundation every success with their fundraising at this years Pink Test (''McGrath nurse fund takes hit in COVID Test'', January 3). It is critically important we support everyone with cancer, not just those with curable early stage cancers. Like Luise, I am one of the lucky ones in that despite being diagnosed with incurable breast cancer, I too have access to one of McGrath's 20 specialised metastatic breast care nurses. However, I am keenly aware the majority of the 10,000 people living with incurable metastatic breast cancer in Australia do not have access to any breast care nurse, let alone a specialised metastatic breast care nurse. Andrea Smith, Balmain

Empty promises
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 74F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 46F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Canada introduces a new policy that will give international students affected by COVID-19 another chance to gain the work experience they need to be eligible for permanent residence.

International students unable to meet Canadian work experience requirement get another chance Canada introduces a new policy that will give international students affected by COVID-19 another chance to gain the work experience they need to be eligible for permanent residence.

International students unable to meet Canadian work experience requirement get another chance Canada introduces a new policy that will give international students affected by COVID-19 another chance to gain the work experience they need to be eligible for permanent residence.

International students unable to meet Canadian work experience requirement get another chance Canada introduces a new policy that will give international students affected by COVID-19 another chance to gain the work experience they need to be eligible for permanent residence. Alexandra Miekus Kareem El-Assal Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

Sans Font Size A

A

A new policy was introduced today, January 8, 2021, by the Government of Canada that will allow former international students with an expired or expiring Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) to apply for a new open work permit.



The purpose of the policy is to provide PGWP holders with more time to gain the work experience they need to be eligible to apply for Canadian immigration. The Canadian government has introduced this policy to help PGWP holders who have lost their jobs or seen their hours cut due to the coronavirus pandemic. Canadian government research shows that former international students are able to integrate quickly into the Canadian labour market upon gaining permanent residence due in large part to their Canadian education and work experience.

The new open work permits will be valid for 18 months and will enable former international students to stay in Canada and continue to look for work. Unlike closed work permits, which tie a foreign worker to just one employer in Canada, open work permits allow foreign nationals to work for any employer of their choice.

To apply for an open work permit under the new policy, the following criteria must be met:

you must have a PGWP that expired on or after January 30, 2020 or a PGWP that expires in 4 months or less from the date of application;

you need to be in Canada;

you need to have a valid temporary status or be applying to restore your status.

The application process will be open from January 27 to July 27, 2021.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has estimated that 52,000 graduates with expired or expiring PGWPs could benefit from this public policy.

About half of 61,000 PGWP holders whose work permits had an expiry date between January and December 2020 have already become permanent residents or have an application for permanent residence in process, according to IRCC data.

Contact Campbell Cohen for Work Permit Assistance

International students who complete their post-secondary education in Canada can apply for a PGWP, which allows them to gain work experience in Canada after their studies for a maximum of three years.

The Government of Canada offers the PGWP as part of its efforts to attract international students and retain them as skilled workers. PGWP holders can use their years of Canadian study and work experience toward an application for immigration.

The PGWP is highly coveted among former international students since surveys suggest some 60 per cent want to transition to Canadian permanent residence. They often need to obtain professional Canadian work experience to be eligible for a skilled worker immigration pathway. The PGWP enables them to gain such experience and then go on to submit a skilled worker immigration application to the likes of Express Entry, Quebec Experience Program, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and many other streams that reward candidates with Canadian work experience.

Canada recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has put students graduating in 2019 and 2020 at a disadvantage due to the weakened labour market. A significant number of international graduates have been laid off. As a result, it has become difficult for them to meet the Canadian work experience requirement of the PGWP.

The new policy will help more graduates fill pressing needs in areas like health care, technology, and more IRCC said in a press release.

As we confront the pandemics second wave and chart a course for our recovery, attracting skilled immigrants is a central part of our plan.

International students contribute to the local economy as they study in Canada, and provide a large pool of highly educated people who can become permanent residents and contribute to the workforce.

A recent Statistics Canada study shows that almost one-third of international students who get Canadian bachelors degrees and almost half of international students who graduate with masters degrees became permanent residents in the 10 years after they get their first study permit.

Contact Campbell Cohen for Work Permit Assistance

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
MIDLAND, MI - Ashley Flood and her husband Jeremy were watching TV on a Saturday night when they heard the sound of meowing - but the couple doesnt own a cat.

We didnt really think too much of it. Theres neighborhood cats that wander and they always go back home to wherever they live, said Ashley Flood. This one was very persistent and it would not leave our door step.

The couple went outside to investigate on Saturday, Jan. 2, and saw a gray cat roaming by their Midland apartment. Since the cat appeared healthy and not in immediate need, Flood said they went back inside.

We left her for the night, we didnt bring her in that night, she said. A couple times that night I was woken up by her meowing.

Just in case the cat came back the next night, Flood asked for advice from her friends who have fostered animals before and borrowed a litter box and food from a coworker.

The preparations paid off as the cat made its appearance the next day as soon as the sun went down. The couple heard meowing outside and put a cardboard box outside with a towel in it while they were getting things ready inside for the furry visitor.

She went right into it and I could just tell at that point she was clearly shivering and couldnt keep her paws on the ground, and it was so sad, said Flood. So at that point we brought her in when we saw when she was really needing help.

Flood took the animal to the Humane Society of Midland County later that week to get her scanned for a microchip. She was prepared to adopt her if there was no owner.

However, Flood said that the Humane Society found her microchip and within minutes, the staff had the contact information for her owner, the cats age and even her birthday.

It was the coolest thing, I had never experienced that before, said Flood.

The cat turned out to be Olive, a gray tabby missing since the devastating flooding that hit Midland County in spring of 2020. Flood said that the owners couldnt believe that Olive had been found.

I guess she was skeptical, because they had lost her during the flood and thought that she was gone, she said.

Olive had been on her own for months through the disaster - a rainstorm that hit mid-Michigan beginning on Sunday, May 17, causing flooding that damaged homes and property, forced more than 10,000 people to evacuate and caused the Edenville and Sanford dam failures.

The cat managed to make it back to her family to kick off the New Year together. Olives owners could not be reached immediately for comment by MLive/The Bay City Times.

It really brought it into perspective of how long she was lost and being able to see her being reunited with her family after however many months, it was really amazing to be a part of that, to help with that, so that was very nice, Flood said.

The Humane Society of Midland County advises pet owners to consider a microchip for pets, said program coordinator Diane Lason.

It saves so many animals and gets so many animals back to their homes, especially when theyve been missing for a long time, she added.

The Humane Society of Midland County offers microchipping by appointment for $20. Appointments can be made by calling 989-835-1877 or sending an email to info@hsomc.org.

More from MLive:

Michigan town devastated by 500-year flood pulls together to rebuild community

Debris removed from Sanford Dam months after flooding disaster

Timeline: The Edenville Dam saga (before, during and after)

Dam failures, flood impact havent subsided for these families

How thousands evacuated Midland without lives being lost
Hungarian oil and gas company Mol is sending 50 living and 6 sanitary containers to serve as temporary accommodation for those whose houses were damaged in recent earthquakes in central Croatia, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.

Speaking in Petrinja, the city nearest the epicentre of several quakes that have shaken the country since December 29, Szijjarto offered Hungarys solidarity and sympathy to Croatia, and condolences to the families of the victims.



The containers, which can accommodate up to fifty families, are worth a total of 45 million forints (EUR 125,000), Szijjarto added.



The minister noted that Hungarian church and civil charity groups, Hungarian companies with a presence in Croatia as well as government aid agencies had all rushed to send aid to the countrys earthquake-hit areas immediately after the disasters had struck.



The first two living containers have already arrived at their destination, with the rest due to arrive sometime next week, Szijjarto said.



As the biggest investor in Croatia, Mol feels an obligation to help those devastated by the disaster, he added.



Also, Hungarian lighting company Tungsram will donate 50 lamps to those most affected by the earthquakes and the Hungarian government will contribute to the reconstruction of one church and one school building, he said. Mol Group CEO Jozsef Molnar said in a statement that the company considered it critically important to help the people of Croatia after the disaster.



As Croatias largest investor, Mol feels a responsibility for everyone affected by the earthquake, particularly those in the Sisak (Sziszek) region, the statement said, noting that more than 1,000 of Mols employees live in the area, as the company operates a logistics centre there.



Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman thanked Hungary for the help it had provided to the country amid the coronavirus epidemic and after the earthquakes last March and in December.



Grlic-Radman said Szijjarto had been the first foreign minister to visit his countrys earthquake-hit areas.



At least seven people died and 28 were injured in last weeks 5.2 and 6.3 magnitude earthquakes in Croatia.





MTI Photo
NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("Restaurant Brands" or the "Company") (NYSE: QSR) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and docketed under 21-cv-00148, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants who purchased or otherwise acquired Restaurant Brands securities between April 29, 2019 and October 28, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to pursue remedies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

If you are a shareholder who purchased Restaurant Brands securities during the Class Period, you have until February 19, 2021, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

Restaurant Brands is one of the world's largest restaurant chains with over 27,000 Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories as of December 31, 2019.

On April 24, 2018, Restaurant Brands announced a new strategy designed to improve performance within the Company's Tim Hortons brand. Specifically, the "Winning Together Plan" would focus on three key pillars: restaurant experience; product excellence; and brand communications.

On March 20, 2019, Restaurant Brands announced "Tims Rewards"a new loyalty program for Tim Hortons customers in Canada. Under the Tims Rewards program, customers would be eligible for a free hot brewed coffee, hot tea, or baked good after every seventh paid visit to a participating Tim Hortons restaurant. On April 10, 2019, Restaurant Brands announced that it was expanding the Tims Rewards program to include customers in the U.S.

Throughout the Class Period, Defendants repeatedly touted the implementation and execution of the Company's Winning Together Plan and Tims Rewards loyalty program. On the heels of the Company touting the benefits of these initiatives, the Company completed two stock offerings on or about August 12, 2019, and September 5, 2019, collectively resulting in proceeds of approximately $3 billion to insiders.

This Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about the Company's business and operations. Specifically, Defendants misrepresented and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Company's Winning Together Plan was failing to generate substantial, sustainable improvement within the Tim Hortons brand; (ii) the Tims Rewards loyalty program was not generating sustainable revenue growth as increased customer traffic was not offsetting promotional discounting; and (iii) as a result, Defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis.

On October 28, 2019, mere weeks after the offerings were completed, investors learned the truth about Tim Hortons' hyped growth initiatives when the Company announced disappointing financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019. Specifically, Defendants acknowledged that "results at Tim Hortons were not where we want them to be with global comparable sales dipping into negative territory" and admitted that "discounting [associated with Tims Rewards] is slightly more than offsetting the traffic levels, which is causing a little bit of softness in sales."

On this news, the price of Restaurant Brands common shares declined $2.59 per share, or approximately 4%, from a close of $68.45 per share on October 25, 2019, to close at $65.86 per share on October 28, 2019.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

http://www.pomerantzlaw.com


State-run Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) will collaborate with Inland Waterways Authority soon to commence coastal shipping services, a company official said on Saturday. The coastal shipping activities will be undertaken by its wholly-owned subsidiary - Inland & Coastal Shipping.

"We will announce a collaboration with Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) very soon. We are commencing coastal shipping operations," SCI chairman and managing director H K Joshi said at a virtual event organised by Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Inland & Coastal Shipping, a Kolkata-headquartered company, is likely to start its operation on national waterway-1, the stretch from Varanasi to Haldia on Ganga river, she said.

The proposed development assumes significance after another state-run entity, Container Corporation of India, had discontinued its coastal shipping operation, the industry sources said.

Coastal shipping accounts for only two per cent of the country's freight movement.

SCI has interests in various segments of the shipping trade, and its fleet includes bulk carriers, crude oil tankers, container vessels and passenger-cum-cargo ships.

At a time when exporters are facing a shortage of containers, Joshi emphasised the importance of making the country self-reliant in terms of its availability.

Also Read: MF investors pull out over Rs 16,000 crore from equity, hybrid schemes in Dec

Also Read: WhatsApp vs Signal vs Telegram: WhatsApp's new policy sparks concerns, Telegram, Signal roast

Washington, Jan 9 : The White House Coronavirus Task Force has warned of a possibility that there would be a more transmissible Covid-19 variant that evolved in the US.

The new strain, in addition to the variant found in Britain, is already spreading in communities and may be 50 per cent more transmissible, according to a report obtained by US media that the task force issued to states on January 3.

The task force said the recent spike in cases has been at nearly twice the rate seen in the spring and summer seasons, Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.

"This acceleration suggests there may be a 'USA variant' that has evolved here, in addition to the UK variant that is already spreading in our communities and may be 50 per cent more transmissible," said the report, calling for aggressive mitigation to match a much more aggressive virus.

"Without uniform implementation of effective face masking (two or three ply and well-fitting) and strict social distancing, epidemics could quickly worsen as these variants spread and become predominant," it added.

Scott Gottlieb, the former Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, told CNBC News on Friday that the new strain the Task Force has found appears to be behaving like the one circulating in the UK.

The latest development came as the country has identified a total of 52 cases the British coronavirus variant, according to data updated on Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Twenty-six cases were reported in in California, 22 in Florida, two in Colorado, and one each in Georgia and New York.

The variant first identified in Britain seems to spread more easily and quickly than other variants.

Currently, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness or increased risk of death, according to the CDC.

As the country is struggling to speed up its Covid-19 vaccine rollout, the Task Force report said that vaccines must "be put in arms now".

"Do not delay the rapid immunisation of those over 65 and vulnerable to severe disease; recommend creation of high throughput vaccination sites with use of EMT personnel to monitor for potential anaphylaxis and fully utilise nursing students.

"No vaccines should be in freezers but should instead be put in arms now; active and aggressive immunization in the face of this surge would save lives," the report added.

The US, currently the hardest-hit country in the world, has so far recorded 21,857,293 coronavirus cases and 368,736 deaths, according to the latest figures by the Johns Hopkins University.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)




By Kang Seung-woo







With the need to achieve both an advancement in inter-Korean ties and recovery of wartime operational control (OPCON) of its military forces, the government here is in a quandary over how to program its springtime combined exercise with the United States.







As part of efforts toward inter-Korean reconciliation, South Korea is advised to consider suspending or scaling down the annual joint exercise that North Korea denounces as a rehearsal for an invasion, but considering its plan to regain OPCON from the U.S., Seoul is also required to carry out a set of large-scale drills to verify its preparedness.







On the one hand, the OPCON transfer, seen as the nation's restoration of military sovereignty, is one of the Moon Jae-in administration's major projects and it wants to take it over before the end of its term in May 2022. But on the other hand, the President also prioritizes engaging Pyongyang in his "peace efforts."







According to the Ministry of National Defense, the allies are in talks over how to configure the upcoming military drill in March.







Since the Hanoi summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un failed to reach a deal on denuclearization in February 2019, the allies have adjusted their joint exercises to revive stalled denuclearization diplomacy without provoking the totalitarian state.







In March 2019, they replaced Key Resolve, a simulation-driven command post exercise (CPX), with another CPX, Dong Maeng  alliance in Korean  while terminating Foal Eagle, a field training drill, and launching smaller-case exercises. In addition, Max Thunder, the allies' combined air exercise, was also scrapped.







Despite the downsized exercises, however, the North strongly responded with a show of force by firing two short-range ballistic missiles. In addition, the North Korean leader made a complaint of the joint exercise during his meeting with Trump at the border village of Panmunjeom in June 2019.







In fact, in his party congress report, released Saturday, Kim urged the South to "stop imports of latest military hardware and joint military exercises with the U.S."







"Worse still, they are getting crazier about modernization of armed forces, labeling our development of various conventional weapons, which pertains entirely to the just exercise of our sovereignty, a 'provocation,'" he said, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.







In that respect, the Kim regime may stage a military provocation if the South and the U.S. carry out an exercise, which would deal a hard blow to the Moon administration which sees the first half of the year as the last opportunity within his term to pitch its peace initiative to engage the North.







"In any case, I would expect North Korea to criticize any drill that will take place," said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, the KF-VUB Korea chair at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium.






Thousands of Canadians have come together to put their money behind their words when it comes to gender equality.

Thousands of Canadians have come together to put their money behind their words when it comes to gender equality.

Theyre not supporting political parties aimed at increased parity, necessarily. Rather, theyre investing in women, or more specifically women-led Canadian companies. Many see themselves as "financial feminists."

Kirk Lyttle / Saint Paul Pioneer Press

"We call ourselves a financial feminist platform," says Shelley Kuipers, co-founder and co-CEO of The51.

The Calgary-based investment collective is aiming to bring together mostly women to invest venture capital in promising, innovative businesses in agri-tech, clean-tech, health care and other fast-growing sectors  all led by women.

"What that means is were trying to create a community and a financial platform to advance financial feminism because we believe financial equality is the last frontier of feminism."

Despite it being 2021, and gender equality having been a goal for a very long time, the fact financial feminism is a relatively unheard-of term speaks volumes about how far the world has come regarding womens equality or, more pointedly, how much further it must still go until women enjoy true equal economic footing with men.

After all, if money is a metric of empowerment, then it illustrates both the challenges and progress women have made regarding equality.

In most developed nations, women make up about 51 per cent of the population (slightly less than that in Canada), and yet women only make up about one-fifth or less of senior-level management in Canadian companies, a report by Osler found last year. As well, data from Statistics Canada show Canadian women on average still earn about 69 cents for every dollar that men earn. Women also earn less than men in the realms of business and finance, though the figure is slightly higher at 74 cents.

But Kuipers and other female veterans of the industry note the statistics are much more revealing when it comes to women-founded companies and investment in these businesses. Globally, fast-growing companies headed by women only receive three per cent of all venture capital investment, according to Pitchbook.com. Thats despite these companies often outperforming male-led firms by about 60 per cent, it found.

"Change is occurring in Europe," says Barbara Stewart, a CFA (chartered financial analyst) charter-holder, and expert on womens finance and investment issues at Rich Thinking.

She notes in Sweden about 22 per cent of partners are women in venture capital companies, which generally fund up-and-coming innovative, fast-growing businesses. While that may not seem very impressive, four years earlier, hardly any women were involved in venture capital in the Scandinavian nation, she adds.

In Canada, Stewart says about "18 to 20 per cent  if were lucky  of the partners (at venture capital firms) are women."

The fact only a small percentage of venture capital goes to women-led companies globally reveals financial feminism still has a way to go, says Stewart, who travels the world consulting with women-led businesses and organizations supporting financial feminism.

Thats a figure The51 aims to change. Since its founding around a kitchen table in a Calgary home less than two years ago, it has garnered an investment community of more than 7,000, mostly women (and some men). It has invested more than $6 million in women-led businesses. Now The51 has launched its Ventures Fund 1, aiming to grow its investor base and invest millions more in women-led companies, involved in early-stage innovation.

"We dont invest in companies that say, Hey, Ive hired a woman to the board! Were now a diverse team," says Kuipers about the fund, which is open to Manitoba investors. "Our premise is that there is an overperforming asset class that is underinvested in."

To that end, compared to male-led firms, women-led start-up enterprises are higher-performing, generate revenues earlier, and are extremely capital-efficient.

"Yet there is very little capital going to them," she adds.

Both she and Stewart believe the appetite to invest in these companies is growing, particularly among women.

The time is right, in short.

While the investment industry has long been a male-dominated realm, it has been transforming over the last two decades with more women working in the industry and more investing in stocks and other investments, including exempt markets (not listed on stock exchanges).

The investment industry, of course, has taken note of the potential of women investors, says Alana Riley, senior vice-president for Western Canada at IG Wealth Management.

"By 2026, women will control, for the first time, over 50 per cent of the wealth in Canada."

Additionally, nine in 10 women will become the full financial decision-makers in their household because they will often outlive their male partners.

"The core issue here is not that women are less engaged" in finances, says Riley who heads up IGs women, wealth and well-being initiatives.

Rather, their goals and attitudes to money and investing tend to differ from men, which means the industry must craft its services more toward their needs, she adds.

"Women tend to be more focused on goals and outcomes, and men tend to focus more on portfolio performance."

Womens take on investment risk also often differs. They have typically been more risk-averse, but that too is changing, Stewart notes.

The gender gap in that respect has been closing." She points to Gallup survey data from the U.S. showing historically 60 per cent of men invested in stocks versus 40 per cent of women, which is a rough way to measure appetite for risk.

But the last survey from 2019 shows 58 per cent of men are invested in equities versus 52 per cent of women.

"Whats also really exciting is that online trading has picked up enormously."

Stewart points to a December survey in the Financial Times showing women have been signing up for online trading at faster rates than men since the start of the pandemic.

Again, Europe is ahead of the curve with womens stock investment communities springing up on social media.

"These communities have really made them confident and way more knowledgeable," Stewart says.

That is a goal of The51 as well.

"Were trying to make Canada a leader in investing in womens capital and entrepreneurship," Kuipers says. "And so, what The51 wants to do is take an asset class that is a little more exclusive and make it something that is more democratized."

President Donald Trump left plenty of clues he'd try to burn the place down on his way out the door.

The clues spread over a lifetime of refusing to acknowledge defeat. They spanned a presidency marked by raw, angry rhetoric, puffed-up conspiracy theories and a kind of fellowship with patriots drawn from the seething ranks of right-wing extremists. The clues piled on at light speed when Trump lost the election and wouldn't admit it.

The culmination of all that came Wednesday when Trump supporters, exhorted by the president to go to the Capitol and fight like hell against a stolen election, overran and occupied the building in an explosive confrontation that left a Capitol Police officer and four others dead.

The mob went there so emboldened by Trump's send-off at a rally that his partisans live-streamed themselves trashing the place. Trump, they figured, had their back.

This was, after all, the president who had responded to a right-wing plot to kidnap Michigan's Democratic governor last year with the comment: Maybe it was a problem. Maybe it wasn't.

Over the arc of his presidency and his life, by his own words and actions, Trump hated losing and wouldn't own up to it when it happened. He spun bankruptcies into successes, setbacks in office into glowing achievements, the stain of impeachment into martyrdom.

Then came the ultimate loss, the election, and desperate machinations that politicians likened to the practices of banana republics" or the "Third World but were wholly America in the twilight of the Trump presidency.

Often with a wink and a nod over the past four years, sometimes more directly  We love you, he told the Capitol Hill mob as he gently suggested well into the clashes that they go home now  Trump made common cause with fringe elements eager to give him affirmation in return for his respect.

That made for a combustible mix when the stakes were highest. The elements had been coming together in plain sight, often in missives delivered by tweet. (On Friday, Twitter banned Trump's account, denying him his megaphone of choice, "due to the risk of further incitement of violence.)

I wish we could say we couldnt see it coming, President-elect Joe Biden said of the Capitol melee. "But that isnt true. We could see it coming.

Mary Trump saw it coming from her unique vantage point as a clinical psychologist and Trump niece.

Its just a very old emotion that hes never been able to process from when he was a little kid  terrified of the consequences of being in a losing position, terrified of being held accountable for his actions for the first time in his life, she told PBS a week after the election.

He is in a position of being a loser, which in my family, certainly ... was the worst possible thing you could be, she said. So hes feeling trapped, hes feeling desperate ... increasingly enraged."

Post-election trouble was predictable because Trump all but said it would happen if he lost.

Months before a vote was cast, he claimed the system was rigged and plans for mail-in voting fraudulent, assailing the process so relentlessly that he may have hurt his chances by discouraging his supporters from voting by mail. He pointedly declined to assure the country in advance that he would respect the result, something most presidents don't have to be asked to do.

There was no evidence before the election that it would be tainted and no evidence after of the massive fraud or gross error that he and his team alleged in scores of lawsuits that judges, whether appointed by Republicans, Democrats or Trump himself, systematically dismissed, often as nonsense. The Supreme Court, with three justices placed by Trump, brushed him off.

That didn't stop him.

I hate defeat," he said in a 2011 video. I cannot stand defeat.

But the election aftermath ultimately left him with no fallback except his foot soldiers, who couldn't countenance his losing, either.

Trump's history of advancing false and sometimes racist conspiracies rooted in right-wing extremism is long.

He's praised supporters of QAnon, a convoluted pro-Trump conspiracy theory, saying he didnt know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much and it is gaining in popularity.

QAnon centers on an alleged anonymous, high-ranking government official known as Q who shares information about an anti-Trump deep state. The FBI has warned that conspiracy theory-driven extremists, such as QAnon, are domestic terrorist threats.

In 2017, Trump said there was blame on both sides for deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, the site of a standoff between white supremacist groups and those protesting them. He said there were fine people on both sides.

And during a debate with Biden, Trump wouldnt criticize the neo-fascist Proud Boys. Instead, Trump said the group should Stand back and stand by. The remark drew a firestorm and a day later he tried to walk it back.

Trump didnt condemn the actions of an Illinois teen accused of fatally shooting two people and wounding a third during summer protests on the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Kyle Rittenhouse pleaded not guilty to charges.

In October he chose not to denounce people who plotted the kidnapping of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat. When our leaders meet, encourage or fraternize with domestic terrorists, they legitimize their actions and they are complicit, she said. When they stoke and contribute to hate speech, they are complicit.

To Mary Trump, the manner of her uncle's defeat helped to set the stage for the toxicity she presciently said in November would happen.

Republicans in the Senate and House races outperformed him, enlarging their minority in the House and holding their Senate majority until Georgias two elections this month tipped the Senate balance to Democrats.

His defeat Nov. 3 was on him, not the party. So he also doesnt have anybody else to blame, his niece said. So I think that he is probably in a position that nobody can help him out of emotionally and psychologically, which is going to make it worse for the rest of us.

Worse came.

Oren Segal, vice president of the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism, called the attack Wednesday the logical conclusion to extremism and hate going unchecked during Trumps presidency.

If youre surprised, you havent been paying attention, said Amy Spitalnick of Integrity First, a civil rights group engaged in lawsuits over the 2017 Charlottesville violence.

Thursday night, Trump took a stab at a unifying message, after months of provocation, saying in a video this moment calls for healing and reconciliation."

But Friday he was back to tending his great American Patriots and demanding they be treated fairly, and he said he won't go to Biden's inauguration.

He acknowledged his presidency was ending, but did not  could not, may never  acknowledge defeat.

For all of the insulting nicknames he's tagged on his political foes  sleepy, shifty, cryin, corrupt, crazy, little, brain-dead, wacky, pencil neck, low-IQ, watermelon head, dummy, deranged, sick puppy, low energy  none was meant to sting more than loser. And nothing, it seems, stung more than when the loser was him.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- At a joint press conference Friday, Assemblyman Charles Fall and State Sen. Diane Savino -- both Democrats -- condemned the attack on the Capitol and called for accountability from elected officials they say played a part in inciting the riot, demanding an explanation and an apology from Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.

The lawmakers were joined by several community and religious leaders who also denounced Wednesdays violence.

What we saw happening in Washington was not just more of the same; it was worse than ever imagined, Savino said. We watched as the president, who knew he had lost an election, fan the flames of division, sedition, and treason as he set a mob of people to attack the peoples house.

We watched as members of Congress broke their oath of office, including our own congresswoman, pretending they had the ability to interfere in the elections that had been duly certified by the states.

Following the deadly violence that interrupted the certification process, the newly-elected Malliotakis voted with a group of fellow congressional Republicans who objected to the certification of electoral college votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania, two key states in President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

A mob of domestic terrorists has shut down American democracy itself by targeting its center of power to disrupt the peaceful and legitimate transfer of presidential power, Fall said. The actions of this pathetic mob were a disgrace to our nation and a danger to our national security.

The baseless attempt to discredit the election from elected officials, including our newly elected Congresswomen, must be recognized as a spark...a police officer died this morning, murdered by those who stormed the capital, inspired and incited by the congresswomans efforts to overturn an election.

Malliotakis has said that she did not intend to overturn an election with her vote, but to highlight need for a proper hearing into unconstitutional rule changes, irregularities and alleged fraud.

SHE HAS AN OBLIGATION TO EXPLAIN

Senator Diane Savino spoke against the people who invaded Capitol Hill(Staten Island Advance/ Jodie Bonhometre).

Nicole Malliotakis knows election laws at the state level, there is no federal board of elections. There is no ability by Congress to overturn the results, Savino said at the press conference.

She had no right to object to them, she has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, Savino continued. Instead, she chose to play politics. She has an obligation now to explain to the people of the 11th Congressional District why she broke her oath of office the first day and how her actions lead to a disastrous outcome.

In a response on Saturday, Malliotakis pointed out that Democrats have used the same process to raise objections in past presidential elections.

Senator Savino and Assemblyman Fall sound like two hypocrites to me, Malliotakis said. Democrats in Congress have raised objections to electoral votes of every elected Republican President since 1989. I must have missed their outrage when Nancy Pelosi objected to Ohio in 2005 calling Congresss ability to object to electoral votes, fundamental to our democracy.

Fall also called on Malliotakis to apologize.

This [comes] after many months the congresswoman spent vilifying the peaceful Black Lives Matter protests in my community, Fall said. I demand that the congresswoman apologize for her action, for creating distrust in our democracy.

But Malliotakis continued to stand behind her vote on Saturday.

I will not turn a blind eye to the irregularities and alleged fraud that took place in Arizona and Pennsylvania or the fact that election rules were changed in violation of their state Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. I will always uphold my oath of office and work to improve the integrity of our electoral system to restore Americans faith in free and fair elections.
Trump has been holing up at the White House, abandoned by many aides, top Republicans and Cabinet members. After refusing to concede defeat in the November election, he has now promised a smooth transfer of power when Biden is sworn in. But even so, he says he will not attend the inauguration  the first such presidential snub since just after the Civil War.

Even the hybrid funds are no exception as they too witnessed a net outflow of Rs 5,932 crore in December 2020, which is higher than Rs 5,249 crore witnessed in November last year

While the equity market is creating a new record high the worry of over valuation appears to be taking its root in investors' mind which seems to be driving investors to pull out their investment substantially. Redemption from equity mutual funds continued unabated for the sixth month continuously with a net redemption of Rs 10,147 crore in the month of December 2020 as per the latest data released by AMFI. This number is relatively lower than November's figure when investors redeemed a net Rs 12,917 crore. Even the hybrid funds are no exception as they too witnessed a net outflow of Rs 5,932 crore in December 2020, which is higher than Rs 5,249 crore witnessed in November last year.

A noticeable development is the lack of growth in new investments while the gross redemption rises. "While the gross purchase (new investments) was lower in December than the previous month; gross redemptions at Rs 36,220.28 crore was significantly higher than Rs 27,113.18 crores in November. This also suggests that investors looked to book profits given the higher market valuations," said Himanshu Srivastava, Associate Director of Manager Research, Morningstar India.

MOST IMPACTED CATEGORIES

This time the redemption has happened across the board in almost all major categories barring a few. "Outflows were witnessed across equity fund categories except for Dividend Yield and Sectoral/Thematic Funds categories, given both these categories saw the launch of new funds, which managed to garner investor interest. These NFOs collected assets worth Rs 6,312 crore," said Srivastava of Morningstar India.

In the equity category the biggest outflow of Rs 3,876 crore was registered in the Large-Cap Fund category which was followed by Multi-Cap Fund at Rs 3,541 crore. Mid-Cap fund witnessed a net outflow of Rs 1,635 crore while for Large & Mid-cap Fund it was Rs 1,289 crores. The Hybrid segment Aggressive and Balanced Hybrid category witnessed the biggest net outflow of Rs 3,913 crore.

THE BRIGHT SIDE

The market has clearly left the crash behind and is betting on robust growth in the coming future. "Equity markets have continued its northward journey in the month of December 2020 making new highs, this has been on back of continued FII liquidity and on-going interest in emerging markets including India. We have seen an exciting Q2FY21 earnings season, and the post earnings commentary by key companies also indicate strong underlying growth trends for 3QFY21. We also expect the government to prioritise growth in the forthcoming budget with a push towards fiscal spends and incentives for consumption," said Akhil Chaturvedi, Associate Director and Head of Sales, Motilal Oswal AMC.

Despite the net outflows in various categories the overall AUM of the equity category grew from Rs 8.57 lakh crore at the end of November this year to Rs 9.06 lakh crore at the end of December 2020. "MF Industry AUMs at an all-time high, increase in Retail Folios and also SIP folios, is reflective of Investor confidence in mutual fund asset class," said N S Venkatesh, Chief Executive, AMFI.

There have been various regulatory measures by SEBI and the most prominent being the reclassification of multi-cap funds and introduction of flexi-cap funds. This has led to realignment of investment both by fund houses and investors. Investors are now taking interest in some new funds also.

"There has been renewed interest in some of the recent NFO's and existing open-ended schemes in the last month which has aided a bump up in gross sales of Rs 26,000 crore in December 20 as compared to Rs 14,000 crore in November 20. Re-allocation of large part of these redemptions would be in direct equities where the experience of investors have been good in recent past, alongside demand for IPOs and real estate would also have sucked up the liquidity," said Chaturvedi of Motilal Oswal AMC.

OVERVALUATION WORRIES

Given the record valuation at which the equity market is currently operating in, profit booking by investor comes as a natural reaction to valuation concerns. "The continuation of net outflows from equity funds could be attributed to profit booking/portfolio rebalancing as markets continue to touch new highs. In fact, the net outflow number would have been higher had it not been for the NFOs across multiple equity categories which collected Rs 7,600 crore," said Srivastava of Morningstar India.

The biggest worry which drives investors to pull out money remains the fear of any impending correction. "There is a general belief that markets are expensive and over-heated, hence a healthy correction should not be written off and this could probably create fresh interest to make allocations back in equity mutual funds and reversal of negative sales trend for the industry," said Chaturvedi of Motilal Oswal AMC.

Also read: Record Rs 25,789 crore outflows from equity MFs in December quarter

Also read: Indian MF industry earns 'top grade' in data disclosures globally
Well before he incited this weeks mob violence on Capitol Hill, Donald Trump had become a global hate figure, and for good reason. With his narcissism, vulgarity and misogyny, he personified what many foreign observers see as Americas worst values.

What happened on Thursday morning AEST was, by any standards, truly abominable  a direct result of his unhinged and self-serving campaign to overturn Novembers presidential election, which he lost. Whatever legacy Trump could boast  his 2016 victory, his booming pre-pandemic economy, his Middle East peace breakthroughs  has been erased.

The Republican Party has to renounce Donald Trump and his party of protest-style of government. Credit:AP

It is true that for the past four years the Republicans made no attempt to control Trump, his family and some of his advisers until it was too late. His moral character was so defective that he only survived this long because of the complicity of the Republicans rather than with their support. Some of them  Ted Cruz, for example  are now damaged goods.

However, there were signs of grace when both the Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and Vice-President Mike Pence realised that the respectability of the US constitution and their political movement took precedence over any loyalty to an American president. Just as Trump has all but destroyed the soul of American conservatism, so he has inflicted significant damage to American democracy.
Cawthorn lands in the middle of Capitol insurrection story

U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn speaks at the 'Save America' rally on Wednesday, Jan. 6. [YouTube screenshot]

Madison Cawthorn, installed Sunday as the representative in the 11th Congressional District, wasted no time making national headlines.

Although Cawthorn on Thursday condemned the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol that resulted in five deaths and expressed sympathy for the family of the U.S. Capitol Police officer who died in the melee, he's owning no responsibility for stoking the emotions of the crowd that marched from the White House rally to the iconic symbol of the U.S. government, shattered windows, crashed through police lines and trashed offices.

I dont feel I had any responsibility for them attacking the Capitol, Cawthorn, 25, told WLOS. It was despicable. They are thugs.

Cawthorn did condemn the statement by President Trump that most directly led to the riot. I do believe that saying we needed to march down to the Capitol was a mistake on behalf of the president," he said. "Any of my supporters who are thinking about trying to take democracy in their own hands and storm the Capitol again, I have to say they do not support the same type of politics I support."

His messaging before the deadly Capitol takeover was more combative.

January 6th is fast approaching, the future of this Republic hinges on the actions of a solitary few, Cawthorn tweeted on Monday night. Get ready, the fate of a nation rests on our shoulders, yours and mine. Lets show Washington that our backbones are made of steel and titanium. Its time to fight.

Cawthorn then appeared among other speakers praising the throng of Trump supporters who had begun gathering as early as 3 a.m. Wednesday for the "Save America" rally at the Ellipse.

This crowd has some fight in it, Cawthorn said. And I am so thankful for each and every one of you."

"My friends, I want you to chant with me so loud that the cowards I serve with in Washington, D.C., can hear you," he said as he prepared to leave the stage. "While I leave, let's get a chant so Donald Trump knows who supports him, USA, USA, USA!"

On Thursday night, Cawthorn struck a conciliatory tone toward the family of the officer who died in the riot.

"I am deeply saddened to hear a Capitol Police Officer has died due to yesterdays assault on the Capitol," he said in a tweet. "My prayers go out to the officers family. Those responsible for the officers death must be prosecuted. What occurred on Capitol Hill was a perversion of patriotism."

Constituents on Twitter were less than sanguine about the statement.

"Will you send the family a card, perhaps with a floral arrangement? That would be a nice touch, and may the Lord bless you for your compassion here, Madison," George "New Tone" Ladshaw wrote. "Pro-tip: one thing to leave OUT of your note would be a printed timeline of your own comments leading up to Jan. 6th."

"You incited that riot with your rhetoric," Viv Bernstein wrote. "Your actions directly led to five deaths, including the loss of a police officer. Those deaths are on your hands. The only honorable thing for you to do is #resign @CawthornforNC."

That's highly unlikely.

By Friday night, Cawthorn was back in the Twitter trenches, ripping the decision by Twitter to ban President Trump from using his favorite virtual megaphone.

"When you tear out the tongues of those who speak against you, you are not proving them liars," Cawthorn wrote. "Instead you are proclaiming, on the altar of oppression, that you are crippled by fear of what they might say." On Saturday MoveOn.org initiated an online petition demanding that Cawthorn resign or be expelled from the House. On Saturday MoveOn.org initiated an online petition demanding that Cawthorn resign or be expelled from the House.

"Madison Cawthorn was one of the Representatives who took part in Trump's rally to incite the mob to attack Congress," the petition said. "As a resident of NC's 11th District, I demand that he be censured and/or expelled from Congress. Mountain people do not want this kind of thoughtless, irresponsible person speaking for us on the national level. Cawthorn must go." On Monday morning the petition drive had generated 2,788 signatures. Responding on Monday to the Hendersonville Lightning's request for comment on calls for his resignation, Cawthorn's office released an updated statement. "Unlike NC-11 Democrats, Madison Cawthorn condemns mob violence under any banner," it said. "NC-11 Democrats were silent when left-wing mobs attacked civilians, businesses, and law enforcement in Asheville. They have no moral authority to speak up now when they were silent then. "Cawthorn has condemned the abhorrent violence on January 6. He has criticized President Trump for directing protestors toward the Capitol and repeatedly told protestors that the legal pathway to address their concerns was through debate on the house floor, by their elected representatives, not violence in the streets of the Capital. Principled conservatives disagreed about the 2020 election. But debating whether Congress should accept or reject electoral votes in states that may have ignored their own laws was entirely appropriate and legal under our Constitution."
by Mathias Hariyadi

Five children, including an infant were among the passengers of the Boeing 737.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  An Indonesian Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737 passenger plane went missing a few minutes after takeoff, and appears to have crashed near Seribu Island, north of Jakarta, an area called Thousand Islands.

Local residents told news media that they heard a loud bang, although at first, they did not know what might have caused it.

Rescue teams reached the scene of the disaster and found several pieces of the plane (pictured).

The point of impact lies between Seribu, Laci and Lancand islands.

The plane left at 2.46 pm (West Indonesian Time, WIT) from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and was due to arrive at 3.44 pm at Supadio-Pontianak Airport in West Kalimantan province, but minutes after take-off, the control tower lost contact with the aircraft.

A total of 59 people were on board, including the crew; five were children and a newborn baby.

Lian, from Jakarta, is anguished. A couple of her friends from Ketapang (West Kalimantan) were on the plane. I'm really shocked by this tragedy, she told AsiaNews.

Today's is the first air disaster of 2021, but it is not the first to involve a Boeing. In 2018, a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max passenger jet crashed into the Java Sea, killing 179 people.

On 10 March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max crashed in Ethiopia, killing 157 passengers and crew.

After these two accidents, all Boeing 737 Max were grounded for inspection.
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
As the second wave of the COVID-19 continues to spread in Nigeria, more people are dying from the disease and health officials are advising stricter adherence to safety measures as the only way to slow further spread.

Nigeria on Friday recorded one of its highest coronavirus-related deaths, with 12 people dying from the virus on Friday.

The latest figure  an increase of about 50 per cent from the six fatalities recorded the previous day  has taken the death toll to 1342 in total.

In the past 21 days, there have been 130 fatalities as a result of COVID-19 complications in Nigeria.

The government has blamed the increasing deaths on later referral of COVID-19 patients to treatment centres.

The spike in new infections is also showing no signs of slowing as Nigeria recorded yet another relatively high daily figure of 1,544 reported from 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday.

The figure, one of the highest so far since the virus began spreading in the country, indicated a slight decrease from the 1,565 reported on Thursday.

This week, Nigeria has been smashing previous records of highest daily tallies to indicate how swift the officially declared second wave of COVID-19 is spreading.

On Monday, Nigeria recorded 1,204 new cases as the countrys highest daily figure, a record smashed by the 1,354 infections reported from 21 states on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the country recorded yet another highest daily tally ever with 1,664 cases.

The 1,544 new cases on Friday pushed the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic in the country to 97,478.

This is according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

In Africa, Nigeria is the 9th most affected country by the coronavirus after South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Libya, Kenya and Algeria.

The federal government recently warned that a significant increase in coronavirus infections in Nigeria appears imminent this January due to continued violation of safety protocols during the Christmas period.

Active cases in the country rose sharply from about 3,000 about a month ago to over 17,000 due to a rise in new infections.

Of the over 97,000 cases so far, 78,552 patients have been discharged from hospitals after treatment.

Specifics

The 1,544 new cases were reported from 21 states  Lagos (739), Plateau (168), FCT (153), Oyo (91), Nasarawa (90), Rivers (80), Kaduna (35), Edo (33), Kano (29), Ogun (21), Delta (19), Sokoto (16), Akwa Ibom (11), Ebonyi (11), Enugu (10), Osun (10), Niger (9), Bauchi (8), Kebbi (8), Katsina (2), and Taraba (1).

Lagos led with 739 new cases on Friday  nearly half of the daily total. The commercial city is Nigerias coronavirus epicenter with a total of nearly 35,000 confirmed cases and about 252 deaths.

ADVERTISEMENT

With the country in the second wave of the pandemic, federal authorities have ordered the reopening of all isolation and treatment centres in the country.

The Nigerian government has also reintroduced new restrictions to check the spread of the virus, including closure of bars and nightclubs and limiting the number of people allowed in a public gathering.

The Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, warned Nigerians against complacency in containing the COVID-19 pandemic as the much awaited vaccines may not arrive the country as soon as expected.

So far, Nigeria has conducted over a million COVID-19 tests.
At last summers Republican National Convention, Republican leaders from President Donald Trump down warned the election of Democrat Joe Biden would cause chaos, anarchy and a breakdown of law and order.

What almost no one anticipated was that it would occur while Trump was still in the White House, and that the main cause would be the presidents pleas for protesters to pressure Congress to override the American voters decision to end his presidency.

The result Wednesday may have been the worst insurrection against the U.S. government since the Civil War and the most direct threat to the Capitol building since the British burned it during the War of 1812. It provided an unfortunately appropriate coda to Trumps four years of disrespect for the countrys rule of law, democratic proprieties and the Constitution.

It came a day after the GOP lost its Senate majority in two hotly contested Georgia runoffs, defeats many Republicans blamed on Trumps constant harping on unproven allegations that fraud cost him a second term.

But it failed to prevent Congress from affirming Bidens victory, prompting Trump to acknowledge defeat for the first time and to pledge there will be an orderly transition 13 days hence.
Posted Friday, January 8, 2021 5:22 pm

Editor's Note: After the publication of this story, the Department of Health confirmed that all regions will remain in Phase 1 until at least Jan. 18.

Per the states new phased Healthy Washington reopening plan, Lewis Countys phase and corresponding restrictions will  for the first time  directly depend on its neighbors.

The new plan lumps Lewis County into the west region with Thurston, Pacific and Grays Harbor counties, whose COVID-19 metrics will be analyzed collectively by the state.

Nobody wants to be the person bringing down the group project, so to speak, Lewis County Public Health Director J.P. Anderson said. I dont feel that between us (public health officials), we would have that kind of conflict or frustration with each other. I would hope our communities wouldnt either. And I hope it would never be a situation where communities are pitted against each other.

The rationale, articulated by Gov. Jay Inslee Tuesday, is that COVID-19 doesnt respect county lines. But several local officials are frustrated that the plan shifts control away from local jurisdictions  something they fear may become permanent through Inslees plan to regionalize health jurisdictions.

But the new plan offers one improvement from the states county-by-county phased reopening plan earlier this year, Anderson said: the automatic advancement of regions by the state. The shift  likely the result of feedback from counties  will allow public health officials to focus their efforts on addressing the pandemic.

Unlike the last phased reopening where we were developing, drafting, submitting, petitioning for phase advancement, this is different in that our best effort at supporting it is around helping bring our numbers down, Anderson said, noting that the county is now in a critical phase of vaccine distribution.

To move forward to Phase 2, which would allow indoor dining at 25 percent capacity, some indoor gatherings, and limited-capacity indoor gym operation, regions have to meet the following criteria:

 A 10 percent decline in new cases per 100,000 in the last two weeks compared to two weeks prior

 A 10 percent decline in hospital admissions per 100,000 in the last two weeks compared to two weeks prior

 Less than 90 percent ICU capacity

 Less than 10 percent COVID-19 test positivity

If Lewis Countys region does progress into Phase 2, business owners will likely have the weekend to prepare before restrictions are eased. Anderson expects a new state dashboard to be created, where residents can track their regions progress. But he said it will likely take several weeks for the west region to move to Phase 2.

Heres a look at how Lewis, Thurston, Pacific and Grays Harbor Counties are fairing that may offer insight into where the region needs to improve before moving forward.

New Cases Per 100,000

This analysis uses the most recently confirmed data on the states dashboard, which is from Dec. 26. Incomplete data included on the dashboard is also used to predict how trendlines will play out through more recent dates.

While Lewis County is far beyond the states high-risk threshold, with the virus still not under control, its fair to say that Grays Harbor County is struggling the most in the west region, and may provide a high barrier for all four counties to move to the next phase.

Out of the four counties, Grays Harbor has the highest case rate per 100,000  964.1. Thats compared to Lewis Countys 519.6, and Thurston and Pacific counties rates, both around 220. Grays Harbor Countys new case rate peaked on Dec. 23, and is likely to continue to decline, according to incomplete data.

Lewis County has seen a steady decline since Dec. 11. Two weeks prior to the most recently validated data, the numbers have declined by over 20 percent  a good sign. And incomplete data forecasts a similar decline to come.

Thurston County, in terms of raw numbers, is doing much better than Lewis or Grays Harbor counties. Its new case rate is 220 per 100,000, although the trendline is less clear. Since an all-time high Nov. 23 (at 278.9 new cases per 100,000), the county has since seen several smaller peaks.

To the west, Pacific County saw a major jump in their new case rate back in November, but numbers have since declined. The county now sits at 221.8, and the rate is projected to continue falling.

Hospital Admissions

The metric set by Inslee around hospital admissions may be the most difficult one to meet. None of the west regions four counties have a steady trend line of hospitalization rates. Graphs have instead zig-zagged through several peaks, making it difficult to clear the states new hurdle.

In this metric, Lewis County pulls in last at 16.4 new admissions per 100,000 in the last two weeks.

Thats an increase from weeks prior. And incomplete data past Dec. 26 shows a trend line that moves through several small peaks in more recent dates. A similarly bumpy road is projected for Grays Harbor, which currently sits at 12.1 per 100,000, an increase from weeks prior.

Pacific County jumped from 0 to 9.2 per 100,000 in the most recent two weeks of validated data, although incomplete data shows their hospital admission rate rapidly falling again in January. With a population of only 22,000, Pacific Countys metrics are less likely to hold steady, with just a few hospitalizations marking a major increase, percentage-wise.

Thurston County currently boasts the best hospital admissions rate, at 5.6 per 100,000. But incomplete data past Dec. 26 shows several small peaks, with the county landing back at 5.6 on Jan. 5.

ICU Capacity

ICU capacity is more difficult to gauge for the west region created by the new phased reopening plan. On the states current dashboard, ICU capacity is reported by regions  but those regions are different than the eight regions created by Healthy Washington. The states average, however, provides some insight. Currently, all counties average out to an 81.2 percent ICU capacity, falling below the states new 90 percent benchmark.

The region Lewis County is lumped into on the dashboard currently sits at 87.9 percent capacity, and all neighboring regions also fall below 90 percent.

Test Positivity

Again, Grays Harbor Countys numbers exceed the rest of the west region set up by Healthy Washington. At 20.5 percent, the county is seeing twice as many tests coming back positive than is required to meet the statewide benchmark. Pacific County is at 14.2 percent, while Lewis County is at 12.1 percent. The only county below 10 percent is Thurston County, at 7.2 percent.
Routine for Pak to come up with 'farcical actions' prior to key intl meets: MEA on Lakhvi sentencing

The Imam of Jihadis: Why Pakistans actions against Lakhvi are just an eye-wash

Lashkars operational commander Lakhvi sentenced to 5 years in jail

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 08: A Pakistan court has sentenced Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the operational commander of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba to 5 years in jail and also ordered him to pay a fine.

He was found guilty of extending financial help to terrorists through various umbrella businesses. He was convicted for running a dispensary as a cover for terror funding.

The United States had on Tuesday welcomed the arrest of Lakhvi on charges of terror financing, but also called for his prosecution in the Mumbai 26/11 case.

Pakistan strikes Imam of Jihadis, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi off terror watch list

We welcome Pakistan's arrest of terrorist leader Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi as an important step in holding him responsible for his role in supporting terrorism and its financing," the US state department's bureau of South and Central Asian affairs said on Twitter. It also said, "we will follow his prosecution & sentencing closely & urge that he be held accountable for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks."

Lakhvi is one of the masterminds of the Mumbai attacks. He was arrested by the Pakistan authorities on January 2 on charges of terror financing. His arrest came five years after he was granted bail.

Covid-19: Union Health Minister says 'Indians to get vaccine in the next few days' | Oneindia News

Lakhvi remained low key following his bail. However Intelligence Bureau officials tell OneIndia that he continued nurturing the outfit and its cadres.
Bill Gates has thrown his weight behind a 3.2billion takeover of Signature Aviation as a bidding war looms for the historic British firm.

The Microsoft founder, who owns 19 per cent of the private jets provider through his vehicle Cascade Investment, has joined US private equity giant Blackstone in its bid to buy the business.

Gates and Blackstone revealed they have formed a consortium and are in 'advanced talks' about a 381p per share offer with Signature, formerly known as BBA Aviation, which has already said it is minded to support their advances.

Bidding war: The company made its name making parts for Spitfire planes (above centre) used to fight the Battle of Britain in 1940

Blackstone and Cascade said discussions 'remain ongoing' but added 'there can be no certainty that any offer will be made' for Signature.

The potential sale of the aviation group comes at a time when Britain is at the mercy of 'pandemic plundering', with foreign firms circling vulnerable UK rivals that have seen their value plummet during the Covid crisis.

Signature is the world's largest services provider for private and business jets and was founded in 1879 by Walter Willson Cobbett as a manufacturer of drive belts.

During the Second World War it made its name making parts for Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft. It also made the first brake pads for Jaguar cars and transmission linings for Ford's Model T. Today it has some 200 sites globally and provides everything from plane refuelling and hangar use to catering and concierge services.

Gates, 65, has been an investor since 2009 and used the pandemic to build his stake.

Backing: Microsoft founder Bill Gates

His holding is valued at about 640m, after yesterday's announcement sent Signature's stock fell 2.9 per cent to 406p. But that was still above the mooted offer, suggesting investors believe Gates and Blackstone's bid for the business could still face competition. Private equity firm Carlyle, which is reportedly considering a move, has hired investment banks to examine options, while Gatwick Airport owner Global Infrastructure is thought to have made a smaller offer.

Any deal would be just the latest corporate sale overseen by Signature chairman Sir Nigel Rudd, 74, dubbed 'the man who sold Britain' by some critics. Controversial deals he presided over include the sale of glass maker Pilkington to Japan's Nippon Sheet Glass in 2006 and the part-sale of engineer Invensys to Germany's Siemens in 2012. He also combined Boots with Alliance Unichem in 2006, selling the newly formed Alliance Boots in an 11billion private equity deal a year later.

Rudd has defended the takeovers, claiming Invensys and Pilkington had suffered financial difficulties and that Boots was bought for 'an extraordinarily good price'.
Weighing up to 380,000 pounds and stretching some 100 feet long, the blue whale  the largest creature to have ever lived on Earth  might at first seem difficult for human eyes and ears to miss.

But a previously unknown population of the leviathans has long been lurking in the Indian Ocean, leaving scientists none the wiser, new research suggests.

The covert cadre of whales, described in a paper published last week in the journal Endangered Species Research, has its own signature anthem: a slow, bellowing ballad thats distinct from any other whale song ever described. It joins only a dozen or so other blue whale songs that have been documented, each the calling card of a unique population.

Its like hearing different songs within a genre  Stevie Ray Vaughan versus B.B. King, said Salvatore Cerchio, a marine mammal biologist at the African Aquatic Conservation Fund in Massachusetts and the studys lead author. Its all blues, but you know the different styles.

The find is a great reminder that our oceans are still this very unexplored place, said Asha de Vos, a marine biologist who has studied blue whales in the Indian Ocean but was not involved in the new study.

Cerchio and his colleagues first tuned into the whales newfound song while in scientific pursuit of a pod of Omuras whales off the coast of Madagascar several years ago. After hearing the rumblings of blue whales via a recorder planted on the coastal shelf, the researchers decided to drop their instruments into deeper water in the hopes of eavesdropping further.

If you put a hydrophone somewhere no one has put a hydrophone before, youre going to discover something, Cerchio said.

A number of blue whale populations, each with its own characteristic croon, have long been known to visit this pocket of the Indian Ocean, Cerchio said. But one of the songs that crackled through the teams Madagascar recordings was unlike any the researchers had heard.

By 2018, the team had picked up on several more instances of the new whales now-recognizable refrain. Partnerships with other researchers soon revealed that the distinctive calls had been detected at another recording outpost off the coast of Oman, in the Arabian Sea, where the sounds seem particularly prevalent. Another windfall came later that year when Cerchio learned that colleagues in Australia had heard the whales crooning the same song in the central Indian Ocean, near the Chagos Archipelago.

Data amassed from the three sites, each separated from the others by hundreds or thousands of miles, painted a rough portrait of a pod of whales moseying about in the Indian Oceans northwest and perhaps beyond.

Using acoustic data to pin down a new population is, by nature, indirect, like dusting for fingerprints at the scene of a crime. But Alex Carbaugh-Rutland, who studies blue whales at Texas A&M University and was not involved in the study, said the results were very sound, no pun intended.

The researchers ruled out the possibility that the songs could be attributed to other species of whales. And side-by-side comparisons of the new blue whale tune with others showed convincingly that the northwestern Indian Ocean variety was distinct, Carbaugh-Rutland said. I think its really compelling evidence, he said, drawing a comparison to linguistic dialects.

Genetic samples would help clinch the case, he added. But blue whales, which spend most of their time far from shore, are difficult to study. Whaling in the 19th and 20th centuries also culled hundreds of thousands from their ranks; an estimated 10,000 to 25,000 blue whales are thought to remain.

Not much is known about blue whale songs, although most researchers think they help males woo their mates, as is the case with closely related species. That can make any modifications to a cetacean melody fairly high stakes, de Vos said: If two populations cant talk to each other, over time, theyre going to grow apart.

Eventually, populations with different takes on a tune might splinter into subspecies, with their own behaviors and quirks. Theres not yet evidence to show that has happened with these blue whales, nor much information on what might have driven them apart from their southerly kin. But even if the whales in this new group dont yet formally occupy a new branch on the tree of life, they are worth getting to know.

What things like this show us is that there are different populations, with different adaptations, with potentially different needs, de Vos said. To conserve the worlds blue whales, she said, theres not one single protection measure thats going to work.

Flint Paul became a San Francisco police officer in 1995, with a female birth name and identity. But Paul had identified as male since childhood, started telling other officers that in the early 2000s, and made it official in 2006, when he underwent surgery, filed documents with his new name and moved to the mens locker room.

The response of superior officers, Paul said, was to make a point of referring to him as she and calling him by his former name, to colleagues and over the police radio. He said they outed him to officers unaware of his transgender status, even after he was promoted to sergeant and given a supervisors position in 2013.

Now Paul has won a $150,000 settlement from the city, which  while not conceding any wrongdoing  has agreed to require its police to call transgender officers by their preferred name and gender, a policy the Police Department had adopted for interactions with the public in October 2018. The settlement also requires investigators at the San Francisco Department of Human Resources to complete two hours of training on transgender issues.

Im queer, Im happy, I wouldnt change who I am, said Paul, 51, who remains on the police force. But its a horrible feeling, this unwelcome spotlight placed on you. ... It was shocking because I had always really loved my job.

If they cant see me  somebody supposed to be their family  and treat me with a level of respect, I have no hope they would treat transgender people on the street with any level of respect.

John Cote, spokesman for City Attorney Dennis Herrera, said the settlement was a reasonable and prudent resolution that avoided the costs of continuing litigation. He said San Franciscos Gender Inclusion Policy, issued to city agencies in June 2018, requires that all employees, applicants and contractors must be addressed by the names and pronouns they choose.

The city actually reached an earlier settlement with Paul in 2012, agreeing to pay him nearly $50,000 and improve staff training, said one of his lawyers, Elizabeth Kristen of Legal Aid at Work. But she said nothing much changed.

The new settlement, approved by the Board of Supervisors and the Police Commission, is more specific, the attorneys said. In addition to the payments, $100,000 to Paul and $50,000 to his lawyers, it requires the Police Department to issue a bulletin to all employees, mirroring the citys Gender Inclusion Policy, requiring them to address coworkers by their chosen name and pronoun.

City Human resources investigators will take two hours of training on proper investigation of claims by transgender and gender non-conforming people, including the importance of enforcing policies on use of chosen names and pronouns; and the negative effects of misgendering, the settlement says.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
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.
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
"You simply must stay at home". That was the message from An Taoiseach Micheal Martin in his address to nation on Wednesday afternoon a new raft of Covid related restrictions were announced effectively putting the country into complete lock-down until the end of January.

Commenting on the latest developments Cork North West Fianna Fail TD Michael Moynihan said they were needed to help stem the recent rapid spread of the Covid-19 virus and bring it under control.

"I fully understand that it will be tough for everyone and we are facing into a challenging few weeks ahead. While the restrictions are really a blunt instrument, we are in a difficult situation and we have to work together to get this under control until the vaccine is effective and we can return to some kind of normality," he said.

Under the additions measures, augmenting the Level 5 restrictions already in place, schools will remain closed for the month of January, with special education remaining open with protections in place and more than 60,000 Leaving Cert attending students school three days a week.

Already unions representing school staff have expressed concerns over plan to keep schools open under limited circumstances, with some expressing reservations about health implications for members and childcare concerns.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) described the decision to re-open special educational settings as "rushed and reckless" and that it undermined public health objectives.

The Association of Secondary School Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) also expressed its concerns saying there had been "no credible level of assurance" that re-opened schools would be safe.

While initial reaction of Boherbue Comprehensive School principal Vera leader to the news that would not be re-opening on Monday was one of "huge disappointment", she did say the health and safety of the school community must come first.

Ms Leader did stress the point that school closure did not mean "the end of learning" saying that schools were much better prepared now than last March to provide effective online learning.

"The school will obviously do everything possible to facilitate our students and we are confident about our capacity to provide effective online learning," she said.

However, she did admit that it would be "challenging" for schools to organise the logistics of opening for special needs education and leaving certificate students.

"I am also aware, given the current high numbers of Covid cases that it will be challenging and concerning for the parents and families of children who will be attending schools," she said.

Another key announcement was the was the ceasing of all non-essential construction from 6pm on Friday. Exemptions to this will include Covid specific health projects, social housing projects, and critical transport maintenance projects. Sole traders such as plumbers, glaziers and electricians will also be allowed work on an emergency call-out basis.

Conor Lane, of Banteer-based Conor Lane Carpentry Ltd, said work will come to a halt for his 10 employees working at three different sites around the country on Friday.

He said news of the new restrictions on construction was "disappointing but not entirely unexpected."

"Of course it is disappointing but it did not come as any great surprise given the talk over recent days. To be honest, it had to be done for the safety of employees and their families. Whether you have 50 of 500 guys working on a site is irrelevant, all you need for one person to have Covid to spread it," said Conor.

"Hopefully, it will help the stem the spread of the virus, numbers will come down and we can all get back to work safety in a few weeks time," he added.
My own family and friends come from many walks of life, many nationalities, ethnic and racial backgrounds. We're all interconnected one way or the other, whether we like it or not. Whether we know it or not. My family and friends might be Iraj (pronounced long e-raj) from Iran or Kali from India. They might come from some South American country or Asia (Vietnam). ... (click for more)

Ready to work with new US administration says Pak foreign minister

On Indias permanent council seat, here is what Bidens US pick said

US elections 2021: Russia meddled, Iran did too, China sat it out

Who were the US Presidents who refused to attend the inauguration of their successors

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 09: President Donald Trump on Friday said he would not attend his successor Joe Biden's swearing-in on January 20, hours after he vowed to ensure a "smooth, orderly and seamless" transition of power.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," Trump tweeted. The last president to skip the inauguration of his successor was Andrew Johnson, in 1869.

After weeks of falsely claiming that he had won the November 3 election, Trump, a Republican, had not been expected to attend the swearing-in of Biden, a Democrat.

Donald Trump permanently suspended from Twitter

Trump will not make history when he skips the ceremonial peaceful transfer of power.

In 1869, President Andrew Johnson stayed in the White House as Ulysses S Grant was sworn in as the 18th president of the United States.

In 1801, Presidents John Adams skipped the inauguration of Thomas Jefferson, while in 1829, John Quincy Adams chose to give the inauguration of Andrew Jackson a miss. Both the presidents left Washington before the ceremonies.

Johnson's decision to miss the peaceful transfer of power came a year after he was impeached by the House. Grant and Johnson despised each other after the former supported the latter's impeachment.

Grant refused to ride in the same carriage as Johnson from the White House to the Capitol. When Grant showed up at the White House 30 minutes before the ceremony, Johnson did not come out.

As Johnson headed out the door for the last time, he said, I fancy, I can already smell the sweet mountain air of Tennessee.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

Adam's decision followed the elections of 1800 when electors voted for two individuals for presidents. Jefferson and Aaron Burr were tied and this put the US House of Representatives in charge of selecting a winner. While Jefferson sought Adams to interfere, he did not. He left at 4 am on March 4, 1801, the day of the inauguration.

Adam's son John Quincy Adams left Washington, the day before Jackson's inauguration. The 1828 election was a contentious one, four years after Adams defeated Jackson.
(TNS)  In the wake of Wednesday's siege of the U.S. Capitol by a violent and seditious mob seeking to prevent the certification of the presidential election, Facebook is blocking President Trump from posting until at least Jan. 20, when President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in.Twitch and YouTube have also taken action against the president's false election claims and incitement of mob action. Twitter, the president's favored social media outlet, temporarily suspended his posting privileges Wednesday, but allowed him to resume posting Thursday.It's a radical change for the tech companies, which have largely maintained a kid-gloves approach to the president's increasingly wild social media postings. Critics say the companies should have acted much earlier."The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a post Thursday. Facebook's move followed years of criticism that the social network wasn't doing enough to prevent the spread of misinformation from the president and his supporters. The company deleted some of Trump's posts on Wednesday. Facebook-owned Instagram also suspended Trump's account.Twitter suspended Trump for 12 hours after Wednesday's riot, only lifting the penalty after he agreed to delete several tweets that violated its policies. Trump posted a conciliatory video Thursday afternoon, saying that "America is and must always be a nation of law and order."A Twitter spokesperson said Thursday afternoon the company is continuing to monitor the situation, including statements made off Twitter. "We will keep the public informed, including if further escalation in our enforcement approach is necessary," the emailed statement said.Live-streaming site Twitch, owned by Amazon, also disabled Trump's account in light of Wednesday's violence, according to a company statement, and San Bruno's YouTube, which is part of Google, moved to limit the spread of disinformation, including removing some recent Trump videos and threatening a permanent ban on accounts that repeatedly perpetrate false claims.Social media scholars said the decision to boot Trump from Facebook and other social media was necessary, but too little, too late."They've given him a bully pulpit to speak directly to people of the last four years," said Sarah T. Roberts, a professor at UCLA who studies online content moderation. Access to that medium was only temporarily taken away by the social networks after he used their services to foment insurrection, she said."It's a lot of closing of barn doors and hand wringing after the horses have already left," she said.Companies like Facebook have faced attacks from conservatives who say their sites unfairly treat right-wing content differently than that disseminated by liberals. Lawmakers including Trump have long pointed to a perceived liberal bias in Silicon Valley.But liberal lawmakers have castigated the companies for allowing disinformation and falsehoods about elections to spread.Zuckerberg has walked a fine line in attempting to appease both sides of the political aisle. Roberts said it was notable that the company took the decision to ban Trump at least temporarily only once a presidential transition became certain.The Facebook CEO wrote that the company had taken a light touch with the president "because we believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech."Now, he said, "the current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government. We believe the risks of allowing the president to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great."It remains to be seen whether Democratic control of the federal government will increase pressure on companies like Facebook to moderate content.Former first lady Michelle Obama called for a permanent ban on Trump and more stringent policies."Now is the time for Silicon Valley companies to stop enabling this monstrous behavior  and go even further than they have already by permanently banning this man from their (services) and putting in place policies to prevent their technology from being used by the nation's leaders to fuel insurrection," she said in a statement Thursday.The moves by Big Tech do not address a larger question about how online conversation should be moderated, Alex Stamos, the former head of security at Facebook, wrote on Twitter."There is no easy answer to 'how should billionaire CEOs protect us from reality-star politicians?'" Stamos, who now works at Stanford's Internet Observatory program, wrote.Many employees of social media companies expressed support for the bans.A survey of more than 400 Facebook and Twitter employees overwhelmingly found their employees believed the companies had done the right thing in locking Trump out, at least for a time.The survey by Blind, an app that lets employees talk about their companies anonymously, found that 80 percent of Facebook employees surveyed said the social media companies acted correctly, while 75 percent of Twitter workers who participated said the same. Its results were published Thursday."Just as users are becoming more sophisticated and vocal about the expectations and demands of these firms, I think workers are too," Roberts said.Generous pay and benefits "do not allay the concerns about the (political) cracks being exacerbated or wholly caused by material circulating on these channels," she said.She pointed to a small but growing group of workers at Google parent Alphabet unionizing as evidence of ongoing discontent within the tech workforce and a potential model for other companies to follow.At a higher level, Trump's use of Twitter to get around the traditional news media raises questions about what the government should be able to disseminate directly to people on social media."Who says the president needs to be able to tweet?" said Jennifer Grygiel, a professor at Syracuse University and a social media expert.Grygiel has argued for checks on the government's ability to distribute what she calls propaganda on social media in order to preserve the role of the free press to enforce accuracy and transparency."We cannot simply rely on Zuckerberg to do the right thing" in deciding when and for how long to check the government's access to social media, Grygiel said, pointing to Wednesday's chaos at the Capitol."We need to make sure that can never happen again."
Posted Friday, January 8, 2021 8:02 am

Clark County Public Health is teaming up with the Medication Education and Disposal Project (MED-Project) to provide safe and free disposal of expired, unwanted or unused medicine in a convenient way.

The MED-Project is a nonprofit that provides residents with year-round medicine drop off locations such as at pharmacies, medical facilities and law enforcement offices. In addition to existing operation programs in many counties across Washington State, MED-Project has activated more than 150 additional drop off locations in the state with a plan to add more.

The sites accept controlled and non-controlled medications in any dosage form in their original container or a sealed bag. Sites do not accept herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, mercury-containing thermometers, sharps, illicit drugs or pet pesticide products.

Proper disposal of unwanted medications protects the health and safety of our community and the environment, Clark County Environmental Public Health director Janis Koch said in a news release. These new disposal sites make it more convenient for Clark County residents to safely dispose of medicine they no longer need.

In Clark County, there are 12 drop-off sites residents can visit during business hours to dispose of unwanted medicine:

 Battle Ground Police Department, 507 SW 1st St., Battle Ground

 Hi-School Pharmacy, 1365 Lewis River Road, Woodland

 Hi-School Pharmacy, 3200 NE 52nd St., Vancouver

 Kaiser Permanente Cascade Park Pharmacy, 12607 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver

 Kaiser Permanente Orchards Pharmacy, 7101 NE 137th Ave., Vancouver

 Kaiser Permanente Salmon Creek Pharmacy, 14406 NE 20th Ave., Vancouver

 QFC Pharmacy, 3505 SE 192nd Ave., Vancouver

 Ridgefield Police Department, 116 N Main Ave., Ridgefield

 Rite Aid Pharmacy, 2800 NE 162nd Ave., Vancouver

 Rite Aid Pharmacy, 13511 SE Third Way, Vancouver

 Washougal Police Department, 1320 A St., Washougal

 Woodland Police Department, 200 E Scott Ave., Woodland

Those who would prefer mailing back unwanted medicine for disposal can request free, pre-paid, pre-authorized packages by visiting med-project.org/washington or by calling (844) 633-7765.

Public health and the MED-Project remind citizens that unwanted medications should not be thrown away and never flushed.
Vice President Mike Pence on Friday refused to support the push for the 25th Amendment to dismiss President Trump.

Two of his aides told Business Insider that there is "no way" the Vice President will give in but they were concerned that his action "could spiral the country even further into chaos and partisan divide." This would reflect on him and may negatively affect his future political ambitions.

More Democrats demanded that President Trump be immediately removed from office. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer urged Vice President Pence to act by invoking the 25th Amendment. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican, has also expressed his support on the appeal.

They see the 25th Amendment as provision for the Vice President and the Cabinet to forcibly incapacitate the current President.

Senator Schumer Senator Schumer said that should the Vice President and the Cabinet not give their support, the "Congress must reconvene to impeach the President."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reinforced the senator's words.

"If the vice president and Cabinet do not act, the Congress may be prepared to move forward with impeachment," she said on Thursday.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, drafted the resolution against President Trump. This was supported by other legislators including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Al Green, Ayanna Pressley, Jamal Bowman, Mondaire Jones, Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib, Hank Johnson and Vincente Gonzales per report of Independent.

"It's a matter of preserving the Republic," Rep. Omar wrote on Twitter.

What's in the 25th Amendment?

The 25th Amendment was enacted in the wake of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, whose predecessor Dwight Eisenhower suffered major heart attacks. It was meant to create a clear line of succession and prepare for urgent contingencies.

CNN reports on Joe Biden's view on this matter. According to a source close to Biden, he said that an impeachment will not help unify the country.

Despite the talk on their camp's pursuit of "unity," Biden and the left missed an opportunity to "unify" Americans when he said the riot in Capitol Hill was a result of Trump's presidency, Breitbart reported.

"He unleashed an all-out assault on our institutions of our democracy from the outset. And yesterday was but the culmination of that unrelenting attack," Biden said, referring to President Trump.

He also called Trump supporters "domestic terrorists," even when there were tons of irrefutable evidence showing that the President's supporters were infiltrated by troublemakers from Antifa, Black Lives Matter, and other leftist groups including Insurgency USA.

President Donald Trump's Take On the Issue

In his first video message following the reactivation of his social media accounts (before they were again deactivated), President Trump gave his word that the presidential transition to the new administration will be "smooth, orderly, and seamless."

Still, he stood his ground on their campaign against election fraud last year, and did not concede.

"I continue to strongly believe that we must reform our election laws to verify the identity and eligibility of all voters and to ensure faith and confidence in all future elections."

His supporters though will continue to back him up.

"This moment calls for healing and reconciliation," he told them. "We must revitalize the sacred bonds of love and loyalty that bind us together as one national family to the citizens of our country," he added.

The President ended his speech with "Serving as your president has been the honor of my lifetime."
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low around 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
NEW DELHI: Air India's first-ever non-stop service between Bengaluru and San Francisco connecting the worlds two tech hubs  the original Silicon Valley and the Silicon Valley of India -will begin from Saturday.

The first flight AI 176 from San Francisco to Bengaluru will operate on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The flight will leave from San Francisco at 2030 hrs (Local Time/LT) on 9th January 2021, to arrive at Bengaluru at 0345 hrs (LT) on January 11, 2021.

The flight will operate with a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft VT ALG with a seating capacity of 238 seats including 8 First Class, 35 Business Class,195 Economy class configuration besides 4 Cockpit and 12 Cabin crew.

Interestingly, the flight will be operated by an all-women Cockpit Crew of Capt Zoya Aggarwal (P1), Capt Papagari Thanmai(P1), Capt Akansha Sonaware (P2) and Capt Shivani Manhas (P2).

Captain Zoya Aggarwal is an accomplished pilot with a flying experience of more than 8000 hrs and command experience in a B-777 aircraft of more than 10 years and more than 2500 flying hours.

The direct distance between Bengaluru and San Francisco is 13,993 kms approx. and the cities are diametrically at opposite ends of the world with a time zone change of approx.13.5 hours.

The total flight time on this route will be of more than 17 hours depending on the wind speed on that particular day.

The route for this flight will be the safest, fastest and most economical. It will be an around-the-world flight and based on the wind speed and other logistical parameters, the polar route may be chosen as the flight path, which will result in savings on flying time, fuel consumption and curbing carbon footprint.

This will be the longest commercial flight in the world to be operated by Air India or any other airline in India.

Air India is engaging an all-women cockpit crew for this flight. Air India has the highest women employees ratio for an airline in the world. Capt Nivedita Bhasin, Executive Director (Flight Safety), Air India, is also traveling on this flight.

Live TV

Home > 2021 > Call it what it was: a coup attempt | Rebecca Solnit

by Rebecca Solnit

January 6, 2021

On Wednesday, a coup attempt was led by the president of the United States. A rightwing mob attempted the coup in the form of a violent riot that stormed the Capitol building. They disrupted the proceedings that would have completed the recognition of the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Those proceedings had been disrupted earlier by elected officials bringing forth bad-faith claims that the election was not legitimate and should instead produce a continuation of Trumps presidency. This too was a coup attempt, an effort to violate the constitution and override the will of the voters in this election. Inside and outside were two faces of the same thing, and both were fomented by the leaders of the Republican party and by the US president. The mob outside would not exist without the politicians inside. Those insiders will make noises of horror and repudiation, but they own this.

Had Mitch McConnell and other Republican leaders recognized the legitimate winner of the election in early November, had there been no challenge to a legitimate election from inside the government, there would have been no mob. Having failed to suppress enough votes to guarantee a Republican presidential victory, the Republican party and the Trump administration decided to try to suppress them retroactively. Trump invited the mob and whipped it up for months and set it off today, as surely as if hed lit a bombs fuse.

I call it a coup attempt because, though I assume it will not prevent the Biden presidency, it certainly intended to, and is part of a campaign to delegitimize and thereby weaken the incoming administration. It was a long time coming, building up for years with white rage, especially white male rage fuelled by everyone from Trump himself to the National Rifle Association, Fox News and the various rightwing pundits, the Republican party, the various faces of white supremacy, and far-right groups such as the Proud Boys. It is a rage against the fact that other people might be equal under the law, that women and people of color might also govern as power begins to be distributed more equally, the same rage that attempted to delegitimize a black president with birtherism and obstruction. It is a rage against equality.

Democracy is a set of agreements to make decisions together and respect the outcome whether you like them or not. The kind of violence we saw on Capitol Hill is authoritarian, a way to try to force other people to submit to the will of the perpetrators. This violence comes from the white men who were long the only people with power in this country imagining themselves as marginalized and oppressed outsiders because others might also have power and a voice. We saw these kind of men last summer, when they invaded the Michigan capital while carrying semiautomatic rifles and saw them again when a handful of them were arrested for a plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. We saw them in racist shootings from the Texas border to a Pennsylvania synagogue.

This coup attempt was built by the more and more uninhibited ideology of violence we have seen again and again, in the mass shootings that became a norm in 21st-century America, the fetishization of guns and gun rights that made the killing machines and the death they inflict far more common, so that death by gun recently overtook death by car as a leading American way to die.

As I write, I hear a Republican leader on TV say Remember we are the party of law and order, and, of course, the riot going on in the Capitol is technically lawless, but law and order as a rightwing slogan means that they are the law and they impose their version of order. Authoritarianism is always an ideology of inequality: I make the rules, you follow them, I change them at will and punish those who dont obey, or, if I feel like it, those who do because I can. Political scientist Frank Wilhoit once said: Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition  There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect. They are demonstrating that nothing binds them and that they expect to have whatever they want. Entitlement is too demure a word for this.

Authoritarianism is always an ideology of inequality: I make the rules, you follow them, I punish those who dont obey

What is at stake in America today is the outcome of an election. But its also the rule of law and the rights of voters. And in the end its also about the authority of facts and evidence and history and science, that no one has the right to override those things for personal gain. Trumps position all along has been that he in particular has that right. Today it came to a head and became a crisis as a mob sabotaged a constitutionally mandated procedure for the peaceful transition of power. This was always going to happen because Trumps power was always going to be finite in reach and duration under the law, and because he wants that power to be infinite, he was always at war with the law, and he always had a volunteer army willing to help him take it. Today they acted like an army, a hostile occupying force in the nations capital. This is what he wanted and this is what he orchestrated and this is what we got.

Trump was the most prolific public liar America has ever seen, and his lies were an essential part of his authoritarianism, a refusal to be bound by facts, even the facts of what he said or did the day before. He demanded a parallel narrative in which he won the election and laid the groundwork long before to claim, if he lost, that it was illegitimate, as he did in 2016. In a recorded video on Wednesday, Trump said to the crowd We love you as he told them to go home but also reasserted that the election was stolen, which is why theyre there in the first place. Ivanka Trump apparently deleted a tweet in which she called them American patriots.

The Trumps and their loyalists in office will disavow the worst of what happened and pretend to be surprised by it and continue feeding it. Conversation about whats been happening over the past several months has often bought into the false binary that either we have a successful coup, in which they steal the election, or we have a failed coup, but there is something insidious in-between: the delegitimization of the democratic process and the incoming administration. In this in-between state, Trump supporters continue to regard their leader and themselves as above the law and entitled to enforce it however they see fit, on the basis of whatever facts they most enjoy having. They are building a separate reality and appear to wish for a shadow government to beleaguer and undermine the legitimate one. Today, weve seen it in action.

(Rebecca Solnit is a Guardian US columnist)

(Courtesy: The Guardian)
A boom from the Capitol steps sent protesters scurrying back. Stun grenades had begun to rain down on the mob that had laid siege to the U.S. Capitol for nearly three hours.

A man standing on a folding chair on the Capitol lawn raised a middle finger toward the advancing line of police and joined in a chant quickly sweeping the grounds: "Traitors! Traitors! Traitors!"

In a crowd where some carried flags bearing a thin blue line - a pro-police symbol that critics claim also stands for white supremacy and opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement - and shirts adorned with "Blue Lives Matter," a tide of anger and frustration rose as officers pushed them back. Nearly three hours after the building was breached, police cleared the grounds and used batons and chemical munitions to confront the mob.

"You should be on our side," a woman in a Trump 2020 sweatshirt called at them. " 'We the people' means police, too!"

"Is this honoring your oath? Pushing patriots around?" another man yelled as an officer shoved him backward with a baton.

Some promised to return with weapons, ready to fight if necessary. A man repeatedly announced he would be back with his rifle for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Police experts worry this souring sentiment may lead to more violence in the months ahead. They caution that officers in Washington should prepare to be met with increasing hostility from crowds that previously have clamored for selfies and handshakes from them.

"In general, the public has this mistaken assumption that the police are there to serve and protect them," Maria Haberfeld, a professor of police science at John Jay College, said. "The police do what the politicians and other officials tell them to do or not to do."

Neither D.C. police nor Capitol Police responded to a request for comment.

Conservatives and members of the far-right long have sought to position themselves on the same side of the societal and cultural divide as police. Republicans backed President Donald Trump's campaign message of "law and order," and amid rising calls to "defund the police" during racial justice protests last year, the GOP was swift to criticize efforts to shrink police budgets. Police unions and officers vocally supported Trump's bid for a second term.

But on Wednesday, as the Capitol was being breached and ransacked, people who see themselves as friends of the police were confronted with the reality that law enforcement would not always respond in kind.

"When police have to move against various groups that have supported them, they expect the police to be on their side when they do illegal things, but policing is not really a discretionary behavior," Haberfeld said. "When people behave the way they behaved at the Capitol, it mandated only one response: Move them out. Arrest them all."

The law enforcement response, which has been roundly criticized, was tepid compared to police responses to summer protests when demonstrators were arrested en masse. But Trump supporters, who were mostly White, balked at any amount of police resistance Wednesday.

In far-right online forums after the insurrection - during which five people, including a Capitol Police officer, died - Proud Boys, conspiracists, members of armed groups and white nationalists sought to further erode Trump supporters' veneration of the police by posting videos of officers and rioters exchanging punches and unleashing streams of pepper spray.

"The blue does not back you," reads a message posted in a pro-Proud Boys group with more than 37,000 followers on social media app Parler. "They back the men who pay them."

Ashli Babbitt, who was killed during the insurrection, "was shot by cowards protecting traitors," wrote Jeremy Bertino, a self-described Proud Boy who was one of four people stabbed in D.C. during a chaotic street fight after pro-Trump rallies Dec. 12. "Hang them on the capitol steps."

Another user commented: "DC blue showed they [chose] a side."

At a rally the day before the Capitol riot, Cindy Chafian - an organizer with the Eighty Percent Coalition, which sponsored the Tuesday event - told the crowd that it wasn't police who were keeping them safe, but rather the Proud Boys, anti-government militias and other far-right groups.

"All of those guys keep us safe," she told a crowd of hundreds.

On Wednesday, three hours after the 6 p.m. curfew by Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D, went into effect, a reinforced squad of police officers, Capitol Police officers and National Guard members pushed back a diminishing crowd of Trump's supporters, who continued to shout abuse at police.

The rhetoric was, at times, similar to far-left protesters who have coined a phrase for police that includes an expletive, while also posting violent anti-police memes in online chats and social media forums.

At racial justice protests over the summer, following a spate of police killings of Black men and women around the country, protesters called police "murderers" and implored officers to join them or take a knee to express solidarity.

But unlike at racial justice demonstrations, where police would fire chemical munitions into areas where protesters were being treated by medics or advance on ailing protesters, several officers at the Capitol on Wednesday seemed sympathetic to the rioters.

Police helped some supporters of the president wash out their eyes after being hit with chemical irritants. At the Capitol gates, some smiled and posed for photos.

Jamie Longazel, who has studied the "Blue Lives Matter" movement since it was formed as backlash to the Black Lives Matter movement, said many of the people who espouse a pro-police ideology are unlikely to change their stripes overnight.

But, he noted, they may make a distinction between the police department of a progressive city like the District - where many officers are Black and Latino - and police of their hometowns.

"I think, for them, seeing the police standing against them probably came as a surprise," Longazel said. "In their worldview, which is very racialized, they do not see themselves as being part of that savage horde that the police are meant to stand against - no matter what they do."

Bill Harrison, a 59-year-old supporter of Trump who traveled to D.C. this week from North Dakota, beamed at his wife as the couple walked east from the seat of the U.S. government and darkness fell over the Capitol grounds.

"We just stormed the Capitol," he said, a tone of awe in his voice.

In truth, he had not stormed the Capitol, only tried.

Along the west security perimeter, Harrison said, he and others had been pepper-sprayed and hit with batons by officers.

"It was wonderful," he beamed.

Harrison said he has great respect for cops - just not the ones who protect members of Congress.

"These police are protecting the villains inside that building. Somebody back in a small town, that's my neighbor," he said. "Here, they're protecting Schumer. They're protecting Pelosi."

Several people in the crowd assailed police officers for protecting the "traitors" inside the Capitol. They beckoned officers to join them, to stand on their "side."

One woman yelled: "We're peaceful protesters - do your job and protect us!"

One D.C. police officer in riot gear responded: "Not right now you're not. Move!"

Nate and Tanya Mitchell, who had traveled to the District from Southern California to show their support for the president, watched from the nearby grass.

They didn't think the day would have much impact on Trump's base and its adoration for law enforcement.

The destruction and mob violence at the Capitol a few hours earlier had been the work of a few bad apples, they said. They said they had remonstrated with some of them.

The Mitchells said the police before them in riot gear were just doing their jobs. The couple spoke several hours after the city's 6 p.m. curfew had gone into effect and were among those defying it - despite a line of police yelling at the stragglers to go home.

"I'm not going home until I feel like going home," Tanya said.
Govt welcomes criticism including right to ask questions; New IT rules will empower social media users: Ravi Shankar Prasad.
100 years ago  1921

Fifty-nine cases were called for trial on the civil list at the first reading on Monday morning out of 64 cases on the list and it is anticipated that two full weeks will be consumed in the trial of the cases.

75 years ago  1946At a directors meeting of the Union Bank & Trust Co. late Tuesday afternoon, the following officers were elected: Vincent J. Dalton, president; L.M. Stoner, vice president; O. Lee Hummel, vice president.

50 years ago  1971These are the tools of the (drug) trade, said District Attorney Richard Russell as he discussed articles found in a leather pouch that had been turned over to Pottsville City Police by a distraught Pottsville mother. He was referring to a syringe, needles, pills, tourniquet band and the other items. Russell said the articles found in the pouch is evidence of what we have in Pottsville.

25 years ago  1996FRACKVILLE  Perhaps for a moment, Loretta Horan thought she had been transported to the shining, summer beaches of the French Riviera. But Sundays harsh, cold reality quickly pierced through any such reverie as the Central Motel desk clerk realized the accents she was hearing came from a group of 10 stranded French-speaking Canadians from Quebec City. Although it was a storm itself that brought the travelers streaming into the lobby, it was Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Mark S. Schweikers state of emergency decree, extended from noon Monday to a.m. Tuesday, that made them stay.
powerbeephoto/Getty Images

En espanol | Many Americans are opting for road trips instead of flying to avoid pandemic risks, and other cars are sitting idle more often as people work from home.

These new habits mean automobiles need attention, and more people are opting to do their own car maintenance to avoid COVID-19 risks and save money.

A recent survey of 1,000 U.S. adult car owners by Wakefield Research for SimpleTire found that 65 percent of respondents have performed maintenance on their own cars since the pandemic, rather than heading to a garage.

"Cars are an essential part of our lives, so we have to take care of them, much like we take care of ourselves, says David Bennett, 52, manager of repair systems at the American Automobile Association's national office in Heathrow, Florida.

Now's the perfect time to get your car primed to safely hit the road. For DIY car maintenance, all you need are a few tools, some basic knowledge and a little patience. Here's how to get started.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Hui Zhang, VP of NIO Europe

In these extraordinary times, we have reached out to parts of the global auto industry for perspectives on current challenges and a take on prospects for 2021. In particular, we wanted to get a range of perspectives and viewpoints. In this latest in the series we are publishing this month, we hear from Hui Zhang, VP of NIO Europe.

j-a: 2020 was a pretty memorable year for everyone and for all sorts of reasons. In your business, what stand out as the biggest challenges you faced this year?

HZ: For NIO, the crisis caused the same challenges everyone had to face, but our way of dealing with it was different. Of course, one of the biggest challenges was to keep selling cars and satisfying our users' needs. So, we immediately focused on two aspects that shape our business model: the mobile internet and our online-to-offline sales channels. That helped us significantly to approach our users very quickly after the outbreak of Covid-19 and to bring them back to our point of sales: the NIO Houses and NIO Spaces.

So, we were able to gain a substantial brand awareness and sales push. And in general, one can say that the agility of our operations was key for our success. And this is reflected in our sales records we set month after month beginning in April 2020.

In general, I want to say, that this crisis has been one of the most challenging ones worldwide within the last 100 years. So, for everybody who pushed through and will manage to overcome this crisis, all that is a good preparation for the future.

j-a: What did you learn that you did not expect to learn?

HZ: When dealing with the pandemic and its heavy impact, several challenges appeared which I had to face. For example, it was a new experience for me to find out how to steer the team in Europe through the tough period. That goes hand in hand with the fact that both teams in Munich and in Oxford started working from home which hasn't been very common for us at NIO. However, as a global company, we have a global mindset, so we met the challenge to maintain the usual high level of efficiency. And we even managed to raise the efficiency to the next level. All together we also managed to keep the team spirit high during the tough times. So, I am very proud of the teams and want to thank everybody for their dedication, support and their first-class work.

j-a: And as we come to the end of the year and looking back on it, can you summarise how you feel?

HZ: Actually, I am full of hope. When looking at the automotive industry, one can see that the electrification of the market got even stronger during the pandemic than it has been before. As an EV manufacturer, we are very happy to see that development. The new circumstances also forced us to rethink and further develop our sales and service models. At NIO, we strongly focused on our already mentioned online-to-offline sales strategy which helped us to get back on track very quick. Our ES6, for example, is the best-selling EV in China for 13 consecutive months among all comparable models. So, we managed to turn the crisis into a very successful year. For me that is proof that our teams at NIO are well equipped to overcome these challenges and are willing to do everything that Is necessary to get through the tough times.

And another important aspect that makes me look to the future with great hope and fills me with new energy is our upcoming entry into overseas markets and the new opportunities that come along with it for NIO.

j-a: Specifically on prospects for 2021. It's obviously an unusual time in the context of the uncertainties ahead for all of us, but can you say something about how you are approaching the new year?

HZ: The new year will start with our NIO Day, an annual special event that is dedicated to our users. So, constantly keep improving our user satisfaction is always our main goal, and with NIO Day on January 9th we will exactly do that and start into 2021 together with our users.

Of course, we will keep investing in different business areas at NIO. First, we will further expand our network in China regarding sales, service and power solution. Second, we will keep investing in our core technologies within the field of autonomous driving. And third, we are working on our next platform to build the next generation of NIO cars.

2021 will also be a very important year for our global business because  as we already have revealed  we will come to European markets. So, we will continue our dedicated work to strengthen our brand awareness in the European countries.

j-a: Do you have a message for the readers?

HZ: When our founder William Li started NIO 6 years ago, he had the vision of shaping a joyful lifestyle for the people and managed to build up a global enterprise that focuses exactly on putting that vision into action. So, my message is: remember the reason why you started your journey, why you are passionate about it, and then keep focusing on that. If you do so, no matter how heavy the storm is, you will see your rainbow at the end.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 74F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 46F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
About four years ago, a Dutch documentary crew showed up at Russell Bankss home in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The writer sat in a chair in his living room while the crew blocked out every source of light. When the room was nearly pitch-black, they illuminated their subject with an overhead spotlight and began asking questions.

Banks recalls the interview fondlyperhaps because the idea of letting strangers into ones home now seems fantastical, or more likely because it was the key with which he unlocked Foregone (Ecco, Mar.), his decade-in-the-making new novel. He is stuck in that same house on Christmas Eve 2020, holed up after 36 inches of snow pummeled Saratoga Springs. His Miami condo has stayed maddeningly empty while he and his wife, the poet Chase Twichell, wait out the pandemic.

Long acclaimed for his nuanced, rich portraits of ordinary lives and people, Banks, 80, has been an uncommonly prolific author of literary fiction since his 1975 debut, Family Life. The 10-year gap between Foregone and his previous novel, Lost Memory of Skin, marks his longest by far. He wanted to write a book about a subject thats long fascinated him: young American men who fled to Canada in the late 1960s and early 70s to avoid the Vietnam War draft.

Im Canadian-American myselfmy father and three of my grandparents are Canadian born, he says. Ive always felt a closeness to both Canada and the U.S. The idea of these young men, my age theyd be, going there and making a life there, and yet never really being Canadianits an interesting concept.

Banks, who was an active member of the antiwar movement in the 1960s, couldnt find his way in to the novel, however. Then the filmmaking crew showed up. And he lived through his late 70s, during which time he says he lost a number of close, lifelong friends and began more deeply considering his own mortality, and in turn, his own life.

Foregone centers on Leo Fife, a 79-year-old filmmaker dying of cancer, sitting in a wheelchair for an on-camera interview before a group of former students. A small, sharply cut circle of light appears on the bare wooden floor, Banks writes. Its where Fife will be interrogated.

The students believe Leo will reflect on his distinguished career; Leos actual intention, in a sort of whimsically Beckettian fashion, is simply to talk and talk and talk, as Banks says. Hes trying to recapitulate his life for himself and for the woman hes come to love. The documentary frame, Banks explains, allowed him to visually focus our imagination on the speaker.

So begins a wild journey into a meld of Leos memories, fantasies, and delusionsa singularly strange foray into a most turbulent period in North American history. The line between autobiography and fiction blurs. Youre trying to bring all these things together and reassemble them in a coherent and patterned way, and make out of that a narrative thats plausible and believable, Banks says of the experience of confabulation. I was very aware, as Leos life was unfolding, that I was writing a series of experiences that parallel very closely what its like to write a novel.

In addition to sifting through historical records, Banks spoke with acquaintances who were deeply involved in the antiwar movement, as well as those who actually crossed the border as young men. He mined his own memories, too. A theme of abandonment emerges throughout Leos recollections: running away from home as a teenager, walking out on his first wife and daughter to pursue writing, leaving his second wife when fleeing to Canada in 1968.

Abandonment and betrayalits something that I come back to all the time in my books, Banks says. But Ive always wanted to try to look at it from the other side, from the side of the person who actually commits acts of abandonment and betrayal, and try to penetrate and understand that.

Thats where the moral intricacy that Banks so confidently, consistently trades in comes into play. He unearths the tensions between antiwar Americans who stayed put and those who left the movement behind. That was an intriguing aspect of the story I didnt know beforehand, he says, calling it the most surprising discovery of his research.

One evocative scene from Foregone recreates a Joan Baez concert in Toronto. Despite her noted opposition to the Vietnam War, she denounces the Americans who fled, to their great shock and dismay. I found that really touching, Banks says. Here theyre in deep, profound agreement that the war was criminal, had to be opposed in every possible way, and yet there were a significant number of Americans who thought of them as cowardly. Other notables of the era, like Bob Dylan, figure into the novel, too, further contributing to the thorny human conflicts at its heart.

Banks completed Foregone in December 2019 and, inevitably, has reconsidered its resonance in the year since, with Covid-19 forcing tough reflection. Its brought an awful lot of us, most everyone I know, closer to mortality, to death, to its presence and its threat, than ever before in our time, he says. The book does that, too. I expect that any reader will go, Oh boy, do I really want to read a novel about an old man dying of cancer at this time? 

Banks pauses for a moment, as if weighing the question himself. But on the other hand, maybe we do.

In any case, Banks could have only written Foregone at this point in his life. He was the same age as Leo when he finished writing. As you age, he confesses, naturally, the unavoidable subject is death and dying.

Yet the book will also be published in the 30th anniversary year of one of Bankss most celebrated novels, The Sweet Hereafter, whose confrontation with inexplicable tragedyin its case, a deadly school bus accident in a small townhas held up bracingly in the wake of horrors ranging from 9/11 to, yes, the ongoing pandemic. (It was adapted into a 1998 Oscar-nominated film by Atom Egoyan, with whom Banks remains friendly. In fact, Egoyan vetted Bankss Foregone manuscript for mistakes in its descriptions of filmmaking.)

Foregone asks perennial and deep questions, Banks says. I stumbled into them writing The Sweet Hereafter and find that, 30 years later, theyre still very germane.

Much like Leo, Banks is now looking back, and thinking about what his new book means to him. Hes no longer worrying about process or craft much; hes mining memory and experience and connection for his fiction, in a kind of thrillingly organic way.

Id probably be a terrible teacher now, the former Princeton professor cracks. Im an old athlete. I know where to go on the court. I know where my shot is. And I know where it isnt.

David Aaron is a book critic and magazine editor. He lives in Los Angeles.
Courtesy photo /U.S. Border Patrol

Combined law enforcement efforts led to the discovery of 52 immigrants inside a trailer following a traffic stop on Thursday afternoon in northeast Laredo, authorities said.

At about 5 p.m., U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Laredo North Station responded to a request for assistance from the Laredo Police Department regarding a failed human smuggling attempt.
Customs to be re-organised View(s):

The Government is restructuring the Customs Department amid concerns of inefficiency, corruption and drop in revenue collection, while reviewing relevant laws, regulations, administrative guidelines and standard operating procedures.

The Finance Ministry has been directed to streamline services of the Customs management and staff while improving productivity and modernisation of standard operating procedures. A letter sent by Presidential Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera to the ministry emphasised the urgent need of commitment of all Custom employees to make a positive paradigm change in the department before the end of the first quarter this year.

The directive has come from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa informing that if they fail to comply, then he (President) would take alternate measures to restructure the organisation.

Dr. Jayasundera further pointed out that according to views and observations of various eminent persons in the import and export sector as well as comments of policy planners and audit inspections, no one can be satisfied with the present unpleasant situation of the department.

It is really frustrating and not pleasurable, he has stated in a strongly worded letter adding that no one can tolerate such a deplorable situation.

Various allegations have been leveled against Customs over alleged fraudulent transactions in import and export trade as well as private bonded warehouse dealings by businessmen in connivance with Custom officers. (BS)
Rep. Joaquin Castrro (D-Texas), who was last seen in the news doxxing and harassing his constituents, holding them up to public shame for the "crime" of supporting President Trump, has a new means of proving his Trump-hating vindictiveness: by putting up legislation to mandate that President Trump's name can't go up on any public buildings.

According to The Hill:

Democratic Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro announced in a tweet Thursday that he would be introducing legislation that would prevent any federal buildings or property from ever being named after President Trump. "President Trump incited an insurrection that damaged some our nation's most significant and sacred federal property," he wrote. "Donald Trump should never become a future generation's confederate symbol." The Democratic representative also said in his tweets that he supported efforts to remove Trump from office, with only days left in his presidential term.

Apparently, he's afraid that Trump isn't quite so discredited as the media are reporting and wants to put a legal roadblock out there with force of law to stop it.

That's because people get their names onto public buildings usually by some measure of acclamation, by public sentiment, by some manifestation of what the public wants. If that happens, Castro wants to be the pre-emptive cancel-culturer to stop it. Obviously, he sees a lot of public sentiment leaning in favor of President Trump, and like a good leftist, he wants a law out there against it, smothering people's feelings, which, again, is the driver of moves to name buildings like these.

Not only does it point to a hard, mean, vindictive streak  it also points to an essential personal pettiness.

This guy lies awake at night frizzling his brain away at the thought of a building being named after President Trump. He must burn with fury that even Trump's own real estate buildings have his name on them. A building with Trump's name on it, to him, is an outrage.

Yet it's pretty petty compared to the monster efforts by other leftists to topple and destroy President Trump going on right now on Capitol Hill.

Yet it's completely in character for this small, vicious, vindictive little man, a veritable mouse with ambitions of becoming a rat.

Castro, recall, is the creep who doxxed his own constituents in 2019, putting out a McCarthyite-style list of 44 small-time donors from his native San Antonio who had the temerity to donate to the campaign of President Trump. He wanted to ruin them. In the process, he was so blinded by his hate of Trump that he failed to realize that he had doxxed six of his own donors, who gave cash both to him and to Trump. For that, he made himself a laughingstock.

His tactics as he doxxed mirrored those of Fusion GPS, which had a history of digging around in garbage cans in places like Idaho, to find dirt on other small fry donors who donated to Republicans. This was done during the 2012 Mitt Romney campaign against President Obama. I wrote about that here and here. Not surprisingly, Castro was a curiously loud defender in Congress of Fusion GPS's most famous faulty product, the bogus Steele dossier.

Bottom line: Castro likes the petty, dirty stuff, particularly if it has a whiff of Andrey Vishinsky or the KGB.

But just because his targets are small, that's no reason not to recognize this as a serious kind of moral rot. The targets of his motivating grievances are small, but the effect of them is not. He wants everyone out there to be doxxing and spying on neighbors, no matter how small, to create an atmosphere of terror and groupthink, diversity of thought not allowed. His lodestar is his hatred of President Trump. Every last person who voted for Trump is ultimately his target, and they had better not name a building after him.

He's actually more dangerous than the fanatics elsewhere in Congress yelling in that coup-like way of theirs about ousting President Trump, because he's partial to harassing and discomfiting the little guy.

So now he wants to make sure that no public buildings are named after Trump, telling future legislators what they are allowed to think and name and finance. They are not to have thoughts of their own; they've got to think exactly as he does.

Yet it's also petty in another way. It's that he seeks to pre-emptively rewrite history. It's rather like the Stalin dictatorship of the Soviet Union, which sought to rewrite its own history by erasing disfavored people from official photographs and the annals of the Soviets' history. Castro wants Trump's name erased and dis-remembered from any public monument, pre-emptively, in the same spirit as that of Stalin whiting out images of Trotsky and the recent movement to take down Confederate statues. Castro can't bear that anyone might see something differently and name a building or a highway or an aircraft carrier after President Trump at some day in the future. He wants instead to arbitrate the verdict of history, pre-emptively, statically, and frigidly, from his miserable little perch.

In his shriveled little heart, he knows for sure that history is going to be kind to President Trump, who, unlike him, did so much good for the people.

Image credit: RIA-Novosti via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

This past week has seen more activity around Rosslare Europort than has been seen for a decade. Vessels decked out in the livery of DFDS, Stena Line, Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries move in and out of the harbour and, as a new year arrived, the sense of optimism around the port for the coming year is palpable.

Providing the quickest route to mainland Europe in a post-Brexit world, it seems that Rosslare has become the port of choice for many hauliers and on Saturday, two fully-booked DFDS vessels - the Optima Seaways and the Kerry - set sail for the French port of Dunkirk. Both carried almost 100 trucks and trailers. Sandwiched in between, Stena Line's first post-Brexit sailing for the Stena Horizon was completely sold-out with over 50 trucks and drivers and a boatload of freight making the journey to Cherbourg.

In fact, the latest additions from DFDS and Stena Line's new Foreteller, brings weekly sailings up to 15, each way, each week - almost tripling the number of routes available to drivers.

While most people were still trying to find uses for leftover turkey from Christmas, General Manager of Rosslare Europort Glenn Carr was busy ensuring everything was in place for a busy January 2, with vessels taking part in berthing trials and final checks being carried out.

While seeing sold-out ferries departing the port is a great start to Rosslare's new lease of life post-Brexit, Mr Carr is pragmatic enough to realise that there's still work to be done.

'The initial feedback from the operators is that it's been very busy,' he said. 'Now that we have these additional services, we need to keep them. People need to use them. Hauliers etc have called for these routes, now they've got them. But we need consistency. It's great that the first few sailings are sold out, but we need to see those kind of volumes going forward. If the services aren't used, then we'll lose them. It's as simple as that. We always knew the first few weeks would be busy, but now it's about retaining it and making sure that people make the switch long-term.'

Expand Close The DFDS Optima Seaways departs a busy Rosslare Europort on Saturday bound for the French port of Dunkirk / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The DFDS Optima Seaways departs a busy Rosslare Europort on Saturday bound for the French port of Dunkirk

While the resurgence of Rosslare has been welcomed by everyone in Co Wexford, it doesn't come without its concerns either. With larger volumes of trucks headed for the port and a newly established border inspections post to carry out customs checks on trucks crossing from the UK, there have been some fears of a back-up of traffic and delays. Mr Carr says that contingency plans are in place, however.

'There are still some unknowns with Brexit,' he said. 'Obviously the customs post is quite large and is outside the port, which should help with keeping traffic moving freely. We have to keep trailers moving in and out in a quick fashion.'

On Friday, the new customs checkpoint was put to use for the first time as a very quiet sailing of the Irish Ferries Isle of Inishmore arrived from Pembroke. The first truck, passed through the check carrying a load of bananas.

While things got off to a quiet start, things will definitely get busier at the customs post over time. The worst case scenario plan involves delaying Rosslare bound trucks near Gorey.

'There is a contingency plan in place with TII that we can use the motorway service station near Gorey to hold trucks if things become very congested,' he explained. 'We would be very hopeful that it wouldn't come to that anyway. The way we've scheduled services, there should be enough time in between sailings. They don't all arrive at the one time and then customs checks are only on traffic coming from UK vessels.'

While a long mooted 35 million 'master plan' for the port is about to be put in action on a phased basis over five years, Mr Carr seems certain that Rosslare can cope with the increased capacity, and even some further growth, as things stand.

'We've had provisional discussions with operators about taking further berthing slots,' he revealed. 'Now it's just a matter of watching the market and seeing how things go in the first few months of 2021 and seeing what the demand is like. For the RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) market, there is sufficient capacity for the existing operators and even a couple more services.'

While a deepening of the harbour and adding additional berths would be essential to developing Rosslare as a hub for offshore wind energy, these plans are in their infancy and would be some way off, needing government investment in excess of 200 million.

While all of the talk out of Rosslare is now surrounding services to the continent, Mr Carr believes that there is still sufficient opportunity for Stena Line and Irish Ferries on their routes to Fishguard and Pembroke from the port too.

'Well there will always be trade with the UK,' he said. 'There's been no indication as of yet of any indication to reduce those services. In actual fact, the volume those routes lost to services to mainland Europe may actually be replaced by traffic seeking to avoid congestion in Dublin Port and Holyhead. There's the potential to benefit there too.'

As new vessels entering and leaving the harbour become a more frequent occurrence, hopes are high that Brexit may well have proved the catalyst to finally see Rosslare Europort take its place as one of the country's most strategically important ports.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  wwwnewsofbahrain.com

Bahrainis having first-degree relatives in Kuwait will be permitted to enter the kingdom through land ports, tweeted the Embassy of Bahrain in Kuwait.

A first-degree relative is a family member who shares about 50 per cent of their genes with a particular individual in a family.

First degree relatives include parents, offspring, and siblings.

All other have to enter the kingdom of Kuwait through the airport, Bahrain embassy wrote.

The embassy also stressed that travellers should bring with them a certificate proving them as COVID-19 negative.

Certificates should not have been issued more than three days before the travel to enter Kuwait through all ports.

The land port will remain open for travellers from 9 am to 1 pm. Entry is for travellers who are a first-degree relative, the embassy said.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 9 : Retired Kerala High Court judge Justice Kemal Pasha has said he wants to contest the next Assembly election.

Justice Pasha told IANS that the Congress-led UDF has approached him and offered him a seat but that constituency was not to his liking and if he gets a preferable seat he would consider it.

The retired judge has been very vocal on several social and political issues in the state and has been a critic of the LDF government in the state.

Justice Pasha had produced several landmark judgments and was considered a popular judge during his career.

With Justice Pasha jumping to the UDF bandwagon, the UDF will be boosted as he enjoys credibility among the general public.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary and senior leader Manacadu Suresh said, "A person like Justice Kemal Pasha contesting as a UDF candidate in the next Assembly election is a welcome sign and this will increase the ratings of our party and the UDF. Justice Pasha has been a vocal critic of the ruling parties and has always been a people's judge."
This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
65 And Older Residents Of Lafayette Co. Can Get Free COVID Vaccinations MAYO, FL -- The Florida Department of Health in Lafayette County has released a statement concerning the availability of free COVID-19 vaccines to those 65 and over in the county. It reads as follows:

"LAFAYETTE COUNTY FREE COVID-19 VACCINES FOR AGE 65 AND OLDER The Department of Health in Lafayette County will be offering Covid-19 vaccinations to seniors age 65 and older by appointment at the Department of Health in Lafayette County 140 SW VIRGINIA CIRCLE MAYO, FL 32066 Please call 386-294-1321 to place your name on the list for a scheduled appointment. "
CLEVELAND, Ohio  So, this is America.

Imagine thousands of people in Washington, D.C. supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, protesting the wrongs that have been inflicted upon Black people for decades. You may not believe in their message. But you can see the conviction in their eyes.

How long would it take for the National Guard to show up? How long before the military sets off explosives, fires sting balls and gas at crowds? How long until the president declares them a mob, condemning their actions as a disgrace?

We know the answer. Thats exactly what happened last summer as people gathered peacefully in Lafayette Square in front of the White House to protest the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who had his neck knelt on for 8 minutes and 46 seconds by a police officer until he could no longer breathe.

One of the questions that arrived after those June protests and after many demonstrations focused on Black Lives Matter is how authorities would have reacted if those protesters were white. We now have an answer to that, too.

On Wednesday, the country witnessed thousands of domestic terrorists, the overwhelming majority of whom were white, storm the US Capitol. Not only were they not condemned by the president. They received his approval. And even when Donald Trump eventually came out and called for his supporters to leave in peace, he made sure to tell those wreaking havoc that We love you.

This is America. Where gathering to call for equal justice and peacefully fight back against police brutality gets you hit with rubber bullets. But if youre white and violently try to shut down the government and go against the democracy millions of Americans have fought for, you get sweet words from the president and a selfie with the police.

On Wednesday, police did deploy tear gas and hold a line against rioters. But those instances were matched by images of officers talking calmly with domestic terrorists who had already broken the law, threatened democracy and destroyed government property. It was stunning to look on for hours without seeing the same military presence that has accompanied so many Black Lives Matter protests.

And if youre of the mindset that calling these people domestic terrorists is a stretch, it was the phrase used by President-elect Joe Biden in condemning their actions.

No one can tell me that if it had been a group of Black Lives Matter protesting yesterday, they wouldnt have been treated very, very differently than the mob of thugs that stormed the Capitol, Biden said. We all know thats true, and it is unacceptable.

For Black Americans, Wednesdays siege was especially painful to watch. We cant help but think back to the footage of peaceful protesters being sprayed with fire hoses or attacked by police dogs during the Civil Rights Movement. More recently, we watched Black Lives Matter protestors have to face off against military vehicles, seemingly moments away from a peaceful demonstration turning into something tragic (in some cases, it did).

This is America. Where if you shout Black Lives Matter! and throw a water bottle, the military will swiftly take you down. But if you openly plan a riot on social media and follow through on threats of chaos and jeopardize the safety of our nations leaders, you get a pass.

Sadly, many of us saw this coming. President Trump has done everything he can to create a divide in America, culminating with his tweets during the siege. The president added fuel to the fire by criticizing Vice President Mike Pence and continuing to call the election fraudulent.

These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long, Trump wrote. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!

As if we needed more proof, this is what happens when youre Black and try to fight against an unjust system that has beaten you down in every way imaginable. But that fight must continue.

People of all races must acknowledge we live in two Americas and take drastic steps to ensure that racial inequality is eliminated. We need to come together as one.

Otherwise, even with a new president and Democrats in control of the Senate, 2021 will look a lot like 2020. And I dont think anyone wants to deal with that again.
Time is of the essence

To the Editor:

Your editorial (Trump is unfit to lead. Remove him now, Jan. 6, 2021) is spot on in that President Donald Trump is an ever-present danger to the United States for every remaining minute in the office of president. Time is of the essence.

Congress must commence impeachment proceedings immediately but also Vice President Pence and the Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment to the Constitution (which Trump referred to before as the phony constitution). Grounds for this action: Trump is mentally unstable and was the leader of an insurrection against the United States of America.

John C. Pastuf

Lt. Col. USMC (Ret)

East Syracuse

Doomed to repeat history

To The Editor:

If you do not learn from history you are doomed to repeat it. The domestic terrorist attack Wednesday on the Capitol building was a perfect example of this. The six Senators who still contested the counting of votes of the Electoral College are no different than the secessionist Senators who opposed the election of Abraham Lincoln. The racism, bigotry and xenophobia of the supporters of this administration is no different than the late 1800s with Jim Crow, the KKK and the Know-Nothing Party. The attacks on the media and democratic institutions are reminiscent of McCarthyism of the 1950s. And predating this country, the anti-science, superstitions, conspiracy theories and anti-intellectualism in the middle of a pandemic feels like the Middle Ages and the Bubonic Plague.

The events of this week should be of no surprise to anyone. It is more of a surprise to me that, after more than five years (pre-dating the election) of enabling an amoral, failed reality television host, his cult of supporters didnt do something akin to this earlier.

Scott Miller

Syracuse

Inciting a riot is a crime

To the Editor:

If an ordinary citizen incites one or more people to riot and one or more individuals die as a result, that inciter is arrested and charged with aiding and abetting a crime. He or she is viewed as a criminal.

So President Donald Trump, who publicly urged a group to physically attack our Capitol and our duly elected representatives who had gathered to perform their required duties under our Constitution, should be arrested at once. This act of incitement to commit a crime supersedes any protocols. So Trump should be arrested and physically removed from access to all weapons and personnel who might be suborned to act with further violence to us all.

When there is a fire raging, the first act must be to deal with the major source of danger. The first duty of government is to protect the people of this country.nThis should not involve forcing us to endure the worry of even one more day with a man empowered to activate weapons of destruction.

Jacqueline Belfort-Chalat

Syracuse

So much for law and order president

To the Editor:

In July 2020, the Post-Standard published a commentary, 2020 election is choice between law and order and anarchy.  It portrayed President Donald Trump as a champion of law and order and inferred that a vote for Joe Biden was a vote for anarchy. Two sentences supporting Trump were painfully brought to light in the horrific events we witnessed on Jan. 6. Protection of people and property is the No. 1 responsibility of the government and, there is a clear choice between law and order and anarchy.

What we witnessed on Jan. 6 was a president not only unwilling to protect people and property, but a president responsible for inciting the very violence which directly resulted in not only destruction in our nations Capitol but also the death of five individuals and injury to others. We also saw, again at the instigation of the president, the total lack and blatant disregard for law and order being played out for all of America and the world to see.

Thankfully, America made the right choice in deciding on the next president of the United States and ridding ourselves of the anarchist.

Joseph V. Ostuni

Baldwinsville

Fences wont fix democracy

To the Editor:

The kneejerk reaction to the invasion of the Capitol is to put up barrier fences just as we have around the White House, and many of our embassies overseas. Failure to address the faults in our democracy is the real culprit  gerrymandered districts that produce safe seats for do-nothing, ignorant, extremist members of Congess. Failure to get money out of Congressional races is a second barrier to democracy. Additionally, persistence of the anachronistic Electoral College causes the majority of citizens to be ignored in presidential campaigns as we are here in New York. The usual low voter turnout is partly a result of the majority of states being passed over in presidential campaigns. Our failure to address these several defects will destroy our precious form of government.

Ellen Runge, M.D.

Syracuse

NOW: Trump administration must end immediately

To the Editor:

The Central New York Chapter of the National Organization for Women joins the call for the immediate removal of President Donald Trump from office. His most recent treasonous act, calling for the assault on the Capitol to stop election certification proceedings, is the latest in a long list of reckless and unstable acts.

Trump summoned militant thugs, clad in Trump and Confederacy gear, to the Capitol. He told them to overrun the building and grounds where they vandalized the Capitol Building. When the siege was over, he publicly praised the criminals for their efforts.

We have seen this before when he praised white nationalists. We saw it at each of the events he held during his term where he repeated a set of lies designed to stigmatize certain people. He railed against the election for months and attended election events for Republican candidates across the country, spreading lies intended to undermine elections.

Even today his verbal assaults continue.

We also condemn Republicans who have joined and emboldened Trumps divisiveness. We especially are disgusted with both Reps. John Katko and Tom Reed, who have emboldened this administration.

Thousands of citizens have died because the Trump administration overlooked and lied about the Covid pandemic. Not only were lives lost, but Katko, Reed and their Republican Party have shredded the economy.

We ask people of good conscience to call for an immediate end to the Trump administration. We cant let the unstable leader of the Republican Party remain in office for even one more day.

Mickey Belosi

President

CNY NOW

Auburn

Katko, Republicans should have had more foresight

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to your article, CNY leaders fault Trump for Capitol riot (Jan. 7, 2021).

You quote Congressman John Katko as follows: If I knew back then what I saw yesterday, I clearly wouldnt have supported him, and I cant support him going forward ... Hindsight is 20-20.

Unfortunately, at least in my humble opinion, unless you were deaf and blind the last four years, foresight could have easily seen this coming, especially for an experienced federal prosecutor.

In the time President Donald Trump has been in office, he has demonstrated time and time again, by his words and actions, disdain for the truth, disdain for the rule of law, disdain for the institutions and traditions of government, and disdain for anyone who would deign, even slightly, to criticize or disagree with him, even calling these dissenters enemies of the country.

In the end, Trump lacked the honesty, integrity, honor, class, gravitas and statesmanship to hold the highest position of public service in the country that our Founding Fathers envisioned. But, as many have said over and over again, what Trump said and did was Trump just being Trump. History (and perhaps the federal New York, Georgia and District of Columbia criminal laws) will judge the man himself over time. But for me, 53 United States Senators and approximately 150 members of Congress are responsible and accountable for enabling Trump just being Trump.

Joseph A. Pavone

Clay

Related:

Trump is unfit to lead. Remove him now (Editorial)

Capitol riot a fitting end to Trump presidency built on lies (Commentary)

Reactions to pro-Trump insurrection: Its sedition, treason, a coup detat (Your Letters)
Every once in a while theres a day with an absolute right and an absolute wrong. But those days almost always include body counts. The words are a US presidents.

Not a real one, but a fictional version. While they could be tailor-made for what happened in Washington this week, they were spoken by Martin Sheen as President Josiah Bartlet in the iconic TV series The West Wing.

Wednesday  when lawmakers counted Joe Bidens electoral votes to certify his victory  was corrupted into a day with an absolute wrong at its core. During it, five people lost their lives.

But what are the chances of Donald Trump standing up publicly in his wrongness, being wrong, and admitting it? Zero. He refuses to take decisive action to debunk the dangerous notion  propagated by him, mainly on social media platforms  that Mr Bidens succession is ill-gotten.

In his parallel universe, he is the victim of a stolen election and Mr Biden is a bogus winner who snatched the White House by foul means. This hoax claim is believed by large numbers of Americans despite the lack of any evidence.

Mainstream media outlets  with the exception sometimes of Fox  do not repeat Mr Trumps dishonest allegations except to point out they are counterfeit. But on social media, he has been able to peddle his conspiracy theories unopposed. And some people end up believing his fake facts rather than the truth. He is not held to account for his self-serving words.

Inflammatory words have predictable consequences. His insistence he is the victim of voter fraud and trickery led directly to his supporters swarming into the Capitol complex, smashing windows and waving Confederate battle flags associated with the white supremacist movement.

But Mr Trump isnt the only one at fault for that absolute wrong of a day. Consider the social media giants, providers of his platforms. They have been allowing him to spread misinformation throughout his divisive presidency, including the volatile post-election period when he challenged the results.

Its long past time for social media to be regulated. Different rules apply in that world  emboldening people to choose subjective truths and discard objective reality.

Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive of Facebook which also owns Instagram and Whats App, consistently argues that private companies should not be the arbiter of speech  despite widespread concerns about the content hosted on his platforms.

The news landscape has been warped by the Internet, where alternative facts flourish. Some of these so-called facts are too irrelevant to matter. But when they are used to allege electoral fraud, it represents an attack on the democratic institutions  which cannot be permitted.

Consequently, the practice of supplying platforms to large volumes of unverified content has to be addressed. In countries such as Germany, where strict hate speech legislation exists, Facebook closely monitors posts. It also checks for pornographic and distressing content worldwide. So why doesnt it scrutinise all content everywhere? Its not forced to, thats why.

The free pass awarded to social media giants needs to be revoked in the interests of democracy. Freedom of speech is not an absolute right.

Read More

Clearly, when large numbers of people believe certain fake facts  such as the US presidential election was stolen by voter fraud  then support for the democratic institutions will be undermined. This corrosion must be halted.

Concerns about social medias lack of regulation are not new. But the scenes in Washington cannot be ignored  nor social medias role in what happened. Its platforms have allowed the alternative narrative of a stolen election to take hold.

It is shocking, but not surprising, that such powerful entities havent yet been regulated. They resist it, of course, and the failure to make them accountable is a political shortcoming.

We cannot pretend mainstream media is perfect. Often, the two are interlinked: mainstream media uses social media such as Twitter to drive traffic to its websites. And Fox News has played its part in spinning fake facts, for example repeating Trump supporter claims that their protest at the Capitol was infiltrated by left-wingers. These fake-fact aficionados are impossible to reason with. But unregulated sites on the Internet give them facts to bolster their position.

In the aftermath of those turbulent Washington scenes, Facebook and Twitter both suspended Mr Trumps account  Twitter for a paltry 12 hours, and Facebook indefinitely and at least until after Mr Bidens inauguration on January 20. YouTube also took down Mr Trumps video in which he told protestors to go home but said he loved them. However, the social media owners response smacks of a runaway horse and flapping stable door. Mr Zuckerberg finally got around to admitting Mr Trump was using his platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government and the risks were too great to allow him to continue.

It only took a riot, the evacuation of Congress, the National Guard called out, tear gas let off to disperse the unhinged crowd (Republican leader Mitch McConnells description) and those deaths, including one police officer. Pipe bombs and a cooler filled with Molotov cocktails were recovered in the vicinity. Being a leader is serious work for serious individuals. Mr Trump never fitted that description: even now he says he wont attend his successors inauguration, despite apparently committing to a peaceful transition.

But from the start he has been wily on social media, stoking support, fostering a them-and-us ethos. It has allowed him to pull together a mob and march it on the Capitol, presumably intending to delegitimise the Biden win. A huge show of support would demonstrate many believed, as he did, that he was robbed of the election. He was unable to control the monster he created, and the violence and loss of life can be laid directly at his door.

Mr Trump has exposed himself in all his narcissism and self-pity. But hes not the only one. The social media giants also stand exposed. There is much that is positive about social media: it allows people on the other side of the globe to connect and information to be shared. But it cannot be a lawless sphere.

And lets not forget the Republican Party, still failing to engage with its own culpability. Even after the assault on the Capitol, a significant number of its politicians refused to certify Mr Bidens win.

Exposed, too, is the difference between how Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter protestors were treated. Mr Biden called the disparity unacceptable.

Meanwhile, this week had a day with an absolute wrong at its centre  on January 20 the opportunity exists for an absolute right.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described events that followed the United States of Americas November 2020 presidential election and President Donald Trumps refusal to concede defeat as condemnable.

The APC said this in a statement signed by Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, Secretary of its Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee on Saturday in Abuja, while reacting to the development.

The events of the past 72 hours in the U.S. are, to say the least, condemnable. Over time, elections in the U.S. had been used as a touchstone for elections in other democracies.

It is settled that strong institutions are fundamental to the sustenance of democracies.

However, this U.S. election saga strongly underscores the fact that the integrity of the countrys leader essentially complements the workings of these institutions.

President Muhammadu Buhari contested and lost elections a couple of times and followed the process through to the Supreme Court on all accounts. This is an outstanding credential of a true democrat, he said.

Akpanudoedehe noted that upon ultimately gaining electoral victory in 2015, the APC-led administration had carried out fundamental reforms to strengthen institutions.

This, he said, included non-interference in the functions of INEC among others.

He recalled that the APC contested elections; won some, lost some without splitting hairs, adding that at some point, it lost more than five states to the PDP, yet allowed democracy to prevail.

Akpanudoedehe added that the APC had remained resolute in its belief that in every electoral contest, popular will must prevail.

This according to him is a far cry from the days of the do-or-die politics where civilians took control of security apparatus to subvert the peoples will and determine the outcome of elections.

He stressed that electoral reform was a core plank of the programs of the APC-led administration and a legacy that President Buhari had promised to bequeath to Nigerians.

He said the Buhari-led administration had brought about several institutional reforms including granting autonomy to Local Governments Councils.

He said the signing into law by President Buhari in May 2020 of the Executive Order No. 10 of 2020 for the implementation of financial autonomy of state legislatures and judiciaries and other related matters was a bold statement on institutional reforms.

The Petroleum industry reforms particularly the deregulation of the oil and gas downstream sector is also worthy of mention, he stated.

We urge political parties, especially governors to show bi-partisanship in supporting all sectorial reforms being initiated by President Buhari for the benefit of Nigerians, Akpanudoedehe added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Twitter suspended President Donald Trumps account on Friday citing risk of further incitement of violence in the United States.

The presidents account, with 88 million followers, was initially banned for 12 hours on Wednesday due to severe violations of Twitter Civic Integrity policy.

ADVERTISEMENT

This, was after Trump used the platform to condemn Vice-President Mike Pence as his supporters stormed the Capitol.

After close review of recent Tweets from the @realdonaldtrump account and the context around them, we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence, the company said in a tweet.

Trumps attempts to tweet from other social media accounts were also blocked. At one point, he was tweeting from his campaign account, but that was promptly suspended.

(NAN)
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High 63F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 41F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Prominent representatives of the Australian ruling elite have responded with nervousness to the unprecedented fascist coup attempt in the US on Wednesday, which was directly incited by US President Donald Trump as part of his bid to overturn the results of the November presidential election.

The concern from sections of the political and media establishment is not motivated by any commitment to democratic rights. Australian governments, like their counterparts internationally, have attacked civil liberties for the past two decades, first under the banner of the fraudulent war on terror and more recently with a McCarthyite campaign against supposed Chinese foreign interference. Journalists and whistle-blowers have been attacked for exposing war crimes and refugees brutally persecuted, while increasingly virulent nationalism and militarism have been promoted.

Rather, the official fears are over the domestic and international implications of intense political instability and upheaval in the US, the centre of world capitalism and Australias chief strategic ally since World War II.

The ruling class is afraid that the coup attempt marks the further erosion of traditional bourgeois democratic forms of rule. They rightly fear that it will intensify a political radicalisation of the working class amid already widespread anger over the criminally-negligent, pro-business response to the pandemic, the imposition of austerity and mass unemployment, and the official promotion of the extreme-right.

As the coup attempt was unfolding, Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a tweet bemoaning violence and the distressing scenes of the US Capitol being stormed by fascistic Trump supporters. During a press conference later in the day, however, he refused to condemn Trumps incitement of the attack. When asked about the fact that George Christensen, a backbench member of his own government, was promoting Trumps lies that the US presidential election had been stolen, Morrison lamely replied that there is such a thing as free speech in this country.

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison listen to the National Anthem during a State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Since being installed as prime minister in a party-room coup in August, 2018, Morrison has closely identified himself with Trump. This has included appearing at what amounted to a Trump campaign rally in Ohio in late 2019, and backing all of the US administrations many provocations against China.

Morrison has also tolerated the activities of Christensen and several other MPs who have cultivated ties with an alt-right milieu supportive of Trump. Far-right organisations, despite lacking popular support, have been given inordinate coverage in the press over the past five years. As is the case internationally, their elevation to prominence is aimed at diverting rising discontent over the social crisis, caused above all by the pro-business program of Labor and the unions, in a reactionary, nationalist direction and shifting official politics even further to the right.

Labor responded by pointing to Morrisons ties to Trump. Its national Twitter account posted an image of the two men arm-in-arm, with the caption Its the company you keep. Labor leader Anthony Albanese declared that the violent insurrection in Washington is an assault on the rule of law and democracy. Donald Trump has encouraged this response and must now call on his supporters to stand down.

Labor, however, largely refrained from criticising Trump throughout his presidency, in line with its unalloyed support for the US-Australia alliance. It has functioned as a constructive opposition to Morrison, and has marched in lockstep with his government on national security and foreign policy, including the confrontation with China that began under a previous Labor administration.

Labors belated criticism of Trump is because the party is anxious to cultivate ties with the incoming administration of President-elect Joseph Biden. It makes the same grotesque appeal as Biden to the coup plotter in chief to call off his fascistic supporters. The Democratic Party government will continue the Trump administrations policies of massive tax cuts for the wealthy and attacks on the working class, while escalating the bipartisan aggression against China initiated under Obama.

Labor and sections of the media are promoting the delusion that a Biden administration, stacked with corporate appointees, attacking the working class and extending an olive branch to the Republican Party forces who have just attempted a coup, will usher in a return to normalcy and civility. This is aimed at chloroforming the working class as to the implications of a fascist coup in the centre of world capitalism.

Other commentators, however, have openly warned that the attack on the Capitol is a turning point in the disintegration of American democracy, reflecting deep concern in ruling circles over its implications for US foreign policy and potential for a further radicalisation of workers and youth in the US and internationally, including Australia.

The Australian, the national flagship of Rupert Murdochs News Corp, has previously promoted Trump but condemned the coup attempt, with an editorial yesterday denouncing one of [the] gravest assaults on the Capitol since George Washington laid its cornerstone in 1793.

An accompanying opinion piece by David Kilcullen, headlined American mythology dies on the Hill, stated: The dramatic unrest in Washington yesterday seems to represent a historic shift in the conflict dynamic in the US.

Kilcullen wrote that several myths died this week. One was the complacent notion that it cant happen here. This was a reference to longstanding claims that the establishment of a fascist government is impossible in the US, given its democratic traditions. On the contrary, Thursday looked a little like the opening move of a colour revolution, as seen in Ukraine, Serbia, Georgia or the Arab Spring, Kilcullen wrote, before warning of the ongoing danger of a regime change.

Peter Hartcher, international editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, similarly wrote that: The world might be witnessing not only the death throes of the Trump presidency but of US democracy. He pointed to the support for the coup by significant Republican Party figures who he suggested had lost the mindset of democracya regression, he said, that would not be overcome through Bidens installation.

Bob Carr, a decades-long Labor Party politician and former foreign minister, bluntly wrote that American politics is not going to return to civility, and that the old Republican Party is finished. Regardless of the outcome of Trumps attempts to overturn the election, Carr warned: Yesterdays chaos on Capitol Hill is a precursor for the fire next time.

Carr concluded by citing German playwright Bertolt Brecht on Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler: Do not rejoice in his defeat you men/ For though the world stood up and stopped the bastard/ The bitch that bore him is on heat again.

The commentary has not given any coherent account of what lies behind the disintegration of American democracy and the re-emergence of fascism. References are frequently made to the culture wars while supposed racial conflicts are presented as a central issue, in line with attempts to suppress any discussion of class and to divide working people on the basis of race.

As defenders of the profit-system, figures such as Carr and Hartcher are unable to point to the real root cause: the crisis-ridden global capitalist system, the immense growth of social inequality and the turn by sections of the ruling elite to dictatorship in response to mass working class opposition.

This is not a peculiarly American phenomenon, as is often claimed. It is a global process, as evidenced by the promotion of neo-fascist forces in Germany, who are once again a major force in the Bundestag, the rise of authoritarian leaders in a host of countries, from India to Brazil and Poland, and the official cultivation of extreme right-wing organisations, including in Australia and New Zealand, where a fascist gunman murdered 51 people in a March, 2019 terrorist attack on a Christchurch mosque.

Kilcullen, nevertheless, pointed to what is animating the fears within the political and media establishment. He stated that the contest was now a three-cornered conflict among left-wing populists, right-wing populists and an establishment that includes elites from both political parties.

In other words, the old mechanisms of capitalist rule are breaking down, illusions in the viability of parliamentary democracy are being dispelled and a new period of social upheavals has begun. The reference to left-wing populism was a clear allusion to the prospect of a mass movement of the working class directed against capitalism, not only in the US, but internationally, including in Australia. Such a movement, based on a socialist perspective, is the only means of defeating the fascist threat.

Only a few hours after Twitter announced a ban on President Donald Trumps @realdonaldtrump account, he has attempted to tweet from at least two other accounts under his control. Tweets posted to the official @POTUS account were swiftly deleted, and after the same thread was posted on the Trump campaigns @TeamTrump account, it has been suspended entirely. An account for the Trump campaigns digital director is also suspended.

Twitter

In a response statement, Twitter cited its ban evasion policy, which says that if an account is being used to evade a ban, its subject to suspension.

In the deleted tweets, Trump complained about the treatment hes receiving, and claimed he is negotiating with various other sites while also looking at building his own platform in the near future. The accounts also proclaimed We will not be SILENCED! before they were shut down. How having his own platform would align with his stated objective to repeal Section 230 (the law that would protect his platform from being held directly responsible for what people post on it) is unclear.

So far, the president has not attempted to release a statement via the White House website or called a press conference. According to reports, the Trump campaign has not emailed its followers in over 48 hours  a rare occurrence. Someone in the Trump administration emailed the text of the tweet to White House pool reporter Hans Nichols after seeing the tweets on the @POTUS account.

Twitter spokesperson: As weve said, using another account to try to evade a suspension is against our rules. We have taken steps to enforce this with regard to recent Tweets from the @POTUS account. For government accounts, such as @POTUS and @WhiteHouse, we will not suspend those accounts permanently but will take action to limit their use.
India is currently engaged with the US government to minimise inconvenience to Indian nationals in the US, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after the White House had issued a proclamation extending restrictions on the entry of immigrants and non-immigrants, including H-1B visas .

Speaking at a virtual briefing, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: "We have taken note of the recent proclamations of the US Government extending by three more months the current suspension of entry of certain immigrants and non-immigrants to the United States of America."

He further said that India was in touch with the US government for increased predictability in the visa regime and to minimize inconvenience to Indian nationals in the US for those proposing to travel to the US for bonafide reasons, including the movement of Indian professionals.

"People-to-people relations are a vital part of the partnership between India and the US. There is recognition in the US of the fact that Indian skilled professionals have contributed to the growth of the US economy and helped the US retain its competitive edge and innovation advantage," he added.

Last month, outgoing US President Donald Trump issued a proclamation where he extended the restrictions entry of immigrants and non-immigrants in the country, including H-1B visas used by Indian nationals, citing the devastating impact of Covid-19 in the labour market.

"This proclamation shall expire on March 31, 2021, and maybe continued as necessary. Within 15 days of December 31, 2020, and every 30 days thereafter while this proclamation is in effect, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Labor, recommend any modifications as may be necessary," said Trump.

The H-1B visa, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. (ANI)

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
File photo of members of the All-India Anti-Terrorist Front staging a demonstration against the release of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, from a Pakistani jail; at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on April 12, 2015. (IANS photo)
OROVILLE, Calif. - Butte County's Sheriff's Department arrested a man suspected of a robbery, only to find a meth lab in the suspect's home.

A homeowner on Cherokee Rd. called the Butte County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) to report a burglary at their residence. Detectives searched the area and found a suspect matching the description outside a residence on the 2400 block of Cherokee Road.

The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Brian Horton, of Oroville. The home Horton was stopped at was his own. Horton was active on Californias State Parole and his home was searched to adhere to the terms and conditions of his parole.

During the search Hortons girlfriend, 35-year-old Mindy Kruse, of Oroville, was also contacted.

Two firearms, a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, evidence of the burglary that was initially reported, and a methamphetamine lab were found.

During the investigation, authorities said they found additional evidence that linked Horton to a separate burglary that happened on Christmas Day. Kruse was also searched and evidence was located in her purse that was stolen during a vehicle burglary in the Oroville area, according to BCSO.

On the evening of Jan. 7, Kruse was booked into the Butte County Jail for felony counts of vehicle burglary and possession of precursors used to manufacture methamphetamine, according to BCSO. Horton and Kruse are scheduled to be arraigned at the Butte County Superior Court on Monday, Jan. 11.
Trump, who has not appeared in public since the violent attack on the Capitol, will be the first incumbent president since Andrew Johnson not to attend his successor's inauguration

Washington: US President-elect Joe Biden welcomed Donald Trump's announcement on Friday that he won't attend the 20 January inauguration, calling it a "good thing."

"I was told on the way over here that he indicated he wasn't going to show up at the inauguration," Biden told reporters in Wilmington, Delaware.

"One of the few things he and I have ever agreed on," Biden said. "It's a good thing, him not showing up."

"He's been an embarrassment to the country," Biden said.

"He's not fit to serve," the president-elect added of Trump, who is facing the possibility of being impeached next week for inciting his supporters to storm the US Capitol.

"He exceeded even my worst notions about him," Biden said. "He's one of the most incompetent presidents in the history of the United States of America."

Biden said Vice-President Mike Pence would be welcome at his inauguration.

Biden's remarks came after Trump tweeted earlier Friday that he would not attend the inauguration.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on 20 January," Trump tweeted.

Traditionally, the incoming and outgoing presidents ride to the US Capitol together on Inauguration Day for the ceremony, a visible manifestation of the smooth change of leadership.

Biden will become president at noon on 20 January regardless of Trump's plans. But his absence represents one final act of defiance of the norms and traditions of Washington that he has flouted for four years.

Historian Douglas Brinkley said that while attending the inauguration "would be a wonderful olive branch to the country," he wasn't surprised by the decision.

"Donald Trump doesn't want to be in Washington as the second-fiddle loser standing on stage with Joe Biden," he said.
A Texas-based lawyer is among those who have been terminated from their job after being identified as a participant in Wednesday's riot on Capitol Hill.

"Paul Davis, Associate General Counsel, is no longer employed by Goosehead," Goosehead Insurance, located in Westlake, Texas, tweeted Thursday.

According to Ruiqi Chen with Bloomberg Law, Goosehead CEO and co-founder Mark Jones confirmed the firing in an email sent to employees Thursday, stating the company was unaware of Davis plans to be part of the violent demonstration.

While we support our employees right to vote and express themselves politically, we do not condone violent or illegal acts. This one former employees actions are not reflective of our company culture or values, and we are disappointed with his behavior, Jones wrote in the message, as reported by Chen. Thankfully, we have the cherished rights of assembly and free speech, but those rights do notand cannotextend to violence in any form.

'WE WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOT': Texas organizers call out police hypocrisy at Capitol

Davis posted video of the assault on the Capitol to his since-deleted Instagram account.

"Got tear gassed, that was not fun," Davis said. The clip was shared to Twitter by Salon staff writer Roger Sollenberger and has since been viewed more than 2.2 million times.

"All we're doing is demanding that our public officials audit the Dominon machines, audit the ballots. There's a way to do it, we can solve this in two days," Davis continued. "If this was a legitimate election then let us inspect it and if Biden won let's all go on with our lives. But you know what? I don't think that happened."

The Houston Chronicle's Hannah Dellinger reports that Davis was a public supporter of President Donald Trump and shared conspiracy theories about the election on social media in the days before the riots.

Even though he was fired from Goosehead, Davis is still eligible to practice law in Texas, as confirmed by a statement from the State Bar of Texas.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 05:49:55|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A medical worker treats a COVID-19 patient at an ICU of a hospital in Ankara, Turkey, on Jan. 8, 2021. Turkey reported on Friday 11,479 COVID-19 cases, including 1,291 symptomatic patients, as the total number of positive cases in the country reached 2,307,581, its health ministry announced. (Xinhua)

ANKARA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The daily new COVID-19 cases in Turkey's most populated cities, including country's biggest metropolis Istanbul, capital Ankara, western city of Izmir, and northwestern city of Bursa, are on the decrease, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Friday.

"In the last two weeks, there has been a 40-percent decrease in the number of daily cases in Istanbul and Izmir, and a nearly 60-percent decrease in Ankara and Bursa," Koca tweeted.

Turkey reported on Friday 11,479 COVID-19 cases, including 1,291 symptomatic patients, as the total number of positive cases in the country reached 2,307,581, its health ministry announced.

The death toll from the virus in Turkey rose by 186 to 22,450, while the total recoveries climbed to 2,182,145 after 9,894 more cases recovered in the last 24 hours.

Turkey reported its first COVID-19 case on March 11, 2020.

Turkey and China have supported each other in the fight against COVID-19. Chinese doctors and medical experts held video conferences with Turkish counterparts to share China's experience in treating coronavirus patients, protecting medical workers, and controlling the spread of the virus.

The first batch of 3 million doses of China's SinoVac COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Ankara on Dec. 30, 2020. Mass vaccination will start after tests, Koca said.
Mutated Coronavirus spreading across Slovakia : Health Minister

Prague, Jan 9 (Sputnik) The mutated strain of coronavirus first found in the United Kingdom appears to have achieved community spread in Slovakia, the health minister of the central European nation said Friday.

This comes a day after the western Slovak city of Nitra with a population of 80,000 was quarantined after its hospitals were inundated with coronavirus patients.

"My colleagues have now confirmed the new, so-called UK strain in Nitra, which is why the situation there is so tough. The mutated virus appears to be driving the epidemic across the republic," Marek Krajci told a news conference.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
Representative image

At least 10 newborn children died after a fire broke out at the sick newborn care unit (SNCU) of Bhandara Civil Hospital close to Nagpur, Maharashtra in the early hours on January 9.

As many as seven newborn children were rescued immediately as soon as the fire broke out at around 2.00 am, The Hindustan Times cited Bhandara districts civil surgeon Dr. Pramod Khandate as saying. Khandate added that an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

The fire brigade personnel have succeeded in rescuing seven newborn children but could not save 10 other babies, Khandate said. A total of 17 newborns were at the hospitals SNCU unit when the fire broke out.

All infants that were killed in the blaze were between a month and three-months in age. Some of them passed away as a result of the oxygen supply getting cut. However, Khandate said that the exact cause of death would be ascertained after the post-mortem of the bodies.

According to news reports, a nurse noticed the smoke coming from the neonatal section and informed hospital authorities. The fire brigade was called immediately.

Maharashtra's Health Minister Rajesh Tope said Rs 5 lakh would be paid to family members each of the deceased infants.

In a series of tweets, the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) said that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had expressed deep sorrow over the death of the newborns in the fire.

As soon as he came to know about this incident, he (Thackeray) spoke to Health Minister Rajesh Tope and directed an immediate inquiry into the incident. The chief minister has also spoken to the Collector and the Superintendent of Police and they have also been directed to investigate, CMO said.

Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as early as possible, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet.

The unfortunate incident of fire at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra is extremely tragic. My condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives. I appeal to Maha Govt to provide every possible assistance to the families of the injured & deceased, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.

We demand a detailed probe and those responsible should be charged with murder. If there are any more such hospitals in Maharashtra, they should undergo a fire safety audit. The government must pay ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to kin of deceased, news agency ANI quoted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis as saying.
There were infamous white nationalists and noted conspiracy theorists who have spread dark visions of pedophile Satanists running the country. Others were more anonymous, people who had journeyed from Indiana and South Carolina to heed President Trumps call to show their support. One person, a West Virginia lawmaker, had only been elected to office in November. All of them converged on Wednesday on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, where hundreds of rioters crashed through barricades, climbed through windows and walked through doors, wandering around the hallways with a sense of ...
Hi

there are lots of places to get junk food in Thailand. from 7/11 to most western fast food restaurants. but many of the fast food items are geared to Thai tastes may be a bit spicy.

I also had a son who was a picky eater thanks to his mom who enabled it .Some times picky eaters are just on a power trip to try and control parents

So you can keep enabling or do what i did and not make an issue of it. When we went out to eat i never nagged or tried to force him to eat let him figure what he wanted by himself. He never starved. Depending on age can give them each 100 baht a day for food to buy whatever they want to eat. they might be much more adventurous eaters than you think if given the opportunity to do on their own

also you can go to Thai restaurants at home and get them used to simple bland thai food like Kow man Gai or pad thai. ask the hostess at thai restaurant what they recommend for picky eaters.
A 40-year-old Punjab farmer, who was taking part in the protest at the Singhu border against the Central farm laws, allegedly took his own life by consuming some poisonous substance on Saturday evening, police said.

The farmer, Amarinder Singh, was a resident of Punjab's Fatehgarh Sahib district. The man was rushed to a local hospital in Sonipat where he died, said Sonipat's Kundli police station's inspector Ravi Kumar.

Farmers from various parts of the country, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at different border points of Delhi for over a month now demanding repeal of the three agri laws, which were voted through in Parliament in September amid strong protests by opposition parties.

The three laws have been projected by the central government as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell anywhere in the country.

However, the protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of Minimum Support Price and do away with the mandi system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.

The government has repeatedly asserted that the MSP and Mandi systems will stay and has accused the opposition of misleading the farmers.

(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.)
Paramedics tried desperately to revive the girl at the remote Sand River area

The 'little angel' has been identified as an 11-year-old child from Victoria

family on holiday in Tasmania struck by tragedy after young girl fell from cliff

Harrowing details have emerged about how an 11-year-old girl plunged to her death at a popular climbing site.

The Victorian youngster, who was on holiday with her family, fell from a 10m cliff in Buckland, in Tasmania's south-east on Friday afternoon.

It is understood she was with a large group of rock climbers at the time.

A rescue helicopter and local police and ambulance emergency services were called to the scene.

Tasmania Police Clarence Division Acting Inspector Michael Foster said members of the climbing group and a rescue team from nearby villages of Sorell and Orford performed CPR on the girl.

Tragically, she was unable to be revived and died at the scene.

Sand River Conservation Area in Tasmania (pictured above) is a popular spot for rock climbers

In some parts the terrain is fairly rugged (pictured above), making it also popular with bushwalkers

The tall cliff where the girl perished at the Sand River Conservation Area is said to be a popular spot for people who enjoy rock climbing, fishing, bushwalking and camping

'I believe the group were climbing, but at that stage I'm not sure what happened,' Acting Inspector Foster told the Herald Sun.

'Whether she was just walking and lost her footing  that's still a matter for the (coroner's) report.'

Acting Inspector Foster said the area was a popular rock-climbing spot.

The girl had been holidaying in Tasmania with siblings and their her parents were in Victoria.

The girl's parents were informed their daughter passed away on Friday night.

'Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this difficult time.' police said.

The area is isolated, which made it difficult for the rescue team to be on the scene immediately after the girl, 11, slipped

Buckland's Sand River Conservation Area in Tasmania's south-east (pictured above) is a popular spot for visitors all year round

Tributes to the young girl began flowing in on Friday evening.

'So sorry to hear this and gutted for the family and friends,' one person wrote.

Another said: 'Absolutely tragic. My condolences to the family on the loss of your child. I can only imagine the pain you are going through.'

Others said: 'Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the little angel' and 'There are no words to describe the loss of a child. Condolences to the family.'

The tall cliff where the girl perished at the Sand River Conservation Area is said to be a popular spot for people who enjoy rock climbing, fishing, bushwalking and camping.

It is described as having north-facing crags which are sheltered from the wind.
Google said Friday it had pulled the Parler app from its mobile store for allowing "egregious content" that could incite deadly violence like that seen at the US Capitol.

The Parler social network has become a haven for far-right personalities who say they have been censored by other social media platforms.

"We're aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the US," Google said in a response to an AFP inquiry.

"For us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content," the company added, referring to its shop for digital content tailored for Android-powered devices.

Policies and enforcement practices that curb posts inciting violence are agreed to by app developers whose software is made available at Google Play, according to the Silicon Valley internet titan.

"In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the app's listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues," Google said.

Apple has reportedly warned Parler that its software could be removed from the App Store if it doesn't take measures to prevent users from planning illegal, violent activities on the platform such as the deadly attack in Washington.

Conservatives backing President Donald Trump's claims of election malfeasance have sparked a migration to alternative social media sites that have refrained from filtering unverified claims.

The shift has boosted right-wing favorites like Parler, Newsmax and Rumble, which have rejected Facebook and Twitter's approach of labeling and limiting the reach of conspiracy theories.

Facebook and Twitter banned Trump accounts Friday due to fear he would use them to instigate another attack such as the one in the nation's capital on Wednesday.

Sites like Parler have attracted Republican lawmakers as well as the Trump campaign.

Story continues

As they have become increasingly important to the political conversation, Twitter and Facebook have struggled with manipulation and misinformation, while at the same time seeking to keep their platforms open to a variety of viewpoints.

Parler and similar sites have become a magnet for racist and anti-Semitic tropes along with groups that have been banned from other platforms for posting hateful content or promoting violence.

gc/to
Justice Department officials said during a news conference on Friday that they were investigating the circumstances of Mr. Sicknicks death, but would not say whether it was a federal murder investigation. One official said that felony murder is always in play, but that investigators needed to complete their work.

Image Brian Sicknick Credit... Capitol Police, via Getty Images

Mr. Trump this summer reframed his presidential campaign around law and order amid the unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, vowing to crack down on rioting and looting. This week, he helped spark those crimes after encouraging his supporters to go to the Capitol to interrupt the Electoral College vote count.

In videos posted to social media, Mr. Trump called the storming of the Capitol a heinous act. His press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, also condemned the violence on behalf of the entire White House.

Some in the law enforcement community said the death on Wednesday highlighted Mr. Trumps efforts to use a commitment to public safety to galvanize political support, not necessarily to help the police.

As Mr. Trump rallied police officers to his side, his Justice Department also threatened to strip New York City of a federal grant named for a police officer killed in the line of duty when local leaders would not accept his immigration crackdown. He cut funding in the early years of his presidency for domestic terrorism prevention, and his Homeland Security Department was accused last year of suppressing a warning about the rise of violent white nationalists  extremist groups who joined the mob that breached the Capitol that Mr. Sicknick worked to protect.

There hasnt been one thing that hes demonstrated that was supportive of law enforcement except to shake hands and pat them on the back and tell them no matter what they do theyre fine and right, said Gil Kerlikowske, a former police chief in Seattle and three other cities.

Mr. Trumps rhetoric did appeal to many rank-and-file police officers, and that was evident on Wednesday. As the mob marched to the Capitol, some officers were seen taking selfies with the Trump loyalists. Videos posted on social media appeared to capture a group of police officers moving aside barricades to allow the supporters to push ahead to the building, although details remain unclear. Activists said there was a clear double standard from this summer, when police forces came down hard on racial justice protesters, even though no police officers were killed during such protests in Washington.
Consultations will run for ten weeks

The UK government has launched a consultation that could open the doors to gene editing in England now the country is free from European Union legislation.

Environment Secretary George Eustice opened up the debate over gene editing  a method of changing the existing DNA of organisms in plants and animals  at the Oxford Farming Conference today (7 January). It is different to genetically-modified science, where preferred genes are transferred from one organism to another.

Eustice said: "Now that we have left the EU, we are free to make coherent policy decisions based on science and evidence, and it starts today with a new consultation on proposed changes to English law that will enable gene editing to take place, so that we can achieve a simpler, scientifically credible regulatory framework to govern important new technologies.

"If we are to deliver the ambitions we have for the environment and make space for nature, then we must rebalance the incentives in our future agriculture policy to encourage sustainability, but we must also use the tools that science provides to ensure that profitable food production and sustainable land management go hand in hand."

The move was welcomed on the one hand by the UK body representing the country's food and drink manufacturers  The Food and Drink Federation (FDF)  but on the other it warned adopting such technologies could hurt exports to the EU.

The FDF's chief scientific officer Kate Halliwell offered her response: "FDF supports the use of technological solutions to support the competitiveness and sustainability of the UK food and drink supply chain. We support conducting a consultation to further understand the opportunities of the UK moving to a definition of gene editing which is in keeping with the international Cartagena Protocol on biosafety.

"We previously urged the Government to launch this consultation to ensure that all the tools needed by our industry would remain on the table for consideration. Divergence from European regulations could impact trade to the EU and also needs to be considered by Government in parallel to the clear opportunity such a technology presents."

The Department for Environment, Food a Rural Affairs (Defra), a government affiliated body launching today's consultation, which will run for ten weeks, explained "gene edited organisms do not contain DNA from different species, and instead only produce changes that could be made slowly using traditional breeding methods".

It said gene editing could "unlock substantial benefits to nature, the environment and help farmers with crops resistant to pests, disease or extreme weather and to produce healthier, more nutritious food".

Meanwhile, Professor Robin May, the chief scientific advisor at the UK's Food Standards Agency, said gene editing would not be employed if there is any risk to human health.

May said: "As with all novel foods, GE foods will only be permitted to be marketed if they are judged to not present a risk to health, not to mislead consumers, and not have lower nutritional value than existing equivalent foods. We will continue to put the consumer first and be transparent and open in our decision-making. Any possible change would be based on an appropriate risk assessment that looks at the best available science."
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

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.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called the United States (U.S) the biggest enemy of his country, threatening to continue advancing its nuclear capabilities, state media said Saturday.

Kim also said Washingtons policy against Pyongyang would not change regardless of who was in the White House, adding that an end to its hostile stance would likely be the key to future relations between the two countries, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim made the remarks reporting to the eighth congress of the ruling Workers Party currently under way in Pyongyang, the Norths first reference to transition of power in Washington since Joe Bidens election as U.S. president in November.

They also came days before Bidens inauguration slated for Jan. 20., which experts see as aimed at pressuring the incoming administration in Washington.

The report said that the key to the establishment of new North Korea-U.S. relations is the withdrawal of the U.S. hostile North Korea policy, KCNA said, declaring an eye for an eye principle against Washington.

Our external political activities going forward should be focused on suppressing and subduing the U.S., the basic obstacle, biggest enemy against our revolutionary development, KCNA said.

Kim has held three meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, but denuclearization talks have made little progress since their no-deal summit in Hanoi in 2019.

Biden earlier said that he would not meet the North Korean leader without preconditions, vowing to pursue principled diplomacy on Pyongyang. He has called Kim a thug and dictator, denouncing Trump for giving legitimacy to Kim through summits.

Referring to the summits with Trump, Kim said the U.S. hostile policy has worsened despite the Norths efforts and maximum patience to reduce tensions in the region.

Kim rolled out a series of goals to boost the Norths military power, calling for improvement in missiles strike capabilities targeting objects in the range of 15,000 kilometers, apparently intended to be capable of reaching the mainland U.S., and minimisation of nuclear weapons.

The North also boasted of a new nuclear-powered submarine, saying that it has completed the research design and it is in the stage of final examination.

Other military projects ordered by Kim include the development of tactical nuclear weapons, ground or submarine-launched solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the introduction of hypersonic aircraft and a military surveillance satellite.

The reality shows that we need to strengthen the national defense capabilities without a moment of hesitation to deter the United States nuclear threats and to bring peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, KCNA said.

The geopolitical features of our state called for pushing ahead with the already-started building of the nuclear force without interruption for the welfare of the people, destiny of the revolution, existence and independent development of the state, it said.

Still, the North Korean leader reaffirmed that Pyongyang would not use its nuclear arsenal unless hostile forces attempt to attack with nuclear weapons.

Washington has yet to respond to the Norths announcement.

With regard to relations with South Korea, Kim appeared to have left room for improvement in the currently chilled ties, saying things could return to three years ago when a peace mood was created, at any time but emphasized that it all depends on South Koreas attitude.

The report made a stern warning that we will have no choice but to treat the South differently if it continues to push us to the corner citing provocations, it said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Inter-Korean relations have remained stalled since the Hanoi summit as sanctions stand in the way of cross-border exchanges and cooperation.

The ties chilled further last year, as North Korea blew up an inter-Korean joint liaison office in anger over anti-Pyongyang leafleting in June and killed a South Korean fisheries official drifting near its western sea border in September.

North Korea has not responded to Seouls offers for talks and cooperative projects, while focusing on warding off an outbreak of the coronavirus on its soil by sealing its border and toughening quarantine measures.

Kim said such projects on antivirus, humanitarian cooperation (and) individual trips are all nonessential issues, calling for a halt to the combined exercises between South Korea and the United States.

During the congress, Kim also unveiled a new economic development plan for the next five years, which centers around self-reliance and self-sufficiency.

North Korea will focus its investment in the metal and chemical industries, among others, while strengthening the technological base for the agricultural sector, it said.

The core theme of the new five-year national economic development plan is still self-reliance and self-sufficiency, the report said.

This weeks congress, the first in nearly five years, came as North Korea has been faced with a triple whammy of the fallout of back-to-back typhoons in the summer, a protracted border closure due to the coronavirus pandemic and global sanctions on its economy.

Opening the event on Tuesday, Kim admitted the failure to meet the countrys previous five-year development goals, describing the past few years as a period of unprecedented, worst-ever trials.

KCNA said that a fifth-day session was to be held Saturday.

It is still unclear for how many days the congress will continue as the North has not made public the exact schedule.

The previous congress in 2016 was held for four days. (Yonhap/NAN)
New Delhi: The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Saturday said it will pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the farmers' movement against the Centre's new agri laws by collecting soil from across the country, especially from towns and villages of farmers who died, and create a map of India with it in the national capital.

Besides paying tribute to the farmers who died, the nationwide campaign, "Ek Mutthi Mitti Shaheddon Ke Naam" has also been launched in support of the farmers' movement and against the three "black laws" brought by the central government.

Farmers' protest

"I request everyone to come out and support this campaign and the farmers' movement. We will be travelling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and collect soil from across the country, especially from villages and hometown of the 60 farmers who have lost their lives during the ongoing agitation," said Krishna Allavaru, national in-charge of IYC.

"With that soil, we will create a map of India, the one built on the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and sacrifices made by martyrs who laid their lives during the freedom struggle of India," said Allavaru.

The IYC, during the press conference, also launched a song and poster for the campaign.
A complaint has been filed at Delhi's Kalkaji Police Station against Vincent Xavier, the Indian national who waved the Indian national flag at the US Capitol protest on January 6. A video clip of him waving the flag while Trump supporters gathered outside the US Capitol building had gone viral on social media.

Vicent Xavier has since then stated that his intentions behind waving the Indian flag at the US Capitol protest were to prove that the USA is "not racist as it is portrayed to be" and that the country embraces diversity.

Since Vicent Xavier was identified as the man waving the Indian flag in the viral clip, photos of him with various Indian politicians have surfaced online. This led to a Twitter spat between Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor and BJP MP Varun Gandhi. Tharoor criticised Xavier for waving the Tricolour at what he considered to be one of the lowest moments in the history of American democracy. Responding to Tharoor, Varun Gandhi shared an old photo of Tharoor with Vicent Xavier which had been making rounds online.

Xavier explained that he met Shashi Tharoor in 2015 and had interviewed him over lunch in Washington.

"I met him twice after that in Indian American, Malayali events. Tharoor is a very good orator. I am always jealous of his English skills...I don't know whether I would consider him a great leader...I would want him to take a bigger role and rescue the Congress party in the shape it is in today, instead of getting into such controversies," Xavier told NDTV.

Responding to both the politicians arguing over him, he posted several pictures of flags of other countries which were also present at the US Capitol protest.

"There is nothing to be ashamed of, we are celebrating our diversity. The world has to know that America is not the racist country it is portrayed as. That the Republican party is not white supremacist. If they were racist, they would not allow me to carry the Indian flag. It was actually showing more respect," he told the news channel.

Xavier, a self-proclaimed 'Trump loyalist', is a resident of Virginia but hails from Kerala originally. Xavier was a member of the US President Trump's Export Council.

Xavier has stated that he had gone to the rally as there is always a "lot of patriotic fervour" at Trump rallies. He further added that "some miscreants" broke into the US Capitol on the day of the protest.

Also Read: MF investors pull out over Rs 16,000 crore from equity, hybrid schemes in Dec

Also Read: WhatsApp vs Signal vs Telegram: WhatsApp's new policy sparks concerns, Telegram, Signal roast
The spread of COVID-19 continues to accelerate out of control in South East Asias largest country and economy.

In what has been dubbed an endless first wave, the surge in Indonesia climbed to a record 9,321 new infections on Thursday, bringing the official total to 797,723. The number of deaths rose by 224 to 23,520. The number of new cases on Thursday also broke the record set just the previous day of 8,854.

UNICEF aid workers in Indonesia (Credit: UNICEF)

In late November the total cases reached the milestone of 500,000. In other words, over a third of the total cases have occurred in the past month and a half alone since the outbreak was first recorded in March.

The increase in cases is not attributed to any increase in testing, which, according to Our World In Data, has remained very low at just 12 tests per 100,000 people, lower than the neighbouring, less-developed Philippines.

The accelerating number of cases is the product of criminal neglect on the part of the capitalist government, which has systematically sought to downplay the pandemic threat in order to safeguard corporate profits.

Contact tracing has been minimal and disorderly, while lockdowns have been resisted throughout, placing the full burden of the virus on the working class.

The percentage of people tested who were found to be positive spiked above 20 percent for several days in late December, according to Reuters. World Health Organisation guidelines establish a positivity rate above 5 percent as indicating that the virus is out of control and requiring lockdown measures and more extensive testing. By all reports, Indonesia has been consistently well above this threshold since the beginning of the outbreak.

Health officials have begged the government for immediate measures to contain the spread and prevent the hospital system being overwhelmed.

Epidemiologist, Pandu Riono, from the University of Indonesia made the prediction Monday that hospitals would soon collapse from a rapid rise in patients. The problem is that in the next few weeks, all hospitals in Java will collapse, including Jakarta, he said.

Secretary general of the Indonesian Private Hospital Association (ARSSI), Ling Ichsan Hanafi, stated in an interview with the Indonesian newspaper Tempo on Friday that the isolation beds and ICU rooms in Jakartas COVID-19 referral hospitals had reached an occupancy rate of 95 percent. There are 101 referral hospitals in Jakarta with 7,300 isolation beds and 958 ICU beds.

Calling for greater hospital capacity, he warned, even new referral hospitals will likely be fully occupied once open [because of] the rapid addition to patients numbers. He also noted that there was a general increase in severe symptoms among new patients.

In response, the government announced a two-week, social restriction beginning on Monday, 11 January, across Java (including the capital, Jakarta), as well as the island of Bali.

The belated measures encompass 22 towns, regencies and regions. Three quarters of workers are instructed to work from home, shopping malls will have restricted operating hours and restaurants will operate at 25 percent capacity. A blanket closure will also be applied to the school system.

The measures come on top of the closure of borders to most foreign travellers in order to prevent the spread of the more highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variant, which has already been reported in Australia and Singapore. At present, the travel ban is set to expire on January 14.

Amid rising public anxiety and anger, the government announced that its vaccination program would commence on January 13 with President Joko Widodo to receive the first shot of the CoronaVac vaccine. Priority is being given to health care workers and politicians, followed by others in the workforce between the ages of 18 and 59 years old. All vaccine shots are to be paid for by the government.

The national drug agency is yet to finalise its phase-III trials and issue an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the vaccine produced by Sinovac. However, owing to its effectiveness overseas, the government is gambling that the EUA process can be expedited, given that the testing protocols are similar. Initial findings in a small study in Turkey show an effectiveness of 91.25 percent after a trial of 7,000 volunteers, and 78 percent effectiveness in Brazil from a trial of 12,000.

Both are well above the 50 percent threshold for emergency effectiveness set by the WHO and also demonstrate success among elderly patients, making it more reliable in this age group than prior vaccine candidates.

Indonesia is unable to access the more expensive and effective Moderna and Pfizer vaccines which require a distribution network capable of storing the drugs at -20 and -70 degrees Celsius respectively. The Sinovac vaccine is able to be stored in normal refrigerators at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.

There are currently three million Sinovac doses in Indonesias possession, with 1.2 million already distributed to 24 provinces throughout the archipelago, according to the health ministry. It is planned for the other 1.8 million to be distributed by Thursday.

As with most COVID-19 vaccines, immunity is achieved through administering two shots weeks apart. So to achieve the governments goal of herd immunity by inoculating two-thirds of the population requires 427 million doses, allowing for a 15 percent wastage rate.

The country is set to receive another 125.5 million doses from Sinovac in the initial phases, as well as 203.5 million from other sources, notably from AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

The government has set the goal of achieving herd immunity in 15 months, but has not outlined a distribution schedule. To achieve that target would require an uninterrupted vaccination rate of 12 million a month (400,000 a day). It is also unclear from the lack of testing if the vaccines, while preventing complications, can prevent the spread of disease.

Health experts have treated the target with scepticism, envisioning a much longer timeline. Fifteen months after vaccination, this is an ambitious goal for our enormous population, said Hermawan Saputra of the Indonesian Public Health Expert Association. He told CNN Indonesia that it could take up to three years.
There has always been something different about Gaulart & Maliclet.

Its not just the no Coke, try an Orangina beverage selection. Its more than the self-possessed servers who meet your gaze. Its even beyond the pre-pandemic proximity at the counter to other diners.

Beyond the transporting world music, convivial buzz and a pig-meets-chicken shingle so iconic it was recently heisted, the slim, chatty French cafe on Broad Street between King and Meeting streets has a certain "je ne sais quoi"  a distinctive quality tough to sum up.

Perhaps thats the reason its original owners, artists Gwylene Gallimard and Jean-Marie Mauclet, also gave it a second designation beyond its first jumble of their own surnames. "Fast & French" signifies its mission to be both.

If you identified that the secret sauce of its singular vibe is art, youd be correct.

Fast & French, after all, was conceived by Gallimard and Mauclet in 1984 as an art project. It is a work whose principles continue with its current owners, Jennifer Bremer and Lawrence Mitchell, former employees who purchased the restaurant 10 years ago.

Recently, the cafe again captured Charlestons attention when Bremer and Mitchell were required to dismantle an outdoor courtyard behind the building on Charleston County property after permissions werent extended.

Patrons caught wind, social media soared, a petition circulated and appeals were made. All this was to no avail, and the cafe now instead peppers seating on the front sidewalk.

For its founders, such social dynamics are among the reasons they dreamed up their restaurant-slash-work-of-art 37 years ago. Such dynamics continue to inform their current art projects, which are now gaining further momentum, recognized by prominent national funders for their community-minded vision.

The art of the matter

It all started with the art. Gallimard and Mauclet met while teaching art at the Beaux-Arts of Nancy, France, immersed in Dutch conceptual art focused on the giving of information.

Mixing two different civilizations relating to food, we were creating an art project just made of information, said Gallimard. The next evolution was to do so in reality. The chosen medium was a restaurant.

After some time in Canada and Asheville, N.C., they determined after nine months of market research to find a place in the South to create a cafe. And, while many cherish Fast & French as a Charleston institution, the artists were anything but institution-bent. In fact, their art endeavored to question such bents.

I always wanted to see that people with money or without money would have access to good food, Mauclet said.

Neither of them had prior food-and-beverage experience (though Mauclet had a cafetier grandfather in a small village north of Paris).

I think French people coming to the United States did not understand there were no cafes," added Gallimard. "The street does not belong to you." They sought to give patrons knowledge of French culture and its approach to fast food, delivering fresh fare quickly by repeating offerings.

A social enterprise

Mauclet found inspiration in artist Jean Dubuffets manifesto that art should be more than mixing colors; it should be a process of knowledge.

He was further informed by his days in New York City at Cooper Union art school, citing artists of the late 1960s and early 1970s who were reconsidering restaurants as artist hubs and art incubators.

There was pioneering video artist Les Levine, who in 1969 opened Levines Restaurant in Gramercy Park, drawing from his Irish, Jewish and Canadian roots in mediated environment with closed-circuit televisions. Artist Gordon Matta-Clark joined up with artists Carol Goodden and Tina Girouard in 1971 to create FOOD, a SoHo restaurant that was both a business and artistic intervention.

In 1984, lured by a For Rent sign in an old building on Broad Street on multiple trips to Charleston, they opened Gaulart & Maliclet, a social enterprise in the spirit of a French cafe. The concept was to level the playing fields between the haves and the have-nots, the customer and the employee, by breaking bread and breaking down societal constructs.

It was creating community, said Gallimard.

To do so, they implemented rigorously considered protocols. The food would be fast, simple and fresh, a la soup, sandwiches and such, nixing Coca Cola and sweet tea and encouraging Orangina. Servers and patrons would be at eye level, and could forge their own relationships. Patrons would be seated in close proximity to one another, to thereby foster exchange.

The spark for the cafe was an elongated space with two doors, which is exactly what it is now, said Mauclet. One door, people with money would come in. One door, people without money would come in. And they would eat together and the guy with money would obviously pay for the guy without money.

He also envisioned no testing of recipes, that the customers would be the first to respond to what he envisioned in his head, and two long bars. When after six months, those proved too off-putting for locals, Mauclet enlisted his friend Olivier Rollin to chop it up with a chainsaw so they could form the space's signature U-shaped counters.

Nobody came for quite a while, recalled Mauclet. People did not get what they wanted or expected.

Community acceptance was hard-won, with local media taking swipes. However, when The New York Times featured them in a 1986 roundup of places to eat when visiting Charleston during Spoleto, the locals finally warmed to them. Since then, countless, decades-long relationships and even marriages have sprung from those counters.

Sign up for our new opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email

Sign Up!

Seeing it grow and change, said Mauclet, was an art piece every day.

Connected with art

All the while, the artists remained deeply engaged in making art. There was the 1991 installation Holy City, part of Spoleto Festival USAs Places With a Past: New Site-Specific Art in Charleston that was organized by curator Mary Jane Jacob.

In 2017, they teamed up with the Charleston Rhizome Collective for conNECKted, an exhibition and series of interactions at Charleston City Gallery that served to address the ways in which gentrification makes an impact on community members.

Gallimard notes that this community approach to art is increasingly prevalent, but it still not so in Charleston. It is still considered a low art, not a fine art, she said.

That project evolved into a grassroots initiative bringing together education, art and activism. In 2018, they received a grant from ArtPlace America to launch conNECKtedTOO.

Billed as a multifaceted experiment and including sculptures of Charleston small business, its mission is to support and promote so-deemed tiny business in Charleston as a vital part of commerce and neighborhood, as well as to build a mentorship program and awaken in youth a spirit of entrepreneurship and to fully embrace the arts as activators of sustainability.

That, in turn, led to the creation of TINYisPOWERFUL.com, an online creative place where activities and stories generated through collaborations on the ground can be kept (or made) public.

Among their goals is to create a TinyCulinary event, which includes a post-COVID-19 farandole, a term referring to a joyful Provencal dance in which participants link arms through the streets.

The idealism abides with Gallimard and Mauclet (who refer to their art partnership as Jemagwga), as striking in its staying power as their little cafe that could.

In its recent newsletter, program facilitator Victoria Rae Boynton Moore, who is a dancer, shared how she hoped it will be an example of what may be possible through future design/development processes that utilize arts as tools and prioritize people and existing communities, while striving to know their strengths, history, lived experienced and to meet their needs, desires and aspirations.

The team envisions this taking place throughout the peninsula, with one idea, TinyCulinary, taking over Broad Street, North Charlestons Chicora-Cherokee and the East Side in Hampton Park to dance, glean treasures and sprinkle art.

The art abides

Since selling the restaurant 10 years ago, the founders have remained close to the operations. They are among the stakeholders who own the building, renting it to Bremer and Mitchell, devoted disciples who pay reverent heed to their mentors in their stewardship of the cafe.

"It's still a full-on installation that's survived all these years," said Bremer, who rejoined the cafe after a career in horticulture.

Mitchell is also firmly planted in the art world, regularly working in New York City with installation artist and sculptor E.V. Day. He said Gallimard spotted his interest first, saying she knew he was an artist by the way he took out the garbage, treating it like an artistic medium.

Thus, Bremer and Mitchell carefully consider the slightest change, mindful it might be the unknown element holding the magical place together, like a miscalculated, minute nudge in a game of pickup sticks.

They are details like Gallimard's insistence on servers always writing orders for the chefs so that they didn't have to occupy space in their mind with such details, thus freeing it for other things.

"I think that is a beautiful way to think about service, that I'm more of a facilitator."

The curious logic of the kitchen setup has been known to flummox a health department official or two, but in the end, the inspector always finds they are compliant if confounding.

And while the cafe's conceptual art underpinnings may be lost on most of its regulars, for Mauclet and Gallimard it creates a through-line to their current focus on the intersection of the arts and tiny businesses to forge community.

It may also be why the partners still feel strongly about the providence in the recent fall of a patio.

According to Mitchell, a letter from Charleston County informed them that the patio could no longer operate on its property, citing concerns of civil unrest against public buildings, as well as Gov. Henry McMasters recent reopening of restaurants ending the pandemic need.

"We thought we were improving the space," said Bremer, who had tapped into her horticultural background to spruce it up and invested in more outdoor tables and chairs. "I'm an idealist."

"It just felt like the path forward, the new Charleston," said Mitchell, adding it was intended to be a flagship operation, spurring the county to release other properties back to the people, with other places opening up.

"This was the moment that we could make Charleston the city we always wanted it to be."
Attacking so-called "hate speech" has proven an effective Trojan horse technique by BLM and Antifa social justice warriors, who have incorporated Critical Race Theory (CRT) into their pernicious plans to dismantle the Constitution. After all, who wants to defend hate speech? But connecting the jurisprudential dots reveals that the whiter-than-snow "cause" of inner-city black suffering is the battering ram to bypass the very liberties that nurtured the abolitionist and Civil Rights movements. Might this chaos extend even to the point of criminalizing silence as hate speech?

CRT does not hide its plans. Quoting Audre Lorde, BLM brazenly declares:

For the master's tools will never dismantle the master's house. They may allow us to temporarily beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change.

Note that "genuine change" means attacking good police, burning black businesses, and physically assaulting people whose ideas you don't wish to hear. Actions speak louder than words: "genuine change" means destruction, not healing; hate, not love; dictatorship.

United States Supreme Court precedents hold that Nazis rightfully assemble on state land, and the KKK has a right to preach its hate on public streets. These are classic liberal court cases, a product of the once-tolerant left. Yet today's far left says the First Amendment is an instrument of oppression, not liberty:

CRT scholars have critiqued many of the assumptions that they believe constitute the ideology of the First Amendment[.] ... [I]nstead of helping to achieve healthy and robust debate, the First Amendment actually serves to preserve the inequities of the status quo; there can be no such thing as an objective or content neutral interpretation in law[.] ... [S]ome speech should be viewed in terms of the harm it causes, rather than all speech being valued on the basis of it being speech; and there is no "equality" in "freedom" of speech.

This slippery slope eviscerates the First Amendment: the issue in Skokie was whether government may ban speech by Nazis that Jews (including actual Holocaust survivors) found deeply traumatizing. The Court held that "feelings" are not a standard to proscribe speech.

CRT "scholars" seek to splice a host-killing new gene into America's constitutional DNA, to alter that standard of "speech that incites violence" to "speech that makes snowflakes melt." If speech is "viewed in terms of the harm it causes," what harms are inflicted to others' Constitutional liberties if their speech is prohibited because of the potential subjective insult to the hearer  as with, say, Confederate flags, or religious scriptures, or the misapplication of evolving pronouns? Next up are "microaggressions" and the crime of silence.

The left abuses the very free speech protections it seeks to destroy, telling others their "silence is violence" (silence as hate speech!). Meanwhile, BLM and Antifa employ violence-inciting speech that is not protected by existing law (see, e.g., Brandenburg: speech is not protected if it is "likely ... to incite imminent lawless action"). In fact, Facebook has censored conservative free speech that would be shielded under existing precedent while advancing unprotected incitement-to-violence speech by BLM and Antifa. Here is revealed the "brave new speech world" of CRT.

Critical Race Theorists wish to eviscerate the Constitution and replace it with...something undefined:

Unlike traditional civil rights ... critical race theory questions the very foundations of the liberal order, including equality theory, legal reasoning, Enlightenment rationalism, and neutral principles of constitutional law[.] ... Only aggressive, color-conscious efforts to change the way things are will do much to ameliorate misery[.] ... [H]ate speech, which targets mainly minorities, gays, lesbians, and other outsiders, is almost always tolerated, while speech that offends the interests of empowered groups finds a ready exception in First Amendment law.

But this is patently false. Consider the now-common "R" word  "racist"  employed routinely by the left to attack "empowered groups," who have no "ready exception" as defense. No evidence necessary. Destroying character and attacking someone at the deepest level. Isn't that hate speech?

Some say wishing someone Merry Christmas is "devastating" hate speech, but excoriating opponents as racist is fair game. This is CRT in practice, just as it is socialism in practice: "All animals are equal but some are more equal than others."

Vermont's capital city spearheaded a "Black Lives Matter" mural which was painted on the street with almost no notice, at state expense, under the initiative of a sole councilor. When a group of citizens sought to add a "Liberty and Justice for All" statement and American flag, these public officials exhibited CRT in action:

Citing a legal opinion obtained from the city's attorney, [Mayor] Watson said the council could comfortably deny [the] request, suggesting the Black Lives Matter mural it permitted to proceed could be viewed as "government speech"  negating the First Amendment argument advanced[.] ... Watson said she believed it would be inappropriate to paint the image of the American flag on a city street.

Thinking themselves untouchable through their "government speech" contrivance, these public officials openly condemned any "government speech" other than theirs:

I'm not against the concept of "liberty and justice for all," I think it's a great aspirational statement, but right now it's a farce in America[.] ... It's maybe something to aspire to, but until we can recognize that Black lives matter, I don't think "liberty and justice for all' is alive and well in America."

Our laws call this "content discrimination." But the principles of our Constitution are a farce to Councilor Casey:

I don't think there's any center with racism[.] ... I'm not interested in meeting somebody in the center, as a sign of unity, if they don't believe Black Lives Matter[.]

That's right  it's his way or the highway (only you can't paint on his federal highway turf for his personal expression of "government speech").

A 2017 poll revealed that 71% of Americans "believe that political correctness has done more to silence important discussions our society needs to have. ... [Twenty-eight percent] instead believe that political correctness has done more to help people avoid offending others." Connor Casey's dictatorial political correctness intrudes itself unconstitutionally to "avoid offending others," while he spews ignorant and offensive speech while sitting as an elected official.

With free speech, such fatuous edicts will die the death of all vain elitist imaginings. Foreshadowing today's dispute, Justice Douglas opined in Brandenberg (quoting Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in Gitlow v. New York):

If, in the long run, the beliefs expressed in proletarian dictatorship are destined to be accepted by the dominant forces of the community, the only meaning of free speech is that they should be given their chance and have their way.

That is, the Critical Race Theorists and BLM should dominate America, if their ideas hold sway in the free exchange of ideas. Their toxic ideology cannot withstand even cavalier scrutiny, though, which is why dissent is verboten.

Critical Race Theory and BLM activists depend on silencing opposition in order to install their "social-warrior dictatorship." These ideologies demand that their voices be paramount, displacing anachronistic concepts of universal liberty and equality as unachievable and intolerable, so that they can "beat the master at his own game"  use the freedoms Americans prize against them. Voices (faiths?) that disagree will be silenced as hateful. White silence is targeted as evidence of imputed racism, itself violent hate speech that must be criminally sanctioned, or elicit reeducation.

Welcome to Amerika.

Do not go quietly into that dark night...

Image: Annettet via Wikimedia Commons.
Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army's Honor Guard Battalion march outside the Forbidden City, near Tiananmen Square, in Beijing, on May 20, 2020. (R) The U.S. Capitol building is seen on a cold and sunny winter day in Washington on Dec. 29, 2020. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images, Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images)

Welcome to West China

Commentary

Did you ever wonder what its like to live in a one-party state?

Well, wonder no more. Youre living in one. The major means of communicationin todays terms, that means social mediahave now been taken over completely by the left.

Not only has Donald Trumpstill the president of the United Statesbeen permanently banned from Twitter, but the platforms rapidly growing, open-to-all substitute Parler has almost simultaneously been deplatformed by Google.

You couldnt get their app for Android anymore.

Then Apple made its move, first threatening, then demanding that Parler kowtow to Cupertinos vision of what the world should be.

I suppose thats a social-justicey-politically-correct totalitarianism led by left-leaning  or so they want us to believe  tech billionaires.

Another day and Parler was gone from the App Store, followed by the coup de grace: Amazons Jeff Bezosthe billionaire of billionaires, the man who has undoubtedly made more money during COVID-19 than anyone on the planetejected Parler from his AWS servers.

The upstart company was disappeared, its millions of users disenfranchised and denied freedom of speech.

Sound Chinese?

More than a bit.

Think this was planned?

Just the other day, I wrote of the false flag (left-wing provocateurs) behind the mayhem in the Capitol. Many in high places pooh-poohed what I and others were saying. I wasnt too sure of it myself.

But lets review whats happened since:

Sen. Josh Hawleys (R-Mo.) forthcoming book  on Big Tech, no less  has been canceled by Simon & Schuster. Hawley had been among the most outspoken about investigating the possibility of election fraud.

Twitter permanently blocks General Flynn. I guess they dont think he had enough already.

Twitter permanently blocks Lin Wood, the well-known attorney working to unmask possible fraud. Ditto for the courageous Sidney Powell.

Not to be outdone, Facebook blocks Trumps account. (Not sure who was firstFacebook or Twitternot that it matters.)

More insidiously, Facebook starts to delete groups or forums of people who publicly stepped away from the Democratic Party because of its extreme-left policies.

(Elsewhere, its revealed that Facebook banned accounts at the behest of Hunter Biden.)

YouTube announces it will no longer distribute videos investigating election fraud and that its producers will be punished for it if they do.

Multiple companies from Marriott to Blue Cross suspend donations to politicians who voted against Biden certification.

All this in a few days, the excuse being, in almost all cases, that the conservatives involved were instigating violence, the outrage that occurred at the Capitol.

This from the people who ignored exponentially more violence and destruction for months all across urban America.

Sense a strategy here? A plan?

I knowIm one of those conspiracy mongers. Everything has been debunked. Indeed, it was debunked before it happened.

Only Im not a conspiracy monger, my friends. Im one of those guys who is perfectly willing to admit it was Lee Harvey Oswald working alone from the Texas School Book Depository.

Im the opposite. Im an Occams razor guywhat you see is what you get.

And Occams razor tells me the United States is turning into a near clone of the Peoples Republic of China.

Thats not communism in the traditional sense. Karl Marx wouldnt recognize it, not that what he had on offer was any better. For China, the word communism is a kind of paleo-virtue signaling.

What China actually is (and where the USA is headed or has already arrived) is a form of oligarchic fascism. The capitalist markets fine as long as its my capitalist market and youre a member of my party.

Communist Party, Democratic Party, what difference does it make? As long as its ONE PARTY. And were in charge. The state uber alles.

So forget about personal liberty and free expression and brush up your social credit score. Learn to be obedient, if you wish to survive.

And above all dont say anything critical or even slightly controversial on social media or youre a dead personor might as well be, because youll be canceled.

So be careful, but dont worry about erasing or deleting this article because it probably wont be here tomorrow.

Just kidding.

I think.

Well  either that, or stand up and fight the new power. As somebody once said, What have you got to lose?

Roger L. Simon is an award-winning novelist, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, co-founder of PJMedia, and now, editor-at-large for The Epoch Times. His most recent books are The GOAT (fiction) and I Know Best: How Moral Narcissism Is Destroying Our Republic, If It Hasnt Already (nonfiction). Find him on Parler @rogerlsimon.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Posted Friday, January 8, 2021 4:50 pm

The TransAlta coal-powered plant outside Centralia shut down one of two coal-burning units on the last day of 2020.

Along with the shutdown of Unit 1 comes the layoffs of 64 TransAlta employees, which were reported to the state Department of Employment Security in early November. The job eliminations began on Jan. 4 and are expected to conclude by the end of July, according to TransAlta.

In the last 20 years, our team at Centralia has worked over 9,241,404 person-hours, contributing to TransAltas success and to providing low-cost and reliable electricity to energize communities, TransAlta USA posted on its Facebook page to mark the shutdown.

Coal-burning Unit 1 came online in 1971 and has since provided over 179,000,000 megawatts of generated power.

Of the 64 laid-off positions, 38 were union positions accounting for several types of jobs at the power-generating company, including maintenance, operations and support functions, according to Lori Schmitt, senior advisor and U.S. stakeholder relations and communications with TransAlta. After all 64 employees are laid off at the end of July, there will be about 115 employees left to operate the second coal-burning unit until that too is retired in 2025.

Its a tough transition because TransAlta has been a really good employer that pays really good wages and benefits and trying to replicate that is difficult, said former Lewis County Commissioner Edna Fund in early November. We knew it was coming but it doesnt make it any easier when its affecting families.

In order to ease the transitions, the Centralia Coal Transition Board allocated $8 million from the Economic Development Council (EDC) to support the displaced workers  paying each former employee about $44,700. The same one-time lump sum payment will occur for the employees who will be laid off in 2025. Schmitt said that 39 of the 64 employees volunteered to be laid off and 37 are eligible for retirement.

Thank you to all past and present employees and contractors for your relentless efforts and for always stepping up no matter the challenge, TransAlta posted. Cheers to the Centralia team for a great run.

The shutdown of these units was established and agreed upon by TransAlta and Washington state nearly a decade ago. In April of 2011, then-governor Chris Gregoire, TransAlta executives and members of the environmental and labor communities signed legislation to transition the state off of combustible coal power.

TransAlta has expressed a desire to transition one of the coal-burning units to natural gas in order to keep the Centralia location operational, but the possibility of that happening is uncertain at this point.

We continue to stay engaged with the state and other stakeholders to see how TransAlta can support the new clean-energy goals while maintaining the spirit of the 2011 agreement and looking for opportunities to remain in the community, Schmitt said.

TransAlta Centralia Board Funding, LLC, often referred to as the Centralia Coal Transition Grants, will make its last annual payment on Dec. 31, 2023. The funding board awards grants to businesses and local organizations to improve energy efficiency, economic development and energy technology. The funding board will continue to invest in projects until the fund balance has been exhausted.

TransAlta is a customer of the Lewis County Public Utility District as the PUD provides TransAlta with electricity for its operation. Willie Painter, public affairs manager with the PUD, said they have been working closely with TransAlta to understand the impacts of the phased shutdown of the coal-burning units, and the PUD doesnt anticipate there will be a significant impact on their budget.

Lee Childs with Pacific Mountain WorkForce Development Council (PACMTN) will continue working with the laid-off TransAlta employees, providing them with information to participate in a Life After Layoff presentation and other workshops and connecting them with other resources.

Although TransAlta is working to create a smooth transition for former employees, the COVID-19 pandemic has made job hunting more difficult than it has been in the past, Childs said, as WorkSource and PACMTNs services and workshops are all virtual.

Its very challenging for folks to find work these days, especially if they have any sort of barrier  language, disability, lack of resources to have the technology, if they are rural then they may not have internet access. The barriers really show themselves in this kind of situation, Childs said.

Childs said that large layoffs, such as the 64 TransAlta employees, only happens one or two times a year in the PACMTN region, which covers Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Thurston and Grays Harbor counties.

Normally, people would start jumping out and looking for work right away, but the pandemic has a lot of folks afraid to move anywhere else and expose themself to the virus, Childs said. I think human nature is that (former TransAlta employees) would want to stay in Lewis County  but its such a large group and its such a specialized occupation.

Childs said that retraining could be used to help former TransAlta employees stay in Lewis County  adjusting their skill set to jobs that are available locally. Those impacted by the TransAlta layoffs can reach out to Childs for assistance at leec@pacmtn.org.
US Unemployment Claims Slip to Still-High 787,000

WASHINGTONThe number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell slightly last week to 787,000, a historically high number that points to a weak job market held back by the viral pandemic.

Thursdays figure from the Labor Department (pdf), a slight decline from the previous week, shows that even with the pandemic recession in its 10th month, many businesses are still laying off workers. Before the recession, weekly jobless claims typically numbered around 225,000.

The renewed surge in virus cases has caused millions of consumers to avoid eating out, shopping, and traveling. And states have imposed new restrictions on restaurants, bars, and other businesses. Economists at TD Securities estimate that more than half of states are now restricting gatherings to 10 people or fewer, up from roughly a quarter in September.

Those restrictions are forcing many companies, having run through much of their cash reserves, to cut more jobs.

Unemployment remains extremely high, although not nearly as bad as it was in the spring, and the pace of improvement in the job market has slowed dramatically from the summer, said Gus Faucher, an economist at PNC Financial. Job growth should pick up in the spring as vaccine distribution continues, better weather allows for more outdoor activities, and states gradually loosen restrictions.

Many economists, along with the Federal Reserves policymakers, say theyre hopeful that once the coronavirus vaccines are more widely distributed, the economy will achieve a broader recovery in the second half of the year.

Hundreds of people line up outside a Kentucky Career Center hoping to find assistance with their unemployment claim in Frankfort, Ky., on June 18, 2020. (Bryan Woolston/Reuters)

The $900 billion financial aid package that Congress enacted last month should also help accelerate an eventual rebound. Late Wednesday, Goldman Sachs upgraded its forecast for economic growth this year to a robust 6.4 percent, up from 5.9 percent. Its upgrade was based in part on the expectation that the Biden administration, with help from the now-Democratic Senate, will support another rescue aid package.

Last months stimulus measure provided a $300-a-week federal jobless benefit on top of an average state benefit of about $320. As many as half the states are now distributing the federal benefit, according to an unofficial tally at UnemploymentPUA.com. In states that take longer to pay out the $300, any missed payments can be made retroactively.

A federal program that provides extended benefits, after state benefits run out, was lengthened to 24 weeks by the aid package. That program will remain in place until mid-March. A separate program that provides jobless aid to contractors and gig workers who previously werent eligible was also extended for 11 weeks. Both benefits had briefly expired Dec. 26, threatening about 13 million people with a cutoff in aid.

Thursdays report also showed that the number of people who are receiving regular state unemployment aid fell 125,000 to 5.1 million. And fewer people were on extended unemployment benefit programs. Those declines suggested that many of those people have used up all the benefits available to them, including extended federal aid. They can reapply, though, now that more weeks of aid are available. Overall, more than 19 million people are still receiving some form of unemployment benefit.

People who lost their jobs wait in line to file for unemployment at an Arkansas Workforce Center in Fayetteville, Ark., on April 6, 2020. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)

The Labor Department said this week that despite President Donald Trumps delay in signing the relief packagehe did so six days after Congress approvaljobless benefits under the extended programs that lapsed Dec. 26 should be paid out without interruption.

On Friday, the government will likely issue a gloomy jobs report for December. Economists expect it to show that hiring slowed for a sixth straight month. Some analysts have estimated that the economy shed jobs in December for the first time since April.

The continued weakening of the U.S. job market coincides with other signs that hiring and economic growth are faltering under the weight of the pandemic. On Wednesday, payroll processor ADP reported that private employers shed 123,000 jobs in December, the first such monthly decline since April. ADPs figures generally track the governments jobs data over time, though they can diverge significantly from month to month.

Last month, Coca-Cola Co. said it would cut 2,200 jobs from its global workforce, with about half those layoffs occurring in the United States. 3M, a major manufacturer, has said it will lay off 2,900 workers worldwide.

In November, U.S. consumer spending declined for the first time in seven months, having steadily weakened since summer. Retailers have been especially hurt. Purchases at retail stores have dropped for two straight months.

During the holiday shopping season, consumers pulled back on spending, according to debit and credit card data tracked by JPMorgan Chase based on 30 million consumer accounts. Such spending was 6 percent lower in December compared with a year ago. That was worse than in October, when card spending was down just 2 percent from the previous year.

By Christopher Rugaber
Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

For weeks we have been told to wait for the release of the smoking gun. The Kraken is about to be revealed. Everything is about to shift. The nation will be shocked. Well, things have changed in dramatic and shocking ways. But it was not the Kraken that came. It was the Crackdown.

Twitter has now banned President Trump for life. This really happened, right in front of our eyes. But that was just one part of the Crackdown.

Within hours, headlines had announced Twitters ban on Trump, along with other social media bans on Sidney Powell (she of the aforementioned Kraken promises), General Michael Flynn, and Steve Bannon. Along with this, Google and Apple cracked down on the Parler app, where many Twitter users had been fleeing.

The whole thing felt surreal, as if a violent takeover of your country was happening in front of your eyes and you could hear the troops getting closer to your home. When will they come knocking at your door?

To heighten our legitimate concerns of this ever-encroaching Big Tech censorship, all this took place just one day after former first lady Michelle Obama called for Silicon Valley to ban Trump for life. Was there any connection between her suggestion and Twitters actions? (See here for my response to her call. She had made her appeal as some of these internet giants, including Facebook and Instagram, had suspended Trump at least until the inauguration.)

In response to Twitters ban, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley tweeted, Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country. #Unbelievable. (As of this writing, Sunday, January 9, at 11:05 AM, ET, the tweet remains up, thankfully, with almost 50,000 likes.)

To be sure, there are legitimate questions to be asked about the limits of free speech. What if a platform was used by the radical left to post the addresses of pro-life leaders with instructions on how to kidnap their children and blow up their houses? Would that be legal, let alone ethical?

Conversely, what if a platform was used by the radical right to help plan last Wednesdays siege of the Capitol, as Parler was allegedly used?

I do understand the magnitude of what happened in DC this past week. It was a monstrous event of massive proportions, playing right into a dangerous, hyper-nationalistic mentality that the president himself helped stoke. (See here for my real time radio commentary.)

Thousands of people joined in with the chaos and violence, not just a few rabble-rousing jokers. Thats why more than 50 police were injured and one was killed, Brian D. Sicknick, his head smashed with a fire extinguisher. Thats why there were four other deaths, including the tragic shooting of Ashli Babbit.

This was the moment some of these radical right-wingers were waiting for.

Its time to take America back. Time to stop the steal, by any means. Time for a new American revolution, by force if need be.

To downplay the significance of the storming of the Capitol, with all our senior elected officials in the building, or to blame it all on Antifa agitators is to stick ones head in the sand.

Personally, I have no doubt that President Trumps incessant rhetoric for the last four years helped create this violent atmosphere. That is why I lay the ultimate blame at his feet, even though I assume that he, too, was mortified by what actually happened at the Capitol. (For all those who criticized me for always adding a caveat whenever I would praise Trump, this is why I did it. Words have consequences. His words, as president, have often been dangerously irresponsible.)

At the same time, the President called for calm and for law and order in the midst of the riots, issuing an excellent, conciliatory statement the next night. He was not willfully inciting violence, nor was there any indication that he was about to.

Still, Twitter decided to ban him, the most powerful man on the planet, for life. What, pray tell, is coming next?

This is one major reason that many of us voted for him in 2016 and 2020, seeing him as a real bulwark against this growing attack on our freedoms. With all his flaws, he would stand with us against Big Tech censorship and against other assaults on our liberties.

Now he is banned for good (although he clearly has plans to move to another, yet to be announced platform), and we have no idea where a Democrat-led government will take us next.

As for those who are convinced that the election was stolen, there is an even deeper sense of outrage coupled with helplessness. How can this be happening, they wonder, in broad daylight here in America?

The fact is that we do not know what is coming next, and we have good reason to be concerned.

But we do know these four things.

First, while the internet giants are called the masters of the universe, there is only one Master of the Universe, and one day, every knee will bow to Him, be it willingly or unwillingly. Let us never lose sight of this. If God is for us, who can be against us?

Second, we still have a voice. Lets raise it all the more now  with as much force as wisdom and with as much love as truth. To quote Jordan Petersons first Rule of Life, Stand up straight with your shoulders back. This is not the time to cower.

Third, everything will come to light one day. As Jesus told His disciples (in the context of them being persecuted and killed for their faith), So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known (Matthew 10:26). This brings us comfort in the here and now.

Fourth, what people mean for evil, God can use for good. To quote the words of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his own brothers, You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives (Genesis 50:20).

In the midst of my very serious concerns Im also feeling very excited. Something good can come out of this, so lets keep looking up as we speak up. The Gospel cannot be banned.
Gardai believe bones found next to an old Cork railway line, wrapped in cloth with a small piece of religious jewellery are female and more recent than initially suspected.

Detectives are now awaiting the results of pathology and forensic anthropology tests to determine if the remains are female rather than male.

They also want to find out if the remains date to a time period over the last five to 25 years.

Read More

It was initially suspected the remains were historic, dating back to the early 20th Century and those of an adult male, possibly linked to the War of Independence.

A painstaking excavation of the site at Roxborough off the old Midleton-Youghal rail line has yielded multiple bones, with a skull initially discovered on Tuesday evening by workmen converting the railway into a new 19.8m greenway.

The discovery of further bones, yielding almost a complete skeleton, has now led gardai to suspect they are dealing with the remains of a woman and a more recent death.

One garda source indicated that "significant" material was also found in the area excavated. This included a quantity of disintegrated clothing and possible personal items of the deceased.

Most intriguing was a small religious token or piece of jewellery found with the remains.

Examined

The bones have now been removed to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for examination by assistant State pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster and a forensic anthropologist.

Tests will now be conducted to determine if all the bones are from the same individual.

A full list of missing persons from the greater east Cork area over the past 50 years is currently being compiled.

Among the highest profile missing person cases locally is that of Tina Satchwell, who was 45 when she vanished without trace from her home in Youghal on March 20, 2017.

Expand Close Missing Tina Satchwell / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Missing Tina Satchwell

A major garda search operation failed to reveal any trace of Ms Satchwell's whereabouts.

Gardai said they are now awaiting the results of expert tests which will include carbon dating and DNA sampling.

One source said they were hopeful of identifying the remains given the condition of the bones, skull and teeth.

"Gardai are continuing to investigate the discovery of suspected skeletal remains found in Roxborough near Midleton, Co Cork at approximately 4.30pm on Tuesday," a spokesperson said.

"The area remains sealed off as gardai continue to carry out a technical examination. The State pathologist has attended. The outcome of these examinations will determine the course of the investigation."
Border Force has stopped a boat ferrying up to 35 migrants towards the Sussex coast, the second Channel dash made since the UK officially left the EU on New Year's Day.

Lifeboats were launched Saturday afternoon to rescue the migrants from a boat, which is believed to have been carrying children and five injured people.

Teams of coastguards and RNLI Lifeboats from Eastbourne and Newhaven, as well as Bexhill, Eastbourne and Langdon Battery Coastguard Rescue Teamswere called to the rescue mission at around 12:45pm.

They received reports of a vessel 'with approximately 30 people on board' in difficulty about 23 miles south of Beachy Head.

Pictured: Migrants arrive at theSovereign Harbour in Eastbourne, East Sussex on Saturday, after a rescue operation was launched to save a boat 'in difficulty'

Emergency services received reports of a vessel 'with approximately 30 people on board' in difficulty about 23 miles south of Beachy Head. Pictured: A person is helped ashore

Pictured: A young migrant is carried by police officer. Teams of coastguards and RNLI Lifeboats from Eastbourne and Newhaven, as well as Bexhill, Eastbourne and Langdon Battery Coastguard Rescue Teamswere called to the rescue mission at around 12:45pm

HM Coastguard confirmed earlier today to the BBC that it was 'coordinating a search and rescue response' after receiving a report that the 'with approximately 30 people on board was in difficulty'.

The organisation said it was 'concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities'.

At the Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne, East Sussex, migrants were pictured arrived, including children and 5 who were reportedly injured.

Emergency service teams - including lifeguards and police offers - were seen helping people ashore, including children wrapped in blankets being carried to safety.

Sussex Police told The Argus that Border Force were at the scene, and several people have been detained.

Pictured: Two young migrants are escorted by lifeguards after disembarking a lifeboat

35 migrants arrived including 5 who were injured. It comes after the first migrants crossed The Channel last week after the UK's exit from the EU

On Saturday afternoon police supported Border Force staff in receiving a number of people suspected of not having authority to enter the UK, who had been on a vessel towed safely by the RNLI into Sovereign Harbour at Eastbourne,' A spokesman for the force told the news outlet.

'Those detained are being taken into custody and care by Border Force for further enquiries.'

Facilities at the harbour were being made ready to bring the people ashore earlier today following the emergency call.

In its full statement to the MailOnline, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency said: 'HM Coastguard has been coordinating a search and rescue response to an incident 23 miles south of Beachy Head.

'A report was received just after midday that a vessel with approximately 30 people on board was in difficulty. We sent Eastbourne and Newhaven RNLI lifeboats, and Bexhill, Eastbourne and Langdon Battery Coastguard Rescue Teams.

'HM Coastguard is only concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities.'

The Home Office told the MailOnline that UK authorities dealt with six incidents involving 103 people on Saturday, while French authorities prevented three boats with 29 people on board entering UK waters.

The department said it would comment later on the specific incident.

Though Britain's new trade deal came into force on January 1, and new laws on asylum seekers along with it, the rules remain largely the same for those attempting the crossing

HM Coastguard confirmed earlier today to the BBC that it was 'coordinating a search and rescue response' after receiving a report that the 'with approximately 30 people on board was in difficulty'. Pictured: An officer carries a person to shore

One boat carrying around 10 people was intercepted and brought into Dover Marina, Kent, shortly before 5am on January 2. Pictured: Emergency workers escort young migrants

Today's crossing comes after the first migrants crossed The Channel last week after the UK's exit from the EU.

One boat carrying around 10 people was intercepted and brought into Dover Marina, Kent, shortly before 5am on January 2.

Border Force towed the blue and white rigid hulled inflatable boat into the harbour before escorting the migrants up the gangway to be processed.

In 2020, four times as many migrants made the dangerous crossing than in 2019, official figures show, with more than 8,400 making the dangerous crossing, up from 1,844 the previous year.

In response to the MailOnline's request for comment, Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts Chris Philp said: 'People should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach and not risk their lives making a dangerous and illegally-facilitated crossing.

'The Government has taken substantial steps to tackle this unacceptable problem of illegal migration. These efforts have contributed to a 70% reduction in crossings since September on fair-weather days, by direct intervention on the French beaches. This means that we have been able to change the patterns of crossings that resulted in a surge of small boat activity 2018 and 2019.

'Post EU exit, this Government will work to fix the broken asylum system. Legislative changes to the law are being made to enable cases to be treated as inadmissible if they have travelled through a safe country. The Government will continue to seek to return those with no legal right to remain in the UK.'

Pictured: A lifeguard helps a young migrant down a flight of steps off a lifeboat on Saturday

Home Secretary Priti Patel signed a new deal with France at the end of November, after 757 people crossed, in an attempt to prevent crossings from disembarking from their shores

Groups of migrants attempted the perilous crossing either side of the end of the Brexit transition deal.

One group were rescued and brought to Dover on New Year's Eve and another were rescued by French officials on New Year's Day.

Though Britain's new trade deal came into force on January 1, and new laws on asylum seekers along with it, the rules remain largely the same for those attempting the crossing.

Britain has said it will no longer accept asylum claims at sea, paving a way for those crossing The Channel to be returned to France.

But the UK will not be permitted to do that until an agreement with France is reached.

Home Secretary Priti Patel signed a new deal with France at the end of November, after 757 people crossed, in an attempt to prevent crossings from disembarking from their shores.

She pledged up to 28milllion to double patrols along a 90-mile stretch of French coastline to scupper people smuggling gangs - seen as one of the root causes of the issue.

Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
With just a dozen days left in power, the Trump administration on Friday approved a radically different Medicaid financing system in Tennessee that for the first time would give the state broad authority in running the health insurance program for the poor in exchange for capping its annual federal funding.

The approval is a 10-year "experiment." Instead of the open-ended federal funding that rises with higher enrollment and health costs, Tennessee will instead get an annual block grant. The approach has been pushed for decades by conservatives who say states too often chafe under strict federal guidelines about enrollment and coverage and can find ways to provide care more efficiently.

The approval, however, faces an uncertain future because the incoming Biden administration is likely to oppose such a move. But to unravel it, officials would need to set up a review that includes a public hearing.

Meanwhile, the changes in Tennessee will take months to implement because they need final legislative approval, and state officials must negotiate quality of care targets with the administration.

TennCare, the state's Medicaid program, said the block grant system would give it unprecedented flexibility to decide who is covered and what services it will pay for.

It said the new arrangement would allow the state to keep part of the money it saves from operating the program more efficiently. Trump administration officials said the approach adds incentive for the state to save money, unlike the current system, in which increased state spending is matched with more federal dollars. If Medicaid enrollment grows, the state can secure additional federal funding. If enrollment drops, it will get less money.

"This groundbreaking waiver puts guardrails in place to ensure appropriate oversight and protections for beneficiaries, while also creating incentives for states to manage costs while holding them accountable for improving access, quality and health outcomes," said Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "It's no exaggeration to say that this carefully crafted demonstration could be a national model moving forward."

Opponents, including most advocates for low-income Americans, say the approach will threaten care for the 1.4 million people in TennCare, which includes children, pregnant women and the disabled. Federal funding covers two-thirds of the cost of the program.

Michele Johnson, executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center, said the block grant approval is a step backward for the state's Medicaid program.

"No other state has sought a block grant, and for good reason. It gives state officials a blank check and creates financial incentives to cut health care to vulnerable families," she said.

Democrats have fought back block grant Medicaid proposals since the Reagan administration and most recently in 2018 as part of Republicans' failed effort to repeal and replace major parts of the Affordable Care Act. Even some key Republicans opposed the idea because it would cut billions in funding to states that would make it harder to help the poor.

Implementing block grants via an executive branch action rather than getting Congress to amend Medicaid law is also likely to be met with court challenges.

The block grant approval comes as Medicaid enrollment is at its highest ever level.

More than 76 million Americans are covered by the state-federal health program, a million more than when the Trump administration took charge in 2017. Enrollment has jumped by more than 5 million in the past year as the economy slumped with the pandemic.

Medicaid, part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" initiative of the 1960s, is an entitlement program in which the government pays each state a certain percentage of the cost of care for anyone eligible for the health coverage. As a result, the more money states spend on Medicaid, the more they get from Washington.

Under the approved demonstration, CMS will work with Tennessee to set spending targets that will increase at a fixed amount each year.

The plan includes a "safety valve" to increase federal funding due to unexpected increases in enrollment.

"The safety valve will maintain Tennessee's commitment to enroll all eligible Tennesseans with no reduction in today's benefits for beneficiaries," CMS said in a statement.

Tennessee has committed to maintaining coverage for eligible beneficiaries and existing services.

In exchange for taking on this financing approach, the state will receive a range of operating flexibilities from the federal government, as well as up to 55% of the savings generated on an annual basis when spending falls below the aggregate spending cap and the state meets certain quality targets, yet to be determined.

The state can spend that money on various health programs for residents, including areas that Medicaid funding typically doesn't cover, such as improving transportation and education and employment.

The 10-year waiver is unusual, but the Trump administration has approved such long-term experiments in recent years to give states more flexibility.

Tennessee is one of 12 states that have not approved expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act that's left tens of thousands of working adults without health insurance.

"The block grant is just another example of putting politics ahead of health care during this pandemic," said Johnson of the Tennessee Justice Center. "Now is absolutely not the time to waste our energy and resources limiting who can access health care."

State officials applauded the approval.

"It's a legacy accomplishment," said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican. "This new flexibility means we can work toward improving maternal health coverage and clearing the waiting list for developmentally disabled."

"This means we will be able to make additional investments in TennCare without reduction in services and provider cuts."

KHN chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner contributed to this report.
New Delhi:

Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) has released a notification for 117 posts, including the post for Last Grade Servant.

The post has been made availble for July department test of Kerala PSC on its official website at psc.kerala.gov.in.

According to the notification at psc.kerala.gov.in , PSC has invited applications by interested and eligible candidates to apply for 117 posts that are available now in various categories by June 14, 2017.

Every year Kerala PSC send out recruitment notifications for filling up a number of vacancies. In order to apply for the recruitment process, candidates need to be at least 20 years of age and not older than 31 years. They need to an undergraduate degree from a recognised institute or university in any discipline.

The total posts of 117 include positions of LDC, laboratory technical assistant, Math Lecturer, Medical officer forest driver, pharmacist assistant professor in infectious disease, Assistant Professor in Higher Secondary school teacher, Confidential Assistant, Gastroenterology, Police Constable, Village field assistant any many others.

Kerala PSC 2017: Steps to apply for the recruitment process

- Visit the official website of Kerala Public Service Commission at keralapsc.gov.

-On the homepage, click on the link that says, One Time Registration

-As you enter the registration page, follow the given steps and enter the required information

-Once you have registered yourself, login

-Follow the instructions provided to apply

-Download and take a print out of the application form for further process

About Kerala Public Service Commissio:

The Kerala Public Service Commission is a body created by the Constitution of India. The Commission advise the Government on all matters relating to civil services referred to it under Article 320 (3) of the Constitution and publish notifications inviting applications for selection to various posts as per the requisitions of the appointing authorities, conduct written test and/or practical tests, physical efficiency test and interview, prepare ranked list based on the performance of the candidates and advise candidates for appointment strictly based on their merit and observing the rules of reservation as and when vacancies are reported.

For all the Latest Education News, Jobs News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
International economic integration was a bright spot in Vietnams external affairs activities in 2020, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has said.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son

Son told the media that the global economy and international economic links are developing in a complex fashion and are accompanied by multiple risks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a range of new challenges, he added, but also deepened the trend towards establishing links and sped up other new trends, leading to changes in economic and commercial management globally and spurring rapid digitalisation.

Vietnams activeness in international economic links has made it easier for the country to diversify its markets and partners, attract resources for development, and complete the target of rapid, sustainable recovery from the pandemic.

Notably, the Chairmanship of ASEAN and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in 2020 as well as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during the 2020-2021 period have helped Vietnam raise its voice within multilateral frameworks.

At the signing ceremony of the minutes of the conclusion of negotiations for UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (Photo: VNA)

However, unexpected changes to the global and regional economy have dampened efforts in realising the dual goals of fighting COVID-19 and promoting socio-economic development, international economic integration and economic ties between Vietnam and a number of partners, Son pointed out.

Vietnam overcame various challenges and difficulties to post significant achievements in development and foreign affairs during 2020.

International economic integration has made marked strides forward and become a bright spot in the countrys external affairs, with Vietnam becoming one of the countries taking the lead regionally in promoting and joining international economic links and bringing into full play external resources to serve national development.

As ASEAN Chair in 2020, it closely and effectively coordinated with other ASEAN members and partners to sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at the 37th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi.

With this success, ASEANs centrality and Vietnams ASEAN Chairmanship in particular were both bolstered, he emphasised.

Vietnam has worked to promote major initiatives on COVID-19 response within the ten-member bloc, which has been acknowledged by the international community, Son went on.

It has set up a network of 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) and frameworks for economic and commercial cooperation with the worlds leading economic centres.

The signing ceremony of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (Photo: VNA)

This has created momentum for Vietnam to reach its growth targets and conduct further comprehensive reform, thus moving ahead even further.

With its significant achievements and enhanced position and prestige in the international arena, Vietnam will join international economic links with a new profile, Son noted.

According to the Deputy Minister, Vietnam will give top priority to the implementation of commitments in FTAs and other economic cooperation mechanisms to which it is a signatory.

It will continue to perfect and expand its network of economic links and integration, both bilaterally and multilaterally, becoming a centre of economic integration at the global level, he stressed.

This is in line with the countrys foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, and the diversification and multilateralisation of Party and State relations.

In the new strategic period, under the leadership of the Party and the State, the diplomatic sector will continue its pioneering role in creating a peaceful and optimal environment, helping to elevate the countrys profile.

Economic diplomacy will remain a crucial task for the country, he affirmed, adding that the foreign ministry and Vietnamese representative offices abroad will optimise resources as well as the countrys role and position to contribute to completing the development policies, guidelines, and targets from now to 2045 to be put forth by the upcoming 13th National Party Congress, he said./. VNA
WEST POINT, Miss. (WTVA) - Assistant Police Chief Kennedy Meaders said the Clay County Board of Supervisors extended the curfew Tuesday to help lower coronavirus and crime rates.

Meaders said they also extended the curfew because bars and restaurants were staying open past the curfew.

We had a lot of officers out to just let them know that there is a zero tolerance for the curfew violations, he said.

Chief Meaders said officers had to issue a lot of citations to owners and residents over the holidays. Those who are given citations must appear in court.

"Most of the time you know, you just want to get them inside the court to let them know this is not what you are supposed to do. We need you to obey rules in order so we can lower this rate up, he said.

One change to the curfew is in the past people had to be in doors by 10 p.m. County supervisors are now giving residents an extra hour. Meaders said this gives people enough time to handle their affairs.

The curfew will continue until February 1st.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : When 29-year-old Afzal Alam along with a few friends reached the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) DOTS Centre on December 30, 2002, as a volunteer to participate in the clinical trial of the indigenously manufactured Bharat Biotechs Covaxin, his parents back home in Motihari in Bihar had no knowledge of this. Alam has been regularly donating blood at AIIMS. "Since I have been a blood donor for many years at AIIMs, I know a few doctors and when they brought up the issue of trials, I did not hesitate to take the jab as part of the clinical trial process," Alam said.

"I was keen to be part of this process and contribute to society, especially after so many people have died due to coronavirus," he told IndiaNarrative.com.

"There have been deaths due to Covid 19, people have lost jobs and livelihoods, I wanted to make a difference and support the clinical trial run, we need to put an end to this so that jobs are back and we can live normal life," Alam said.

"When we reached AIIMS DOTS centre for the trials, we were made to feel very comfortable by the doctors," he recalls.

On arrival at the centre, Alam's weight and height were measured.

"We were made to sit and all our questions were patiently answered by the doctors, there was no hurry. In fact, there was no forcing us for volunteering for the trials also and the choice was still open to me to turn back," he said.

"We were also told that financial support to the nominees would be provided in case of any disability or death," Alam added.

Alam, however, said that he never thought of turning back. "I was there and was determined to take the shot, there was no tension or fear and that is perhaps because of my overall association with AIIMs," the volunteer noted.

The doctors conducted an RTPC test on Alam after which the Covaxin shot was administered.

Alam and the other volunteers, who got the jabs, were discharged after being under observation for about 30-odd minutes.

Nine days have passed since Alam received his vaccine shot. He has experienced no side effects yet. "There is no fever or any other discomfort," Alam said, adding that for the first 48 hours, the doctors were in constant touch with the volunteers. After the first 48 hours, the doctors check once in two days.

Despite the shot, the volunteers are mandated to continue following the normal Covid-19 protocol which includes social distancing, wearing of the mask and washing hands.

"We have to continue with the Covid-19 protocol despite the vaccine and also the doctors have asked us to immediately report in case of any discomfort," he said.

Alam's next shot is due on January 27. He has been asked not to donate blood for three months. For other volunteers, family planning too is restricted for six months.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Napa Fire is able to backfill the shifts that these four firefighters would have worked, Mortimore said. During fire season, Napa Fire often has as many as 10 firefighters dispatched for special duty, he noted.

Theyre down there doing good work, said Mortimore, who said the four firefighters were staying in a hotel during their 12 hours off duty each day.

All four had already received their first shots of a COVID vaccine before state OES put in the request for medical volunteers, he said.

While working at Huntington Memorial, the Napa paramedics and EMTs will be gowning up, wearing their masks. They will be taking all kinds of precautions when theyre down there, Mortimore said.

Napa Fire is developing a protocol for how to handle these volunteers at the end of their three-week stint so there is no risk of their transmitting COVID to the public when they return to Napa, he said.

WATCH CALIFORNIA NURSES COPE WITH IMPACT OF VIRUS SURGE

SEE PHOTOS OF NAPAS ABC BAKERY THROUGH THE YEARS

You can reach City Editor Kevin Courtney at kcourtney@napanews.com or at 707-256-2217.

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.
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.

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.
Egypt repatriated on Friday two Egyptian citizens, a naval engineer and a naval officer, who had been kidnapped by pirates off the Nigerian coast.

The Egyptians were part of a multinational crew that was kidnapped on 26 November when their cargo ship, Milan, was hijacked off the coast of the southern Baylesa state, en route to Cameroon.

Amr Mahmoud Abbas, the assistant Egyptian foreign minister for consular affairs and Egyptian expatriates, received naval officer Saad Shawki and naval engineer Kirollos Samir once they returned to the country, a statement by the foreign ministry read.

The two citizens were released as a result of the efforts exerted by the Egyptian state, including the foreign ministry, through its embassy in Abuja, the statement said.

The ministry affirmed that once it was informed about the incident, it started communication with all the relevant authorities in Nigeria, whom it described as being cooperative and displaying concern.

It added that the embassys staff had followed up on developments continuously with the Nigerian authorities and the company that owned the hijacked ship, as well as with the embassies of the home countries of the other victims.

Short link:


Bay of Plenty

Ever thought of joining the civil construction industry? if so then this is your chance to get a foot in the door. We are...



View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Femi Falana is a Nigerian human rights lawyer and the legal lead on the case between the controversial Venezuelan diplomat, Alex Saab, and the Cape Verde authorities before the ECOWAS Court.

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Falana discloses how the detained controversial diplomat got entangled in the U.S and Venezuela governments political feud.

He also hinted on what the outcome of the case would say about the ECOWAS influence over its member states.

PT: Could you give PREMIUM TIMES an overview of the charges levied against the detained Venezuelan governments front man, Alex Saab?

Mr Falana: Well, Alex Saab is a Special Envoy of the Republic of Venezuela. He was on a special mission to Iran to procure humanitarian assistance when the aeroplane conveying him made a stopover to refuel in Cape Verde on June 12, 2020.

He was arrested on the basis of an Interpol warrant instigated by the United State of America.

As far as international law is concerned, being a Special Envoy of his country, he ought not to have been arrested. Even if he was arrested, once his country explains his status as a diplomat, under the Vienna Convention, that should have been the end of the matter.

But the U.S. claim to have filed charges against him in Florida, for which reason they wanted him extradited. From what I found out, there is no extradition treaty between Cape Verde and the U.S, even though both countries have ratified the United Nations convention against organised crimes but it goes beyond that.

The U.S has also gone further by subjecting that international convention law to its domestic law, saying unless we (the U.S) have an extradition treaty with a country, we are not going to extradite anybody.

What we are now asking is that, if you are not going to do that in the U.S, why are you asking Cape Verde to do that? It was at that stage that we were briefed, because the local court in Cape Verde had accepted the position of the U.S and their government by not listening to (the) law, considering his status as a diplomat, which entitled him to immunity.

PT: How best can you then explain the argument that Mr Saabs status as a diplomat was not obvious until his arrest in Cape Verde?

Mr Falana: Like I earlier said, he was on a special mission to Iran and made a brief stop in Cape Verde to refuel.

There was no plan to stop there and there was no way the Cabo Verdean authorities could be told in advance but as soon as he landed, this issue of the Interpol warrant came up and Venezuela clarified his status, that should have ended everything.

You either inform a country in advance or after the person must have landed, so there is no law that says I must tell you in advance that my diplomat is going to pass through your country. Cape Verde does not have an excuse.

In fact, the moment you were told that this is an envoy, that should have been the end of the matter because it is the decision of the government of Venezuela, not that of the U.S. or the Cape Verde.

PT: Could you explain why the judgement of the ECOWAS court is not being adhered to by Cape Verde Authorities?

Mr Falana: The ECOWAS gave its ruling on November 2, after taking arguments from both sides, the lawyers to Alex Saab as well as lawyers to the government of Cape Verde.

The ECOWAS court ordered that he should be allowed to stay in the house and be allowed access to medical doctors ending the determination of the case, which has been adjourned to the 5th of February.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cape Verde has flagrantly refused to comply with the order of the ECOWAS court, on the untenable ground that Cape Verde didnt sign the supplementary protocol on the ECOWAS court that empower the code to entertain human right ramifications.

The supplementary protocol came into effect on the 19th of January, 2005, when it was signed by 14 out of the 15 member states of the ECOWAS. Article 11 of the protocol provides that once it is signed by 9 member states it shall come into provision of force. In this instance, it was signed by 14.

That meeting was attended by the then Prime Minister of Cape Verde. The meeting took place in Accra, Ghana. He was there, but towards the tail end, he had to rush home to attend to an emergency. Hence, he didnt sign the supplementary protocol, but there has been no rejection of the protocol by Cape Verde.

As a matter of fact, in September 2009, when the Gambia wanted some amendments to the supplementary protocol, Cape Verde was among the countries that voted against the proposed amendment.

Furthermore, between then and now, Cape Verde has sponsored two of her nationals who are members of the court. The two judges decide cases together in the court along with their colleagues. As a matter of fact, the Alex Saab case before the ECOWAS court is being handled by three judges, including a Cape Verdean.

There has been resolutions of the court on the appointment of judges of the court, amendment on the rules of the court, which has been endorsed by the summit of the head of states, including Cape Verde.

In addition, there is a community of judges, made up of Chief Justices of member states of ECOWAS, the Chief Justice of Cape Verde is a member. That is the body in charge of the discipline of judges in the court.

So, as far as international law is concerned, Cape Verde cannot deny or claim that it is not bound by the supplementary protocol. It has also never disowned any of the instruments of the ECOWAS.

There is even another element to this case. On December 21, 2020, the government of Venezuela appointed Alex Saab as an Alternate Ambassador to the African Union. Again, as far as the law is concerned, even if you dont recognise the fact that he is a Special Envoy, you cannot question the fact that he is an ambassador, appointed by his country.

Cape Verde is still silent on this because they know that the moment that appointment takes effect, they can no longer detain him irrespective of the crime levied against him.

PT: What does the continued detention of Mr Saabs project about the continents (Africa) democratic tenets and international law?

Mr Falana: I must confess, the conduct of Cape Verde is very strange and alien to democratic practise. Once you subscribe to an international human instrument or treaties, you are binded by the provisions and you cannot go back to your own country and disobey the treaty.

In this particular instance, the conduct of Cape Verde is embarrassing and subversive of regional integration. It is an action that should not be tolerated and we are taking it up with the ECOWAS commission so that no state in the region will disregard the revised treaty and other protocols, and pretend not to be binded by the organization.

Once you are a member of ECOWAS you must comply not only with its revised treaties of member states but also the decision of its organs.

We have filed a contempt proceeding to the summit of head of states to impose sanctions on Cape Verde having violated the article 77 of the revised treaty as well as Article 24 of the supplementary protocol.

PT: Considering his health condition and his status as a Venezuelan diplomat, what do you portend could be the fate of Mr Saab if Cabo Verde authorities continue to negate ECOWAS and the U.S successfully extradite him?

Mr Falana: Again, I wouldnt want to talk on this because we have put some legal process in motion and until the law and due process have been fully exhausted, we would not expect both Cape Verde and America to disregard the rule of law as far as this matter is concerned.

We are hopeful and confident that justice would be served; the U.S as well as Cape Verde, as members of an international community, would be expected to comply with the rule of law.

PT: How best do you think the ECOWAS court can actually ensure that justice is served on this case?

Mr Falana: I believe the ECOWAS court, at the end of the day, will decide based on the facts and evidence before it as well as the position of the law. These will form the basis of the decision of the court and that is when you can say that justice has been done in a case.

We are very confident that the ECOWAS court will not disappoint but ensure that justice is served in this case.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! contestant Ash Williams has been charged with recording intimate images of a woman without her consent.

The 38-year-old comedian has vowed to fight the allegations when he faces a Sydney court next month.

Police will allege that Williams took screenshots of a woman without her knowledge while they were engaging in phone sex.

Charged: I'm a Celebrity  Get Me Out Of Here! contestant Ash Williams, 38, (pictured) has been charged with recording intimate images of a women without her consent

The incident allegedly took place in November, while Ash was in lockdown ahead of his debut on I'm A Celebrity.

'In November 2020, officers from Inner West Police Area Command received a report of an offence allegedly committed by a 38-year-old man,' NSW Police told NCA NewsWire.

'Following further investigations, the man was charged with intentionally record intimate image without consent on Friday, 18 December, 2020.

'I'm really upset': Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph , Williams said the allegation has left him feeling 'shocked and confused'

Williams is scheduled to appear at Newtown Local Court on Monday February 1, 2021.

Williams said the allegation has left him feeling 'shocked and confused'.

'I was completely blindsided by the allegation and I propose to defend the charge. Im really upset by the allegation and Im distressed about the impact its had on members of my family, particularly my mum,' he said.

Surprising work: Last week Ash revealed his raunchy job to his campmates on I'm A Celebrity. He told Grant Denyer and Toni Pearen his customers would 'buy a shot and then you'd get a chaser,' he said, pointing to his nipple, 'with whipped cream

'It involves someone I was in love with and had been seeing faithfully in a committed and long term relationship. The allegation has left me feeling shocked and confused. I dont propose to make any further comment and look forward to resolving the matter in court.'

Williams made headlines last week after he revealed on I'm A Celebrity that he used to let men suck his nipples for money when he worked as a 'shot boy' in the US.

'I thought, "$20?" and he was like "Deal". So then I had a line for nipple sucks. You'd buy a shot and then you'd get a chaser,' he told his fellow campmates, pointing to his nipple, adding 'with whipped cream'.

On Friday, footage resurfaced of the comedian's West Hollywood club days.

The video originated from a Studio 10 interview Williams took part in back in 2015, where he explained that he had used up the money saved from his radio career in Australia in his first 18 months of living in Los Angeles.

But instead of flying home and begging for his radio job back, he stuck with it and opted to do odd jobs.

He explained that his first job was serving shots at a gay bar.

Wild! On Friday, Footage surfaced of Ash Williams working in a gay club and letting men lick whipped cream off his nipples for cash

The funnyman revealed that he was only earning $1 from each of the $4 shots, which benefitted the bar owner, but figured out a way he could make more money.

'It was my first job and I was out of money,' he explained at the time.

'So I started off with $2 for a hug, $5 for a photo and $10 for a nipple suck.'

Best foot forward: Williams also raised eyebrows on I'm A Celebrity last week when he revealed that he'd previously sold pictures of his feet for cash

Ash then insisted the job was 'good money'.

In the footage, Ash was seen serving shots to male patrons, before he let them spray whipped cream on his chest, which they licked off.

Williams also raised eyebrows on I'm A Celebrity last week when he revealed that he'd previously sold pictures of his feet for cash.

Close up: Most of the images are quite tame - showing Ash dangling his feet by a pool, or tasteful close ups of his handsome tootsies

Several of Williams' foot photos remain posted to WikiFeet, a website some have dubbed 'OnlyFans for feet', where it lists his shoe size as a 12, and rates his pictures 4.5 out of 5.

Most of the images are quite tame - showing Ash dangling his feet by a pool, or tasteful close ups of his handsome tootsies.

One slightly racier photo showed Ash wearing nothing but a Santa hat as he posed with a present pressed to his crotch.

Also available on WikiFeet are screen shots from the 2012 'tickling video' that Ash starred in, which he was paid $350 to star in.

In that video, the shirtless hunk is strapped to a table, with leather restraints around his ankles, as an unknown person tickles the soles of his feet.
West Bengal governor's meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah has been rescheduled. Meanwhile, BJP President JP Nadda is all set to kickstart BJPs political campaign which is aimed at garnering the support of farmers in the state of Bengal.

The meeting that was supposed to take place between Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Home Minister Amit Shah today has now been rescheduled to a later date. The parties were to reportedly discuss the matters relating to the state of governance in West Bengal. Earlier Dhankhar had met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however the former claimed that it had merely been a courtesy meet with no official matters being discussed.

Since coming to power, Dhankhar has remained in open opposition to the TMC government, frequently holding them responsible for the worsening situation of law and order in the state. Further fueling the fire, BJP leaders have been demanding enforcement of Presidents Rule in Bengal, citing a collapse of the rule of law as the reason. This backdrop gives significant importance to the meeting that will be taking place between the West Bengal governor and Union Home Minister in the future.

Meanwhile, BJP President JP Nadda is all set to kickstart BJPs political campaign which is aimed at garnering the support of farmers in the state of Bengal. The political campaign, Ek Muthi Chawal (a fistful of rice), is aimed at reaching out to 73 lakh farmers across the state, to explain to them the farm laws and their benefits. Nadda has reached the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, which is also known as the states rice bowl to kickstart the campaign. JP Nadda held a roadshow there today.

While addressing the crowd in Bardhaman, Nadda remarked that BJP will form the government in West Bengal and will help the farmers there.

Amidst escalating tensions the Governor of West Bengal, Jagdeep Dhankar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah today. After the meeting, the Governor tweeted, Had a more than hour interaction as regards of various facets of state affairs @mamataofficial. Traversed issues of concern.

My heart pains that ignoring constitutional provisions, a child of Maa Bharti is called an outsider in West Bengal because he doesnt belong to the state. Were all the children of Maa Bharti & we believe in our unity. No person living in this land can be an outsider said the Governor in statement.

#BreakingNews | BJP President JP Nadda arrives in West Bengal and kickstarts the 'Ek Muthi Chawal' Campaign. pic.twitter.com/6fgGdiVJIi  NewsX (@NewsX) January 9, 2021

Also read:Bird flu scare: Centre confirms bird flu in 6 states, Haryana to cull 1.6L birds

Also read:Indias vaccine rollout delayed over pricing

The political move comes ahead of a special legislative assembly scheduled by TMC to bypass farm laws passed by the centre amid the ongoing farmers protests. Opposing the move, TMC has called the symbolic procurement of rice ridiculous and insignificant.

Further, AIMIM who is contesting for Muslim voter base in West Bengal has received a major shock with its acting West Bengal chief, SK Abdul Kalam along with several other party members switching sides by joining TMC ahead of assembly polls.

Also read: Mission Vaccine: Pan-India 2nd Dry Run today; Harsh Vardhan reviews preparedness
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey says constituents possibly upset by comments U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks made before and after Wednesdays riot and violence at the U.S. Capitol should let him know  maybe even at the ballot box.

She also said the member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents much of North Alabama does not speak for everyone in her political party or her state.

Ivey also said she does not support efforts to remove President Donald Trump from office.

Brooks spoke at the rally of Trump supporters held before some of those assembled decided to breach barriers and riot in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Five people died during the violence  including an Athens man who had a medical emergency in the area. He was not part of the crowd that swarmed the Capitol. (Read more here)

And a Falkville man is charged with having Molotov cocktails at the rally. (Read more here)

Among some of Brooks comments that have drawn criticism at the rally to denounce what attendees call a fraudulent election of President-elect Joe Biden:

Today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass.

Now our ancestors sacrificed their blood, their sweat, their tears, their fortunes and sometimes their lives to give us, their descendants, an America that is the greatest nation in the world's history.  So I have a question for you: Are you willing to do the same?"

Trump also spoke at the rally.

Brooks has denounced the violence and said that Trump supporters who were part of the mob should be prosecuted. (Read more here)

But hes come under fire for saying that the riot primarily consisted of Antifa members out to make Trump and his supporters look bad.

Ivey said this in a statement to WAAY 31:

Everyone should be held accountable for the words they use. Ive long believed that as elected officials, we should be held to a higher level of accountability.

If the people of the 5th District believe their views are not being properly represented, then they need to express their disappointment directly to Congressman Brooks and, if necessary, hold him accountable at the ballot box.

Moreover, it should be noted, he does not speak for all Republicans, much less all Alabamians.

In her statement to WAAY 31, Ivey also touched on how Wednesday's violence has impacted her, and shared her hope for a peaceful path forward.

Like all Americans, I am deeply saddened and troubled by the events that occurred on Wednesday in the seat of our republic. I extend heartfelt prayers to those who were killed and injured in the violence. All Americans need to press pause on divisive rhetoric, take a step back and do some deep soul-searching on how we got to this point of pain, ugliness and loss of life.

One of the hallmarks of our system of government is the orderly transition of power after an election. Vice President Pence has stated that he has no intention of invoking the 25th Amendment, and I do not believe a partisan impeachment would do anything other than further divide our nation. Invoking the 25th Amendment would create more chaos and would only incite further violence. I join the president in calling for calm and stability and pledge the resources of our state to ensure a peaceful transition of government if they are needed.
UNFPA in Vietnam provides medical equipment and supplies to ensure uninterrupted provision of sexual and reproductive health services in COVID-19 context

The medical equipment and supplies will be distributed to prioritized district hospitals located in the Northern Mountain and Central Highland, as well as some central provinces which have been heavily affected by the recent floods.

These essential medical equipment and supplies were delivered to Vietnams Ministry of Health in the handover ceremony held this morning attended by Phan Le Thu Hang, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Finance of the Ministry of Health and Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam.

Since the first positive case was reported, the government of Vietnam has taken proactive actions to contain COVID-19. As of January 4, there are 1,494 confirmed cases with 35 deaths.

A recent UNFPAs modeling study estimated that in the worst-case scenario, maternal deaths could increase by 65 per cent in the country in 2020, equivalent to additional 443 maternal deaths, as a negative impact of COVID-19.

This can reverse developmental gains that Vietnam has achieved in the last several years, possibly threatening the achievement of SDG 3. As seen globally throughout 2020 and at the beginning of last year in Vietnam, COVID-19 can stretch and overwhelm the health system, and pregnant women tend to postpone or cancel antenatal care visits and other pregnancy-related appointments due to fear of infection. This can prevent the identification of pregnancy risks and complications, which can lead to unnecessary maternal deaths.

Today, we are delivering medical equipment and supplies to complement the efforts of the Government in containing COVID-19 to make sure essential SRH services are provided in a continuous way. COVID-19 is not yet a matter of the past even in a successful country like Vietnam in containing it. Now is the time to prepare health facilities and workers to protect pregnant women, said Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam.

Dr Phan Le Thu Hang, Deputy Director of the Planning and Finance Department highly appreciated UNFPA's support and affirmed that Protecting all peoples health during the COVID-19 epidemic is the top priority of the Government, especially for pregnant women who reside in ethnic minority and disasters affected regions. To protect health workers is vital to effectively combat the COVID-19.

Pregnancy and childbirth do not stop in the pandemic situation. Lets put the brakes on COVID-19 and its negative impact and safeguard the health and the right of women and girls - now, added Kitahara at the handover ceremony.

UNFPA is working to ensure that the supply of modern contraceptives and reproductive health commodities is maintained and that midwives and other health personnel have the personal protective equipment they need to stay safe. Sexual and reproductive health is a human right. UNFPA calls upon its partners to support our COVID-19 response to procure and deliver essential supplies for people who are most at risk such as pregnant women and women at risk of gender-based violence.

UNFPA is the UNs sexual and reproductive health agency, working towards a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young persons potential is fulfilled.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Solvay native was among the United States Capitol Police officers injured during the riots Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Officer Joshua Call, a 2013 graduate of Solvay High School, suffered minor injuries and has since returned to work.

Call was on the front lines while defending our nations Capitol, Solvay police said in a Facebook post.

A Solvay police detective, who is close with Call, said that Call was not authorized to speak publicly about the events Wednesday. One Capitol police officer died and more than 50 others were injured when pro-Trump rioters stormed, vandalized and took over the Capitol.

Thank you to Josh, and all of the brave men and women protecting our nations Capitol, Solvay police said.

U.S. Capitol Police did not immediately return a request for more information.

Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci.

The goal here is to identify people and get them, Mr. Kohl said.

The Washington police have also arrested dozens, mostly on charges of unlawful entry and curfew violations.

One of the most serious federal cases involved Lonnie L. Coffman of Falkville, Ala. In the bed of his truck, officers found what they described as an M4 assault rifle and magazines loaded with ammunition. They also found rags, lighters and 11 glass Mason jars filled with a liquid later identified as gasoline.

Bomb technicians determined that they were meant to be turned into Molotov cocktails  small, hand-thrown fire bombs. Mr. Coffman was arrested when he tried to return to his truck around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. The police found two handguns in his pants pockets, a 9-millimeter handgun in his right front pocket and a .22-caliber pistol in his left front pocket.

When questioned by the police, Mr. Coffman said his Mason jars contained melted Styrofoam and gasoline, which would have behaved similarly to napalm when ignited.

Also among those arrested was Derrick Evans, a newly elected lawmaker from West Virginia, Mr. Kohl said. Mr. Evans posted video to his Facebook page of him filming as he stood among the crowd outside a Capitol door, shouting, There we go! Open the door! and chanting, Our house! Our house! before rushing inside. Were going in! he added.

Though he deleted the video, the F.B.I. found a copy on Reddit.

Another man taken into custody, Richard Barnett, 60, from Gravette, Ark., had posted a picture on social media of himself sitting at a desk in Ms. Pelosis office with his feet up and had said he expected to be arrested. Ill probably be telling them this is what happened all the way to the D.C. jail, Mr. Barnett told a reporter later on Wednesday.

The images of Mr. Barnett were shocking and repulsive, said Jeffrey A. Rosen, the acting attorney general.
The U.S. recorded its five deadliest days in less than two weeks with more than 4,000 COVID-19 deaths reported on Thursday.

More COVID-19 deaths over the next weeks

The United States' total rate of COVID-19 deaths climbed to over 365,300 as per the Johns Hopkins University data. Simultaneously, some 115,000 people could lose life over the next four weeks based on the projection of the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

CNN reported that the pandemic is not showing any signs of declining. Instead, states are reporting an increase in number of cases. In just two days, California recorded more than 1,000 COVID-19 deaths. Hospitalization is at record high-levels with approximately 23,000 patients admitted with COVID-19.

Meanwhile, one person dies of COVID-19 every eight minutes in Los Angeles, while Arizona's top health official claimed Thursday that the "coming out on Christmas holiday" made the state's COVID-19 cases go an inch upward.

In a video message, the director of the state's Department of Health Services, Dr. Cara Christ, said, "Cases and percent positivity are rising, as are inpatient and intensive care unit beds occupied by those with COVID-19. Regrettably, deaths from COVID-19 follow these trends."

For the fifth day in-a-row, Texas reported record-high COVID-19 hospitalizations. The state's second-largest county, Dallas, had only 13 adult OCI beds available on Wednesday, as per County Judge Clay Jenkins' tweet.

It will be months before the vaccinations are widespread enough to make a significant impact in the COVID-19 pandemic's course while they are now several weeks in, experts warned. On Thursday, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the vaccine rollout needs a couple of weeks to catch up. However, if it does not happen, experts need to make changes.

Read also: CDC Warns of Possible Surge in COVID-19 Cases as Eviction Ban Nears End

COVID-19 deaths rise as several states report UK variant cases

More states revealed cases of the U.K. COVID-19 variant across the country. On Thursday, Harris County health officials found a case of the U.K. variant from a man with no travel history, which concludes that the variant has been circulated locally.

Other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Georgia, and Colorado have confirmed cases of the variant. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced the state's first two cases that had recently traveled outside the states, one to New York, and the other to Ireland.

Despite the spread of the new COVID-19 variant, experts claimed that the vaccines are more likely to protect against it.

According to Daily Mail, the U.S. has reported record-high COVID-19 deaths among Americans on Thursday with 4,085, for the third day in-a-row.

The report broke the previous records of 3,775 set Tuesday and 3,865 on Wednesday. The highest number of new COVID-19 cases was reported in the first week of 2021, even as the slowdown of data from the holiday period is still affecting the accuracy of the report.

A total of 274,703 coronavirus infections were reported on Thursday alone; the highest number of cases ever recorded in a single day. California remains the worst-hit state in the U.S., which reported a two-day record total of more than 1,000 deaths.

There have been over 21.5 million COVID-19 infected Americans and 365,346 deaths across the country. Besides, the country beat its previous highs for hospitalizations and deaths. The seven-day death average is now at 2,782 daily.

Aside from the seven-day average of deaths, the new daily COVID-19 cases rose to 229,650 as Texas, California, and Florida reported 80,000 cases alone, as per The COVID Tracking Project.

Read also: Asymptomatic Cases Cause Virus Infection to Spread in the US, Researchers Say

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Mark Huffman edits copy and occasionally writes some, too. He's been a journalist since newspapers had typewriters and darkrooms.
Washington: After President Donald Trump incited a mob of his supporters who violently stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, Congress is once again weighing whether to impeach him, this time with only days remaining in his term.

It is an extraordinary circumstance raising political, constitutional and logistical questions rarely contemplated in American history. No president has ever been impeached twice or in his waning days in office, and none has ever been convicted.

Could this be the end of Donald Trump's political career? Credit:AP

Given the brevity of his time left in the White House and the gravity of his conduct, lawmakers are also looking at a provision in the constitution's impeachment clauses that could allow them to bar Trump from ever holding federal office again.

Democrats are driving the process so far, but some Republicans have indicated they would be open to hearing a case. Here is what we know about how the process might work.
RTHK: Deadly snowstorms wreak havoc across Spain

Snowstorms across much of Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and closing the capital's air and rail links, with more falls to come Saturday.

On Friday, Madrid experienced its heaviest snowfalls since 1971 after what the AEMET weather agency described as "exceptional and most likely historic" conditions caused by Storm Filomena.

It warned that another 20 centimetres was expected to fall Saturday in Madrid and central Spain's lower plains, with up to 50 centimetres at higher altitudes.

"Even if, despite the extremely difficult weather conditions, the number of incidents is relatively limited, we have three deaths to mourn," Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska told a news conference.

Apart from Madrid, the exceptional conditions put another four regions in the centre of the country on red alert Saturday: Aragon, Valencia, Castilla La Mancha and Catalonia.

On Twitter, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on people to stay indoors and follow the instructions of the emergency services.

He paid tribute to the work of the rescue agencies who had helped hundreds of people trapped in the show overnight.

Madrid's Barajas airport was shut down late Friday, transport officials said the snowfall disrupted traffic on nearly 400 roads, and the Renfe rail network said all trains to and from Madrid had been cancelled.

Madrid's emergencies agency said they had worked all night to help trapped motorists, freeing a thousand vehicles.

They asked others still stuck to be patient. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Avana, a division of Emmbi Industries, a leading manufacturing company in the field of Packaging, Water Conservation, Human Safety and Crop protection has announced Sayaji Shinde as its official brand ambassador. The actor who is a crowd favorite amongst the regional audiences spanning multiple states is the new face of the segment that was launched in 2016 and has since pulled countless Indian farmers out of poverty with its unique end-to-end water conservation solutions and leading pond-lining products.

Mr. Sayaji Shinde, who hails from a farmers family in the Satara District of Maharashtra, is a renowned artist who has delivered stellar performances and blockbusters in Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Gujarati, and Hindi language cinema and has also acted in several critically acclaimed Marathi Plays. Additionally, the star has produced a handful of Marathi movies and is the recipient of four Filmfare nominations recognizing his acting prowess. He is also a passionate environmental activist, who has campaigned for tree plantation and conservation, overseeing the planting of over 20,000 trees in around 10 villages in the Satara district, and is closely associated with the NGO Sahyadri Devrai, responsible for planting 2,90,317 trees in Western Maharashtra.

Ms. Maithili Appalwar, CEO of Avana stated, We are very excited to have on board with us such a huge name from the film industry, who has spent his life entertaining the masses, and is the perfect choice to represent a brand such as ours, whose motto has always been to serve the hardworking farmers and people of our country. Mr. Sayaji is a true environmentalist, who has always used his platform to shed light on important causes like afforestation, and we are confident that his enormous regional appeal will be greatly instrumental in raising awareness on water management and our products unique offerings across the heart of India.

Mr. Sayaji Shinde stated, I am happy to be associated with a business that has helped farmers in their daily work and is synonymous with trust, staying true to its motto Kisaan Sukhi Bhava. I believe that farmers are the backbone of our economy, being the proud son of a farmer, and I am delighted to endorse such an ingenious product that helps them use water judiciously and is also beneficial for our environment.

Avana Industries has successfully installed its leading water conservation products in 11,000 plus ponds owned by farmers, helping to conserve a whopping 54.0 Billion Litres of Water in just a few years, which has resulted in a documented raise of 98.7% in the farmers income. The conserved water from Avanas solutions has today also helped innumerable farmers set up flourishing side businesses, resulting in a complete turnaround for their trade and lives.
Dont speak to us of the United Nations. We have nothing to do with the UN; we are averse to the United Nations Organisation (not to its charter) [You] should have patience in seeking to resolve the Kashmir issue; havent we already waited for seven or eight years on the Taiwan issue? Premier Zhou Enlai of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) had made these remarks in Beijing on February 16, 1957, to Pakistani Ambassador Ahmed, who had brought him a letter from Pakistani Premier HS Suhrawardy.

The Chinese premier added that the imperialists will make use of the disagreements to instigate a conflict. Now, the UN is once more getting involved; this is very dangerous. Nothing good comes from UN involvement; thus, we are worried about the possibility of a local conflictImperialists want to make use of discord between Asian countries to instigate conflicts and profit from them; they are happy to see a conflict in Kashmir. These minutes are sourced from the digital archive of the Washington DC-based Woodrow Wilson Center.

On January 5, Global Times, a prominent Chinese State-affiliated newspaper, summed up in an editorial the convergence between China and Pakistan on J&K. The editorial quoted the foreign ministers of both countries as they invoked the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.

The occasion was the 72nd anniversary of the Security Council Resolutions adopted on January 5, 1949, at UNHQ in New York, which stated that the question of the accession of the State of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan will be decided through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite. The resolution had detailed prerequisites for the plebiscite, including the withdrawal from the State of J&K of tribesmen and Pakistani nationals from its present-day Pakistan-controlled parts.

The first time China invoked the resolution was in 1964, when Premier Zhou Enlai visited Pakistan, and along with President Ayub Khan expressed the hope that the Kashmir dispute would be resolved in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir as pledged to them by India and Pakistan. The change in the PRCs position to involve the UN on J&K came after the 1963 Sino-Pakistan Frontier Agreement between Ayub Khan and Zhou Enlai that ceded a part of the former princely state of J&K to China.

In 1971, the PRC replaced the Republic of China (RoC, or Taiwan) in the UNSC, a move facilitated by the US-PRC detente. One of the frequently invoked positions of the PRC in the UNSC is the need to respect sovereignty and peaceful resolution of issues. It draws a distinction between human rights issues and those pertaining to peace and security and argues that the discussion of issues should be platform-centric.

For instance, in October 2018, the PRC objected to taking up the discussion on the report of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC)s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Myanmar in the General Assembly and the Security Council. The FFM was a derivative of the 2017 Rohingya crisis. PRCs argument was that the appropriate forum for discussing human rights issues is Geneva, the HQ of the HRC, and not New York, the HQ of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.

In fact, on J&K, in March 1994, the PRC, along with the Islamic Republic of Iran, bailed India out when Pakistan moved a resolution at the HRC at Geneva seeking a fact-finding mission to J&K. However, the events since August 2019 have taken a different trajectory in the backdrop of the multi-dimensional alliance between China and Pakistan.

Apart from requesting a discussion on J&K in the Security Council three times since August 2019, the August 2020 statement of the Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministers during their second annual strategic dialogue had a similar substantive tone. On December 1, PM Imran Khan deeply appreciated Chinas support on J&K, particularly after August 5, 2019.

Chinas recent aggressive diplomacy on J&K, including using its P-5 perch and aggressive posture along the Line of Actual Control, is no surprise. This comes in the backdrop of the strengthening of economic and military ties with Pakistan. Firstly, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), in the period 2015-19, nearly 35% of Chinas arms exports have been to Pakistan, accounting for 73% of Pakistans total arms imports.

On November 30, the two countries inked an MoU to enhance defence cooperation. Secondly, a part of the undivided J&K, i.e., Gilgit-Baltistan, which is controlled by Pakistan, is at the heart of the PRCs ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a part of the vaunted Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The evidence is clear that Chinas recent diplomatic initiatives on J&K are dictated by its current strategic and tactical interests. This clearly fits in with the past pattern, rather than its genuine concern about regional peace and security.

(The writer is the author of Across the LoC, published by Columbia University Press)
Texas Senator Ted Cruz faces calls to resign following his involvement in challenging the Electoral College vote certification ((Reuters))

One of Texass leading newspapers has called for the resignation of Senator Ted Cruz following his involvement in challenging the certification of the 2020 election results.

The Houston Chronicles editorial board published a scathing piece on Friday, blaming the firebrand Texas senator for his role in encouraging the pro-Trump riots that took place at the US Capitol on 6 January.

Cruz had helped spin that web of deception and now he was feigning concern that millions of Americans had gotten caught up in it, the editorial read.

Mr Cruz was one of dozens of Republican lawmakers who objected to the certification of the Electoral College votes from particular states won by president-elect Joe Biden.

The Texas senator joined Senators Josh Hawley of Missouri, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Roger Marshall of Kansas, and John Kennedy of Louisiana in an attempt to throw out the election results in Arizona. Mr Cruz also joined with six other senators to try to overturn the Pennsylvania results.

While senators and representatives were debating the objections on Wednesday, proceedings were interrupted when the Capitol building was breached by a mob of Trump supporters who had gathered at a stop the steal rally over the election results in DC.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Following the riot, Mr Cruz tweeted that yesterday's terrorist attack was a horrific assault on our democracy. Every terrorist needs to be fully prosecuted. He also told Fox News that there would be a peaceful transfer of power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden.

But Mr Cruz has faced blame for his involvement in firing up the rioters and making people believe Congress would have the power to change the presidential election results.

Those terrorists wouldnt have been at the Capitol if you hadnt staged this absurd challenge, the Chronicles editorial read.

Were done with drama, opportunism, cynical scheming that has now cost American lives, it continued. Resign and deliver Texas from the shame of calling you our senator.

Story continues

The San Antonio Express-News, another local newspaper in Texas, has also called for the removal of Mr Cruz from office. If we seek a turning point in support of democracy, then those who have damaged it must be sanctioned and repudiated, the editorial board writes.

The newspaper was seeking the expulsion of Mr Cruz from his position in the Senate.

Mr Cruz was not the only senator facing calls to resign following the riots. Mr Hawley, the Republican freshman senator from Missouri, has also come under scrutiny. He was the first senator to announce the plan to publicly challenge the Electoral College certification.

After the riots, Congress returned to the Capitol to finish certifying the election results. Some senators and House members who had vowed to object to the certification changed their minds following the days violence. But Mr Hawley went ahead with his objections.

Mr Hawley claimed that it was imperative of Congress to have the debate and raise concerns about the election, despite providing little to no proof that would overturn any state results.

Missouris Kansas City Star, Mr Hawleys home-state newspaper, issued a damning editorial that placed the failed insurrection on his shoulders, writing that he "has blood on his hands in Capitol coup attempt.

No one other than President Donald Trump himself is more responsible, the editorial continued.

Five people died in the riots, including a Capitol Police officer who was struck on the head by a fire extinguisher. A female rioter was fatally shot by an officer.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers have also criticised Mr Hawley and Mr Cruz for their involvement in the riots. Nebraska Republican Senator Ben Sasse called Mr Hawley's challenge to the certification really dumbass.

Mr Hawleys mentor, former Republican Senator John Danforth, even distanced himself following the riots. "Supporting Josh and trying so hard to get him elected to the Senate was the worst mistake I ever made in my life," Mr Danforth told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Both Mr Cruz and Mr Hawley will not face re-election until 2024.

Read More

Calls mount for Cruz and Hawley to step down: Broken their oath

AOC calls for Cruz and Hawley to resign

Republicans recoil from Missouri Sen. Hawley after siege
Teen With Facial Difference Almost Ages Out of Adoption, Until Adoptive Mom Arrives to Bring Her Home

A teenage girl, abused and abandoned as a child, almost aged out of adoption in India before a forever family arrived in the nick of time. From her new home in Maryland, United States, the teen penned a heartfelt essay about her life-changing adoption experience, and the piece went viral.

Sony was formally adopted out of her group foster home by Shannon Regan, a single parent at the time, in February 2020, before the global pandemic could prevent the move from taking place. Sony was just weeks away from her 15th birthday on June 3.

Shannon and Sonys first night meeting in India. (Courtesy of Shannon Regan)

I was almost too old to get adopted, because when children reach a certain age, they can never be adopted, Sony, who has a facial difference owing to a missing bone at birth and physical abuse, wrote in her essay.

This means they wont ever have a family, they might become sad, drunk, homeless, take drugs, commit crime, have problems, and not be safe.

Shannon is now raising Sony and two other children, Alex Gregory, 17, and Chelsea Regan, 12, with her fiance, Jay Marsh. Chelsea, who has cerebral palsy and is functionally blind, was adopted from China in 2019.

Shannon hosting a tea party with Chelsea, Sony, and their nanny. (Courtesy of Shannon Regan)

If I hadnt gone over there and got the final approval to bring [Sony] home, she definitely would still not be home, Shannon considered. She was at risk of aging out.

Shannon told KHOU11 that from the moment she understood the meaning of the word orphan, she had always wanted to adopt.

After settling into home life in Maryland during the lockdown, Sony found a new focus: She wants to help other children in need find adoptive homes and encourage parents to consider adopting an older child.

Sonys essay continues:

I know people are scared to adopt older children because they think that child might hurt the parents or family or [the] child wont love them and wont fit in. Actually, I know the adopted child can make your family life better. Adopted children do love their new family even when it feels hard at first. Having parents has helped me know I am important, loved, I have a new life, I can be my best, and I am safe.

Shannon shared her daughters handwritten essay on Facebook, explaining, She wishes to help families who want to adopt but are afraid  Im very proud of her for writing this and wanting to change lives.

Adoptive sisters Sony and Chelsea. (Courtesy of Shannon Regan)

In India, the teens facial difference held her back. She was not able to attend school because she was bullied by kids and educators, Shannon explained.

While moving to the States has also entailed challenges for Sony, her adoptive parents, and her siblings, the whole family is taking each day as it comes. There has been a lot of trust on her part that there is a world out there, here, Shannon reflected, we just need to get out there safely.

A family Christmas photo, taken shortly after Sonys facial reconstructive surgery. (Courtesy of Shannon Regan)

Shannon and Jay were supported throughout the adoption process by Reeces Rainbow, a special-needs adoption support group.

Sharing a family Christmas photo with The Epoch Times, Shannon explained that Sony had facial reconstructive surgery in November. She encourages other prospective parents to pursue adoption with both their heads and their hearts, claiming that her two adopted daughters have completely enriched her life.

They have changed me for the better, she said.

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
Metro Video

A man was shot dead early Saturday at a southwest Houston apartment complex, officials said.

Police responded around 4:30 a.m. to an apartment complex at 6550 Hillcroft in the Sharpstown area, where they found the man fatally shot, according to the Houston Police Department.
Iran has granted a three-day medical release for internationally renowned human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, her husband said Friday.

"Nasrin came on medical leave for three days a few hours ago to continue her treatment," Reza Khandan tweeted, along with a picture of him and Sotoudeh.

The 57-year-old Iranian attorney is serving a more than 30-year prison sentence after her March 2019 conviction on seven charges related to her legal work, which included defending Iranian women arrested for taking off their hijabs. She must serve 12 years before she is eligible for parole.

Sotoudeh's health has deteriorated in prison, and her husband says she suffers from chronic gastrointestinal and foot issues. In August, Sotoudeh launched a 45-day hunger strike  her second since her June 2018 jailing  to protest the detention of other political prisoners. She was hospitalized the next month due to heart and respiratory problems.

On Nov. 7, the prosecutors office ordered her temporary release from the Qarchak womens prison on medical grounds. After Sotoudeh tested positive for COVID-19, she was granted a two-week release extension before she was returned to the notorious prison Dec. 2.

In November, a group of United Nations human rights experts called for Sotoudehs immediate release and urged Iran to quash her convictions.

Sotoudehs convictions and prison sentences still stand despite a multitude of evidence that shows the arbitrary, unlawful and disproportionate nature of these decisions, the UN experts wrote.

Sotoudehs human rights work has long been a thorn in the side of Irans authorities. She was imprisoned between 2010 and 2013 on charges of spreading propaganda against the system and acting against national security.

Iran is holding a number of high-profile prisoners on charges rights groups and foreign governments describe as politically motivated. The United States has repeatedly called on Iran to release Iranian Americans Morad Tahbaz and Siamak and Baquer Namazi. Australian British academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert was freed in November.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

The Armenian president is in solitary confinement with severe symptoms of COVID-19. Total cases have reached 161,415 with 361 in one day at last count. Under Russian military protection, 50,000 Armenian refugees have returned to Nagorno-Karabakh in recent weeks. For Putin, the Turkish president is a man who does everything for the good of his country. Patriarch Kirill blames Patriarch Bartholomew for Hagia Sophias use as a mosque.

Moscow (AsiaNews)  Armenian President Armen Sarkisyan's press office announced yesterday that the president is in hospital with severe symptoms of COVID-19.

Mr Sarkisyan is in isolation and his condition appears to be fairly stable, which allows him to work remotely. Doctors hope to allow him to return to the presidential palace shortly.

Sarkisyan spent the New Year's Day in London with his family, and on his return home, he was tested positive.

As a precaution, controversial Prime Minister Nikol Pasinyan also put himself in voluntary isolation.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus epidemic has reached worrying levels with 361 new cases in one day for a total of 161,415.

The COVID crisis is compounded by the refugees of the Nagorno-Karabakh war, whose repatriation has been completed.

Yesterday, Russian army peacekeepers led a column of 181 people, on buses from the Armenian capital Yerevan to Stepanakert, Karabakh's main city.

Over the past few weeks, almost 50,000 Armenians were repatriated under Russian military protection. Russian forces have helped distribute humanitarian aid and rebuild damaged houses and infrastructure.

Russias Defence Ministry also announced that 23 observation points are monitoring the ceasefire agreement signed on 10 November between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

More than 15 Russian brigades are deployed as peacekeepers, along with an unknown number of Turkish troops supporting Azerbaijani forces.

Russian-Turkish relations have come under closer scrutiny lately after Russia had to give in to Turkey in Syria, Libya and the Caucasus to varying degrees in 2020.

In his end-of-year press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: We have different, occasionally opposing views on certain matters with President Erdogan. But he keeps his word like a real man. He does not wag his tail. If he thinks something is good for his country, he goes for it. This is about predictability. It is important to know whom you are dealing with.

Putin also suggested that Russia should review its approach at the international level.

Moscow Patriarch Kirill (Gundyayev) also spoke about Erdogan and his decision to reopen Hagia Sophia Basilica and other Istanbul churches as mosques.

Instead of criticising the Turkish President, he blamed his Orthodox rival, ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Arhondonis). In Kirills view, the Christian defeat over Hagia Sophia is divine punishment for supporting the Ukrainian schism.
Ariel embarked on a study of Welsh at the University of Aberystwyth, which is also home to the Welsh National Library. This came to a halt because of COVID-19. This, however, did not deter the Welsh teachers, who hope to soon have 1 million people speaking their language. They went online with their classes.

Ariel joined in and thus I became used to hearing, at odd hours of the day and night, (Greenwich mean time) hearing conversations in Welsh, which, I discovered, has a distinct and lyrical beauty. Also, it does have vowels, only they are disguised as consonants, (the letters y and w) so that the word cwrw (beer) is, in fact, pronounceable (kuru).

Her dog, Puck, joined on

most classes, thus becoming one of the few Welsh-speaking dogs in California. I would awake to hear a jolly chorus from Ariels dog-loving Welsh classmates: Hello, Puck! or, if he were not up yet at 1 a.m., But where is Puck?

I also learned as we moved into fall, that the Welsh were following our presidential election with the kind of horrified fascination usually reserved for movies like Pyscho or Night of the Living Dead. I daresay Ariels vocabulary expanded profoundly as she tried to explain the electoral college (coleg etholiadol).
Deaths in police custody: Dearth in law and order View(s):

All police officers are part of, and have a duty to serve, the community.

Enhancing police accountability and integrity is primarily meant to establish, restore or improve public trust and rebuild the legitimacy that is a prerequisite for effective policing. This may be achieved through establishing civilian oversight that is responsive and accountable to the needs of the people. The failure in this regard needs examination.

Deaths in police custody are current news and have become amatter of heightened public concern. The immediate reason for this discussion today is the death of Nishatha Kumarasiri, 37, at Veyangoda while in police custody.

Deaths of suspects in police custody are a continuing feature with little let or hindrance. This practice is also termed extrajudicial killings.

These incidents deal a deadly blow to law and order, a subject popularly assigned only to police. If the breakdown of order is at the hands of the police and is that blatant, the question that begs an answer is: how is it then that the police are allowed to engage in these extralegal practices for so long with no check? The point is that the failure is not only of order, but as significantly a collapse of the law and its structures instituted precisely for this purpose to check illegality.

Let us note that the structures for law are widespread. These range from the Justice Ministry, the Judiciary, the Judicial Services Commission, the Magistrates and Inquirers, the Attorney General, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, on the one side and the President, the Prime Minister, the Police Department and the prisons, on the other.

The former deals with promulgating the law. The latter constituting the Executive deals with the implementation of the law. Then each of these bodies and entities surely has a distinct role to play to check on the failure of law and its intended purpose to check abuse. Together, they can be formidable a force to maintain the law. Is it then not a glaring malfunction of this formidable force that is so ordained for law at considerable public expense? Is it also not this very breakdown, then, of the law structures which permit and give free rein to police to cause escapes of suspects from police custody?

The powers are thus ranged on either side of a divide. The judiciary and the law are on one side. The judiciary, the law and the Institutes for Justice somehow ignore police misdemeanor and illegality. No questions are asked by any of the judicial authorities on police misconduct in causing deaths of suspects in police custody. None of these authorities thereby justifies the public expenditure voted for their work. Worse still, they may make excuses of sorts for not serving the public through their duties. These excuses are not in conformity with the law. Thereby the problem of deaths of suspects in police custody, in defiance of the law, is ignored by these powers on this side of the divide. Why?

On the other side is the Executive  the President downwards  from whom Police find encouragement and even cover for their malpractices. The same goes for Parliament which mentions this problem only in passing.

With the high-profile actors forming the formidable force taking the centre stage, the community is not given any space, leave aside civilian oversight.

Montesquieu and Tocqueville and their theories of separation of powers may have some resonance with the judiciary and others. But the Executive and the others may not even know of such a concept. The former ignores it conveniently. The latter, the Executive, looks at it vicariously.

The former in this divide, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, said: The law is common to all. Some things happen in enforcing the law. This (Veyangoda case) is only one such victim. Media reports noted that such utterance is intended to terrify society and so the victims legs were chopped off and one limb taken away. That was Gen. Guneratnes blase reaction to the Veyangoda killing, the reports said. Implied was that the suspect deserved what he got.

In this instance, Kamal Guneratne was returning having just paid obeisance to two religious dignitaries at Kandy after his recent promotion to the rank of General. A further question also arises then in this context, how effective is religion in these circumstances, to help the law and also to promote order?

And there is still a further question that also arises. How effective is the oath now taken by all state officers, this time to promote pure governance than good governance on the New Years Day, in the very terms as decreed by the President? The problem with the oath in respect of law and order is that it is intoned in religious tenor to uphold the Constitution and Law and Order. The idea behind this is that the oath subscribed to in this tenor will serve better the purpose for which the oath is taken. The patent fact, however, is that the oath administered to all in Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary, has not bound them to higher values. Illustrations by way of example are best avoided. The people are well aware of the reality, the officers including the Police, themselves, know this firsthand.

Therefore, if oaths and religions do not serve a purpose, cynicism cannot be evaded. But there is nonetheless an overlay of religion in every walk of life. There too, a question arises. Is it that religion is only to serve a political purpose at its base? This question is pertinent, though embarrassing. It is difficult for violence and denial of rights to be voiced in the same breath as religious intonation in an oath. The statements of Gen. Guneratne, in that particular context, invoke cynicism.

To clear matters a little more, it is necessary to add that, perhaps over three decades before, such breakdown of the institutions by way of deaths of suspects in police custody were of rare incidence. Law and order then prevailed, in some acceptable measure. Death of a suspect or even mere escape of a suspect from police custody was then an isolated incident. This even resulted in a special investigation against the officers from whose custody the suspect escaped.

We have now come a long way from this, though in the wrong direction. And, yes, people die, regardless of the structures to check illegality, Parliament, Judiciary, Executive President, religion and oaths, and the Police to bell the cat.

(The writer is a Retired Senior Superintendent of Police. He can be contacted at seneviratnetz@gmail.com; T.P. 0774475144)
Local councils in western Sydney and the northern beaches will stage Australia Day celebrations despite COVID-19 outbreaks, even as the NSW government cancels many January 26 events such as the ferrython.

Cumberland City mayor Steve Christou said his western Sydney council would hold a citizenship ceremony in Granville on January 26 followed by Australia Day celebrations at Holroyd Gardens.

"Any cancellation of an Australia Day event is un-Australian and a cheap and lazy excuse to not conduct a COVID-safe event," Cr Christou said.

The traditional Australia Day ferrython on Sydney Harbour will not be held this year because of the COVID-19 crisis. Credit:Jenny Evans

The Cumberland City Council area includes Berala, which is at the centre of the western Sydney COVID-19 outbreak.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday appealed to the Centre to provide COVID-19 vaccine free to everyone. "Coronavirus is the century's biggest pandemic. It is important to protect our people from it. I appeal to the Central government to ensure that everyone gets free vaccine. The expenditure on this will save lots of lives," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

The Delhi government has already announced that the coronavirus vaccine, whenever it is available, will be provided free to people in the national capital. "The Delhi government is fully prepared to receive, store and administer COVID-19 vaccine to 51 lakh priority category persons in the city in the first phase of vaccination. The vaccine will be provided free to everyone on Delhi," Health Minister Satyendra Jain had said last week.
Lisa Vanderpump's husband Ken Todd managed to receive a coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday.

Todd, who is 75 and suffers from two underlying health conditions, got the inoculation after waiting in line after an LA clinic started offering vaccines that were hours away from spoiling.

Vaccines in LA County that are close to going bad have been given out to people other than healthcare workers and care home residents, in order to prevent them vials being wasted.

Right time, right place: Lisa Vanderpump's husband Ken Todd was able to get a COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday in Inglewood because it was about to expire, TMZ reported; seen in 2017

Todd would have been in one of the early eligibility groups, because of his age and health concerns, that put him at greater risk of serious complications if he contracted COVID-19.

LA County is currently offering the vaccine to frontline healthcare workers and the residents and staff of Skilled Nursing Facilities, according to the health department's website.

According to a staffer at the Men's Health Clinic in Inglewood, near Los Angeles, the clinic instituted a waiting list for the vaccine after multiple people scheduled to get it never bothered to show up.

Both Vanderpump and Todd got in line once the clinic had 150 doses that were in danger of going bad, and the staff continued administering the vaccine until 11 p.m.

Next group: Todd isn't a frontline healthcare worker or a nursing home resident or worker, but he was given the vaccine because he's 75 and has two 'underlying health conditions'; seen in 2017

Better than nothing: With poor CDC guidance, LA County health officials have decided to give doses in danger of going bad to people even if they're not yet eligible; seen together in 2012

Todd's doctor recommended he get in line at the clinic due to his health conditions and age.

Being a restaurateur, it's definitely a wise decision for Todd once the industry gets back up and running in Los Angeles and he's exposed to more people.

Both he and Vanderpump waited together, but she didn't receive a vaccine, most likely because she's younger (60).

TMZ reported that many of the people approved for the vaccine have been no-showing at their appointments, leaving providers scrambling to find other people to take the vaccine.

LA County health officials have reportedly decided that it's better to give vaccines in danger of expiring to people who aren't at the top of the priority list as opposed to throwing the doses away.

After all, people who received their two doses of the vaccine are significantly less likely to contract COVID-19, and also less likely to pass the virus on to others.

Still waiting: Both Vanderpump, 60, and Todd waited in line at the Inglewood clinic, but she didn't receive a vaccine, likely because she's younger; pictured in June 2019

On Friday, the LA Public Health department tweeted that there were over 300 COVID-19 deaths that day, before urging residents to stay inside whenever possible and to wear masks and social distance when it was necessary to go out.

The coronavirus has overwhelmed hospitals all throughout Southern California, where ICU capacity has been at zero percent for weeks.

The New York Times reported Saturday that hospitals have been forced to close their doors to ambulances for hours at a time, as they simply don't have space for new patients.

They're also dealing with a shortage of both oxygen and the portable containers used to store and transport it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is supposed to be providing distribution advice about the vaccine to counties, but their lack of guidance in the final days of the Trump administration has left county health departments scrambling to institute their own vaccination policies.

According to a staffer at the clinic, the waiting list has 730 people on it, though it wasn't clear how people were signing up.

Vanderpump is best known for her eponymous Bravo reality series Vanderpump Rules, which follows the employees of her restaurant SUR.

In December Bravo confirmed that the series was on hold 'indefinitely,' as Los Angeles' coronavirus restrictions prevent Vanderpump's bars and restaurants from being open for filming.
President-elect Joe Biden on Friday called for increasing the most recent payments to $2,000 as part of the next coronavirus stimulus bill.

We need more direct relief flowing to families and small businesses, including finishing the job and getting people $2,000 in relief, Biden said in Delaware. Six hundred dollars is simply not enough when you have to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table and keeping the lights on.

But at least one key Democrat isnt that enamored of the idea, saying the top priority needs to be vaccinating Americans.

If there are to be checks, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., told the Washington Post, they needed to be targeted to those in need.

If they can direct money and they say, This will help stimulate the economy, hell yeah Im for it, Manchin told the newspaper. But basically right now, you better get them vaccinated.

Because the base is so much higher than it is with $600 checks, a family of four, which would start with $8,000 in stimulus checks, would have to make $310,000 before the entire payment would end, according to calculations by the Center for a Responsible Federal Budget. For a family with five children, the cutoff would be $430,000.

What makes Manchins vote so crucial is that Senate Democrats can bypass a filibuster and approve the higher checks with just 51 rather than 60 votes, and he is one of the 51. So if hes a no, incoming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York would need to find at least one Republican to pass the bill.

Of course, that may not be an issue as several GOP senators supported the $2,000 payments after President Donald Trump called for them, but outgoing Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., refused to allow a vote.

Both Biden and Schumer endorsed Trumps call for the higher checks.

Now that he will be the one deciding which bills reach the floor, Schumer said approving higher checks was one of the first things that I want to do after victories in Georgias two U.S. Senate races earlier this month gave the Democrats their first Senate majority since 2015 thanks to incoming Vice President Kamala Harris tie-breaking vote.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

The Democrats also could try to get the 60 votes needed to pass the bill under regular procedures with the support of Republican senators, led by Josh Hawley of Missouri, who demanded higher payment. Without Manchin but with every other Democrat on board, Schumer would need 11 of the 50 Republicans.

Manchin was part of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., who developed a $908 billion plan that wound up jump-starting negotiations on the final coronavirus stimulus bill.

That legislation did not include stimulus checks, which were added after Senate Republicans refused to support federal help for states and municipalities.

The Internal Revenue Service currently is sending out the $600 payments, either through direct deposit or prepaid debit cards.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
With just a few days to go for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in India, the transportation of Covishield has been delayed  for the second time  by 48 hours.

The Covishield vaccine, being produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII), was scheduled to be airlifted on January 7 and was later deferred to January 8. Now, its transportation is likely to begin on January 11.

SII has dismissed reports that the 'price negotiations' with the Union government has caused the delay, The Times of India reported.

Track this LIVE blog for all the latest updates on coronavirus pandemic

"No movement has happened today (January 9) too. As said earlier, we are fully prepared and ready from our end. We can easily handle (the transportation) and are at present handling more than 150 tonnes of cargo in a single day," Pune airport director Kuldeep Singh said, as per the report.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine  one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show

Another airline representative, did not want to be named, told the newspaper that the transportation has been postponed till January 11.

Read: Second dry run of COVID-19 vaccination conducted; Vardhan says vaccines to be made available in next few days

Meanwhile, SII Chief Executive Officer Adar Poonawalla said that there is "absolutely no price negotiation at all". "The rollout will happen in a few days. There are due processes to be followed before we transport the vaccine doses, he told the newspaper.

Serum Institute has stockpiled 75 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca-Oxford University. However, the Pune-based vaccine maker is yet to receive a purchase order from the Centre.

Read: Amid short supplies, vaccine doses can be six weeks apart: WHO

The second nationwide mock drill of the exercise was conducted on January 8 as the country prepares to rollout COVID-19 vaccines.

India's drugs regulator has approved Covishield, being manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on January 8 issued guidelines to all aircraft operators who plan to transport COVID-19 vaccines packed in dry ice to various parts of the country, outlining the necessary safety precautions and modalities.

If vaccines packed in dry ice are being transported in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, then the flight crew should be properly trained on the hazards and risks of its transportation, the aviation regulator said.
SLTC ends 2020 on a high; Wins Gold, Silver at International Paper Competition View(s):

Sri Lankas foremost institution for tertiary education in technology, Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC), recently organized an award ceremony to felicitate students who performed exceptionally at the International Paper Competition  World Invention & Trade Expo (WINTEX) held in Indonesia. The felicitation ceremony held at the Waters Edge in Battaramulla was graced by Minister of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research & Innovation, Dr. Seetha Arambepola.

Five teams from the School of Engineering at SLTC secured three Gold Awards, two Silver Awards & a Special Award for Best Application of Technologyin the Best of the Best Award Category at WINTEX. The five SLTC teams were adjudged winners out of over 345 submissions made by 2200 participants across 25 countries. The five teams comprised undergraduate & postgraduate students at SLTC.

The team of Sadev Kalubowila, mentored by Ms. Upeksha Chathurani, Lecturer, SLTC won a Silver Award for Ayu+, a symptom analyzing application to assess health via visible physical signs while another Silver Award was bagged by Hassan Hydher & team for project to provide uninterrupted cellular coverage via UAV in the event of dysfunction of terrestrial towers. This project was supervised by Prof. Dush Nalin Jayakody, Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research (SPSR)

Lakdinu Ekanayake & Ben Roshnan won Gold for their solution for optimizing signal quality, strength & usability notwithstanding proximity based on Norma concept under 5G while Vishalya Sooriyarachchi & team won another Gold for Charging Centres utilizing excess energy in the power grid. They were supervised by Prof Dush Nalin Jayakody, SLTC, Dr. Nikhil Sharma, India and Dr. Amila Vayangani, Senior Lecturer SLTC, Dr. Nilantha Sapumanage, Public Utilities Commission Sri Lanka.

Fathima Minza Ifrath & team not only won Gold but also the Best Application of Technology Award for proposed cost-effective, real-time smart logistic solution based on narrow-band IoT which was commended for contextual relevancy during the pandemic.This project was supervised by Mr. Amila Saputhanthri, Dialog Axiata PLC.

Conducted fully virtually, WINTEX was held in conjunction with Indonesia Inventors Day (IID) organized by the Indonesia Inventions & Innovation Promotion Association (INNOPA) under the theme: IDEAS MEET PEOPLE. SLTC participation in WINTE X was coordinated by the Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) and student preparation to the competition was made by the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research (SPSR).

Eng. Ranjith Rubasinghe, Founder President/ CEO of SLTC commented: SLTC is extremely proud of the performance of post & undergraduate students. We are thrilled to produce the next generation of innovators that will serve to uplift & uphold Sri Lanka as a STEM Hub in the region as envisioned by the leadership. He further opined that proposed projects having relevancy to the present context is proof of the educational culture at SLTC: Agility, adaptability & practicality beyond theoretical knowledge.

A fully owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom, SLTC founded in 2015 is a degree awarding institution accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education & recognized by the University Grants Commission offering undergraduate &postgraduate courses in areas of Engineering, Technology, Computing, Business and Music. The Colombo Campus of SLTC is situated in Colombo 7 while the main university is located at the former Satellite Earth Station premises in Padukka.
Irvine Challenges Residents to Help Slow Virus Spread

The mayor of Irvine, California, is asking her constituents to join her in slowing the spread of COVID-19 through a series of mitigation efforts.

Irvine residents and businesses recognize that protecting our community is a shared responsibility and have put many health guidelines into practice over the past nine months, Mayor Farrah Khan said in a press release. As we begin the new year this pledge encourages each of us to renew our commitment to caring for our neighbors, friends, family, and our community as a whole through our actions.

The initiative, called Irvine Cares, is the first launched through the citys recently established COVID-19 task force. It encourages the public to slow the spread by wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home when sick. It also asks residents to show kindness by advocating to protect the citys most vulnerable, and promoting best health practices.

Residents can commit to the initiative by making an online pledge. All participants receive an Irvine Cares face mask, sticker, and decal to highlight their commitment to the cause.
Jacob Beltran /Staff

A woman who had been killed was found in her West Side apartment Friday after family members who arrived for a planned visit couldnt contact her.

The woman, believed to be in her 50s, was discovered at about 2:38 p.m. at the Villas on Springvale apartments, 7678 U.S. Highway 90 East, San Antonio police said.
Priti Patel is planning to launch a power grab against woke police chiefs and failing police and crime commissioners, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The Home Secretary will this month present the recommendations of her review into the powers of PCCs, which will include looking at the polices operational independence.

It is understood the plans would make it easier to sack a police chief who refuses to take action when protesters tear down statues.

Last night, Home Office sources launched attacks on Labour mayors Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham and the Bristol police force, claiming they vacated the pitch last year.

The police force in Bristol also stood by and watched when Edward Colstons statue (pictured) was torn down, a Home Office source said

Mr Khan was criticised for his response to the Black Lives Matter protests in London as sources claimed he took a back seat.

The police force in Bristol also stood by and watched when Edward Colstons statue was torn down, a Home Office source said, while Mr Burnham was criticised in his response to Greater Manchester Polices failure to record more than 80,000 crimes in a year, which led to the resignation of its chief constable.

Last night, the Greater Manchester mayor accused Ms Patel of playing politics with policing.

The review will seek to strengthen Ms Patels (pictured) powers, making them more black and white

The review will seek to strengthen Ms Patels powers, making them more black and white amid concerns that current reporting lines are too wishy washy, a Home Office source said.

It will also propose a more One Policing strategy instead of each force interpreting rules in its own way. The source said the move to more uniform England and Wales-wide policing is in response to the different approaches taken to Covid rule enforcement.

They pointed out that some forces have refused to hand out many fines while at the other extreme Derbyshire Police last year dyed a lagoon to deter visitors.

Two sources said the current rules on operational independence are not clearly defined, leaving room for interpretation.

Last night, Home Office sources launched attacks on Labour mayors Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham (pictured) and the Bristol police force, claiming they vacated the pitch last year

A consultation will look at this as well as the powers of the Home Secretary, PCCs, chief constables and Police and Crime Panels.

A newspaper report that senior officers have started calling the Home Secretary Pushy Patel highlighted concerns that some police think she has no right to tell them what to do, a Home Office source said, adding: So we want to put in black and white where the line is.

The source said some commissioners have become too close to the police chiefs and are not holding them to account at all.

The source added: PCCs are elected to hold the police to account on behalf of the public. Some are failing in that duty.

It is understood the review will recommend changing the vote system for PCCs to first past the post. The process by which PCCs can sack police chiefs would be bolstered.

Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who sits on the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, said the Coalition Government was warned about some of the problems with the police and crime commissioner system when introducing it in 2011. He added: The Home Secretary has to be prepared to offer much clearer guidance from the centre, but also to accept responsibility when things go wrong.

I do worry it is a power grab, because different areas do have different needs, do have different problems. Im not sure somebody sitting in Whitehall knows whats best on the streets of Stockport.

Mr Burnham said: The Government should be honest about their own failings on policing rather than always trying to shift the blame.

Their cuts to police forces like GMP went way too far and damaged the quality of response to the public. They should be helping police forces recover and not playing politics with policing.

A London Labour source said the comments about Mr Khan were complete nonsense, adding that the mayor is proud of his record.

The source added: Sadiq makes absolutely no apologies for believing that Black Lives Matter.

Paddy Tipping, of The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: We can all learn from experience and this is an opportunity to reflect on the role and help shape and develop it moving forward.

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.
Democrats are set to move forward with impeachment proceedings as soon as Monday as Donald Trump ignores the growing calls to resign in the wake of the Capitol Hill riot.

Articles of impeachment citing incitement of insurrection are reportedly being finalised ahead of formal introduction after the weekend, according to multiple reports.

Quoting two congressional officials, CNN and MSNBC reported that the articles of impeachment were to be introduced during the House pro forma session on Monday by David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Ted Lieu of California and Jamie Raskin of Maryland.

In a letter to Democrats on Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said they would move forward with impeaching the president if he didnt resign immediately or the Cabinet did not invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.

If the president does not leave office imminently and willingly, the Congress will proceed with our action, the letter said.

It comes as Joe Biden remained silent on whether Mr Trump should be impeached for a second time.

What the Congress decides to do is for them to decide, Mr Biden said.

Asked directly if Mr Trump should be removed from office, Mr Biden sidestepped when answering.

He is not fit to serve. He is one of the most incompetent presidents, he said. What happens with  13 days left to go? I think that what 81m people stood up and said, Its time for him to go'  The quickest way for that to happen is for us to be sworn in on the 20th.

In response to calls for a new impeachment, White House spokesperson Judd Deere said: As President Trump said, this is a time for healing and unity as one nation. A politically motivated impeachment against a president with 12 days remaining in his term will only serve to further divide our great country.

With Mr Trump giving no sign he will step down before the inauguration, and no indications from Mike Pence and the Cabinet that they will remove the president through the 25th amendment, House Democrats would have 10 days from Monday to follow-through on their plans to impeach.

The draft articles of impeachment point to the presidents speech moments before they stormed the Capitol

There, he reiterated false claims that we won this election, and we won it by a landslide, the document says. He also willfully made statements that encouraged  and foreseeably resulted in  imminent lawless action at the Capitol, the draft says.
Union Minister on Saturday lauded the textiles industry for its commendable work in upping production of kits and masks multi-fold amid the pandemic.

Irani, who also holds the textiles portfolio in the Union Cabinet, was here to inaugurate the three-day Surat International Textile Expo (SITEX 2021).

Speaking at the inaugural event of SITEX-2021, Irani commended the textiles industry for setting an example of "self-reliant India" by gearing up to produce kits and masks for the country to deal with the pandemic.

"While before the pandemic, there was not a single company in the country producing masks and kits, after the pandemic, around 1,100 such companies became operational. From two, the number of companies manufacturing N-4 masks rose to 250," she said.

In just three months, India has become the second largest manufacturer of masks and PPE kits in the world, she said.

In the production of masks and PPE kits, industries have adhered to WHO standards as well as the policy of non-compromise with quality, she added.

In SITEX-2021, 110 stalls of textile machinery and accessories manufacturers have been set up to showcase world class technology, officials 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.)
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
Kathmandu, January 9

The Ministry of Health and Population has informed that the countrys Covid-19 tally has reached 264,521 as of Saturday afternoon.

The ministry says 362 new cases were confirmed in the country in the past 24 hours.

In this period, 4,286 swab samples were tested. So far, 1 million and 978,847 people have been tested in the country.

As of today, 4,681 cases are active.

Of the total cases so far, 257,928 people have achieved recovery whereas 1,912 died, according to the ministry. In the past 24 hours, 699 people have been discharged whereas three deaths have been reported.

Over 250 people are quarantined across the country.
Mr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, a former Minister of Trade and Industry, has described Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbins election as Speaker of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic as a sign of a new era in Ghanas politics.



Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Friday, Mr Spio-Garbrah said Mr Bagbins election indicated the end of Winner Takes All.



With his experience, he will be able to contribute to the nations democratic credentials. It is not surprising some Parliamentarians, knowing his competency and capability, put their partisan affiliation aside and voted Mr Bagbin in the interest of the nation, he said.



Mr Spio-Gabrah said the current political atmosphere must guide President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to appoint ministers on merit other than political party affiliation.



The President needs to make public appointments that both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians living and working in the country will appreciate. The Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement and other international companies have their headquarters in Ghana so we must have appointees in the national interest, he said.



Friends and Family must disappear with immediate effect from the appointments in the new government. All such highly qualified members of the current administration should do the President a favour and not seek any public reappointments, Mr Spio-Garbrah said.



He said political developments in the country called for an urgent need to build a new national consensus that embraced all political persuasions in the interest of peaceful nation-building.



Mr Spio-Garbrah said the Government must demonstrate to the international community that it was ready to practice a government of national unity, where appointees could be selected from people outside political party circles.



It has happened in Ghana under the reign of the late President Jerry John Rawlings and Former President John Agyekum Kufuor. They both appointed people from other political parties to serve in their governments, he recalled.



He urged the President to ensure that the interests of all political parties were served because government would need the support of the Speaker of Parliament and the National Democratic Congress Caucus to pass bills.

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
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Deep in the waters off Clifton Gardens Reserve in Mosman, under the jetty that is home to sea slugs, leatherjackets and puffer fish, the city's latest hotel is busy with guests.

The steel mesh structures, which have been coined SeaBnBs, are designed to protect the White's seahorse (or Sydney seahorse), one of Sydney's most endangered inhabitants.

A White's Seahorse, also known as the Sydney Seahorse, held by Professor David Booth at Clifton Gardens Reserve. Credit:Brook Mitchell

David Booth, a professor of marine ecologist at the University of Technology Sydney, said the "hotels" will provide a temporary home for the endangered seahorse adjacent to the seagrass beds that provide its habitat, shelter and food.

"The seahorse is not the greatest of swimmers, and they prefer to live amongst seagrass and soft coral where it's easy for them to securely latch their tails onto," he said.
A 32-year-old New Brunswick man has been charged in the death of his co-worker in an incident on Friday afternoon in Monroe Township.

Leovigildo Comisario-Salazar has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated following an investigation by the Monroe Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office.

Authorities say that Comisario-Salazar was behind the wheel of a work truck when he hit and killed his 33-year-old colleague, Pedro Lopez, also of New Brunswick. The incident happened at 4:08 pm on Friday at 433 Schoolhouse Road in Monroe Township, according to law enforcement.

The address appears to be residential, based on images on Google Maps and an expired listing on Zillow, and authorities have not said if the men were working at the time of the incident.

The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office did not respond to questions seeking additional information on Saturday afternoon.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information about this incident to please contact the Monroe Police Department at (732) 521-0222 or the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office at (732) 745-4328.

This story will be updated if more information becomes available.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Payton Guion may be reached at pguion@njadvancemedia.com.
NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating Red Lion Hotels Corporation ("RLH" or the "Company") (RLH) relating to its proposed acquisition by Sonesta International Hotels Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, RLH shareholders will receive $3.50 in cash per share.

The investigation focuses on whether Red Lion Hotels Corporation and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, 2) whether and by how much this proposed transaction undervalues the Company.

Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/red-lion-hotels-corporation. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018 and 2019 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2019 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, in 2019 we recovered or secured six cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.

If you own common stock in Red Lion Hotels Corporation and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2020 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC

Related Links

http://www.monteverdelaw.com


Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
11th round of India-China military commander level talks likely to be held on Friday

India stood up Chinas disruptive use of technology and my way or no way attitude: CDS

India-China agree on holding next round of commanders meeting

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 09: India and China have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any "misunderstandings and misjudgments" even as discussions continue for achieving complete disengagement in all friction areas, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Asked about the status of talks with the Chinese side over the border row, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the latest round of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) was held on December 18.

The two sides have agreed to hold the next round of senior commanders meeting, and are in constant communication through diplomatic and military channels in this regard, he said at an online media briefing.

After meeting NSA Doval, top French diplomat says China not being allowed to play procedural games

"In the meantime, both sides have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any misunderstandings and misjudgments even as discussions continue for achieving complete disengagement in all friction areas in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements to restore peace and tranquillity," Srivastava said.

On December 18, at a virtual meeting of the WMCC, both sides agreed to continue work towards ensuring complete disengagement of troops in all friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh at the earliest.

The eighth and last round of military talks had taken place on November 6 during which both sides broadly discussed disengagement of troops from specific friction points.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

According to officials, nearly 50,000 Indian Army troops are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero conditions as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded any concrete outcome to resolve the standoff. China has also deployed an equal number of troops.
[January 08, 2021] QUANTUMSCAPE SHAREHOLDER ALERT by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Reminds Investors With Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against QuantumScape Corporation - QS

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until March 8, 2021 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:QS), if they purchased the Company's securities between November 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. What You May Do If you purchased securities of QuantumScape and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-qs/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by March 8, 2021.



About the Lawsuit QuantumScape and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On January 4, 2021, before market open, an investigative report issued by Seeking Alpha highlighted numerous measures of subpar performance discovered in the Company's solid state battery products that rendered them "completely unacceptable for real world field electric vehicle performance," contrary to the Company's prior statements touting its battery's performance data, as well as other significant challenges "to be overcome before they can put the first car in the fieldthat they have not solved yet and so remain silent about." On this news, the price of QuantumScape's shares plummeted to a close of $49.96 per share on January 4, 2021, a one-day decline of 41% and a decline of more than 62% from the stock's Class Period high of more than $131 per share on December 22, 2020.. The case is Gowda v. QuantumScape Corporation, 21-cv-00070. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210108005591/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
4 important things to know about fallout from Capitol attack

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

As the nation reels in the aftermath of a deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol by angry supporters of President Donald Trump Wednesday, leaders across the political divide have been deliberating about what should be the most appropriate response to it.

Pro-Trump rioters and others breached the Capitol building in a bid to prevent the confirmation of President-elect Joe Biden's victory by Congress, which was affirmed early Thursday despite their efforts.

House Democrats are currently considering a possible second impeachment of President Trump, while some Cabinet members and other administration staffers have resigned in protest. Leading voices from both the public and private sectors have also continued to join that chorus of repudiation daily.

Here are four important things to know about the fallout from the attack on the Capitol:
In a second such incident in nearly three months, a Chinese soldier was apprehended by the Indian Army at the southern bank of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh on Friday after he transgressed across the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), officials said on Saturday. The capture of the soldier comes amid a massive deployment of troops by the Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) in eastern Ladakh in view of the tense border standoff that erupted following a clash between the two sides in the Pangong lake area in early May.

"The PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in this area. Troops from either side are deployed along the LAC since friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops," the Army said in a statement. "The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," it said, adding the soldier was apprehended in the early hours of Friday.

Around four months ago, Indian troops occupied a number of strategic heights in the Mukhpari, Rechin La and Magar hill areas around the southern bank of the Pangong lake after the Chinese military attempted to intimidate them in the area on the intervening night of August 29 and 30. Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naranave last month visited various high-altitude forward areas in eastern Ladakh including certain positions on the southern bank of Pangong lake and reviewed India's overall military preparedness.

Indian troops had captured Corporal Wang Ya Long of the PLA on October 19 last year after he "strayed" across the LAC in the Demchok sector of Ladakh. The corporal was handed back to China at Chushul-Moldo border point in eastern Ladakh following laid down protocols.

Nearly 50,000 troops of the Indian Army are deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero temperatures as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded concrete outcome to resolve the standoff. China has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials. Last month, India and China had held another round of diplomatic talks under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs.

The eighth and last round of military talks between the two sides had taken place on November 6 during which both sides broadly discussed disengagement of troops from specific friction points. India has all along been maintaining that the onus is on China to carry forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points in the mountainous region.

Following the sixth round of military talks, the two sides had announced a slew of decisions including not to send more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground and avoid taking any actions that may further complicate matters. This round was held with a specific agenda of exploring ways to implement a five-point agreement reached between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) conclave.

The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC.
BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines are preparing for mass COVID-19 vaccination with the vaccine developed by Chinese company Sinovac, local media have reported.

A national large-scale vaccination program has been scheduled for Jan. 13 in Indonesia as President Joko Widodo will be among the first to take the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinovac, said YCNews on Wednesday.

Widodo will be vaccinated with the public and military representatives, and the event will be broadcast on television for public witness and increase public confidence in the vaccine, local media quoted a high-level Indonesian official as saying on Tuesday.

In the Philippines, local media CNA said in mid-December that the country aimed to acquire 25 million doses of Sinovac's vaccine for delivery by March.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Wednesday on social media that the Thai government has outlined a vaccination plan to inoculate at least half of the country's population free of charge this year.

Prayut said Thailand will receive 2 million doses of Sinovac's vaccine during the emergency phase from February to April, reported Singapore's Chinese-language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao on Wednesday.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Reporter

Heather Bellow, a member of the investigations team, joined The Eagle in 2017. She is based in the South Berkshire County bureau in Great Barrington. Her work has appeared in newspapers across the U.S.
WASHINGTON - By late on Friday's gloomy morning, the transformation of the U.S. Capitol was complete. Surrounded by eight-foot-high black fencing, concrete barriers, yellow caution tape and National Guard members positioned every few feet, the People's House looked less like the long-venerated hall of the nation's business and more like a military compound.

Gone was access to the vast open plaza with its typical daytime mix of joggers and tourists, dog walkers and skateboarders. Gone, too, were the busy sidewalks of staffers in their Capitol Hill best and streets filled with taxis and Ubers dropping off lobbyists and legislators.

Two days after a mob incited by President Donald Trump had overrun the building, pillaged its offices and galleries and left five people dead, including a police officer, the Capitol and all of its adjacent office buildings put out the "Not Welcome" sign. Only credentialed staff were permitted past the phalanx of guards now determined that the tragic embarrassment of Wednesday never be repeated.

Around every corner, it seemed, men and women of all races stood in military uniform guarding the office buildings of the men and women sent by the people of the country to represent them. They stood in front of Dirksen, Russell and Hart. And on the steps of Cannon and Longworth. And around the Library of Congress.

"A lot of people seem to appreciate that we're out here and say that we make them feel safe," said a member of the D.C. National Guard standing in front of the Rayburn House Office Building. The horn honk from a passing car seemed to signal affirmation. The guardsman waved in return.

On the east side of the Capitol, television journalists from around the world positioned themselves against the background of a locked-down symbol of freedom. Broadcasting in English, Italian, Japanese, Russian and French to their audiences back home, they explained - tried to explain - how the Capitol of the world's most powerful nation was overrun in a matter of minutes.

Nearby, in front of the Supreme Court, a Trump supporter continued to argue to no one in particular that the election had been stolen. Passersby passed on by.

Capitol Police officers wore black tape across their badges in mourning for their colleague, Officer Brian Sicknick, who died following injuries sustained in Wednesday's attack.

"Everybody's upset and shaken right now," a Capitol Police officer said Friday outside the Capitol Police headquarters. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. "There's a lot of confusion. We're tired and on edge and there's just the feeling of what's next, what's coming?"

That uncertainty will not abate quickly. The attack that no one thought possible now has people wondering what's not possible. As soldiers stood on guard, bomb-sniffing dogs and their handlers walked a perimeter. The discovery Wednesday of two pipe bombs nearby, one each in front of the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the Republican National Committee headquarters, created its own unease.

For many Hill workers and neighbors, the new-look Capitol is something they never expected. The large show of force is both reassuring and unnerving.

"Seeing the military instead of the Capitol Police is really jarring," said Grace Pezzella, 27, a former Hill staffer who is now a law student at Georgetown University and lives close to the Capitol. "I'm definitely going to be nervous for the next couple of weeks."

Katie Adams, a graduate student who also lives nearby, said she was shaken by Wednesday's attack. She spent much of the day wondering whether she would need to evacuate her home and worried about where she should go.

"People think of D.C. only as a symbol of government in general and I think they forget this is our home," Adams said. "Obviously, the bigger issue is our democracy being at risk, but this is also where we live."

Lacey Moore, a pastor at Antioch D.C. church, walked from her Capitol Hill home to the Capitol with her 3-year-old daughter on Friday to pray. She said members of her church work in the building and she was grateful for their safety.

"My desire in prayer is to find some unity," said Moore, 37, as she held her daughter's hand. "We can find a way forward."

For now, the way forward at the Capitol rests largely in the hands of the military and police who must keep it safe as it prepares to host the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20.
An "ambitious" proposal to re-introduce dingoes into the Grampians has angered farmers, with a petition expressing fierce opposition to the idea gaining support among locals.

A 15-year draft plan created by Parks Victoria and three groups of traditional owners to guide the management of the Grampians - known as Gariwerd to its custodians - was released in November and contained a proposal to restore "locally extinct and culturally significant wildlife" such as the dingo and the quoll.

The proposal to re-introduce dingoes into the Grampians National Park has been fiercely opposed by local farmers. Credit:Peter Rae

It outlined a proposal to investigate, with farmers and academic institutions, whether the re-introduction of the native predator could "restore missing ecological processes" and control pest species as well as over-abundant populations of kangaroos and wallabies.

"There are, however, many unknown interactions or outcomes that may result from their reintroduction to the existing state of ecosystems," the plan reads.
I can't stop watching the part where she's like, "okay Gayle, enough."

Reply

Thread

Link

I read it, it sounded rude, I knew it would be rude. But I was not prepared for just how rude.



Like, damn. The audacity.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I hope this idiot's life is ruined. Shes old enough to know better. Shes just a shit ass racist spoiled brat.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link



But she's just a 22 year old girl! via GIPHY

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I HATE when people use the "I'm young" excuse. If a 5 year old Black child can be taught things like how to conduct themselves around cops so they don't get shot from that early of an age, this bitch has zero excuses.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

what a punchable human being holy shit

gayle's patience was outstanding

Reply

Thread

Link

THE CAUCACITY TO DO THAT TO GAYLE.

Reply

Thread

Link

Is she actually white??

I dunno, I guess I feel super naive right now that I'm surprised that a girl that actually looks kinda mixed could be so blatantly racist....again, maybe I'm just naive.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Her dumb hat, ugh. She wants to be infamous like Anna Delvey so bad but she's trying way too hard

Reply

Thread

Link

At least Anna has charm. This racist twat's soul is empty.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

When she said enough and accused Keyon Sr of dragging her I wanted to say bitch thats what you deserve you tackled his child what parent wouldnt go apeshit

Reply

Thread

Link

'He pulled my hair!,' bitch you tackled his son! She's lucky he had the restraint to not flip his shit. With a different person, she would have gotten her ass beat.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I don't believe it, but he'd be 100% justified if he did.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Oh same. This heffa lying, your honor.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Right?? I she had attacked one of my nieces or nephews that way I would do whatever it took to get her off of them. Then controlling my anger would be another matter...

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

if some motherfucker were to attack my underaged child? you bet my ass would be in jail tonight, and her fam would be praying la fucking novena at her hospital bedside

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

She's fortunate that she wasn't injured. Many parents I know would've kicked her ass.



Like shit, I want to kick her ass myself.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Never mind parents, if she had touched my brother, I would have fucked her up good.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Omg if anyone lays a finger on son, I will go ape. ESPECIALLY for something so undeserved.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Exactly, whether he dragged her or not, he had every right to physically remove her from his child if the kid was being attacked, wtf.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

this girl is trash (low key bummed my post was rejected)

Reply

Thread

Link

the "enough" was ridiculous omg and she couldn't even physically bring herself to say "racism" or "black". disgusting. I can't believe her legal team thought this would go well, and allowed her on air with that hat lol. I never saw anyone dig their own grave that fast

Reply

Thread

Link

Right?? Im like damn did her lawyer prep her at all?? I wouldve made her change for damn sure. But whatever Im glad she shot herself in the foot.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Even if her lawyer did prep her I'm sure it was like talking to a wall.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link





Saying how she (lawyer) kept interjecting and trying to help but Miya would not allow her, that Miya needs a psychiatrist, and that they all begged her to remove the hat Her lawyer basically roasted her here: https://www.thedailybeast.com/miya-ponsettos-lawyer-is-very-concerned-about-soho-karens-mental-health?ref=home Saying how she (lawyer) kept interjecting and trying to help but Miya would not allow her, that Miya needs a psychiatrist, and that they all begged her to remove the hat

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

The "daddy" baseball cap. I can't.

Reply

Thread

Link

The framing of her being a "sweet 22 year old small woman" to justify her attacking a 14 year old black child was sick.



It was obvious she was trying to meme herself by wearing the daddy hat.

Reply

Thread

Link

I watched shaking my head but when she said Gayle enough. Girl, that computer saved you. Fuck her and her privileged ass, it's clear as day she's not "a sweet girl". This only tells me she's said and done worse.

Reply

Thread

Link

"People ask me all the time why would the KKK agree to talk to you? My answer is everybody wants to be on TV AND everybody thinks they make sense."



this makes a lot of sense, because I can't imagine her lawyers advising her to do this (I can't imagine her acting better when she's just with them), but I wonder when her lawyers wash their hands of her.

Reply

Thread

Link

Remember, the lawyer was just on TV too. This sort of thing gives her firm name recognizability. People start to forget HOW they know the name. But they know they know it when they see it. And they confuse that with thinking they are a "big name" firm. Which is why firms love high profile cases to bring in business.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i dont know whats worse, her hat or her shushing gayle

Reply

Thread

Link

Racist and a straight up asshole

Reply

Thread

Link

I love your icon. I need to watch that scene again.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

The fucking hand at the end, dear god.

Reply

Thread

Link

And the fact that when she was arrested she resisted and slammed her car door on the deputy. You know what Im glad she got arrested not long after this interview. Fucking dunce.

Reply

Thread

Link

Can they also charge her with resisting arrest?

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I'm sure it goes without saying but I'm saying it anyway: imagine if a 22 yr-old black woman had done that to police :/

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link
Support for the right to free speech cannot depend upon the religion of a person, National Conference (NC) vice-president said on Saturday after many criticised the suspension of US President Donald Trump's social media accounts following the storming of the US Capitol by his supporters.

"Will all those crying themselves hoarse about Trump & his right to free speech please extend the same courtesy to #MunawarFaruqui & his friends. You either support the right to free speech or you don't. It can't depend upon the religion of the person speaking/tweeting," Abdullah said on Twitter, referring to the arrested stand-up comedian from Gujarat.

Faruqui was arrested, along with four others, in Indore in Madhya Pradesh on January 2 after the son of a BJP MLA filed a complaint accusing them of passing indecent remarks about Hindu deities and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a show.

Abdullah's remarks came after various social media users, including some BJP leaders, expressed concern on Saturday over the suspension of Trump's Twitter account.

Days after Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol and caused the deaths of four civilians and a police officer, Twitter suspended his account due to the "risk of further incitement of violence". Facebook and Instagram had earlier suspended Trump's accounts.

(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.)
Broadband can be one of the trickiest and most frustrating services to shop for or switch away from. We look at some of the different options and pick out possible packages.

1. Switch to... phone-line broadband?

This is still the most commonly available type of broadband to Irish households, even though fibre and cable, between them, are catching up fast.

Unless youre one of the 544,000 rural homes designated as being in the intervention area for the National Broadband Plan, your phone line should support at least 30Mbs, which is good enough to do all the basics (although if you have a large home, youll need separate devices to spread the signal effectively).

All phone lines are owned by Eir. About a dozen operators sell broadband over them. Other than Eir itself, the biggest ones are Vodafone and Sky. Others include Digiweb and Magnet.

Typical cost: 40 per month from Sky for the first 12 months, 55 per month after that (plus 50 connection fee).

Speed: Average 75Mbs.

Good for: Those who cant get fibre or cable and whose line supports more than 30Mbs.

2. Switch to... fibre broadband?

The newest and fastest broadband technology, there are now about 700,000 Irish homes that can avail of this. Eir and Siro are the main two networks, with mostly the same operators (including Vodafone, Sky, Digiweb and Magnet) selling packages to you on these networks.

Typical cost: 40 per month from Vodafone for first 12 months, 60 per month after that (plus 50 installation charge).

Speed: 500Mbs.

Good for: Heavy users or anyone whos lucky enough to be in a fibre-connected area.

3. Switch to... fixed wireless broadband?

An alternative for rural homes that cant wait one to five years for the National Broadband Plan to deliver proper fibre broadband is fixed wireless. This is different to mobile broadband as it entails an aerial, antenna or reception box on top of, or on the side of, your home. That connects to a local mast.

You can get reasonably decent speeds of up to 150Mbs if youre well positioned, although many packages only offer between 15Mbs and 50Mbs, which is now a basic speed for modern family broadband requirements.

Typical cost: 60 per month (plus 150 set-up charge) from Imagine.ie.

Speed: Up to 150Mbs.

Good for: Those with no other choice.

4. Switch to... cable broadband?

There is one cable network and one operator that sells it  Virgin Media. Its easily the fastest broadband available in Irish cities, as theres almost no fibre built in metropolitan areas yet.

Typical cost: 57 per month from Virgin for first six months, 71 per month after that (plus 30 activation fee).

Speed: 500Mbs.

Good for: City residents or those who typically have no cheaper fibre alternative.

5. Switch to... 5G broadband?

2020 was the first year that you could purchase 5G mobile broadband. As a home broadband option, 5G has advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage is that its by far the fastest type of mobile internet connection you can get, with speeds of up to 800Mbs if youre close to a mast.

The disadvantage is its only available in a minority of areas in the country as the operators are still at an early build-out stage.

Even though all three main mobile operators (Vodafone, Three and Eir) are building out 5G networks in Ireland, only Three actually sells a dedicated 5G broadband package.

The terms are unusually restrictive, though  45 per month for a minimum of two years, with an additional 150 up front for a 5G broadband box in your home.

There is a workaround to this. According to Three, you can put one of its 5G All You Can Eat data sim cards into your own 5G router (which you can buy from around 150). The cost of that is only 34 per month, with no minimum contract.

So you could save yourself a considerable amount of money and keep things more flexible this way. On the other hand, you may not get as good a broadband experience  the two-year package includes a possible visit from engineers to help maximise your signal. That could be a big differentiator.

Typical cost: 45 per month for 24 months plus 150 up-front box cost.

Speed: 50Mbs to 250Mbs.

Good for: Those in 5G coverage areas with no fibre, cable or decent land-line alternatives.

6. Switch to... 4G broadband?

Even if 5G isnt an option there are still some reasonable 4G broadband options that give a good basic broadband in areas where the telephone line or roof-antenna wireless internet is just too weak. All three main operators offer this and will generally support it with equipment that maximises your ability to get the signal available in your area.

Before opting for this, however, its vital to check whether you have a decent signal. You need to do this for all three operators; its normal for an area to have a good 4G signal (over 30Mbs) for one operators network and dreadful (under 10Mbs) for another.

An easy way to check is to ask family or friends on a different network to you to run a quick, free speed test using either the Fast app or the Ookla Speedtest app on your phone.

And do bear in mind that its normal for the signal to be twice as good outside your house as inside it, especially if you have thick or recently insulated walls.

This is why some of the mobile broadband services will give you an option of an outside booster box that captures the decent signal outside and relays it inside.

(Making sure that this turns into a good wifi signal throughout your house is another matter entirely  see my Ask Adrian columns on Independent.ie for further advice on how to do this.)

Typical cost: 30 per month from Eir for 12-month contract.

Speed: Up to 100Mbs.

Good for: Those in areas with a decent 4G signal and no better 5G, land-line, fibre or cable option.

How to switch TV & Broadband service

Step 1 Identify the new service you want and call up the new broadband or TV company (youll need your account number and address).

Step 2 If its a system based on the same technology platform 

for example, your landline or a fibre line  it should

be a quick, easy process. This applies when moving from Eir to Vodafone or

Sky or Digiweb and vice versa.

Step 3 It can take anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks for the old account to close out and the new account to become active. This might be just a billing systems switch or it may require some physical installation, such as in the case of moving to a fixed-wireless broadband provider. Youll be given a date and a time, possibly a relatively open-ended one.

Step 4 To find the best deals, use an accredited comparison and switching service like Bonkers.ie or Switcher.ie.

POTENTIAL SAVINGS: UP TO 30 PER MONTH IN THE FIRST YEAR; LESS IN THE LONG TERM

SEOUL, South Korea  North Koreas leader, Kim Jong-un, vowed to advance his countrys nuclear capabilities, declaring that it will build land- and submarine-launched solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as making its nuclear missiles smaller, lighter and more precise, the Norths state media reported on Saturday.

Mr. Kims declaration comes as President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. prepares to take office, succeeding President Trump. Mr. Kim and Mr. Trump met three times, but their meetings failed to produce a breakthrough in either ending North Koreas nuclear weapons program or lifting devastating sanctions the United Nations has imposed on the country for its weapons activities.

But despite his pledge to advance his countrys arsenal, Mr. Kim, speaking to the congress of his ruling Workers Party, said he did not rule out diplomacy. He said his effort to strengthen his countrys weapons capability was designed to gain leverage in dealing with Washington and its allies in order to drive diplomacy in the right direction and guarantee its success in achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula.

He said he would adjust his policy according to that of the incoming Biden administration, responding to force with force, and to good will with good will.
SpaceX's Starship conducted a static-fire test of the SN9 prototype for the first time on January 6 from SpaceX's South Texas facilities, near the Gulf Coast. Elon Musk-owned space agency carried out the routine preflight check. Three engines of the spacecraft lit up and the remained on the ground in a test flight for the future missions.

SpaceXs next-generation super heavy-lift reusable launch spacecrafts engines went off one by one producing 71.2 MN of thrust during ascent as loads and acceleration on the vehicle were decreased according to a Starships release. The SN9 prototype was installed in place of SpaceXs serial number 8 or SN8, the first high-altitude Starship prototype, which the firm scrapped beginning this month after the SN8 prototype shattered the concrete pad, and exploded into a belly-down orientation. SpaceX is prepping the vehicle for an epic test flight.

NASAs Spaceflight manager Chris B shared the footage of the Static Fire test. He said that the Starship SN6 has its mass simulator removed, potentially preparing it to be used as the NASA Human Landing System mockup. Meanwhile, SN9 continues toward launch preparations. In its routine initial check, the Starships vehicle remained at anchor, aiming for the 7.8 miles (12.5 kilometers) lift off over the southern Texas skies.

STATIC FIRE: Starship SN9 has conducted a triple Raptor Static Fire test.



Overview:https://t.co/DSXNkxhoCg



Live:

https://t.co/4c3UYHp4tr pic.twitter.com/4ZGBUdvAZc  Chris B - NSF (@NASASpaceflight) January 6, 2021

Starship SN9 lights its three Raptor Engines for the first time! This is a critical test to ensure SN9 is ready for flight. The static fire did not appear to be full duration and may result in a second firing.



Video & Photos from Mary (@BocaChicaGal).



 https://t.co/03C5zQXBdq pic.twitter.com/nVevipXw0K  Brady Kenniston (@TheFavoritist) January 7, 2021

Read: NASA Shares Stunning Image Of Lonely Neutron Star Spotted Outside Milky Way; See Pic

Read: 'Beginning Of Brand New Day': NASA Shares Photo Of Sun Rising Over Canadian Provinces

SN8 was unable to maintain 'fuel pressure'

The Raptor engines attained the maximum height of about 500 feet or 150 meters, and the SN9 prototype did not explode like the SN8 that flipped due to the cold gas thrusters during the vertical landing. According to SPadre, SpaceXs launch documenting site, Musk declared the landing failure for SN8 as SpaceX expected a high-altitude debut, with Musk himself estimating that the odds of success for SN8 was just about 33 percent. In an interview with Art Technica, SpaceX COO and President Gwynne Shotwell said that the SN8s launch debut de-risked [the Starship] program pretty massively, and the Starship SN8s methane header tank was unable to maintain the fuel flow (pressure). However, SpaceX's Starship SN9 with an altitude of about 500 toes, or 150 meters and smooth touch down, was one step closer to its flight.

Big vent. Could be a scrub/depress. There is another test window for tomorrow (Static Fire test notice). pic.twitter.com/ByZ1R3sLlj  Chris B - NSF (@NASASpaceflight) January 7, 2021

Read: NASA Detects Human-made Nuclear Bubble Protecting Earth From Radiation; Read

Read: Solar System's Largest Canyon Is 10 Times The Size Of The Grand Canyon, Claims NASA
The HSE has put out an urgent call for nurses and care assistants through the Cork Volunteer Centre.

Volunteers have received an email appealing for their help.

It reads: The HSE urgently requires the assistance of qualified nurses and care assistants in Cork.

Please note that these are paid roles, but the HSE has asked us to circulate to anyone who may be in a position to help ... We are members of the Community Response Forum with the HSE and the Local Authority and they really need help.

The urgent call comes as it has emerged that CUH is on the verge of triggering an emergency escalation plan.

More than 180 of CUH's estimated 1,400 nurses are now unavailable for work due to a variety of Covid-19-related issues.

Worryingly, of these, 30 are ICU nurses, out of an available pool of 130.

In addition to staff being off sick, the hospital has had to divide its resources three ways  to staff non-Covid-19 care and Covid-19 care, and to staff the rollout of the vaccinations programme.

On top of that, staff are also having to miss work for up to two or three days at a time because they have nobody to mind their children.

As a result of the upheaval in rostering, there is now an ever-growing shortage of nurses at CUH as well as other health service settings as the country deals with the latest surge.

There are currently dozens of jobs open for registered general nurses in Cork and Kerry, as well as positions for nurses with occupational health experience.

According to Nurseoncall.ie, there is also a call out for nurses with experience in taking bloods. CPL Recruitment in Cork also has job vacancies for theatre and general staff nursing jobs.

In its appeal, Cork Volunteer Centre added: If you, or someone you know is in a position to help, please send a CV to Rebecca.loughry@hse.ie and state that you heard about the positions from Cork Volunteer Centre.

A CUH spokesperson said: CUH is currently experiencing a significant increase in demand for hospital bed capacity including Critical Care capacity, related to Covid-19.

"The necessary arrangements are in place at CUH to upscale Critical Care capacity should that become necessary.

"Critical Care Capacity in the South/ South West Hospital Group (S/SWHG) is actively managed as a group resource; thereby ensuring patients always have access to the best possible care setting with inter-hospital transfer as required.

"Management at CUH can confirm that while there is a considerable amount of staff unavailable for Covid-19 related reasons, staff have been redeployed to critical areas within the hospital and have been asked to defer annual leave and all flexible working time arrangements are under review. 
Owner of WeChat Pay follows in footsteps of rival Ant Group with state-mandated corporate shake up to comply with new rules for financial firms

Verdict coincides with the Biden administrations decision last week to postpone the start date of a ban on new U.S. investments in companies allegedly linked to the Chinese military
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.


Turkey rejects Pastor Andrew Brunsons claim of unlawful arrest, rights violations

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Turkeys constitutional court this week rejected as inadmissible American Pastor Andrew Brunsons appeal over rights violation for unlawfully arresting him and exceeding the legal limit of his detention. He was imprisoned for his faith for two years in that country.

Although he now lives in the United States, the prison sentence against Brunson, who was arrested in October 2016 and charged with espionage and committing crimes in the name of a terrorist organization as a non-member, remains. Brunson's appeal was made on the basis that his arrest was illegal and beyond the legal limit of detention.

When the characteristics of the concrete case are taken into account, it cannot be said that the judicial control measure implemented by the Izmir 2nd Heavy Penal Court on the applicant was disproportional, the court said Thursday, according to the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern.

The court added, It has been concluded that the allegations as to the violation of personal liberty and security due to the unlawfulness of the arrest and exceeding the permitted period are inadmissible due to prescription.

Brunson is a Wheaton College graduate who served as the leader of a Protestant church in Izmir for over 23 years before he was arrested in October 2016 along with his wife, Norine.

Norine was released soon after, but Brunson was thrown in prison, accused of plotting to overthrow Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government.

In 2018, Brunsons family and U.S. officials who visited him in prison expressed concern with the fact that he had lost at least 50 pounds and was suffering from anxiety and depression.

In July that year, after the U.S. raised tariffs on certain metals and imposed sanctions on two Turkish ministers responsible for his detention, a penal court in western Izmir issued an order for his release, allowing him to return to his home in Izmir but on the condition that he couldnt leave his house or the country.

Jay Sekulow, the chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice and a lawyer of President Donald Trump, said in a statement at the time that the house arrest was a critical first step to what he believed could result in the freedom of Pastor Brunson to return to his family in the U.S.

The president has played a critical role in securing the freedom of Pastor Brunson, Sekulow declared at the time. We have worked closely with the president on this matter and are grateful for his efforts. We look forward to the ultimate release of Pastor Brunson.

Brunson was finally released in October 2018 after the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Turkey.

At times, Brunson was jailed with as many as 21 other men in a cell intended to only hold eight. He was also usually the only Christian in his cell.

During a recent virtual event, called Global Prayer for U.S. Election Integrity, the pastor shared details about his imprisonment in Turkey, revealing he experienced a crisis of faith while in detention. I was actually very afraid, he admitted. The issue, actually, is what we do when were afraid. There are things to be afraid of.

At the event, the pastor also predicted that persecution of Christians in the United States would intensify due to hostility toward people who embrace Jesus Christ and His teaching.
The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV.
WASHINGTON - The planning for Wednesday's assault on the U.S. Capitol happened largely in plain view, with chatters in far-right forums explicitly discussing how to storm the building, handcuff lawmakers with zip ties and disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's election - in what they portrayed as responding to orders from President Donald Trump.

This went far beyond the widely reported, angry talk about thronging Washington that day. Trump supporters exchanged detailed tactical advice about what to bring and what to do once they assembled at the Capitol to conduct "citizens arrests" of members of Congress. One poster said, "[expletive] zip ties. I'm bringing rope!"

Such comments were not confined to dark corners of the Web. They were scooped up and catalogued by researchers who made their findings public weeks before a seemingly unprepared Capitol Police force was overrun by thousands of rioters, in an incident that left one officer, one protester and three other people dead.

The question left unanswered is why didn't authorities prepare more effectively for a storm that many outsiders saw looming on the horizon - especially when those planning the assault were so open about their intentions?

"Given the very clear and explicit warning signs - with Trump supporters expressing prior intent to "storm and occupy Congress" and use "handcuffs and zip ties," clear plans being laid out on public forums, and the recent precedent of the plot to storm the Michigan Capitol building while Congress was in session - it is truly mind-boggling that the police were not better-prepared," said Rita Katz, executive director of SITE Intelligence Group, which was among the research groups that detailed what was coming in the weeks before the Capitol was attacked. It recapped much of this evidence in a report published Saturday.

Capitol Police spokeswoman Eva Malecki did not respond to requests for comment on Saturday.

The desire to prevent a repeat of Wednesday's attack helped drive Twitter's decision to suspend Trump's account after years in which years he challenged their policies against hate speech and inciting violence. The two tweets the company cited in their announcement Friday night were tamer than many during his candidacy or his presidency, but Twitter said it was particularly concerned about contributing to a possible "secondary attack" on the U.S. Capitol and state government facilities next weekend.

Concerns about more violent incidents appear to be well founded. Calls for widespread protests on the days leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden have been rampant online for weeks. These demonstrations are scheduled to culminate with what organizers have dubbed a "Million Militia March" on Jan. 20 as Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are to be sworn in on the same Capitol grounds that rioters overran on Wednesday.

"We all knew that tens of thousands of extremists would converge on DC Wednesday, so there's no excuse for the resourcing failure," said Brian Harrell, a former Trump administration Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary for infrastructure protection, now chief security officer for AVANGRID, an energy company. "Law enforcement was ill prepared for an event the entire country knew was coming, and one that [the president] has been signaling for weeks... It's shocking."

These renewed calls to action have bristled with violent talk and vows to bring guns to Washington in defiance of the city's strict weapons laws. A new analysis of such posts by Alethea Group, an organization combating disinformation that draws its name from the Greek word for "truth," found abundant evidence of threatening plans on a range of platforms large and small.

The aggressive and often hateful chatter has appeared on both mainstream sites such as Twitter and Facebook and niche, conservative sites such as TheDonald.win and Parler. The specified locations include the U.S. Capitol and the Mall in Washington, the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City, and locations in Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio. Some events, including an "Armed March on All State Capitals," include localized events in all 50 states.

"REFUSE TO BE SILENCED," said one online post cited by Alethea Group, calling for an "ARMED MARCH ON CAPITOL HILL & ALL STATE CAPITOLS" for Jan. 17, the last Sunday of Trump's polarizing presidency. Another post called for action at "DC & All State Capitols" and was signed by "common folk who are tired of being tread upon" declares: "We were warned!"

Parler's chief operating officer, Jeffrey Wernick, declined to comment. An unnamed moderator for TheDonald wrote an accusatory email in response to a request for comment that used an obscenity to describe Washington Post reporters but did not respond to the substance of the query.

The bitterness and specificity of the posts cited by the Alethea Group resembles what was publicly reported ahead of Wednesday's assault. In addition to SITE, the Coalition for a Safer Web sent numerous dispatches warning of the trouble brewing, as did Advance Democracy. Online chatter was organized, in some cases, around hashtags such as #StormTheCapitol and included threats to kill Congressional leaders.

Numerous researchers cited a Trump tweet urging supporters to come to Washington on Wednesday, the day of the presidential vote certification in Congress, that said, "Be there, will be wild!"

One poster responded on a pro-Trump forum, "He can't exactly openly tell you to revolt . . . This is the closest he'll ever get." Another poster, according to the SITE report, called for storming the building to "encircle" Congress and "go after the traitors directly." Another said, "Bring handcuffs and zip ties to DC" - things that later showed up in numerous images of the riot.

"It's not so much that the cops weren't aware of it. It's almost like they were willfully ignorant of the possibility of violence." said Marc Ginsberg, president of the coalition who personally shared his findings with government officials. "I felt like crawling into a hole after I saw what happened."

Warnings even came from private citizens, including activists normally wary of the police. One activist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of backlash from the far-right groups, said she spent her Christmas neck-deep in far-right death threats, wading through online forums that detailed plans to smuggle guns into the District, kidnap Democrat lawmakers and violently attack District of Columbia police and racial justice activists.

What she read disturbed her so deeply that she decided to violate one of the cardinal rules of the District activist groups she has protested among since the summer: Call the police. She called the FBI's tip line on Monday, Dec. 28 and told the woman on the other end of the phone about detailed threats and plans she had seen shared on forums including Parler, Telegram and threads on the website TheDonald. All proved to be major staging grounds for Wednesday's attack.

"It was a very difficult decision for me to call the FBI, but who else can you tell? They're explicitly discussing committing federal crimes - attacking the Capitol, attacking the police, attacking us," said the activist. "I told them, 'Look, they're planning to kill members of Congress and they're openly discussing bringing guns over state lines.' I thought if that didn't get their attention nothing would."

The FBI did not respond to a request for comment Saturday.

Federal, state and local law enforcement have been aggressively building their intelligence capabilities since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks caught the nation off guard. Subsequent investigation pointed to failures to shared pieces of information gathered by various agencies, prompting the creation of fusion centers and other means for transmitting intelligence in the future.

The spread of social media in recent years - and its widespread use as an organizing tool for activists - has made tracking threats that build online easier.

"There's a big distance between having information and having a threat assessment," said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a think tank. "The question is what they did with the intelligence they had? Did they make a proper threat assessment? If not, why not?"

Similar information is flowing freely to authorities now, as the same online forums light up with the same kind of violent chatter.

Some event listings for the days ahead of the inauguration are openly discussing delivering "justice" for Ashli Babbitt, a rioter and Air Force veteran who was fatally shot by police inside the Capitol on Wednesday.

Cindy Otis, vice president of analysis at Alethea said, "So much of the conversation right now is the general making of threats. There's a risk of these particular dates leading to violence because that's the kind of amped-up conversation we're already seeing from people."
Zingaretti postpones reopening of Lazio high schools due to rise in covid-19 infections.

Students in high schools in Rome and across the Lazio region will continue their lessons via distance learning until Monday 18 January, following an order signed by the Lazio governor Nicola Zingaretti.

Senior high school students in most other regions of Italy will return to their classrooms on Monday 11 January, after the Italian government decided to delay the original return date of Thursday 7 January.

However the reopening of high schools elsewhere in Italy on Monday will see just 50 per cent of lessons being held in person, in the classroom, with the rest conducted via remote learning.

Zingaretti made the decision to postpone the reopening of Lazio high schools due to an increase in coronavirus infections in the region, reports Italian news agency ANSA.

Several other regions in Italy, including Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia in the north and Campania in the south, have delayed the reopening of high schools until the end of the month.

Photo credit: MikeDotta / Shutterstock.com.
One Arrested After Shots Hit Murray Home

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MURRAY - A shooting incident on Thursday led to the arrest of a Murray man.Murray Police officers responded to a report of shots fired at a home on Farmer Avenue.Upon arrival, officers discovered that two bullets had struck the home. No one was hurt.The investigation led authorities to 25-year-old Benjamin Large of Murray. Large was arrested and charged with five counts of first degree wanton endangerment.He was lodged in the Calloway County Jail.
Young women, migrants and Indigenous Australians will be given the hard sell on the coronavirus vaccine when the government rolls out its $24 million advertising campaign within weeks.

Campaigns targeting priority groups are being developed after research commissioned by the federal Department of Health late last year, obtained by the Herald and The Age, found women aged 30 to 39 were the most likely to hold concerns about the vaccine's safety.

Health workers in Belgium inspect vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine, which is one of the candidates expected to receive approval in Australia by the end of January. Credit:AP

The Quantum Market Research survey of 1000 people found four in five Australians were likely to have the COVID-19 jab, broadly in line with the results of other surveys, including a longitudinal one led by ANU researcher Nicholas Biddle.

Quantum's report said the level of concerns about vaccine safety  27 per cent overall and 42 per cent of women in their 30s  showed there was "a need to dispel some specific fears held by certain cohorts of the community in relation to potential adverse side effects".
"That plane has crashed into our homes, time and again. It is still falling every night, and we cannot get out of this tragedy. A crime hit us that will never leave anyone alone. I have read a lot of books, I have seen a lot of movies, but I do not remember any book or any movie capable of describing what happened and what is going on."

This is the story of an Iranian-Canadian Toronto-based dentist, Hamed Esmaeeilion, Dr. Esmaeelioun's wife, Parisa, 42, and nine-year-old daughter, Reera, perished when a Ukrainian plane was shot down on the morning of January 8 by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps missiles outside Tehran.

The catastrophe killed 176 people on board, plus a seven-month-old baby named "Hugo" who died in his mother's womb.

Speaking to Radio Farda, Hamed Esmaeelioun, 43, recounts the untold details of the moments that collapsed like a terrible nightmare on the lives of the survivors of the flight victims.

Frustrated, Esmaeelioun believes that there is no other way to seek justice but to take the doomed flight case to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Hamed Ismailiun: I wondered why the roof did not fall on us from the screams and the anger that everyone had and still has. As if we (the survivors of the victims) were also on that plane, and we still are, and when they announced that [the IRGC missiles had shot down UIA's passenger plane], it was as if we all crashed again.

Radio Farda: Mr. Esmaeelioun, how did you find out about the tragedy the night you were waiting for your wife and daughter to return home and that they would not return?

Esmaeelioun: Like everyone else, I saw the news, and since I had obtained their flight tickets, I no longer had to inquire, and I already knew what had happened. It was January 7. You remeber that the Islamic Republic had attacked American bases [in Iraq]. Like everyone else, I was worried and trying to find my wife and daughter at the [Tehran's Imam Khomeini international] airport. Unfortunately, my wife's cell phone had no roaming. When I managed to have her whereabouts, she had checked in ten minutes earlier and gone inside the departure hall. I talked to Parisa's sister, who said they checked in ten minutes ago, and everything was normal there, and the flight was not canceled.

Nevertheless, I did not give up and followed the flight. I saw that the flight took off at 5:15 Tehran time. I was following it on the website of Kyiv's Airport. Many families like me did. Tehran Airport does not allow people to follow the flights. Kyiv airport offered the facility, but it seemed to be on automatic mode. At 6:12, when they shot down the plane, I saw it somewhere near the border, so I said to myself, 'the plane had left the border.' Two hours later, I realized what had happened.

Radio Farda: Then what happened?

Hamed Esmaeelioun: It was the scariest and worst night of my life. When I saw too many missed calls from Iran, I guessed what had happened. Anyway, I checked and checked all news. It was an arduous night. At that moment, I decided to return to Iran and see what had happened. Perhaps most importantly, I wanted to know what had happened to my wife and child. I wanted to see my mother-in-law and my mother. It was a feeling that forced me to see them immediately. Otherwise, I would never be able to forgive myself.

Therefore, I got a ticket an hour later, and I was at the airport on January 8 at 2 p.m., precisely when I was supposed to go there and bring them home. But I was on the way to get their bodies home.

Radio Farda: And at that time, you could not go to Iran.

Hamed Esmaeelioun: Ultimately, I could, but it took me 72 hours. I remember crying all the way to the airport. I could not see what was going on around me. People looked like ghosts to me. I arrived at the Toronto Airport. As soon as I got on the plane, I told the hostess that my wife and daughter were on the [doomed UIA PS757] flight last night. It [the man who lost his wife and daughter in a plane crash] became my identity for 72 hours, and maybe for a lifetime.

I remember the flight attendant took me to a corner and changed my seat to condole me. I could not close my eyes. It was just weeping and in disbelief that continues. I waited for seven to eight hours at Frankfurt airport [for a connecting flight].

I remember the friendly manner of the airport staff. And I think I had my first interview there, and I did not even know [how to be an interviewee].

People were crying along with us. I was with Javad Soleimani, Alireza Qandchi, Salomeh Tahmasebi, and Amir Passavand. We had lost ten, in total.

The plane was heading to Tehran. While over Turkey, it was reported that [President] Trump had said the plane had been shot down. Minutes later, the pilot said we had to return to Frankfurt Airport for security reasons. We returned and spent the night there. Again one of the most horrible nights of life passed, and the next afternoon, I flew to the Republic of Azerbaijan. They had given us two options, either going to Qatar or Azerbaijan. I decided to go to Azerbaijan and said that I could go by land if there were no flights to Iran. I was there for a few hours, and once again, I got on a plane.

The people were very kind and sympathetic until we arrived in Tehran. I think it took 72 hours to reach Iran.

Radio Farda: For three days, all authorities of the Islamic Republic and the local media lied. How did you feel when they officially announced that the IRGC missiles shot down the plane?

Esmaeelioun: I had to go to Sari, Parisa's hometown, and I think I arrived there at 6:30 on Saturday morning. Half an hour later, the shameful news broke out, and they officially admitted that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) had shot down the UIA's passenger plane.

Up to this day, I have kept that feeling to myself, feeling rage and rage and rage. That plane has crashed into our homes, time and again. It is still falling every night, and we cannot get out of this tragedy. A crime hit us that will never leave anyone alone. I know many [victims'] families seeking help from therapists. They take medicines. I have also seen therapists several times. We went to public meetings. We talked. There were private meetings in Canada, but they could not be described at all. I have read a lot of books, I have seen a lot of movies, but I do not remember any book or any movie capable of describing what happened and what is going on.

On the third day, they admitted shooting down the plane. I was at Parisa's mother's house. My mother and brother were also there. Parisa's mother, her brother, and sister, and close and distant relatives were present. I wondered why the roof was not falling over us by our screams and rage. Those screams and anger still are with us today. As if we were on that plane and still are. And when they took responsibility for the tragedy, it was as if we all crashed again.

Radio Farda: After three days of lying, they said it was unintentional. How did that make you feel?

Hamed Esmaeelioun: The Islamic Republic's behavior is predictable if one had reviewed its past. In all murder and massacres cases that the Islamic Republic had been involved, they have initially lied, covered up, and denied. However, there had been few cases such as "Political Chain Murders" where, after a while, they had taken "some responsibility."

Here, in UIA's tragedy, it has happened again. After three long days, they came forward and claimed responsibility, admitting that 'yes, we did it.' But, immediately after that, they showered the world with a barrage of distorted truth. They initiate a coordinated and systematic misleading process that has multiple targets, including the victims' families. It uses all tools available, such as state-officials, judiciary, intelligence and counterintelligence forces, press, radio, and TV, in its favor.

I have the names of maybe 50 to 60 people in my mind who have publicly lied about flight PS757. They have either lied or somehow had a hand distorting the news concerning the tragedy. And they are all high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic. From [the Islamic Republic Supreme Leader] Ali Khamenei, who emerged the day after the downing, laughing while he knew about the tragedy. Yet, he talked about the [IRGC] missile attacks on US bases. Or look at [the IRGC Aerospace Force commander, Amir-Ali] Hajizadeh, who parrotted Khamenei, and three days later lied again. Look at [the Secretary of the Islamic Republic Supreme National Security Council, the IRGC Rear Admiral] Ali Shamkhani, [Foreign Minister, Mohammad] Javad Zarif, [the IRGC Chief Commander] Hossein Salami, [Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic, the IRGC Major General] Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, [Head of Iran's National Aviation Organization] Ali Abedzadeh, [Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of the case related to downing UIA plane] Mohsen Baharvand and [President] Hassan Rouhani, they all lied.

The job of all these people, who are at the top of a long list, becomes distorting the truth and how to leave the crisis behind. They started by presenting human error as responsible for downing the plane. Later, during the past year, they changed this claim three to four times. Immediately after the downing, they blamed Boeing's technical failure. Then they said it was a human error. Later in the summer, they talked about "setting up the [anti-air defense] device incorrectly," and recently, we hear that they are talking about a systematic error. They tried to muddy the water as much as possible so that no one could understand the real truth.


You are the owner of this article.


By Scott Shepherd





My nieces have a cute habit: whenever I say something silly to them, they close their eyes, smack their foreheads and shake their heads. And if they think I'm being particularly puerile, they sometimes actually say "face-palm" out loud to make it clear to me what a fool I'm being.







This past week, I've been able to understand them a little better.







On Jan. 3, American Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver delivered the opening prayer for the new session of the House of Representatives. A Methodist minister with a master's degree in Divinity from the St. Paul School of Theology, Cleaver led the St. James United Methodist Church from 1973 to 2009.







As a Christian, I am of course writing this article from a Christian viewpoint, and from that perspective, the majority of Cleaver's prayer is actually pretty conventional; indeed, he even alludes to several verses from the Bible.







However, at the end it takes an incredibly weird turn: "We ask it in the name of the monotheistic God, Brahma, and God known by many names by many different faiths. Amen, and awoman."







You can see the prayer for yourself on

, and on

.







Critics rounded on him almost immediately. Dozens of articles and thousands of tweets ridiculed his unconventional ending.







Unsurprisingly, the big talking point has been his final word which suddenly turns the word "amen," meaning "so be it," into a political statement about gender. For the avoidance of doubt, "amen" has absolutely nothing to do etymologically with the words "man" or "woman." Cleaver knew that, of course.







At first, a few  including me  toyed with the possibility that he was actually satirizing Nancy Pelosi's new rules favoring neutral words such as "parent" over gendered ones such as "mother" and "father." This did, however, seem unlikely, given Cleaver's political leanings.





Then on Monday he issued

which cleared up any doubt: he said that he was "deeply disappointed that my prayer has been misinterpreted and misconstrued by some to fit a narrative that stokes resentment and greater division among portions of our population."







He further added that he had "concluded with a light-hearted pun in recognition of the record number of women who will be representing the American people in Congress during this term as well as in recognition of the first female Chaplain of the House of Representatives whose service commenced this week. I personally find these historic occasions to be blessings from God for which I am grateful."







Cleaver's stated intention of celebrating the record number of women in Congress is actually a worthy cause which could have been a focus for the unity he claims to seek. The use of the word "awoman" was nonetheless stupid, to be sure, worthy of a hearty face-palm, and of course it distracts from the point he claims to be making.







For any Christian  let alone an ordained minister who led a church for decades  to end a prayer with a "light-hearted pun" in order to make a political point to the people listening is problematic, to say the least.







Christian prayer is communion with the all-powerful creator and sustainer of the universe. Jesus himself warns in Matthew 6 of hypocritically praying in front of others for the purpose of self-glorification. There is no place in prayer for barbs or hints directed at the other people present. Cleaver should have known better than to use his prayer for any purpose other than actually praying.







Yet while the criticism was almost exclusively focused on his use of "awoman," what is far more concerning is the fact that a Methodist minister invoked a Hindu deity and the "God known by many names by many different faiths."







Christianity is not a syncretic religion, and it cannot be; Jesus makes an unequivocal claim to exclusivity in John 14:6. Either the Bible is true or it is not, but it is not possible for Christianity and Hinduism to both be right. Christianity is mutually exclusive of other religions, and when a Methodist minister fails to realize that, there's a problem.







While tolerance and an openness to other ideas are very worthy qualities, that doesn't mean we have to view every claim or idea as equal  indeed we cannot. There are plenty of cliches to the effect that believing everything means you believe nothing; I don't want to trot any of them out, but it's obvious that some beliefs are simply incompatible with others.







There are plenty of grounds for honest disagreement within Christianity; it is, so to speak, a broad church. But anyone who claims to be a Christian minister and then prays to a Hindu god is unfit for that position and must be defrocked and fired from any positions of leadership in Christian organizations. The leaders of the United Methodist Church have a responsibility to make that clear, as does his previous church and the seminary where he studied.







I have contacted his office, as well as his previous church  where his son is currently a pastor  and St. Paul School of Theology for comment, but as of the time of publication I have received no responses.







The issue of dodgy preachers is a huge problem in the States, where cynical televangelists have historically

. These people are evil liars who don't represent true Christianity.







Unfortunately, the problem isn't just limited to the States. Korea has a worrying number of cults or suspect churches where the leaders have shifted the focus from God onto themselves. True Christians have a serious obligation to point out the liars and false teachers who pervert the religion.







It is important to bear in mind that these kinds of problems aren't as all-prevalent as it might sometimes seem  they just attract media attention much more easily than the less glamorous work that most pastors do. For every instance of face-palm-inducing nonsense covered in the news, there are dozens, hundreds, of other preachers faithfully and honestly doing their jobs and successfully refraining from offering their prayers to Brahma.







But why not check it out for yourself? With stricter social distancing rules continuing to be imposed in Korea and across the world, we'll be spending even more time at home for a while. So why not have a go reading

? It doesn't take that long, and the time invested will surely be more worthwhile in the long run than the time spent baking a cake or watching yet another Korean drama.







Indeed, since everything's online these days, you can even try out church from the comfort of your own home. But if you hear anyone say "awoman" or pray to a Hindu god, please make sure you log out post-haste  and, of course, give your forehead a nice big slap.











Dr. Scott Shepherd is a British-American academic. He has taught in universities in the U.K. and Korea, and is currently Assistant Professor of English at Chongshin University, Seoul. The views expressed in the article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.



These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Central New York residents may have been hoodwinked into giving their personal information to people going door to door pretending to represent a solar energy provider, the provider said in a statement.

Nexamp, the provider, said people have gone door to door pretending to represent the company in Syracuse, Watertown, Oswego and Jefferson County.

When the people pretending to be Nexamp employees knock on doors, they try to get residents to share personal information or sign enrollment forms, Nexamp said in a statement.

These door-to-door representatives do not work for Nexamp and may be attempting steal personal information or perpetrate other fraudulent activity, the company said in a statement.

Nexamp does not use door-to-door salesman, the company said.

The company said it is building solar farms that will serve Central New York residents who get their electricity from National Grid.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Chris Libonati via the Signal app for encrypted messaging at 585-290-0718, by phone at the same number, by email or on Twitter.
For Manitobans struggling with mental health and addiction issues, a glimmer of hope emerged in this weeks cabinet shuffle.

For Manitobans struggling with mental health and addiction issues, a glimmer of hope emerged in this weeks cabinet shuffle.

On Tuesday, Premier Brian Pallister split the duties of the health portfolio to create a new ministry for mental health, wellness and recovery  a historic first for the province and a golden opportunity to address a long-suffering sector that has been plagued by poor access, insufficient co-ordination and inadequate funding.

Southdale MLA Audrey Gordon has been appointed to lead the department, the objective of which is to develop a provincial mental health and addictions strategy while addressing the psychological fallout from the pandemic. Ms. Gordon is the first Black person to hold a cabinet position in Manitoba and has experience in the health-care system as a former program director with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Minister of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Audrey Gordon

Its long past time mental health became a priority for this government; its unfortunate it took a pandemic to get us here.

When the Virgo report  an exhaustive review of Manitobas mental health and addictions services  was released in 2018, it described an overly complex, underfunded system that didnt meet the communitys urgent needs.

Then-health minister Kelvin Goertzen likened addiction treatment services to a pinball machine, saying, "Its difficult to get into the system and then, when youre in the system, its difficult to navigate."

The Virgo report called for a "whole-system, multi-sectoral response" and outlined more than 130 recommendations to improve access to a wider range of supports, close treatment service gaps and address the specific needs of vulnerable populations, including children, youth and Indigenous people.

Government action over the last two years has been incremental. In 2019, it had acted on only 26 recommendations, including opening five Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinics in response to the methamphetamine crisis, doubling the number of treatment beds for women at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, adding six in-patient mental health beds at the Health Sciences Centre, reducing barriers to anti-craving drugs such as naltrexone, and investing in community youth mental health and addiction treatment hubs.

Still, 2019 statistics from the Canadian Institute for Health Information showed Manitoba had among the lowest number of psychologists by population, with only 19.7 practitioners per 100,000 residents. Alberta, by comparison, had 91.2 psychologists per 100,000 people.

Critics have reproached the Pallister government for its slow response to an immediate crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have finally created a sense of urgency on the file.

Substance use and mental health issues have been increasing among the general population over the last nine months.

Its difficult to get into the system and then, when youre in the system, its difficult to navigate.  Kelvin Goertzen, former health minister

In a recent Probe Research poll commissioned by the Free Press, 71 per cent of Manitobans reported a decline in their mental health and heightened levels of anxiety and depression as a result of the pandemic. A poll by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use found 18 per cent of respondents consumed more alcohol than usual during stay-home orders.

Klinic Community Health has expanded its crisis services to seven days a week to meet growing demand, and the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba has seen a marked uptick in calls to its help line.

Manitobans were struggling before the pandemic, and government officials need to act quickly if the looming "echo pandemic" of mental health issues is to be avoided.

The framework of a provincial strategy has already been laid out by the Virgo report, and the appointment of Ms. Gordon to the new portfolio is a significant gesture. Whether it comes with the necessary funding and political will remains to be seen.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2021) - Crosswinds Holdings Inc. (TSX: CWI) (OTC Pink: CRSWF) ("Crosswinds" or the "Company") announces the reconstitution of management and the board of directors of the Company. Effective immediately, Mr. J. Roy Pottle has resigned as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Mr. Salman Iqbal has resigned as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Also effective immediately, Messrs. Thomas Cholnoky, Brad Gold, J. Roy Pottle and Robert Wolf have resigned as directors of the Company.

The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Trumbull Fisher as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Mr. Arvin Ramos as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The board of directors of the Company was reconstituted to consist of Mr. Daniel Nauth, Mr. Trumbull Fisher and Ms. Jessica Whitton.

A brief biography of each of the members of the newly appointed board of directors and management team of the Company are as follows:

Trumbull Fisher, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Mr. Fisher has approximately 15 years of capital markets expertise in various capacities. In the past, he served as a co-founder of Casimir Capital's, a former IIROC dealers', Canadian Sales and Trading operation. Upon leaving Casimir, he cofounded Sui Generis, an offshore hedge fund that was eventually sold to a Canadian asset manager, where he acted as head of trading. Trumbull previously served as President of New Wave Holdings Corp. (previously New Wave Esports Corp.), an Esports investment company. Trumbull has extensive experience in raising capital, advising businesses and managing successful teams in the capital markets industry. Mr. Fisher currently serves as a director of Cyon Exploration Ltd., Holly Street Capital Ltd. and Mansa Exploration Inc.

Arvin Ramos, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Ramos holds a degree in commerce and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. Mr. Ramos has over 17 years of business experience, having supported a broad range of industries, including mining, technology and banking. Mr. Ramos serves as chief financial officer of several junior mining companies.

Daniel Nauth, Director

Mr. Daniel Nauth practices U.S. securities and corporate law and advises both public and private issuers on U.S.-Canada cross border capital markets, M&A and corporate/securities transactions and regulatory compliance. Mr. Nauth holds a J.D. from Queen's University and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) from York University. Mr. Nauth is a licensed Foreign Legal Consultant in the Province of Ontario. Mr. Nauth has extensive advisory experience in a range of industries, including mining and oil/gas, emerging biopharmaceutical and medical devices, medicinal cannabis, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Mr. Nauth currently serves as a director of Bhang Inc., QcX Gold Corp., SBD Capital Corp. and Interactive Capital Partners Corporation.

Jessica Whitton, Director

Ms. Whitton practices general corporate and securities law for both public and private issuers and advises on a variety of transactions including private placements, public offerings, M&A and continuous disclosure obligations. Ms. Whitton holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Southampton, a Certificate of Qualification from the Federation of Law Societies and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen's University. Ms. Whitton currently serves as Corporate Secretary of QcX Gold Corp., Corporate Secretary of Mindset Pharma Inc., Corporate Secretary of Generic Gold Corp. and Corporate Secretary of Ophir Gold Corp.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Trumbull Fisher"

Crosswinds Holdings Inc.

For further information, please contact:

Trumbull Fisher, CEO & Director

trumbullgfisher@gmail.com

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "should", "plans" or "continue" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Reference should be made to the risk factors in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form, in the Management's Discussion and Analysis and in our other filings with Canadian securities regulators. Additional important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, among other things, general economic and market factors, tax related matters, the ability of the Company to execute its strategies from time to time, the ability to make distributions to shareholders, and the receipt of any regulatory approvals or consents required from time to time.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71675
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.
Mauritius clothing and textile exports dropped 23.6% year-on-year between January and September

A newly released Mauritius government plan designed to help the country's manufacturing industry recover from the Covid-19 pandemic has proposed that the clothing and textile sector invests in the latest technology and uses it to leverage local design talent. This expenditure will be supported by a new government-backed modernisation fund.

The 'Industrial Policy and Strategic Plan (IPSP) for 2020-25' was developed by the Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives ministry, working with the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD).

It emphasises how the textile and clothing industry is a key engine of economic growth in the Mauritian economy, with export-oriented enterprises (EOE) contributing about 53% of overseas sales and 36% of total exports. Exports focus especially on shirts, trousers, pullovers and cardigans.

The plan calls on the textile and clothing sector to sustain competitiveness "through the adoption of state-of-the-art equipment, technology [and] creativity in design."

It adds that this outsourcing centre needs to focus on manufacturing reliability and logistics to ensure it can meet potentially reduced lead times as international clothing brands consider more near-sourcing.

The strategic plan highlights the strengths of the Mauritius clothing and textile sector, from the production of high-end products for niche markets to the vertical integration by main groups.

But it calls on the industry to solve some key challenges, such as the shortage of local skilled labour, high dependence on expatriates for key posts, excessive local labour costs and low productivity.

Some of these measures would be financed by a Modernisation Investment Support Fund, which "would facilitate product and process diversification, shift to higher value-added production, technology upgrading and R&D activities." It would be run by the Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives ministry and spend up to MUR4.4bn (US$111m) until 2025. Officials told just-style details of its operation are currently being worked out.

Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives, Soomilduth Bholah, described the plan as "a policy framework that should be implemented to bring about transformational changes."

It would deliver policies that "ensure that the sector sustains its momentum and increase its resilience amidst the backdrop of emerging and unpredicted challenges associated with the outbreak of Covid-19."

Optimistic for 2021

Arif Currimjee, vice president of the Mauritius Export Association (MEXA), told local media outlets that the industry association welcomed the establishment of a modernisation fund "aimed at innovating within the sector and new steps in boosting exports."

The official said that while MEXA was going to take "a prudent approach" in supporting export sales, it was "nevertheless optimistic for 2021."

Speaking last month, MEXA chairman Patrice Robert said: "We can feel a new dynamism within the sector. The geopolitics of the world, namely, the US-China trade war coupled with the good image of Mauritius as a safe manufacturing location have helped to attract orders to our shores."

In a foreword to the report, Richard Kozul-Wright, director of UNCTAD's globalisation and development strategies division, said proactivity was needed given Mauritius faces important challenges.

"Preferential access erosion and heightened international competition are leading to a progressive loss of competitiveness in its manufacturing sector," he warned.

He said traditional Mauritius textile and clothing markets, such as those in Europe and the United States, would remain of key importance, given that ongoing trade administration and transport costs are hindering Mauritius-based manufacturers ability to sell into neighbouring markets in Africa.

As reported on just-style last month, the Mauritian textile and clothing export segment has been hit hard by lockdowns in key markets during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Figures released by MEXA show that between January and September, the country's clothing and textile exports were worth MUR12bn (US$298m), compared to MUR15.7bn (US$390m) for the same period last year  a drop of 23.6%.
What Americans saw on television Wednesday was not peaceful protest.

It was a riot by supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump. They swarmed streets leading to the U.S. Capitol. They stormed the symbol of our democracy, knocked down security barriers and overpowered riot police. Then they ransacked the legislative chambers while senators and members of Congress took refuge wherever they could.

As of press time, one of the rioters has died of a gunshot wound; several other people were injured.

It was a security breach that overwhelmed Capitol Police, who were in a standoff with remnants of the mob well into the evening.

JASON ANDREW, STR / NYT

The unbelievable scene smacked of violence and vandalism. It also could be called domestic terrorism, intended to undermine what always has been a peaceful transfer of power in this country.

Earlier in the day, a joint session of Congress was working to certify Electoral College votes, state by state, in what normally is a genteel constitutional formality.

Some Republicans were trying to slow the process in yet another attempt to reverse an election result they didnt like.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

The world has witnessed the shameful acts inside those chambers and out, as a sitting president unleashed violent extremists on the nations capital.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, was in his office in the Rayburn House Office Building, across Independence Avenue from the Capitol.

He said his staff was directed to shelter in place.

He was unflinching in his assessment of Wednesdays events.

The president of the United States inspired a coup attempt, Castro said. Ive been in public service for 18 years, serving the people of San Antonio. This is the most bizarre, chaotic thing Ive witnessed as a public official.

Those involved have First Amendment rights to protest, the congressman said, but those who have committed illegal acts should be prosecuted.

Castro said he hoped order can be restored.

After inciting them in person and on Twitter earlier in the day, Trump went to the airwaves to ask his supporters to go home, while repeating unfounded claims of election fraud.

His is an alternate reality in which only he benefits from calling the election rigged.

The presidents words from the fall campaign echoed amid the rioting.

In September, during a nationally televised debate, he addressed a white supremacist group called the Proud Boys. Challenged to repudiate the group, Trump instead called on its members to stand back and stand by.

Law enforcement investigations will determine who initiated or encouraged the riot, and whether the Proud Boys were involved.

Castro pointed to both Trump and his enablers, singling out U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who encouraged people to come here and behave in this way.

Ted Cruz should resign immediately, Castro said.

Those whove violated laws should be prosecuted, he added, pointing to those who stormed the Capitol and made threats against the Capitol Police and others.

Castro didnt directly address the issue of race in the incident. But it was impossible to ignore.

A march by menacing white demonstrators didnt trigger an aggressive police response. The contrast with how police have treated people of color during some peaceful protests was unmistakable.

On June 1, amid protests over the death of George Floyd, law enforcement officers tear-gassed peaceful demonstrators in Lafayette Park near the White House so Trump could walk to St. Johns Episcopal Church and pose for a photo op holding a Bible.

Before rioters reached the Capitol on Wednesday, there was an air of joyfulness in the crowd. Smiling faces could be seen, because hardly any were wearing masks.

It was eerie, as is the alternative reality that brought them to Washington.

There will be an accounting for this attack on Washington, on government and on the transfer of power.

Arrests will be made. Some even may go to prison for their acts.

Politicians, too, will be held to account for what they did and didnt do, none more than the outgoing president.

For the past four years, he has fueled anger, racism and grievance.

President-elect Joe Biden was right to say democracy was under an unprecedented assault on Wednesday.

His appeals for decency and unity brought a semblance of hope. He said the mob represented a small number of extremists, not the country.

Many Americans feared this would happen someday. Now it will forever define Trumps legacy and that of his enablers.

Though the scenes were scary, we are not scared. Still, Jan. 20 cant come soon enough.

eayala@express-news.net
Miami :

A disgruntled man went on a shooting spree at his former workplace in the US state ofFlorida today, killing five of his colleagues including a woman before turning the gun on himself. Today's shooting incident comes a week ahead the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando.

It wasthe deadliest mass shooting in US history in which 49 peoplewere killed by a gunman on June 12.

Deputies responded to today's shooting at the Fiamma Incbuilding on Forsyth Road in Orlando around 8 am. The 45-year-old shooter, a disgruntled employee who wasfired in April, also killed himself, Orange County SheriffJerry Demings told reporters.

He ruled out a terrorist incident.

"The shooter was carrying a gun and an knife. He wasfired from this business. The individual shot former co-workers," he said.

According to the Sheriff, there were no reports of anyspecific threats to this business. The name of the shooterwill be released after next of kin notified, he said. "We are all on heightened alert from the tragic incidentsacross the globe. We cannot connect this incident to anyglobal terrorism," Demings said.

Florida Governor Rock Scott urged people of the state topray for the families of the victims killed in "thissenseless" act of violence.

"Over the past year, the Orlando community has beenchallenged like never before. I have been briefed by our lawenforcement officials on this tragic incident and Ann and Iare praying for the families who lost loved ones today," hesaid.

"I ask all Floridians to pray for the families impactedby this senseless act of violence. I will remain in contactwith the Orlando law enforcement community throughout the dayas more information is made available," Scott said.

Sheriff Demings on scene of tragic shooting with multiple fatalities. Getting briefing. Will address media shortly. pic.twitter.com/f7jZrmXuhl  OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) June 5, 2017

Also Read | Kansas shooting: State to mark March 16 as 'Indian American Appreciation Day' to honour slain techie

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
BART plans to use nearly

$2 million budgeted to fill six vacant police officer positions to hire social work-trained civilians to respond to homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction that plague the train system.

The plan introduced Friday adds a supervisor and 20 crisis intervention specialists to connect people in need with services  twice as many as were approved by the board last year  to the agencys new bureau of progressive policing. It will also redeploy 10 existing sworn officers, two sergeants and two community service officers to the bureau. The plan is to pair a civilian with an officer who can stand by in case law enforcement is needed.

The plan, which will be presented to the board Thursday and doesnt require a vote to move forward, follows national upheaval over policing and internal discussion over the past seven months about how BART should deal with social problems.

This bureau of progressive policing is super important in this time in our law enforcement history, said Deputy Police Chief Angela Averiett, who is running the new bureau. It really complements our officers to support them in the work that theyve been doing. I have heard from a lot of people that homelessness never should have fallen on the shoulders of police officers, and I happen to agree with that. Its a societal issue, but the reality is we are the ones dealing with it.

BART police data showed that the highest number of calls for service in 2020  39%  were for well-being or medical assistance. Averiett said although officers can and do respond well to these calls, they detract from other emergencies.

The push to hire social workers in the Police Department, while supported by a majority of board directors, has ignited debate among some of BARTs leaders and law enforcement. Current and former police officers, their union president Keith Garcia and director Debora Allen, often a dissenting voice, argued officers are trained and equipped to respond to safety and social issues  and will still be called when things turn violent or criminal.

The new plan was the result of engagement with the Police Department, union leadership, frontline workers, outside advisers and riders, the presentation to the board says. Survey results show 35% of these groups wanted only a civilian response to the issues of homelessness, mental illness and drug use, 27% only police and 17% a combination.

The debate is how the agency will pay for the plan. The total labor budget for the new bureaus 45 positions is $8.1 million, with an additional $400,000 in ongoing training expenses and $560,000 to buy equipment.

The bulk of the money  $6.2 million  comes from existing and reclassified positions.

To fill new positions, money will come from leaving other roles vacant  including $1.9 million originally budgeted for six officers. Another $1.9 million will come out of money budgeted for COVID-19-related expenses in this years budget.

BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost said the new bureau doesnt take money budgeted for other departments. BART faces a $33 million deficit after the pandemic robbed the agency of a majority of riders.

Critics of the plan questioned why the agency was hiring during a fiscal crisis and cutting officer positions when the department was already understaffed. Before rebudgeting six positions for crisis intervention specialists, the department was looking to hire 21 sworn officers. Now it plans to hire 15.

Those opposed to the new plan said that with enough staffing, officers can ably respond to social calls and connect people with services, pointing to examples such as Senior Officer Eric Hofstein, who said he spends a majority of his time helping the homeless, mentally ill and drug addicts he meets in the train system.

The new proposal by the BART Board of having social workers follow officers around is not a viable solution, logistically or financially, Allen said in a statement. Unfortunately, the BART Police Department has been understaffed and underfunded for decades, often times leaving officers without the time and resources to regularly do this type of work. BART simply needs to adequately fund the police department with more officers and dedicate more officers like Hofstein to the work of helping those in crisis in the BART system.

Violent crime on BART has more than doubled over the past five years, and crime in general, while dropping under shelter-in-place rules, has not fallen as much as ridership. Board Vice President Rebecca Saltzman said that with trains running during reduced hours because of the pandemic, more officers are patrolling BART. Crime remains a problem, though, and adding more officers wouldnt necessarily solve it, she said. She agreed officers such as Hofstein have done some amazing work, but said more help is needed.

Other critics doubted whether creating more social service connections would be successful. Garcia, the president of the BART Police Officers Association, said the train system doesnt run homeless shelters or have treatment centers. Partnering with city and county agencies for those services has been ineffective, he said.

Is this going to be the end-all, be-all that cleans up the system? No. Hardening the system, keeping people from coming in, that will do it, he said. This is something that is a feel-good thing and hopefully we can do some good with it, but it wont solve our problems.

Saltzman pointed to existing partnerships such as a homeless outreach team at the end of the line in Contra Costa County that she said has helped people, although she added there have not been enough success stories because of BART capacity. She wants riders to feel safer on BART and for people in crisis to get assistance.

Theyre members of our Bay Area community who clearly need help and BART wants to be a part of that, she said.

Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench

A woman carries flowers to place on the ground near the US Capitol Building as she pays her respects to police officer Brian Sicknick who died from injuries sustained during Wednesday's riots in Washington. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Federal prosecutors yesterday launched a murder investigation into the death of a US Capitol Police officer, who died after being struck on the head with a fire extinguisher during a struggle with pro-Donald Trump rioters.

Brian Sicknick (42), a former staff sergeant with the New Jersey Air National Guard, died from his injuries on Thursday evening after being treated in hospital.

Mr Sicknick was only the fourth member of the force to be killed in the line of duty since its founding two centuries ago, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Nancy Pelosi, US House Speaker, ordered flags over the Capitol to be flown at half-mast in his honour.

Hundreds of colleagues lined the streets of Washington DC as his body was transported to the morgue.

Jeffrey Rosen, acting US Attorney General, said the Justice Department will spare no resources in investigating and holding accountable those responsible for the death of Mr Sicknick.

The chief of the US Capitol Police (USCP) stepped down on Thursday after being told to resign by Ms Pelosi and amid claims the force was deliberately under-supported to avoid inflaming tensions with Trump supporters in what might have been perceived as bad optics.

More than 50 Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department officers were injured at the Save America rally, where many in the crowd were seen waving Blue Lives Matter flags, purporting to support the police.

Several other top politicians called for an investigation into how the violent mob was able to gain entry to the Capitol.

Read More

Ted Cruz, one of the Republican senators whom Democrats blame for stirring up the chaos by opposing the certification of Joe Bidens victory, called Mr Sicknick a true hero.

Yesterdays terrorist attack was a horrific assault on our democracy. Every terrorist needs to be fully prosecuted, he wrote on Twitter.

Senator Ben Sasse called the news gut-wrenching. None of this should have happened, Mr Sasse said in a statement. Lord, have mercy.

Other Republicans alluded to the presidents role in inciting the events which led up to the storming of the Houses of Congress on Wednesday.

This is incredibly tragic, needless, and stems from lying leaders, tweeted Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois.

US Capitol Police issued a statement, saying: Officer Sicknick joined the USCP in July 2008, and most recently served in the departments first responders unit.

The entire USCP department expresses its deepest sympathies to Officer Sicknicks family and friends on their loss, and mourns the loss of a friend and colleague.

The New Jersey National Guard said it was saddened by the loss. It said Mr Sicknick joined in 1997 and deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1999 in support of Operation Southern Watch and in Kyrgyzstan in 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

He later became an outspoken critic of the Iraq war.

His social media pages suggest that he was a supporter of Mr Trump.
A male rioter raising his fist in triumph from the dais of the U.S. Senate chamber, minutes after Vice President Mike Pence was whisked off the floor for his own safety.

Another man carrying a Confederate flag, that shameful symbol of treason and white supremacy, through the corridors of the U.S. Capitol.

A mortally wounded female rioter bleeding on the floor, dying, wrapped in a Trump flag.

These disturbing images from the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, and so many others, will linger for a long time. They are images of desecration. Theyre profane. Theyre unforgettable. And the Republican political leaders who quite predictably want Americans to forget them are out of luck.

We deserve answers, and accountability, in the wake of the riot that left five people dead  including U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, a 12-year veteran who succumbed to injuries sustained while physically engaging with protesters, according to a statement from the Capitol Police.

For one thing, we need to know why Capitol Police and related law-enforcement agencies were so poorly prepared for the breach of the Capitol, which disgruntled supporters of President Donald Trump have been openly planning for weeks. As awful as this riot was, it could easily have been worse.

We also need to be clear-eyed about the fact that some Republican leaders played a role in inciting this riot, the aim of which was to overturn a fair election. Chief among them, sadly and shamefully, is Trump. He has spent weeks insisting, falsely, that he was the true victor of the 2020 presidential election. On Wednesday morning, at a Save America rally outside the White House, he urged his supporters to march to the Capitol and confront members of Congress who were then preparing to certify Democrat Joe Bidens 306-232 electoral college victory  to try and give them the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country.

You will never take back our country with weakness, said Trump, who vowed to accompany them but then of course returned to the safety of the White House, where he watched the mayhem unfold on television.

The reality TV star-turned-president may well be impeached a second time over his role in the ensuing riot. And on Friday, he incurred what surely strikes him as a severe consequence: Twitter permanently suspended his account. Either way, hell be out of office by Jan. 20, when Biden is inaugurated.

But he was far from the only Republican leader to spend the weeks since the election spewing irresponsible and inflammatory rhetoric  or at least turning a blind eye to it.

By the end of Wednesday, 16 Republican members of Texas delegation to the House had voted against certifying the electors won by Biden from key swing states, citing baseless voter fraud claims. They included Houston-area congressmen Troy Nehls, Michael Cloud, and Brian Babin. Nehls, a former Fort Bend County sheriff, courageously stood with Capitol police as they confronted rioters trying to storm the House chamber, but one of his first votes is not one he should take any pride in.

Texas Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton, meanwhile, was among the Trump toadies who spoke at the Save America rally in front of the White House Wednesday morning.

We will not quit fighting, Paxton told the crowd, with his wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, by his side. Were Texans. Were Americans. And the fight will go on.

A few hours later, he took to social media to falsely assert that the rioters were in fact part of a left-wing protest movement.

Those who stormed the capitol yesterday were not Trump supporters, tweeted Paxton, who remains under indictment in Texas for securities fraud and is reportedly facing a federal investigation into whether he used his office to benefit a political donor. They have been confirmed to be Antifa.

Nice try, Ken.

And U.S. Sen Ted Cruz, whose eyes appear clearly fixed on 2024 as he promotes Trumps discredited and perhaps delusional theories about the election being stolen, is under particular scrutiny for his role in this weeks events. He spent the days prior to Wednesday leading the fight to reject electors from key states unless there is an emergency audit of the election results, as his campaign put it in a fundraising message that shamelessly went out during the Capitol assault. And hes spent the aftermath attempting to reframe his efforts, while disavowing any responsibility for his role in the insurrection.

The attack at the Capitol was a despicable act of terrorism and a shocking assault on our democratic system, Cruz said in a statement Thursday, calling for those involved to be vigorously prosecuted.

He said it was time to come together and put this anger and division behind us, before insisting yet again that it would be unreasonable to expect Trump supporters to accept the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election.

Cruz knows better and has let his ambition get the better of him.

The junior senators behavior this week was not that of a leader, nor behavior that his constituents can respect.

To put it differently  or put it in terms that Cruz might actually care about  this was not the behavior of a man who should ever be president.

Theres really no market among voters for the kind of cynical calculations weve seen from Cruz and others this week, is there?

And we dont need politicians such as Cruz lecturing us about how the Americans who believe the election was stolen deserve to have their grievances humored indefinitely.

Weve seen where that approach leads. Nowhere good.

erica.grieder@chron.com
Twitter has banned President Donald Trumps account after repeated and severe violations of its policy.

After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.https://t.co/CBpE1I6j8Y  Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 8, 2021

The social media platform announced the permanent suspension was possible after Trump tweeted multiple times, including a video as extreme supporters of the president stormed the U.S. capitol building Wednesday, resulting in the death of four people.

In the video originally posted to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube the president tells the supporters they are very special and asks for peace, while also continuing to state falsehoods about the presidential election. The video has been removed from all three platforms.

We have to have peace, Trump said in a video. So, go home. We love you. Youre very special.

Trump briefly returned to Twitter this week after the initial ban.

Thursday night the account tweeted a video of Trump that addressed the heinous attack on the United States capitol.

Like all Americans I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem, he said in the video. Those who engaged in the act of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country.

On Friday, however, Trumps tweets had returned to its infamous tone.

After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence, Twitter said on Friday.

President Donald Trump's Twitter account has been permanently suspended.

Earlier in the week, Facebook extended Trumps suspension for at least two weeks, saying the risks are simply too great.

Jennifer Grygiel, a Syracuse University communications professor and an expert on social media, told the Associated Press that Wednesdays events in D.C. are a direct result of Trumps use of social media, which he uses to spread propaganda and disinformation.

Theyre creeping along towards firmer action, Grygiel told the AP. Social media is complicit in this because he has repeatedly used social media to incite violence. Its a culmination of years of propaganda and abuse of media by the president of the United States.

Twitter has been putting a disclaimer on Trumps Tweets, and the platform restricted the ability to reply, retweet or like the presidents video on Wednesday. Although users could still quote Tweet the video.

Soon after the video was removed from both Facebook and YouTube, Twitter took further action.

As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy, Twitter tweeted.

The social media platform said that if the Tweets are not removed, the account will remain locked.

Future violations of the Twitter Rules, including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies, will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account, Twitter said Wednesday night.

A number of Twitter users have been asking Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO of Twitter, to remove Trump. The requests escalated on Wednesday.

.@twitter suspending Trump for 12 hours?



Sorry @jacknot good enough.



This is your chance to finally defend democracy.



Ban Trump from Twitterfor good!  Sacha Baron Cohen (@SachaBaronCohen) January 7, 2021

Twitter should ban Trump, @jack. The moment for has come.  Clara Jeffery (@ClaraJeffery) January 6, 2021

During the 12-hour suspension Trumps aides posted a statement on Twitter.

The statement from Trump said there would be an orderly transition on January 20th and acknowledged defeat in the election for the first time, the AP reported.

Trumps Twitter account had more than 88 million followers. One of Trumps recent tweets that included a disclaimer by Twitter for making a false claim received more than 100k retweets and nearly 400k likes.

Related Content:
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The states coronavirus vaccine website -- with information about where older people can get their shots -- will go live at 8 a.m. Monday, according to state officials.

A call center that will provide the same information will go live at 4 p.m. Monday, according to Melissa DeRosa, Gov. Andrew Cuomos top aide.

Both places will provide information about where people can call to make appointments for a vaccine, Cuomo said today.

Starting next week, people who are 75 or older can get the vaccine in New York.

And as the state expands its vaccine program, three main groups are charges with providing the shots, Cuomo said.

Hospitals will continue to prioritize healthcare workers. County health departments will focus on vaccinating public workers, such as police, firefighters and teachers, the governor said.

The rest -- a group of about 1.4 million people 75 and older -- will likely get their shots at pharmacies, doctors offices or health clinics, according to the plan Cuomo described today.

To find out exactly who is offering the vaccine in your area, people should use either the states vaccination website or call center. Then, those wanting the vaccine should reach out to those site to make appointments, Cuomo said.

As of midday Saturday, the state had not provided that exact website or phone number. Cuomo said more details would be available Monday.

Cuomo and DeRosa cautioned that people seeking vaccine information and appointments should be patient.

The volume is going to be very high, Cuomo said of people accessing the website and call center on Monday. He also repeated that, for now, the state estimates it will take 14 weeks to vaccinate these seniors and others who now qualify for the shot.

I think people should temper their expectations, DeRosa said.

Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274.
Qatar Airways will resume flights to Saudi Arabia, starting with the capital Riyadh on Monday, followed by Jeddah on Jan. 14, then Dammam on Jan. 16, the airline tweeted on Saturday.

Last Monday, Saudi Arabia reopened its airspace to Qatar after a breakthrough in resolving a political dispute that had led Riyadh and its allies to impose a boycott on Qatar.

Short link:


At 2:00 am on Saturday morning, the fire brigade unit at Bhandara in Maharashtra received a call from the district general hospital after a fire broke out in the neonatal ICU. "It took the firemen only seven or eight minutes to reach the hospital because it is very close by," said Vinod Jadhao, Chief Officer, Municipal Councillor's office Bhandara. However, by the time the firemen climbed their ladder and entered the smoke-filled ICU rooms, ten infants had already lost their lives.

"Seven babies were rescued from the first ICU room. After clearing out that room, when we reached the second unit (the special newborn care unit) we realised that due to the smoke, and the fire all ten babies in there had passed away," he added.

Jadhao recalled that in one end of the room was a heap of melted plastic equipment, medicines and wires. "There were no big blazing flames, but it looked like the kind of fire that's caused by a short circuit. Although, it is for the experts to ascertain," he added.

"The firemen took one-and-a-half hours to complete the rescue operation, and everyone from the medical staff to the police helped," said Jadhao. "The entire floor had to be vacated. While the medical staff had already begun shifting the patients, we also joined in and helped," he added.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh visits the Bhandara General Hospital on Saturday. (Image: PTI)

By the time morning arrived, a tsunami of grief, outrage and condolences had poured in on social media. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to other political leaders, many lamented the 'tragic' and 'heart-wrenching' incident.

READ | 'Heartwrenching': PM Modi, President Condole Death of 10 Babies in Bhandara Hospital Fire

However, this isn't the first time that India has seen such a tragic fire incident, that claimed many lives, at a healthcare institution, to which people generally go in order to save their lives.

The Big Picture

According to a research paper titled 'A study on reported fire incidents in major hospitals of India' by authors Shyam Siddharth Rao Patharla, Souri Reddy Pyreddy and Shilpa N Panthagani, a total of 33 major hospital fire incidents were reported in India between January 2010 to December 2019.

The paper notes, "The most common cause of fire was due to electrical short circuit 78% with air conditioners being the most common source. Functional firefighting systems were reported in 19 incidents. Fires originated at or near intensive care units (ICU's) in 10 instances. 72.72% accidents occurred at night (8:01 pm to 7:59 am). Casualties were reported in 39% of the fire accidents."

Rescue work after a fire broke out in the new born babies' care unit of the Bhandara District General Hospital. (Image: PTI)

Last year, 8 COVID-19 patients were killed in a fire at Shrey Hospital in Gujarat. Among them was the wife of Advocate Amit Panchal's colleague. Panchal later filed a PIL seeking action on the fire incident and implementation of fire safety measures in the state.

"My colleague's wife was to be discharged the next day at 11:00 am. At night when the fire took place at Shrey hospital in the ICU, there were too many plastic and inflammable equipment, and the fire spread fast. Nobody even used the fire extinguishers, if at all there were fire extinguishers, to begin with," he said.

"Unfortunately, the building of the hospital was originally a residential building which was later converted into a hospital, therefore, the ICU was on the first floor. Eight people passed away in that fire, including my colleague's wife," Panchal added. The hearing on his PIL is still on and the next date that he has been given is 29 January 2021.

Those who lose their loved ones in such hospital fire-related incidents, it is mostly a long-drawn wait for finding out who is accountable. They wait for official enquiries to end, and for the culprit(s) to be punished while knowing deep down that these losses were preventable, if only certain fire safety measures were implemented on time.

The Most Basic Fire Preventive Measures

Suraj Shambharkar, head counsellor, National Institute of Fire Safety and Engineering, Nagpur, pointed out that while there are several protocols and preventive measures which should be followed in hospitals, two very basic fire safety equipment go a long way in averting major breakouts.

"The most basic thing for fire safety is smoke detectors and sprinklers. If you have these two things, even if there is fire, it would automatically be put off. Also, smoke detectors rings an alarm cautioning everyone about the fire even before it spreads. If the temperature rises in a room, sprinklers get automatically turned on. These two equipment can take care of the initial break out to some extend, until the fire brigade reaches the spot. Also, if you think of it, they hardly cost much and can still go a long way in saving lives," said Shambharkar.

ALSO READ | 2-month-old Girl Victim of Bhandara Hospital Fire Was Set for Discharge

"In smaller spaces fire spreads faster. So, extinguishers come in handy. But, it is not just enough to have it. All staff members should be given basic training in how to use them promptly, and properly." he added.

Avinash Gawande, the superintendent of Government Medical College Nagpur pointed out, "Fire audits need to happen routinely in order to avert fire related incidents. We have an electric engineer, as well as section engineer here and we conduct monthly meetings, for neonatal ICU, preventive ICU, Adult ICU, as well as for the entire hospital we check thoroughly."

ALSO READ | Govt Orders 'Immediate Audit' of All Hospitals

"If you put too many equipments on the same extension plug, that too can cause a fire. So, we have completely done away with that system. I feel that's the main reason why short circuits happen. We also audit the wires of the machines to make sure that there are no cuts, or wear and tear. Yearly, we conduct fire drills," he added.

Looking For Accountability?

The Maharashtra government was quick to order a probe in the Bhandara hospital fire. It has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the relatives of the deceased infants. Throughout the day, the doctors and medical staff of the Bhandara district general hospital have been in and out of meetings about the incident.

"It was a tragic incident, and the government has already announced a relief fund. But, people also want to know who is accountable," pointed out Narendra Bhondekar, a Bhandara MLA.

ALSO READ | Soot and Smoke Telltale Signs of Fire That Claimed 10 Lives in Bhandara, Ex Minister Alleges Laxity

"Hospitals need greater manpower so that such incidents don't happen again. Such units cannot work with just a couple of nurses on duty," he added. Bhondekar pointed out that a thorough inquiry is important because the neonatal unit of Bhandara was built only a few years ago. Therefore, if it was the case of short circuit then the enquiry committee has to ascertain if low-quality materials or wiring were used when it was constructed, or if it was faulty equipment which caused the fire.

An RTI filed in 2018 by Vikas Mandankar had drawn attention to the fact that Bhandara District hospital lacked fire safety equipment. According to the RTI, the hospital did not have any sprinklers, smoke alarms, fire extinguisher and no clearly marked fire escape routes.

"It is a big hospital with almost 400 beds, yet there is hardly any fire safety measure in place... I had followed up on my RTI twice, and for the longest time, I didn't hear back. Then in 2020, the hospital authority sent a letter to Deputy Director asking for funds for fire safety," explained Mandankar, adding that before these measures could be put in place the neonatal ward caught fire.

"We demand that whoever is guilty should be punished. If there was negligence due to which the infant deaths happened, then it has to be brought to public attention," added Mandankar.

The health Minister (Maharashtra), Rajesh Tope has already said that those guilty would not be spared, and all corrective measures will have to be implemented to ensure that such incidents do not happen in future. Currently, the investigation report is awaited.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sees the writing on the wall and knows there could be a second round of impeachment shortly. But in a memo to Republican senators, McConnell explained why an impeachment trial likely wouldnt begin until after President Donald Trump leaves office.

The Senate is not scheduled to reconvene for substantive business until Jan. 19. Although the Senate is scheduled to meet twice next week it cant do anything substantial on those days, including beginning to act on received articles of impeachment from the House, without the unanimous agreement of all 100 senators. It would require the consent of all 100 senators to conduct any business of any kind during the scheduled pro forma sessions prior to January 19, and therefore the consent of all 100 senators to begin acting on any articles of impeachment during those sessions, the memo states. Considering Trump still has more than a few allies in the Senate that seems highly unlikely.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

NEWS > McConnell sends memo to GOP senators outlining how an impeachment trial would work if the House goes thru. In essence, McConnell explains how an impeachment trial would consume the first days of Bidens presidency. Memo exclusively obtained by WaPo https://t.co/q2f2Quum1Z pic.twitter.com/SAkVVsqPvb  Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) January 9, 2021

In the most likely scenario, if the House does impeach Trump that means the Senate would formally receive the notification on Jan. 19, McConnell said. The Senate could then call on House managers to present the articles of impeachment that same day. According to the Senate rules for impeachment proceedings, at 1 p.m. on the day after the articles of impeachment are exhibited, the Senate must then consider them. That means if everything goes quickly the trial would only begin around one hour after President-elect Joe Biden is sworn into office. The Senate trial would therefore begin after President Trumps term has expiredeither one hour after its expiration on Jan. 20, or twenty-five hours after its expiration on Jan. 21, according to McConnells memo.

Advertisement

One point that remains unclear is who would preside over an impeachment trial in the Senate. Normally Chief Justice John Roberts would preside over the trial but considering Trump would no longer be a sitting president it is unclear whether his role would remain the same, according to the memo.

Some Democrats are concerned that moving forward with impeachment could end up distracting from Bidens first days in office. We have to put our government together quicklythats the most important thing we should do, Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia said. We dont need any more political theater. Biden didnt directly weigh in on the issue saying that its up to Congress to decide what to do but he did say he was more interested in focusing his energies on his own presidency. If we were six months out, we should be moving everything to get him out of office  impeaching him again, trying to invoke the 25th Amendment, whatever it took to get him out of office, Biden said. But I am focused now on us taking control as president and vice president on the 20th and get our agenda moving as quickly as we can.
|

Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Govt welcomes criticism including right to ask questions; New IT rules will empower social media users: Ravi Shankar Prasad.

New rules designed to prevent abuse, misuse of social media: IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

COVID-19 pandemic biggest risk to growth outlook: RBI.

WhatsApp users have nothing to fear on new social media rules: IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
An appeals court in Vietnams Ho Chi Minh City on Friday upheld harsh prison terms handed down last year to four activists convicted of planning protests on Vietnams National Day on Sept. 2, 2018.

Arrested in September 2018, the four were part of a group of eight named by police as members of the Hien Phap (Constitution) Group, a network of activists formed on June 16, 2017 to call for the rights to freedom of speech and assembly promised under Article 25 of Vietnams Constitution.

All eight were convicted of disturbing security under Article 118 of Vietnams 2015 Penal Code, and were sentenced on July 31, 2020 to prison terms ranging from two years and six months to eight years in a trial from which family members were barred.

In a one-day hearing on Friday, judges upheld the sentences given by the lower court to Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hanh, sentenced to eight years in prison; Ngo Van Dung and Le Quy Loc, sentenced to five years in prison each; and Ho Dinh Cuong, sentenced to four years and six months.

All four were then returned to prison to serve their full terms, including two to three years on probation following their release.

The four members of the Constitution Group again declared their innocence in court today, saying they had only engaged in protests according to their rights, defense attorney Nguyen Van Mieng told RFA by phone following the trial.

They said their group had called for protests only to oppose a new law granting concessions of land in Vietnam to Chinese businesses, and not to disrupt social order and security or act against the interests of the state, Mieng said.

The court rejected the groups arguments, though, saying that their goal had been to disturb social order and security, leaving them open to conviction under Article 118 of Vietnams Penal Code.

Family members watch via TV

Huynh Thi Kim Nga, the wife of defendant Ngo Van Dung, told RFA on Friday that she and other family members had been allowed to watch the days court proceedings via television monitor in a separate room.

Things were made easier for us than they had been at the last trial, and we later learned that the reason for this was that the U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City was present in the court, she said.

My husband said in court this morning that whether he was finally sentenced to five, 10, or even 100 years in prison, he still affirmed his innocence of the charge of causing harm to the country, and that everything he did was permitted under Article 25 of Vietnams Constitution, she said.

The Hien Phap Group had previously played a major role in calling for widespread protests that rocked Vietnamese cities in June 2018 in opposition to a proposed cybersecurity law and the law granting concessions of land to Chinese businesses, and many of its members are now serving long terms in prison.

Vietnams already low tolerance of dissent deteriorated sharply last year with a spate of arrests of independent journalists, publishers, and Facebook personalities as authorities continued to stifle critics in the run-up to the ruling Communist Party congress in January.

According to the rights group Defend the Defenders, Hanoi is currently detaining at least 238 prisoners of conscience.

Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Huy Le. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Chennai, Jan 9 : The ruling AIADMK's General Council in Tamil Nadu on Saturday ratified the nomination of Joint Coordinator and Chief Minister K. Palaniswami as the party's Chief Ministerial candidate in the upcoming assembly elections.

The Council passed a resolution at a meeting held near Chennai.

The Council also authorised party Coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and Palaniswami to decide and finalise the poll allies, the seat sharing pact with them and devise the poll strategy to retain power.

The AIADMK's General Council's resolution ratifying the Chief Ministerial candidate's decision comes at a time when the state leaders of BJP have been saying its high command would announce the same as the head of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) head.

However, the AIADMK leaders have been categorical in saying in Tamil Nadu it is the party that would lead the alliance and those agreeable can stay and others can leave.

The General Council also ratified the 11-member steering committee set up in October 2020.

The Council in a resolution also condemned DMK President M.K. Stalin for criticising Palaniswami.

The meeting was presided over by the party Presidium Chairman E. Madhusudhanan.

The AIADMK, DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and MNM (Makkal Needhi Maiam) have already started their election campaigning for the forthcoming state Assembly elections.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The bird apparently was with someone who had taken it with them to a protest rally on Sunday, according to city officials.
You can find out how to pre-register, or make an appointment, for the COVID-19 vaccine in your county. Use our lookup tool here.

UPDATE 01/25: The city recently launched its own website for people to receive information once they are eligible for the vaccine. To sign up, visit covid-vaccine-interest.phila.gov. Since this article was published, the Philadelphia Department of Health dropped its partnership with Philly Fighting COVID. For the latest developments, click here.

 READ MORE: Philly will soon have two vaccine sign-up websites, but only one run by the city

The general public is not eligible yet for the COVID-19 vaccine. And theres currently no statewide sign up system in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Health encourages residents to keep an eye on their website for more information.

But if you live in Philly, you can now pre-commit to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and become among the first to know when its your turn to get vaccinated through Philly Fighting COVID.

Who is Philly Fighting COVID?

Launched at the beginning of the pandemic, Philly Fighting COVID (PFC) is a local nonprofit made up of volunteers, engineers, and scientists. The organization started making PPE for health care workers, which led to a partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to provide free, COVID-19 testing at four city clinics.

PFC is now focusing all of its efforts on vaccine operations. PFC founded the citys first mass community COVID-19 vaccination clinic, located inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Staffed by nurses and physicians assistants, its intended to speed up the rollout of the vaccine. The clinic has the capacity to vaccinate between 100 and 450 people per hour  1,000 to 4,500 people per day  and is the first of several PFC community clinics planned. One of these might be where you end up getting vaccinated.

What does pre-committing mean?

If you live in Philadelphia, you can go online and register that you want to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Pre-committing is not a requirement to get vaccinated in the city.

To be clear, this wont actually schedule you for a future vaccination appointment. But it will help you stay better informed.

Sign up, and youll be alerted when its your turn to get vaccinated as soon as that information becomes available. Youll also receive email updates about the status of vaccine administration across the city. And by registering, youll help PFC and the city decide where to set up clinics, expediting vaccination rollout across the city.

 READ MORE: Who should and shouldnt get the COVID-19 vaccine

How to sign up for Philly COVID-19 vaccine alerts

To sign up, visit phillyfightingcovid.com/vaccine, and click on the button that says pre-commit to getting vaccinated. Enter your full name and email address, and create a password to create an account. Check your email for a confirmation email. You need to click the confirmation link in the email, which confirms your account and takes you to a page on COVIDReadi, the portal PFC is using to register those who pre-commit. On the COVIDReadi landing page, click the pre-commit to getting vaccinated button. On the following form, youll need to provide personal information, including your name, contact information, occupation, and where you live and work.

Once you sign and complete the form, youll receive updates about when its your turn to be vaccinated.

Whos getting vaccinated right now in Pennsylvania?

Vaccines are being rolled out under a phased approach, following CDC guidelines. The phases are as follows:

Phase 1a. : Frontline health workers and nursing home residents and staff

Phase 1b : People 75 years and older, people in congregate settings other than nursing homes, like correctional and behavioral health facilities, and other frontline essential workers, including first responders, food and agriculture workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store employees, education workers, clergy and other essential support for houses of worship, public transit workers, and individuals caring for children or adults in early childhood and adult day programs (see full list here)

Phase 1c: People 65 years and older, people 16 years and older with high-risk conditions, and a broader group of essential workers than in phase 1b, including those that work in transportation, food service, housing construction, finance and banking, information technology, communications and media, energy, legal services, federal, state, county and local government workers, public safety, and public health (see full list here)

Phase 2: All individuals not previously covered who are 16 years and older and do not have a contraindication to the vaccine

 READ MORE: When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

To check the current vaccine phase in Pennsylvania, visit health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Vaccine.aspx.
(TNS)  President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo to serve as his Commerce secretary, according to several news reports last Thursday.Raimondo, if confirmed, would oversee the end of a historically challenged decennial census as well as economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.andreported the decision Thursday without naming sources. Members of Bidens transition team and the governors office could not be immediately reached for comment.One of Raimondos first decisions on the job would regard how to handle the results of last years decennial census. The coronavirus pandemic as well as decisions by the Trump administration hampered efforts to count everyone in the country, resulting in a shortened census schedule and a blown end-of-year statutory deadline for delivering apportionment results. As the Census Bureau, which the Commerce Department oversees, trudges through errors in hundreds of thousands of records, it anticipates being ready to deliver apportionment results shortly after Biden takes office on Jan. 20.Census officials previously asked for a 120-day extension to deliver apportionment results. However, the Trump administration abandoned that push amid an effort to exclude undocumented immigrants from the apportionment process, an effort Biden has criticized.Raimondo would also be responsible for making decisions about how to handle undocumented immigrants included in census results as well as President Donald Trumps effort to have the Census Bureau produce detailed information about the population of voting-age citizens in the United States.Raimondo would take over from current Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who has served throughout the entirety of Trumps term. Ross frequently clashed with Congress over the administration of the decennial census, including in his failed effort to add a citizenship question to the questionnaire.A former venture capitalist, Raimondo became the first female governor of Rhode Island with her election in 2014, and she won reelection in 2018. State law limits the governor to two consecutive terms.Prior to her gubernatorial run, Raimondo was the second woman to serve as the states general treasurer, a position she held from 2011 to 2015. She also served as chair of the Democratic Governors Association in 2019.Raimondos departure from Rhode Island would leave an opening for a potential gubernatorial run by one of the states two representatives in the U.S. House, Democrats David Cicilline and Jim Langevin. Census Bureau projections indicate the state could lose one of its congressional seats.With a 50-50 split in the Senate, Biden cannot afford to lose many votes from his caucus in confirming his Cabinet picks.The progressive organization Demand Progress called Raimondo the wrong pick for the job, saying in a press release Thursday that Raimondo has a long history of prioritizing the needs of Wall Street above those of working Rhode Islanders. Demand Progress and other groups criticized cuts she proposed to the states aid for low-income residents, as well as hikes in the health insurance rate.
All Images credit the Crystalbrook Collection

When we think of a chic beachfront resort overlooking a sparkling azure ocean with and those enviable toned and tanned bodies lazing about a sexy pool scene, the first location that would come to mind would be Miami, Santorini, or perhaps Ibiza. Well, this scene could not be further away from South Beach and is in fact in the northeastern most region of Australia and at the Riley, Crystalbrook Collection Resort Cairns.

Cairns is located in Australias tropical north and is the doorway to the countrys most prized possession, the Great Barrier Reef. Here is the jumping point for exploring the reef for an underwater safari to see the kaleidoscope of colorful corals, and brilliantly colored fish.

The town of Cairns itself is a great place to spend a few days with plenty of day trips to snorkel or scuba dive the reefs. Beyond the reef, the town offers luxury boutiques and leafy parks with boardwalks for a walk along the shore. The Riley's location is centrally located along the bustling Esplanade which, a la Miamis Ocean Drive, offers alfresco cafes and restaurants, bars, and tourist shops.

The poshest hotel in Cairns is The Riley. The five star hotel is the place to see and be seen and is also known for its most recognizable feature, a 12-floor glass cylindrical tower that permeates the skyline. Once inside guests will be taken aback by its open air lobby with a soaring atrium replete with dangling artwork and comfy sitting areas. The piece de resistance is the uber-sexy pool scene around the lake sized lagoon-style pool with palm trees, cabanas, and chaise lounges under canvas umbrellas. The pool is actually made of three areas with a lap pool, infinity-edge pool, and large jacuzzi for couples and areas for families with a beach-like sand fringed wading area.

The 311 rooms of the tropical retreat range from cozy rooms to palatial suites. Their most coveted accommodations are the Panoramic Sea rooms in the tower with floor to ceiling windows offering an uninterrupted view of the sea and shore. Throughout the day, you will see the reef boats coming back to the marina with guests returning from their underwater adventures.

The interiors are chic, well-appointed with clean contemporary designs and furnishings. Accommodations feature the latest technology including the Apple iPad Control Centre, 55 HD Smart TV, complimentary movies, and a Nespresso coffee machine.

When it's time to come down from the glass tower, there are plenty of places to nosh or bend the elbow around the hotel. The Paper Crane is their all-day dining venue that faces the esplanade; an ideal place for people watching and taking in the views while having your breakfast or lunch alfresco. In the evening, the mood and menu transform to a tony Asian restaurant offering an eclectic mix menu with Thai to Japanese.

For their most spectacular venue, guests need not leave the tower and instead ascend to the rooftop for the citys tallest restaurant and lounge. Roccos is an uber-stylish bar providing Moroccan and Mediterranean-style tapas and sharing plates with an extensive wine list and sophisticated signature cocktails. Several nights a week live music plays with a talented local band that creates a sultry place to enjoy a hip and happening evening.

There is plenty to do around the hotel from whiling away the day at the pool or for some deeper relaxation at their Eleme Day Spa. Guests will want to take advantage of their complimentary bikes to explore the area for a ride through town or along with the coastline parks.

The Riley is part of the Crystalbrook Collection of hotels which are quickly growing in the number of properties and loyal followers. This forward-thinking brand of hotels appeals to today's savvy and discerning traveler seeking hotels that are high in style, amenities, and lifestyle privileges. The brand recently opened its second Cairns hotel, The Bailey, a two-tower hotel with world-class dining and inspiring artwork throughout. For the discerning traveler seeking a five-star chic retreat at the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, look no further than The Riley, Crystalbrook Collection Resort Cairns.
By Prossy Kisakye

The principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences Makerere University, Prof, Josephine Ahikire, advises that Uganda should stop the culture of playing extremism politics to overcome the current political challenges.

She was giving her keynote address at a commitment to a peace breakfast meeting in Kampala, organized by Womens Situation Room attended by the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) summit members, security agencies, Electoral Commission, and other stakeholders.

At the meeting, political party leaders committed to ensuring that Uganda experiences peaceful elections come next week by signing a pact and also lit candles as a sign that they are ready to embrace peace during and after elections.

However, Prof Ahikire urged politicians to eliminate the philosophy of looking at an election as war and stop fighting for political positions as if they cannot survive without them, a vice which she says has eaten up even students right away from the primary level.

Volunteers have packed and shipped material aid for the developing world at Mennonite Central Committees warehouse in Plum Coulee since 2004.

Volunteers have packed and shipped material aid for the developing world at Mennonite Central Committees warehouse in Plum Coulee since 2004.

That will stop in June, when the international relief and development organization closes the facility doors and moves the packaging/shipment of items such as relief, school, sewing, infant and hygiene kits and comforters to Ontario.

One job will be lost; about 200 volunteers who serve at the warehouse east of Winkler will also be impacted.

The decision was made after a process of deciding how to simplify and streamline material aid shipments from Canada, said MCC Manitoba executive director Darryl Loewen.

The organization currently has two warehouses handling material aid (Plum Coulee and New Hamburg, Ont.).

"It has become more challenging to co-ordinate the shipment of full containers in a timely way," he said, adding shipping from the Ontario warehouse is easier, since it is located closer to an international port.

The move will also save MCC money, although "that was not the primary motivator," Loewen said. "Its mostly about simplifying logistics and saving time on cross-country shipping."

The closure will be hard for some in southern Manitoba, he acknowledged.

"The material resources warehouse in Plum Coulee has been a gathering place for communities in southern Manitoba... Im hearing disappointment, but also understanding. People are committing themselves to whatever is next."

In the 2019-20 fiscal year, MCC shipped nine containers of aid from Canada (six from Plum Coulee). That included 385,000 kilograms of canned meat, 94,073 school kits, 55,180 hygiene kits, 47,830 comforters, 21,724 relief kits, 6,289 infant care kits, and 1,200 sewing kits.

Loewen is aware there are questions about sending material aid to the developing world, and another Winnipeg-based organization, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, ended a similar program last year.

MCC continues to send material aid from Canada because its overseas partners keep requesting it, Loewen said. The decision "is informed by our partners. It is partner-driven work."

At the same time, it is "an excellent way to engage Canadians in the work of MCC," he added, noting when people overseas receive the aid, they are told where it came from.

After the Plum Coulee warehouse closes, donated items will be collected at MCC office in southwest Winnipeg and sent to Ontario for shipment overseas.

faith@freepress.mb.ca
The last proper date that the Philadelphia rock-and-roll band RFA played in front of paying customers before the pandemic hit was a rip-roaring affair at the Ardmore Music Hall the day after Christmas in 2019.

Theres a photo of the blissed-out bandmates  plus keyboard player Will Loftus, whos a de facto member of the group  backstage at the Main Line venue, all squeezed onto a too-small couch. Its a snapshot from a strangely distant, more carefree time.

Since then, there have been no RFA shows. A late-March date at Union Transfer was the first to get nixed. It soon became apparent that high-profile gigs at the Wayne Music Festival and Philly Music Festival werent going to happen, either.

A year and one day later, the band released Late to the Party, their long-anticipated new album, which came in under the wire as one of the most vibrant, spirit-lifting rock records of 2020.

Written and recorded before the pandemic, the bittersweet collection of raucous, convivial songs was meant to be the breakthrough for the band, which had come onto the Philly scene with a self-titled debut album in 2018 that bristled with the energy of early-2000s garage-rock revival bands like the Libertines and the Strokes.

It established RFA as one of the most promising Philly acts in recent years. And then came COVID-19.

Origin stories

RFA formed a decade ago when songwriter/front man Dan Cousart, guitarist Christian Turzo, and drummer Alec Powell were 14-year-old high school students at St. Josephs Prep. The name originally stood for really fast automobiles.

The group expanded to include bassist Brendan McHale, and they kept playing together while attending various colleges in Philadelphia. The RFA album marked an auspicious debut, and the band also earned a reputation as a stellar live act, playing indie venues and house parties in Philly while also touring widely.

I wouldnt trade the experiences we had for anything, says Powell. I mean, it was incredible. We traveled all around the country, we played amazing shows, we met amazing people. None of it was for nothing.

When the shutdown began, Late to the Party wasnt quite finished, though the band had been working on it for over a year.

The cover image of the album is a black-and-white photo of a player piano from Cousarts house in Fishtown, where some of the Late to the Party songs were composed.

It was in our practice space, where we threw big parties, says Cousart. It was the piano I wrote Truly and Esmerelda and the Open Bar on.

Those titles are standouts on Late to the Party (Self-Released *** 1/2), which was birthed in what Cousart calls a particularly long and drawn-out process, he says. We were trying to nail down our live sound.

Making Late to the Party, it just became more apparent that we dont work well in the studio as a band, says Turzo. Its something that we never really focused on. And we finally ran into that brick wall.

In a world without a pandemic, RFA would have carried on playing live, and found a way to get Late to the Party finished and out into the world earlier, instead of arriving unceremoniously on streaming services when it finally did.

But with no gigs on the horizon, the musicians  who are all 24 years old  came down with the pandemic blues, and put all band business aside.

The RFA rehearsal space in Fishtown is no more. Without a band to play with or his job as a barista at La Colombe, Cousart moved back in with his parents in West Chester.

Is this the end?

Does that mean RFA broke up? Is this the swan song of one of Philadelphia brightest young bands?

Breaking up makes it sound like you hate each other, says McHale. Like if you were to break up with someone you were dating. But I think were all under the impression that we can still be friends without working together for a little bit. It was more like, were all just going to do our own thing, and not be a band for a while.

Taking up the challenge facing so many musicians  how to remain creative while prevented from doing what you love most  the band members, who spoke to The Inquirer on a conference call this week, branched out.

Weve grown together musically, but I think we all need the opportunity to expand our creative personal horizons, says Powell.

McHale and Turzo, who live together in the Francisville neighborhood, have a new project called Echo Kid with an experimental bent. They released a Christmas EP, and their debut album, Folks at Home, comes out Friday, Jan. 15. Loftus, whos a producer on the WXPN-FM (88.5) show World Cafe, plays guitar in the band and Powell joins on drums.

Cousart recorded a solo project at Headroom Studios in Kensington with producer Kyle Pulley. It has an R&B sensibility, he says, and less of an RFA just plug your guitar into an amp approach. The first single, Look Back is due Feb. 1. An EP arrives March 1.

An album that says we were here

But while stretching out  or in Powells case, moving into a real-job situation as a data analyst while going to grad school at Temple  the RFA guys decided to not let Late to the Party languish.

In November, Cousart buckled down with engineers at Phillys Bloom Music Group and put final production touches on the album so it could be released before another year ticked away.

RFA acolytes and those yet to discover them can be thankful for that. Late to the Party easily stands alongside albums by Lil Uzi Vert, Low Cut Connie, Shamir, and Sad13 among the strongest Philly releases of 2020.

It turns out, its well timed. Arriving in a live music drought, songs like the frayed Chinatown and the Hermans Hermits-borrowing Something Tells Me that Im in for Something Good deliver enlivening jolts from a world that now seems lost.

Its not lockdown music, says Cousart. These are songs written from the perspective of things you would have seen at a party, things that were going on in my life, or our lives, before all this happened. I think people find that refreshing.

 READ MORE: The best albums of 2020, from Sault and Swift to Lil Uzi Vert and Springsteen

But the Late to the Party songs also display interior depth. Cousarts narrator on the title track moves through a room full of smiling faces, but still feels isolated. No one see the world like me, he sings, alone in a crowd.

That the band cant even consider going out and playing live is the biggest drag, says Turzo. Not being able to play shows  that was just what we did for the last 10 years.

Its depressing, says Loftus. And not just playing shows  just being able to get with friends that you know play instruments and not have to calculate who has seen who and when. Now it just seems so foreign to play a show for 300 people. I miss it.

The uncertainty of when that might happen again  2022, hopefully?  makes rushing into decisions pointless, says Cousart. We havent said that were not going to get back together, and we havent said that we are. Were in a state of limbo.
Routine for Pak to come up with 'farcical actions' prior to key intl meets: MEA on Lakhvi sentencing

The Imam of Jihadis: Why Pakistans actions against Lakhvi are just an eye-wash

Pakistan should hold Lakhvi accountable for Mumbai attack: US

International

pti-Deepika S

Washington, Jan 09: The US on Saturday said that it is "encouraged" by the conviction of Lashkar-e-Taiba operations commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi in a terror financing case in Pakistan, but Islamabad should further hold him accountable for his involvement in terror attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai carnage.

Mumbai attack mastermind Lakhvi was sentenced to 5 years in jail on Friday by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court in a terror financing case, amidst mounting international pressure on Islamabad to bring to justice terrorists roaming free in the country.

Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore Judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar sentenced UN proscribed terrorist Lakhvi to five years of rigorous imprisonment each on three counts with a fine of PKR 100,000 (approximately USD 620) each on three counts. His punishment will run concurrently.

The Imam of Jihadis: Why Pakistans actions against Lakhvi are just an eye-wash

Reacting to the court judgement, the South and Central Asia Bureau of the US State Department tweeted, "We are encouraged by the recent conviction of Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi." "However, his crimes go far beyond financing terrorism. Pakistan should further hold him accountable for his involvement in terrorist attacks, including the Mumbai attacks."

India on Friday said the timing of these actions clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of APJG (Asia Pacific Joint Group) meet and the next FATF (Financial Action Task Force) plenary meet in February 2021.

Lakhvi, who was on bail since 2015 in the Mumbai attack case, was arrested by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab province on last Saturday.

He was designated as a global terrorist by the UN in December 2008 for being associated with LeT and al-Qaeda and for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of" both the entities.

The global terror financing watchdog FATF is instrumental in pushing Pakistan to take measures against terrorists roaming freely in Pakistan and using its territory to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere.

The Paris-based FATF placed Pakistan on the Grey List in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The LeT, led by Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans.
Like its founder and CEO Elon Musk, Tesla is never a traditional carmaker. Since it was founded in 2003, the electric automaker has grown to be the world's most valuable car company.

Tesla has been continuously innovating, combining a tech firm and a carmaker. Thus, new graduates and jobseekers have always been interested in joining this unique company. Until they get in and found out some interesting and crazy things that proves Tesla is not your traditional automaker.

10 cool facts about Tesla Motors

Check out the list below for the 10 cool facts about Elon Musk's company.

1. Attending meetings is not required, unless important

Elon has strict rules on company meetings: keep it short, small, and infrequent. He says the perfect number for a meeting is four to six attendees, although large meetings are still allowed when needed, but they should be straight to the point.

Also, in case Tesla employees feel their presence is irrelevant to the meeting, they could leave at any time meetings. This is because Musk wants his staff to work at all times.

2. You will work long hours

You can expect any Tesla employee to tell you everyone in the company works for extended hours as Musk even sleeps under the factory desks. On Nov. 26, 2018, the CEO tweeted that "nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week," adding that doing the thing you love will make it does not feel like work. While some people find working for long hours inspiring, others think it only shows terrible management.

3. The work is highly stressful

Working in Tesla requires long hours, compulsory overtime, strict deadlines, and even weekend shifts. This is the reason numerous employees have experienced chest pains, shortness of breath, and seizures at work.

In 2017, some worker fell flat on their faces or got injured while working. However, assembly lines kept working while the injured staff stayed on the floor.

4. Get Red Bull for free

A typical Tesla shift ranges from 12 to 16 hours, lasting throughout the week, even on weekends when production deadlines are tight. To keep employees awake during long working hours, they get free Red Bull energy drinks. But since not everyone could get a free drink, employees end up buy one for themselves.

5. Bypassing your manager is allowed

Unlike most companies that follow chain of command, a Tesla worker can speak with a worker from another department directly, even bypassing the managers of both departments or even vice-presidents and Elon himself.

Musk wrote a memo about this rule and sent it to all Tesla employees to ensure information flows easily within the company. According to him, information must flow quickly and easily if Tesla hopes to become successful. This also prevents managers to feel more important than others while those who try to control information flow would be fired.

Read also: Hyundai-Apple Self-Driving Car Tie-up in Early Stage of Discussion; Apple Eyes Later Release in 2027

6. Joining or forming a union is prohibited

Tesla has an unofficial policy that hinders employees from joining or forming a union. For instance, Musk sent a tweet on May 21, 2018, saying workers who unionized lose stock options. The company also fired workers joining pro-union activities, halted workers who distribute pro-union flyers, and enforced dress codes to prevent workers from wearing pro-union statement shirts

7. Leaking company details will get you sued

Like other tech companies, Tesla threatens its employees who leaks company information to the media with lawsuits and dismissal. Tesla's security team sent an email to employees in May 2019 announcing that they fired several employees and sued then for various offences, including sharing production data with the press and posting private company details including phone numbers on social media.

8. Salaries are relatively low

Tesla seems like a fusion between an automaker and a tech company. Its median salary is just the average for a car company, but too low for a tech firm.

In 2020, Tesla's middle-skilled workers earn $47,147 a year or $15 per hour. However, the figure is overestimated since working this rate will only be equal to $31,200 per year when working 40 hours per week. The salary is lower than a refuse collector who earns $41,400 a year at $19.90 per hour.

In comparison, General Motors employees earned $77,849 while Ford employees received $64,316 of salary for 2018.

9. Do not walk near Musk's desk

While this is an unwritten rule, Tesla workers do not want to go near the CEO's desk as Musk fires employees impulsively. One engineer was fired in 2017 after Musk ranted at him that something was not working. Unsure of what Elon was talking about, the engineer asked for clarification. However, in less than a minute, Musk fired him, although he never knew why.

10. You may lose your job in a glance

Tesla employees may lose their job even without warning, just like the unfortunate case of the engineer. Many layoffs usually happen during conferences and meetings. According to a former Tesla energy division salesperson said she got an email at 1 a.m. advising her team to attend a video conference later that day. However, it ended to be a mass layoff of 250 people, even those who were able to meet their sales quotas.

Related article: Porsche Taycan Beats Tesla Model 3 in Fastest Cannonball Run Record, Despite Navigation System Failure

This is owned by Tech Times

Written by CJ Robles

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Two Seattle police officers are under investigation over their alleged roles in the deadly Capitol Hill riots after they were photographed at the pro-Trump rally.

Police chief Adrian Diaz on Friday confirmed two cops have been placed on administrative leave as department officials conduct a probe into their actions.

Diaz in a statement said the SPD was made aware that at least two officers were in Washington D.C. on Wednesday and confirmed they would be 'immediately' terminated if they were found to have been directly involved in the insurrection.

Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz confirmed two officers are under investigation after attending the Capitol riots Wednesday

The cops - who were off duty at the time - will be 'immediately' terminated if they were found to have been directly involved in the violence, police said. (stock image of Trump supporters at Wednesday's rally)

'The Department fully supports all lawful expressions of First Amendment freedom of speech, but the violent mob and events that unfolded at the US Capitol were unlawful and resulted in the death of another police officer,' Diaz said.

'The OPA [Office of Police Accountability] will investigate whether any SPD policies were violated and if any potential illegal activities need to be referred for criminal investigation.'

The investigation comes after allegations emerged on social media that members of law enforcement had taken part in the violent protests.

OPA civilian director Andrew Myerberg told the Seattle Times the department became aware of photo circulating on social media that showed the officers at the rally.

'So, yes, we believe they were there, but we don't know all the facts yet, so that's why we're doing the investigation,' Myerberg said.

'The fundamental question will be, "Is being present at the rally in and of itself a violation of department policy?"

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday

'And I just don't know that yet. I think it really depends on what they did and what their role was in those events,' he added.

A SPD spokesperson on Friday confirmed the officers, who have not yet been named, were not on duty at the time.

It comes as authorities continue to search for dozens of suspects that were seen causing damage to the Capitol building in a violent protest that left five people dead.

Authorities have already arrested more than 80 rioters who breached the Capitol building, scaled the Senate and House Chambers, vandalized statues, fired tear gas and defaced property.

Fifty-five are being pursued on federal charges, authorities say.

Dozens more, who were labeled as 'great patriots' by President Trump, are still yet to be identified. So far, the FBI has identified and released photos of about 40 people they need help tracking down.
When some Democrats were pushing for President Donald Trump's impeachment in early 2019, it took around five months for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to back the idea. This time, it only took a day.

Pelosi came out strongly Thursday in support of Trump's removal  either by his own Cabinet or by Congress, if necessary  after pro-Trump supporters violently breached and ransacked the Capitol. The riots Wednesday came after Trump egged on the crowd at a rally near the White House. On Friday, Pelosi told fellow Democrats on a private conference call that "we must take action."

ALSO READ: Can Trump be Charged With Inciting a Riot? Legal Bar Set by 1969 Ruling that Overturned Conviction of KKK Leader

A congressional effort to impeach Trump would be unlikely to remove him from the White House, which he'll vacate January 20 when President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in. There's little chance that the Republican-led Senate would hold a trial and vote on convicting Trump in less than two weeks. Still, action by the House would still make Trump the first president in history to be impeached twice. And it could include a ban on holding public office, ending Trump's ability to run in 2024.

A look at how impeachment works, and what Congress can do in the short amount of time until Trump's term ends:

THE BASICS OF IMPEACHMENT

In normal order, there would be an impeachment investigation and the evidence would be sent to the House Judiciary Committee, which would hold hearings, draft articles and send them to the full house. That's what happened in 2019, when the House impeached Trump over his dealings with the president of Ukraine. It took three months.

This time, with so few days to move  and a feeling among Democrats that there is little need to investigate what happened, since most members of Congress were in the Capitol when the mob broke in  Pelosi would likely hold a floor vote with no hearings or committee action.

ALSO READ: Twitter Permanently Suspends Trump Account, President's Attempt to Use @POTUS Handle for Rant Thwarted

Once the House votes to impeach, the articles and evidence are sent to the Senate, where a trial is held and there are final votes to convict or acquit, as the Senate did in early February of last year.

WHAT ABOUT THE 25th AMENDMENT?

Pelosi said on Thursday that the House wouldn't have to begin impeachment if Vice President Mike Pence and other Cabinet members removed Trump from office under the 25th amendment. The amendment allows for the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare a president unfit for office, and the vice president then becomes acting president.

Despite widespread discontent with Trump's actions, there appears to be little chance of a Cabinet insurrection, especially after a slew of officials resigned in the wake of the Capitol riots.

A QUICK IMPEACHMENT VOTE

Any member of the House can introduce articles of impeachment and trigger a procedural process that allows them to be considered almost immediately. Approving them takes only the majority. Democrats narrowly control the House, 222-211.

Democratic Reps. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Ted Lieu of California have circulated an article of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and are expected to introduce it on Monday  meaning a vote could come as soon as midweek, if Pelosi decides to move forward. They could also consider moving the articles through regular order, which could still be done quickly.

"ABUSE OF POWER"

The article of impeachment circulated by the three Democrats charges Trump with abuse of power and says he "willfully made statements that encouraged and foreseeably resulted in  imminent lawless action at the Capitol." It says the behavior is consistent with Trump's prior efforts to "subvert and obstruct" the results of the election and references his recent call with the Georgia Secretary of State, in which he said he wanted to find more votes after losing the state to Biden.

Trump has falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in the election, and the baseless claims have been repeatedly echoed by congressional Republicans. As the protesters broke into the Capitol, both chambers were debating GOP challenges to the electoral vote count in Arizona. "In all of this, President Trump gravely endangered the security of the United States and its institutions of government," the Democratic draft reads. "He threatened the integrity of the democratic system, interfered with the peaceful transition of power and imperiled a coordinate branch of government. He thereby betrayed his trust as president, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States."

ALSO READ: FBI Arrests Arkansas Man from Photo Inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Office

There was not widespread fraud in the election, as has been confirmed by a range of election officials and by William Barr, who stepped down as attorney general last month. Nearly all of the legal challenges put forth by Trump and his allies have been dismissed by judges.

SENATE POLITICS

Timing of a trial in the Senate is uncertain. The Senate is not set to resume full sessions until Jan. 20, which is Inauguration Day, and it's hard to see the benefit of impeaching Trump while Biden is being sworn into office. Two-thirds of the Senate is needed to convict, and this would be unlikely even if the chamber did somehow come back in session to hold a trial and vote. While many Republican senators have disparaged Trump's actions in the last week, several Republicans have already said they think impeachment would divide the country even further just ahead of Biden's inauguration.

Still, some Republicans have appeared open to impeachment. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who voted to acquit Trump last year, said he will "definitely consider" impeachment. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who also voted to acquit, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that she wants Trump to resign. Only one Republican voted to convict Trump last year  Utah Sen. Mitt Romney.

WHAT IMPEACHMENT WOULD MEAN

Republicans, even those who have criticized Trump, say impeachment would be unhelpful. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said it would do "more harm than good." But Democrats say they believe they have to try anyway.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders tweeted on Friday that some people might ask why they would try to impeach a president with only a few days left in office. "The answer: Precedent," he said. "It must be made clear that no president, now or in the future, can lead an insurrection against the US government."
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.
Unseemly political rows are nothing new for us, but the start of the Northern Ireland Protocol on New Year's Eve has also ushered in delayed consumer deliveries and empty supermarket shelves.

It seems Brexit hasn't gotten off to a good start for us. Marks & Spencer has suspended deliveries of nearly 400 items here while it figures out the new regime. And its much-loved Percy Pig fruit chew could become a totem of the complexities of the trade deal between the UK and EU.

Chief executive Steve Rowe has said it may not be able to send the item to EU countries like the Republic without incurring tariffs, as M&S itself brings the sweets in from Germany.

On its supply issues here, the company said that "following the UK's recent departure from the EU, we are transitioning to new processes and we're working closely with our partners and suppliers to ensure customers can continue to enjoy a great range of products".

The Northern Ireland Protocol, part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, means Northern Ireland is treated as part of the EU single market and goods coming from Great Britain into Northern Ireland ports are subject to regulatory checks and customs.

Much of the paperwork is, in theory, to be carried out in the ports in Great Britain. But some companies in Great Britain had failed to get the message about what was required, according to Seamus Leheny of Logistics UK.

He told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee this week that one haulier had to reject 15 loads of food set for Northern Ireland on the basis that the paperwork wasn't done.

There have also been delays in the shipping of supermarket products here. A large Tesco in Belfast was lacking in own brand Tesco Finest ready meals, dog treats and continental cheeses. Delays are down to the new protocol.

A spokeswoman for Tesco said it had a "good supply" coming in. "There has been a short delay on certain products, but we're working with suppliers to get these back on the shelves as quickly as possible and direct customers to alternatives where we can."

It's a truth (almost) universally acknowledged that the checks in Northern Ireland ports amount to an Irish Sea border. But the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis, asserts that the changes, while causing disruption, are simply building on existing sanitary and phytosanitary checks on livestock, which have already been in place "since about the 19th century".

Border control posts are staffed by officials of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. The Daera Minister is Edwin Poots, a DUP man whose party championed Brexit.

Mr Poots was criticised when he used Twitter to thank Brexit campaigner and donor Arron Banks "for everything you done" to secure Brexit.

While DUP First Minister Arlene Foster has said she will work to mitigate the worst effects of the protocol, her party colleague Ian Paisley has called for it to be dumped as an "unmitigated disaster".

That prompted SDLP MLA Claire Hanna to call him a "professional troll". He accused her of "nothing more than name-calling".

A routine row, but what's not routine is for consumers to be hit as hard as they have been this week.

A key Brexit rallying cry was that it would enable the UK to "take back control". Consumers in Northern Ireland aren't really in control at the moment.

Dunelm, John Lewis, Peloton, Made.com, AO.com, Amazon and Debenhams are among the big names who have paused their deliveries while they get their heads around the new situation. HMRC guidance which introduced a grace period on parcels simply arrived too late for firms.

A small leather goods trader in Co Down says he's been hit by a four-fold increase in the cost to ship supplies from the north of England, from around 16.20 to up to 90 per parcel.

"Some other suppliers from whom I get threads, dyes and hardware will no longer supply me in Northern Ireland as there is too much paperwork and uncertainty about customs duties et cetera. I have used a certain supplier in the USA, but only rarely. It is now cheaper to buy much of what I need or use from the USA rather than supporting GB/UK businesses."

Dan Wilson, author and online retail expert, said retailers in Great Britain will be weighing up whether Northern Ireland is worth the hassle.

"Couriers, such as Hermes and DPD, are already considering whether it's a market worth serving and many big brands use them for both for delivery and returns," he said.

"Royal Mail is obliged to continue to deliver all parcels under the Universal Service guarantee, but it is expensive, so we will likely see some retailers apply a Northern Ireland delivery premium on shoppers.

"Others will stop shipping to Northern Ireland altogether. We'll see (Except Northern Ireland) on more UK shopping websites in 2021 for sure."

Irwin Armstrong, the managing director of medical testing company Ciga Healthcare, was one of the few businesspeople here to publicly support Brexit.

The former Northern Ireland Conservative Party chairman said he remained a strong supporter of Brexit. He said that while there were "downsides" to the protocol "it actually gives us major opportunities with access to the EU and access to Great Britain".

"If our politicians ever get away from Covid and start concentrating on the economy, there's a lot of work they can actually do to promote Northern Ireland as a place to do business."

Asked if Brexit supporters in Northern Ireland can be forgiven for feeling hard done by as they witness shortages on shelves, he said: "Business exists to solve problems and successful businesses solve problems... Give it a week or two when everybody has learnt all the rules and done everything they are supposed to do, then I don't think you will see any difference on the shelves. There will be all the foodstuff we are used to back on the shelves."

He said problems were down more to the backlog of lorries at Dover before Christmas, when lorry drivers from the UK were blocked from entering France due to the emergence of new strains of Covid-19.

"I would forecast, by February 1, there will be minimal effects on anybody's life in Northern Ireland."

Speaking to the Ulster Business podcast, Seamus Leheny emphasised that the protocol is a live document and that further derogations and mitigations can be discussed with the EU and UK Government.

"It's in the EU's interests to make it work, because if there's resentment here publicly and business-wise towards the protocol, then that doesn't bode well for it in the long term," he said.

Margaret Canning is the Belfast Telegraph's business editor. Additional reporting by Ralph Hewitt
With the control of the Senate on the line, Democrats in Georgia, and Black voters in particular, turned out in record numbers on Tuesday and sent Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnockonly the second Black senator to be popularly elected in the Southto Congress. But the Black voters didnt carry the vote alone: Roughly 30 percent of white voters cast their ballots against the Republicans, far better than Democrats have performed with white voters in neighboring states. And growing Asian and Latino populations in Georgia also helped deliver a historic victory.

Advertisement

To find out if this outcome was a harbinger of more significant changes to come in the Deep South, Slate spoke with Vincent Hutchings, a professor of political science at the University of Michigan who studies elections, voting behavior, and African American politics. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Molly Olmstead: People are crediting the remarkable turnout of Black voters for this outcome. Both Louisiana and Mississippi have proportionately larger Black populations. Could this happen in those states?

Vincent Hutchings: Well, remember, these were squeakers. So obviously, the near-unanimous support of African American voters was critical. But it would be incomplete and incorrect to say that that was the only thing driving it. You cant get 30 percent of whites in Mississippi to vote for a Democratic candidate [like white voters in Georgia did]. You might not even be able to get 20 percent of whites in Mississippi. And lets not discount the growing Latino population in Georgia, which you dont have in Mississippi or South Carolina. You would need all those things to come together in an almost perfect storm.

Advertisement

What makes white voters in Georgia different from white voters in neighboring states?

Given the growth of industry in that state and a variety of other dimensions attracting residents from other parts of the country, I would imagine that the education levels of whites in Georgia are higher than they are for, say, whites in Alabama or Mississippi. And as weve all learned over the last several years, highly educated whites, which had previously been a Republican constituency, have shifted toward the Democratic camp.

Advertisement

Do you think that Democratic organizers in any of the Southern states have any obvious lessons to be learned here?

The one lesson that jumps off the page for me is it isnt simply a victory by Democrats: These are two left-of-center Democrats. Theyre not AOC or Ayanna Pressleytheyre not that far on the left. But they are dramatically different than the kinds of Democrats that Southern states have sent to Congress in years past. So if theres one lesson, its that national Democrats, not Southern Democrats, can be competitive in that state of Georgia. We saw that, obviously, with Joe Bidens victory. Some thought it might have been a fluke. But its hard to say its a fluke: Now its happened three times.

Advertisement

Do you feel like this is going to mark a shift in general messaging among Democratic candidates in the South?

I think so. I mean, Stacey Abrams ran on this notion. Previously the playbook had been lets try to find a way to appeal to rural whites, which is really code for adopting a right-of-center political message. And when you think about the most recent statewide successful Democratic candidates in Georgia in the last 20 years or so, people like Zell Millerhe was a conservative Democrat. So when Stacey Abrams ran as an unapologetic left-of-center Democrat and almost won the governors office, and Joe Biden, who in some respects is the most liberal Democratic candidate since Lyndon Johnson, won the state, thats another example of that. These are unapologetic liberals. Its really a striking outcome.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Warnock and Ossoff were attacked as radicals and socialists by the opposition. Are you saying that that messaging is less effective now?

Yes. The reason that the Zell Millers of the world could be successful in Georgia previously was because you couldnt credibly say Zell Miller was a radical or a Marxist. The reason they trotted out those attack lines against these two Democratic candidates is because thats the playbook that has worked for them in the past. But it didnt work in this case, and thats an indication of a lot of things. Some demographic changes, of course. [Also] the tireless efforts on the ground by Stacey Abrams and a lot of people whose names we will never know.

Advertisement

What would you tell a Democratic organizer in the South about where they should focus their energy next?

I think theyve already solidified a position in Virginia. Theyve demonstrated their influence in Georgia. I imagine that North Carolina is a place thats closer to be flipped. Obviously, Obama won it. The Black population in North Carolina isnt as large as it is in Georgia, but its still bigger than it is in Texas. And there is a growing Latino population in North Carolina. Youve got high education in the [Research] Triangle. So with a sufficient effort, I think its possible that they could make a push in a state like North Carolina. It seems to me that thats far more likely to be the next Georgia, certainly more than South Carolina or Mississippi.

Could you see another state in the Deep South eventually joining Georgia on this trend?

I dont see this anytime soon in Alabama, Mississippi, or South Carolina. So of whats left, I guess I would say Louisiana, maybe, maybe, in a decade or two.


NBC News - WASHINGTON  A man photographed casually sitting with his foot on a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office at the U.S. Capitol while a pro-Trump mob rampaged the halls of Congress was arrested Friday, law enforcement officials said.

Richard Barnett, 60, of Gravette, Arkansas, was taken into custody in his home state on federal charges of entering and remaining on restricted grounds, violent entry and theft of public property, according to a Department of Justice official. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Arkansas tells NBC News Barnett was arrested this morning and hes being held in the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, awaiting his initial appearance.

Images, apparently of Barnett, were splashed across social media as the deadly mayhem unfolded in the nation's capital on Wednesday, just as Democratic and Republican lawmakers convened to count the Electoral College votes. Members of Congress condemned the violence and rioting, which was preceded by a rally led by President Donald Trump who told his supporters to swarm the Capitol in defiance of the election results.

Also charged Friday in connection with the rioting at the Capitol was a state lawmaker from West Virginia, Republican Del. Derrick Evans, who had recorded and then deleted a video of himself joining the throng. A petition has been started for him to step down.

As the chaos continued Wednesday afternoon, a New York Times reporter tweeted that he spoke with Barnett after his stunt in Pelosi's office. In a video, he boasts that he took a personalized envelope, but insisted he didn't steal it.

"I left a quarter on her desk," he said.

Barnett also claimed that he knocked politely on the door to the California Democrat's office, but was then swept inside by other rioters who had breached the Capitol. He said he left a "nasty note" as well, using an expletive to refer to Pelosi.

"I'll probably be telling them this is what happened all the way to the D.C. jail," he added.

It was not immediately clear Friday if Barnett had an attorney.

The mayor of Gravette said the photos have brought threats and other unwelcome attention to his small, rural community near the Missouri border.

"It's a shame something like this is what puts you in the public eye," Mayor Kurt Maddox said, according to NBC affiliate KNWA. "This is not the city of Gravette. This one person is not who Gravette is and not who the people are."

Aides to Pelosi have said her office was vandalized on Wednesday, and confirmed that a laptop from a conference room had been stolen. The equipment, however, was used only for presentations, an aide said.

Pelosi and other Democratic leaders have called for Trump to be removed from office amid his final days in the White House.

The FBI is requesting the public's help in identifying other Trump supporters who unlawfully invaded the Capitol for about four hours, with investigators poring over surveillance footage and social media posts. But the vast majority of the hundreds of people who stormed the building were allowed to leave without getting arrested, making the task of tracking them down exceedingly difficult.

So far, dozens of arrests have been made, including 41 people who were at the Capitol grounds late Wednesday and early Thursday, according to D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department.
New Delhi: Actor Swara Bhasker and a host of artistes on Saturday participated in a concert at Tikri Border here to express solidarity with the farmers protesting against the Centres farm laws. Besides Bhasker, artistes like Rabbi Shergill, Harbhajan Mann, Arya Babbar, Jaazy Bains, Noor Chahal and Gurpreet Saini turned up for the Artist for Farmers concert, organised at Sanyukt Kisaan Morcha main stage.

Addressing the protesting farmers at the venue, Bhasker said, I have come here as an artiste and as a citizen of this country, representing those people who grew up in cities but have never been to villages. Bhasker said the fight against the governments three farm laws has to be fought by every citizen of the country. I want to thank you all on the behalf of the whole country for fighting our battles through this protest. I feel ashamed today as we have become a society and a country where instead of taking care of our elderly people, we have compelled them to sit on streets in such a cold weather.

We have become so shameless and arrogant that we dont feel any pain about these people. If country is our mother, then kisan is the father because they provide us with food, she added. Taking a swipe at the people, who have questioned the motive behind the protest, Bhasker said such people are making false allegations against the protestors.

They are abusing you everyday and instigating people against you. I want to apologise to you all on behalf of all these people, she added Undeterred by the winter chill, thousands of farmers have stayed put at various border points of Delhi since November 26 as part of their protest against the Centres farm laws.
Survivors of the Black Summer bushfires could be left homeless by insurance companies ceasing to pay for temporary accommodation when rebuilds are yet to be completed.

Many bushfire survivors were uninsured or under-insured, but even those with full insurance found their coverage for temporary accommodation was typically capped, either by lump sum or time, and often runs out in 12 months.

The Glover family's house in Mogo after the Black Summer bushfires. Credit:James Brickwood

Fire anniversaries on the North Coast and South Coast of NSW run from September 2020 to February this year.

Andrew Constance, the state member for Bega, called on insurance companies to show "leniency and grace" because alternative accommodation was scarce, pointing out 1200 homes were destroyed between Lake Conjola and the Victorian border.
Iran is being criticized by international rights groups for putting politics above its own people after Tehran banned imports of British and U.S. COVID-19 vaccines.

The criticism comes after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on January 8 that imports of U.S. and British vaccines into Iran were "forbidden."

U.S. firms Pfizer and Moderna, as well as Britain's AstraZeneca, have developed coronavirus vaccines that are already being distributed to millions of people in the United States, the United Kingdom, and across the world.

But Khamenei claimed on Iranian state television and on Twitter that vaccines developed in the United States and the United Kingdom were "completely untrustworthy."

Khamenei said, "It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations."

His tweet also claimed that French coronavirus vaccines "aren't trustworthy."

Twitter has hidden an English-language version of Khamenei's post on grounds that it is a dangerous conspiracy theory and threatens the lives of people around the world.

But a tweet on the Iranian leader's Persian-language account that makes similar claims was still visible on January 9.

RFE/RL's Coronavirus Crisis Archive Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded to such claims by urging countries not to politicize the distribution of COVID vaccines.

Bruce Aylward, a senior adviser to the WHO's director-general, said, "It's really time to put any kind of politics aside and make sure that vaccines get to the people that need them."

Mansoureh Mills, a researcher for Amnesty International who specializes on Iran, said the ban by Iranian authorities was "in step with the authorities' decades-long contempt for human rights, including the right to life and health."

Mills added: "It's reckless that Iran's supreme leader is toying with millions of lives by placing politics above people. The Iranian authorities must stop shamelessly ignoring their international human rights obligations by willfully denying people their right to protection from a deadly virus that has killed more than 55,000 people in the country."

Iran's Red Crescent said the ban meant that 150,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine that have been donated by American philanthropists will no longer be entering the country.

Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for Peace, noted on Twitter that Khamenei's longtime personal physician, Alireza Marandi, was trained in the United States but he "forbids his population from benefiting from Western medicine."

"The well-being of the Iranian people has suffered greatly because of this antiquated ideology," Sadjadpour said.

More than 1.2 million people have already been infected by the coronavirus in Iran. The official death toll in Iran from COVID-19 is more than 56,000.

Iranian authorities say they are developing their own COVID vaccine. They say they began human trials in December and expect to start distributing their version of a vaccine in the spring.

Even if they meet that schedule, their work is far behind the development of vaccines by British and U.S. firms that have already undergone months of extensive human testing before being approved by national and international regulators.

With reporting by AP, BBC, and Arabnews.com
Lenders who specialize in working with Black- and minority-owned small businesses will have a head start in tapping Paycheck Protection Program funds when the program reopens next week, a move meant to address complaints that the aid was not distributed equitably the last time around.

Starting on Monday, borrowers will be able to apply for new loans through the P.P.P., but only through a small group of community lenders, government officials said on Friday. Community lenders are specially designated institutions that focus on underserved borrowers, including women-led businesses and those run by Black, Latino and Asian owners and other minorities.

Government officials did not set a timeline for when larger banks and lenders will be allowed to start processing loans, saying only that it would happen shortly.

The decision is certain to frustrate many borrowers eager to seek aid through the relief program, which offers small businesses forgivable loans to help them retain and pay their workers. The program closed in August after distributing $523 billion to more than 5 million businesses, but last months stimulus package included $284 billion in new funding to restart the relief effort.
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.

Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

Great Reset Crowd in Frenzy To Use Jan. 6 To Oust Trump Fast, Impose Emergency Dictates

Jan. 8 , 2021 (EIRNS)This morning President Donald Trump made two announcements on his briefly restored Twitter service. He will not attend the Jan. 20 Biden inauguration. And he will serve as the GIANT VOICE for the interests of the American people long into the future. This is exactly the prospect that, even before 2016, made Trump a target for side-lining by the London/Wall Street networks, whose political wing perpetrated one dirty operation after another against the U.S. to get Trump outRussiagate, impeachment, racism, then election subversion. Now, they are saying he is nuts. The Economist, the voice of the City of London, is chewing its nails over how to get him out fast. They have sent multiple e-mails on this since Jan. 6, and their Jan. 9 feature article has a fretful headline, After the Insurrection: The Terrible Scenes on Capitol Hill Illustrate How Donald Trump Has Changed His Party. And How Hard It Will Be To Rid It of Him.

Trump stood firmly against the Paris Accord green dictates, and initially and strongly, for friendship diplomacy with Russia, China, and India (although he capitulated to Pompeos McCarthyite madness over the past year). Trump also backed agro-industrial and space activity, crash biomedical work, and pulling back U.S. troops from the endless wars. These are anathema to the monetarists and their system, whose leading mega-financial entities are now in a zombie state of being dead-but-not-buried, propped up by trillions of dollars of bail-outs and chicanery. To these interests, the Great Reset is their solution, since it involves dictatorial governance and banking practices of any kind, including causing sickness, famine and deathbecause they say, it will save the planet from CO2. From Jan. 25-29, a five-day, 25 million-viewership media jamboree is in the works by the World Economic Forum, called The Davos Agenda, at which the Great Reset will be officially rolled out.

This is the context in which to understand the meaning of the events of the hour. The Jan. 6 mob attack on the Capitol involved a glaring lack of routine safety preparedness, for a known possible threat element to be deployed, or take shape. Now the event is being used as the excuse for demanding Trump leave office in the next 13 days, and as an excuse for Big Tech to exert total rights of surveillance and censorship. This is the same way that after the Sept. 11, 2011 attack, similar governance measures were enforced, in the false name of public defense.

There are three lines of action demanded against Trump as of nowactivation of the 25th Amendment to put him out, impeachment, or his voluntary resignation. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has written to Vice President Pence demanding he activate the 25th Amendment protocol to remove Trump because he is unhinged. Today Pelosi talked with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley to take measures to isolate Trump from the nuclear weapons codes. She wrote today to Democrats to line them up in readiness for an impeachment vote. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) has entered a bill of articles of impeachment, the first three of which charge Trump with not acknowledging how Russia has been subverting the U.S. in different ways. The impeachment includes a clause barring Trump from any future public office of any kind, anywhere. Two other impeachment bills are being prepared. Meantime, former Secretary of State Colin Powell is saying, Trump should just walk away from office right now, like President Nixon did. Last night, Mark Zuckerberg, now infamous for pouring over $300 million to local election precinctsprivate money for public electionsinformed President Trump that he can no longer use Facebook indefinitely. Why? Because, We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great. Of course, those political leaders who cheered on the mass riots, looting, arson and attacks on police all summer were never removed from social mediaquite the opposite.

This frenzied over-kill, however, by no means signifies strength. It is hysteria, and can be defeated. Multi-millions of people are not prepared to accept the new Great Reset, any more than in 2016 they would vote for Londons Hillary Clinton. It is self-evident to anyone thinking about it, that we have a big job today to roll back the pandemic, famine and economic decay caused by decades of neo-liberal, neo-conservative economics, which must be stopped. President Trump, with a phone call, can initiate the collaboration process with Russia, China and others at any time. To hell with the unhinged Schumer, Pelosi/London crowd. Lyndon LaRouche has shown the way for both policies and courage. A Trump exoneration of LaRouche, and pardon for Julian Assange and Edward Snowden is the best weapon right now. Understanding and acting on this Big Picture, is an essential part of the truth in elections campaign we are waging.
Khloe Kardashian has shared a hilarious comeback after fans mistook her for younger sister Kendall Jenner.

The Good American founder, 36, got tongues wagging on Friday after sharing a gym selfie in which she looked eerily similar to her supermodel sibling, 25.

Reacting to comments that she looked like Kendall's 'twin', Khloe was quick to put things right while at the same time praising her sister as she replied: 'In my dreams lol.'

Look familiar? Khloe Kardashian has shared a hilarious comeback after fans mistook her for younger sister Kendall Jenner

Twins? The star sported cropped chocolate brown locks and had her face partially covered by her phone, which may have contributed to the case of mistaken identity with brunette Kendall

While in response to another comment, she remarked: 'OMG stoooopppppp.'

The image in question saw mother-of-one Khloe crouching down in front of a mirror as she snapped a selfie in her home gym.

Khloe slipped her incredibly toned physique into a pair of dark green leggings and a matching sweater, finishing off her sporty look with a pair of monochrome trainers.

The star sported cropped chocolate brown locks and had her face partially covered by her phone, which may have contributed to the case of mistaken identity with brunette Kendall.

Uncanny! The Good American founder, 36, got tongues wagging on Friday after sharing a gym selfie in which she looked eerily similar to her supermodel sibling, 25

In her caption, Khloe insisted that she would be 'ready' come summer, to show off her hard earned body.

She penned: 'This summer, when all of this is over (manifesting) I'll be ready.'

However, fans were way more concerned with her similarity to Kendall it seems, with one writing: 'I thought that was Kendall at first. No joke.'

No way! Reacting to comments that she looked like Kendall's 'twin', Khloe was quick to put things right while at the same time praising her sister as she replied: 'In my dreams lol'

Flattered: While in response to another comment, she remarked: 'OMG stoooopppppp'

While another remarked: 'I mean Kendall is your twin!'

A third wrote: 'At first glance I thought this was Kendall'.

With another agreeing: 'Straight up I thought this was @kendalljenner.'

Notoriously diligent when it comes to her workouts, it seemed Khloe was blowing off some steam at the gym with a clear end goal in mind.

Reaction: Fans were way more concerned with her similarity to Kendall it seems, with one writing: 'I thought that was Kendall at first. No joke'

Between the stringent lockdown in LA County amid a total of 853,000 US Coronavirus cases to date, and the family stress of sister Kim Kardashian's impending 'divorce', it seemed she was airing it all out with a workout.

Throughout the past year Khloe and her family have made it seem like the pandemic is merely an afterthought as they continue to travel on lavish vacations to Turks & Caicos, Lake Tahoe and Aspen.

Right before Christmas, Khloe and daughter True, two, flew to Boston to be with Tristan Thompson who was traded to the Celtics.

Siblings: Khloe was quick to correct fans who mistook her for sister Kendall, who is 11 years her junior

She was seen flashing an enormous ring on her left finger which was reportedly a Christmas gift from Thompson which sparked engagement rumors, though it was confirmed that the pair are not engaged.

Despite not heading towards marriage anytime soon, they have spent much of quarantine together, and reportedly Khloe wants another child by him.

An insider told Life & Style on Thursday, that Khloe 'definitely wants to have another baby' with Tristan, 'regardless of whether they're married.'

Boston bound: Khloe and True went to Boston with Tristan after he was traded to the Celtics and he gifted her a huge sparkler as a promise ring which sparked engagement rumors

Regarding the humongous sparkler on her finger, it is said to be a 'promise ring' from Thompson.

'Tristan is going above and beyond to make it up to Khloe after the cheating scandal and prove his commitment.'

'He feels ready to marry her, but she needs to totally trust him first  and it will take more than a million-dollar ring, but they're making progress and things are going well between them,' a source told the publication ahead of the new year.
A woman who was too drunk to stand when gardai found her on a city street had been drinking a "huge amount of alcohol" to deal with a previous drug problem, a court heard.

Winnie Joyce (36) was given the benefit of the Probation Act at Dublin District Court when she was found guilty of public intoxication.

Joyce, of no fixed address, had pleaded not guilty but did not appear in court for the hearing of her case.

A garda said in evidence he was on beat patrol on Henry Street at 10.45am on June 8 when he found Joyce in an extremely intoxicated state.

Arrested

She was holding a bottle of vodka, smelled of alcohol and was unable to stand. She was arrested for her own safety.

Judge Bryan Smyth found the facts of the case proven.

The court heard the accused had 259 previous convictions for crimes including public order offences.

Joyce was "cross addicted" and had been drinking a "huge amount" to deal with what was a drug problem, her solicitor John Feaheny said.

Joyce was from a family that had had "brushes with the law." The accused was living from "hostel to hostel" and had a long road ahead of her, the court heard.
JP Nadda in Bengal today; All set to address farmers, hold roadshow

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Jan 09: BJP president JP Nadda is all set to reach out to farmers in poll-bound West Bengal on Saturday by addressing them in Burdwan and also kickstart his party's door-to-door rice collection, aimed at underlining its "commitment" to peasants' growth, progress and prosperity.

It is also said that Nadda will spend most of the day with farmers of Jagdanandpur village during his day-long trip to the state. The BJP chief will hold a roadshow from Burdwan Clock Tower to Lord Curzon Gate in Burdwan and address a press conference too.

Bird flu: More than 150 crows found dead in Jammu; Samples sent for testing

His address at "Krishok Surokkha Gram Sabha" (Farmers security village meeting) in Jagadanandpur will mark the beginning of 40,000 such meetings to be held by the BJP across West Bengal before the assembly elections, Baluni said.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

As part of its plan to collect a fistful of rice from farmers, the BJP plans to reach out to the homes of all the 73 lakh villagers across the state. The saffron party has launched an aggressive campaign in the state in its bid to end Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's 10-year-old reign in the state.

With Banerjee, also the head of the Trinamool Congress, backing the farmers who are protesting against the three agri laws, the BJP has gone all out to convince farmers about the "benefits" of these Acts and asserted that a large number of them support them.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 9:29 [IST]
Schuylkill County has surpassed 9,000 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March.

The state Health Department reported 187 more cases Friday, pushing the total from 8,969 to 9,156.

Schuylkill added five more deaths, increasing the total to 266 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Statewide, the department reported there were 10,178 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing that total to 703,265.

As of 11:59 p.m. Thursday, there were 215 new deaths reported in the state for a total of 17,394 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Vaccination update





The office of Gov. Tom Wolf issued a release Friday about updates to the states vaccination plan, which follows a blueprint from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

The first shipments of vaccine to Pennsylvania are being given to health care workers and people working and residing in the states long-term care facilities.

Dr. Rachel Levine, state health secretary, provided details of the newly revised plan in the release.

This update aligns our plan with the latest recommendations from the ACIP and CDC, Levine said. Phase 1A has been further defined to identify specific health care providers.

Phase 1B is now a significantly larger group of people that includes people age 75 and older, those with significant health issues and essential workers.

This update also creates a Phase 1C, which is those people age 65-74 and people with high-risk conditions such as cancer, COPD, hearth conditions and pregnant women, and those essential workers not included in Phase 1A or B.

When more vaccine is available, anyone who was not previously covered and is age 16 and older, will now be vaccinated in Phase 2, the release said.

The revised plan is posted on the departments website, www.health.pa.gov.Vaccines for veterans

The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs announced Friday that on-site vaccination clinics have begun at Pennsylvanias six veterans homes.

According to a release from the department, the clinics will run through early February to ensure that all residents and staff who want the COVID-19 vaccine receive it.

The veterans homes are in Scranton, Philadelphia and Allegheny, Blair, Chester and Erie counties.

The prolific right-wing scribe shared a simple message this week that sparked a social media firestorm.



Background . . .

When Mayor Lucas was first elected, he garnered surprising support from police & conservatives who vehemently opposed openly gay candidate Jolie Justus.

Since that time, it's fair to note that the relationship betwixt Mayor Lucas, law enforcement and conservatives has deteriorated.

Now . . .

Mr. Cashill's apology didn't take a whole Sunday issue of the newspaper. Instead, the terse post simply offered a familiar photo and noted . . .

"My mistake, sorry."



Surprisingly, Mayor Lucas responded with an odd line that was probably a reference to Senator Hawley's recent rebuke from colleagues following the insurrection at the Capitol . . .

"You and Jack Danforth have much in common."

With that, Mr. Cashill offered a bit more context . . .



"I admire your willingness to respond, but taking a knee with the people who wantonly destroyed the Country Club Plaza disqualifies you from commenting meaningfully on any other protest."

There was some back and forth among fans of Mr. Cashill with the mayor contesting the assertion . . .

"I took a knee with the police chief when we were meeting with folks to de-escalate the situation. I also went out so folks with problems could actually speak to a policy maker. Unlike other cities where mayors lost total control and connection with the crowd, our interventions kept the Plaza from being destroyed and later kept protestors from attempting to breach police headquarters, as I encouraged them to walk the other way. Im proud of those interventions. Unlike Washington, our nations capital, we didnt lose police headquarters, City Hall, or any seat of government power, and we certainly didnt create the forum for dissent unlike those in Washington this week. Carry on from there."



There was continued assertions that the mayor chanting "no justice, no peace" with protesters on the Plaza was a provocation for violence.



Of course nothing was resolved but it was probably one of the most telling exchanges we've seen so far regarding the similarities betwixt this week's MAGA riots vs. KC "mostly peaceful" riots on the Country Club Plaza last year.



You decide . . .
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Editor's note: CGTN's First Voice provides instant commentary on breaking stories. The daily column clarifies emerging issues and better defines the news agenda, offering a Chinese perspective on the latest global events.

Donald Trump has posted a video on Twitter promising an orderly transition of power on January 20. But the video itself continues his corrosive attacks on the heart of democracy.

Should lawmakers believe that Trump no longer poses a threat to U.S. democracy during his final 13 days in office?

The video includes a number of dubious claims. First of all, Trump said in a flat voice, "I am outraged by the lawlessness, violence, and mayhem" in the Capitol by his supporters. This is difficult to believe, considering Trump pumped up the January 6 date for weeks, incited his supporters to swarm Congress, and observed the breach unfold without comment.

Only after a woman's death was reported did he ask the invaders to go home, with a tweet that said, "We love you. You are very special". One day later, facing removal from office, the president is now "outraged"?

The president claimed to have immediately deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement. He did not, according to multiple sources, including the National Guard and his own aides.

Trump also continued to insist the election was rigged, noting election laws must be changed to prevent fraud, so people could once again have faith in future balloting.

He also seemed to imply that Congress, not his supporters, worked against democracy by certifying bogus election results.

And what exactly did Trump mean by his closing words to his conspiracy-loving supporters: "Our incredible journey is only just beginning?"

Trump reportedly made this speech to stem an exodus from the White House. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and special envoy to Northern Ireland Mick Mulvaney all announced their resignations and criticized the president in strong terms. Mulvaney was previously Trump's chief of staff.

Ex-Trump officials, including former attorney general Bill Barr and former national security adviser H.R. McMaster condemned the president. Former homeland security John Kelly said if he were still in office, he would vote for the president's removal under the 25th amendment.

The Wall Street Journal called for the president to resign immediately. This is notable because it is owned by Rupert Murdoch, whose Fox News helped create the alternative reality of facts inhabited by die-hard Trumpists.

However, the odds of Trump leaving or being forced out of office appear to be slim.

Even though Trump has betrayed his loyal Vice President Mike Pence and put Pence and the rest of Congress in harm's way, the vice president reportedly is not in favor of removing Trump from power using the 25th amendment, which can be invoked by the vice president and a majority of Trump's cabinet when the president is deemed incapacitated.

Pence, who enforced Trump's neutering and silencing of government health officials struggling to fight COVID-19, reportedly refused to take a call from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to discuss the issue.

Pelosi and Schumer say they will try to impeach and remove the president, but face long odds.

Trump's video will give cover to sycophantic Republican senators that have tolerated and enabled Trump for four years. The senators won't stop now, even after Trump sent a violent mob into their chamber, resulting in five deaths.

Here are two statements we didn't hear in Trump's video:

"This is a time of great challenges for America, and I pray that the president will be successful in guiding our nation."

"We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead."

The first was made by Mitt Romney in his concession speech to Barack Obama. The second was made by Hillary Clinton in her concession speech to Donald Trump.

Until Trump can sincerely and convincingly make a similar statement, he and his followers remain a danger to the U.S., even after Biden moves into the White House.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Australia's third-largest city of Brisbane was in its first day of a snap lockdown on Saturday, with officials elsewhere on "high alert" over the emergence of more contagious strains of COVID-19.

The usually bustling shopping strip in the city centre was eerily quiet Saturday, with only a small number of masked locals venturing out for essential reasons after officials announced a three-day lockdown from Friday evening.

"Quite surreal, like something from a movie set," local man Scott told AFP, in an empty city street.

"It's necessaryhopefully we will get through the next few days without any cases, that will allow us just to start to get back to normal."

Highways into the citywhich is usually a popular destination for Australian holidaymakerswere deserted as tourists were told to stay away until the lockdown ends.

The stay-at-home order for Brisbane's more than two million residents was triggered after the UK strain of the virus spread from a returned traveller to a cleaner at a quarantine hotelAustralia's first recorded local case of the variant.

The UK strain is among several emerging variants around the world believed to be more infectious than those which have spread previously.

Authorities also issued a warning for passengers of a flight that arrived in Brisbane from Melbourne earlier this month, after a woman tested positive for the UK strain despite already undergoing a period of isolation.

"The risk is extremely lowvery, very, very lowbecause she (the traveller) is right at the end of her potential infectious period," Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young told media.

"But because of this new variant, we're just being ultra-cautious."

The news comes as parts of Sydney prepared to end a weeks-long lockdown at midnight, following an outbreak which emerged last month.

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the state remained on "high alert" due to an increasing number of quarantined travellers testing positive for new variants of COVID-19.

"Obviously, there was a hope we might have entered 2021 with no COVID, but it's here to stay," he added.

Fears of a more infectious strain spreading through the community prompted Australia to announce a temporary cut to international arrivals and tighten quarantine arrangements.

Until the lockdown, Brisbane had been among several Australian cities enjoying a return to relative normality due to the country's success in suppressing the virus.

Australia has recorded more than 28,500 COVID-19 cases and 909 deaths linked to the virus, in a population of about 25 million.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP


NEW DELHI: Despite serious concerns raised by Pakistan's minority community and criticism by human rights activists, two Hindu girls have been forcibly converted to Islam in the neighbouring country within just two days.

It has been reported that a Hindu girl, identified as Ekta Kumari, has been forcibly converted to Islam by the notorious Muslim cleric Mian Abdul Khaliq (aka Mian Mithoo or Mithu), who is believed to be close to the Pakistan Army.

Ekta Kumari, a resident of Sibi, Balochistan, is a teacher by profession. Sources informed that Ekta, daughter of Anil Kumar, was allegedly kidnapped by a local Muslim Yar Mohammad Bhtto who also lives in Sibi.

Bhutto forced Ekta to travel to Dargah-e-Aliya Bharchundi Sharif in Dharaki in Ghotki district of Sindh province of Pakistan where she was converted to Islam by Mian Mithoo and christened her as 'Ayesha' and was married to Bhutto.

The other Hindu girl who forced to embrace Islam is Dhani Kohlahi. While in the case of Dhani Kohlahi, she was abducted from Juma Bazar and was also converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man. Her whereabouts are not known so far to her parents and police has not even registered their FIR against the accused, said sources.

Pakistans Hindu community is in shock and utter despair following back-to-back incidents of alleged forced conversation of two Hindu girls in two days thus also exposing the hefty claims of Imran Khan government of providing security and giving equal rights to the minority communities with that of the majority Muslims.

No action has been taken by the local police or the administration in both cases. In both cases, police had been dillydallying in even registering the FIR against the accused.

These sham marriages are actually just a means of sexual enslavement of the helpless Hindu minority girls, who are often abandoned, murdered, or sold off into prostitution.

Mian Mithoo is the Pir (head) of the influential Bharchundi Dargah (Islamic Sufi shrine) in Ghotki district of Sindh province. The cleric, who leads a lavish lifestyle and always travels with armed escorts, has been a member of Pakistans national assembly (MNA) from 2008-2013 representing the liberal PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party).

Later, he joined hands with PM Imran Khans PTI. Mithoo has earlier claimed that he has personally overseen the conversion of 200 Hindu girls, who voluntarily came to him to accept Islam.

He first shot into notoriety in 2012 after the forced abduction and conversion of a young Hindu girl Rinkle Kumari  daughter of a local school teacher Nand Laal.

Meanwhile, Karachi-based All Pakistan Hindu Panchayat has taken up the case of another Hindu woman Suneet Rathore who was also kidnapped and forcibly converted into Islam.

Live TV
US Intel on Russia, But Not Trump Mob? By Finian Cunningham January 08, 2021 " Information Clearing House " - Many embarrassing questions are being asked about how thousands of Trump supporters  some of them reportedly armed  were able to over-run the seat of American government this week.

People within the United States and around the world have been shocked by the chaotic scenes of lawmakers forced to run for cover as the Capitol building was taken over by fascist-style mobs braying USA, USA, USA. Politicians have condemned the violence as domestic terrorism and an assault on democracy. A pressing question is why the iconic Capitol  the legislative centre of American government  was so lightly protected? Throngs of angry protesters egged on by Republican President Donald Trump were able to march down Pennsylvania Avenue and proceed to push aside police officers and security barriers before storming into the congressional chambers. Among the protesters were white supremacist groups like Proud Boys and other Neo-fascist networks. For weeks, these same groups have been openly threatening to rally at the Capitol on January 6, the day that a joint session of lawmakers from the House and Senate were due to confirm the presidential election of Democrat rival Joe Biden.

Given the abundant signals of a planned assault on the heart of Washington, why was the Capitol so inadequately defended with barely a handful cops many of whom seemed to be unarmed?

No Advertising - No Government Grants - No Algorithm - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Newsletter

The contrast has been made to when Black Lives Matter protesters gathered in Washington back in June to denounce police brutality. They were confronted with a phalanx of heavily armed anti-riot squads deployed around government buildings.

How come security measures were not ramped up this week, especially given the open signalling from white supremacist groups of their plans to target the Capitol? Is it due to racist double-standard? That no doubt is part of it.

Ironically, the day before the sacking  albeit temporary  of the US government by the Trump mobs a joint statement was issued by intelligence agencies in which it was claimed that they believed Russia was behind a purported massive cyber-attack on widespread institutions, ranging from the Pentagon to energy companies. The alleged cyber intrusions were first reported last month and given prominent media coverage in a concerted way that suggests an intel psychological operation.

This week, however, the US intel agencies, including the FBI and NSA, were explicitly blaming Russia.

As usual, as with all US intel claims regarding alleged Russian malign activity, there was no evidence provided to substantiate the latest accusations of a cyber attack. All we are presented with is assertion and media amplification.

The allegations of Russian cyber assault are being used to whip up a more hostile policy by the incoming Biden administration. Biden has already vowed to take retaliation against Moscow. One can expect US-Russia tensions to become even more fraught after he takes office following his January 20 inauguration. All this renewed antagonism is based on the intel claims of Russian cyber hacking.

How are we supposed to take such claims credibly when US intel agencies apparently couldnt detect threats from the Proud Boys and QAnon cultists who were planning an insurrection in the Capitol?

Some may argue that the Deep State knew all about the impending insurrection, but let it happen as a way to fatally undermine Trump and his rabble-rousing.

Others among his supporters are claiming that the Capitol disturbances were infiltrated by antifa leftists who provoked the mayhem in a kind of false-flag stunt to discredit Trump and his loyal patriotic followers. This view was expressed by Republicans like Sarah Palin and House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy.

Seriously, Americans are really overdosing on conspiracy thinking. They have become completely incapable of rational analysis and discussion.

So, how to explain the contradiction that US intel agencies somehow missed the threat of insurrection posted all over the internet while these agencies purport to tell us that they uncovered a sophisticated Russian plot to hack into American society?

The straightforward explanation is that the US intel agencies dont have any case against Russia for hacking. They are simply falsifying information and lying to stoke geopolitical tensions with Russia in order to facilitate the profit needs of the all-dominant military-industrial complex.
Tiffany Haddish was certainly feeling the giving spirit of the holidays this past December.

Last month, the Indiana Department of Child Services made a post to its official Twitter account to thank the actress for making a donation of over 100 suitcases to be distributed during the holiday season.

The idea for the donation came after the 41-year-old recounted some of her own experiences in the foster care system carrying her belongings in garbage bags.

Lending a hand: Tiffany Haddish made a donation of over 100 suitcases to a foster care department in Indiana this past holiday season: she is seen at the E! People's Choice Awards in 2020

During an appearance on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, Haddish explained she had grown up in an especially turbulent living situation after her mother had been involved in a car accident, forcing her to relearn basic living skills.

After recovering from the accident, her mother's personality changed and she became more volatile with her children.

Haddish said: 'I used to think she was demonized. Like, I thought, like maybe somebody else jumped inside her body, like "where is my mommy?"'

After experiencing numerous acts of aggression towards her and her siblings, Haddish moved into the foster care system, which she was reportedly scared by.

Background: In a conversation with David Letterman on his Netflix program, the actress recounted experiences from her childhood where she and her siblings would have to transport their belongings in trash bags

Due to the family's financial situation, the children reportedly resorted to carrying their belongings in trash bags as they moved from home to home, something that the comedian detested.

After hearing the actress' story, Shanell Manuel, a foster care specialist supervisor for Lake County, Indiana reached out to her, noting to The NWI Times that during her career she had seen the same thing happening with children in her care.

'I've been in this agency for 18 years. I have been taking children out of homes and moving them to other homes, and...I see those garbage bags. It's unfortunate that we still have to do that,' Manuel stated.

The supervisor then sent an email to the She Ready Foundation, a charity organization founded by Haddish that aims to enrich the lives of children growing up in the foster care system.

There they are: The Indiana Department of Child Services made a post to its official Twitter account to thank Haddish for her donation

Making a connection: The plan for the donation was made when a supervisor from the Indiana Department of Child Services reached out to the comedian's charity organization

Manuel later received an email from the actress' publicist, and a shipment of over 100 suitcases was arranged to arrive on December 11; they were later distributed to various recipients just over a week later.

The Indiana DCS posted pictures of the shipment on its official Twitter account the day the products arrived and issued a message of thanks to Haddish for her donation.

Indiana Department of Child Services Regional Manager for Lake County Ellis Dumas stated that the Bad Trip actress' contribution to the department was especially effective in the sense that the suitcases would more than likely be utilized by all of their recipients.

'Often, it's hard to buy gifts for teenagers in general. So to be able to give them something that they're going to be tangibly using is always phenomenal and awesome  Miss Haddish made that possible,' Dumas said.

The manager added: 'The suitcases in themselves, and who they came from Miss Haddish, Tiffany Haddish, is a sentiment to our foster children that there's success, and support out there.'
Through this fortnightly column, Tales From TJ Road, Bachi Karkaria tells the story of Mumbai's metromorphosis

Read more columns in this series here.

***

A Street of New Beginnings

In the first column of the new year, its apt to doff my hat to a family of traders that has been on TJ Road since mill times but whose chameleon businesses have changed with the millennium.

I first heard about Petiwalla while researching the second column of this series. Speaking to our security guard who had worked in the China Mill where our housing complex now stands, I discovered a fascinating nugget. Yadav casually mentioned that millhands would deposit their pay with a particular shopkeeper for safe-keeping. When we wanted to go home to our villages, hed hand us the full amount. His actual business was selling steel trunks, so we would also buy a peti from him in which to take back stuff for our family. I dont know his actual name, we all called him Petiwalla.

So, who was this awesomely trustworthy guy? Asking an old-timer bidi-biscuits-baida (eggs)-walla across our gate, I had no trouble locating the shop. Petiwalla had long since left for his heavenly abode without need for a piece of luggage, but I found his second son, Bhupendra, who spelt out his fathers actual identity: Kanji Keshavji Savla. He too was a Kutchhi Jain like Tokersey Jivraj, after whom the road is named, and Rameshbhai of White Magic supermarket about whom I wrote previously. One up on the latter, who had flourished despite being SSC Fail, Bhupendra, as unselfconsciously, said he was Khalsa (college) Fail. No need for a college degree, the family dhandho awaited.

Kanjibhais story represents Mumbais dynamic local enterprise which holds its own amidst the unbelievable metamorphosis of areas such as Sewri. Families like his are an important reminder of the now almost-obliterated Bombay of the roaring cotton textile industry.

His son, Bhupendra, describes the journey. Ba off thayi gayi hati (Mother died young), and Father began life in very hard times. He started a modest daily-rations shop. Thanks to his ekdum honest swabhav, the mill-workers began to have total vishwas in him, puchho nahin. Most of them stayed 10-15 to a room; when one went on shift, the one getting off it slept in his place. So they had nowhere safe to keep their earnings. They would give it to Father who would tie it in a paper bundle tagged with the chaps name, and throw it into a dabba  one of those big oil tins. No hisab-kitab. When they needed their money, he would rummage and fish out the potli. No interest, no charge for the service. Na, na, we never had a theft, we lived at the back of the shop only. In Dussehra time, our business was also good since those who had families with them would stock up on atta, tel, etc with their bonus. Also, they would all buy the 15p khajoor na jhhadoo to give their tenements a thorough cleaning.

In addition to his complete honesty, Kanjibhai was hamesha helpful. With the reputation he had acquired came influence, and he managed to get many migrant UP wallas a job in the two mills of the area, China and Swan. Some years later, he was able to take over the adjacent shop where he diversified into the petis which would give him his moniker.

His son, Bhupendra, joined the sleeker steel-trunk store since he wasnt interested in the dusty-greasy rations shop. He too displayed the Kutchhi traders belly-fire, and started making their own branded Eagle trunks. I always wanted a quality business and sold them Fixed Price. No Bargaining.

Next he branched into selling DM Pakitwalas khaki school bags. After an altercation with the supplier, he began manufacturing KK Umbrellas, honouring the brand with his fathers initials. He even set up a repairer on the premises; customers could bring back those which had blown inside out in Mumbais fierce monsoon, and get them fixed  free of charge.

TJ Road has changed beyond recognition from when Bhupendra timed his chores with the siren and buffalos drank from a trough provided by a local philanthropist; changed from the shabbiness that came after the killer mill strike. Bhupendras boat is among the many lifted by todays rising tide. As weve discovered, its not only on account of the unstoppable march of swanky towers. The kids of tenement-dwellers have studied and fared well; chawls have been redeveloped and attracted better-off owners. All this adds up to custom for upgraded goods. Higher rents can be charged for the shops which guys like Bhupendra inherited. He occupies one of his three, and has recently given it a total face-lift, switching todays catchword, sanitising products.

His tech-savvy nephews are now expanding the business since he has no sons, and its still an exclusively male trade. However, his daughters are testimony to the old Petiwalla familys continuous mobility  and as much to the areas upward trajectory. Bhupendra tells me that one of them is an electrical engineer in London.

Yet again, my smug presumptions clatter to the floor.
A repentant cultist (name withheld) appeared in a mask before the Lagos Judicial panel to testify against claims that Eni Idum was killed ...

A repentant cultist (name withheld) appeared in a mask before the Lagos Judicial panel to testify against claims that Eni Idum was killed by officers of the scrapped Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS).

The police witness could not appear to give his testimony in the last adjourned day as counsel Cyril Ejiofor said the witness was wanted by cultists hence, he has to give his testimony behind masks.

He narrated that he was arrested in July 2019, three years after he renounced cultism. Upon his arrest for being an ex-cultist, he agreed to work with SARS officials to arrest other cult members.

The witness said on 15th, July 2019, he led the SARS official to Fadeyi alongside three other officers led by Inspector Hakeem aka Skoda, to nab the cultists but the operation was foiled as the gang members saw them coming.

He said afterward, he and the SARS officers went to Ajisegiri street, Yaba where he described as a base for cultists in Lagos State.

The witness said on getting to Ajisegiri street, there was a large crowd as cult group Eiye and Aiye were fighting.

He said the police went back to reinforce and that he was locked in his cell.

The repentant cultist told the panel that minutes after, he was taken to Ikeja Police Command where he was questioned if any officer shot at Ajisegiri street, and he answered no.

He told the panel that three weeks after, he was taken to CID Panti again and was asked by the head of the station if any police shot at Ajisegiri and he answered no.

The repentant cultist said he appeared before a magistrate three months after his arrest and he got remanded in prison. He said he is still on bail as his trial is still on.

Elder Kayode Omotosho a church member to late Eni Idum told the panel the victim was killed by Hakeem Skoda, a SARS officers at Ajisegiri street.

However, after the case was heard by the panel on December 4, 2020, Sergent Hakeem Mohammed, a SARS official appeared before the panel on December 15, saying that the late Eni Idum was killed by cultists in Ajisegiri street denying firing any shot during the operation.

The case was adjourned by Justice Doris Okuwobui to 5th February, 2021 for adoption.
Alec Flood and Monica Campbell, who own Little Rainbows in Dublin

Childcare providers are furious at plans by the Government to force them to refund parents who have been charged for services for the month of January.

In a letter sent to childcare providers this week, the Department of Children instructed childcare services to open for parents who are essential workers and vulnerable children from Monday, unless they have received formal instruction to close.

The department confirmed ways to enforce the payment of refunds were also being explored, and said that many childcare providers are already offering refunds. However, chairperson of the Federation of Early Childcare Providers, which represents more than 1400 providers, Elaine Dunne said they are being made to look greedy.

Our minister needs to stop portraying private childcare providers as greedy, as we are the people who are supporting workers to get the economy back up and running, she said.

Read More

Ms Dunne said the onus should be on the State to provide the funding for the months that they must remain open for essential workers  not the parents.

Without parent fees, who is going to cover rent, heat, food, rates and electricity and other miscellaneous expenses? We have to charge parents something to stay afloat, she said.

But the onus is on the State to support our services, if they say that we must be open unless we are instructed to close by the department or a HSE/Tusla order.

Even if it was 50pc of places within the services, that would keep our operational costs and everything else going.

She said operators now must risk their own health and that of their staff to provide childcare for the parents of essential workers  some of whom are working in hospitals.

Its a huge risk for us but why would we turn our parents down and not do it? But its not sustainable, so services are just going to close their doors now.

We have no options here, they have to give us sustainability.

Ms Dunne said childcare providers are in a panic.

Everybody is in panic, they are so upset at the lack of respect and disregard for our sector. Teachers got their U-turn, were here and were open and were happy to open, but not under these circumstances.

Siptu has called for childcare services to be made available strictly only to vulnerable children and parents who are essential workers.

One provider, Alec Flood, told the Irish Independent full-time creches cannot operate on a drop-in basis with no certainty in relation to income or how many staff they will need.

Mr Flood his wife Monica Campbell are the owners of Little Rainbows, which provides a pre-school, creche and after-school service in north Dublin in Sutton, Baldoyle and Donaghmede.

They are members of Childhood Services Ireland (CSI), Ibecs trade association, and we were happy to answer their call for as many services as possible to remain open and provide assistance where possible, Mr Flood said.

The unfortunate thing for us was, from the weekend, and I suppose this is common in a pandemic, is that there was so much uncertainty and so much mixed messages coming out from Government, he said.

We opened last Monday as normal as we planned to do. We are operating at about 50pc plus occupancy across our three services.

At the moment, we are offering as normal a service as possible.

Mr Flood said that they are open for the parents if they need their service.

Mr Flood pointed out: The problem is as a childcare service, we dont feel qualified to say who is essential and who isnt?

We are very, very reluctant to police that.
Fake texts from fraudsters pretending to be Royal Mail and emails impersonating the likes of Microsoft, UPS and car park operators were among the scams which tried to catch Britons out over the festive period.

This is Money asked for readers' experiences after we reported how phishing emails which pretended to be from the courier company DPD and Royal Mail were targeting Britons' inboxes in the run-up to Christmas.

Of the dozens of responses we received many detailed scams in a similar vein, with recipients told they needed to pay a fee in order to reschedule a missed parcel delivery, causing confusion at a time when people were expecting Christmas deliveries.

This is Money received dozens of emails from readers after we reported on how fraudsters were spoofing the courier company DPD and Royal Mail in the run up to Christmas

One reader, Mark, told us how he was nearly caught out by a text claiming to be from Royal Mail, at a time when he was expecting several deliveries.

The message, which appeared to come from the same number as other legitimate texts from Royal Mail, asked him to click a link to reschedule a delivery.

Scammers had swapped out the 'l' in Royal Mail for an 'i', something he only noticed when he copy and pasted the message and changed the font colour.

'But for the URL I would have been taken in totally', he said.

Scammers can use cheap software to make it look as if messages or phone calls have come from the same number as legitimate ones.

One This is Money reader almost fell victim to a phishing text which claimed to be from Royal Mail. It appeared alongside legitimate texts from the parcel delivery firm

Banks and the taxman frequently see their phone numbers spoofed by scammers, and there were thousands of reports of phishing texts last year as fraudsters sought to cash in on the coronavirus pandemic.

Britons have recently been urged by Trading Standards to beware another phishing scam doing the rounds which claims to come from the NHS.

It offers recipients the opportunity to apply for the coronavirus vaccine provided they follow the link and provide personal and payment details, which will be harvested by fraudsters.

Vulnerable Britons are being targeted with fraudulent text messages offering them access to coronavirus vaccinations

The website is designed to look like the legitimate NHS one, and was first reported at the end of last month by people living in the Western Islands in Scotland.

Trading Standards' Katherine Hart said: 'The vaccine brings great hope for an end to the pandemic and lockdowns, but some only wish to create even further misery by defrauding others.

'The NHS will never ask you for banking details, passwords, or Pin numbers and these should serve as instant red.'

Trading Standards said text messages had been sent out including links to fake NHS websites that asked recipients for bank details, supposedly for verification purposes

Such impersonation messages are often very convincing. Another reader, Helen said a fake email claiming to come from Royal Mail 'was so convincing' she actually took it to her local sorting office in Waterlooville, Hampshire, where it was confirmed to be fake.

'I was nearly fooled and clicked on the link which then asked for bank details', she said.

How do fraudsters get my details? Unfortunately, contact details are not as secure as everyone would like them to be. With the amount of newsletters, subscription services, and marketing emails people sign up to or opt into receiving, it only takes a breach or improper handling of customers' at one company to hand fraudsters your contact details. It is not even that sophisticated, with fraudsters often taking a scattergun approach and targeting hundreds or even thousands of people at once, especially in cases like the fake emails from DPD and Royal Mail where people nationwide would be on the lookout for parcels. Contact and personal details can also be gleaned from public forums like social media platforms, which is how fraudsters may also crack your passwords without you necessarily handing them over.

The DPD scam duped 35 victims out 103,000 in total in the first week of December, or 2,942 each, according to figures from the fraud reporting service Action Fraud.

But the fraud was not limited to the festive period, with 5,478 reports of suspicious DPD emails forwarded to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service, set up by the National Cyber Security Centre, in November, when England's second national lockdown saw shops closed.

And parcel delivery firms were not the only ones impersonated by fraudsters over Christmas.

One reader, Michelle, received an email in mid-December claiming to be from NCP, the UK's largest private parking company, which falsely said she owed 14.99 for a penalty charge after failing to pay a fare at the start of September.

She said she 'very nearly fell for' the scam if it hadn't been for funny characters in the email.

Had she followed the link and attempted to pay, she likely would have also had her bank details compromised, on top of losing nearly 15.

Beverley told This is Money she had received a fake email in the first week of December saying her 'car tax was overdue'.

'It looked like a genuine DVLA form', she said, and she had even filled in the form as far as her bank details before she called her garage to check if the tax was overdue, which it wasn't.

Another reader, Michelle, was sent an email claiming to be from NCP saying she owed a 14.99 penalty charge due to failing to pay a parking ticket in September, which hadn't happened

The DVLA had previously told This is Money there had been a 603 per cent rise in scam emails and texts between July and September last year compared to the same three months the year before.

And Tom, a reader from Devon, received a fake email at the start of December from 'Microsoft' telling him his account would be disconnected if he did not verify his email address, another way of trying to steal his details.

Microsoft and the UK Government were also impersonated by fraudsters. The fake 'free payment' message was a popular choice among scammers in 2020

Bank fraud chiefs urged recipients to be on their guard and avoid clicking on any suspicious links, and instead access a website through typing in a web address known to be legitimate.

Lloyds Bank's retail fraud director Paul Davis said: 'Scammers are ready to disappear as soon as they've got their hands on your cash, so it's more important than ever to treat every email, message and call that you're not expecting with caution.

'Even if you think you know the sender, don't reply to a text or email message if it seems odd and never enter your personal information.

'If you're not sure, phone the company on a number you trust or visit its website by typing the web address directly into the address bar at the top of your screen.'

And one request for money which was actually legitimate Sandra Cross, from Mansfield, sent a Christmas present to her cousin in Canada which she had bought from The White Company and was delivered through DPD. However, she was concerned when she received an email claiming to be from the logistics firm Aramex saying she needed to pay a fee. Sandra Cross, from Mansfield, was concerned she was the target of fraudsters when she was asked to pay import duties on a present she sent to her cousin in Canada She was also worried by a post on the company's website warning about 'unexpected requests for money in return for delivery of a package', which it said was often a sign of fraud. However, after contacting Aramex's customer services it turned out she had to pay duties after all, due to The White Company's choice of courier. She said if the parcel had been sent through Royal Mail there would have been no import duties to pay. 'I paid them 20 to deliver some shower gel and body lotion not pick a carrier that didn't operate in Canada who wanted 11 import charges', a frustrated Sandra told us.

Barclays' head of fraud, Jim Winters, added: 'Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated means to get unsuspecting members of the public to divulge their personal information.

'In this new national lockdown, they will continue to target individuals when they may be feeling more vulnerable than usual, and we all need to stay a step ahead by doing the appropriate research and never giving out our personal information.'

Those who receive suspicious emails can forward them to 'report@phishing.gov.uk' and texts to 7726.
"We removed the requirement for exit testing quite some time ago." Chief Health officer Jeannette Young speaks at a press conference in Brisbane. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty Images Dr Young said the Victorian woman met the existing quarantine requirements of having no symptoms for three continual days during her 10-day isolation in Melbourne. "So she met those two criteria so she was allowed to isolation." Dr Young said exit testing has now been returned for the more contagious UK COVID-19 strain.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said there was a very low risk associated with the woman who travelled from Victoria. "But we will still be directly contacting those who sat immediately around this individual on January 5th," Ms D'Ath said. She said the circumstances that existed when the woman was allowed to leave and travel to Queensland had been changed since the UK-strain had been identified. "The scenario which we have seen from this woman  leaving [isolation] on day 10, not having an exit test and importantly not having the genome sequencing known until after she was released  would not be occurring now," Ms D'Ath said. Ms D'Ath said every person who tests positive for COVID-19 has genome sequencing completed.

"And the results would be known before they are released to know whether thy have the UK variant, or any other variant for that matter, including the South African variant," she said. Loading "We would know that before they are released and we would be doing exit testing on this other variant." "And I understand this has been agreed to nationally now as well." With the zero new local cases overnight, Queensland has 21 active COVID-19 cases, with all cases in isolation.

Dr Young said 91 people who came into contact with an earlier case of the new strain, a woman who cleaned at the Hotel Grand Chancellor who tested positive on Thursday. "All of those have been tested and they are all negative," Dr Young said. "They are all now in 14 days quarantine. "We will re-test them if any of them develop symptoms or show systems at an exit test on day 12." Dr Young said she remained concerned about the cleaner's casual contacts.

"Those are the people who we don't know exactly who they are so we need to get the message out there." Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk arrives at her press conference in a face mask. Masks are compulsory in greater Brisbane this weekend. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty Images She asked people catching trains between Brisbane's Altandi rail station to Central Station on Saturday, January 2 about 7am and also back from Central Station to Altandi about 4pm to get tested. She also asked for people who were at the Woolworths Calamvale North store on Sunday, January 3 (11am to noon) and the Coles Sunnybank Hills store on Monday, January 5 from 7.30am to 8am to get tested.

"That is important, whether or not you have symptoms I would like you to come forward and get tested." Dr Young said she was very encouraged that the "first person" in the Hotel Grand Chancellor cluster  the person who have the UK strain to the cleaner  has been identified. Loading "We have found the first person, which is so critical," Dr Young said. "That is what I want to do every time. Find the first person so we can immediately get everyone into quarantine, as we have done with those 91 contacts so far," she said.
Loading But for most of those involved with influencing the nation's policymakers, getting coverage in the media is only one part of a complex job. A lot of the unseen work traditionally happens over coffee at Canberra's Parliament House and electorate offices across the country, where lobbyists aim to explain their point of view and ultimately change legislation affecting every Australian. Last year, the typical channels for this sort of lobbying dried up fast. Sitting weeks were cancelled, there were limits on who could come to Parliament and border restrictions to limit the spread of the pandemic kept workers in their homes. "It was a huge opportunity and a huge threat to how the industry operated," Financial Services Council deputy chief executive Blake Briggs says. "A lot of effective advocacy is based on the quality and depth of the relationships you have with key decision-makers," he says. "That's much harder to do when you can't physically sit down with someone and take them through your arguments and evidence and the data you're using to support your position."

Briggs says most lobbyists were left relying heavily on the depth of pre-existing relationships. The industry was being affected in real-time and it was crucial to know MPs on all sides of the political spectrum or to quickly build trust. His lobbying also became much more data-driven, he says, with Treasury, the Reserve Bank and ministers needing to know specifically what was happening among financial providers. In the early days of the crisis there were significant concerns about the strain lending institutions might be under. "There was a huge demand for up-to-date data in real time about how the market was functioning. I think that will leave a permanent mark on how policy is done  I think there will be a lot more focus on data in the future," he says. Shifting gears Some lobbyists weren't able to get as much attention on the issues they had previously planned to focus on over the year. The pandemic was all-consuming and it was hard to win interest on any other topic from politicians, says a representative of a major industry group who did not want to be named in case it affects their relationships.

Loading "Everyone was understandably focused on the crisis ... but it derailed some of the plans we'd made at the end of 2019 and meant we had to be louder in other ways," they say. Another advocate who preferred not to be named says MPs tended to be more open-minded than in the past about innovative ideas and recommendations, but they also found it difficult to get cut-through on issues not related to the nation's economic recovery or immediate pandemic assistance. Briggs has noticed some of his counterparts in other groups have "been louder in the media" and "had to rely more on those levers" to get their arguments out than they would have if they'd been able to walk the corridors of Parliament. "That may appear as them being louder or more shrill," he says.

With challenges for every company across the country due to the pandemic, many of the changes are set to stay for the time being. Industry Super Australia's deputy chief executive Matt Linden, who is based in Canberra, can't recall a year where the workload has been as intense as 2020. "I think everyone from our organisation pulled out all the stops to be on top of everything," he says. Policy changes were coming "thick and fast" and the group's responsibilities escalated as the year went on and emergency changes allowing more than 3 million people to access their superannuation savings early were brought in to help struggling workers. The year forced Industry Super to use technology at an accelerated pace, including video-conferencing, and increase their focus to ensure messages put out to the public and to policymakers were clear and relevant. "There is a limited bandwidth in terms of your ability to get messages out when it has been a busy year media-wise in terms of all the topics being covered. It's a challenge," he says. "We're all looking forward to this year hopefully being different to the last."
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.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- A restaurant inspired by Korean ancestry has been serving downtown Ann Arbor using local produce for almost five years.

Miss Kim opened in 2016 when Chef Ji Hye Kim decided to share the Korean flair she picked up while living in Seoul, South Korea. Since then, she has provided delicately-crafted dishes at her restaurant.

Kim was a semifinalist for a James Beard best chef award in 2020 and previously said she uses her own spin on a Korean dish when she understands the story behind it.

Ann Arbor restaurant, chef semifinalists for James Beard awards

Korean Fried Tofu is among the top items at Miss Kims. The dish contains a gluten-free batter, crispy outside, custardy inside with radish pickles on the side. It can be transformed into an entree by adding rice.

It was chosen as one of the best things that food and wine editors ate in 2020, Kim said.

Kim also recommends Tteokbokki, which are street style rice cakes with pork belly and poached egg with a sweet and spicy sauce. The dish can be purchased as a meal kit, which which is a packed take-home order customers can heat on their own time.

We give you all the ingredients and all you have to do is pan fry it, Kim said.

One of Miss Kims seasonal dishes is the tempura fried butternut squash.

Its decadent but at the end of the day, youre eating a lot of vegetable, Kim said. It gets lightly battered and deep-fried. Outside is crispy and we drizzle it with fish sauce caramel so its savory and sweet. For vegans, we use plum syrup.

The staffs personal favorite is the soy butter rice dish due to its versatility among other dishes, Kim said. The dish is dressed in soy sauce and Calder Dairy butter.

A lot of entrees come with rice and you can always upgrade it with soy butter rice, Kim said.

Miss Kim also offers cocktail kits and a staff favorite: banana milk.

We make homemade banana syrup using ripe bananas. We mix the colder, dairy whole milk with the banana syrup and we turn it into a banana milk. Its like a Nesquik chocolate milk or strawberry, but homemade, Kim said, adding adults in Korea drink it when they go to the spa and kids bring it to school.

Miss Kim, 415 N. Fifth Ave. in Ann Arbor, is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 734-275-0099. More information at https://misskimannarbor.com/.

More Washtenaw County Local Eats:

Local Eats: Gabriels Cheese Steak Hoagies has been serving sandwiches for 60 years

Local Eats: Taco Tuesday, margaritas keep Maiz Mexican Cantina lively in Ypsilanti

Local Eats: Old Town Tavern has served downtown Ann Arbor for nearly 50 years

Local Eats: Jamaican Jerk Pit serves a taste of the Caribbean in downtown Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Relish Red Hawks comfort food in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Savor a bowl of ramen at Slurping Turtle in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Seva serves up savory, sweet vegetarian dishes in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Angelos still serves homemade bread after 60-plus years in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Try cauliflower wings, soups or vegan sweets at Detroit Filling Station in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: 24th CheeseCakerie makes Kool-Aid, pumpkin and honey pear-flavored sweets

Local Eats: Chapala offers southern California Mexican food, tequila, Pedialyte on tap in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Try high end bites at Ann Arbors Blue LLama Jazz Club

Local Eats: Grab a pizza or sub or try the monster challenge at Thompsons Pizza in Chelsea

Local Eats: Savas restaurant offers upscale diner cuisine in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Ypsilanti Townships Minys Mexican Restaurant named after mother

Local Eats: Frita Batidos serves Cuban-inspired street food in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Try simple, honest food at Beezys Cafe in Ypsilanti

Local Eats: El Harissa serves Tunisian, North African flavors in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Cravings Dessert Lounge infuses traditional with modern Middle Eastern flavor in Ypsilanti

Local Eats: A taste of the Middle East at Ann Arbor-areas Palm Palace

Local Eats: Have a taste of Italy in Ann Arbor at Mani Osteria & Bar

Local Eats: Ypsilantis Bird Dog Baking opened at the start of Michigans coronavirus lockdown

Local Eats: Grab some gourmet delights at The Broken Egg in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Authentic Lebanese street food served up at Ann Arbors Pita Kabob Grill

Local Eats: Soul food restaurant serves up comfort in Ypsilanti Township

Local Eats: New Ann Arbor-area restaurant features burrito bowls

Local Eats: Hola Seoul embraces virtual locations during pandemic

Local Eats: Five things to know about Haymaker Public House in Ann Arbor

Local Eats: Recently re-opened Blue Nile Restaurant offers traditional Ethiopian food to Ann Arbor
The suspension of Trumps account, however, does raise troubling questions about the thin line between curbing misinformation and hate speech on one hand, and suppressing free speech on the other hand

From Make America Great Again to Stop the Steal, the story of the United States in the past four years can well be told through Donald Trumps tweets  preferably in ALL CAPS.

That story, however, ended a little prematurely on Twitter, with the platform having permanently suspended Trumps account, even as the US presidents exit from the White House is eleven days away.

Twitters action, coming as it did in the wake of the breach at the US Capitol, was sudden but not entirely unexpected. In the recent past, Twitter had flagged Trumps tweets on a number of topics  including premature claims of election victory and a cure for COVID-19 . After the violence at the US Capitol, Trumps account was suspended and then reinstated. For a brief moment, it appeared that Trump was striking a note of reconciliation, as he said for the first time that he would leave the White House on 20 January. However, what appeared to be the last straw were two tweets in which he encouraged his supporters in emphatic terms, and in which he said that he would not attend Joe Bidens inauguration as US president.

The suspension of Trumps account, however, does raise troubling questions about the thin line between curbing misinformation and hate speech on one hand, and suppressing free speech on the other hand. In order for Twitter to be seen as being fair in taking action against violations, it is imperative that such actions are not arbitrary. Would the permanent suspension of Trumps Twitter account pass the test of non-arbitrariness? It is difficult to say for certain.

Seen in isolation, the tweets for which Trumps account got suspended were much milder in comparison to his own incendiary rhetoric in the past. For the record, the two offending tweets read as follows 

- The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!

- To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.

Twitter found these two posts to be in violation of its policy on Glorification of Violence. However, on 29 May, 2020, the US president got off relatively lightly for his infamous statement in the context of the Black Lives Matter protest, When the looting starts, the shooting starts. At the time, Twitter hid the post behind a warning that said that it glorifies violence. However, there was no suspension of Trumps account, temporary or permanent, and users could see the tweet if they would tap to see it.

Of course, the two recent tweets have to necessarily be seen in the context of the impending transfer of power. In the present case, the social media giant has essentially contended that Trump may use its platform to impede the orderly transition of power on 21 January. While that certainly seems to be a legitimate concern, it is not clear as to what purpose will be served by continuing the suspension indefinitely.

The possibility, as expressed by some political commentators, that this move was aimed at getting into the good books of the new government, is also one that cannot be ignored.

Also, a key question remains as to whether Twitter, or for that matter other social media giants, will be as enthusiastic about countering inciteful speech in developing countries as in more affluent ones. For the most part, the challenge is not one of lack of policy. Twitters Hateful Conduct Policy applies not just to people making violent threats, but also inciting fear and using racist and sexist tropes. Penalties can range from removing a tweet to permanent suspension of an account.

However, as is the experience in India, Twitter has often desisted from taking action against speech, by any rational standards, would violate its standards. These include both posts by accounts of prominent people, as well as people with relatively less following.

To cite an example, in April 2018, a Twitter user said that he cancelled his Ola cab as the driver was Muslim, and that he did not want to give money to jihadi people. In response to complaints, Twitter said that the post was not in violation of its rules.

Other measures that the social media firm could take include cracking down on bots, and considering a ban on anonymous accounts.

However, this is unlikely to happen as long as large social media firms continue to treat hate and misinformation as business models in developing countries in India.

If the suspension of Trumps account signals the beginning of a more proactive approach towards combating hateful speech, then it will be a welcome change. Otherwise, this will remain an isolated incident that has little bearing in terms of ensuring a less toxic internet.
Posted Friday, January 8, 2021 3:48 pm

Increased security is now expected around the Capitol building in Olympia on Jan. 11 for the start of the 2021 Legislative session.

The decision to add security follows the storming of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. and incursions onto the property of the Governors Mansion in Olympia Wednesday, where protestors forced open a gate and advanced to the governors mansion porch.

Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday laid the blame for both events squarely at the feet of President Donald Trump.

The President of the United States has continually fueled this insurrection with his outright deceptions, his deceit and his continued lies. I do not believe the United States can abide that clear and present danger even for another 13 days, Inslee said. He needs to step down, he needs to be removed.

For legislators, the attacks mean solving security concerns so the session can start safely.

Were going to be committed to adequate security, Inslee continued. We understand the nature of the threat is significant.

State Republican and Democratic leaders have agreed they should meet in person on the opening day of the Legislature, and all expressed confidence in the Legislative Buildings security. After the opening session, most Legislative affairs will largely take place online because of COVID-19 restrictions.

House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, said legislative leaders considered meeting elsewhere but concerns about safety kept moving them back toward gathering at the Capitol.

Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, agreed.

Its important for the public to see lawmakers do their work. We have to be able to manage this crisis as a democracy, Dhingra said.

Sen. Shelly Short, R-Addy, said that the Legislature cant kowtow to would-be disruptors and Jinkins added that they [legislators] constitutionally owe it to their voters to meet and start the session.

In addition to security concerns, Inslee also acknowledged he was bothered by the law enforcement response to Wednesday protests in Washington, D.C, as they provided a stark contrast to similar gatherings by Black Lives Matter protesters in past months where law enforcement had a heavy presence.

I am very bothered by this, Inslee said. We need to get answers.

Concern and shock over the events in Olympia and Washington D.C. are common themes voiced by legislators as they prepare for opening day.

We never thought that what happened at our nations capital would happen in America, said Dhingra. And it did.

Security for the start of the session has joined a myriad of issues at the forefront of legislators' minds, which include budget increases, pandemic assistance, and healthcare improvements.

Yesterday was a wake-up call for everybody, Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm said Jan. 7. Both in D.C. and state capitals all around the country.



The Washington State Journal is a non-profit news website managed by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.
China confirmed Saturday that preparations were still ongoing for a World Health Organization mission to Wuhan to investigate the origins of Covid-19, following a rare rebuke from the UN body over a delay to the long-planned trip.

The comments came after the WHO chief said on Tuesday he was "very disappointed" that Beijing had yet to finalise permission even as the team of experts had begun travelling to China to explore the beginnings of the virus, which first emerged late last year in the central city.

On Saturday, National Health Commission vice minister Zeng Yixin told reporters: "The specific time is being determined, and we are ready here."

"As long as these experts complete the procedures and confirm their schedule, we will go to Wuhan together to carry out investigations," he said.

Earlier in the week, Chinese authorities had refused to confirm details of the visit, a sign of the enduring sensitivity of the mission -- which has been beset with delays and politics.

The WHO previously said China had granted permission for a visit by a 10-person team.

"We are currently waiting for WHO's experts to arrive, and have arranged for relevant expert groups to receive them," Zeng added.

He expressed hope the WHO investigations could further understanding on the origins of the coronavirus.

Asked about the effectiveness of vaccination against a coronavirus strain found in Britain that appeared to be more infectious, Zeng added: "Our vaccine has the same neutralising ability against such a mutant strain."

"It seems that the mutation speed of the new coronavirus is still within an acceptable range, and the mutation speed is not particularly fast," he said.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
A new defibrillator has been installed at the Strand Hotel in Bray, in memory of the late John Connor.

John suffered a heart attack at that location and passed away on November 29, 2009 and his family gathered there last week to mark the installation of the defibrillator.

John was born in County Longford John in 1948 and in 1965 at the age of 17 he left Ireland's shores to find work in Birmingham, England.

There he met his future wife Heather at the Irish Centre in Digbeth, Birmingham City Centre.

They had three sons (John, Joseph and Anthony) and eventually in 1982 they fulfilled their dreams of returning home to Ireland.

John and Heather saw an ad in the Irish Post newspaper for a grocery shop named Cuala Stores on Cuala Road (now Danny's Hairdressers) and bought the shop in Bray moving in with their family.

John quickly fell in love with beautiful Bray and became an established figure in his local bar The Strand Hotel, where he made life long friends throughout the years.

He became renowned for bringing laughter and fun to everyone he met in the town and at his local. In 1984 John and Heather welcomed their 4th son Seamus into the family.

After selling the shop in 1987 John went back to his original work in the construction industry and became well known in the town for his work. He was involved in major projects such as the National Aquarium on Bray Seafront and the towns sewerage treatment plant at Bray Harbour amongst many more extensions and renovations around Bray.

Sadly, on Sunday, November 29, 2009, after walking down to collect his car from outside The Strand Hotel car park he suffered from a heart attack and passed away at the age of 61.

Coming up to his 10 year anniversary in 2019 his family decided it would be a nice and fitting tribute to John to fundraise for a defibrillator to be installed outside the Stand Hotel at the location of his passing.

In 2019 Seamus, with the help of his family, friends and local townspeople, organised a table quiz, cake sale and raffle in order to raise money to purchase and install the life saving device.

The new defibrillator was installed at the car park to the side of the hotel. John's family and many of those involved in the fundraising attended the official unveiling, prior to the onset of level-five restrictions. The Connor family would sincerely like to thank all those who attended the fundraising events and who generously donated. They would especially like to thank Cloud 9 who are a community support shop based on Quinsboro Road in Bray, Sharon Plunket and Ciaran McGinnity, The Strand Hotel, Queen of Peace Church and the many others who helped. They extend their thanks to Marc Windsor and all those in Bray Cardiac First Responders for their great help and expertise.

To volunteer with Bray Cardiac First Responders, go to braycfr.ie.
The researchers have discovered various subtypes of bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) -- G protein-coupled receptors which are expressed on the human smooth airway muscle cells deep inside the lungs. In case of asthma and COPD, narrowing of the airway decreases the air flow.For the treatment of asthma, COPD and other obstructive lung diseases, the researchers are looking for new drugs that target smooth muscle TAS2Rs to open constricted airways.In the preclinical study, the researchers identified and characterized about 18 new compounds that activate bitter taste receptor subtype TAS2R5 promoting relaxation (dilation) of human airway smooth muscle cells. Among the several drug candidates, 1,10 phenanthroline-5,6-dione (T5-8 for short) was found to be 1,000 times more potent than some of the other compounds tested, and it demonstrated good efficacy in human airway smooth muscle cells grown in the laboratory.In an earlier screening conducted by another research group, only one compound called T5-1 agonist was found that would bind to and specifically activate the TASR5 bitter taste receptor with limited effectiveness. The researchers used this compound as their starting point and they aimed for a much better drug that can be administered to humans.The senior author of the study, Dr. Liggett said,T5-8 was found superior to all the other bronchodilator agonists screened and it showed a maximum relaxation response (50 percent) substantially greater than that of albuterol (27 percent). Albuterol is prescribed as a rescue inhaler belonging to class of direct bronchodilator (beta-2-agonist) to treat wheezing and shortness of breath due to asthma and COPD. However, this drug or its derivatives is not effective for all patients and its overuse has been linked to increased hospitalizations.Dr Liggett has stated that have two distinct classes of drug working in different ways to open the airways would be an important step to help patients optimally control their symptoms. He also said that this drug discovery successfully meets the criteria needed to advance the compound toward its first trial as a potential first-in-class bronchodilator targeting airway receptor TAS2R5.Source: Medindia


Despite the many obstacles and challenges that Covid-19 presented to our world, the United States Greater Chattanooga Navy League Council members adapted and overcame these obstacles during the onset of the 2020 pandemic.

In June of 2020, our Council held a lunch picnic at the Tennessee Riverpark and had CDR Remillard as our guest speaker. He was the former Commanding Officer of NOSC Chattanooga. During the luncheon, our Council honored and awarded BMCM McMahon, the former Officer in Charge of our local USCGC Ouachita a Quilt of Valor.

In July, our then-Council President, Stacy Kehoe, attended the Change of Command ceremony at the USCGC Ouachita

At the August 25th, Military Officers of America Association, Chattanooga Chapter, several members attended the Joint Dinner meeting where Congressman Fleischmann was the guest speaker.

We were updated on the legislative affairs our both our state and country.

The month of October provided multiple opportunities for our Council members to become more active. The Greater Chattanooga Navy League Council supports two youth programs in our area: The United States Naval Sea Cadet-Chattanooga Division, and the Howard High Schools NJROTC program. Some of our members are a part of these programs. In uncertain times, these new procedures provided new challenges. Our then-Council President, Stacy Kehoe, attended the Navys 245th birthday celebration at NOSC Chattanooga with a cake cutting ceremony. Later on, that week Council members attended a picnic luncheon at the TN Riverpark and welcomed back RADM Raymond Alexander. RADM Alexander spoke about his naval career and world travels.

Every year, the Chattanooga community honors and supports our Armed Forces and this year was no exception. However, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the 71st Annual Armed Forces Parade was postponed until October 23rd, and in its history, this parade was a car or truck-riding parade only. The Greater Chattanooga Navy League Council is an Associate member of the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council (CAVC). Several members of our Navy League Council are on the Armed Forces Parade committee. On October 22nd, five of our members assisted in the organizing of the parades night time picnic at the Tennessee Riverpark. Dignitaries that have always supported the parades goals were in attendance as well as parade committee members. The following day on the 23rd, then-Council President Stacy Kehoe driven in a 2007 Mustang down the parade route. Other members were in other vehicles throughout the parade route as well on the street cheering on all participants.

The month of December provided our final moments before the end of the 2020 year. First, we held our annual meeting and holiday party at the Walden Club. This was our first indoor meeting since the outbreak of Covid back in March. Nine members and guests attended as well as several members attending by Zoom. The new slate of officers and directors were officially sworn in by our JAG Officer, James Fields. David Smith was named our new Council President. Tracy Coats was our entertainer for the evening providing holiday songs and other musical activities. Before the evening ended, Council members in attendance stuffed Christmas stockings for our local USCGC Ouachita station to be given at another time.

On December 8th, Council members Mickey McCamish and Stacy Kehoe attended the Military Officers Association of America, Chattanooga Chapter held at the Walden Club. There, they awarded and presented Capt Tallo a Quilt of Valor. CAPT Tallo is the Commanding Officer for the Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment here in Chattanooga. Following the end of the dinner meeting, Navy League Council members took a photo with Capt Tallo and 1st SGT Myers as they donated unwrapped toys to the Toys for Tots Marine Reserve organization.

On December 16th, Council President David Smith and Immediate Past President Stacy Kehoe visited the USCGC Ouachita Station to deliver holiday cheer with Christmas stockings for the crew and a few gifts for BMCS Kruithoffs family.

The Wreaths Across Chattanooga ceremony, due to Covid-19 restrictions, was a small and intimate ceremony at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with our Council member, Mickey McCamish and co-chair, led the ceremony. After the ceremony, Mickey McCamish headed over to the Tennessee Riverpark and honored our Fallen Five at the Wreath of Honor. Our youth program, the United States Sea Cadet Corps, Chattanooga Division presented the colors. Our local Marines and Navy were heavily involved in both ceremonies.

The following week on December 22nd, Council President David Smith and Immediate Past President Stacy Kehoe delivered coffee bags, donated by StarBucks on East Brainerd and manager Seth VanHines, as well as coffee grinders from our Council, to both the Navy and Marines units located at NOSC Chattanooga and a few gifts for some of the family members.

The Senior Science Instructor, LCDR Dirk Ames, USCG (RET) and NL Council member donated 3 NJROTC t-shirts to Council members Mickey McCamish, David Smith, and Stacy Kehoe.

The NJROTC is one of two youth programs that we support. Right now, the NJROTC program is fundraising for their AMI preparations. Click on this link to purchase a t-shirt or to purchase a box of chocolates and help support Howard High School.

https://www.ebay.com/str/ tigerbattalion
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!

We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Over the past day, Russia-led forces in Donbas violated the ceasefire nine times, Ukrainian servicemen were not injured, the press center of the Joint Forces operation said.

"Over the past day, January 8, nine violations of the ceasefire were recorded in the area of the Joint Forces operation. The overwhelming majority of the attacks were carried out by the armed formations of the Russian Federation in the area of responsibility of the Skhid (East) task force. Near Vodiane, in the Azov Sea, occupation fighters four times opened fire in the direction of Ukrainian positions from 120 mm mortars, automatic, anti-tank heavy and underbarrel grenade launchers and heavy machine guns.

In the area of  Vodiane, near Donetsk, the enemy fired several times both from grenade launchers and small arms. The enemy used the same weapons near Talakivka," the message on the JFO HQ Facebook page reported on Saturday morning.

In addition, Russia-led forces opened provocative warning fire from small arms and a grenade launcher in the area of responsibility of the Pivhich (North) task force near Yuzhny in the direction of a working brigade that was carrying out repair work to restore water supply at Horlivka-Toretske water pipeline section. In order to avoid casualties, the working brigade was immediately withdrawn from the area of fire, the work was stopped.

"Since the beginning of the current day, January 9, ceasefire has been observed in the area of the Joint Forces operation. No ceasefire violations have been recorded," the Joint Forces headquarters said.

As Alabama prepares to move into phase 1B of vaccination -- people 75 and older and first responders -- there are things people should be aware of, both short and long term, with the vaccine.

Currently, doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are being distributed around the United States, but as we move in later phases of distribution both here locally and nationally, some say well likely have an entire toolbox of vaccines to get the job done.

A health care worker is vaccinated during the first phase of Alabama's COVID-19 vaccinations. A health care worker is vaccinated during the first phase of Alabama's COVID-19 vaccinations.

Youre going to have multiple options to choose from, some that may be only a single dose, most thatll probably be two doses, some that may have different storage conditions Dr. Neil Lamb of the HudsonAlpha Institute said.

Lamb believes that several other vaccine candidates, such as AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, will have received approval by the end of February.

As we look ahead to a period when large portions of the population will be getting vaccinated, Lamb said its important to know that you arent protected as soon as you get the shot.

Within those first 10 or 12 days, you dont have any protection and if you come in contact with the virus, youre at the same risk of anyone else of contracting it, he said.

I actually know individuals that got the shot and either right before they got the shot, right after they got the shot, they got exposed and they got COVID-19, even though they had been vaccinated. It was that window where theyre still susceptible, where their body hasnt started building up a response.

Data from Pfizer and Moderna indicates that after that initial period, the vaccinated group separates itself in terms of immunity, according to Lamb.

But how long will it last? Thats the question everyones asking.

We know that the people that first got the original doses way back in phase one trials, back in April, that they still have protection, so we know that youre talking about nine months at a minimum, Lamb said.

While there is no definite answer at this point, Lamb believes that the vaccine may give people a year and a half to two years of protection, adding that it may just end up being something you get a shot for every year or every other year.
Hundreds of Irish savers who have in some cases seen their life savings wiped out, will learn on Monday the fate of one of the Irish investment vehicles behind collapsed German property firm Dolphin Capital.

One individual the Irish Independent spoke to yesterday said he had invested about 300,000 with one of the Irish firms behind Dolphin Capital, also known as German Property Group.

Most of the investors in the German firms doomed schemes were ordinary workers who  often on the advice of brokers  ploughed their pensions and life savings into the firm with the p romise of generous returns in the region of 12pc.

The investor from the south of the country who spoke to this newspaper but did not want to be named is in his late 60s and said he had retired from a multinational company here some years ago.

On the advice of a broker, he diverted all of his pension pot from that employment into Dolphin Capital. When one initial investment wi th Dolphin Capital matured in 2018, he was advised by his broker to roll the investment over for another period, which he did.

Theres now no trace of his money.

Ill have to rely on the State pension, he said, adding that hes still attempting to determine what recourse he may have in an effort to recover any of his funds.

The BBC recently reported that it has seen evidence that loans were paid to German Property Groups founder, Charles Smethurst, and his family. The report also said that it had seen evidence suggesting that investor money was used to pay for fashion shows, television stations, parties and rent.

A creditor of a company called MUT 103 Ltd, which is listed as being controlled by Dolphin Capital, will on Monday have their petition heard in the High Court to have the firm wound up.

Kathleen Dineen of Rosewood in Ballincollig, Co Cork, whos represented by the Dublin office of international law firm Clark Hill, is listed as a creditor of MUT 103.

The Germany Property Group collapsed last year after taking more than 1bn from investors in Ireland, the UK, Asia and elsewhere.

It advertised significant returns for investors by refurbishing and repurposing listed properties in Germany.

But it ceased making regular and timely payments to investors in 2018, while it eventually stopped making any interest payments. It also stopped making maturing payouts to investors.

The investor this newspaper spoke to said he had been informed by his broker towards the end of 2019 that there might be an issue with his investment. In July last year, the German firm collapsed.

The latest set of accounts for MUT 103 show that it listed financial assets of 40.5m at the end of August 2019, compared to just under 22m a year earlier. It had net assets of just 4,211 at the end of the 2019 financial year.

Those accounts note that issues with interest payments and capital redemptions first arose in late November 2019.

Then the pandemic forced many employees to reassess their preferences. Multiple surveys have found that many are happy to continue to work remotely and would move, if given the chance. Still, this data tells us little about the post-COVID world. Those who thrived initially might burn out if they stayed home for a more extended period. Those who struggled might do much better once theyve mastered new tools, once they have access to alternative spaces near home, or once children, housemates and partners are back in school or at work. At the same time, the technologies that allow us to work, learn and socialize remotely will only get better.
MONTREAL - Quebec on Friday defended its decision to reopen schools despite soaring COVID-19 infections and related hospitalizations, with one public health official saying classrooms aren't the primary drivers of transmission.

MONTREAL - Quebec on Friday defended its decision to reopen schools despite soaring COVID-19 infections and related hospitalizations, with one public health official saying classrooms aren't the primary drivers of transmission.

The government announced new measures this week to curb rising infections, including an 8 p.m. curfew beginning Saturday, but chose to reopen primary schools as scheduled Jan. 11 and high schools a week later.

Quebec Education Minister Jean-Francois Roberge speaks to the media at the COVID-19 press briefing in Montreal, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Education Minister Jean-Francois Roberge told a news conference Friday there was a "fairly strong consensus" in the province to reopen schools as quickly as possible after the winter break because of their importance to children's overall well-being.

Dr. Richard Masse, strategic health advisor to the government, told reporters that schools aren't driving COVID-19 transmission in Quebec; rather, he said, they are a reflection of the virus's spread in the community.

While he said there were intense discussions within the province's Health Department regarding when schools should reopen, he said he believes it's ultimately unfair to punish children, especially those in elementary school, who he said depend on classrooms for learning, mental health and socialization.

"The kids are kind of victims in that situation right now, so thats why we want to place the measures on the places where the higher risk of transmission occurs  and this is not in primary schools," Masse said.

"I dont mean theres no transmission: there (is) transmission, there have been outbreaks, there could be outbreaks still. Were taking all the measures to control them very rapidly, but they are limited, and theyre not the cause of the actual situation."

Government data indicates that as of Thursday, there were 103 active outbreaks tied to schools. The data says schools have accounted for about 24 per cent of all non-active outbreaks in the province  second only to workplaces.

Masse said that while transmission undoubtedly occurs in schools, more than 50 per cent of new cases reported across Quebec originate in the home or at small gatherings.

Primary students will now have to wear masks in hallways and in common areas while those in Grades 5 and 6 will have to wear them in class. High school students, who also have to wear masks in class, will be provided two surgical masks a day.

Roberge said the ventilation systems in a sample of schools had been tested and that the results have been reassuring. He said the results, released Friday, indicate the average air quality tested fell within provincial standards. About three per cent of classrooms, he said, were deemed "problematic," adding that the problem in those classes will be urgently addressed or students would be moved elsewhere.

He said the ventilation systems across the province's roughly 3,000 schools will be tested.

Masse said the province had convened a panel of experts to study ventilation in schools and said they had advised against installing air purifiers in classrooms.He said there isn't enough evidence purifiers prevent the transmission of viruses, adding that they can be noisy, lead to a false sense of security and that they could even be harmful if improperly installed.

The English Montreal School Board, which independently chose to purchase purifiers, said Friday it "stands behind its decision" to proceed with the installation of the equipment in 30 schools.

Quebec reported 2,588 new COVID-19 infections and 45 more deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus on Friday, including 14 that occurred in the past 24 hours.

Health Minister Christian Dube said hospitalizations increased by 23, to 1,403, and 207 people were in intensive care, a rise of five. The province also ramped up its vaccination campaign, with 13,971 doses of vaccine administered Thursday.

Roberge said the return to class in the fall was an overall success, but said more resources are needed to help teachers, parents and students. Therefore, he said, the government has decided to cancel ministerial exams this year, and will launch a tutoring service in the coming weeks to help students who are falling behind. He said qualified people, including retired teachers and education students, were encouraged to sign up.

Other measures he announced Friday included allowing teachers to delay issuing first report cards, and also included providing computers or tablets to students who need them, as well as adding more resources for learning and for mental health.

He said students will only be issued two report cards instead of three, and that the second would be weighted more heavily in order to allow students who were struggling to catch up.

Associations representing public school boards, private schools and school administrators applauded Friday's announcement. One group representing parents' committees said it was happy to see measures to support student success, but urged the government to release more details about its plan and to move as quickly as possible.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2021.
A Bexar County Sheriffs Office bailiff is facing termination after he was arrested in connection with the sexual assault of a female family member that was reported in December.

Gerard Mamorno, 40, is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Sheriff Javier Salazar said the allegations against Mamorno were brought on Dec. 8. Mamorno was placed on administrative leave that day.

The girl, who is now 7-years-old and lives in another state, told authorities at her school that she was assaulted by Mamorno in either 2016 or 2017 when she was living in Texas, Salazar said.

Let me take this time to commend her for having the courage to come forward and for the authorities she outcried to to get in touch with the right people that she needed to, Salazar said.

According to the affidavit, Mamorno immediately requested a meeting with his supervisor when he learned of the allegations and admitted to touching the girl as a medical check. The girl, however, told authorities Mamorno forcibly touched her a second time while the two were sleeping in a hammock together, the affidavit said.

On Friday, Salazar said detectives found enough evidence to arrest Mamorno and search his home.

He declined to speak with a detective when brought to BCSO headquarters, the sheriff said.

In April 2017, Mamorno was rehired to work for the sheriffs office, where he has served off and on for about seven years, Salazar said.

Officials said they will serve Mamorno termination papers while he is in jail.

Mamorno's bail was set at $85,000. He has since been released from jail, court records show.
The Directorate of Ethics and Integrity Pornographic Control Committee has expressed concern over the increasing use of pornographic masterplans in homesteads.

The Committee Chairperson Dr. Annet Kezaabu says the most worrying is some parents engage in such actions in front of their children who are out of school because of the lockdown.

She was addressing a group of police officers whom she encouraged to further assist the committee to detect, prohibit, and arrest whoever participates in such actions.

He says the promotion of phonography in Uganda is punishable and anyone who dealt in it will be punished according to the law.
Bird flu confirmed in few more places in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh

First cases of avian influenza detected in Jammu's Udhampur and Poonch

No permission given for use of vaccine against bird flu; not even by other nations: Centre

Over 1,200 birds found dead across India; UP 7th state to report avian influenza

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 09: Over 1,200 birds were found dead across the country on Saturday, including 900 in a poultry farm in Maharashtra, with the Centre saying that the outbreak of avian influenza has been reported in Uttar Pradesh, taking the total number of affected states to seven.

The Centre said confirmation of bird flu in Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, is awaited as the samples have been sent for testing, it said.

Besides Uttar Pradesh, the other six states where bird flu is confirmed are Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a ban on import of live birds in the national capital and closure of Ghazipur poultry market, the biggest in the city, for the next 10 days in view of bird flu scare.

Bird flu: Delhi closes Ghazipur poultry market for 10 days, bans import of live birds

Noting that there is no confirmed case of avian influenza in Delhi so far, the chief minister said samples have been sent to Jalandhar laboratory. He also said that a 24-hour helpline has been set up for assistance of people.

He said the Delhi government is following all guidelines and directions issued by the central government with regards to bird flu.

"Rapid response teams have been formed in every district to contain the spread and conduct proper surveillance, and they will function under the district magistrates. Our veterinary officers are conducting proper surveys in all bird markets, wildlife establishments and water bodies across Delhi.

"The special focus of the teams are poultry market Ghazipur, Shakti Sthal Lake, Bhalswa Lake, Sanjay Lake, Delhi Zoo, DDA Parks, situated at Hauz Khas village, Pashchim Vihar and Dwarka," Kejriwal added.

At least 24 crows have been found dead at a district park in south Delhi''s Jasola in the past three days and 10 ducks have died at the famous Sanjay Lake, officials said.

"The samples of ducks found dead have been taken by the veterinary department authorities to ascertain if the cause of death was bird flu or not," a senior DDA official said.

On the death of crows, the DDA has informed the Delhi government''s forest department, he said.

Three recreational parks and famous Sanjay Lake in Delhi were closed by authorities amid an avian flu scare in the city as several birds were found dead on their premises in the last couple of days, officials said.

Besides, the popular Hauz Khas Park in south Delhi, which is a huge water body and attracts a large number of crowd every day, has also been shut, they said.

As many as 900 hens have died at a poultry farm in Murumba village in Parbhani district of Maharashtra, a senior official said.

Their samples have been sent for investigation to identify the exact cause of the death, Parbhani district collector Deepak Mulgikar told PTI.

He said the poultry farm where the death of birds was reported is run by a Self Help Group (SHG).

Prima facie, the death of hens could be related to nutrition, the collector said, adding that the test results are awaited.

Over 350 birds were reported dead in Rajasthan, taking the death count to 2,512, an official said.

Of the 356 birds reported dead on Saturday, 257 were crows, 29 pigeons, 16 peacocks and 54 others.

Even as Gujarat recorded its first confirmed cases of bird flu, four crows were found dead at a village in Mangrol taluka in the state''s Junagadh district.

The state on Friday recorded its first cases of bird flu after samples taken from two dead lapwings recovered in the district tested positive for the infection.

"We found carcasses of four crows at Loej village on Friday evening. The remains will be sent to a laboratory in Bhopal to ascertain the cause of death," said Ashok Kumbhani, veterinary officer of Mangrol veterinary dispensary in the district.

Out of 10 birds found in the area, four were dead at the spot and six are currently under treatment, the official said.

Six crows were found dead in Dakshina Kannada, bordering Kerala and samples have been sent for testing to ascertain the cause of death.

Five crows were found dead in a drain in the Sitabpur area in Uttarakhand''s Pauri Garhwal district. Samples of the dead birds have been sent to a laboratory in Bhopal for testing, Veterinary Officer BM Gupta said.

A response team headed by a doctor and four health workers has been formed at the district level to keep a track on the death of birds and chickens and taking the samples for testing, Chief Veterinary Officer in Pauri SK Bartwal said.

A drive to cull over 1.60 lakh poultry birds at five poultry farms commenced in Haryana''s Panchkula district on Saturday, officials said.

The move comes after samples of some birds in two poultry farms at Kheri and Ganauli villages in Panchkula tested positive for the H5N8 strain of avian flu on Friday.

"The process (to cull birds) started today by the state''s animal husbandry department," Panchkula Deputy Commissioner M K Ahuja said.

He said it will take around two to three days to complete the drive.

The deputy commissioner further informed that a team of National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal would visit Panchkula next week.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 23:00 [IST]
As a kid, Conroe native Dawn Leggett would wave hello to any policeman she spotted. To revive the custom as a Conroe Police officer, she rewarded children who did so by handing them badge stickers while on patrol.

I could be having a really, really bad day and when kids wave at me it always makes my day a lot better, said Leggett, 52, who retired Monday from Conroe PD as its longest-serving female officer.

Starting in September 1992, Leggett worked the street beat in Conroes southeast Frank District.

It was definitely a calling, Leggett said about being an officer, adding how she knew as young as 16 that she wanted this career.

Changing times

Before being a cop, Leggett worked as a prison guard at the Eastham Unit in east Texas and Wynne Unit in Hunstville. She eventually completed police academy in Harris County.

Her time at Conroe PD is a view of the citys growth. There were about 55 officers compared to the 143 now employed and the city was watched over by four officers on the night beat.

In her early days, she and another officer were the only women. Upon Leggetts retirement, there remain 15 female officers.

The most remarkable difference for Leggett is the technology quality of patrol cars today.

We have a lot more resources now, she said, signaling to instant information-yielding computers and video cameras. Theres so much more technology, theres so many more tools to make this job a lot better.

Otherwise, the day-to-day tasks of patrolling Conroe streets remains the same even after nearly 28 years on the beat, she explained.

When Leggett was awarded officer of the year, an April 2002 Houston Chronicle story cited a warning from her colleagues about not underestimating the slender street cop.

Shes definitely capable of taking care of business, said then Deputy Chief Joe Scarborough.

Leggett gives the credit of her success to her fellow members of the force.

I did come into this at a time when it was just about an all male job, but the kind of support I received from the other officers really has made me the officer I am today, Leggett said at the time.

Tugs at my heart

Of all the people Leggett has served as an officer on her beat, which included voluntarily checking up on families and grandmothers, aunts and uncles, there is one person that most comes to mind.

Leggett responded to what she recalls being a home break-in, finding a boy around 8 with few belongings and fearful of the crime he and his family had endured.

I just assured him that I would be driving around all the time, and I did, Leggett said. Thats part of the job, is to help people.

When Leggett would drive around the neighborhood in her patrol car, the boy and his friends would wave at her from a park playground. She remembers stopping one time when he was a preteen, him hugging her and jumping in the front seat of the parked vehicle.

He was sitting there like he was cool. It was just a cute moment with this kid. Those kinds of things right there are what its all about, she said. He tugs at my heart more than once.

Now about 17, the boy still reaches out to her.

An astounding legacy

Though she may have left a mark as the woman with the most years of service on the force, she shies away from being viewed as a trailblazer.

I just try to do my job, she said.

However, those who know her best at Conroe PD are eager to praise her.

One of the most honest people youll ever see in your life, said Officer Eddie Davis, a 32-year-veteran at the department. Ive got nothing but respect for Dawn. She held her own in a male-dominated (profession). Shes just an officer. Shes very humble.

Davis said Leggett may well be the first woman to fully retire with benefits from Conroe PD, which follows the so-called rule of 80 where an employees time in service and age combine for that number of years.

Leggett, Davis added, is surely the first woman to reach 20 years working at the department.

Chief Jeff Christy lauded her work ethic.

Leggett has served with consistent professionalism, courage, integrity and empathy, Christy said, adding her status as longest-serving female officer created an astounding legacy that will impact our department, our community and the law enforcement profession for years to come.

Looking ahead

Retirement will keep Leggett busy. She will dedicate time to her New Waverly barn.

All my children are my animals, Leggett said with a laugh. All my animals are my family. I have a good family.

Her kids consist of three miniature ponies, a miniature donkey, a mare, two Dobermans and a cat. All but the donkey and one of the dogs is a rescue.

Leggett volunteered at Huntsvilles Rita B. Huff Adoption Center for 20 years and is now helping out at the Conroe Animal Shelter. She regularly picks up shelter animals at risk of being euthanized and arranges off-site adoptions for them.

Im interested in getting these animals out of the shelters and getting them into loving homes, she said. Two passions in life  one was the badge and the others animals.

jose.gonzalez@chron.com

twitter.com/jrgzztx
Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Market Reports on Saudi Arabia Provides the Trending Market Research Report on Frozen Fish and Seafood (Fish and Seafood) Market in Saudi Arabia - Outlook to 2024; Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics (updated with COVID-19 Impact) under Food category. The Frozen Fish and Seafood Market in Saudi Arabia is projected to exhibit highest growth rate over report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence and industry reports.

Frozen Fish and Seafood (Fish and Seafood) Market in Saudi Arabia - Outlook to 2024; Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics (updated with COVID-19 Impact) is a broad level market review of Frozen Fish & Seafood Market in Saudi Arabia.

Frozen Fish & Seafood - all frozen fish and seafood whether whole cuts or not and whether coated (typically in breadcrumbs) or not.

Frozen Fish & Seafood market in Saudi Arabia registered a positive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.41% during the period 2014 to 2019 with a sales value of SAR 186.33 Million in 2019, an increase of 2.57% over 2018. The market achieved its strongest performance in 2018, when it grew by 5.50% over its previous year and its weakest performance in 2019, when it increased by 2.57% over 2018.

Request a free sample copy of Saudi Arabia Frozen Fish and Seafood Market Report @

http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/sample/reports/2265359



The research handbook provides up-to-date market size data for period 2014-2019 and illustrative forecast to 2024 premised on Covid-19 hit, covering key market aspects like Sales Value and Volume for Frozen Fish & Seafood and its variants .

Furthermore, the research handbook details out Sales Value and Volume for top brands for the year 2016 to 2019 and overall market sales by Distribution Channel (Dollar Stores, Variety Store & General Merchandise Retailers, Cash & Carries and Warehouse Clubs, Convenience Stores & Gas Stations, Department Stores, Drug Stores & Pharmacies, Chemists/Pharmacies, Parapharmacies/Drugstores, eRetailers, Food & Drinks Specialists, Health & Beauty Stores, Hypermarkets & Supermarkets, Direct Sellers, Others, On Trade, Vending Machines, Other Specialist Retailers, Tobacco Specialists) where ever applicable.

Due to on going large scale uncertainties in the market due to COVID-19 pandemic, the research handbook acts as an essential tool for companies active or planning to venture in to Saudi Arabia's Frozen Fish and Seafood (Fish and Seafood) Market. The comprehensive statistics within the research handbook provides insight into the operating environment of the market and also ensures right business decision making based on historical trends and industry model based forecasting.

Sales Values in the handbook are depicted in USD ($) and local currency of country and Volumes are represented in M Kilograms.

*Note: Certain content / sections in the research handbook may be removed or altered based on the availability and relevance of data.

Scope

- Overall Frozen Fish and Seafood (Fish and Seafood) Market value and volume analytics with growth analysis from 2014 to 2024.

- Value and Volume terms for the top brands.

- Distribution channel sales analytics from 2016-2019.

Reasons to Buy

- Get access to authoritative and granular data on the Frozen Fish and Seafood (Fish and Seafood) Market and fill in the gaps in understanding of trends and the components of change behind them.

- Enhance your understanding of the market to update your strategic and tactical plans based on volume and value changes, brand dynamics and distribution trends.

- Analyze the components of change in the market by looking at historic and future growth patterns.

- Use the data to understand future patterns of the market trends from winners and losers to category dynamics and thereby quickly and easily identify the key areas in which you want to compete in the future.

Browse our full report with Table of Contents: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/frozen-fish-and-seafood-fish-and-seafood-market-in-saudi-arabia-outlook-to-2024-market-size-growth-and-forecast-an/2265359

About Us

Market Reports on Saudi Arabia provides you with an in-depth industry reports focusing on various economic, political and operational risk environment, complemented by detailed sector analysis. We have an exhaustive coverage on variety of industries  ranging from energy and chemicals to transportation, communications, constructions and mining to Food and Beverage and education. Our collection includes over 2000 up-to-date reports all researched, analysed and published by top-notch international research firms.

Contact us at:

Market Reports On Saudi Arabia

Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773

Email: info@marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com

Website: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com

Follow us on : Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
A shoreline of Baengnyeong Island in waters of South Korea's west coast near the inter-Korean border. Korea Times file



A Navy officer was found dead Saturday after going missing while on duty aboard a patrol boat off the western border island of Baengnyeong, according to the military authorities.



The chief petty officer disappeared at around 10 p.m. Friday in waters south of the island in the Yellow Sea, as the 450-ton "patrol killer" he was aboard was conducting night operations, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said



After an hours-long search operation, the officer's body was found at around 10 a.m. Saturday near the area where he went missing, and taken to the Navy's Second Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, the JCS added.



"An investigation is under way to find out the exact details of what happened, and all possibilities are being considered," a JCS officer said. "The Navy will take all necessary measures."



Weather conditions were unfavorable at the time of his disappearance, and he was last seen on closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) installed around the vessel at around 9:35 p.m. Around 40 service members were aboard the boat, according to the officer.



Earlier, the JCS said the military informed all related entities of the incident via international communication lines and mobilized multiple Navy and government vessels for search and rescue operations. North Korea is also connected to those lines.



In September last year, a South Korean government official went missing near the western border island of Yeonpyeong and reportedly drifted into the North Korean side of the Yellow Sea where he was shot and killed by the North's military.



The South Korean military came under fire for not appropriately communicating with North Korea over this issue, which could have prevented the tragedy. (Yonhap)


The United Nations fears massive community transmission of COVID-19 in Ethiopias troubled Tigray region, fueled by displacement and the collapse of health services, as humanitarian workers finally begin to access the region two months after fighting began.

A new U.N. report based on the first on-the-ground assessments confirms some of the grim concerns around Tigrays some 6 million people since the conflict erupted Nov. 4 between Ethiopian forces and those of the Tigray region: Hospitals have been looted, even destroyed, and some fighting continues.

The crisis has threatened to destabilize one of Africas most powerful and populous countries and to pull in neighbors like Sudan. Tigray leaders dominated Ethiopias government for nearly three decades before Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power and sidelined them amid sweeping reforms that won him the Nobel Peace Prize.

Abiy has rejected international interference in the conflict even as the U.N. and others pleaded for weeks for unhindered access to Tigray as food, medicines and other supplies ran out.

Now COVID-19 has emerged as the latest source of alarm. Only five out of 40 hospitals in Tigray are physically accessible, the new U.N. report issued Thursday says. Apart from those in (the Tigray capital) Mekele, the remaining hospitals are looted and many reportedly destroyed. It does not say who did the looting.

COVID-19 surveillance and control work was interrupted for more than a month in Tigray, and that, along with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, is feared to have facilitated massive community transmission of the pandemic, the report says.

Ethiopia has one of the highest COVID-19 caseloads on the African continent with more than 127,000 confirmed infections. While its rate of daily cases has declined in recent weeks, officials have not said whether they have been receiving any data from the Tigray region.

Health facilities outside of major cities are nonfunctional and those in the major cities are partially working with limited to no stock of supplies and absence of health workers, the U.N. report says.

The report also says the Tigray region remains volatile. Localized fighting and insecurity continues, with fighting reported in rural areas and in the peripheries of Mekele, Shiraro and Shire among other locations, as of last week, it says.

The overall humanitarian situation is dire, the U.N. says, with food supplies very limited and widespread looting reported. Only locally produced food items are available and at increasing prices, making basic goods unaffordable. Most Tigray residents are subsistence farmers, and the conflict disrupted the harvest.

Two important camps hosting tens of thousands of refugees from nearby Eritrea remain unreachable  another source of alarm as the presence of Eritrean troops has been confirmed in Tigray.

No one knows how many thousands of people have been killed in the conflict. At least five humanitarian workers have been killed.

Short link:


Weatheradio Canada listeners in Penticton and Kelowna heard a mistaken tsunami alert earlier this week. If there were to be a tsunami on Okanagan Lake, it would probably be the result of a landslide, according to a seismologist.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
In late 2020 Serbia revealed that it had received the first of thirty T-72B1MS tanks from Russia, which provided the tanks at a heavily discounted price. This is a significant upgrade to the Serbian armored force, which currently consists of 236 operational tanks, all older variants of the T-72. Most of these are the 41-ton M-84AS1, is a local T-72 upgrade manufactured in Yugoslavia, the Cold War-era Balkan state that violently came apart in the 1990s. Serbia was the largest component of Yugoslavia and basically ran things, including the program to build weapons locally, instead of importing whatever Russia had available.

One unique feature of the M-84S1 was its advanced, for the time, fire control system developed and manufactured in Yugoslavia. Some 650 M-84S1s were produced from 1984 to 1999. Production was limited to Serbia after 1991 and the tank was more expensive to build because many of the 240 component suppliers were in non-Serbian parts of the former Yugoslavia and now independent, and not willing to support continued M-84 production. Serbia and Croatia did continue upgrading their M-84s and some exported ones until 2003. This was to continue the Yugoslavia-era policy of doing upgrades that export customers wanted. By 2003 there was not much demand for those upgrades and it was clear that the old Yugoslav tank industry was not going to be revived. .

What makes the T-72B1MS variant unique is its battle management system and a more advanced fire control system with thermal sights for the commander and gunner. The MS has better reactive armor than the M-84 as well as other modern features like component monitoring, which alerts users when components are due maintenance or replacement. While the M-84 was seen as a superior T-72 in the 1980s, by 2012, when the T-72B1MS was introduced it was clear that the M-84 could no longer compete.

Many nations have continued to develop more capable T-72 variants, especially China. What makes each T-72 variant different is the quality of the components used. The T-72 was the most successful Russian post-World War II tank design and the basic model was pretty solid and reliable. The T-72 also proved to be a good platform for variants that added new (or more) armor, better electronics and improved engines that resulted in some impressive tank models. The most outstanding of these has been the Russian 46-ton T-72B3. As proof, consider that most of the new tanks the Russian army has received since 2000 have been refurbished and much upgraded T-72B3s.

Currently, the Russian Army has about 3,000 tanks in service and most (65 percent) are T-72B3s, which you hear little about. The new breakthrough design, the T-14, has fewer than a hundred in service and cuts in production, which began in 2015, were followed by an announcement that only 10-20 a year were being built. The T-14 is mostly about publicity. Before the T-14 there was the T-90, which has been produced in large quantities, but not for Russia. The T-90 was a 1980s project that was to incorporate T-80 features into many upgrades of the T-72. Originally it was designated the T-72BU but when Russia finally began production in 1993 it was renamed the T-90 for marketing purposes. That succeeded in making the tank an export success and most (84 percent) of those produced were for export. In fact, India and Algeria each have more T-90s in service than Russia. Worse Russia has quietly put over a third of its 550 T-90s into a reserve. While the T-90s were loudly proclaimed to be the next big thing, the Russian army preferred the T-72B3. The B3 proved to be more reliable, something that got little publicity. While all the upgrades, including new engine, gun, fire control and protection, made it nearly as expensive as the T-90, it was preferred by the troops and the older officers quietly agreed that it was a better tank than the new T-90/T-72BUs.

The best Chinese T-72 mod is the Type 99, which is 25 percent heavier than the T-72B3 and even more expensive to build. Thats because the Type 99 has better armor protection and electronics. The Chinese can afford this because of their much larger GDP while the Russians cannot. Its as simple as that and the main reason China is surpassing Russia militarily. Chinese manufacturing capabilities are also, on average, superior to what the Russians had when the Cold War ended and for tank design and production that makes a big difference.

India and Pakistan have not been able to match Russian or Chinese production standards or development capabilities, which is largely due to corruption and government regulations that make it difficult to innovate and excel. Most of the best South Asian (India and Pakistan) design and production talent moves to the West. A glance at the design and development stars in the West, especially the United States, shows a lot of these South Asians playing leading roles. China managed to keep more of this talent at home and even attract some that had settled in the West to return. In the end high-tech, like everything else, is about the people creating it.

An example of how this works could be seen in nations that tried to develop upgraded T-72s and failed. For example, in early 2020 Pakistan became the first export customer for the Chinese VT4/MBT-3000 tank equipped with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) that can defeat or degrade most kinds of anti-tank weapons. This includes high-speed metal penetrators. Superior ERA, as well as modern electronics are the two things that make for a better T-72 variant. This was Pakistan admitting that its tank development project had failed.

Pakistan had been trying to create its own tank development and production capability but gave that up back in 2018 and ordered the first batch of VT4s in 2019. Pakistan would like to get several hundred. That depends on the Pakistani economy, which is in bad shape and getting worse. China expects to be paid on time for arms shipments.

Once Pakistan decided to get out of the tank manufacturing business, the army placed an order for a hundred 52-ton VT4 tanks. This is an updated version of the 330 46-ton VT1/Al Khalid tanks Pakistan already has. The Al Khalid was a joint China-Pakistan project to create a Pakistani tank that could be built in Pakistan. Basically, the Al Khalid was a variant of the Chinese VT1, which is also known as the MBT2000. The VT1 was the export version of the Chinese Type 90 tank. Actually, the Type 90, another improved T-72, was not accepted by the Chinese army, which instead went with the 54-ton Type 99, a superior T-72 variant that entered service in 2001, underwent a major upgrade (the 58-ton Type 99A) in 2011 and is still in production with over a thousand in service so far. China would have built more Type 99s were the tank not so expensive at nearly $3 million each. There are more than twice as many cheaper 43-ton Type 96 tanks in service. These cost about half as much as the Type-99 and are considered adequate for most potential battlefield opponents. The VT4 is similar to the Type 99 in size, performance and price.

The VT1 entered service first in 2001 equipped with Ukrainian engines and a few other imported items but was mainly Chinese. The Al Khalid had trouble finding an engine that could handle the desert conditions on the Indian border where Indian and Pakistani tank battles tend to be fought. Because of these delays, Pakistan bought 300 Ukrainian T-80UD tanks, which are upgrades of a Russian Cold War design that could handle hot, sandy environments. That was mainly because of its Ukrainian built engine which Pakistan also ultimately bought for its Al Khalid.

The rest of Pakistans 2,000 tanks are based on much older (1950s) Russian models, with some upgrades. Pakistan also looked at the latest Ukraine had to offer but decided to go with China, which has access to more advanced tech than Ukraine and is willing to be competitive when it comes to price. This confidence in China was based on how the 2012 agreement worked out. For that deal, Pakistan and China also agreed to jointly market the Al Khalid tank. There were no customers because there were a lot of improved T-72s on the market, including the Chinese MBT-2000. Al Khalid was more expensive to develop because Pakistan began the project in 1991 and made a lot of mistakes. The Al Khalid ended up costing ten percent more than the MBT-2000 and Pakistan was unable to keep its costs under control. When it came time to develop and install a major upgrade for Al Khalid, it was pointed out that China already had what Pakistan wanted in the VT4. In the end the Al Khalid demonstrated why Pakistan has never been a major player in the arms export business and this deal with China was more for show than anything else. Same thing with the JF-17 jet fighter joint development that resulted in an expensive variant of the American F-16.

Pakistani tanks have always sought some kind of superior protection. That is important on the battlefield and ERA has become a lot more effective than other forms of protection. ERA is a block of explosives that explodes when hit by solid metal warheads or the HEAT warhead used by ATGM (Anti-tank guided missiles), RPGs and some tank gun projectiles. HEAT forms a superhot plasma when it strikes something and the plasma can melt through most armor. The ERA explosion disrupts the formation of the plasma and prevents much of the penetration of the tanks metal armor.

First developed by Russia in the 1960s, other nations, like Israel, also adopted and further developed the concept. Soon ERA was also able to stop the more common high-speed metal penetrator-type warheads. There are now many types of ERA and China does not export all of them. Pakistan is Chinas largest export customer and often the first to get new Chinese military tech.

In response to ERA, many current models of the ATGMs have a top attack warhead that defeats ERA by detonating as it goes over the tank and penetrating the thinner armor on top, which also lacks ERA. The only protection against this is an expensive APS (Active Protection System). China has one, the GL5 PS, in development and the VT4 tanks are among the first to receive it if the customer wants to pay half a million dollars and add a ton of weight to each APS equipped tank. At the moment GL5 is only meant for exported tanks. China cannot afford to equip its own tanks, at least not yet.

During the first incidents of ERA use against ATGMS, crews were visibly alarmed because their armored vehicle was shaken by ERA detonations, though not penetrated by warheads. Since then, crews of ERA-equipped tanks are usually shown a video of ERA testing, including the interior of tanks when the ERA goes off. ERA exploding is still a danger to nearby troops and civilians but in practice this has not been a major problem. Experience in Syria demonstrated that modern ERA designs are effective and that is why Russia spends so much to design new or upgraded tanks with the latest ERA designs.
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
Streetwise - Some Light Bedtime Reading

by Frank Dunnigan

October 2011

Now that its Fall, Im reminded of the affinity that so many of us have with books, newspapers, and magazines. Theres no better time of year than right now to curl up on the couch with some good reading, so its time to take a look back at our once-passionate love affair with the printed word.

Even though I received a Kindle for Christmas last year, Im still fond of printed paper, in spite of all the space that it continues to occupy in my ever-expanding bookcases. Whenever Im visiting a new city, I find myself drawn to local bookstores, just to look around and see what they have to offer, and a printed volume or two is often my only souvenir of a particular trip.

How could it be any other way? I grew up in a household that subscribed to two daily newspapersThe San Francisco Examiner and the San Francisco News (later known as the News-Call-Bulletin from 1958-65), plus the weekly Catholic Monitor, and a stack of magazines, including Life, Readers Digest, Sunset, and The Saturday Evening Post. In addition, both my parents always had a paperback or two on their nightstands for late night reading, and Moms sister was always passing along copies of Bon Appetit and Gourmet plus stack after stack of condensed books once she was finished with them.

From the time that I started browsing the comic book selection at Reis Pharmacy at 18th & Taraval in the mid-1950s, Ive been hooked on reading. When I was six, the only thing that I wanted for my birthday was a library card so that I could have unlimited access to treasures contained within the red brick walls of the Parkside Branch at 22nd Avenue & Taraval, even though their six-book limit for checkout was a constant annoyance to me.

Most of us baby boomers remember the decor of our first apartmentsplywood shelves (sometimes wrapped in wood grain contact paper for a more upscale look), combined with concrete cinderblocks to form bookcases. This ubiquitous decorating item was sturdy enough to hold yard after yard of the volumes that we had collected from various college courses (things like the Norton Anthologies, Essentials of Accounting, and Churchills History of the English-Speaking Peoples), along with personal reading favorites of every sort. Today, the first things I see walking through my own front door are seven-foot-tall bookcases and my favorite armchair in the living room, with a strong reading lamp nearby. In the bedroom, I have a pair of nightstands with built-in bookshelves, so that I can keep even more reading materials close at hand for impromptu bedtime reading. With these items in place, Im all set.

However, selling the printed word today has become a tough business, even for big businesses. In the last 20 years, every city in America that still had a struggling afternoon newspaper has lost it, and since the dawn of the new millennium, several areas are on the verge of losing their morning journal as well. Bookstores have not fared much better, and the recent loss of the Borders chain is just another milepost on the long road of decline for reading in this country and here in the western neighborhoods, too.

When the new Stonestown Galleria opened in 1986, a huge Brentanos opened near the middle of the top level on the west side, replacing the tiny 1960s-era B. Dalton that had been tucked away in the old mall near Blums. Then Brentanos closed and was replaced by Borders (in the space once occupied by the Walgreens lunch counter and the Stonestown Market from 1952-1988, then by Bank of America from 1988-98). As Borders now vanishes into a cloud of paper dust, it has been replaced by ODE (newly named operation that makes use of some of the original letters on the buildings sign), with the same format of books, music, cafe. Any bets on how long that might last?

When the new Lakeshore Plaza opened on Sloat Boulevard in the 1980s, the big discounter of the time, Crown Books (unceremoniously dethroned by the sudden ascent of Amazon.com in the 1990s), occupied the corner at the western edge of the center near Sloatthe same spot once occupied by Grants Charcoal Broiler, Orlandos Restaurant, and then GETsbut that corner morphed into a pet supply store in about 1998.

A year or so ago, I noticed that Waldenbooks on West Portal (site of the old Sherrys Liquor Store), which had been a convenient reading spot for a nice 20-year run, had suddenly disappeared from the scene and had not merely relocated.

Canterbury Corner, out there at 17th Avenue and Geary Boulevard in the Richmond for many years, was once a prime location for St.Ignatiuss Stanyan Street students to find their copies of the iconic yellow-and-black Cliff Notes (and the less-common, but also good, red-and-black Monarch Notes) on everything from The Merchant of Venice to The Catcher in the Rye. Today, that corner has been taken over by yet another coffee house. Isnt it funny to think of how we now automatically associate books with the smell of coffee? I sometimes fear that we are raising a whole generation of young people who will have no goal for their working lives other than becoming baristas.

Sadly, the big department stores abandoned their book departments decades ago. Emporium Stonestown used to have a wonderful selection on the main floor near the elevators. Mom once stood in line there for nearly an hour to buy me a copy of William Manchesters Death of a President when it was published in 1967, and that was also where I discovered Robert Camerons great photo essay, Above San Francisco in 1969. The downtown store had an even larger area collection at the back of the main floor under the dome, and much of it was devoted to San Francisco historya browsers delight.

One of San Franciscos most colorful department store book buyers from the 1950s through the 1980s was the late Ethel Stevenson, and I had the pleasure of working with her for several years. Well-educated, well-read, and well-traveled, she put together an eclectic mix of titles that was guaranteed to draw people in. She believed in something for everyonebiographies, novels, history, reference, cookbooks, sports, self-improvement, plus science fiction and mystery paperbacks. When Roots became the smash hit of 1977there was Ethel, personally pushing a hand-truck laden with carton after carton of freshly printed volumes that she herself had just picked up from the distributor, in order to make sure that they were stacked and ready for her customers when the doors opened for business. She even pre-dated one Seinfeld gag by suggesting that some large picture books (known in the trade as coffee table books) could have four legs attached to the bottom and actually be used as a coffee table! And although she personally despised the genre, she always made sure that some tucked-away corner in each store contained an abundant selection of what she sarcastically referred to as T.R.trashy romance.

Waldenbooks and Tro Harper, both downtown institutions, have faded from the fog of days gone by, though the venerable Books, Inc. is still doing business out there on California Street in Laurel Village. Staceys, a Market Street icon since 1914, closed its doors for good in 2009.

The area around City Hall once contained several used book shops that would buy and sell old books and periodicals. Likewise, the area around McAllister Street in the Western Addition, prior to the redevelopment of the 1960s, was a second-hand treasure trove for all things, including books and magazines. All of these have now vanished in a cloud of dust called Redevelopment.

Book lovers are lucky that Green Apple Books, a neighborhood institution since 1967, is still doing business on Clement Street. It is a rare breedthe independent neighborhood bookstore. When the founder-owner retired a few years ago, he wisely structured the transition as a sale to a group of long-time employees who are truly dedicated to the business. Whenever Im in San Francisco, I can easily spend an entire afternoon, wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles, finding things that I never knew would interest me until I stumbled upon them.

Even the junk mail has changed. I no longer receive book club offers of ANY 20 BOOKS FOR JUST $1 TOTAL WHEN YOU AGREE TO BUY JUST 4 OTHERS AT REGULAR PRICE ANY TIME IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS! Those offers always seemed to hinge on the customers inability to return the OPT-OUT card for the monthly special, thereby generating shipment of another volume automatically. The advent of electronic communications obviously had something to do with the demise of this standard business model for many book clubs.

There are some high spots, though. Arcadia Publishing has done a great job of collecting and publishing neighborhood histories in concise 128-page format mid-size paperbacks that are chock-full of never-before seen photos, mostly from individual collections. Local offerings include volumes on the Sunset District and the Richmond District, both by Lorri Ungaretti, West Portal Neighborhoods by Richard Brandi, Catholics of San Francisco by Bernadette Hooper and Rayna Garibaldi, Jewish San Francisco by Edward Zerin and Marc Dollinger, San Franciscos Ocean Beach by Kathleen Manning and Jim Dickson, and the San Francisco Zoo by Katherine Girlich. Woody LaBountys Carville-by-the-Sea and an upcoming Ingleside Terraces book are also impressive contributions to local history, and make for very interesting reading.

Even a cookbook can be a good read if it is properly written. Not just a compilation of ingredients and instructions, a cookbook must tell a story, and even if you dont plan on preparing a recipe immediately, it can be an enjoyable read at any time. One local author, Rick Rodgers, always manages to weave his familys story into his writings, whether its an all-purpose cookbook or a single-subject collection of things like Thanksgiving, summer barbecue, or Christmas. Southern food writer Paula Deen is also an accomplished story-teller as she provides cooking direction and personal remembrances to her readers. Cookin, out there on Divisidero, has an entire back wall, from floor to ceiling, filled with used cookbooks, and I never tire of browsing the collection there.

During the years I worked at Williams-Sonoma, I once visited with company founder Chuck Williams (now a spry 96 years young) in his surprisingly modest office at the companys downtown headquarters. Dominating one entire wall were built-in bookcases nearly 12 feet high, and running at least 40 feet from one side of the room to the other. On a daily basis, he worked alongside thousands of different cookbookssome good and some not so, but all were interesting, he told me. He had read every one of them multiple times, providing him with just a bit of inspiration each and every time.

In its final year of publication in 1982, San Franciscos City Directory listed well over 200 retail bookstores. Sadly, things have been in decline ever since. So far this year, the San Francisco Chronicle has reported on a dozen or more closings of small neighborhood bookstores throughout the City. Not even the Government Printing Office Bookstore, once a fixture in the Federal Building, was able to survive, and is now gone.

Over the years, there were many book retailers operating in the western neighborhoods: Jabberwock Books, Porpoise Books, Slovo Books, and Gallery Bookshop on Clement Street; Liebers Bookstore on Geary Boulevard; the Russian Bookstore on Balboa Street; Book Fair, Blue Sky Books, and Sunset Books on Irving Street; Fannings Bookstore and Bolerium Books on Judah Street; Gutenberg Books on 9th Avenue, plus the ever-present Christian Science Reading Room on West Portal Avenue. Even the old California Book Company, forever on Phelan Avenue near Ocean Avenue, as the only book store for City College, has now become a mere annex to the main campus outlet, with merchandise offerings now focused on clothing and other logo items, snacks, sundries, calculators, CD players, and school supplies. So much for books

Our public libraries, saved from extinction by some recent voter-approved upgrades, can barely keep their doors open, and their once-standard 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. operating hours vanished while I was in college in the 1970s. Sadly, many are now open only a few days per week, with nighttime hours severely curtailed and even non-existent at some branches. Hey, City Hall, just when do you think that working people find the time to relax and read for pleasure?

For several years now, the U.S. Congress has officially sanctioned a proposal by a teachers group declaring October 20th as the National Day of Writing, in recognition of its impact on all of our lives. So lets all celebrate this new event by going out and picking up a newspaper or a magazine, buying a book, renewing a library card, and encouraging those around you to do likewise. Supporting writing through the related activity of reading can be a great way to start and end each day in the Outside Lands or wherever you happen to be.

Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places!
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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India is self-reliant in the battle against the novel coronavirus pandemic while inaugurating the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention at 10:30 am via video conferencing.

Speaking at the inaugural address of the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, PM Modi said, "India used to import PPE kits, masks, ventilators and testing kits from outside but today our nation is self-reliant. Today India is ready to save humanity with two 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines."

The Prime Minister also said that the world is not only waiting for India's coronavirus vaccines but also looking at how it rolls out the largest vaccination programme in the world.

Here are the highlights from PM Modi's speech:

"Today we have been connected with the internet from various corners of the world but our minds are always connected with 'Maa Bharti'," PM Modi SAID while speaking at the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.

The PM also said that in the past years, Non-Resident Indians have strengthened their identity in other countries.

"Last year was a challenging year. The work done by Indian diaspora across the world and the way they fulfilled their duties, it is a matter of pride for the country. Many Indians living abroad have also lost their lives to Covid. I express my condolences to their families," the Prime Minister said.

"When India stood in the face of terrorism, the world too got the courage to face this challenge. Today, India is using technology to end corruption. Money worth lakhs and crores are directly being credited to the account of the beneficiary," PM Modi said.

"Your contribution to PM Cares Fund is being utilised to strengthen health infrastructure in the country. I extend gratitude to you for this," PM Modi said.

The PM further said that the ongoing campaign in the country to empower the poor is being discussed around the world. "We have shown that in the sector of renewable energy, a developing country too can take lead," PM Modi added.

On the Vande Bharat mission, PM Modi told the Indian diaspora that the country always stands with them and more than 45 lakh people have been rescued under the Vande Bharat mission during the pandemic.

The PBD Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indians, the MEA said in a statement.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Prosecutors in Colorado said this week that they would not charge two police officers who drew their guns and handcuffed a Black family, including two girls, after suspecting them of riding in a stolen car.

The encounter with the Aurora police last August was recorded on a widely shared video that showed four children lying on the ground in a parking lot, crying and screaming as several officers stood over them by an S.U.V.

In a letter to the Aurora police chief on Thursday, a prosecutor said a review of police reports, body-worn camera videos, radio traffic and training materials as well as an outside use of force report had not found sufficient evidence to support filing criminal charges.

Despite the disturbing fact that terrified children were ordered out of a vehicle at gunpoint and placed facedown on the ground, our conclusion is that there is not evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that the A.P.D. officers involved unlawfully, intentionally, knowingly, or negligently violated any Colorado criminal law, wrote Clinton McKinzie, the chief deputy district attorney for the states 18th Judicial District.
An Indonesian passenger plane carrying 62 people has lost contact with air traffic controllers minutes after taking off from the capital on a domestic flight.

Debris found later by fishermen is being examined to see if it was from the missing Sriwijaya Air flight, officials said.

Indonesias transportation minister Budi Karya Sumadi said Flight SJ182 was delayed for an hour before it took off from Jakarta at 2.36pm local time (7.36am GMT).

The Boeing 737-500 disappeared from radar four minutes later, after the pilot contacted air traffic control to ascend to an altitude of 29,000ft, he said.

The airline said in a statement that the plane was on an estimated 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesias Borneo island.

The plane was carrying 50 passengers and 12 crew members, all Indonesian nationals, including six extra crew for another trip.

Mr Sumadi said a dozen vessels, including four warships, were deployed in a search-and-rescue operation centred between Lancang island and Laki island, part of the Thousand Islands chain just north of Jakarta.

Bambang Suryo Aji, the national search and rescue gencys deputy head of operations and preparedness, said rescuers collected plane debris and clothes that were found by fishermen.

They handed the items over to officials for further investigation to determine whether they were from the missing plane.

A commander of one of the search-and-rescue ships who goes by a single name, Eko, said that fishermen found cables and pieces of metal in the water.

The fishermen told us that they found them shortly after they heard an explosion like the sound of thunder, Eko was quoted by TVOne as saying, adding that aviation fuel was found in the location where the fishermen found the debris.

Mr Aji said no radio beacon signal had been detected from the 26-year-old plane.

He said his agency was investigating why the planes emergency locator transmitter, or ELT, was not transmitting a signal that could confirm whether it had crashed.

Expand Close Worried relatives await news (AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Worried relatives await news (AP)

The satellite system owned by neighbouring Australia also did not pick up on the ELT signal from the missing plane, Aji said.

Solihin, 22, a fisherman from Lancang Island, said he and two other fishermen heard an explosion around 30 meters from them.

We thought it was a bomb or a tsunami since after that we saw the big splash from the water after the explosion.

It was raining heavily and the weather was so bad. So it is difficult to see around clearly. But we can see the splash and a big wave after the sounds. We were very shocked and directly saw the plane debris and the fuel around our boat, he said.

Tracking service Flightradar24 said on its Twitter feed that Flight SJ182 lost more than 10,000ft of altitude in less than a minute, about four minutes after take-off.

Expand Close There were 62 people on board the flight (AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp There were 62 people on board the flight (AP)

Sriwijaya Air president Jefferson Irwin Jauwena said the plane was airworthy. He told reporters that the plane had previously flown to Pontianak and Pangkal Pinang city on the same day.

He said the plane was delayed due to bad weather, not because of any damage.

It was raining at Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta International Airport when the plane took off for Pontianak, around 460 miles away.

Television footage showed relatives and friends of people aboard the plane weeping, praying and hugging each other as they waited at airports in Jakarta and Pontianak.

Chicago-based Boeing said on its Twitter feed that it was aware of the incident. It said it was closely monitoring the situation and working to gather more information.

The twin-engine, single aisle Boeing 737 is one of the worlds most popular planes for short and medium-haul flights.

Expand Close A staff member near Sriwijaya Air logo at their ticketing office at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang (AP) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp A staff member near Sriwijaya Air logo at their ticketing office at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang (AP)

The 737-500 is a shorter version of the widely used 737 model. Airlines began using this type of plane in the 1990s, with production ending two decades ago.

In October 2018, a Boeing 737 Max 8 jet operated by Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea just minutes after taking off from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board.

The plane involved in Saturdays incident did not have the automated flight control system that played a role in the Lion Air crash and another crash of a 737 Max 8 jet in Ethiopia five months later, leading to the grounding of the Max 8 for 20 months.

The Lion Air crash was Indonesias worst airline disaster since 1997, when 234 people were killed on a Garuda airlines flight near Medan on Sumatra island.

In December 2014, an AirAsia flight from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea, killing 162 people.

Indonesian airlines were previously banned from flying to the United States and European Union for not meeting international safety standards. Both have since lifted the ban, citing improvement in aviation safety and greater compliance with international standards.
History will judge not only Wednesdays disgraceful mob insurrection incited by an aggrieved and failed president but also our nations response to this assault on democracy.

Those who stormed the Capitol must be held to account. So, too, must those who created the tinderbox conditions  through baseless lies about voter fraud  that allowed fire to be set to a free and fair election, an election won by former Vice President Joe Biden.

Although there are only days left in his term, President Donald Trump must be impeached and convicted. Impeachment and conviction would disqualify him from future federal public office. It would put a hard stop to any future assaults.

While Trump has finally acknowledged the new administration, this has only come after the siege on the Capitol as calls intensify for impeachment. But even then Trump used rhetorical alchemy to characterize his effort to subvert the election as noble: My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote. In so doing, I was fighting to defend American democracy.

Pretty rich for a man who has treated democracy so poorly.

We dont argue for impeachment lightly. But it is wrong to say holding Trump accountable for his anti-democratic actions somehow wounds our nation. His actions wounded the nation. Thats why impeachment is necessary.

Trump and his enablers have waged a sustained assault on our democracy, culminating in the physical manifestation witnessed Wednesday. Before the attack, he incited the mob to march on the Capitol: Youll never take back our country with weakness.

He began the year pressuring state officials: I just want to find 11,780 votes, he told Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

He filed baseless lawsuits and repeatedly lied about election fraud. But the lie about voter fraud is the greatest deceit.

This is how democracies crumble. As Robert D. Putnam wrote in his recent book, The Upswing, in a democracy when our side is defeated, we need to understand that to accept losing in the short run is essential to preserve the long-run goal of democracy.

To impeach and convict with bipartisan support is to rebuke such anti-democratic behavior and ensure Trump never ascends to the presidency again. It would be a profound bipartisan show of support for democratic norms  something utterly lacking the last five years  and a stark message to would-be presidents. Do not go here.

This brings us to the junior senator from Texas, Ted Cruz. He must be expelled from the Senate. He, too, must be held accountable for his efforts to undermine the presidential election.

It was Cruz who gathered support of other senators and senators-elect to object to the formal counting of electoral votes, not because there was voter fraud but because of the unprecedented allegations of voter fraud, violations and lax enforcement of election law, and other voting irregularities.

It was Cruz who cynically said to Democrats on the Senate floor before the mob descended: I understand your guy is winning right now.

And it is Cruz who said only after the siege the presidents rhetoric was irresponsible and we are now in the process of a peaceful transition of power to the next administration, the Joe Biden presidency. He could have said this long before. After an insurrection is too late.

Lets remember that 17 Texas Republicans, including Cruz, objected to counting Electoral College votes for Biden. Lets also remember that silence in response to democratic harm is corrosive, and that in this regard, U.S. Reps. Chip Roy and Tony Gonzales, and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn were too silent about Bidens victory for too long.

Why is it the most prominent Texas Republicans to speak up for democracy  Joe Straus and Will Hurd, true profiles in courage  are former elected officials?

It remains to be seen if the assault on the Capitol is a warning sign or a turning point for this nation. If we seek a turning point in support of democracy, then those who have damaged it must be sanctioned and repudiated.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Saturday condoled the death of newborn babies in the Maharashtra hospital fire and appealed to the state government to provide all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured. Ten newborns died after the fire broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit of a hospital in Maharashtra's Bhandara district in the early hours of Saturday, doctors said.

The babies were aged between a month and three months, according to a doctor. District civil surgeon Pramod Khandate said there were 17 babies in the unit of whom seven could be rescued. "The unfortunate incident of fire at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra is extremely tragic. My condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives," Gandhi said in a tweet.

"I appeal to Maha Govt to provide every possible assistance to the families of the injured & deceased," he said. The Maharashtra government is led by the Shiv Sena with the NCP and the Congress part of the ruling dispensation.

Soon after, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray ordered a probe into the incident and asked Health Minister Rajesh Tope to intervene. Tope announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the kin of those infants who has died, and is set to visit the hospital at 5pm.

READ | 10 Infants Dead After Fire in Newborn Unit of Bhandara Hospital; Govt Orders 'Immediate Audit' of All Hospitals

After news of the incident broke out, various leaders expressed their condolences to the bereaved families. In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he hoped for the speedy recovery of those injured in the fire.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said "he was pained beyond words". "My thoughts and condolences are with bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss," he said in a tweet.

"I share the grief of the families whose children died in this incident. May God give them the strength to endure this suffering," Nitin Gadkari said in a tweet.

Recent Shiv Sena joinee Urmila Matondkar praised the "swift action" of Tope after the incident.

                                  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 9, 2021

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his condolences.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was "deeply saddened by the death of infants in a tragic fire at the District Hospital Bhandara, Maharashtra."
Wattle Health formed the three-way venture in 2018

Wattle Health Australia, an infant-formula and baby-food business, has sold the assets of what proved to be a troublesome joint venture to South Korean dairy firm Maeil Dairies Co.

Sydney-listed Wattle Health formed Corio Bay Dairy Group in 2018 with Organic Dairy Farmers of Australia and Niche Dairy, with each of those parties holding 45%, 50% and 5% of the venture respectively. Wattle Health invested the majority of the cash with AUD63m (US$49m today) in the form of interest-bearing loans, while Niche contributed AUD7m.

A key project within the venture was to build an organic milk spray drying facility in Geelong in the state of Victoria on land adjacent to Organic Dairy's existing processing operations to be run by Corio Bay. It is still under construction. The dried milk produced by Corio Bay was to be sold under the True Organic brand under a licensing agreement with Organic Dairy.

However, Organic Dairy went into voluntary administration last year, citing trading difficulties in China, with its stake taken over by Shepparton Partners Collective in return for shares in Wattle Health.

In turn, Corio Bay experienced financial difficulties linked to the disruption from Covid-19, while Wattle Health itself reported an annual loss last year, partly attributable to Corio Bay.

Maeil Dairies has now made a binding offer for the Corio Bay assets through its subsidiary Maeil Dairies Australia for AUD13.5m and will finalise the construction of the spray dryer facility.

Wattle Health said in a filing with the Australian Securities Exchange the proposed disposal of Corio Bay would allow the company to be "fully funded, build its core business and look for further opportunities".

At the same time, the baby-food maker has signed a letter of intent with Maeil "to provide supply and technical expertise for us in Wattle Health's nutritional dairy range".

Executive director George Karafotias said: "With the sale of Corio Bay and a major restructuring in 2020, Wattle will now be fully funded and able to focus all its efforts and resources on further increasing distribution of the company's exciting product range and identifying new opportunities to bring to market."

Maeil Dairies manufactures lines including milk, yogurt and cheese. It has seven factories in South Korea and markets products under brands including Maeil and Double Up. The company is also the importer in South Korea for brands such as Arla Foods' Lurpak and Ferrero's Ferrero Rocher. The group has an export business, selling dairy products in markets such as China, Saudi Arabia, the US and Canada.


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.
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.
Over the last couple of years, Ive held off on making resolutions.

The ones about losing weight and saving money were postponed, and those about tossing long unused possessions only were partly successful. New stuff replaced the old.

But if theres a resolve to embrace in 2021, which all too soon turned into a repeat of 2020 with Wednesdays insurrection, its to practice patience.

The COVID-19 vaccination process will require it.

Eventually, everyone who wants to be vaccinated will receive the Pfizer or Moderna shots.

While the nation may surpass 400,000 coronavirus deaths by Inauguration Day, a more organized vaccination process is on the horizon.

More Information f See More Collapse

Well have to wait our turn, not jump ahead of the line and allow the most vulnerable to go first.

The frantic, frustrating hunt for a vaccine has given way to accusations of cutting in line.

Fears about scarcity have fueled these nervios, what my mother called anxiety.

Lack of stricter screening protocols may be fueling suspicions, too.

In the midst of such worries and general confusion about vaccinations, one UT Health San Antonio official spotted a silver lining.

San Antonians believe in science.

Its hesitancy rates for getting vaccinated are among the states lowest, said Dr. Jason Morrow, who teaches at UT Healths Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics.

We have a limited and unpredictable supply of vaccine shipments, said Morrow, who also heads up ethics for UT Healths Task Force for COVID-19 Vaccine Assessment and Access.

Last week, Texas instructed providers to start vaccinating those in the 1B category, even though vaccinations for those in tier 1A, first-responders and the oldest and most vulnerable, werent yet completed.

Morrow said the goalposts keep moving and called logistics exceptionally challenging, notwithstanding the storage issues such vaccines demand.

Our leadership is advocating for us to receive as many vaccine doses as possible, as soon as possible, he said.

City of San Antonio officials Friday responded by selecting the Alamodome as their no-cost mass site.

By next week, it could vaccinate as many as 1,500 people a day.

It also could lead to ethical concerns.

Dr. Rachel Pearson, an assistant professor of pediatrics and medical humanities at UT Health, offers another ethicist perspective.

Its not the responsibility of an individual citizen to organize who gets it first.

Its really the responsibility of the state and of health systems to get the vaccine distributed quickly, fairly and equitably, she said.

Pearson said if you fit in the 1B category, go get your vaccine. That being said people should be honest about their situation.

She has heard of people, at high risk of COVID and in the 1B category, who are unsure about getting in line, uneasy about going before others at even higher risk.

Then theres the reverse: Those who dont strictly fit the 1B category but deemed themselves worthy of vaccination and got in line.

While some might be amplifying their health risks, they may have legitimate risks others dont see; and providers dont want to get into policing health claims.

Pearson doesnt see a huge problem at hand.

Tier 1B includes a big percentage of Texas, including people who are 65 and over, obese and with chronic health conditions. Thats a lot of us.

They should be in line at this point, she said. Others should Please wait. Your time is coming.

Impacting the ethics issues have been two schools of thought.

The first believes the vaccine needs to get into the arms of those most at risk of dying. The second wants as many people as possible inoculated as soon as possible.

The latter supposes that using vaccines quickly will help the state get more vaccines quicker.

A robust turnout helps that line of thinking.

Pearson doesnt think it needs to be one or the other. We need to be focused on both speed and individual risk.

Shes more concerned with those who arent stepping up, especially young people in multi-generational households at high risk of contracting the virus.

Ive cared for some of those kids in those families, she said. They need the vaccine.

I felt guilty of getting the vaccine as a front-line worker before my parents, Pearson said. Im in my 30s and caring for COVID patients.

The Department of State Health Services today is expected to announce a list of hospitals and pharmacies that will serve as vaccination hubs, such as the one at Wonderland of the Americas mall run by University Health.

Next week such hubs are expected to get 75 percent of the states allotment of vaccines.

At some point the real problem may be anti-vaxxers and holdouts who fear the vaccination.

eayala@express-news.net
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.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
The situation in the JFO zone is under Ukrainian soldiers' control.

Russia-led forces mounted nine attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on Friday, January 8.

This is reported in a morning update by the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters on Facebook on January 9.

Read alsoDefense Ministry denies reports on mashed potato rations bought in Russia

"In the past day, January 8, nine violations of the ceasefire were recorded in the Joint Forces Operation zone. Most of the attacks were carried out by armed formations of the Russian Federation in the Skhid (East) zone," it said.

In particular, enemy troops mounted four attacks on Ukrainian positions near the village of Vodiane in the Pryazovia area (the north coast of the Sea of Azov), using proscribed 120mm mortars, as well as different types of grenade launchers and heavy machine guns. In the area of the village of Vodiane near the city of Donetsk, the enemy opened fire several times with both grenade launchers and rifles. The enemy used the same weapons near the village of Talakivka.

Two more attacks were recorded in the Pivnich (North) zone. "There, the enemy opened provocative fire first, they used rifles and a grenade launcher in the direction where repair work was being carried out to restore the water supply at the Horlivka-Toretsk water pipeline section. In order to avoid casualties, a working brigade was immediately withdrawn from the area under fire, the work was stopped," it said.

"OSCE representatives were informed about the facts of the ceasefire violation through the Ukrainian side of the JCCC. Ukrainian defenders returned fire to counter Russia-controlled armed formations' attacks. There are no combat-related losses among our soldiers," the JFO HQ said.

Since the beginning of the current day, January 9, there has been no violation of the ceasefire along the contact line.

The situation in the JFO zone is under Ukrainian soldiers' control, the headquarters noted.

Other related news reports

Reporting by UNIAN
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 Myanmar military and the rebel Arakan Army, observing a temporary truce in a two-year-long war, must reach a solid security guarantee before elections can be held in parts of Rakhine state where elections officials suspended voting in November, a government spokesman said Friday.

Zaw Htay, spokesman for the Presidents Office, told RFA that the military had not yet provided such a guarantee to the Union Election Commission (UEC), which must decide whether and when to hold the balloting.

Myanmars military, backing a demand of the AA amid the fragile cease-fire, called on Thursday for elections to be held by Feb. 1 in strife-torn parts of Rakhine and Shan states where voting had been cancelled before the Nov. 8 general elections for security reasons. Newly elected lawmakers will take their seats in parliament at the start of February and begin a new legislative session.

Though the government is willing to hold voting in nine Rakhine townships where elections had been canceled, a solid agreement between the warring armies is needed, Zaw Htay said during a press conference in Naypyidaw

As for the government, we want the elections to happen, but they cannot be held as it is now, he said. There are processes that need to be completed, [and] in order to complete these specific processes, we need solid agreements.

Fair conditions for all candidates and parties and voting rights for civilians displaced by armed conflict also are being taken into consideration for elections to be held, the spokesman said.

Securing the bilateral cease-fire agreement and signing it involve different issues, Zaw Htay said.

Time will be required to designate a campaign period for candidates, to arrange voting in war displaced refugee camps, to conduct voting in districts where balloting was canceled, and to arrange security, he said.

After we address these issues, step by step, then we can hold the elections under the agreement, he said.

The government and the UEC are still negotiating with the AA, Zaw Htay added.

Myanmar military spokesmen were not available for comment.

Up to the government, UEC

In response to Zaw Htays comments, AA spokesman Khine Thukha said the issue of holding elections in Rakhine state is entirely up to the government and the UEC because the AA already stated publicly that it will guarantee security during voting.

Whether or not the election plans go forward depends only on the government and the UEC, he said. We already announced that we will guarantee security-related issues as much as we can.

At the same time, the Myanmar military also announced that it wants election plans to move forward, he said. Now, you can see who is delaying plans for the election.

Zaw Htay said the government also is negotiating with the members of the Northern Alliance of rebel armies that includes the AA, Kachin Independence Army, Taang National Liberation Army, and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, to meet for peace talks in either Myitkyina, capital of Kachin state, or the town of Kengtung in Shan state during the second week of January.

The government has sent a draft bilateral cease-fire agreement containing a security guarantee to the Northern Alliance as a prerequisite for holding make-up elections, he said.

Khine Thukha said the date and time of the meeting had not yet been confirmed.

Pe Than, a Rakhine state lawmaker from the Arakan National Party, said the government is procrastinating over the holding elections because it has no motivation for doing so.

We are now in January, [and] the new parliamentary sessions are about to begin, he said. They are still talking about negotiations for the elections.

Zaw Htay also said that the government will move forward with plans to form a new government and that there would be no problems with the transition, despite legal challenges filed by military-linked political parties that have not recognized the result of the elections won by a landslide by the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD).

The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the Democratic Party of National Politics (DNP) have accused the NLD government and the UEC of electoral fraud and have filed a joint complaint with the Supreme Court. An initial hearing will take place on Jan.29.

Reported by Thiha Tun and Thet Su Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
(Photo : (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images)) A general view of the Parler app displayed on an iPhone on January 9, 2021 in London, England. Google has suspended the social network Parler from its Play Store over its failure to remove what it calls "egregious content".

Google has suspended the social network app Parler from its Google Play Store over the app's failure to remove its egregious content. The free speech network prides itself for its unbiased social media content and has given even the popular people a platform.

Parler gets shut down by Google

Google stated that the reason they banned the platform is because it failed to remove posts inciting violence. Aside from Google, Apple also warned Parler that it will remove the app from its App Store if it does not comply with its content-moderation requirements, according to Buzzfeed News.

John Matze, the chief executive of Parler, said that they won't cave to politically motivated companies and to authoritarians who hate free speech.

Also Read: What is Parler? Social Media Users Leave Facebook and Twitter to Join New Platform

Parler was launched in 2018 and has since proved very popular among non-Twitter users and those that have been banned on Twitter and other platforms for voicing their opinion on certain social issues. Such groups have accused Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites of unfairly censoring their views.

The platform has several high-profile members who signed up in 2020. One of them is Texas Senator Ted Cruz who has 4.9 million followers on the platform. Meanwhile, Fox News host Sean Hannity has 7 million followers.

Parler because the most-downloaded app in the United States for a while after the election as both Apple and Google have policed the posts on social media sites that are downloaded on their software, according to BBC.

Apple's ultimatum

According to Buzzfeed, Apple told Parler executive in a letter that the site has received numerous complaints regarding the content of the platform and that many accused the platform as a way that people plan, coordinate, and facilitate illegal activities.

Apple added that Parler is required to submit a moderation improvement plan within 24 hours of the date of the message, which was the morning of January 8, 2021, according to Deadline.

What is Parler?

Parler is a Twitter-style social media platform that is built around a newsfeed of accounts that you can choose to follow, and users can upload images aside from creating posts of up to 1,000 characters, while Twitter only allows 280. Parler is available in the web and it also has an app that is available in both Android and iOS.

The platform takes its name from the French verb parler, meaning to speak or to talk. If the posts on Twitter are called tweets, the posts on Parler are called parleys.

So what makes it different from Twitter? Parler planted its political stake since day one. The service describes itself as non-biased, free speech social media that is focused on protecting the rights of the users. This has attracted millions of people who got banned on Twitter and those who got censored on Facebook.

One of the high-profile celebrities that Twitter has banned is Alex Jones, who got his account suspended in 2018 after he broke the anti-harassment rules of the platform. Last year, both Twitter and Facebook banned individuals and groups that post conspiracy theories about the election, the COVID-19 pandemic and other social issues.

Related Article: What is MeWe? Parler Rival Trails Second as Facebook and Twitter Alternative-Founder Dubbed as Social Media Inventor!

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sieeka Khan

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A federal judge on Friday ordered the pretrial release of accused eco-saboteur Joseph M. Dibee as soon as he tests negative for COVID-19.

It has become untenable for him to review discovery and in helping counsel prepare for trial, U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken said. I think this is the most appropriate manner to move this case forward.

Dibee, 53, learned he was infected with the coronavirus after he was tested Dec. 21 in Inverness Jail. He was tested only at the urging of his defense lawyer Matthew Schindler, who had reported to the court that Dibee was ill and had lost his sense of taste and smell. Dibee began suffering flu-like symptoms just days after the jail moved him out of the medical unit to another unit against the judges direction.

Dibee had been in the medical unit recovering from a broken jaw suffered in an assault by another inmate at the jail in January 2020. He underwent surgery but has not received the necessary physical therapy to repair his jaw, the judge noted.

Aiken said she was really disturbed by the medical issues at the jail, considering that she had received weekly status reports that no one in the jail had contracted coronavirus and learned only of Dibees positive test when she directed that a test be given to him after his lawyer reported that he had emailed a sheriffs captain at the jail Dec. 19 to report Dibees symptoms but still no test had occurred, according to court records. After that, the jail reported a second inmate also had tested positive.

Im very concerned whether Ive been getting accurate information about the status of the health of inmates at Inverness, Aiken said.

Multnomah County has reported seven positive cases among inmates at the Multnomah County Detention Center and two at Inverness Jail, which includes Dibee. Thirty-two of 800 Multnomah County Sheriffs Office employees have tested positive for the coronavirus across seven locations, according to the county.

This marks the second time Aiken has ordered Dibees release pending trial. He was arrested in August 2018 in Cuba, a fugitive for 12 years accused in a string of environmental sabotage attacks across the West.

On Dec. 18, 2019, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Aikens release order for Dibee, six days after she had allowed him to live with his sister in Seattle. He was out for less than a week when he surrendered to federal authorities in Seattle and returned to custody in Portland.

This time, Aiken ordered Dibee to be released to his sisters home in Seattle and quarantined there once he tests negative for COVID-19. Hell be under GPS monitoring and home detention with special monitoring software installed on his computer and phone. After his quarantine, he can live with and care for his father, who is suffering from a terminal illness, the judge said.

Until Dibee tests negative, Aiken also ordered the Sheriffs Office not to move Dibee out of Inverness Jails medical unit.

Dibee appeared by video for Fridays hearing before Aiken. He said he still has shortness of breath and could be heard coughing during the hearing. He said he no longer has the flu-like symptoms he had at the end of last year.

His Syrian passport and Russian residency papers have expired, and he has no other documents that would permit his travel abroad, attorneys told the judge.

Given the more recent information regarding defendants inability to travel or return to Russia, his desire to see this case to resolution, the need for him manage his medical conditions, and his commitment to care for his dying father, the Court finds that this factor weighs in favor of release, Aiken wrote in an opinion that followed her ruling from the bench.

The judge noted that nearly two-and-a-half years have passed since Dibees arrest and he hasnt been able to complete even an initial review of the discovery evidence in the case with his lawyer.

Dibee was arrested on a 12-year-old federal warrant after he was held in Cuba based on an Interpol notice on the U.S. arrest warrants.

Federal prosecutors say he fled the United States days after he and his lawyer met with prosecutors and an FBI agent in Seattle on Dec. 7, 2005, and learned of the evidence against him that allegedly linked him to arsons in Oregon and elsewhere. On that day, the U.S. Attorneys Office wanted to see if Dibee would accept responsibility for his alleged offenses and cooperate with authorities, Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow has said in court.

Instead, Dibee returned home, destroyed evidence in the case by setting it on fire in his fireplace and then had a friend drive him to Mexico City, Barrow said. From there, he flew to Beirut, Lebanon, and then set up residence in Syria. He moved to Russia in 2010, where he later married and adopted a son, according to Barrow.

He never surrendered though he knew he had been indicted in 2006 in Oregon on charges of arson, conspiracy to commit arson and destruction of an energy facility. Dibee is accused of helping to destroy the Cavel West Inc. meatpacking plant in Redmond on July 1, 1997, and destroying a Bonneville Power Administration tower near Bend on Dec. 30, 1999, though his attorney said Dibee didnt play a role in the tower vandalism and called that charge bogus.

He also faces charges of conspiracy to commit arson and possession of a destructive device in federal court in Washington and conspiracy to commit arson, arson of a government building and possession of a destructive device during a crime of violence in California.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian

Subscribe to Facebook page
Wynnum and Mount Gravatt residents are urged to check their backyards and bins for items including running shoes and a baseball cap after the slaying of a 45-year-old man.

Detectives are looking for a Woolworths freezer bag and other items. Credit:Queensland Police Service

A 24-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a 45-year-old Wynnum man discovered dead on Wednesday.

Queensland police were called to the Ronald Street address just after midday after a friend of the 45-year-old man found him dead and called triple-0.

Police said the man died from "significant head injuries" on Wednesday morning. Three days later, police arrested and charged a 24-year-old Mount Gravatt man with murder. He will appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.

Bhandara : , Jan 9 (IANS) At least 10 infants were suffocated to death when a major fire broke out in the Children's Ward of the Bhandara District Civil Hospital, early on Saturday, officials said here.

Taking a strong note of the shocking incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Expressing anguish over the tragedy, the Chief Minister also discussed the matter with Health Minister Rajesh Tope and district authorities and said stringent punishment must be given to those found responsible.

The fire was noticed around 2 a.m. in the Sick Newborn Care Unit of the Hospital, leading to a huge panic.

While 10 infants perished in the thick smoke, another 6 were rescued safely.

The cause of the fire is not clear and the Bhandara police are probing the matter.
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.
Ten newborn babies were killed inside a blazing maternity unit after after a fire tore through a maternity unit following a series of hospital fires in India.

The blaze broke out in the neonatal unit at the Bhandara district hospital in Maharashtra in the early hours this morning.

Staff were able to rescue seven of the infants but were beaten back before they could get to the ten others, senior doctor Pramod Khandate confirmed.

The latest fire is one of several in the past year and has prompted an urgent inquiry into the latest disaster, raising doubts about safety in Indian hospitals.

Ten newborn babies died as a fire tore through the maternity unit at the Bhandara district hospital in Maharashtra, India. Pictured: Police officers investigate the scene

The fire broke out in the neonatal unit at the hospital in the early hours this morning and staff were only able to rescue seven of the infants

Despite efforts to rescue all the babies, staff were beaten back before they could get to the ten others. Pictured: Fire truck at the scene where the fire broke out

All of those who died in today's blaze were aged between a few days and three months, according to reports.

'The cause of the fire is not known yet but our staff extinguished the fire as soon as they could. The smoke led to the babies suffocating,' Khandate said.

Nurses on duty noticed a fire coming from the hospital's neonatal unit and raised the alarm.

The fire brigade stopped the blaze from spreading to other parts of the hospital and other patients were moved to safety.

'Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called the deaths 'extremely tragic'.

Authorities ordered an immediate inquiry into the latest disaster. It comes as the safety of Indian hospitals has been called into question after a series of fires in recent months.

The Supreme Court called for a report on safety in coronavirus hospitals because of the incidents.

The latest fire is one of several in the past year and has prompted an urgent inquiry into the latest disaster, raising doubts about safety in Indian hospitals. Pictured: Media and police personnel gather outside the hospital

All of those who died in today's blaze were aged between a few days and three months. Pictured: Police outside the hospital which was ablaze in the early hours

Nurses on duty this morning noticed a fire coming from the hospital's neonatal unit and raised the alarm but sadly not all the patients could be saved

Fires are common in buildings in India because of poor safety standards with inadequate fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire alarm systems.

A fire broke out in the intensive care ward of a private hospital in India's western city of Ahmedabad in August

Eight coronavirus patients who were undergoing treatment and not in a position to escape died as a result of smoke and heat caused by the fire.

Firefighters and 15 fire engines contained the fire to the intensive care unit at Shrey Hospital and it was extinguished in half an hour.

As a result of the inferno, 35 patients were shifted to other hospitals. One paramedic was treated for burns received while trying to douse the flames.

Rajiv Kumar Gupta, a Gujarat state government official, told reporters that an electrical short-circuit appeared to be the cause of the fire in the city of Ahmedabad.

When they arrived, fire fighters stopped this morning's blaze from spreading to other parts of the hospital and other patients were moved to safety. Pictured: A policeman stands guard outside the Bhandara District General Hospital

Authorities ordered an immediate inquiry into the latest disaster, calling into question the safety of Indian hospitals. Pictured: Police personnel stand outside the maternity unit in Maharashtra

Another five Covid-19 patients died in a blaze in a clinic in Rajkot in November, with a further 28 injured.

Fire engines restricted the blaze to one floor of the hospital and extinguished it within 30 minutes.

The Press Trust of India news agency said the fire started in the intensive care unit of Uday Shivanand Hospital that was treating 33 coronavirus patients.

More than 90 people also died in an inferno in a Kolkata hospital in 2011.

Many of the elderly patients were killed after they were trapped by smoke as the fire took hold in the multi-storey building.

Medical staff at the hospital abandoned their patients and fled for safety, government officials were reported as saying.

The blaze started in the AMRI Hospital's basement, where hospital chemicals and medical waste were stored, but quickly spread to the upper floors.

More than 90 people also died in an inferno in a Kolkata hospital in 2011. Pictured: People attend to a patient surrounded by smoke in the Kolkata fire

The blaze started in the AMRI Hospital's basement, where hospital chemicals and medical waste were stored

Many of the elderly patients were killed after they were trapped by smoke as the fire took hold in the multi-storey building

Firefighters had to smash the windows and used rope and hydraulic ladders to rescue people trapped on the first and second floor of the building, West Bengal state minister Sirhad Hakeem said.

Television images showed rescuers taking several patients on stretchers and wheelchairs to a nearby hospital.

As rescuers scrambled to evacuate survivors, police filed a case against the hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata for violating safety procedures and top government officials vowed to hold the hospital accountable for the tragedy.

Local people climbed into the hospital compound to rescue patients before fire engines arrived, the BBC reported.

The narrow streets surrounding the home made it difficult for the rescue service to arrive quickly.

West Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim said many of the patients who died had suffocated on fumes.
Jerry Lara, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio will see two new COVID-19 vaccination hubs launch Monday on the South and West Sides.

Eligible residents will be able to receive the vaccination on the South Side at the WellMed Elvira Cisneros Senior Community Center. To register for an appointment, call 833-968-1745.
Another 58 students and employees attended schools statewide with COVID-19 in its infectious period, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control's Friday report.

Of the 58 cases added since the Tuesday report, 39 are students and 19 are employees.

This brings the cumulative total this school year to 5,297 students and 2,173 employees as of Jan. 6. Thats 7,470 coronavirus cases overall.

DHECs numbers only include students and employees who physically attended school with the virus in its infectious period. The school report is updated biweekly on Tuesdays and Fridays.

These are the COVID-19 numbers from the last 30 days at Aiken County public, private and charter schools, according to DHEC:

Aiken Elementary (<5 employees). Aiken High (<5 students, <5 employees). Belvedere Elementary (<5 students, <5 employees). Clearwater Elementary (<5 employees). Cyril B. Busbee Elementary (<5 students). First Baptist Weekday, located in North Augusta (<5 students). East Aiken School of the Arts (<5 students). Hammond Hill Elementary (<5 employees). Horse Creek Academy (<5 students). J.D. Lever Elementary (<5 students). Jackson Middle (<5 students, <5 employees). Jefferson Elementary (<5 students). Langley-Bath-Clearwater Middle (<5 students, <5 employees). M.B. Kennedy Middle (<5 students). Mead Hall Episcopal School (<5 students). Midland Valley High (<5 employees). Millbrook Elementary (<5 students). New Ellenton STEAM Magnet Middle (<5 students). North Augusta High (<5 students). North Augusta Middle (<5 students, <5 employees). Paul Knox Middle (<5 students). Redcliffe Elementary (<5 employees). Ridge Spring-Monetta High (<5 employees). Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle (<5 students). Schofield Middle (<5 students, <5 employees). Silver Bluff High (<5 students, <5 employees). South Aiken Baptist Christian School (<5 students, <5 employees). South Aiken High (<5 students). St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School (<5 students). Town Creek Christian Academy (<5 students). Warrenville Elementary (<5 employees).

In Edgefield County, three public schools, two charter schools and one private school have reported cases in the last 30 days, according to DHEC.

Fox Creek High and Merriwether Elementary have reported five student cases and fewer than five employee cases. Bettis Prep Leadership Academy, Wardlaw Academy, Merriwether Middle and Johnston-Trenton-Edgefield Middle have all reported fewer than five student cases.

In Barnwell County, six public schools and two private schools have reported cases in the last 30 days, according to DHEC.

Private schools Jefferson Davis Academy and Moriah Christian Academy, as well as public schools Williston-Elko Middle and Kelly Edwards Elementary, have reported fewer than five student cases. Guinyard-Butler Middle reported fewer than five employee cases.

Barnwell Elementary, Barnwell Primary and Barnwell High all reported fewer than five student and employee cases.

For more COVID-19 information on individual schools, visit scdhec.gov/covid19, click on Schools & Childcare Centers and then Cases by Schools.
The shooting dead of a civilian by members of An Garda Siochana is thankfully a rare event.

Since its foundation our police force has remained overwhelmingly unarmed despite the many changes in society which includes it becoming more violent. Restraint has always been the by word for our Gardai who have done a remarkable job in defending our communities. Every member is part of our community and they have rightfully earned our respect.

The sad events of December 30th have yet to be fully established but there are official enquiries ongoing. The incident happened in the Manorfields Drive area, near the Dublin/Meath border and the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission is investigating the circumstances inot how George Nkencho, came to lose his life at the hands of an armed member of An Garda Siochana. Gardai had been called following reports of a man armed with a knife at a Eurospar shop in Hartstown.

He made his way back to his house nearby at some stage and Gardai say they implemented a graduated policing response in a bid to disarm him.

Gardai say the less-than-lethal use of force options were unsuccessful, and a number of shots were fired from an official garda firearm at around 12.35pm.

Unfortunately, in the wake of the death of Mr Nkencho unsavoury and downright false information has spread on social media about the deceased.

It's the dreaded age we live in in respect of social media with the public too willing to believe and then share information from non trusted stories. If it's on Facebook then it must be true appears to be sufficient for many people. Traditional media sources like newspapers win hands down yet again.

It is quite clear despite social media posts to the contrary that Mr Nkencho did not have any previous convictions and was not known to Gardai.

According to his family he had suffered for many years with his mental health.

That family is grieving the loss of a loved one and those who spread those lies should hang their heads in shame.

Likewise, those too who have made threats to members of An Garda Siochana or have attempted to raise tensions in communities along whatever lines, be it racial or otherwise.

No one can make a judgement call on the events of last Wednesday until all the facts of the incident are established.

The full facts of this killing will emerge in time and everyone should keep their feelings on the issue to themselves until then.

The family's lawyers say they have grave concerns as to the manner in which An Garda Siochana handled the incident that led to Mr Nkencho 's death.

The family through their legal representatives intend to engage with the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission investigation with a view to establishing the truth.

It is only right that questions are asked and I am sure An Garda Siochana will be only too willing to answer these and establish the facts of what happened last week.

What we do not need is for small minorities in our communities to hijack a situation for their own harmful goals and make this awful tragedy out to be something it is clearly not.
Head of the Permanent Committee on Health and Social Policy of the Kyiv City Council, deputy of the European Solidarity Maryna Poroshenko is convinced that significant underfunding of cultural projects does not allow Ukraine to move forward.

According to Poroshenko, during the period of her leadership of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, Ukrainian artists managed to implement about 700 projects, but now funding for the cultural sphere has been significantly reduced.

"Undoubtedly, the project of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation is my personal pride. Three years ago it was created according to the best European models. And it works according to modern principles of transparency, non-engagement, support of culture and art in Ukraine," she said on the air of the People of the Big City on the Kyiv.Live TV channel.

She also said that as of the end of the 2020 budget year, two budget projects are being implemented.

"This is directly the main program to support cultural and artistic projects, which is currently underfunded by almost 40%. The second program is institutional support in the cultural sphere. And it is underfunded by 60%," Poroshenko said and expressed hope that such an approach to support culture will be revised.

She also said that each country should support its culture, as this is what identifies, gives reason to be proud of the country, its cultural, creative achievements.

"Without this, we cannot move forward, form national pride for our country," Poroshenko said.

She also recalled large-scale cultural ideas implemented thanks to the patronage of the Poroshenko Foundation and the Roshen company.

"This autumn we have already presented a new project - a new concert hall, the Roshen concert hall, which will be built according to all modern requirements - both world and European ones [...] Together with the Roshen corporation, we set ourselves ambitious plans to build it in five years. It will be opened in 2025. Our musicians, whom we are so proud of, are very professional, talented, but they do not have platforms where to realize their talent inside the country. When such a venue appears in Kyiv, we will be able to invite both our musicians and world stars of classical music", Poroshenko said.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild on Friday joined calls for President Donald Trumps immediate removal from office under the 25th Amendment to the Constitution.

It follows Wednesdays violent insurrection in Washington, D.C., in which Trumps supporters heeded his calls to rise up in defiance of last Novembers election loss to President-elect Joe Biden. As Congress was debating challenges to Bidens Electoral College victory, the riotous mob stormed its way into the Capitol before being expelled that afternoon. In remarks on the House floor once Congress had resumed its work late Wednesday night into Thursday, Wild called the attack a stunning assault on our democracy itself.

Five people were left dead, including a protester and a police officer.

Democrats laid plans Friday for a second impeachment of Trump, even as hes headed out of the White House with the inauguration Jan. 20 of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Thats not soon enough, said Wild, a Democrat who represents the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvanias 7th Congressional District.

In a statement Friday afternoon, Wild joined a chorus that includes Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. Bob Casey in requesting Vice President Mike Pence and Trumps Cabinet invoke the 25th Amendment to force Trump from office. The amendment provides for a process to remove the president and install the vice president to take over.

I am calling on Vice President Pence to do his patriotic duty and secure the support of an adequate number of cabinet members to invoke the 25th Amendment and immediately remove the President from office, Wild stated. This is a bipartisan call, as Republican governors and Members of Congress have also stated that Trump must be removed. If that does not happen, I will vote to impeach the President.

Action by Pence or the Cabinet appears unlikely, especially after two top officials, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao suddenly resigned in the aftermath of the violence at the Capitol and would no longer be in the Cabinet to make such a case.

Pence has not publicly addressed the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment.

Three Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee began on Thursday to circulate articles of impeachment drafted by Reps. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Ted Lieu of California.

The House impeached Trump in 2019, but the Republican-led Senate acquitted him in early 2020.

Trump had encouraged loyalists at a rally Wednesday at the White House to march on the Capitol where Congress was certifying the Electoral College tally of Bidens victory.

Those who attacked our Capitol were not patriots in any sense of the word, Wild stated Friday. They are traitors with blood on their hands who must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

But to pretend that these events occurred in a vacuum would be profoundly false. Not only did the President set the stage for the attack, he also failed to take unequivocal and decisive action to condemn and stop the attack during the crucial hours in which it occurred. In other words, he abdicated the oath he swore to this country  an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Biden, meanwhile, said he is focused on his job as he prepares to take office. Asked about impeachment, he said, Thats a decision for the Congress to make.

Conviction in the Republican Senate at this late date would seem unlikely, though in a sign of Trumps shattering of the party many Republicans were silent on the issue.

One Trump ally, Republican Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, said impeaching the President with just 12 days left in his term will only divide our country more.

Wild said the Capitol attack has tested American democracy in unprecedented ways.

After spending months making false and destructive claims contesting the results of the November presidential election, President Trump urged his followers to rise up against the election certification process in Congress, she stated. Galvanized by his words, a mob  armed with guns, improvised explosive devices including Molotov cocktails and pipe bombs, teargas, and other weapons  attacked law enforcement officers and breached multiple layers of security until reaching the doors of the House chamber. There, they attempted to violently force their way in and temporarily brought the work of democracy to a halt. Several of them threatened the lives of elected officials, including Vice President Pence.

Wild has also raised concerns about the spread of the coronavirus among Congress members, after they were forced into close quarters with inconsistent mask wearing, The New York Times reported; Republican Rep. Jake LaTurner, of Kansas, announced Thursday he had tested positive for the COVID-19 disease.

What happened this week must never be allowed to happen again, Wild stated. And now is the time to demonstrate to our nation and to the world that our democracy is still strong and that no one is above the law. That process begins with ensuring accountability.

Trump on Friday posted to Twitter that the 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for him will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!

He followed that up shortly with a tweet that he would not be attending Bidens inauguration.

The tweets did not include any reference to the news overnight that U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick had died after being injured while physically engaging with protesters during the Wednesday riot.

A 12-hour lockdown of Trumps account ended Thursday and the president used his restored account to post a video in which he acknowledged for the first time that his presidency will end soon.

Twitter later Friday said it is banning Trump from its platform permanently, citing risk of further incitement of violence.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
To protect children from being forced to work as street vendors, authorities in Sa Pa, one of northern Vietnams most famed tourist destinations, are asking tourists to refrain from purchasing goods from young vendors.

For several days, a car has been driving through the town of Sa Pa in Lao Cai Province, using a loudspeaker to urge tourists not to buy goods from child vendors.

The recorded auido of the official has drawn much attention from netizens after being posted on social media.

An official uses a loudspeaker to call for visitors not to buy goods from child vendors in Sa Pa Township in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, Vietnam in a screenshot. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The children are selling goods on the streets because their parents are forcing them to. Weve been raising public awareness of the issue for many years and are cracking down on it now, said Vuong Trinh Quoc, chairman of Sa Pa Township in a discussion with Tuoi Tre (Youth) Newspaper on Tuesday.

We suggest that both parents and tourists collaborate with the local authority to carry out the campaign. We urge people not to buy goods from child street vendors, remarked Quoc.

According to Quoc, during the New Year holiday, despite the chilly weather in Sa Pa, many children were still forced to sell goods on the streets, damaging the reputation of the famous tourist destination.

Sa Pa attracted around 65,000 tourists during the 2021 New Year holiday. Every year, more than three million foreign and domestic vacationers flock to the destination for well-known tourist sites and natural landscapes.

Dang Hoa Nam, head of the Department of Child Care and Protection at the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, said it is illegal to use children as a means of earning or begging for money on the streets.

Child abuse is against Vietnamese law, Nam stressed.

Nam calls on people to contact the national child protection hotline number 111 to report cases of child abuse.

The hotline operator will then connect with local authorities and nearby police offices to address the reported issues in a suitable and prompt manner.

Selling goods on the streets under bad weather conditions, dusty and toxic environment is absolutely not good for children, so we have to prevent the issue, said Nam.

Forcing children to sell goods or beg for money has decreased in the last few years thanks to our efforts. But we need more collaboration from local authorities and families to protect children in the best way, he added.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Foreign supertrawlers are still able to plunder the coasts off Britain despite Brexit because the government cannot work out how to ban them, a source says.

The insider admitted ministers cannot 'exclude these boats altogether' and are only able to control what form of fishing they do.

For example they can ban methods such as bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas but will not rule on the size of the boat or its nets.

MPs and campaigners have branded it not good enough and are seeking ways to ban supertrawlers outright.

It comes after a report warned ships that use this form of fishing should be stopped from 'bulldozing a national park'.

Supertrawlers will still be allowed to pillage the coasts off Britain despite Brexit because the government cannot ban them, a source has revealed. Pictured: The 390ft Dutch Frank Bonefaas

The insider admitted ministers cannot 'exclude these boats altogether' and are only able to control what form of fishing they do. Pictured: The Lithuanian FV Margiris in 2019

The Government source told the Telegraph: 'Crucially, there is no formal definition of what a supertrawler is. In the media, it has come to be known as a vessel that is over 100m in length.

'Supertrawlers are pelagic trawlers whose nets do not touch the seabed, so generally don't cause damage to seabed features.'

It had been hoped that leaving the EU would see the last of the huge vessels, which campaigners claim cause environmental damage.

But ships such as the Margiris have since been spotted off the British coastline, despite it being banned from Australia amid claims it drained fish stocks.

Tory MP Henry Smith said: 'My position is quite clear - I welcome the ban on electric pulse fishing but I think this is a great opportunity to ban supertrawlers which are incredibly damaging and it would be popular with British fishermen, the public at large and its something we need to do to protect our coastal waters.'

Oceans campaigner at Greenpeace UK Chris Thorne added: 'Failing to deliver a supertrawler ban in the UK's protected areas would be a devastating blow to our coastal communities and to our oceans.'

This map of Great Britain and Ireland shows the extent of the UK's Exclusive Economic Zone

Meanwhile a report warned this week supertrawlers that drag nets across the seabed in marine-protected areas should be stopped from 'bulldozing a national park'.

'Bottom trawling', in which heavy nets are dragged across the seabed to collect fish and shellfish, destroys natural habitats and releases carbon.

And the pratice is taking place in nearly all the UK's offshore protected areas that were created to conserve seabed habitats, the Marine Conservation Society said.

It is calling for a ban on bottom trawling in marine-protected areas to conserve and build up carbon stores as part of efforts to curb climate change, and to help habitats and wildlife recover.

Boris Johnson signalled last weekend he may ban 'supertrawlers' that 'hoover' up the contents of the seabed such as coral, sea anemones, fish and crustaceans.

Allowing bottom trawling to take place in protected sites is the equivalent of bulldozing national parks on land, the charity said.

A report by scientists at the MCS found that all but one of the offshore marine protected areas designated to protect the seabed experienced bottom trawling and dredging between 2015 and 2018.

During that time, sandbanks and reefs which were supposed to be protected saw at least 89,894 hours of fishing by vessels using gear that can damage the seabed.

The UK has a network of 358 marine-protected areas, including 70 offshore sites which are intended to protect the seabed, the report said.

But only 5 per cent of all UK marine-protected areas currently ban bottom trawling, and the practice is taking place in 98 per cent of the UK's offshore protected areas designated to protect vital seabed habitats, the charity warned.

As well as destroying plant and marine life bottom trawling stops the natural process whereby carbon from plant and animal matter is locked up by deposited in the mud and sand at the bottom of the sea, allowing it potentially re-enter the atmosphere.

The release of carbon by bottom trawling across the UK continental shelf between 2016 and 2040 could cost up to 9billion to mitigate through cutting emissions in other areas of the economy.

Continued disturbance of the carbon stored in offshore marine protected areas alone could cost nearly 1billion over the next 25 years, the report estimates.

A ban on bottom trawling in protected sites has shown to be effective in the UK and around the world with a boost to wildlife, which spills over into nearby waters to increase fishing catches outside the conservation zones.

Carbon stores are left undisturbed, and are able to build back up as new life establishes itself on the seabed, the report said.

Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, principal specialist in marine-protected areas at the MCS, said: 'While bottom trawling is still allowed we will continue to release more carbon from the seafloor and prevent complex carbon-storing habitats from recovering.

'In order to battle the climate emergency there has to be limits on where fishing of this kind can take place.

And he said: 'Without a ban on this form of fishing, these areas of our seas simply aren't recovering and we're missing a crucial opportunity to combat climate change and ensure there are indeed plenty more fish in the sea.'

Mr Thorne from Greenpeace UK said: 'This is yet more evidence that the UK's marine protected areas are not fit for purpose.

'How can this Government allow destructive industrial bottom trawlers to rip up almost all of our protected areas of seabed, harming marine life and ecosystems and disturbing vital carbon stores, while still claiming to be a 'global ocean champion'?

'The time has come for the Government to stop hiding behind empty statements, and deliver on its Brexit promise to properly protect our seas.

'A robust network of marine protected areas, where all destructive fishing like bottom trawling is banned, would make the UK a genuine world leader in marine protection and could also help us combat the climate emergency. Now is the time for the Government to deliver.'

On BBC's Andrew Marr show last Sunday the PM said thanks to Brexit: 'We will be able to ban these huge hoover trawlers that come in and hoover everything off the bottom of the sea'.

Super trawlers are typically defined as vessels over 100m in length and 25 of them fished in UK waters in 2019, according to Greenpeace.

A Defra spokesman said: 'As an independent coastal state we can now review which vessels, including supertrawlers, can access and fish our waters.

'The new licensing framework within the Fisheries Act will allow us to apply conditions to the activities of all fishing vessels in our waters - regardless of their nationality - and will need to abide by UK rules around sustainability and access to our 'Blue Belt' of protected waters.'
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
Dubai-based Blu Stone Management and its joint venture partner M1 Group, a holding company that owns and manages investments across various sectors, have reached an agreement to sell its entity Irrawaddy Towers Asset Holding to CVC Capital Partners Asia V (CVC).

Irrawaddy Towers owns a leading independent telecommunications tower company in Myanmar, Irrawaddy Green Towers Limited (IGT). It serves all four mobile network operators (Telenor, MPT, Ooredoo and Mytel) in the Asian country with both tower and power solution services.

Established in 2014, IGT owns close to 4,000 towers strategically located across the entire country.

Irrawaddy Towers Asset Holding Chairman Georges Makhoul said: "Since the day we established IGT, it has been a privilege to work with the Myanmar community to facilitate the delivery of mobile services across the whole country."

"Our shareholders' early capital commitment, the support of the relevant ministries and regulators, the partnership with all the mobile operators, and the engagement with local communities have been vital for success; it has facilitated the business growth to the current leading position. With CVC as a future shareholder, the company is poised for further growth and success for the benefit of the people of Myanmar," he stated.

Jamal Ramadan, the Director of M1 Towers, said: "We are proud of the work achieved together with the people of Myanmar, and under the leadership of CEO David Venn and his team. IGT is an industry pioneer that enables mobile services throughout the whole country."

"We look forward to continued progress and success, underlining the attractive fundamentals and strong growth of Myanmar's mobile communication sector," he added.

Marwan Khoueiry, Managing Director of Blu Stone Management, said: "This has been a great journey for us cementing IGT's position as the leading telecom infrastructure provider in Myanmar and contributing to the country's economic development."

"We are very excited to follow IGT's success going forward and would like to thank the management team led by David Venn for their relentless work throughout all this," he stated.

Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) acted as lead financial adviser for the transaction, while UBS was joint financial adviser to the company. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and SCM Legal Limited acted as legal counsels to the company.-TradeArabia News Service

A Sriwijaya Air passenger jet carrying 62 people lost contact with air traffic controllers after taking off from Indonesia's capital on Saturday on a domestic flight, officials said.

Indonesian Transportation Ministry spokesperson Adita Irawati said the Boeing 737-500 took off from Jakarta at about 1:56 pm and lost contact with the control tower at 2:40 pm.

The missing plane is currently under investigation and under coordination with the National Search and Rescue Agency and the National Transportation Safety Committee, Irawati said in a statement.

A statement released by the airline said the plane was on an estimated 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesia's Borneo island. There were 56 passengers and six crew members onboard.

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago nation, with more than 260 million people, has been plagued by transportation accidents on land, sea and air because of overcrowding on ferries, aging infrastructure and poorly enforced safety standards.
If anything illustrated the need for Oregon to invest more in wildfire preparedness, it was last years cluster of Labor Day infernos that chewed through a million acres of forestland, destroyed thousands of homes and structures and killed nine people.

Despite scores of recommendations that the governors Council on Wildfire Response said were urgent back in 2019, the Oregon Legislature made no headway on the issue last year after two Republican walkouts over climate change legislation. Gov. Kate Browns hope of addressing some of those proposals in one of the Legislatures special sessions didnt happen either, taking a backseat to more pressing pandemic-related funding and policing reforms.

But the Legislatures Emergency Board reluctantly made a tiny down payment on Friday, appropriating $17 million for the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Department of Forestry to invest in wildfire prevention and preparedness programs.

The spending was approved despite concerns from legislative analysts and lawmakers, who doubt the two agencies can even spend the money in the six months remaining in the current two-year budget cycle. They questioned whether the Emergency Board has the authority to create new positions and programs that are typically debated by the Full Ways and Means Committee, and will then have to be made permanent for the next biennium in the upcoming legislative session, at substantial cost.

I dont think Ive ever seen the word problematic used so often in a (Legislative Fiscal Office) brief, said Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward, D-Portland, who ultimately voted to approve the spending. This feels like really major policy. I have substantive concerns about the way this is structured and the way were accomplishing it through the Emergency Board. As co-chair of Ways and Means, my stomach is a bit bound up right now.

The spending includes $4 million for the Office of the State Fire Marshal. In part, that would cover 25 new positions, which legislative analysts noted will increase the size of the office by nearly one third. The jobs will support modernization of the states mutual aid system for emergency response and implement some of the wildfire councils recommendations to help communities better adapt and respond.

The appropriation will also provide $2.3 million to support grants to local fire districts for equipment, prevention programs and training.

Lawmakers questioned whether the agency could even make all those new hires, some of which are high level, by the June 30th end of the biennium. And legislative analysts noted that costs for the positions in the next biennium would total nearly $6 million, and would compete with other priorities in the 2021-23 budget process.

The Department of Forestry, meanwhile, will get $13 million. Of that, $5 million would go for aviation contracts, including a next generation air tanker, two single-engine aircraft and a heavy-duty helicopter  assets that department officials say will substantially increase its capacity for early attacks on new fires to keep them small.

A fiscal analyst noted in his brief that the aviation appropriation is problematic because it will expire on June 30, just as the fire season is beginning. There is no assurance, if it expires before it is spent, he said, that lawmakers will make the funds available again.

The sharp increase in general fund money, he also said, communicates a significant policy change that is usually contemplated during a legislative session.

Sen. Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose, said she is a big believer in expanding the agencys aviation capacity, but that she was voting no because of all the other ups and extras in this bill.

That includes $2.6 million for the forestry department to hire 29 new employees in its fire protection program, including a new deputy division chief, and add between two weeks to one month to 147 seasonal positions. It will also provide nearly $400,000 to fire protection associations, which are independent groups of landowners that provide their own wildfire protection. The estimated costs of continuing those new positions and programs would be $10 million in the next budget cycle, a 9% increase from the current fire protection budget, the legislative fiscal office reported.

Sen. Fred Girod, R-Stayton, wanted to know if any money was being allocated to update local alert systems or for local water trucks, both of which were major problems in the Labor Day fires.

Girod, whose home was destroyed in the Beachie Creek fire, added: I want to make sure people dont sleep through a fire and get killed Its extremely frustrating not to have water to put on a fire.

The answer to both questions, from both agencies, was no. Not specifically.

The Department of Forestry would get another $5 million for its partnership and planning program, including eight new positions. The bulk -- $4 million -- would go to support forest restoration projects, including thinning and the removal of downed limbs and debris from forest floors that contribute to fire growth and risks. Specifically, the department wants to spend $2 million on 13 projects on non-industrial private property, and another $2 million on planning for forest restoration on federal lands.

This is a tiny start on a massive problem, but its controversial, too. Some lawmakers wonder why Oregon is spending its money to clean up federal forests. Once again, the meeting materials noted that fiscal analysts are skeptical of the ability of the agency to complete, or even to substantively begin to implement the projects that are outlined in this request before the end of the current biennium and is concerned that funding this request presupposes a continuation of additional ongoing funding into the 2021-23 biennium.

Meanwhile, environmental and firefighter groups maintain that thinning projects have little impact on fire severity and are really an excuse to harvest more trees. They believe communities need to be better prepared to deal with fire in an era of climate change, and the money would be better spent on ways to prevent structures from igniting in the first place.

Tim Ingalsbee, executive director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology, said the Emergency Boards approval of more aircraft, boots on the ground and thinning projects are a conventional response that is out of step with the new realities of climate change.

Again and again, this big iron is parked on the tarmac during the periods when people are in crisis, he said. You take trees out of the forest and put more young firefighters on the front line.

Climate change is creating more red flag conditions where its not possible to suppress fires. We have people living directly in harms way and felling the forest around them is not going to protect them.

Matt Donegan, a forestry executive who chaired the governors wildfire council, disagrees. He says the need for more forest restoration work is real, and the Biden Administrations climate policy may include some major new federal investments in thinning and hazardous fuels reduction projects  money the state can access if it builds the pipeline and capacity to accomplish the work.

He agrees that fire is a natural and healthy phenomenon and that we need more of it to restore forest health. The problem, he says, is that forests are so overstocked with dead, dry debris after a century of fire suppression that fires easily become catastrophic, rather than restorative. Meanwhile, he said, theres never enough money to move forward with the projects at the scale needed.

The wildfire councils recommendations included spending $4 billion to treat 5.6 million acres of Oregon forests over two decades  far beyond the states current means. But Donegan said potential legislative concepts for the next legislative session could provide dedicated sources of funding for the projects, which could then leverage federal money. He called the Emergency Boards appropriation a stopgap measure, and said the emphasis should shift to the regular session that begins Jan. 19.

The state needs to recognize the magnitude of this challenge and we need to be providing the resources to meet that challenge, he said. At this stage were not providing the resources to get the work done today, nor are we building the capacity to do the restoration of tomorrow. Thats what this session needs to be about: building the capacity so we can meet the magnitude of the challenge.

-- Ted Sickinger; tsickinger@oregonian.com; 503-221-8505; @tedsickinger
A senior figure within the HSE has confirmed that ground-works for the planned extension to Mallow General Hospital (MGH) will get underway within a matter of weeks.

In early December, news emerged of a new 48-bed Acute Medical Unit on the site of the old Fever Hospital at the Mallow campus, a development that was given an enthusiastic welcome by local public representatives and the Friends of Mallow Hospital, which has raised more than 300,000 for the MGH since 2008.

However, neither the HSE nor the South/South West Hospital Group, which oversees the running of the MGH, were in a position to confirm the development at the time.

This prompted local Labour TD Sean Sherlock to raise the issue though a parliamentary question to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, requesting the status of the extension and costings, as well as a time-line for the project.

Replying on behalf of Minister Donnelly, Jim Curran, the national estates director for the HSE, said they expected to commence construction work on the new ward block at the hospital "in early 2021".

Mr Curran said it was estimated that the project would cost in the region of 29million to build.

He said it was anticipated that the new block, which is being delivered under 'fast track' legislation for major capital projects, would be completed and operational by the final quarter of this year.

Welcoming Mr Curran's comments, Deputy Sherlock, a long-time campaigner on behalf of the hospital, said the commitment from the HSE confirmed that MGH has a bright and positive future.

"I was glad to receive confirmation from the HSE directly that the project at Mallow General Hospital will cost 29million, which is a massive vote of confidence in Mallow's future," said Deputy Sherlock.

"The next chapter of Mallow General Hospital is bright and we will continue to maintain local pressure to ensure a vibrant centre of healthcare excellence, not just for Mallow but for the wider North Cork region. It is important that, after the initial headlines, pressure is maintained to ensure completion of this project," he added.

It is also understood there are further plans in the pipeline to develop an additional 40-bed Rehabilitation Unit at the MGH, although this has yet to be officially confirmed.
Politicians and trauma experts want government services to have better training across the board to deal with traumatised Australians and make sure they're getting the help that best suits them.

Liberal MP Bridget Archer and Labor's Luke Gosling say the outcomes for people dealing with government agencies including Centrelink, Services Australia and the Department of Veterans' Affairs would be vastly improved if there was a uniform trauma-informed approach.

This doesn't mean staff need to quiz people about what their experiences are, rather that they have an understanding that people who have experienced trauma of some kind might have a heightened stress response or be anxious, and responding with empathy and a recognition of individual sensitivities.

Liberal MP Bridget Archer says people dealing with government services would get better outcomes if there was a consistent trauma-informed approach. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

President of the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma, known as the Blue Knot Foundation, Cathy Kezelman says the need for "putting the humanity back into services" is greater than ever after a year of bushfires and the pandemic.
Be afraid, be very afraid. The Democrats now control the presidency and, albeit with paper-thin margins, both branches of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, thus, in effect, erasing  or at least blurring  the separation of powers between the presidency and Congress.

The Senate officially fell on Wednesday as the far left, anti American, socialist, we-know-better-how-to-spend-your-money-than-you-deplorables elitists officially imprisoned that body with the dual declared victories in Georgia of Reverend (yes, he is a Christian minister like, oh, say, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, not the late Rev. Martin L. King, whose church he now leads) Raphael Warnock, alleged wife-beater, non-alleged supervisor of a camp that allegedly abused children, allegedly against Jews and Israel, and alleged anti-white racist, and Jon Ossoff, a wealthy Millennial thanks to his family and his business dealings with Chinese communists and Al Jazeera.

With these latest victories, the Senate is now officially 50% Democratic, which highly increases the chances of a tie vote. What happens then? Well, maybe compromise and another vote. But if that doesn't happen, the tie-breaking vote falls to the vice president, Kamala Harris.

Meanwhile, over at the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi (D-wealthy California) barely squeaked to another victorious term, continuing as the first female (to use a now banned sex-specific word) speaker of the House. But this victory came at great cost as even some House Democrats, whose numbers will be greatly reduced in the 117th Congress, voted present or for others instead of for Pelosi. Therefore, Pelosi had to go against the rules  they're Democrats, they're allowed, so they think  and import Wuhan viruspositive Rep Gwen Davis (D-Wis.) and make some last minute shady deals  they're Democrats, they're allowed, so they think  with the Pelosi-hating Millennials of the Squad to finally achieve 216 votes of the 218 needed for a majority. Close behind her, House minority leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) won 209 votes.

So Nancy owes the Squad; they don't really owe her. Dutifully paying her debt, "Pelosi Appoints AOC, Other 'Squad' Members to Powerful Oversight Committee; Leftists Promptly Reveal Radical Agenda."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has appointed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Math Wizard) and two of her "Squad" comrades to the powerful House Oversight and Reform Committee, which will give the far-left lawmakers a platform from which to push their radical agenda on Joe Biden. Joining AOC are Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-TDS) and newcomer Rep. Cori Bush (D-BLM). (snip) Democrats and leftists have immediately called for radical legislative action that they intend to push Congress to enact and Biden to sign into law. Here's a sampling: Leftist Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) called for "transformative change," "recurring survival checks," "racial justice," "climate action," "repro justice," and "MUCH more."

There are "MUCH more" frightening demands spelled out at the link  basically "free" stuff, generous cash check for those elitists paid for by hardworking, saving, thrifty people like...well...me and probably you. Rights for illegal aliens and more of them. More equality with some more equal than others. More "free" stuff.

Afraid yet? Good. Now put that fear to work. No need to cower or go on the defensive. Have confidence  the confidence that comes from strong, powerful facts. Go on the offense, pre-empt their positions with the positive reasons for a free market, limited government, individual responsibility. Point out the many problems in Democratic dominated strongholds suffering from overreaching government, expensive free stuff, high taxes, racial and ethnic divisions.

Now the Democrats will totally own the inevitable problems their disastrous policies will bring. However, being Democrats, they will try to shift responsibility while whining not my fault; your fault. Don't let them do that; don't accept it, but toss it right back to them.

And then turn that fear into a positive force. The next congressional election is in less than two years. The time to start bringing about congressional change  diversity, as the Democrats might say  is now.

Get to work.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Washington: A West Virginia state lawmaker and a man pictured sitting at US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk are among those facing federal charges stemming from the siege on the US Capitol by President Donald Trump's supporters, federal prosecutors said.

In a related development, acting Attorney-General Jeffrey Rosen announced the FBI would team up with Washington's police department to jointly investigate the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was injured while defending the US Capitol on Wednesday. Sicknick was reportedly struck on the head with a fire extinguisher during the riot.

Arkansas resident Richard Barnett, who is being held in the county jail after he was charged by federal prosecutors with three counts for storming the US Capitol on Wednesday in Washington. Credit:AP

"Just because you've left the DC region, you can still expect a knock on the door if we find out you were part of the criminal activity at the Capitol," said Steven D'antuono, the FBI Washington Field Office's assistant director in charge.

The Justice Department on Friday (US time) released details on 13 defendants who were charged in the US District Court for the District of Columbia for their roles in connection with the Capitol riots.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
California health officials are loosening the guidelines on who can get vaccinated against the coronavirus now  potentially quickening the pace of vaccinations while also opening the door to ethical and logistical questions about how to do so in a fair and orderly way.

The move came as public health experts and others debate how to get more shots in arms in California and across the country as vaccinations continued to lag expectations this week and a surge in cases and deaths threatened to overwhelm hospitals.

On Friday, President-elect Joe Bidens transition team said he would release nearly all available vaccine doses after he takes office Jan. 20, ending the current federal strategy of holding back half the doses to ensure people can get the second shot later. The announcement of the plan designed to ensure the Americans who need it most get it as soon as possible came after a group of governors including Californias Gavin Newsom pleaded with federal officials to release more vaccines.

Still, it wasnt clear how delivering more doses to states will help solve the problem since theyve been unable to get many of the doses theyve gotten so far into peoples arms.

California has administered just over 652,000 doses of vaccine, about 32% of the roughly 2.1 million doses it has received.

The California Department of Public Health on Thursday issued recommendations allowing local health departments and health care providers to vaccinate all health care workers in the first group, known as Phase 1a, instead of vaccinating in the order of workers risk of exposure. The recommendation also allows local health departments and providers to begin vaccinating residents in the subsequent group, Phase 1b  a much larger group of essential workers and elderly people  as long as they have already made vaccines available to everyone in Phase 1a who wants one. This could help alleviate the problem of doses going unused if some health care workers are declining to get vaccinated.

Newsom on Friday said the new guidelines will give health care providers more common sense discretion to, for instance, offer extra doses to a senior if someone has decided not to take it or if not enough people show up to get vaccinated.

Were going to see faster administration, Newsom said. Youll see that.

Santa Clara County officials said Friday they would begin implementing the recommendations.

It was just in the last 48 hours we got confirmation from (the state) that we can offer vaccination to everyone in Phase 1a, Santa Clara Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said during a news briefing. Prior to that we were moving tier by tier, which makes it more complex. So I think now well be able to go faster, and thats great for everyone.

Phase 1a includes three tiers of health care workers, ranked by their risk of exposure to COVID-19. The first tier includes people who work in acute care hospitals and nursing homes, the second includes people who work in urgent care and primary care clinics, and the third includes dentists and pharmacists.

We are trying to get through 1a as fast as we can, Cody said. As soon as were confident that people eligible for Phase 1a have access to their appointment and have made their appointment, then well be able to transition into Phase 1b.

The state allowing Phase 1b to begin may be getting ahead of where Bay Area counties and health care providers currently are, as most are still vaccinating Phase 1a and dont anticipate starting Phase 1b until late January or early February. But it does give local health officials flexibility to move ahead to the next group after theyve offered the vaccine to all the health care workers who want it.

We cant let the perfect be the enemy of the good, said Dr. Art Reingold, a professor at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and co-chair of the state committee that reviews coronavirus vaccines for safety and efficacy. The question of, When is it OK when you havent finished one phase to start offering vaccine to people in other phases? is complicated. But its important for us to be doing that as long as we dont run out of vaccine for high-priority groups for earlier phases.

The state has not finalized who will be in Phase 1b, but it likely will include 15 million essential workers and elderly residents. The first tier of the phase likely will be 8.5 million teachers and child care workers, food and agriculture workers, emergency services workers and people 75 years and older. The second tier will be 6.5 million transportation and critical infrastructure workers, and people 65 to 74 years old, and incarcerated and homeless residents. It is unclear if both tiers will be vaccinated simultaneously, or if providers will have to go in order.

As vaccines are made available to more people, it opens the door to many more logistical and ethical questions. The initial rollout has already been rocky and fragmented, and moving quickly into the next, much larger groups may mean it will get even more unwieldy. In Phase 1a, people are for the most part getting vaccinated by their health care employer, county health department or federal pharmacy program. Phase 1b will be more complicated.

Will a teacher, for instance, be vaccinated by the school district where they work, their own health care provider, or the county where they live? Will vaccinators ask for identification to check peoples ages or proof of ones occupation, or will they rely on the honor system?

And how to prioritize who should go next is up for debate. Dr. Bob Wachter, chair of the department of medicine at UCSF, has proposed that once all health care workers and people older than 55 are vaccinated, that a lottery system determine when the remaining millions of Americans get vaccinated.

Already in the past two weeks, vaccine distribution in several top health systems  which enjoy world-class computer systems and have robust human resources departments that can track their employees  have devolved into line-jumping, cheating and noisy protests over who goes first, Wachter and Brown Universitys Dr. Ashish Jha wrote in a New York Times opinion piece Thursday. If vaccinating a few thousand health care workers is this complicated, one can only imagine the chaos in store as we try to vaccinate a few hundred million Americans. ... Few would love the idea, but it would be equitable and apolitical, and people would know that their number will be called sometime in the next several months.

Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho
has announced that it had permanently suspended the account of outgoing President due to "risk of further incitement of violence", three days after his supporters stormed the and five people died in the violence.

The unprecedented move by the California-based social media platform comes after Trump tweeted that he would not attend the inauguration of his successor Joe Biden on January 20.

"After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence," said in a statement on Friday.

At the time of permanent suspension, Trump had 88.7 million followers and followed 51 people.

"In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action," it said. "Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly. It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open."



"However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules entirely and cannot use Twitter to incite violence, among other things. We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement, it said.

Thousands of Trump's supporters had stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday in an unprecedented assault and clashed with police, resulting in five deaths and interrupting a constitutional process by Congress to affirm the victory of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the November 3 election.

Immediately after the incident, Twitter had temporarily suspended the account of Trump for 12 hours. Facebook has already suspended his account on Facebook and Instagram till inauguration. Early this week, You Tube removed a number of his videos from the rally he addressed to his supporters.

On Friday, Trump posted two tweets.

"The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!"



Shortly thereafter, the president tweeted: "To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th."In its statement, Twitter said these two tweets must be read in the context of broader events in the country and the ways in which Trump's statements could be mobilised by different audiences to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behaviour from this account in recent weeks.

Twitter said that its determination is based on a number of factors, including Trump's statement that he would not be attending the inauguration is being received by a number of his supporters as further confirmation that the election was not legitimate.

The tweet may also serve as encouragement to those potentially considering violent acts that the inauguration would be a "safe" target as he will not be attending.

The use of the words "American Patriots" to describe some of his supporters is also being interpreted as support for those committing violent acts at the US Capitol," it said.

According to the company, the tweet is being interpreted as further indication that Trump does not plan to facilitate an "orderly transition" and instead that he plans to continue to support, empower, and shield those who believe he won the election.

Plans for future armed protests have already begun proliferating on and off-Twitter, including a proposed secondary attack on the and state capitol buildings on January 17, it said.

"As such, our determination is that the two Tweets above are likely to inspire others to replicate the violent acts that took place on January 6, 2021, and that there are multiple indicators that they are being received and understood as encouragement to do so," Twitter said.

Where Have the Stars Gone?

Join Diane Turnshek and Stephen Quick as they discuss, "Where Have the Stars Gone?" at the Frick on January 26, 2021 from 7-8pm.

As the Frick plans an important project to better light our museum campus for visitors, we are thinking about the serious issue of Dark Skies, and are beginning a series of Dark Skies programs with this presentation and panel conversation by local leading experts. Diane Turnshek and Stephen Quicks research at Carnegie Mellon University, originally intended to help the city with the upcoming relamping of Pittsburghs streetlights with new LEDs, has led to a better understanding of how nighttime lighting can be achieved so we can see stars and the milky way at night, assist astronomers with their work, and help restore a better environmental balance. They will be joined by Daylon Burt, President of the International Dark-Sky Association, Pittsburgh Section and Michael Lincoln, Director of the Pennsylvania International Dark-Skies organization. After introducing the concept of Dark Skies and how the night sky is adversely impacted by over-lighting, we will discuss easy and important steps everyone can take to reduce our lighting impact on the night sky.

Register here.
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.
U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, said the Republican Party needs to own up for the lies and deceptions weve been telling some of our supporters about election fraud after violent rioters broke into the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.

Meijer, who was sworn in a week ago to represent a traditionally Republican district in West Michigan, said members of his party share some of the responsibility for convincing Americans the election was stolen from President Donald Trump. Supporters of the president broke into the Capitol to disrupt the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory, resulting in the death of a Capitol Police officer, a woman who was killed by police and three others who died of medical emergencies.

We need to come to grips with that, Meijer said Friday. I hope that a more honest conversation -- I hope that some of the disingenuous, duplicitous and deceptive rhetoric that folks have latched on to try to feel better about what happened -- I hope they realize the utter cowardice of that approach.

Trump and Republican lawmakers spent months promoting unproven claims about widespread election fraud in an effort to overturn Bidens victory. Trump acknowledged Biden as the president-elect in a statement Thursday, but said his efforts to challenge the results were focused on fighting to defend American democracy.

Since his election in November, Meijer has said the claims of election fraud are not justified, although in a Dec. 14 statement said Republican must investigate irregularities and process failures, and return signature verification. In the same statement, sent the day Michigans electors cast their vote for Biden, he acknowledged the President-elects win.

It depends if we want to be a party that is capable of earning the trust of the public, Meijer said. If we ever want to be, you know, seen as a credible voice to speak on issues, its something that has to happen. The implicit question here is how bad does it have to get before we recognize we need to change? If this isnt rock bottom, I dont know what could be.

Members of Congress were forced to evacuate the Capitol as rioters forced their way into the building. The pro-Trump mob vandalized congressional offices and clashed with police, causing the National Guard to be deployed.

Images taken by photojournalists during the riots show one person carrying zip ties into the Capitol. Meijer said its clear that some members of the mob intended to attack lawmakers or take hostages.

Meijer said hes not sure if the worst is yet to come.

I would not be surprised if we saw in the near term political assassinations or some type of additional attempts to take lives by the folks who feel emboldened by whats happened, Meijer said. I hope thats not the case.

Meijer, an Iraq War veteran, lamented the need to establish heightened security measures in the nations Capitol. Meijer said the presence of heavily armed police in tactical gear and barricades in Washington D.C. reminds him of experiences in warzones.

Ive walked past that in Baghdad, Ive walked past that in Kabul, Meijer said. Im not saying were to that point yet, but just that (theres been) a breakdown in the social fabric.

The Electoral College votes were certified early Thursday morning after Congress reconvened late Wednesday. Biden earned 306 votes to Trumps 232 and will be sworn-in as the next president on Jan. 20.

Three of Meijers colleagues -- U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet; Tim Walberg, R-Tipton; and Lisa McClain -- opposed the certification of electoral votes in Arizona and Pennsylvania. Eleven Michigan state representatives signed a letter to Vice President Mike Pence asking him to decertify the election result and delay the counting of the Electoral College votes.

Meijer declined to say whether hes spoken with Michigan colleagues who challenged the electoral votes in other states. However, he expressed disappointment that Republicans made their objections while blood was drying 100 feet from where we stood.

I had lawmakers making the argument that a large number of our supporters feel that this election was stolen, and so thats why we should vote this way, Meijer said. Well, but you were telling them that too. That doesnt make it right. That doesnt make it accurate. It means that you lied to them, and they trusted you and they believed your lies. Thats all that that means, and I find that utterly contemptible.

Meijer said Republicans amplified rhetoric they didnt believe in themselves.

A number of the lawmakers who were saying stop the steal didnt believe that this was a landslide reelection for Donald Trump and that this vote had been stolen, Meijer said. They didnt believe the Dominion Voting Systems somehow flipped hundreds of millions of votes.

Meijer said Republicans have faced immense pressure from constituents and conservative activists to overturn the election. Meijer said there was no constitutional basis to do so, but some Republicans opposed electoral votes because they faced violent threats.

Meijer also said this isnt a time for Republicans to make equivalencies to Black Lives Matter protests or make unproven claims that anti-fascist demonstrators were responsible for the Capitol riots.

I was as a strong denunciator and condemned what happened over the summer and the riots in the strongest possible terms, Meijer said. This is not a time to say well what about this or try to make equivalencies.

It blows my mind, and also to see lawmakers stand up and try to say well this wasnt us, this was BLM, this was Antifa. I cant express how much contempt I have for the continuing utter lack of accountability or lack of awareness or lack of a willingness to take responsibility for actions that have led us to this point.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

Man faces terrorism charges after threats to Michigan lawmaker, Capitol building

A coup? Terrorism? Experts ponder how to define chaos at U.S. Capitol

Michigan extremism a dress rehearsal for Capitol riot, experts say

State lawmakers who supported overturning election shouldnt be seated, Michigan Houses top Democrat says

Far-right activist who encouraged U.S. Capitol occupation also organized stop the steal rally in Michigan
We already know what the unannounced Samsung Galaxy A32 5G looks like, thanks to the CAD renders that surfaced last November. Today we are looking at a bunch of official press renders leaked by WinFuture, which corroborate previous design leaks and reveal the A32 5G will come in at least four colors.

The Galaxy A32 5G will pack an Infinity-V display, which is rumored to measure 6.5" diagonally. The rear panel of the phone, made of plastic, is home to a quad camera setup. The primary shooter reportedly uses a 48MP sensor, with the rest said to be ultrawide, depth, and macro units.

The rear cameras and flash on the Galaxy A32 5G are placed separately on the panel instead of being housed together inside an island, which is a refreshing design change, but they do protrude, meaning the phone will likely wobble on flat surfaces.

On the left side of the Galaxy A32 5G's frame is the SIM card slot, and on the right is the volume rocker and power button with a fingerprint scanner embedded in it. From previously leaked renders we know the A32 5G has a USB-C port at the bottom joined by a 3.5mm headphone jack.



Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

We don't have the detailed specs of the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, but the smartphone was spotted on Geekbench with Android 11, Dimensity 720 SoC, and 4GB RAM. It has also appeared on FCC with NFC and a 15W in-box charger.

There's no word from Samsung about the Galaxy A32 5G yet, but the smartphone has bagged multiple certifications, and now that its official renders are out, it shouldn't be too long before the Korean conglomerate unveils its cheapest 5G smartphone.

Source (in German)

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
(CNN)  The CEO of a Chicago company said he was arrested after breaching the US Capitol during Wednesday's Trump-fueled insurrection in Washington, DC.

Brad Rukstales, CEO of the marketing technology firm Cogensia, apologized for what he called a "moment of extremely poor judgment."

"It was the single worst personal decision of my life," Rukstales said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Cogensia, based in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, sought to distance itself from its CEO, whom the company said has been placed on leave of absence.

"Mr. Rukstales' actions were his own; he was not acting on behalf of our company nor do his actions in any way reflect the policies or values of our firm," Cogensia said in a statement posted on LinkedIn.

Neither Rukstales nor Cogensia were reachable for further comment. The US Capitol Police did not respond to a request for comment to confirm the arrest.

Five people died as a result of Wednesday's insurrection, including a US Capitol Police officer. A federal murder investigation has been opened into the officer's death. House Democrats plan to introduce articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump as early as Monday for "incitement of insurrection," according to sources familiar with the matter and a draft article obtained by CNN.

"Without qualification and as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, I condemn the violence and destruction that took place in Washington," Rukstales said in his statement.

The Cogensia CEO said that following the rally in Washington, he "followed hundreds of others through an open set of doors to the Capitol building to see what was taking place inside."

Rukstales said he was arrested and charged with unlawful entry.

"My decision to enter the Capitol was wrong, and I am deeply regretful to have done so," he said.

A number of other people present at Wednesday's unrest have faced consequences from their employers. Navistar, a direct marketing company in Maryland, fired an employee who was photographed wearing his company ID badge inside the US Capitol building.

"While we support all employees' right to peaceful, lawful exercise of free speech, any employee demonstrating dangerous conduct that endangers the health and safety of others will no longer have an employment opportunity with Navistar Direct Marketing," the company said in a statement provided to CNN.

This story was first published on CNN.com 'CEO arrested for breaching the US Capitol during Trump-fueled insurrection'
Ramallah, Jan 9 : Palestinian authorities have condemned Israel's decision to close the ancient Ibrahimi Mosque site in the southern West Bank city of Hebron for 10 days.

Mahmoud al-Habbash, an advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on religious affairs and Islamic relations, said in a statement on Friday that Israel's closure of the mosque is a "war crime", reports Xinhua news agency.

"Banning Muslim worshipers' access to pray at the mosque could fuel the sentiments of Muslims around the world," al-Habbash said, adding that it is an interference into the powers of al-Waqf department.

The Ministry of the Palestinian al-Waqf is in charge of the holy sites, mainly mosques in the Palestinian territories.

Israeli media had earlier reported that the authorities in Jewish state has decided to close the mosque for 10 days as part of the precautionary measures to combat the Covid-19 spread in Hebron.

Director of Ibrahimi Mosque Hefzi Abu Sneineh said: "Israel's pretext was baseless since all worshipers and visitors have been following up the health and safety protocols of wearing face masks and social distancing." The Ibrahimi Mosque site also known as the Cave of the Patriarchs is a series of caves, which ccording to the Abrahamic religions, were purchased by Abraham as a burial plot.

A large rectangular enclosure over the cave was converted into the Ibrahimi Mosque in the 12th century.

Israel took over the site in 1967, dividing it into a synagogue and a mosque.
Infobip has launched two powerful cloud and AI-based communications tools for business

Infobip is setting sights on Vietnam as its digital economy is expected to reach $14 billion, becoming one of the two countries in Southeast Asia that grow at a double-digit rate. However, many businesses have not been ready to seize this opportunity yet. They are struggling to adopt digital transition between the variety of channels and technologies, especially in the post-pandemic period when customer behaviour has been reshaped amid the public health concern and economic shifts.

To help enterprises adapt as well as take advantage of these changes, Infobip has unveiled two new cloud-based communications solutions:

Infobip Conversations includes a natively developed chatbot function

Infobip Conversations, a digital cloud contact centre solution that enables agents to deliver omnichannel support through a single interface. With Conversations, agents can handle customers inquiries with more prompt and efficient assistance, by means of automation, access to customer data with added context of customer sentiment, cross-channel conversations management, and real-time analytics  leading to more productive customer service and more satisfied customers. Conversations can also be used in conjunction with Answers, Infobips chatbot building platform that assists companies to build, test, and deploy AI and keyword-based chatbots.

Infobip Moments helps boost customer engagement during marketing campaigns

Infobip Moments, a new omnichannel customer engagement hub that uses Infobip mobile-first telecommunications legacy  making it possible for brands to build lasting relations over an extended range of the worlds most popular digital communications channels, including chat apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, Line, and KakaoTalk, and email, voice, mobile apps, websites, and emerging channels. Using Moments, marketers and brands can create and activate highly effective campaigns that will resonate with customers on a personal level on their preferred channels with higher efficiency  thanks to its capability in delivering easy cross-channel campaign management, unified customer data, smarter audience segmentation, dynamic marketing automation, and powerful analytics.

Pham Gia Dan, Business Development director of Infobip Vietnam, said: Entering a new norm in customer behaviour, companies should consider placing priority on delivering personalised, seamless customer experiences. Given the context of the Vietnamese market with a young tech-savvy population and digital adoption still at an early stage, Conversations and Moments has great potential in creating competitive advantages for businesses in the customer service and engagement space. Moreover, requiring minimum investment in technology infrastructure, these two solutions will enable SMEs, accounting for 96.7 per cent the total number of enterprises in Vietnam, to adopt data-driven and omnichannel approaches without financial and technological concern.

Infobip Conversations features a useful aggregator for diverse communications channels

Introducing these new advancements to the market, Infobip has consolidated its long-term commitment to simplifying the complexity of global communications and navigating business through times of uncertainty.

Infobip is a global cloud communications platform that enables businesses to build connected customer experiences across all stages of the customer journey at scale, with easy and contextualised interactions over customers preferred channels. Accessed through a single platform, Infobips omnichannel engagement, identity, user authentication, security, and contact centre solutions help clients and partners overcome the complexity of consumer communications, grow their business and increase loyalty  all in a fast, secure, and reliable way. With over a decade of industry experience, Infobip has expanded to include more than 65 offices on six continents offering natively built technology with the capacity to reach over seven billion mobile devices and things in more than 190 countries connected to over 800 telecom networks. The company serves and partners with leading mobile operators, messaging apps, banks, social networks, tech companies, and aggregators.

A beautician was killed in a mid-air plane collision as she went flying in a light aircraft as a gift to mark her 30th birthday.

Arina Bogdanova died alongside her husband Ivan Kiryashkin, 31, on the short sightseeing flight near Russian city St Petersburg.

Pilot Nikolay Ivanov, 37, was also killed in the crash when their single-engine Piper Cherokee hit a Cessna-150.

Beautician Arina Bogdanova (pictured) died alongside her husband Ivan Kiryashkin, 31, on a short sightseeing flight near Russian city St Petersburg while celebrating her 30th birthday

The couple were killed when their single-engine Piper Cherokee hit a Cessna-150 in mid-air

Wreckage of the Piper was strewn in the snow close to Gostilitsy airport after it plummeted to the ground from a height of 1,000ft.

The Cessna with only pilot-instructor Valery Kalashnikov on board made a successful emergency landing with propeller and front wheel damage after the collision.

The pilot was hospitalised.

The dead couple had been together ten years and the planned 15-minute light aircraft flight with views over tsarist capital St. Petersburg was a birthday gift from engineer Ivan to his wife.

Wreckage of the Piper was strewn in the snow close to Gostilitsy airport after it plummeted to the ground from a height of 1,000ft

The pilot of their small aircraft, Nikolay Ivanov, 37, (pictured) was also killed in the crash

Its cost was around 50 and they were killed yesterday, on her birthday.

In her final post on social media, talented nail artist Arina had written: 'My 30 year long roller coaster continues. No smart thoughts. We fly further.'

Friends posted their condolences on her account.

Earlier Arina had posted that during the 'uncertainty and chaos' of the Covid-19 year 'we found the time and energy to fulfil our dreams*may the force be with us.'

Arina and her husband were killed in the crash yesterday, on her 30th birthday

The dead couple (pictured) had been together ten years and the planned 15-minute light aircraft flight with views over tsarist capital St. Petersburg was a birthday gift from engineer Ivan to his wife

The planes had taken off one minute apart before the crash which was described by the Russian Investigative Committee as 'head on'.

Both pilots were 'experienced'.

A criminal case has been opened as investigators examine whether there was 'negligence' or 'violation of safety rules' leading to the collision.
Our Top 5 Magazines + Digital

We get it. You live by the Ski Valleys snow report even when youre hours away. You follow every Taos post on Instagram. Our small town occupies a BIG part of your heart. Keep in touch with all things Taos when you subscribe to FIVE of our national award-winning magazines, plus access to the website and e-edition for a full year at the special low rate of just $55.
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way

Former Netball Captain Laura Geitz has welcomed her third child, a baby girl, with her husband Mark Gillbride.

The ex Australian Diamonds player announced the happy news to Instagram on Thursday.

Sharing a series of sweet images of herself and Mark, the 33-year-old revealed that they named their little girl Billie May Gilbride.

New arrival: Former Australian Netball Captain Laura Geitz (pictured) has welcomed her third child, a baby girl, with her husband Mark Gillbride

'Our little lockdown princess joined us in the early hours of the morning and is every inch of perfection, feeling so blessed to have a beautiful, healthy little lady,' she captioned the post.

In one of the images Laura was glowing as she cradled the tot to her chest, while laying in the hospital bed.

She styled her long blonde locks loose and flaunted her natural good looks going makeup free.

Baby girl: Sharing a series of sweet images of herself and Mark, the 33-year-old revealed that they named their little girl Billie May Gilbride

n a second photo, Mark looked proud as punch as he held Billie in his arms. He sported a blue T-shirt and green shorts.

Meanwhile, Laura swept her hair in a ponytail and put on a leopard print jumper in a third photo, while the tot wore a beanie.

A final photo featured the couple posing together as they beamed while gazing lovingly at the new addition to their family.

Glowing: Laura swept her hair in a ponytail and put on a leopard print jumper in a third photo, while the tot put on a beanie

Shortly after the couple made the announcement, they were inundated with well wishes from a number of Laura's fellow netballers.

'Ohhhh this is great news!!! Congrats to your gorgeous family,' gushed Australian player Susan Pettitt.

Firebirds player, Kimberly Ravaillion wrote: 'Beautiful! Congratulations G,' while former Diamonds player Catherine Cox commented: 'Congrats guys...... she is beautiful.'

Love: A final photo featured the couple posing together as they beamed while gazing lovingly at the new addition to their family

Congratulations: Shortly after the couple made the announcement, they were inundated with well wishes from a number of Laura's fellow netballers

Laura and Mark are also proud parents to sons, Barney, three, and Frank, one.

The couple became engaged in 2010 and tied the knot in a romantic at the historic property, North Toolburra, in Warwick in 2013.

They announced their third pregnancy in July 2020, and the Gold Medal winner revealed at the time that they are over the moon.

'We are very excited. I love the idea of having a big family, and that's not to say it's not challenging and busy and all the rest. But there's nothing better than having little ones around,' she told The Courier Mail.

'I love the idea of having a big family, and thats not to say it's not challenging and busy and all the rest. But there's nothing better than having little ones around.'
Peter Walker was cooking in his downtown Colorado Springs home midafternoon on New Years Day 2020, when his housemate stuck a 2-inch blade of a Leatherman multitool into his stomach. He was brought to the hospital, where he died of the stab wound about two hours later, an autopsy showed.

Matthew Morrow was killed Dec. 30, 2020, after he approached a driver he saw driving recklessly while walking home to his eastern Colorado Springs apartment, according to police accounts. The driver reportedly shot Morrow two times in the head, before driving away in his Volvo, dragging his body underneath.

In the 362 days in between the first and last homicides last year, 37 more people were fatally shot, stabbed and strangled in a year that saw a record 39 killing throughout Colorado Springs; in 2019 there were 24. Another nine people were killed in unincorporated areas of El Paso County in 2020, compared to six the previous year.

RELATED:

Colorado experts feared rise in domestic violence from coronavirus lockdown, layoffs

Denver, with 95, and Aurora, with 43, also had a record number of killings last year, increasing from 63 the previous year in Denver and 30 in Aurora in 2019.

In Colorados three largest cities, rising number of homicides  while attributed in part to the COVID-19 pandemic  tell a startlingly grim story of domestic violence, experts said.

More than a quarter of those who died in Colorado Springs were victims of domestic violence, police said, up from 17% in 2019 and 18% in 2018.

Law enforcement officials and domestic violence advocates said they saw not only more domestic violence calls, but also more severe abuse throughout 2020.

In Denver, according to Police Chief Paul Pazen, aggravated assaults tied to domestic violence jumped more than 40%, totaling more than 1,000 in 2020.

In Aurora, underlying factors are known in only 15 of the city's 43 homicides in 2020, according to an email from a Police Department spokesperson. Of that number, three were domestic-violence related.

Pandemic stressors

All of us have been experiencing stressors in our lives on a daily basis. But the added unknowns that the pandemic brought on all of us in March  with loss of jobs, children at home, inability to go about life as we know it  contributed more stress into our lives, said Anne Markley, chief executive officer of TESSA, a Colorado Springs nonprofit that aids victims of domestic violence.

In a typical year, TESSA serves about 15,000 people, Markley said. In 2020, the organization helped between 22,000 and 23,000 people.

In 2019, the organization received an average of 800 calls a month to its hotline; in 2020, that number jumped to about 13,000 monthly calls.

Those numbers are not going down. They are staying steady, if not going up, Markley said.

Markley commended Gov. Jared Polis support of domestic violence victims through the pandemic, citing his public acknowledgement that those experiencing domestic violence could break stay-at-home orders to seek safety.

Though the nonprofit has one of the largest safe houses in the state, she said they are still limited on space, with only 32 beds.

Locally, Markley said her organization has a strong relationship with the Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriffs Office and human service organizations throughout the city.

Lt. Jim Sokolik, a Colorado Springs police spokesman, said it was hard to point to what caused the rise in homicides in 2020 .

These homicides arent necessarily driven by each other. They can be very distinct events, Sokolik said.

ALSO:

Colorado Springs-area youth suicides again rise to record level amid state audit

He stressed the importance for those experiencing domestic violence to contact police as soon as possible so that police can connect them with appropriate resources.

Among the domestic violence victims in Colorado Springs were Tamara Dunn and Ann Scott, a mother and daughter who were killed by Scotts estranged husband after Scott did seemingly everything she could to protect herself against the man who she said stalked, attacked and threatened her.

Scott, 29, called the police and petitioned for a protective order. Dunn spent nights with her at a north Colorado Springs apartment, sleeping with a butchers knife under her pillow.

But those efforts meant nothing when, family members said, Scotts estranged husband stormed into her home in early March and fatally shot his wife and stabbed his mother-in-law 16 times.

In a two-week span in March, six people were killed in domestic-related violence, records show.

Months later came the death of Stella Vigil, a woman in her 70s, whose body was found next to her husbands along a hiking trail in early October.

Their deaths  a murder-suicide pact born of despair  showed the tragic impact 2020 had on mental health.

In a note, included in an autopsy report, the couple wrote: We find our world in a state of chaos with no hope for the future all brought on by a dysfunctional government . It continued: now the use of coronavirus to create a world of fear through our country  creating a world filled with stress, anxiety, and most of all fear of the future!!! A world that isnt worth living.

James Greg Anderson, 62, died after his wife shot him several times in their Rockrimmon home, according to court documents. Amee Karin Anderson told police she awoke in bed in the early hours of the morning after hearing fidgeting and then screams from her husband on the other side of the bed.

When she turned on the lights, she said she found her husband bleeding from the neck with a large hunting knife in his hand, documents stated.

She said her husband was yelling and blaming the coronavirus and stating he was not going to live through it," documents stated.

Though she claimed self-defense, she was charged with first-degree murder after deliberation.

In Manitou Springs, Wendy Cupit was killed by her husband in June. He told police he stabbed her with a kitchen knife in a fit of rage, according to court documents.

Denver and Aurora

Denver Police Chief Pazen said domestic violence along with child abuse and suicide concerned him from the beginning of the pandemic. Since the risks are often noticed and reported by someone outside the home, Pazen said stay-at-home orders and school closures reduced opportunities to intervene.

With many of those types of reporting mechanisms being unavailable to us based on stay-at- home orders and school not (being) in person, we were very concerned, he said.

Pazen said the need to limit in-person interactions because of the pandemic has hampered outreach and follow-up to prevent domestic violence.

Margaret Abrams, the executive director of the Rose Andom Center in Denver, which connects domestic violence survivors with resources such as shelters and legal representation, said in an email the center saw a drop in its numbers of intakes and contacts for connections with other services in April, May and June. Since August, those numbers have been at and above the center's 2019 numbers.

The center provided intake and case management services to 989 people in 2020.

Abrams speculated that the numbers of people reaching out to the Rose Andom Center fell in the spring because victims  didn't feel able to reach out for help until things reached a really critical level, and where their safety was really at risk.

She said limits on in-person contact had diminished the center's ability to track its clients.

Abrams said the Rose Andom Centers staff had 1,085 intakes in 2019 for assessing new clients needs, and had a total of 2,031 people come in about 4,211 times to access services.

Anne Kelly, a chief deputy district attorney in Boulder County, who reviews all of the 20th Judicial Districts domestic violence cases, didnt mince words in saying she considers her job to be homicide prevention.

Kelly said studies have linked natural disasters and economic insecurity to increases in domestic violence. The correlation seems to have to do with increased stress in a household.

That's one of the risk factors for fatality that we look at when we do lethality assessments on our cases  whether or not there's unemployment and housing insecurity in that relationship. That increases the risk of fatality, she said.

The district attorneys for Denver and Colorados 18th Judicial District, which includes part of Aurora, declined interviews for this story.

Kelly said efforts to keep jail populations down during the pandemic has also created a new urgency for prosecutors to review domestic violence cases after an initial arrest to make a judgment about the immediate danger to the victim, and to decide whether to argue for stricter bail terms, such as a cash bond, instead of just a personal recognizance bond.

When someone is arrested for a domestic violence incident, the clock is ticking before their bond hearing by the next afternoon, because the brief period when a suspect is in jail is a safe time for their victim to get out of their household and take steps to protect themselves, such as pursuing a protection order, Kelly said.

A deadly year for the nation

National crime rates show that Colorado wasnt the only state to see an uptick in homicides.

According to NPR, at years end, Chicago police reported more than 750 murders  marking an increase of more than 50% compared to 2019. There were 437 homicides in New York City by Dec. 20, nearly 40% more than the year prior and, in Los Angeles, there was a 30% increase from 2019 with 322 homicides.

New Orleans-based data consultant Jeff Asher analyzed crime rates in more than 50 cities. Using data through September, he saw a 36.7% increase in murder rates, he said in a tweet.

He anticipated that the rise would be the largest one-year increase in murder in the nations history and it has been more than half a century since the country saw a year-to-year homicide rate that jumped nearly 13%, he wrote.
The electoral system in the United States is archaic, it does not meet modern democratic standards, creating opportunities for numerous violations, and the American media have become an instrument of political struggle, Zakharova told Russian news agencies.

This is largely the reason for the split in society now observed in the United States.

Under headlines such as Storm of the Capitol and Chaos in Washington, Russian state television showed rolling images of mobs of Trump supporters breaking down barricades and swarming the Congress building, as security forces fired tear gas and police drew guns inside.

The US Congress formally certified President-elect Joe Biden despite the riot, but many in Moscow said the stunning events had exposed the countrys democratic failings.

Russian President Vladimir Putin himself on November 22 said there were problems in the US electoral system following the US presidential vote, which Trump has repeatedly and baselessly alleged was rigged.
Dominion Voting Systems filed a sprawling slander and libel lawsuit on Friday against the right-wing lawyer Sidney Powell, accusing her of overseeing a viral disinformation campaign that fed lies about the presidential election to millions of people and endangered the lives of the companys employees and elected officials in states like Georgia.

The suit, filed in Federal District Court in Washington D.C., seeks damages from Ms. Powell of more than $1 billion and represents the most thorough debunking to date of the elaborate conspiracy theories that she and others, including President Trump, have been spreading since Election Day about Dominions voting machines.

At news conferences, political rallies and on conservative media outlets like Newsmax and Fox News, Ms. Powell has for months falsely accused Dominion of working with a bizarre cast of characters  from the financier George Soros to Venezuelan intelligence agents  in what she has baselessly described as a plot to flip votes from Mr. Trump to President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.

The wild allegations have been contained in four federal lawsuits Ms. Powell filed across the country, all of which have been roundly dismissed by the judges that heard them.
Mike Theiler, Reuters: All my professionalism from 50 years of photography kind of takes over. I started shooting, knowing deep down that you cant make a bad picture in a situation like that. There were maybe 20 of the rioters in the hallway and only a handful of police trying to restrain them. Thats when I saw that the guy with a Confederate flag had kind of moved off by himself. Im thinking in the context of  were in this hallowed hallway, with the gilded framed paintings on the wall, the bust, the kind of thing that speaks to anyone who has ever been to the Capitol, and I kind of isolated him with that in the background.

Tia Mitchell, Atlanta-Journal Constitution: Capitol Police told us the protesters were in the rotunda. And then they said to put on the gas masks. Were trying to figure out how to open the darn things, and maybe that was a sign that we were nervous.

Kadia Goba, Axios: There was an announcement that tear gas had been dispensed. I turned around and gallery staff were handing out gas masks. The protesters were knocking on the door  boom, boom  echoing throughout the chamber. The bangs were getting louder and louder, and then you hear glass.

April Ryan, TheGrio: I said to myself: Go back to Reporting 101. Call your sources. Reach out to people who are inside. And they talked. I never thought about driving in. Whos to say that someone wouldnt recognize me and try to follow me? Donald Trump does not like April Ryan. Its a dangerous mix. Donald Trump has called us the enemy of the people, which is not true. Ive understood that I cant go cover a campaign rally for Donald Trump  its not safe. So Ive learned how to maneuver around those things and still do my job and break stories.

Tia Mitchell, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: At 2:45, we heard a very loud bang coming from the direction of the speakers lobby. At that point I called my mom. I didnt know if we were going to be sheltered indefinitely. I wasnt thinking the worst, but my mom is not on social media, and I was worried my phone might die.

Kadia Goba, Axios: Im behind a chair and my editor calls. I start giving her details. They get us out of the gallery.

Tennessee plans to move to an appointment system for COVID-19 vaccinations starting next week.

That comes after major problems with the elderly and others waiting in their cars for hours only to find the doses had run out.

The local health department is to announce more details soon.
British Labour Party MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has sent a letter, signed by over 100 MPs and Lords, to Prime Minister on the ongoing farmers' protests in India, asking him to raise this matter with his Indian counterpart when they next liaise.

The letter seeks to ensure that the UK Prime Minister reaffirms the importance of the right to peaceful protest internationally, has a full understanding of this important issue and asks him to raise this matter with the Indian Prime Minister, following the cancellation of their meeting in India, planned later this month.

"Immensely grateful to the 100 plus MPs and Lords who've signed cross-party letter to the Prime Minister, given huge concerns for the peaceful Indian farmers' protest. must raise with the Indian PM when they liaise, expressing hopes of speedy resolution to the current deadlock," Dhesi told IANS in an message.

Earlier, 36 UK MPs led by Dhesi, who has been a vocal supporter of the protesting farmers in India, wrote a letter to Commonwealth Secretary Dominic Raab in which they asked him to speak to the Indian government.

The letter dated January 5, titled "Peacefully protesting Indian farmers and linked global protests", says the issue has so galvanised the Indian diaspora community, especially those of a Punjabi or Sikh background, and others who have land or links to farming in India, that tens of thousands engaged in global protests, including in towns and cities across the UK.

"A cross-party letter was sent to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to raise this matter with his Indian counterpart and he has assured that it was raised with the Indian Foreign Minister, but he did not do so with the Indian Prime Minister during his December Delhi meeting.

"We believe your January India visit has now been cancelled, but you intend to meet your Indian counterpart soon. Given the urgency of this matter, could you please confirm that you will definitely convey to the Indian Prime Minister the heart-felt anxieties of our constituents, our hopes for a speedy resolution to the current deadlock and also for the democratic human right of citizens to peacefully protest?

"We look forward to your timely response, so that we can inform our constituents accordingly," said the letter signed by over 100 MPs.

The agitated farmers are demanding the repeal of the three farm laws passed by Indian Parliament and have expressed apprehension that they would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporate houses.

Refusing to repeal the laws, the government has maintained that the new laws will provide farmers with better opportunities.

The eight round of talks between the farmers' leaders and the government remained inconclusive on Friday, however, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is hopeful of a solution in the ninth round of talks scheduled for January 15.

--IANS

vg/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.)


Burial issue  What a tangled web the Government weaves View(s):

Responding to a question raised in Parliament by Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachi said cremations of COVID-19 afflicted deceased people would continue notwithstanding the report submitted by the committee of experts headed by Professor Jennifer Perera.

In a written report, Professor Pereras committee said burials of deceased COVID-19 victims could be permitted with strict guidelines in regard to the handling of dead bodies.

The reason given by the Health Minister for the Government continuing the cremation only policy was that the Jennifer Perera report had been handed over to what she called the main committee for its consideration and that the main committee had not yet given its opinion in regard to the new report recommending burials.

Incidentally this was the first time the Minister had referred to the original committee as the main committee and repeated questioning by Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam did not elicit a clear reply from the Health Minister.

The Jennifer Perera committee was appointed on December 24, 2020 and submitted its report to the Health Minister on December 30, 2020. Presumably it was handed over to the so called main committee a day or two later, which means the main committee has not sent its response even more than one week later.

Going by past performance it is unlikely the main committee will respond in a hurry notwithstanding the urgency of the matter.

It is interesting to observe the sequence of events that led to the Government switching from a burial or cremation policy to a cremation only policy by a gazette dated April 11, 2020.

When the first patient afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic was identified the Government followed the World Health Organisation guidelines permitting cremations or burials leaving the choice to the family of the deceased.

Then soon after the death of the first Muslim COVID-19 patient was reported, the policy of burial or cremation was changed overnight and the gazette of April 11, 2020 was issued. No reason for the change was officially announced by the Government for this decision and to this day the country remains in the dark as to the thinking behind this decision.

The so called main committee has not released a written report setting out reasons for its recommendation of only cremation to be permitted, unlike the Jennifer Perera committee which has justified its recommendation for burial in writing. If the April 11, 2020 gazette notification was based on a recommendation by the so called main committee that committee must have acted with extraordinary haste in making the recommendation which resulted in the gazette permitting only burials on April 21, 2020.

Although the so called  main committee met with lightening speed in April 2020, it seems to move at a snails speed when considering the report of the experts in the committee which the Health Minister calls a sub-committee.

After the April 11, 2020 gazette announcing that only cremation will be allowed despite representations made by various individuals and organisations no change was made by the Government with regard to its stance. With the focus on the General Elections in August the matter was put on the back burner and almost forgotten except by the families and near and dear ones who faced the anguish of having to undergo trauma at the time of the funerals of their loved ones.

It was only when the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raised the matter in Parliament on the day following the passage of the 20th Amendment in October, 2020 that the issue of burial once began to receive the attention it deserved

The Ceylon Today of November 14, 2020 reported that the Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi on November 13 said the final decision on burying the remains of those who die due to COVID-19 related complications, will be reached after receiving the report of the technical committee comprising health experts.

According to the news report the committee was appointed on November 11, 2020.

Several parties have requested us to allow them to bury the remains of COVID-19 dead. But, we have not taken any decision regarding the matter yet. When that request was informed to the Cabinet, they instructed me to take a decision after receiving the report of the Technical experts committee, she said.

No such report has seen the light of day and although the Minister said the committee was appointed on November 11, 2020 no one knows whether the Health Minister was referring to what she now calls the main committee or some other committee. If it was the main committee it certainly has taken more than a month of Sundays since November to come to a finding on the matter.

Thereafter a new committee, comprising virologists, microbiologists and immunologists, was appointed by the Health Ministry on December 24, 2020, to provide their expert opinion on the safe disposal of human remains of COVID-19 infected people.

The members of the new committee comprised Microbiology Professor Prof. Neelika Malavige, Consultant Virologist Dr. Geethani Galagoda, Consultant Virologist Dr. Janaki Abeynayake, Consultant Immunologist Dr. Rajeeva de Silva, Consultant Vaccinologist Dr. Kanthi Nanayakkara, Consultant Microbiologist Dr. Malika Karunaratne, Consultant Virologist Dr. Saranga Sumathipala, Consultant Virologist Dr. Nadeeka Janage, Consultant Virologist Dr. Rohitha Muthugala, and Consultant Virologist Dr. Dulmini Kumarasinghe.

In his letter appointing the committee dated December 24, 2020, Health Ministry Secretary S. H. Munasinghe, requested the panel to provide scientific evidence and expert opinions on the behavior of the virus remaining in a corpse of a COVID-19 infected person .

According to a report in the Daily Mirror of January 4, 2021 the Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi had decided to appoint a second expert committee consisting of 11 members which included virologists, microbiologists and immunologists on December 24 following intervention by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who urged for an immediate solution over the matter.

The Daily Mirror report also said some members from the first and second expert committees, set up to study and recommend if COVID-19 victims could be buried, had clashed during a meeting held on December 31, with some members saying burials could cause harm, while all 11 members of the Professor Jennifer Perera headed committee said burials could be permitted.

The Daily Mirror also said all 11 members of the Professor Jennifer Perera headed committee had been questioned separately by a panel which included Ministers Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle, epidemiologists and Health Ministry officials. All 11 members confirmed there was enough scientific evidence to show that burials would cause no harm as COVID-19 was a respiratory illness and not a waterborne disease and bodies should be disposed within 24 hours, and placed within a double-layered body bag prior to being placed in a coffin.

The Sri Lanka Medical Association and the College of Community Physicians too have issued statements saying burials could be permitted in the case of COVID-19 related deaths, adding to the overwhelming voice of medical and scientific opinion which the Government chooses to ignore.

The Health Minister seems to be confusing the issue further when she downgrades the committee headed by Professor Jenniffer Perera which was appointed by her own Ministry. She now calls them as some virologists who met State Minister Fernadopulle and gave some recommendations. In the same breath, in answer to Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam she calls it an unofficial committee.

While the poor Health Minister in her confusion claims that no decision will be taken on political and religious grounds, it is clear the main committee is being relied on to justify a pre-determined decision of the Government not to permit burials.

As State Minister Dilum Amunugama quite correctly said at a press conference, committees can only make recommendations. It is the Government that makes the final decisions. The sooner apologists for the Government realise this, the better. (javidyusuf@gmail.com)
Maria Barron came to rural Minnesota 10 years ago from Mexico so her husband could work in a nearby dairy farm.

They quickly grew to love the pastoral fields in Murdock, a town of fewer than 300 people. They joined a Roman Catholic church and felt safe when their children, 12 and 14, played outside with children of Mexican and Central American families that settled nearby.

But in December, that feeling of security crumbled when Murdocks mayor and City Council gave an organization for ethnic European folk, known for excluding anyone who is not white, a permit to open a church on Main Avenue, about four blocks from Ms. Barrons church.

The group, the Asatru Folk Assembly, which describes itself as centered around a native, pre-Christian spirituality, has been identified as a white supremacist hate group by other Pagan believers and organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Despite advances in gender equity, women do a significantly larger share of unpaid labor in the homean inequity only exacerbated by the pandemic. Its no wonder, then, that mothers remain the primary readership for parenting books.

In The Working Mom Blueprint, which American Academy of Pediatrics will publish in May, Whitney Casares provides tips on balancing parenting and paid labor outside the home. Barrett Winston, senior manager of publishing acquisitions and business development at AAP, explains that the book is atypical for the publisher in that it centers on the care of the parent, rather than the child, and stresses self-compassion. [Casares] says there are ways to be kind to yourself and be generous, Winston says. Women do take on most of the emotional life of the family. There are strategies you can take to balance it. The advice and mantras in the book are evergreen, but needed more than ever right now.

Forthcoming titles use a variety of approaches, including humor, science, illustration, and commiseration, to provide gender-specific advice to women struggling under this weight.

Modern Mom Probs Tara Clark, illus. by Mary McConville. Post Hill, Apr. Clarks book, named for her @ModernMomProbs Instagram handle (more than 560K followers), offers advice on quotidian parenting matters, such as limiting childrens screen time and forming and maintaining friendships with other mothers. She uses personal experience, as well as graphs, checklists, and advice from medical professionals, to help women navigate contemporary middle-class parenting.

Mom Brain Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco. Guilford, May Aimed at mothers with children under age five, this guide suggests anxiety-busting strategies that are supported by scientific research. DiMarco, a clinical psychologist, distills strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, and includes personal stories as well as case studies from her private practice.

Mom Genes Abigail Tucker. Gallery, May Smithsonian correspondent Tucker explicates the hard science behind motherhood, weaving personal narrative with the research. She shares lesser-known trivia about mammal brains, such as the evolution of maternal aggression or postpartum brain fog, in accessible chapters rooted in psychology and biology.

Mommy Cusses Serena Dorman, illus. by Paige Vickers. Chronicle, Apr. This novelty title for new mothers uses snark, NSFW language, and Vickerss cartoonlike illustrations in service of meme-ready quotes, lists, and anecdotes. Divided into short chaptersWelcome to Life as Someones Nap Slut and How to Calm Your Tits, to name twothe book is an extension of Dormans Instagram account (@MommyCusses, 190K followers).

Moms Dont Have Time To Edited by Zibby Owens. Skyhorse, Feb. In spring 2020, Owens launched We Found Time, an online magazine that showcased essays on pandemic parenting written by previous guests of her podcast, Moms Dont Have Time to Read. The anthology collects those works, by Sonali Dev, Maya Shanbhag Lang, Evangeline Lilly, Reema Zaman, and others, dividing them into sections that complete the title: ...eat, breathe, have sex, and more. All proceeds from the book will be donated to the Susan Felice Owens Program for COVID-19 Vaccine Research at Mount Sinai Health System.

Overcoming the Mom-Life Crisis Nina Restieri. Post Hill, Apr. The founder of MomAgenda, a line of day planners, home organizers, journals, notepads, and other accessories marketed toward female caregivers, lays out a step-by-step self-care plan. Part entrepreneurial success story and part self-help book, the guide urges mothers to prioritize their emotional health.

The Working Mom Blueprint Whitney Casares. American Academy of Pediatrics, May Pediatrician and mother of two Casares follows 2020s The New Baby Blueprint with a title focused on maternal well-being that covers finding childcare, establishing an equal parenting partnership, and self-care.

You Got This, Mama! Elizabeth Swenson. Familius, Mar. This gift title collects pastel-colored, social mediafriendly illustrations featuring inspirational quotes and lighthearted infographics. Swenson, an illustrator and high school teacher, positions the book as a survival guide for new mothers, addressing the physical nature of early motherhoodthink breast milk, poop, and postpartum sex.

You Look Tired Jenny True. Running Press, May True is the alter ego of advice columnist Jenny Pritchett, who contributes to millennial parenting site Romper. In this humor title for expectant and new mothers, she dispenses counsel on birthing (Birth Hurts), postpartum sex (You Want to Have Sex with This?), and identity crises (Who Am I Anymore?).

Return to the main feature.
A microscopic view on post-war North Prof. Sumathy Sivamohans latest film The Single Tumbler By Susitha Fernando View(s): View(s):

Filmmaker and academic Prof. Sumathy Sivamohans latest film The Single Tumbler won the Best International Film award at the Cinemaking International Film Festival (CIFF) at Dhaka in Bangladesh recently.

The film competed with highly acclaimed films like I Father by Mark Norfolk (UK-Kosovo), Antardwani (India) and number of other award winning films.

Set in the post-war Sri Lanka The Single Tumbler is a recuperation of life lived in pain and betrayal, seeking reconciliation, affirmation and hope.

At the three-day festival from December 24-26 , A biography of Nazrul directed by Ferdous Khan bagged Best Bangladeshi Full-length film award.

CIFF founder and Festival Director Monjurul Islam Megh said more than 150 films from 54 countries and 27 films from Bangladesh had been selected for the competition in 11 categories at this festival. Among them, 17 international films won awards from eight competition categories.

Ten international best awards were given in the main competition section for International Feature film Competition.

Girl and the Sea directed by Azizzhan Zairov and Mukhamed Mamyrbekov from Kazakhstan were announced as Best Asian film while Apurba Kishor Bir won Best Asian director for Antardhwani from India.

IFather, directed by Mark Norfolk from Kosovo was selected as Best European Film while Gultekin Bayir bagged Best European Director for Bir Denizcinin Dogum Gunu from Turkey.

Yashpal Sharma for acting in the Mooso the Mouse and Swapna Pati for acting in the Antardhwani from India were awarded as Best International Actor and Best International Actress respectively.

The Final Code from Italy won the Best Original Score while Best Cinematography for Boluomi from Taiwan and Best Screenplay for Colorless Dreams from Uzbekistan were announced in the competition.

Endless Walk directed by Yan Paing Htum from Myanmar bagged the title of Best international mobile film while Best Bangladeshi mobile was film Mother directed by Anondo Khaled.

The Fiber directed Nubelia Leyva Ferrer and Sorangel Solano Clever from Cuba gained the title of Best International Short film while the festival announced Best Bangladeshi short film Separation directed by Aparajita Sangita.

Best International Documentary were A Gift from God directed by Jorgen Lorentzen, Nafise Ozkal Lorentzen from Norway while Best International Kids award were achieved by Filmmaker Sandro Kintsureshvili for Take It from Georgia.

The festitival was organised by Dhaka Festival while Festival Partner was Mashud moncho and Rushda Film.

Meanwhile The Single Tumbler is to be screened online at Jaipur International Film Festival, on January 19 and at Imagine India, International Film Festival in May this year.

The war between the Sri Lankan armed forces and the Tamil separatist Tigers is over. Lalitha returns to Sri Lanka, to the family she left behind in a time of great turbulence. Memories are hard and bitter. Why does mother cling to the single tumbler? Did Fatima curse them, when the Muslims were evicted by the militants? Why did Jude the brother disappear? What secrets do Jessie and Anthony hide? The Single Tumbler.

The film is an inward glance; a close intimate glance at northern Tamil society in Sri Lanka, at a time of crisis of identity. It is made from within by its class, gender and ethnic persuasions. I look at my own home, family, community and nation, through the lens of displacement. I look at post war Sri Lanka, haunted by its past. Tamils suffered in the war, but they were also complicit in turning a blind eye to injustices committed in their name. This is a sensitive issue. One needs to tackle this without judgement, says Prof. Sivamohan describing her cinematic venture.
WASHINGTON: An increasingly isolated and angry President Donald Trump, cut off by Twitter in the waning days of his term, faces a renewed drive by Democrats to remove him from office after he incited his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol.

Twitter permanently cut off Trumps personal account and access to his nearly 90 million followers late on Friday, citing the risk of further incitement of violence, three days after Trump exhorted thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol as Congress met to certify his defeat to Democrat Joe Biden.

The resulting chaos, viewed with shock around the world, left a police officer and four others dead in its wake.

Trumps frequent use of Twitter was a key part of his campaign as he overhauled the Republican Party and beat Democrat Hillary Clinton to win the presidency in 2016. Since then he has used it to fire up his political base, attacking those who opposed him.

Twitter has long resisted pressure to suspend Trumps account. But after a close review" of the presidents recent tweets, the company said on Friday evening it had permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence."

Trump later used the official @POTUS government to lash out at Twitter, addressing the 75 million great patriots" who voted for him: We will not be SILENCED!" Trump said he was considering building his own social media platform.

Twitter quickly deleted those posts and soon after suspended the Trump campaign account.

The suspension came a day after a subdued Trump denounced Wednesdays violence in a video in which he also vowed to ensure a smooth transition of power.

CALLS TO RESIGN

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Friday that if Trump did not resign, she had instructed the House Rules Committee to move ahead with a motion for impeachment and legislation on the U.S. Constitutions 25th Amendment, which provides for removal of a president who is unable to discharge his official duties.

A copy of draft articles of impeachment circulating among members of Congress charged Trump with inciting violence against the government of the United States" in a bid to overturn his loss to Biden.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell sent a memo to Republican senators detailing a possible timetable for an impeachment trial. He noted the Senate will hold its next work session on Jan. 19 and needs the consent of all 100 senators to convene sooner - meaning a trial would not begin until Trump was out of office, a source familiar with the document said.

Impeaching President Donald Trump with 12 days remaining in his presidency would only serve to further divide the country," said White House spokesman Judd Deere.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Thursday and Friday found 57%of Americans want Trump to be removed immediately from office following the violence.

Trumps role in encouraging Wednesdays chaos has opened a growing rift within the Republican Party.

Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, a frequent Trump critic, told CBS News he would definitely consider" impeachment because the president disregarded his oath of office."

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said Friday Trump should resign immediately and if the party cannot separate itself from him, she is not certain she has a future with it.

I want him out. He has caused enough damage," the Alaska senator told the Anchorage Daily News.

It is unclear whether lawmakers would be able to remove Trump from office, as any impeachment would prompt a trial in the Senate, where his fellow Republicans still hold power and two-thirds of the 100 members must vote to convict for his removal.

The House impeached Trump in December 2019 for pressuring the Ukrainian president to investigate Biden, but the Senate acquitted him in February 2020.

For the 25th Amendment to be invoked, Vice President Mike Pence and the majority of Trumps Cabinet would need to declare Trump is unable to perform the duties of the presidency. Pence is opposed to the idea of using the amendment, an adviser 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, Jan 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jan, 2021 ) :US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday she spoke with the nation's top military leader about ensuring that an "unhinged" President Donald Trump does not launch a nuclear attack in his final days in office.

The top Democrat also warned that Congress would swiftly take action to impeach the president if he does not resign, although the effort is receiving push back from Republican leadership.

Pelosi said she talked with Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley "to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes and ordering a nuclear strike." The extraordinary acknowledgement that Pelosi has spoken with military brass about restricting the president's powers came in a letter to her Democratic colleagues, and highlighted tensions over Trump's remaining days in the White House.

Democrats and some Republicans have accused Trump of fomenting an insurrection when a pro-Trump mob stormed and ransacked the US Capitol on Wednesday.

"The situation of this unhinged president could not be more dangerous, and we must do everything that we can to protect the American people from his unbalanced assault on our country and our democracy," Pelosi wrote.

Military spokesman Colonel Dave Butler said Pelosi did call the joint chiefs chairman but would not provide specifics other than to say Milley "answered her questions regarding the process of nuclear command authority." Pelosi in her letter also said she was prepared to launch impeachment proceedings against Trump if he does not voluntarily resign or if Vice President Mike Pence does not begin a process laid out in the 25th Amendment that allows him and the cabinet to remove the president.

"If the president does not leave office imminently and willingly, the Congress will proceed with our action," she said.

- 'Incitement of insurrection'? - Articles of impeachment have been drafted but they have yet to be introduced.

Support is growing among Democrats on Capitol Hill for ousting Trump after his supporters stormed the US Capitol seeking to prevent lawmakers from certifying Joe Biden's November election win.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike described the mayhem, in which five people died including a US Capitol Police officer, as an insurrection.

"There is growing momentum around the invocation of the 25th Amendment, which would allow the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to remove the president for his incitement of insurrection and the danger he still poses," Pelosi wrote.

Democrat Jackie Speier, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said "all options" remain on the table.

"There is a group of us that feel very strongly that we need to move forward with the impeachment article for insurrection by the president," she told CNN.

"If we are not willing to state that the acts by the president of the United States to incite domestic terrorism and insurrection is an impeachable offense, then nothing is an impeachable offense."But House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the chamber's top Republican, pushed back.

"Impeaching the president with just 12 days left in his term will only divide our country more," he said.
The public is invited to a three-day celebration beginning with the virtual screening of the film Shared Legacies: The African American-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance, which will be available from noon Tuesday, Jan. 19 to noon Thursday, Jan. 21. Followed by the screening, a local panel discussion will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21.

Purchase of the virtual screenings and the accompanying Zoom panel is available by visiting www.jewishchattanooga.com.

The cost for the film screening and discussion is $12 per household.



Shared Legacies: The African American-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance is about the often forgotten story of the coalition and friendship between the two communities. The film shows our shared history and struggles together. We need to not only educate our younger generations but also rekindle these relationships and work towards common good for both groups and all people, said Michael Dzik, Jewish Federation executive director.

See a film trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Sdvi4ZWsc.

On Thursday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. a local panel discussion moderated by Mr. Drzik, will highlight Chattanoogas historic African American-Jewish role in the local Civil Rights Movement. The discussion will take place via Zoom. Panel members include civil rights activists from Chattanoogas Jewish community Bob Berz and Herb Cohn, and Dr. Clark E. White from the African American community.



About the panel participants:

Bob Berz - A native of Chattanooga, his involvement in African American-Jewish connection began in the 1960s, mainly through personal and business relationships. These relationships led to many opportunities for creation of understanding and appreciation for one another.



Herb Cohn  With over 80 years as a lifelong Chattanooga resident, Mr. Cohns main store was a block and a half from the dime store sit-ins. After returning to Chattanooga from college and the Navy, he has a wealth of personal experiences to share.



Clark E. White, Ph.D.  Dr. White is a fourth generation Chattanoogan who grew up in Orchard Knob during the Jim Crow era of segregation, attending Orchard Knob schools and Riverside High School. After 40 years away, teaching at the college level and performing blues music, he returned in 2006 to see a city that was certainly changed but in some ways was still the same.



Michael Dzik  A lifelong Chattanoogan, Mr. Dzik has worked diligently to rekindle the African American-Jewish relationship promoting on-going dialogues against acts of hate.



For more information, contact the Jewish Federation at 423-493-0270 or frederation@jewishchattanooga.com.
Freshman Illinois Rep. Mary Miller apologized on Friday after drawing criticism for quoting Adolf Hitler in a speech Tuesday outside the U.S. Capitol.

Miller, who was among the Republicans who tried to challenge the certification of certain Electoral College votes that went to incoming President Joe Biden, issued the apology in the face of calls for her to resign.

'I sincerely apologize for any harm my words caused and regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth. This dark history should never be repeated,' the newly sworn-in congresswoman said in a statement.

Miller, elected in November to replace Republican John Shimkus, spoke Tuesday during an event by conservative group 'Moms for America,' as demonstrations in support of President Donald Trump began in Washington D.C.

Miller - speaking a day before violent Trump supporters stormed the Capitol - read from prepared remarks, urging the need to appeal to young people in politics.

'This is the battle,' she said according to video posted by WCIA-TV. 'Hitler was right on one thing. He said, Whoever has the youth has the future.''

Scroll down for video

New Illinois representative Mary Miller has apologized for comments she made on Tuesday

While speaking during a Moms for America rally, Miller said Hitler 'was right on one thing'

The comment is often attributed to Hitler, who organized youth groups to introduce children to Nazi ideologies.

Hitler, in fact made a slightly different comment in 1935, saying 'He alone who owns the youth gains the future.'

The remark clearly wasn't off the cuff, with Miller emphasizing the dictator's name and reading from a prepared speech.

Illinois Republicans including U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger and state GOP Chairman Tim Schneider condemned the comments.

Her comments referenced remarks made by the dictator about the importance of the youth

Miller was reading from prepared remarks when she made her reference to Hitler

'That language is wrong and disgusting. We urge Congresswoman Miller to apologize,' Schneider had said in a statement.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat who is Jewish, called the remarks 'unfathomable'.

'Let me be clear: Hitler got nothing right,' he told reporters Wednesday. 'This reprehensible rhetoric has no place in our politics.'

The head of the World Jewish Congress, an international organization, blasted Miller's comment as 'simply outrageous.'

One attendee of the rally was in shock when hearing Miller reference Hitler casually

State Representative Jonathan Carroll was one of many to quickly condemn Miller

Mark Maxwell, who captured the video, also was quick to condemn the Congresswoman

'One might expect this from white supremacists or neo-Nazis, but hearing the words 'Hitler was right' from the mouth of a member of the United States Congress is beyond acceptable behavior by any standards,' Ronald Lauder, the group's president said in a statement.

'If Rep. Miller has any respect left for the role of a U.S. Congressperson or any shred of dignity in her, she will do what's right and resign,' the Illinois Legislative Jewish Caucus said in a statement.

The United States Holocaust Museum also released a statement: 'The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum unequivocally condemns any leader trying to advance a position by claiming Adolf Hitler was 'right.' Adolf Hitler's Germany plunged Europe into the most destructive event in human history, World War II and the Holocaust resulting in the genocide of six million European Jews.'

In her apology, Miller also said 'some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs.'

'Let me be clear: Im passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community. Ive been in discussion with Jewish leaders across the country and am grateful to them for their kindness and forthrightness,' Miller said.

Miller was sworn into Congress just this Sunday (seen above) and made her controversial remarks on just her third day in office

Miller, elected to public office for the first time, runs a farm with her husband, Republican state Rep. Chris Miller.

Her congressional district covers a wide swath of southern and eastern Illinois along the border with Indiana.

'Moms for America' is a conservative nonprofit group founded in 2004 with a mission 'to raise a new generation of patriots, and heal our nation from the inside out,' according to their website.

Miller has not posted on her Twitter page since she was sworn into Congress on Sunday.

Her pinned tweet, however, features an endorsement from Donald Trump, which reads, 'Mary Miller (@Miller_Congress) will be a terrific Congresswoman for Illinois! She is Strong on the Border, Life, Low Taxes, and she will always protect and defend your Second Amendment. Mary has my Complete and Total Endorsement! #IL15'

Miller responded, 'Thank you so much President Trump (@realDonaldTrump) for your endorsement! I'm looking forward to working with you in Washington to defend the Second Amendment, secure our borders, and protect life, while also bringing back high-paying jobs and continuing to make America great!'
In a landmark contribution to the Decade of Commemorations, RTE Radio 1 has commissioned a series of 12 half hour stories from the finest writers associated with Ireland for a radio and podcast series.

Spoken Stories Independence will start this Sunday at 7pm on RTE Radio 1.

Among the writers are Dublin Literary Prize winners, a Booker Prize winner, an IFTA award winner, an Oscar winning writer, authors whose work has been awarded Irish short story of the Year, as well as numerous other international awards and short-listings, along with major national and international publishing contracts.

Their stories originate from a consideration of Independence, 100 years after Irelands War for Independence, and illustrate how an idea or concept can be so variously and entertainingly interpreted while collectively shed light on us and our times.

The commissions are shared across geographies, genders, those whose first language is neither English nor Irish, as well as an Irish language writer.

Anne Enright, Roisin ODonnell, Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhride, Yan Ge, Kevin Barry, Danielle McLaughlin, Wendy Erskine, Sue Rainsford, Mary Costello, Colin Barrett, Mike McCormack and Neil Jordan have written stories on the theme of Independence for the radio and podcast series.

The stories will be voiced either by their authors or by actors. Four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan will read Sue Rainsfords story Shorn, which will be broadcast on Sunday, January 31.

The Spoken Stories concept and this series was originated by Cliodhna Ni Anluain, who is also its producer.

New fiction is such a dynamic strand of contemporary Irish cultural expression," she said.

"Spoken Stories is a brand-new concept for short fiction to be commissioned and produced under a common theme or thread, and through which the listener is treated to readings of them by their authors or by invited actors, cast to best serve the stories and audiences.

Spoken Stories Independence is being made with support from the BAI and RTE.

All stories can be enjoyed by audiences on their first broadcasts from 7-7.30pm, starting this Sunday and running through until March 28 on RTE Radio 1. This scheduling allows for the story An Authentic Conversation by Yan Ge to be broadcast during Chinese New Year. A commission for a version in Chinese Mandarin has been given to Sally Rooneys translator Naomi Zhong. This will also be made available as a text and as an audio story.

Snaithini Solais by Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhride is the Irish language story commission in the series. This story is also being translated into English and accordingly made available as a text and as an audio story, following its first radio broadcast in Irish during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2021.

The themes, styles, timelines, locations as well as the voices of the stories are as varied as the writers involved. The spread of years figuring in the stories literally spans across 100 years from 1938 to 2038.

The 12 stories will also be available on podcast here.


Thousands of students are threatening to refuse to pay rent for university accommodation they cannot use during lockdown amid rising calls for refunds.

They have been told to stay at home for online learning unless taking a select group of subjects  including medicine and education  where face-to-face classes will resume.

The all-party parliamentary group on students announced yesterday it is launching an inquiry into the impact of Covid, with specific reference to student calls for rebates in tuition and accommodation payments.

Cambridge (pictured, file image), Sheffield and Birmingham City universities acted to head off potential protests by saying they will not charge students for accommodation they cannot use during the lockdown

About 15,000 students at more than 40 universities including Bristol, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield are pledging to withhold rent, according to the Rent Strike Now campaign.

Saranya Thambiranjah, a first-year student at Bristol University who helps run the campaign, said: Were paying for accommodation we cant use and theres been no extra support from universities and government.

Rent striking is a great way to make our voices heard and get universities to listen to our concerns.

About 15,000 students at more than 40 universities including Bristol (pictured, file image), Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield are pledging to withhold rent, according to the Rent Strike Now campaign

Cambridge, Sheffield and Birmingham City universities acted to head off potential protests by saying they will not charge students for accommodation they cannot use during the lockdown.

Universities UK, the umbrella group for vice-chancellors, said the Government should consider how to support institutions waiving rent.
John Rhodes and Hugh Scott hadnt been profiles in courage in standing up to Nixon. Still, it mattered when they did, said William Kristol, a conservative writer and activist who has been critical of Mr. Trump, referring to the two senior-most Republicans in Congress who played a crucial role in persuading President Richard M. Nixon to resign in August 1974.

Yet none of the departing Trump administration officials appear to be making the kind of self-sacrifice remembered in some famed resignations. Cyrus Vance resigned as secretary of state in 1980 in protest of President Jimmy Carters failed secret mission to rescue American hostages in Iran. Two senior Department of Health and Human Services officials quit in anger over President Bill Clintons decision to sign a sweeping 1996 welfare reform law. Mr. Trumps first secretary of defense, Jim Mattis, quit after Mr. Trumps sudden decision to remove U.S. troops from northeastern Syria.

At least one Trump administration official appears to have invited his own firing this week: Gabriel Noronha, a State Department press aide, tweeted on Wednesday that Mr. Trump was entirely unfit to remain in office, and needs to go. In what could not have been a surprise to him, Mr. Noronha was dismissed the following day.

Others have been publicly rumored to be considering their plans, including the national security adviser, Robert C. OBrien, who tweeted condemnations of Wednesdays riot. Mr. OBrien, who has spoken to friends about a future run for office, is said to be staying on for the sake of stability, but may have enjoyed reputational gain among Trump critics after a slew of news leaks cast him in a Hamlet-like role about his future.

But Trump administration officials confirmed on Friday that five National Security Council senior directors, handling issues including Russia and weapons of mass destruction, had quietly resigned from their jobs since Wednesday.

In the cases of Ms. DeVos and Ms. Chao, some critics complained that by departing, they were forgoing an opportunity to do something far more consequential: join with other disgusted cabinet officials in a potential effort to invoke the 25th Amendment and relieve Mr. Trump of his presidential duties.

At this late a stage, resignations help little beyond serving as late attempts at self-preservation, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, wrote on Twitter. If Sec. Chao objects to yesterdays events this deeply, she should be working the Cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment  not abdicating the seat that allows her to do so.
With U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley at his side (L), President Donald Trump speaks during a working lunch with ambassadors of countries on the UN Security Council at the White House in Washington on April 24, 2017. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Nikki Haley Likens Trump Twitter Ban to Act of Chinese Communist Party

Social media companies banning President Donald Trump is something the Chinese Communist Party would do, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley said Friday.

Silencing people, not to mention the President of the U.S., is what happens in China not our country, Haley wrote in a tweet.

Twitter announced earlier in the day that it was permanently removing Trumps account, which had been active since before he took office in 2016. The company claimed his recent tweets were inciting violence.

Trump in response accused Twitter of banning free speech and coordinating with the Democrats and the Radical Left in removing my account from their platform, to silence meand YOU, the 75,000,000 great patriots who voted for me.

Trump said his team has been negotiating with competitors to Twitter and is looking into building their own platform in the near future.

Facebook also banned Trump, at least for the remainder of his term.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testifies remotely during a hearing to discuss reforming Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act with big tech companies in Washington on Oct. 28, 2020. (Greg Nash/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Haley, who served as ambassador to the United Nations under Trump after governing South Carolina and is rumored to be mulling over a 2024 presidential bid, was joined by others in reacting strongly to the bans.

Jason Miller, a Trump campaign adviser, said large technology companies want to cancel Trump supporters. If you dont think theyre coming for you next, youre wrong, he wrote on Twitter.

Banning the president is the biggest mistake Jack Dorsey, Twitters CEO, and the fascists of Silicon Valley have ever made, added Sebastian Gorka, a former Trump aide.

Twitter also banned a slew of others, including lawyer Sidney Powell and Trumps former national security adviser Michael Flynn.

Some Twitter users voluntarily left the platform after the wave of bans, such as radio hosts Mark Levin and Rush Limbaugh. They urged people to transition to Parler, which has stronger free speech protections than Twitter.

Parler was removed from the Google Play store on Friday by the tech giant and Apple threatened to remove it as well unless the company introduced stronger moderation practices.
(Newser)  Pope Francis has told an Italian broadcaster that he was "astonished" by the mob attack at the US Capitol because of the democratic traditions of the US. The pope said in an interview with Mediaset that the private broadcaster is scheduled to air on Sunday that even "in the most mature reality, there is always something that doesn't work, people who take a path against the community, against democracy and against the common good." In a brief excerpt posted on Mediasets website on Saturday, the AP reports, Francis said, "Thank God this exploded" into the open "so it can be seen, so it can be remedied."

story continues below

Of Wednesday's violence, the pope said, "This must be condemned, this movement, regardless of the people" involved. Supporters seething over Trump's election loss stormed the Capitol as Congress was finalizing President-elect Joe Biden's victory, believing Trump's false claims of a rigged election. Five people died, including a police officer. "Violence is always like this, isn't it?" the pontiff said. "No population can boast of not having one day a case of violence. It happens in history. But we must understand well, so as not to repeat it, learn from history, learn that groups ... that are not well integrated into society, sooner or later will have these eruptions of violence." (Leaders of nations around the world expressed their shock at the violence.)

Dancers Lauren Beadle of Stamford and Joe Harrison of Berlin can now add interior decorator to their resume. Not really, but while stuck in a Taiwan hotel room for a two-week quarantine before a dance tour, they immediately rearranged the furniture in their room to create space to exercise and rehearse.

The two were among 90 dancers who performed in the Irish musical Lord of the Dances Feet of Flames in Taiwan from Dec. 11 to 16. Due to COVID-19 policies, touring during a global pandemic was a trial by fire of sorts.

Before flying from the United States to Taiwan, the two had to procure work visas and be tested for COVID-19, then quarantine in the foreign hotel rooms before they could perform. While many other performers saw their shows canceled and resorted to doing Zoom concerts and the like, these dancers feel fortunate they were able to perform during a pandemic.

The first thing I did was move my bed up against a wall to make room, because I knew I would be doing a lot of dancing, Harrison said, noting they rehearsed over Zoom with their fellow dancers in addition to taking strength training and yoga classes online during quarantine.

Their first rehearsal, Dec. 9, was the first one for the dance company in nine months, and preparations were condensed from two weeks to just 2 days.

Due to Taiwans low number of COVID cases, there were no restrictions on audience sizes and no required social distancing, but people wore masks everywhere. Even performing to large crowds in huge outdoor amphitheaters, Harrison said the locals made them feel very safe at all times.

One of the highlights was being able to stand on stage and see thousands and thousands of people standing directly next to each other cheering for you, because thats not something I ever imagined I would be able to see this year or even next year, honestly, Beadle said.

Beadle and about half of the dance company were brand new. She began competitive Irish dancing when she was 7 and has been dancing professionally for a few years.

Harrison is a Lord of the Dance veteran, having worked his way up from the companys alternate troupe to its Broadway troupe. He is now part of the main troupes core cast.

Beadle said the highlight of the tour was getting to perform, and her favorite dance was the iconic Lord of the Dance number, which closed the first half of the show each night.

It was amazing. I think out of all my performances, they were the largest crowds Ive ever performed in front of ... And on top of that, it was during a pandemic, she said.

Harrison was excited about being back together with his fellow dancers, most whom he had not seen since March, when the tour he was on in Germany was cut short.

The biggest highlight for me was the very first show we did, he said. It was an amazing experience to be back on stage and a huge relief to be back doing what we love.

Harrison said most of their shows are indoors, usually in smaller theaters, and the first show was in an outdoor amphitheater.

Being able to look out and see the city skyline behind the crowd that had gathered, its just absolutely incredible.

With Lord of the Dance celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2021 and founder Michael Flatley reportedly considering a reboot, both dancers say they are hopeful tours will resume soon and they will be included.

As a dancer, you do find work wherever it comes, but Lord of the Dance has been my main show since 2017 or so, Harrison said.

Andrea Valluzzo is a freelance writer.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - President-elect Joe Biden on Friday formally introduced former KeyBank official Don Graves as his nominee to serve as a deputy Commerce Department secretary, calling Graves a longtime trusted adviser who helped him lead efforts to get Detroit out of bankruptcy during President Barack Obamas presidential administration.

He did a great job working with city and state officials on its road to recovery, Biden said of Graves, who was KeyBanks Cleveland-based head of corporate responsibility and community relations before he went back to work for Biden. Its about the small details like the number of buses and street lights that are needed.

Biden also said that Graves helped him lead a national strategy on how to equip workers with the skills they need for the good-paying jobs of the 21st Century, in health care, IT, clean energy and advanced manufacturing, and said Graves helped him launch the National Cancer Moonshot and marshal the full resources of the federal government to help end cancer as we know it.

A cancer survivor himself, diagnosed and treated while he was working for me, Don knows about hope and resilience, said Biden. Im grateful to him and his wonderful family for answering the call to serve once again.

In his own remarks, Graves said hes spent his career in government, the private sector and nonprofits finding ways to ensure that economic opportunity is inclusive and broad-based. He said hell use his new job to help level the playing field and empower communities and the U.S. economy to reach their full potential.

I am so humbled to be nominated by President-elect Biden to serve as Deputy Commerce Secretary. Ive worked alongside @JoeBiden for a long time, and he believes to his core that we must do so much better for working families. That, we can deliver. Ready to get to work.  Don Graves (@dgravesjr) January 8, 2021

Its personal, said Graves. I come from a long line of small business owners, including one who owned and operated the only African-American owned hotel in the mid to late 1800s, just a few short blocks from where the Commerce Department sits today. But, for too many people in this country, the chance to start and grow a business to take their idea into the market and sell it all over the world remains elusive all these years later.

He applauded Biden for working with Obama to prevent another Great Depression when he took office amid an economic crisis, and for bringing people together o ensure American workers were equipped and matched with the skills for jobs in their own communities.

I know this administration will provide the American people the support they need to thrive and the opportunity to turn their hopes into lives of dignity, and the respect they deserve, said Graves.

Bidens office said Graves formerly served as executive director of the Presidents Council on Jobs and Competitiveness and deputy assistant secretary for Small Business, Community Development, and Housing Policy in the Treasury Department, and because of that, he knows how to successfully manage some of the federal governments most critical and impactful job and small business-focused programs.

Graves currently leads the Biden-Harris Transitions Treasury Agency Review Team to ensure the Department of the Treasury is ready to hit the ground running on day one. Before that, he led KeyBanks sustainability work, and spearheaded initiatives in Cleveland such as last years Cleveland Rising Summit to promote regional economic development.

He received his B.A. degree in political science and history from Williams College and a law degree from Georgetown University, the Biden campaign said.

If you still have questions about @JoeBiden his character or his ability to serve, here are some of my takes: https://t.co/qDB2Br5mI6 #charactermatters  Don Graves (@dgravesjr) October 1, 2020

Read more:

Capitol riot prompts Democrats in Congress to seek Trumps removal before Bidens inauguration

Angered by attempted coup at the Capitol, Rep. Tim Ryan wants to probe Capitol Police force and remove President Trump from office

Ohio members of Congress whisked to secure location as Trump supporters storm U.S. Capitol

Ohios Sen. Sherrod Brown says hell pursue $2,000 coronavirus checks and relief for renters when Democrats take Senate control

At least three Ohio GOP congressmen will join Rep. Jim Jordan in objecting to Wednesdays presidential vote count

Ohios Sen. Rob Portman wont support electoral vote challenges in Congress

President Trump to give Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan a Presidential Medal of Freedom

Rebuilding economy and infrastructure after coronavirus are among New Years resolutions for Ohios Congress members

Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman eye chairmanships in 2021

Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown wants Senate vote on $2,000 stimulus check, criticizes Republican efforts to reject presidential electoral votes

House votes to override Trump defense bill veto but approves a $2,000 pandemic relief payment he sought

Ohios Stephanie Tubbs Jones lodged the nations last electoral vote protest in Congress

Ohios Jim Jordan to participate in Jan. 6 congressional effort to question presidential election results

Years of work fighting for Northeast Ohio earn Marcia Fudge a seat at Bidens Cabinet table

Marcia Fudge makes her public debut as a member of Joe Bidens team

What Rep. Marcia Fudge hopes to accomplish as Housing and Urban Development Secretary: Q & A
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 08:34:18|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland on Friday reported 33 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, of whom 17 were locally transmitted and the rest arrived from outside of the mainland, the National Health Commission said Saturday.

Fourteen locally transmitted cases were reported in north China's Hebei Province and three in northeastern Liaoning, the commission said in its daily report.

One new suspected case arriving from outside of the mainland was reported in Shanghai, and no new deaths related to COVID-19 were reported. Enditem

The following is a roundup of some of the latest scientific studies on the novel coronavirus and efforts to find treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.

Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine protects against virus variants

The COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE appears to protect against highly transmissible new variants of the coronavirus discovered in Britain and South Africa, a laboratory study suggests. In blood samples from vaccine recipients, scientists found the vaccine appears effective against the so-called N501Y mutation of the spike protein on the virus, according to a report posted on Thursday on bioRxiv ahead of peer review. Pfizer scientist Phil Dormitzer said the vaccine has been tested against 16 mutations, and none have really had any significant impact. Thats the good news, he said, before adding a note of caution. That doesnt mean that the 17th wont. Ongoing testing will be needed, experts said, to allay concerns about whether the vaccines will be protective as the virus mutates. The vaccine is based on synthetic messenger RNA technology (mRNA), as is the one from Moderna Inc. The evidence is not conclusive but there is a lot to indicate that the existing mRNA vaccines do cover the new variants, said Andreas Bergthaler of the Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna. AstraZeneca Plc,, Moderna and CureVac NV are also testing their shots against the fast-spreading coronavirus variants.

Arthritis drugs aid survival of sickest COVID-19 patients

Treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with either of two rheumatoid arthritis drugs significantly improves survival rates and shortens the time patients need intensive care, trial results show. The drugs  tocilizumab, sold as Actemra by Roche, and Kevzara (sarilumab) from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi  reduced death rates by 8.5 percentage points among critically ill patients. That means that for every 12 patients treated with one of the drugs, one life would be saved, said Dr. Anthony Gordon of Imperial College London, coauthor of a report posted on Thursday on medRxiv ahead of peer review. The data, from 803 severely ill patients, showed that the drugs, which suppress the bodys immune response, reduced mortality rates from 35.8% in a control group to 27.3% among patients receiving either drug. Previous studies had found no clear benefit from these drugs, but they included less severely ill patients treated at different stages in the disease. A crucial difference, Gordon said, may be that in our study, critically ill patients were enrolled within 24 hours of when their organs started to fail, which suggests the sickest patients may gain the most benefit from these drugs.

Allergic reactions rare after Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

Based on early safety monitoring, anaphylaxis and less serious allergic reactions to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine appear to be rare, researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported on Wednesday. Monitoring by the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System jointly run by the two agencies detected only 21 cases of the life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis among the nearly 1.9 million first doses of the vaccine administered between Dec. 14 and Dec. 23. Most people with anaphylaxis had a history of allergies or allergic reactions, according to the CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. For 71% of those with anaphylaxis, the allergic reactions occurred within 15 minutes. The agencies also received reports of 83 cases of less serious allergic reactions, including rashes, itchy skin, scratchy sensations in the throat, and mild respiratory symptoms. The CDC and FDA say they will continue to work together to monitor for adverse events  after receipt of COVID-19 vaccines and will regularly assess the benefits and risks of vaccination.

Immunosuppressive medicines do not worsen COVID-19 outcomes

Medications that suppress the immune system  necessary for many chronic diseases  do not worsen outcomes of COVID-19 cases, a new study shows. Researchers looked back at 2,121 adults hospitalized for COVID-19 between March and August, including 108 who were taking the kinds of immunosuppressive drugs used to treat cancers, severe joint diseases, skin conditions, inflammatory intestinal disorders, and other serious illnesses. After accounting for patients general baseline health status, researchers found no significant differences between those who did or did not take immunosuppressive drugs in the risk of needing mechanical ventilation, the risk of dying, or the amount of time they were hospitalized. Our results contribute to a growing body of evidence that should provide reassurance to clinicians and patients using chronic immunosuppressive medicines, the researchers concluded in the report published on Thursday in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Ottawa, Jan 9 : WestJet, Canada's second-largest airline, has announced that it would lay off 1,000 people and cut flights due to the official travel restrictions imposed in the wake of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

"Immediately following the federal government's inbound testing announcement on December 31, 2020, and with the continuation of the 14-day quarantine, we saw significant reductions in new bookings and unprecedented cancellations," Xinhua news agency quoted WestJet CEO Ed Sims as saying in a statement on Friday.

"The entire travel industry and its customers are again on the receiving end of incoherent and inconsistent government policy.

"We have advocated over the past 10 months for a co-ordinated testing regime on Canadian soil, but this hasty new measure is causing Canadian travellers unnecessary stress and confusion and may make travel unaffordable, unfeasible and inaccessible for Canadians for years to come," Sims added.

The job cuts will be made across the company's network in a combination of temporary layoffs, furloughs, unpaid leaves and reduced hours. Seat capacity will be reduced in February and March by 30 per cent, or by more than 80 per cent from the same period in 2020.

In addition, the airline will reduce domestic frequencies by 160 departures as evolving advisories, travel restrictions and guidance continue to negatively impact demand trends.

On Thursday, the Canadian government made it mandatory for anyone aged five and older flying into the country to show proof of a negative Covid19 test taken in the previous 72 or 96 hours, depending on the country.

The Canadian airline industry opposed the official order and said it would create confusion at departure gates and should be accompanied by relaxed quarantine requirements.

"Regrettably, this new policy leaves us with no other option but to again place a large number of our employees on leave, while impacting the pay of others," Sims added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
"Minari," an Academy Award-winning film will be screened at Tango Theaters, Micronesia Mall on the evening of May 28 as part of a cultural eve Read more
Who will be the next CM of Assam? Sarbananda Sonowal or Himanta Biswa Sarma?

Assam Elections 2021: Speaker accused of acting as BJP agent

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Guwahati, Jan 09: Condemning the withdrawal of party MLA Debabrata Saikia's status of Leader of Opposition in the Assam assembly, the Congress accused Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami of "acting as a BJP agent". Saikia lost that status as the present strength of the party in the 126-member House is one less than the required number of 21 MLAs, according to an official notification.

Hitendra Nath Goswami is "acting as a BJP agent rather than the Speaker of the House" and it is "a clear political move" ahead of the assembly election due in March-April this year, AICC Media Department Chairperson Bobbeeta Sharma said in a statement on Thursday.

Assam elections 2021: Bill to control Cong party loan waiver promise a hazard says report

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee secretary Bhupen Kumar Borah and party MP Abdul Khalek have also jointly sent a letter to the Governor for restoration of Saikia's status as the Leader of the Opposition.

"The present strength of the Indian National Congress Legislature Party, Assam Legislative Assembly, is not equal to the quorum fixed to constitute a sitting of the House that is one-sixth of the total number of Members of the House," the notification issued on January 1 said.

The number MLAs in opposition parties in many states is less than one-sixth of the total members and they still have a Leader of the Opposition, Sharma said in the statement. Sharma said that as per Section 2 of the Salary and Allowance of the Leader of the Opposition in Assam Legislative Assembly Act, 1978, the Leader of the Opposition" means that member of the Assembly who is, for the time being, the leader of the party in opposition to the government having the greatest numerical strength and recognised as such by the Speaker.

The Act does not state that the number of MLAs in an opposition party should be one-sixth of the total strength of the House to get a Leader of the Opposition, she said.

Pointing out that following resignations and deaths of members, the present strength of the Assam assembly is 119 and not 126, Sharma insisted that Debabrata Saikia should have still been the Leader of Opposition.

Assam polls: Congress promises farm loan waiver, free power, Nyay

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

"It is obvious that the BJP is using this as an electoral stunt. The people of the state now know what they are and the answer to this will be given in the Assembly elections," the Congress leader said.

Former minister Ajanta Neog and expelled Congress MLA Rajdeep Goala had resigned from the Assembly and joined the BJP on December 29 last reducing the opposition party's strength in the 126-member House to 20.
WASHINGTON - Democratic control of the White House and Senate will put pressure on the Supreme Court's oldest justice, Stephen Breyer, to step aside so that President-elect Joe Biden can choose his successor.

Breyer, 82, was nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1994 and is the court's second-longest serving member, after Justice Clarence Thomas. He became the senior member of the court's diminished liberal wing upon Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death last fall.

But that event - which resulted in President Donald Trump naming a third justice to the court and solidifying a 6-3 conservative majority - along with the fragility of the Democrats' one-vote control of the Senate, adds to the push on Breyer.

Erwin Chemerinsky, a liberal constitutional lawyer who is dean of the University of California at Berkeley law school, said he would urge Breyer to step aside soon. In a 2014 op-ed, Chemerinsky made the same argument to Ginsburg, who declined to retire when President Barack Obama was in office.

"Given the composition of the Senate - one unexpected change could cost the Democrats their majority - and the inherent uncertainty about the 2022 midterm election, Justice Breyer should consider stepping down when there is a Democratic President and a Democratic Senate to replace him," Chemerinsky said in an email. "It is his best way of ensuring that someone with his values and his views takes his place."

As soon as it was clear that Democrats won both Senate races in Georgia - giving Democrats 50 seats in the chamber and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris the tie-breaking vote - the liberal group Demand Justice also said Breyer should consider exiting.

"Justice Breyer has had a tremendous career," said Christopher Kang, the group's chief counsel. He said Breyer should appreciate the "poetic possibility" of stepping aside so that Biden could nominate the first Black woman to the court, as Biden pledged during the campaign.

Even before the Georgia results, Breyer faced questions about when he would leave the court.

He was gingerly asked by MSNBC host Ari Melber in October, during a session for the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, whether "justices do or should think about who will replace them, and their retirement process while they are on the court?"

"Of course from time to time you think about it," Breyer replied. "It's part of the aging process. It's inevitable."

But he continued that it was a dangerous topic, because of the politics involved.

"The more the political fray is hot and intense, the more we stay out of it," Breyer said, adding "the decisions we're making are decisions for 330 million Americans . . . so the people on both sides have to have the confidence that you, the judge, is a fair person."

But such "thank-you-for-your-service" nudges come with a job that carries a lifetime appointment. Even though Trump had already named two justices, some in the legal conservative movement were not subtle this summer in speculating that Thomas, 72, or Justice Samuel Alito, 70, might retire so that Trump could put a younger conservative stamp on the court.

The relative youthfulness of the president's nominees - Justices Neil Gorsuch, 53, Brett Kavanaugh, 55, and 48-year-old Amy Coney Barrett - is one factor liberals cite in hoping to reinforce their allies on the court with a younger member.

As much as they assert their independence, many justices feel a pull to retire when the party of the president who nominated them is in power, or when the president is inclined to name a like-minded successor.

Scott Lemieux, a political scientist at the University of Washington, said that in the last half-century, "strategic retirements have been more the rule than the exception."

"The only justices since 1968 who resigned while still alive and with a president they weren't positively disposed to on ideological or partisan grounds were [William J.] Brennan and Thurgood Marshall, who waited as long as they could during a 12-year run of Republican control of the White House" before resigning for health issues, Lemieux wrote in a Washington Post op-ed.

In an interview, Lemieux noted that Obama's choices for the court replaced liberal-leaning Republicans, David Souter and John Paul Stevens. He chose Sonia Sotomayor, now 66, and Elena Kagan, now 60.

The two justices chosen by Clinton, Ginsburg and Breyer, resisted calls to step down.

In a 2013 interview with The Post, the then-80-year-old Ginsburg predicted that Obama's successor would be a Democrat. "The Democrats do fine in presidential elections; their problem is they can't get out the vote in the midterm elections," she said.

Noting the poisonous political atmosphere a year later, she said in an interview with the Associated Press: "So who do you think could be nominated now that would get through the Senate that you would rather see on the court than me?"

Ginsburg had hoped to stay on the court through the Trump presidency, but she died of cancer in September, which led to Barrett's confirmation in the days before the election.

Breyer has not had similar health concerns, and gave up his bicycle after a series of accidents that resulted in broken bones. Friends and former clerks say he loves the job, and the justice is something of a happy warrior on the court, enjoying the company of even the justices with whom he disagrees, such as Thomas, a longtime seatmate.

Because of the uncertainty of the confirmation process, some have suggested he could make his retirement contingent on the nomination and confirmation of a successor, as Justice Sandra Day O'Connor did in 2005.

The most recent justice to retire from the court, Anthony Kennedy, did not, but he was pretty certain confirmation would happen. Trump administration officials made Kennedy, then in his early 80s, comfortable with giving up his seat.

The president's first choice for the court, Gorsuch, was a former Kennedy clerk. After that, Kennedy himself suggested Kavanaugh be added to the list of possibilities, and he was named as Kennedy's replacement when he retired in 2018.

Biden said he would name a Black woman to the court, and the two women mentioned most prominently are California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, who argued before the Supreme Court as deputy solicitor general in the Obama administration, and U.S. District Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, whom Obama considered for the high court.

Jackson was one of Breyer's clerks at the Supreme Court. There is also speculation she would be in line for U.S. Judge Merrick Garland's seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit should Garland be confirmed as attorney general.

Breyer is the ninth-oldest justice in the Supreme Court's history, recently passing Justice Louis Brandeis. In a recent interview with Dahlia Lithwick for a series on Slate.com called the "80 most influential Americans over 80," Breyer said, "I mean, eventually I'll retire, sure I will. And it's hard to know exactly when."

Asked if society was sometimes too quick to move people out of their jobs, he answered, "I've thought sometimes that one virtue of China is they really respect old people."

Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 04:32:31|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A worker carries oxygen cylinders at a factory for producing oxygen in Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

by Marwa Yahya

CAIRO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- In a long queue outside a factory for producing oxygen stood dozens of citizens for refilling cylinders, whose families were infected with COVID-19.

They flocked to the factory in Nasr City, east of the capital Cairo, as Egypt has been experiencing the second wave of the pandemic since December 2020 when the number of cases and deaths started to rebound.

Egypt has recorded 146,809 cases and 8,029 deaths so far, according to the Ministry of Health's latest update. The surging number has pushed up the demand for the oxygen cylinders that are difficult to find in the pharmacies, not to mention that most of them are sold in high prices.

"Oxygen demand witnesses a sudden rise from December," said Ahmed al-Etaffy, manager of the factory which is run at full capacity now.

The factory was operated at 90-percent capacity in October and November last year, but as the second wave has started, it has to run for 24 hours every day to meet the demand, al-Etaffy told Xinhua.

He said the plant produces per day 12,000 liters of liquid oxygen and 1,400 cylinders of oxygen that are distributed to hospitals and individuals.

The manager explained that some people come to refill their cylinders several times in a single day because some patients consume one cylinder within three or four hours.

"It's difficult for us to provide oxygen to the hospitals we have contracted with and individuals at the same time," he said.

In order to fulfill the daily orders, he has to ask other factories for help. "The Egyptian market is thirsty for large quantities of oxygen and we also face some problems in the distribution."

Last week, a video circulated on social media showed that a number of COVID-19 patients dying in Egypt after an interruption in oxygen supply, which has stirred outrage.

On Sunday, the health ministry released a statement to affirm the availability of oxygen in sufficient quantities in all hospitals receiving coronavirus patients, clarifying that the patients in the video were mostly elderly people with chronic illnesses who suffered from complications as a result of their infections with the coronavirus, which led to the deterioration of health and even death.

Currently, the price of a cylinder hiked up to 255 U.S. dollars from 115 dollars before the spread of the virus, said Aly Aouf, chairman of the medicine sector in the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce.

He confirmed that Egypt has a self-sufficiency of oxygen as 30 companies are producing it, pointing out the crisis of oxygen cylinders that appeared in Egypt lately is due to the panic buying of those who store them over concerns of the increasing infections.

Aouf said some patients prefer not to go to the hospitals but use the oxygen cylinders at home under the supervision of nurses, adding that such practices would harm the patients who should be monitored by doctors in hospitals because high or low doses of oxygen could damage lungs.

He said that in the coming week more cylinders will arrive in Egypt from abroad, expecting the average price of one cylinder would drop to 64 dollars.

"But they are not likely to become widely available in the pharmacies by then," he added.
Bengaluru, Jan 10 : Karnataka recorded 899 new Covid-19 positive cases and four deaths, taking the total infection count to 9,26,767 and the toll to 12,138, the Health Department said on Saturday.

According to the health bulletin with 872 patients getting discharged on Friday after recovery.

"Of the 899 positive cases registered on Friday, 465 were from Bengaluru Urban alone," the bulletin stated.

Cumulatively 9,26,767 Covid-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state since March 8, 2020, which includes 12,138 deaths and 9,05,158 discharges, the Health department said in a bulletin.

Out of 9,452 active cases, 9,250 patients are stable and in isolation at designated hospitals, while 202 are in Intensive Care Units (ICU).

Out of 202 patients in the ICUs across the state, 88 are in Bengaluru hospitals, 12 in Tumakuru and 14 in Kalaburagi district. On a positive side, four districts Chikkaballapura, Haveri, Ramanagara and Yadgir not a single patient was admitted to ICU.

Three of the four deaths reported on Friday were from Bengaluru Urban and one from Mysuru.

Bengaluru Urban district topped the list of positive cases, with a total of 3,92,128 infections, followed by Mysuru 52,772 and Ballari 38,979.

Among discharges too, Bengaluru Urban was on top with 3,81,905, followed by Mysuru 51,443 and Ballari 38,239.

A total of over 1,51,75,037 samples have been tested so far, out of which 1,24,266 were tested on Friday alone.

Of the 4,238 UK returnees since December 9, only 40 tested Covid positive along with 26 of their primary contacts, while 11 of them with the UK virus strain.

"Positivity rate for the day was 0.72 per cent and case fatality rate 0.44 per cent for the day across the state," added the bulletin.
Highlights Parler, a popular social media alternative among right-wing conservatives was suspended by Google following riots in Washington D.C.

Although the app is no longer available on Play Store, Parler will not be removed from users' phones.

Parlers chef executive has termed the move as, Politically motivated by authoritarians who hate free speech!

The decision to suspend Parler came on Friday, two days after a pro-Trump mob stormed the US Capitol Building. It also followed Twitter's decision Friday to permanently ban President Trump's account over the risk of further violence.

Launched in 2018, Parler has proved particularly popular among supporters of US President Donald Trump and right-wing conservatives. Such groups have frequently accused Twitter and Facebook of unfairly censoring their views.



Although the app is no longer available on Play Store, Parler will not be removed from users' phones, and it's available to install from other Android-based app stores.

In a statement to the media, Google said it aims to protect user safety: "Our longstanding policies require that apps displaying user-generated content have moderation policies and enforcement that removes egregious content like posts that incite violence. All developers agree to these terms and we have reminded Parler of this clear policy in recent months. We're aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the US."

Apple has also warned Parler it will remove the app from its App Store if it does not comply with its content-moderation requirements.

On Parler, the app's chief executive John Matze said: "We won't cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech!"

Although Mr. Trump himself is not a user, the platform already features several high-profile contributors following earlier bursts of growth in 2020. Texas Senator Ted Cruz boasts 4.9 million followers on the platform, while Fox News host Sean Hannity has about seven million.

Over the last week, many have called for both Google and Apple to ban Parler. It has been alleged that it is not only used by President Trump's most fanatic supporters but also right-wing white extremists in America. There are wide-spread concerns that some recent content shared on the platform played a role in organising and further inflaming the recent Capitol riot that left five dead including a police officer.

Buzzfeed News reported on Friday that Apple had also contacted the social network, threatening to ban Parler unless it comes up with a "full moderation plan". It has 24 hours to comply. Apple has not yet commented publicly on the matter.

Also Read: https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/hyundai-first-confirmed-talking-to-apple-for-apple-car-and-then-backed-away-1757069-2021-01-08

Also Read: https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/signal-beats-whatsapp-to-become-top-free-app-on-app-store-in-india-here-s-the-proof-1757388-2021-01-09

Also Read: https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/in-a-moment-of-purge-twitter-and-other-tech-companies-finally-ban-trump-and-his-supporters-1757380-2021-01-09
Christian crowdfunding site raises more than $100K for Proud Boys leader after arrest

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

A campaign on GiveSendGo, the #1 Free Christian Fundraising site, has raised more than $100,000 for the legal defense of Henry Enrique Tarrio, the Afro-Cuban international chairman of the far-right Proud Boys group who was arrested Monday for the burning of a Black Lives Matter banner at a historic Washington, D.C., church.

Tarrio, 36, who was found with high-capacity firearm magazines, was also banned on Tuesday from entering the District of Columbia, with very limited exceptions to meet with his attorney or appear in court until June, the Sun Sentinel reported.

The court order banning Tarrio from Washington, D.C., prevented him from participating in pro-Trump events on Wednesday, during which Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building. Four people died, according to officials.

Tarrio cheered the attack on the Capitol on social networking website Parler and promised legal support on Thursday to any member of his group who ends up getting arrested for their role in it.

To those that are currently being hunted by the tyrannical government and media...Unless you destroyed property or assaulted an officer... (Which is serious but theyve dropped those charges for anarcho-Communists)they can only charge you with trespassing. Do not let them scare you with anything else. This is the time to say F**K THE SYSTEM, he wrote in a statement to his members. We will find attorneys to represent you if needed. We will help raise you money for your legal defense. You are not alone. All of you helped when I needed it the most. So I am forever in your gratitude and I will always be here for you.

Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee told USA Today that four people died during the unrest, including a woman who was shot by the U.S. Capitol Police, and three others  two men and one woman  who died in separate medical emergencies.

The woman shot dead was identified as 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt from San Diego. She was an Air Force veteran who served for 14 years.

She loved her country, and she was doing what she thought was right to support her country in joining up with like-minded people that also love their president and their country, her husband, Aaron Babbitt, told KTLA5. She was voicing her opinion, and she got killed for it.

Tarrio is alleged to have lit a banner stolen from Asbury United Methodist Church during a Dec. 12 rally, and later challenged authorities to arrest him for his actions.

I did it. Come get me if you feel like what I did was wrong. Well let the public decide, he declared.

In a message on the fundraising campaign, Tarrio said: I was arrested in Washington DC on 1/4/2021 this fund has been created to fund my legal defense and counter suit against the city of Washington DC.

As of Thursday evening, he had raised more than $113,000 of a $200,000 goal.
When asked about the genesis to the crisis pertaining to Hafeezpet lands, Akhila Priya's brother said that 60 acres of land was transferred to a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with several partners, including Naveena Rao brothers, A.V. Subba Reddy, and the Bhuma family.  DC Image

Kurnool: Already facing kidnap charges, former minister Akhila Priya has been slapped with dacoity charges in the alleged kidnap of shuttler Naveen Rao. This will further dampen her hopes of getting a bail.

Bhuma Jagath Vikhyat Reddy, the younger son of Bhuma Nagi Reddy, said the whole case is vitiated as on the day of the alleged kidnap, his sister Akhila Priya was in Vijayawada taking oath as the TD general secretary.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Reddy said, The whole case has been built on allegations. The remand report also says may or may not be them. The charges are baseless, concocted and fabricated, he said.

Following court directions, her medical examination was done at Osmania General Hospital, including a sonogram as she pleaded that she was pregnant. But it is learnt that the medical examination report certified that she was healthy and does not warrant any medical treatment. Even claims of pregnancy were also not confirmed, a source said.

Jagath Vikhyat Reddy said, My sister was not treated well at the hospital. She was not provided a wheelchair. She had seizures four times but there was no relief for her. The doctors advised the police to take her, which was painful.

When asked about the genesis to the crisis pertaining to Hafeezpet lands, Reddy said that 60 acres of land was transferred to a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with several partners, including Naveena Rao brothers, A.V. Subba Reddy, and the Bhuma family. But the said company has been folded up. Meanwhile, after the death of my father Nagi Reddy in 2017, Subba Reddy and Naveen Rao were trying to knock off the property.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and his son K.T. Rama Rao are aware of the issue and we have said clearly that we are ready for an amicable solution, Reddy said.

An advocate said that as per IPC Section 391 dealing with dacoity requires the participation of five or more people in any alleged offense. Akhila, named as A1, was not seen in the CCTV footage and there was no evidence whatsoever, implicating her by inserting dacoity to the alleged kidnap case, he said.
Following the EU Commission's approval of the Moderna vaccine, Luxembourg will receive its first 1,200 doses on Monday.

This was confirmed by health minister Paulette Lenert during an update session in parliament on Covid vaccines on Friday evening.

The EU Commission has also purchased another 300 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. Luxembourg is to get its full share, 0.14 percent, which is the equivalent of 420,000 doses.

Read also: Under-fire European officials step up vaccine push

With all the orders with producers combined, Luxembourg is to receive doses for over 1 million people.

Paulette Lenert further welcomed the news from the EU that one BioNTech/Pfizer flask does not contain five doses, but six. However, additional needles are required for the vaccine, which is what the health ministry is currently acquiring.

As soon as the vaccination of health and care sector workers has been completed, people aged 75 and over will receive an invite. The invite will then also slowly be extended to those aged between 65 and 75. In a third stage, the focus will be put on vulnerable people over 50, followed by those under 50.

In the fifth stage of vaccinations, everyone between 16 and 65 years old will be invited to a vaccine, although older people will be prioritised. Not only residents, but also non-residents who work in Luxembourg will be able to be vaccinated against coronavirus.

Opinion: Covid-19 vaccinations will be the ultimate test for our societies
Another Missouri news link just for balance . . .

MO Sen. Roy Blunt on Trump impeachment: 'It's not going to happen'

Meanwhile, here's the perspective from Kansas City's top ranking elected official . . .

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- U.S. House Rep. Emanuel Cleaver said Friday he has signed on to the Articles of Impeachment circulating in the U.S. House of Representatives. Cleaver again called for President Donald Trump to be removed from office. "It is clear that the President needs to be removed from office," Cleaver tweeted on Friday.
Should government employees be allowed to run a business in Bahrain?

Should government employees be allowed to run a business in Bahrain?

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  wwwnewsofbahraincom

Bahrain MPs are planning to vote on a new law in its next session granting public sector employees commercial registration to run their own businesses.

Currently, a full time or permanent government employee cannot engage himself in a private business even as a partner or a part-time employee as it is expected to generate a conflict of interest.

This, however, could change, if the parliamentarians vote in favour of the new law.

The argument is that the law would help a public employee boost his income in a world troubled by the deadly coronavirus pandemic The move is expected to diversify the income source of public servants and allow them to overcome the economic impact of the outbreak.

However, Bahrains Civil Service Bureau had warned the parliamentarians against confirming the law, saying, It would produce a conflict of interest.

Such a law that combines the government and private works may lead to indiscipline in the government official working hours, CSB pointed out. This will also reduce the chances of jobless citizens from grabbing an opportunity.

Accordingly, the employees are not allowed to practise some activities in the private sector as of now, the CSB stated.
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.
Louisiana - The National Weather Service in Shreveport is monitoring a cold front, which may bring the possibility of wintry precipitation, as it passes through Louisiana. Beginning late Sunday evening and into early Monday morning, a mixture of rain and snow is forecasted to affect both the northern and southern portions of Louisiana. This weather event may affect motorists as the accumulation of wintry precipitation on roadway surfaces is expected.

Before deciding whether travel is necessary, Louisiana State Police urges motorists to stay informed with the latest weather and travel conditions. Freezing rain and sleet can cause bridges and overpasses to ice quickly, as temperatures near the freezing point. If conditions deteriorate, motorists are encouraged to refrain from driving until conditions improve. If ice accumulates on bridges and/or overpasses, LSP will work closely with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and our local law enforcement partners to take appropriate measures.

Roadway closures are possible and expected across the state. For road closure information, motorists can utilize the 511 phone system, 511la.org, or Louisiana 511 smartphone application. Throughout the weather event, Troopers will be actively patrolling to monitor roadway conditions and assist stranded motorists. LSP offers the following winter weather driving tips:

Avoid unnecessary travel

Reduce speed and allow extra time to reach your destination

Increase your following distance behind other vehicles

Do not drive using the cruise control in icy conditions

Anticipate stops (such as stop signs and traffic signals) and brake gently while stopping

If you encounter a skid, take your foot off of the accelerator and steer into the skid until you regain control

Use low beam headlights if it is raining or sleeting

Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained

If you experience difficulties or witness hazardous situations while on the highway, you may notify the nearest State Police Troop by dialing *LSP (*577) from your cell phone. Continue to monitor LSPs social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter) for the latest information regarding current traffic advisories, roadways conditions, and other significant information.
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.
Illinois reported 9,277 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 on Friday, along with 126 additional deaths.

The state hasnt reported a single-day case count this high since Dec. 11, when it reached 9,520, but the 118,665 test results reported Friday constituted the highest one-day total since Dec. 12. It made for a one-day positivity rate of 7.8%, and the seven-day rolling average case positivity rate was unchanged from Thursdays report at 8.5%.

The state reached 1,017,322 total cases across its 102 counties, including 17,395 total deaths in the state. Nearly 14 million have been tested.

As of Thursday night, 3,777 COVID-19 patients were reported hospitalized, a decrease of 144 from the day prior. There were 780 patients in intensive care unit beds, consistent with the day prior, and 422 on ventilators, 28 less than the day prior.

The governors office also announced this week a statewide mask mandate has been extended through a subsequent emergency rule that was filed Monday and will be in effect for an additional 150 days.

On Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the possibility of Tier 3 mitigations being lifted by Jan. 15 in regions that meet certain metrics. That represents a 14-day incubation period following New Years Day.

To transition from Tier 3 to Tier 2, a region must experience a positivity rate below 12% for three consecutive days. It also must have greater than 20% intensive care unit and hospital bed availability and declining COVID hospitalizations for seven of the 10 days.

Regions began hitting Tier 2 restrictions in November, with statewide Tier 3 mitigations announced on Nov. 20. No region has been able to move back to Tier 1 restrictions after reaching Tier 2.

According to an Illinois Department of Public Health document detailing Tier 2 restrictions, IDPH will continue to track the positivity rate in regions requiring additional mitigations over a 14-day monitoring period to determine if mitigations can be relaxed, if additional mitigations are required, or if current mitigation should remain in place. If the positivity rate averages less than or equal to 6.5% over a three-day period, the region will return to Phase 4 mitigations under the Restore Illinois Plan.

Phase 4 mitigations are less strict than any of the tiers of the resurgence plan.

As of Friday, only two of the states 11 mitigation regions meet the criteria set by the governors office to return to Tier 2 mitigations with one week left before they would be able to do so. Those regions include Region 2, which covers 20 counties in north-central Illinois, and Region 7, which covers Kankakee and Will counties.

Under Tiers 2 and 3, indoor dining is suspended. A region would have to move to Tier 1 to open indoor dining with limited capacity. Tier 1 restrictions also include suspension of indoor bar service.

.

Total cases in west-central Illinois counties as of Friday, according to individual county health departments, were:

Brown County

479 total, 435 recovered, six deaths

Cass County

1,711 total, 1,567 recovered, 30 deaths

15 new cases.

Greene County

1,179 total, 1,065 recovered, 40 deaths

Five new cases.

Jersey County

2,068 total, 1,947 recovered, 32 deaths

Macoupin County

3,677 total, 2,172 recovered, 91 deaths

48 new cases and two additional deaths.

Morgan County

3,211 total, 3,011 released from restrictions, 87 deaths

20 new cases.

Pike County

1,477 total, 1,375 recovered, 39 deaths

13 new cases.

Sangamon County

13,828 total, 187 deaths

61 new cases and two additional deaths, those of a woman in her 80s and a man in his 90s.

Schuyler County

563 total, 528 recovered, 14 deaths

Two new cases.

Scott County

343 total, 314 recovered, one death
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

It was a desecration of our governments seat of power. A sacrilege against our democracy. A shameful episode carried out by a relatively small mob of violent criminals who disgraced the otherwise peaceful, lawful assembly of countless thousands of earnest Americans who had traveled to Washington to express their distrust of the last election.

In the end, one female military veteran was fatally shot in the neck by a lawman after she and a marauding group of trespassers broke down a door inside the U.S. Capitol, a Capitol Police officer died after reportedly being hit in the head with a fire extinguisher, and three people died after suffering medical emergencies.

Five needless deaths and numerous police officers injured. And for what?

The group would likely say they were there to disrupt Congress from ratifying the presidential Electoral College vote, but they achieved exactly nothing.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Nearly 70 were arrested as of Thursday afternoon, and more may be. I hereby call for the prosecution of each guilty party to the fullest extent of the law.

Their lawyers better not offer arguments about understandable outrage over the election or angst due to COVID-19. Im not buying any excuse for what that band of lawless, unpatriotic intruders did. None. We are not some banana republic where the citizenry storms parliament. We are the United States of America and its time everyone was expected to act accordingly.

The behavior the world witnessed inside the halls of Congress was criminal, pure and simple. Americans deserve to know everything about every person who illegally entered The Peoples House that day. What were their motives? Why did some come equipped with climbing ropes and was there a conspiracy to discover the best way to enter the building? Do the suspects have criminal records or a history of mental health issues?

We should expect the FBI to be transparent with its findings.

Perhaps more importantly, who financed trips to Washington for these criminals? There are active groups  on both sides of the political spectrum  bent on causing societal disruption. If there were professional instigators involved we need to know.

The media quickly labeled this a coup, which it was not, and the mob as pro-Trump supporters. If thats true the 45th president should be held at least partially responsible for what occurred after his speech to supporters earlier in the day in which he continued to belligerently insist that he won the election by a landslide.

His encouragement for the crowd to march to the Capitol could be considered a catalyst to the deadly event.

Trump had obviously been looking to incite supporters since his Dec. 19 tweet announcing, Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!

Sore losers dont get to stoke anger, step back into the shadows and then wait hours to tell his minions to go home in peace. I am a lifelong proponent of free speech, but I cant disagree with the social media ban imposed on Trump by Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

I applaud those members of the administration who resigned in shock and embarrassment.

That said, other politicians and the media arent blameless. For the last year weve seen violent eruptions of rioting, looting, arson, assault and death in cities across the country. Politicians ordered law enforcement to stand down and let the protesters wear themselves out.

The oblivious mayor of Seattle called the illegal occupation of part of her city nothing more than a summer of love gathering.

At one point a police precinct was set on fire with rioters trying to trap officers inside by sealing the doors with cement.

Newspapers and newscasters frequently described 2020 demonstrations as expressions of frustration over racial disparity or mostly peaceful protests when they were obviously much more than that.

CNNs Don Lemon foolishly likened one chaotic evening in cities as far apart as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. to the Boston Tea Party and played down the violence by saying, This is how this country was started.

Something very ugly has taken hold in this country both individually and politically. Heres hoping the deadly Jan. 6 storming of The Peoples House will be enough to convince citizens that personal anger must dissolve and political attitudes must change if we want to remain the UNITED States of America.

www.DianeDimond.com; email to Diane@DianeDimond.com
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  The country's trade deficit shrank to its lowest in five months last November, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed.

Exported goods grew annually by 3% during the month, the fastest increase recorded since February. Exports amounted to $5.79 billion during the period.

Imports continued to contract in November, declining by 18.9% year-on-year. This is the slowest growth imported goods logged in four months. The products hit a total value of $7.52 billion during the period.

With this, the trade deficit amounted to $1.73 billion in November, plunging by 52.6% from the year prior.

A trade deficit means a country imports more than it exports goods.

Majority of exports' main commodity groups yielded positive annual growth rates, with cathodes and refined coppers leading the surge with an 83.2% year-on-year growth. Gold and coconut oil come afterwards, expanding by 59.5% and 40.4% respectively compared to 2019.

However, other mineral products and other manufactured goods both contracted by 14.4%. Machinery and transport equipment also shrank during the period by 5.9%.

Most of the country's exports went to the United States, logging the highest export value at $956.8 million of the total exports in November. It is followed by China at $923.65 million, Japan at $872.95 million, Hong Kong at $736.13 million and Singapore at $313.89 million.

Meanwhile, all major commodity groups of imported goods contracted annually in November. Transport equipment suffered the most with a -42.7% growth rate, followed by industrial machinery and equipment declining by 32.6%. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials likewise fell during the period by 30.2%.

The Philippines imported the most from China, with total goods amounting to $2.02 billion. Japan comes next at $734.35 million, the US at $554.4 million, Indonesia at $545.58 million, and South Korea at $528.88 million.
Now that Gov. John Bel Edwards has set the date of the special election to succeed U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, look for the field of candidates to narrow  at least among the notables initially mentioned as potential contenders. Qualifying is Jan. 20-22, which doesnt give unannounced candidates much time to get up to speed.

Richmond will vacate his seat on Jan. 20 to join the administration of President-elect Joe Biden after serving 10 years in Congress representing Louisianas 2nd Congressional District.

The district runs from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. It includes most of the city, Algiers, much of West Jefferson and the River Parishes, and parts of East Baton Rouge Parish. Politically, New Orleans and West Jefferson anchor the district with 68% of the electorate. Equally important, the district is 61% Black and 63% Democrat. It was drawn to create a Black voting majority, and Richmond is Louisianas highest-ranking Black elected official.

When Richmond announced his decision in November to join the Biden Administration (he co-chaired Bidens presidential campaign), a bevy of local politicos expressed interest in succeeding him. Since then, only two have formally announced their candidacies: state Sens. Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter, both of New Orleans. With the clock ticking down to qualifying, the field is beginning to appear set.

Last week Baton Rouge-based civil rights activist Gary Chambers Jr. announced hed also be running for the seat. Chambers rose to national prominence last summer after a clip from an East Baton Rouge Parish School Board meeting went viral. In the video, Chambers called out board member Connie Bernard for online shopping while the board and community members discussed renaming then-Lee High School, a majority-Black school named after Confederate Robert E. Lee. The school board voted to rename the school Liberty High the following month.

Clancy DuBos: Richmond's departure from Congress tips the domino effect Congressman Cedric Richmond surprised no one when he announced on Nov. 17 that he would accept President-elect Joe Bidens offer to serve as o

Only one high-profile potential candidate remains officially undecided: City Council President Helena Moreno. Ironically, Moreno leads most if not all polls and would likely make a runoff were she to run. She ran for Congress more than a decade ago, so she may yet have some interest in that path.

On the other hand, Moreno may have adjusted her ambitions since then. She has emerged as a citywide leader in the fight for criminal justice reform and for tougher laws against domestic violence. She was the only council member to support Jason Williams, the citys new district attorney, and she is believed to have her political sights on the mayors office (after Cantrell, not against Cantrell later this year).

I will announce my decision soon, is all that Moreno would say about Congress. My guess is she will not run, which sets up a showdown between Peterson and Carter  and between rival political factions in New Orleans.

Peterson is a leader in the Black Organization for Leadership Development (BOLD), the Central City-based political group once led by her late father, Ken Carter, who was the citys first Black person elected assessor. Carter is an ally of Richmond and will have his full-throated support if Moreno doesnt run (she, too, is an ally of Richmond). State Sen. Cleo Fields, another ally of Richmond, officially declared he will not run and is expected to help Carter.

Both Peterson and Carter have sought the seat before. They ran against each other  and against then-incumbent Bill Jefferson  in 2006 (Peterson lost to Jefferson in the runoff), and Carter ran again in 2008, when Anh Joseph Gao upset Jefferson in the general election.

Peterson and Carter were less known then. This time they are the front runners, and the battle lines are already taking shape.
Dhanalakshmi, an Irula student, was preparing to study agricultural sciences, but official apathy towards granting her a community certificate stands in the way of her aspirations

Editor's note: In 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak upended lives and livelihoods of people in Tamil Nadu in myriad ways. The novel coronavirus threw up new and unprecedented challenges, especially for people from marginalised sections of society. In a multi-part series, Firstpost explores how individuals from different walks of life lived through the year of the pandemic. This is part eight of the series.

Read part 1 of the series here, part 2 here, part 3 here, part 4 here, part 5 here, part 6 here and part 7 here.

***

For Villupuram-based journalist Krithika Srinivasan, 2020 was a year of many realisations. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it dawned on her that challenges of reportage from a small district during such a situation would increase manifold. Over the first few months, she realised that it could nevertheless be done. Most importantly, she realised by the end of 2020 that no matter what a journalist does to bring to light wrongdoing, there is only so much that will come out of it in the face of caste hegemony and government apathy. Even when it involves something as simple, yet as important as access to education for a first-generation tribal student.

Journalism happened to Krithika while she was pursuing her dream of being a filmmaker. Her world changed colours quickly, when she moved from Chennai to Villupuram, on her first reporting gig. Within days of moving to Villupuram, it dawned on her that the foremost issue that the most marginalised tribes, be it Irulas or Kattunayakans, face in Villupuram is to get a community certificate.

Why is a community certificate important for students from marginalised Scheduled Tribe communities?

Roja, a first generation PhD student studying at Loyola College says that a community certificate for her is more important than any other certificate of identity. This is 100 times more important than my degree certificate, she explains. Despite finishing her schooling with high marks, Roja had to struggle with college admission because her application for grant of this certificate wasnt being processed at all. After Roja, her mother and Irula leader Kalyani went from pillar to post, Roja had to finally join college through the other caste category. This meant she had no access to scholarships or hostel facilities available to tribal students, something she needed to survive and to support her family.

While she studied, her mother visited the tehsildars office almost everyday for a year, after which she was able to procure the certificate. Only then was she able to apply for the scholarship that she is eligible for. It was also because the principal of that college empathised with me. This doesnt happen usually, said Roja.

That students like Roja face these issues routinely was something Krithika had documented much before she moved to Villupuram. In 2016, while she was interning with National Campaign on on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), Krithika had compiled a whole docket profiling hundreds of students facing such issues across Tamil Nadu. So when I chanced upon Dhanalakshmis case, through the Irula Tribal Rights Association, I knew what I was getting into, says Krithika.

Dhanalakshmi, from T Parangini village in Vannur Taluk, is the first person from her family to go past tenth standard, just like Roja. She performed really well in her board exams and was preparing to study agricultural sciences, when she faced the same roadblocks that Roja faced. But in the case of Dhanalakshmi, she decided not to go about it quietly. She decided to be loud about it, says Krithika, who by then had started to report on Dhanalakshmis fight with the government for a community certificate.

The first step that Dhanalakshmi took was to submit a petition with 14 documents (including photocopies of community certificates provided to 10 of her relatives) to the concerned Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), all supporting proof that she is Irula and that her fresh application for a community certificate should be processed immediately. She had already applied for the certificate twice, in 2016 and 2020, but they were still pending. One of the main reasons for urgency was that the deadline for applying to the graduate degree that Dhanalakshmi was interested in was less than a few months away. She had to apply for the degree by 31 August. As the days went by, there was no action from the part of the RDO.

When Krithika investigated why this is the case, she learned that the issue of a community certificate wasnt just about the person applying for it. It was about who else had a stake in the progress that an individual might attain, on accessing education through that certificate. Within Dhanalakshmis village, the dominant Vanniyars were vehemently opposed to her being granted an Irula certificate. It wasnt only that there was casteism, it was also that Irulas were performing rituals in the local temple. That these Irulas, who had entered their temple will now be classified as Scheduled Tribes was a matter of shame for Vanniyars. And this is why they have been opposing and stalling issuance of certificates to Irulas, says Krithika.

On one occasion, when Dhanalakshmi went to the RDOs office, the same Vanniyars told her that she should instead apply for a BC certificate, since her family had temple rights and it would be insulting to them if she were classified as ST. Would you all marry into our family if we got a BC certificate? she asked them. They didnt let her go. In fact, they physically assaulted her for daring to ask such a question, recollects Krithika.

Unfazed with government apathy and dominant caste rage, Dhanalakshmi organised a sit-in protest at the RDO office on 13 August, with more Irula students like her, who are struggling to get a community certificate. By now, Krithikas reports on Dhanalakshmi and her actions against the RDO were being shared widely across Tamil Nadu. Activists and political leaders urged the District Collector Annadurai to not compromise on the issue, as it involved the education of a student.

As far as I saw, there was a teenager who just wanted to study. That is all she told me, that she wanted to study, especially because her sisters couldnt, says Krithika. Both of Dhanalakshmiss sisters had to cut their dreams of pursuing a college education short as they too got embroiled in this community certificate business. Since they couldnt get it in the same year after they finished their schooling, their family got them married. This is one way in which this affects tribal girl students specifically. The RDO could have fast tracked this process, and helped her out. This is what is expected of him, to help students like her. But all these people took affront to the fact that Dhanalakshmi was openly questioning them and challenging them, says Krithika.

RDO Rajendran meanwhile constituted an anthropological team to investigate if Dhanalakshmi was in fact Irula and announced that a certificate would be issued to her only after they send their findings. The usual process for issuance of a community certificate is to apply at the Tehsildars office. The Tehsildar is supposed to visit and check, after which the certificate is issued. This normally takes 15 days, says retired IAS officer and former Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare secretary Christodas Gandhi. He adds that there are district vigilance committees set up to look into specific cases of wrongdoing.

Dhanalakshmi put so much effort into highlighting this issue. Many from her community started looking at her like a leader. But on 31 August, the last date for her to apply for a degree, RDO Rajendran sent Dhanalakshmi a report that she wont be issued a community certificate as the anthropological team had concluded that she isnt Irula, says Krithika. This was in spite of all the documents submitted by Dhanalakshmi, such as Irula certificates that her relatives possess and a patta document of her father, classifying him as Hindu-Irula.

Dhanalakshmi couldnt do much about her college degree after this. She had no community certificate to submit, which is a prerequisite even in schools now. Dhanalakshmis helplessness and the fact that all the reportage led to nothing pushed Krithika into depression. Her mental health took a beating and she went into a shell herself.

What is this investigation process that tribal students are put through?

Christodas Gandhi explains that community certificates were misused by people from other castes, while colluding with officers from the government who issued these certificates. This was rampant in the 1980s, following which the Supreme Court issued guidelines to be followed while issuing community certificates to people from tribal communities.

Why should tribal students bear the brunt of wrongdoing by dominant castes and the government?

While multiple processes were put into place to make issuance of certificates stringent, the ones who were actually affected by this were people from tribal communities themselves, especially students such as Dhanalakshmi. The process of trying to undo the wrongdoings related to fake certificates has actually resulted in making life miserable for us, says Roja. The report given to Dhanalakshmi said that she wasnt aware of certain ancient customs specific to Irulas and that it couldnt be established through her way of life if she was Irula. The manner in which these anthropological teams conduct their investigations has been called to question by many ST activists. Most of these teams comprise non-tribals, who have a bookish, dated understanding of what being tribal is. That many tribal families no longer lead their lives in the way the government defines their traditional roles is lost on them, says an ST activist, on the condition of anonymity. All of this only results in tribal communities not being able to avail basic rights that they are constitutionally entitled to, when they want to.

This is in-fact one of the foremost grievances of many ST communities at the moment. Every time I meet a person from the ST community in Villupuram, two minutes into the conversation, they say Weve not yet got our community certificate ma. On the other hand, the ones who misused the law havent been prosecuted. The ones with fake certificates still continue to use them to avail benefits, unquestioned, Krithika said.

After sitting it out for a month, Dhanalakhsmi submitted a reply to the RDOs report and has demanded that she be issued any certificate, so that she can go ahead and apply to a government college at least in the coming year. This reply was filed in October. She also submitted a letter to the Collector, bringing to notice the delay and her community-less status and that she has lost a year, pursuing her right to an education. They are yet to respond.

Dhanalakshmi, while speaking to this reporter and Krithika in December said that she hopes to pursue the same agricultural sciences degree next year. If she is finally issued a community certificate, that is. Meanwhile, she has enrolled at a private college for a degree, where she has been told to submit her community certificate as soon as possible. RDO Rajendran refused to speak to this reporter, in spite of multiple attempts for a meeting and phone-calls.

We have to make our reporting even more rigorous

For Krithika, Dhanalakshmis story is a sign of what she has in store for the years to come. That a 17 year old, a first generation economically, socially and educationally marginalised student was driven to despair by an unsympathetic government, only makes her resolve to keep reporting on how marginalised communities are not given their basic rights stronger.

Weve to break the rigidness of this system with continuous reportage. We cannot stop doing our journalism because we are putting the names of these officers on record. If not this year, then next year, or five or ten years from now, at some point this system will have to make way for change, she said.
Delhi Chief Minister on Saturday announced a ban on import of live birds in the capital and closure of Ghazipur poultry market for the next 10 days in view of scare.

Noting that there is no confirmed case of avian influenza in Delhi so far, the chief minister said samples have been sent to Jalandhar laboratory.

"There is no confirmed case of in Delhi so far. We have sent around 104 samples to a lab in Jalandhar, the reports will come by day after tomorrow. The Delhi government will take the necessary decision based on reports," Kejriwal said at a press conference.

"The import of live birds is being banned in Delhi. The Ghazipur poultry market will remain closed for 10 days," he added.
Representative image (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

A Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) soldier was apprehended on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh on January 8, news reports suggest.

The PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC in the area south of the Pangong Tso. According to reports, the Indian Army had informed the Chinese side about their soldier being taken into custody.

The soldier is reportedly being dealt with as per laid down procedures. Circumstances under which he crossed the LAC are being investigated further, NDTV reported citing officials.

Both sides have deployed thousands of troops along the LAC since May when border tensions started simmering between the two neighbours  especially along three friction points in the eastern Ladakh region. The LAC is the de-facto border between the two countries in the region. In June 2020, Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley as the stand-off escalated into a violent face-off. While there were fatalities on the Chinese side too, the number was not revealed by Beijing.

Both sides are known to have stationed heavy artillery and deployed fighter aircraft in close proximity to the LAC as a precautionary measure even as they work towards disengagement.

On January 8, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that India and China have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any "misunderstandings and misjudgements".

Asked about the status of talks with China over the border row, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said the latest round of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) was held on December 18 and the two sides have agreed to hold the next round of senior commanders meeting.
Sales: Shoppers took to the retail streets again between Christmas and the latest lockdown. Photo:Frank McGrath

Retail sales plunged in November, during the only full month of the second lockdown, foreshadowing a severe impact from even tougher pandemic restrictions introduced this month.

According to new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), retail sales volumes fell 12.8pc month-on-month in November after several months of recovery. In value terms, the drop was even steeper at 13.7pc.

It was the biggest fall in retail sales since April, when most businesses were forced to close in the early weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now after post-Christmas sales were restricted due to rising case numbers, retailers are facing an uncertain period with most activity banned for an indefinite period.

"It feels like we're in for a much longer lockdown," said Duncan Graham, CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, a representative body for more than 2,000 retailers.

"What's concerning is this time we can't plan for it as we did in October. Christmas cash will allow retailers to get through February, but after that we just don't know."

Read More

Mr Graham said the impact of poor November sales was not as bad for his members as the first lockdown in the second quarter because many consumers did their Christmas shopping in October.

Consumers ramped up spending in the five days before Taoiseach Micheal Martin's speech on October 19 announcing nationwide Level 5 restrictions, according to card spending data produced by the Central Bank.

However, he said sales after Christmas had been muted and retailers were struggling to shift winter stock.

"Retailers weren't buying with the expectation of another lockdown exceeding six weeks," he said.

Even though many retailers have managed to shift a lot of their business online  online sales in November hit 12.3pc  the ban on click-and-collect was another headwind.

"The CSO Retail Index for November demonstrates the fluctuating environment that Irish retailers are operating in," said Owen Clifford, head of retail sector business for Bank of Ireland. "The statistics demonstrate the importance of having an online offering for consumers to complement the physical store."

Missions of some countries were frustrated and upset with not being able to access their accounts fully and the limited flow of cash after the Indian government demonetized Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes in 2016. In fact, a handful of envoys even suggested harsh reciprocal measures against Indian missions and diplomats abroad, revealed outgoing Dean of Diplomatic Corps in India, Ambassador Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos.

The Ambassador of the Dominican Republic told News18 that getting the problems of missions solved and forming a consensus over what to communicate to the Indian government over the issue of demonetization was one of the most difficult jobs he had on hand in his four years as the Dean of Diplomatic Corps. While he has served in India for 15 years, he acted as a spokesperson for the foreign missions in India for four years.

He pointed out that while most countries believed and communicated that it was Indias internal matter, some had shown a sharp reaction to the financial constraints it imposed. Immediate payments in some cases, for instance, to labour at constructions that were on at some embassy buildings got stalled and tourists also came back to their respective missions with problems.

Followed by this was GST that also created initial problems for the diplomats in their GST returns. However, Ambassador Castellanos appreciated the Ministry of External Affairs for addressing their concerns by organising three meetings of the administrative staff of embassies with the finance ministry. He said it greatly helped in providing clarity and streamlining processes.

The Ambassador also had kind words for an ever-evolving India he has witnessed over the last 15 years. He called India a world player and praised it for the role it has played in the Covid-19 crisis extending help to various countries. He said India had turned the adversity to its diplomatic advantage by the humanitarian assistance it extended in the form of medicine export like hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol and other medical supplies. India helped the Dominican Republic twice during the last nine months of the pandemic.

Ambassador Castellanos called India a unique destination for diplomats. He also expressed great excitement at the fact that India had announced opening a mission in his country. So far, Indias Ambassador to Cuba deals with the Dominican Republic as well. Ambassador Castellanos next assignment will be in Moscow.
January is Radon Action Month in Michigan, and the Tuscola County Health Department encourages residents to learn more about this environmental hazard and test their homes. Testing is easy, inexpensive, and the only way to know if a home has a radon problem. Free radon test kits are available in January to Tuscola County residents at the Tuscola County Health Department.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking , and is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. Radon is usually diluted by the atmosphere to safe levels but can concentrate indoors to an elevated and harmful level. Radon enters buildings through openings in the foundation floor or walls, becoming trapped inside, especially in winter months when doors and windows remain closed. It's expected one out of eight Michigan homes has elevated levels of radon. If elevated levels are found, they can be reduced with various ventilation techniques.
With the end of the year looming, we take a look back at how 2020 has treated the global drinks industry. Here are just-drinks' ten most-read articles written by our wine experts, led by category commentator Chris Losh, over the last 12 months.

just-drinks looks back at its wine category commentary over the last 12 months

10. Will Australia's bushfires bring on wine industry burn-out?

This year started with Australia dominating the news headlines. In February, Chris considered what the country's bushfire crisis had done - and would continue to do - to Australia's wine producers.

9. COVID's acceleration of technological solutions in the vineyard

With necessity long being the mother of invention, the COVID crisis has brought outlying technology into the mainstream, and at speed. Chris has seen similar leaps and bounds at the production end of the wine industry.

8. Why France's wine industry should look beyond COVID-19 for the source of its woes

The wine producers in France found themselves in a bit of a hole this year - but then, so was every other wine company around the world. Unlike their foreign peers, however, the French could't lay the blame squarely at a pandemic's door. Indeed, as Chris discovered, the guilty party was much closer to home.

7. Tariffs risk reversing Australian wine's hard-won China wins

In late-November, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) advanced an on-going anti-dumping investigation into Australian wine with the announcement that bottled imports from the country would face preliminary tariffs of as much as 217%. Comments from the Australian wine industry that this was a disappointing outcome were, to say the least, an understatement.

6. South Africa's wine industry is on its knees and it's not just thanks to COVID

South Africa's wine producers have been hard-done-by this year, more so than any other wine-producing nation. As Chris explained, the country's handling of the coronavirus pandemic has become a case study in 'How not to support your high-profile industries'.

5. Why black lives in wine should matter more than ever before

More than any other drinks category, wine has long had an issue with diversity. For Chris, who has been reporting on wine for a long time, the Black Lives Matter movement engendered a strong sense of deja-vu.

4. Treasury Wine Estates' Penfolds demerger - Seriously, what is the point?

In announcing the initial conclusions of a recent business review today, Treasury Wine Estates prompted the very simple question: Why? A statement to the Australian Stock Exchange in April featured the following line from the group: "Treasury Wine Estates  announced its intention to consider a demerger of the Penfolds business  into a separate company." Take another look at it. Did you trip up at the same point that I did? "... announced its intention to consider..."

3. Why has wine failed to educate the consumer on price? Ask Jacob's Creek

As former Diageo CEO Paul Walsh once told just-drinks: "They say, in wine, a fool and his money are easily parted." Unfortunately, for the wine category, the consumer is no fool. Chris looked at Pernod Ricard's attempts to move Jacob's Creek up the value chain and found a brand struggling under the weight of consumer perception.

2. How is the coronavirus hitting the wine industry?

Every industry has been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic this year. In wine, the sales channels were battered while production also had battles to fight. In April, Chris surveyed the wreckage.

1. Why the wine industry will struggle to balance supply with demand post-COVID

As the grape harvest hit its peak in the northern hemisphere in September, Chris surveyed the devastation wreaked by COVID-19 and asked: Just what are we going to do with all our wine?

Click here for all of just-drinks' reviews of 2020
Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images

The last time the U.S. Capitol fared this poorly against an invasion, its formidable enemy was the British Empire. Two hundred years later, the next worst incursion did not come as close to destroying the seat of Congress. On the other hand, the combatants belonged not to one of the worlds most feared fighting forces but to a motley mob of extremists.

The ragtag rioters incited by President Trump breached the building, moreover, while it held most of the nations top elected officials, including Congress and much of the line of succession: Vice President Mike Pence (and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley. With lawmakers herded into barricaded rooms and five dead in the aftermath, it was a catastrophic national security breach that could have been far worse.
HOLYOKE  The economic jolt businesses see from the annual St. Patricks celebrations begins long before hundreds of thousands of people descend on the Paper City for the parade and road race in mid-March.

During St. Patricks season, the Log Cabin becomes a second home for the parade committee, which hosts a series of elegant events that attract local, state and national dignitaries. Each year the banquet and meeting facility is the site of the Grand Marshals Reception in January, followed by the Grand Colleen Coronation Ball in February.

Closer to parade weekend, theres the John F. Kennedy National Award Banquet and Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce St. Patricks Breakfast.

The D Hotel, which falls under the Log Cabins ownership umbrella along with The Mick Pub, welcomes award recipients, families, runners, bands, and marchers.

The events offer a bridge when business teeters off after the holidays and into winter, and Peter Rosskothen  the Log Cabins principal owner  says the parade and its associated events are a yearly wake up for the local hospitality industry.

If the parade didnt exist, we wouldnt wake up until April or May, he said.

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing organizers to cancel the parade and road race again in 2021, businesses are facing a second straight year without the millions of dollars in revenue the events generate for bars, restaurants, hotels, food trucks, street cart vendors, printers and florists. But unlike last year  when many events were held before the wave of pandemic-related shutdowns hit the country  the 2021 cancellation means no St. Patricks season at all.

This could be a tipping point for some businesses. We hope not, said Marc E. Joyce, president of the St. Patricks Committee of Holyoke.

Joyce said he expects business owners to get hammered by the second straight cancellation  especially the hospitality industry, which has already struggled for nearly a year under strict COVID-19 mandates and capacity limits.

Joyce, who was to serve a single term but whose tenure was extended due to the cancellations, said the parade committee should weather the coming year. Most corporate and individual sponsorships remain in place, with only a few asking for a refund.

The parade committee completed its last fundraising drive just weeks before last years cancellation, leaving the organization with cash on hand. We have that pot of money we raised last year that we usually expend on the day itself, Joyce said. Were OK because of our sponsors.

Like most people, though, Joyce believed the pandemic would have subsided by now. I would anticipate that some sponsors want their money back, he said.

The St. Patrick's Day crowd at Brennan's Place on High Street in Holyoke in 2016.The Republican file

Rosskothen said he was not surprised by the cancellation as COVID-19 infections and deaths climb regionally and nationwide. I am hoping life will be a little bit more normal as we get to May and June, he said. Its very sad that these things get canceled.

The Log Cabin relies on large events, from weddings to proms to a slew of banquets and fundraisers that include the annual Volleyball Hall of Fame enshrinement dinner every fall.

Rosskothen applied for federal coronavirus relief under the CARES Act, as well as relief through a current state program. The state application required businesses to note their reduction in sales and service. The Log Cabin stated a 71% drop since 2019.

Meanwhile, the 60-room D Hotel noted a 10-13% capacity rate. Rosskothen said hotels usually need to run at 55% occupancy to post a profit. We would have sold out that entire weekend, he said of the parade and road race. There are so many people coming home, and you have the dignitaries from the parade staying with us.

His businesses arent alone. Therere a whole bunch of my peers, and we cant wait for this to be over. We need help from the government to get us through this, he said. Weve been waiting too long.

The parade and road race are typically the biggest weekend of the year for downtown bars like Brennans Place and Francies Tavern, both of which rent large tents to host live music and accommodate the influx of patrons. The nearby Clover Cafe, Unicorn Inn, and Griffins Cafe fill with revelers and runners.

The economic impact widens to favorite haunts like Pics Pub on Hampden Street, Slainte on Jarvis Avenue, JPs on Whiting Farms Road and the Dam Cafe on Northampton Street  among many others.

Rosskothen also feared for the musicians who will lose gigs at pubs and restaurants in the coming months. We hire them, and everyone hires them. Think about the road race; its the largest outdoor party in Western Massachusetts, he said.

The drop in business also translates to a drop in receipts for the city from local option taxes on meals and rooms.

The Holyoke St. Patrick's Road Race draws about 7,000 runners  and many more spectators.Don Treeger / The Republican file

Newly sworn in State Rep. Patricia Duffy, D-Holyoke, said the cancellation was a difficult but necessary decision.

All elected officials are advocating for the crucial relief our municipalities need at this time, she said. It was disappointing that the most recent federal stimulus did not have that component, but Im optimistic that the incoming administration will include that in the next stimulus.

She added, Meanwhile, the cancellation of the parade is one more example I will highlight in making sure that Holyoke and our region receive state support, including support for small-business owners, our community college, our K-12 schools and our health care providers.

Former Democratic State Rep. Aaron Vega, tapped as the citys new director of planning and economic development, said the parades economic impact affects much of Western Massachusetts.

From restaurants and bars, event facilities and local vendors, the negative impact will ripple through a number of local businesses and industries, he said. I am looking forward to working with the mayor and the parade committee to see what we can do to both honor the traditions of the parade as well as provide relief to those businesses impacted.

Beyond parade season  with the COVID-19 vaccination effort underway  Rosskothen said things may be beginning to look up.

With the state-imposed seating capacity, the Log Cabin can only hold gatherings for 10 or fewer guests. Typically, an army of cooks, servers, and bus persons cater to hundreds of guests most nights and weekends.

But the wedding business was booming for the Log Cabin before COVID-19 hit, and the venue has events booked for April and into the summer. July looks pretty normal right now, he said. The consumer is assuming the second half of the year will look normal.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were given to residents and employees at Ann Arbors Samaritas Affordable Living at Sequoia Place Friday as part of the senior facilitys first vaccination clinic.

As the state of Michigan moves into the next phase of its vaccination efforts, some senior living facilities are administering their first doses. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources said about 91,000 staff and residents in Michigan senior homes across the state are eligible in this round.

Related: COVID-19 vaccinations begin in Michigans long-term care facilities; first round targets 91,000

At Samaritas in Ann Arbor, Eden Winter was among 40 residents on Jan. 8 who elected to receive the shot. She said she was a little hesitant, but ultimately decided the shot couldnt be worse than getting the virus.

If Im immune, then I can go visit my family in Illinois again, Winter said. My daughter, my grandsons, three of my sisters are there and I havent seen them since all this started. We have video chats, but I want to hug them.

Its been tough living at Samartis the last nine months, Winter said, adding that some residents have been able to handle isolation better than others.

Sometimes I feel like I get depressed, you know, you get into that feeling of not wanting to clean or not having any motivation, but I think this will help, Winter said.

Winter and other residents who came to the facilitys communal room to take part in the vaccination clinic said they missed using the cardio machine that sits in the corner of the room, and miss being able to socialize freely with fellow residents.

Im thrilled that we were able to do this because we really werent expecting it this soon, said Samaritas Marketing Director Cheryl Khos, who was one of several staff members to receive the shot. This is one of our more active communities where we have a lot of families that come in but we have some who the community here is their family. For them to not be able to get together and do things, its been really hard.

Even with 40 of the 54 residents living at the facility electing to take the vaccine, officials said its still too early to know when mitigation efforts like social distancing and mask wearing will be loosened.

Samaritas, a faith-based, nonprofit health and human services agency that serves more than 20,000 people statewide, has partnered with Walgreens to administer the vaccine in clinics in its facilities.

The next vaccination clinic at the facility is set for Feb. 5, officials said.

READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:

Ypsilantis Bomber Restaurant gets financial boost from The Barstool Fund

Man faces terrorism charges after threats to Michigan lawmaker, Capitol building

Michigan reports 3,625 new coronavirus cases, 38 new deaths

Gov. Whitmer reiterates calls on feds to ship more coronavirus vaccines

Lawsuit accuses University of Michigan professor of racist, misogynistic, xenophobic behavior


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.
Posted Friday, January 8, 2021 8:05 am

On Tuesday, Jan. 5, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) announced two new executive appointments at the organization. Megan Dennis is joining the organization as vice president-director of shelter operations and Lauren Overman was promoted to vice president-director of veterinary services.

We are excited to bring the talents of Megan and Lauren to our leadership team, HSSW President Andrea Bruno said in a news release. Their professional and management skills will help us meet HSSWs operational objectives and continue to provide critical services for the shelter animals.

Dennis most recently served as the Executive Director of West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS). At WCHS, Dennis spent time reconstructing the organization and enhancing its standards of care and capacity. Dennis also boosted WCGHS's operational income through increased revenue, an endowment fund, annual sponsorship and expanded fundraising programs.

Im proud to join HSSW as its director of shelter operations and look forward to growing more successful ventures for our organization - both internally and in community outreach, Dennis said.

Before relocating to the Pacific Northwest, Dennis served as the Director of Public Program for the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, Georgia. Dennis currently lives in Portland with her partner, Susannah and their two dogs and two cats.

Overman is currently an integral member of HSSW and came to the Pacific Northwest as an intern in shelter medicine at Oregon Humane Society in 2011 and was hired as an associate at HSSW the following year. Over the past eight years at HSSW, Overman rose through the ranks to become the managing and lead veterinarian at the organization.

In her new role as the Director of Veterinary Services, Overman will safeguard the health and wellbeing of shelter animals and provide guidance to HSSWs medical clinic staff. Her clinical passion is infectious disease control and population management and flow within the shelter.

Ive devoted my career to helping care for the animals who come through HSSWs doors, and Im thrilled to assume this executive role where I can continue to improve animals health and quality of life, she said.

Overman completed her undergraduate degree in Conservational Biology at Arizona State University. She became interested in veterinary medicine and obtained her veterinary medical degree at University California Davis Veterinary Medical School.

Outside the clinic, Overman shares her home with her husband, two children and their family dog.
Chandigarh, Jan 9 : In a major inter-state operation, the Punjab Police on Saturday busted a gang of Madhya Pradesh-based weapons smugglers who were supplying illegal arms and ammunition to gangsters in Punjab, and arrested two persons and seized a huge cache of arms.

The weapons seized include 12.32 bore country-made pistols and 15 magazines.

The gang apparently also has links with certain Punjab-based terrorists and is suspected of having supplied over two dozen .32 bore pistols to gangsters and criminals in the state during the last three months alone.

DGP Dinkar Gupta said the intelligence-led operation was carried out under the supervision of Dhruv Dahiya, SSP, Amritsar (Rural), and the suspects - Mahesh Selotia and Jaggu - were nabbed from their native villages in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh by a team led by DSP, Gurinder Nagra.

Gupta said the raids in Khargone were conducted after investigations into the recent seizure of four illegal .32 bore country-made pistols by the Amritsar Rural police revealed the involvement of the MP-based gang led by one Rahul.

The DGP said investigations conducted so far have revealed that this gang has been involved in smuggling several major weapons consignments for Punjab-based gangsters.

He said this gang was also the source of a weapons consignment of six .32 bore pistols that were intercepted and seized by the Patiala Police in September 2020.

Gupta said that possibilities of this gang having links with Punjab terrorists cannot be ruled out as investigations indicate that the kingpin Rahul was in contact with several gangsters and hardliners lodged in Punjab jails and had been actively supplying them illegal weapons.

Significantly, he was also in close contact with Akashdeep Singh, the prime accused in the drone module busted by the Punjab Police in 2019, who is presently in Amritsar Jail.

Gupta said that questioning of the arrested accused is still underway to unravel their complete network of contacts and their links with smugglers, gangsters and terrorists in Punjab as well as in other states.

COLUMBIA  The most dangerous stretch of roadway in the state for bicyclists and pedestrians looks inviting, not menacing.

It's the half-mile stretch of Harden Street running through the heart of Columbia's Five Points neighborhood. According to a recent study by the S.C. Department of Transportation, the area ranks as the most dangerous for pedestrians and bike riders despite its wide sidewalks.

To fix the problem, $4 million in federal funding has been allocated to redesign street features in Five Points and improve safety. That will cover much, but not all, of what planners say is needed.

Five Points is one of South Carolina's iconic neighborhoods, said Rep. Seth Rose, D-Columbia, who has worked to get safety improvements for the streets in his district. It's unacceptable that such an area would be so risky for those riding bikes or walking, Rose said.

"Five Points is a special place," he said. "This is our historic village."

A variety of options are on the table to help address the safety challenges of Five Points, according to Lauren Roeder, spokeswoman for the state DOT. Such features could include back plates on traffic signals, making them more visible to drivers or new concrete medians to keep cars in lanes.

Another option is to narrow Harden Street from four to two lanes on the long block between Blossom and Devine streets.

The idea is to create a two-lane streetscape that naturally encourages drivers to slow down while making more room for other users such as bikers and pedestrians. Rose expects this to be a key topic of conversation during public input sessions early in 2021.

Rose sees the need for such a change when drivers accelerate down Harden Street's hill as they come into the shopping and restaurant district.

"It feels like there is a four-lane interstate running through there," Rose said.

The traffic study conducted by DOT includes data that adds to that viewpoint.

The stretch of Harden Street through the heart of the neighborhood had 17 reported bike or pedestrian accidents between 2013 and 2018, according the research, and 14 accidents involving pedestrians. No one was killed in those accidents, but more than half included injuries of some severity.

The stretch of Blossom and Devine streets that winds through the neighborhood and into Shandon also ranked among the 10 most dangerous corridors in the DOT study.

Sign up for our Columbia business and real estate newsletter. Get all the latest industry happenings from the Midlands, plus exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email

Sign Up!

Using a reduction in lanes to calm the flow of traffic would result in slower travel but not cause the area's streets to become overly gridlocked, according to the SCDOT review.

Steve Cook, who owns Saluda's Restaurant in Five Points and is board chairman for the neighborhood merchants association, said these changes, including the reduction in lanes, could give the area a more pedestrian-friendly feel.

Cities worldwide are looking at making areas more safe and comfortable for pedestrians and bikes rather than having everything set up for automobiles, and Five Points would be right in line with this trend, he said.

"It just makes perfect sense for what the vibe of our neighborhood is," Cook said.

One thing that might put more walkers on the streets of Five Points would be better parking. Even with the city having added a lot at a former gas station site at Harden and Saluda streets, there still is a need for more, according to local merchants.

Cook and others are looking at the imminent sale of the Wells Fargo bank branch on Saluda as a possibility to add public parking, even possibly a building with a parking garage, Cook said.

Wells Fargo intends to close the branch in February, leaving ATMs in place.

Cook sees an opportunity there akin to one of the largest redevelopments in downtown Charleston.

"This could be the Charleston Place of Five Points," Cook said.

The total cost of all that the transportation study endorsed to improve safety in the neighborhood was $4.85 million.

With $4 million in federal dollars allocated, Rose said he already is talking to budget leaders in the S.C. House about the need, and local governments could be asked to chip in. Rose said he understands how tight things will be for cities and counties because of the coronavirus, however.

Public hearings in January and February will lay out the details of the changes and give locals a chance to have their say.
Milan: Pope Francis said on Saturday he planned to have a COVID-19 vaccination as early as next week and urged everyone to get a shot, to protect not only their own lives but those of everyone else.

"I believe that ethically everyone should take the vaccine," the Pope said in an interview with TV station Canale 5.

"It is an ethical choice because you are gambling with your health, with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others."

The Vatican City, the smallest independent county in the world, has said it will shortly launch its own vaccination campaign against the coronavirus.

"Next week," the Pope said, "we will start doing it here, in the Vatican, and I have booked myself in. It must be done."
Alveda King slams Kamala Harris for plagiarizing her uncle, Martin Luther King Jr.

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Alveda King, the niece of Martin Luther King Jr., slammed Vice President-elect Kamala Harris for plagiarizing a story shared by the late civil rights leader and argued that her pro-abortion stance is proof that her views are diametrically opposed to what MLK preached.

King, an outspoken pro-life advocate, appeared on Fox Business Lou Dobbs Tonight Tuesday where Dobbs asked her about the recent revelation that Harris seemingly lifted a story about her childhood from an interview King did with Playboy magazine in 1965.

While King did not respond directly to accusations that Harris plagiarized her uncle's story, she said Harris is nothing like Martin Luther King Jr."

Kamala knows that her worldview is totally different from the worldview of Martin Luther King Jr. So its a big stretch for her to compare herself or to sound like him or use some of his same analogies.

Shes Nothing Like MLK: @AlvedaCKing slams Kamala Harris for plagiarizing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, as Dems campaign on abortion, destruction of family values, and hatred of Israel. #MAGA#AmericaFirst#Dobbspic.twitter.com/vLLx7JNiwv  Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) January 5, 2021

King specifically singled out Harris position on abortion as an example of her divergence from the worldview of the late civil rights leader: For instance, Kamala believes that its OK to abort babies up to nine months and if you meant to abort the baby and the baby lives, then let the baby die. Martin Luther King Jr. served the public, he did not kill the public, and that would include babies in the womb. He said injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Additionally, King doubled down on her criticism of Raphael Warnock, who was the Democratic candidate for one of two special Senate elections in Georgia on Tuesday. Warnock, who won the seat in the election, campaigned heavily on the fact that he preaches at the church where MLK once preached but King disputes this: He does not, Lou, preach in the pulpit where Martin Luther King Jr. preached. He preaches across the street at the Horizon Sanctuary.

King is technically correct, as Warnock does not preach in the same building that her uncle preached in. Instead, he preaches in a new building, the Horizon Sanctuary, which was constructed in 2009. The Horizon Sanctuary replaced the original Ebenezer Baptist Church building that King preached at, which has become a historical site. Therefore, even though Warnock does not preach in the same building as the late King once did, both have served as pastors of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

King had previously criticized Warnocks efforts to tie himself to her late uncle in an interview with The Washington Times last week. You are not going to pretend that the King family legacy is the same thing as what youre promoting, she told the paper.

If youre a pastor, you must stand for Christian values first and foremost, she added. Im very convinced that hes manipulating his pulpit, the Bible, and everything else.

Kings statements to The Washington Times came less than three weeks after she joined a coalition of African American ministers in penning a letter to Warnock, telling him that As a Christian pastor and as a Black leader, you have a duty to denounce the evil of abortion, which kills a disproportionate number of Black children.

The signatories to the letter expressed concern about Warnocks open advocacy of abortion, describing it as a scandal to the faith and to the Black community and shared statistics about the impact of abortion on the African American community.

In addition to discussing her concerns about Harris' and Warnocks efforts to tie themselves to her uncle and their positions on abortion, King alleged voter fraud in the two Senate runoffs that took place in Georgia during her interview with Dobbs: One guy that I know for sure, he went to vote and they said, Youve already voted. He says, No I didnt, Im here to vote now. And they said, You voted at a mobile unit.

We have some irregularities, King contended. She also talked about how during the November 2020 general election, one of her friends was told The machine is down. Well scan it later. The same thing is happening this time, its happening here, right now, today in this election. Theyre telling people the machines are broken, well scan it later.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described events that followed the United States of Americas November 2020 presidential election and President Donald Trumps refusal to concede defeat as condemnable.

The APC said this in a statement signed by Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, Secretary of its Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee on Saturday in Abuja, while reacting to the development.

The events of the past 72 hours in the U.S. are, to say the least, condemnable. Over time, elections in the U.S. had been used as a touchstone for elections in other democracies.

It is settled that strong institutions are fundamental to the sustenance of democracies.

However, this U.S. election saga strongly underscores the fact that the integrity of the countrys leader essentially complements the workings of these institutions.

President Muhammadu Buhari contested and lost elections a couple of times and followed the process through to the Supreme Court on all accounts. This is an outstanding credential of a true democrat, he said.

Akpanudoedehe noted that upon ultimately gaining electoral victory in 2015, the APC-led administration had carried out fundamental reforms to strengthen institutions.

This, he said, included non-interference in the functions of INEC among others.

He recalled that the APC contested elections; won some, lost some without splitting hairs, adding that at some point, it lost more than five states to the PDP, yet allowed democracy to prevail.

Akpanudoedehe added that the APC had remained resolute in its belief that in every electoral contest, popular will must prevail.

This according to him is a far cry from the days of the do-or-die politics where civilians took control of security apparatus to subvert the peoples will and determine the outcome of elections.

He stressed that electoral reform was a core plank of the programs of the APC-led administration and a legacy that President Buhari had promised to bequeath to Nigerians.

He said the Buhari-led administration had brought about several institutional reforms including granting autonomy to Local Governments Councils.

He said the signing into law by President Buhari in May 2020 of the Executive Order No. 10 of 2020 for the implementation of financial autonomy of state legislatures and judiciaries and other related matters was a bold statement on institutional reforms.

The Petroleum industry reforms particularly the deregulation of the oil and gas downstream sector is also worthy of mention, he stated.

We urge political parties, especially governors to show bi-partisanship in supporting all sectorial reforms being initiated by President Buhari for the benefit of Nigerians, Akpanudoedehe added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Twitter suspended President Donald Trumps account on Friday citing risk of further incitement of violence in the United States.

The presidents account, with 88 million followers, was initially banned for 12 hours on Wednesday due to severe violations of Twitter Civic Integrity policy.

ADVERTISEMENT

This, was after Trump used the platform to condemn Vice-President Mike Pence as his supporters stormed the Capitol.

After close review of recent Tweets from the @realdonaldtrump account and the context around them, we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence, the company said in a tweet.

Trumps attempts to tweet from other social media accounts were also blocked. At one point, he was tweeting from his campaign account, but that was promptly suspended.

(NAN)
There is great sadness in Carnew and Rathnure following the death of Sr Mairead 'Peggy' Hayden last week at the age of 91.

Sr Mairead passed away on December 28 after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family at the Mater Hospital, Co. Dublin. She had been due to celebrate her 92nd birthday on January 11.

Sr Mairead reached her milestone 70th year as a member of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in 2019. December also marked the end of an era in Carnew with the departure of the Daughters of Charity after 32 years of service from members of the religious order to the town. Sr Mairead and Sr Helen Byrne moved from Cluain Mhuire in Carnew to Co. Dublin in December.

A special service of thanks was held to mark the occasion and to bid a fond farewell to the sisters. The service also celebrated Sr Mairead's 70 years as a Daughter of Charity as an event due to take place earlier in the year had been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sr Mairead came to Carnew in 2000, becoming involved in the local community and with Carnew Community Care. She carried out pastoral work in the community and was involved in religious education at the local schools.

Sr Mairead will be particularly remembered for setting up the Carnew Branch of The Catholic Girl Guides of Ireland (CGI) in 2001. Members of the Carnew branch of the CGI formed a socially distanced guard of honour for the arrival of the funeral cortege at Tomacork church.

Sr Mairead worked as a nurse in various parts of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland as well as Counties Cork and Westmeath before her arrival in Carnew. She had a great devotion to the Miraculous Medal. A large part of Sr Mairead's mission in Carnew was the care of a Miraculous Medal which gave great comfort to many in the community experiencing ill health.

Known as Peggy by her family, Sr Mairead will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and sense of humour. She remembered every family celebration and her great-grandnephews and nieces loved seeing her and visiting her.

After the service, the funeral cortege made its way to Carnew Community Care. Residents of the retirement village, committee members and staff paid their respects in a socially distanced manner to Sr Mairead.

The cortege also made a brief stop outside Colaiste Bhride where Principal Linda Dunne, staff and students stood in line to acknowledge Sr Mairead's close working relationship and friendship with the students and religious education department in the school.

Sr Mairead Hayden was the only daughter of the late John and Annie Hayden of Monamolin, Rathnure, Co. Wexford. She was a much loved member of the Hayden, Nolan, Clear, Forristal, Culleton and Davies families. She is deeply regretted by her sisters in community, her relations and her many friends.

A private family funeral took place at Tomacork Church on Thursday last followed by burial in St Ann's Cemetery, Killanne.
Our colleagues from RTL talked to the newly inaugurated UEL president about his hopes and aspirations for the future.

The business owner, who employs around 300 people, is looking forward to the political work and its challenges, despite the difficult circumstances of our times. Nicolas Buck's successor believes that his background makes him the right man for the job: "I know what it means to run a family business, aim for long-term success, and leave something for future generations."

The Union of Enterprises and their social partners will continue to focus on employment rights, health, and taxation systems. Reckinger further noted that housing, climate change, and traineeships will become central issues under his leadership.

When asked about the implications of the pandemic on employment and supply chains, Reckinger showed little confidence that lessons were being drawn: "My hope is that people now understand how important it is to buy locally. There is no need to rely on Amazon when you can also order online from Luxembourgish businesses. The same goes for local produce instead of foreign imports, which brings us back to the domain of climate change."

Reckinger also emphasised the role of the banking sector, which carries the Grand Duchy financially and thus allows the government to generously pay its employees and fund the country's health sector. He therefore believes that propositions for wealth taxes are based on jealousy and fail to recognise the bigger picture.

As he has determined to lead the Union of Enterprises on a long-term basis, Reckinger announced that he will step back as head of the Craft Workers Union (Federation des Artisans) at some point in 2021.
BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday hit back at "lying diplomacy" practiced by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, saying it has unprecedentedly damaged U.S. external relations, national image, and reputation.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on Pompeo's tweet, in which he claimed that the current U.S. administration has released more information about the Communist Party of China threat to the American people and U.S. businesses than any other administration.

"In recent years, the United States has engaged in unilateralism, undermined multilateral cooperation, wantonly broken contracts, and posed the threat of sanctions," Hua said, stressing that the country has so far withdrawn from more than 10 international treaties and organizations.

She noted that in the field of climate change, the United States refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and withdrew from the Paris Agreement. "In the area of arms control and non-proliferation, it has quit the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, revoked the signing of the Arms Trade Treaty, announced its withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies, and adopted a negative attitude toward the extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty."

At a critical moment when the international community is joining hands to fight against the pandemic, the United States announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, Hua added.

"Facts have proved time and again that the United States is the biggest destabilizing factor threatening global peace and security," the spokesperson said.

According to polls in more than 10 countries, including the U.S. allies, about half or more of the respondents think that the United States poses a major threat to their countries, Hua said.

"The United States, rather than any other country, poses the greatest threat to itself," Hua said.

She reiterated that Pompeo and his like-minded people have suppressed China by any means for their own benefit and deliberately sabotaged China-U.S. relations. "They are standing on the wrong side of history and run counter to friendship between people of the two countries."
The Central government on Saturday said that a total of 90 persons have been detected with the new 'more transmissible' UK coronavirus mutant strain. They are kept in physical isolation in health facilities.

"Total number of persons infected with the UK mutant strain of Covid-19 now stands at 90 in the country," the Union Health Ministry said in a statement.

According to the ministry, all the 90 persons have been kept in a single room isolation in designated healthcare facilities by the respective state governments. Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine.

"Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others. Genome sequencing on other specimens is also on," the ministry added.

On Friday, a flight from United States landed in Delhi with 246 passengers on board amid concerns about the mutant strain that emerged in Britain.

The flights from the UK resumed on Friday after the government suspended all the services on December 23.

On December 29, a total of six UK returnees were found to be positive with the new variant genome. These were the first cases to be reported by the country after the United States.

The tracing and testing were initiated after the British government announced that a newly identified strain of the virus was found in their population which is up to 70 per cent more transmissible.

Notably, the new UK Variant has already been reported by Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore.

From November 25 to December 23 midnight, about 33,000 passengers disembarked at various Indian airports from UK. All these passengers are being tracked and subjected by States and UTs to RT-PCR tests.

The Union Health Ministry further stated that the situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to the states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to labs.
The few hours it took to give the first vaccine shots to 14 residents of the John XXIII nursing home named after a pope and not far from the birthplace in eastern France of vaccine pioneer Louis Pasteur took weeks of preparation.

The home's director, Samuel Robbe, first had to chew his way through a dense 61-page vaccination protocol, one of several hefty guides from the French government that exhaustively detail how to proceed, down to the number of times (10) that each flask of vaccine should be turned upside down to mix its contents.

Delicately, the booklet stipulates. Do not shake." As France tries to figure out why its vaccination campaign launched so slowly, the answer lies partly in forests of red tape and the decision to prioritize vulnerable older people in nursing homes. They are perhaps the toughest group to start with, because of the need for informed consent and difficulties explaining the complex science of fast-tracked vaccines.

Claude Fouet, still full of vim and good humor at age 89 but with memory problems, was among the first in his Paris care home to agree to a vaccination. But in conversation, it quickly becomes apparent that his understanding of the pandemic is spotty. Eve Guillaume, the home's director, had to remind Fouet that in April he survived his own brush with the virus that has killed more than 66,000 people in France.

I was in hospital, Fouet slowly recalled, with a dead person next to me. Guillaume says that getting consent from her 64 residents or their guardians and families when they are not fit enough to agree themselves is proving to be the most labor-intensive part of her preparations to start inoculations later this month. Some families have said no, and some want to wait a few months to see how vaccinations unfold before deciding.

You can't count on medicalized care homes to go quickly, she says. It means, each time, starting a conversation with families, talking with guardians, taking collegial steps to reach the right decision. And that takes time. At the John XXIII home, between the fortified town of Besancon and Pasteur's birthplace in Dole, Robbe has had a similar experience.

After the European Union green-lighted use of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine in December, Robbe says it took two weeks to put together all the pieces to this week vaccinate 14 residents, just a fraction of his total of more than 100.

Getting consent was the biggest hurdle for a doctor and a psychologist who went from room to room to discuss vaccinations, he says. The families of residents were given a week over the December holidays to approve or refuse, a decision that had to be unanimous from immediate family members.

When one woman's daughter said yes but her son said no, a shot wasn't given because they can turn against us and say, 'I never agreed to that,' Robbe explained. No consensus, we don't vaccinate. Only by cutting corners and perfunctorily getting residents to agree could the process go quicker, he says.

My friends are saying, 'What is this circus? The Germans have already vaccinated 80,000 people and we've vaccinated no one,'" he says. "But we don't share the same histories. When you propose a vaccine to Germans, they all want to get inoculated. In France, there is a lot of reticence about the history of vaccinations. People are more skeptical. They need to understand.

They need explications and to be reassured. France prioritized nursing homes because they have seen nearly one-third of its deaths. But its first vaccination on Dec. 27, of a 78-year-old woman in a long-term care facility, quickly proved to have been only the symbolic launch of a rollout that the government never intended to get properly underway before this week.

Only on Monday, as scheduled, did authorities launch an online platform where health workers must log all vaccinations and show that those inoculated got an obligatory consultation with a doctor, adding to the red tape.

In some countries that are moving faster than France, the bureaucracy is leaner. In Britain, where nearly 1.5 million have been inoculated and plans are to offer jabs to all nursing home residents by the end of January, those capable of consenting need only sign a one-page form that gives basic information about the benefits and possible side effects.

No doctor interviews are needed in Spain. It started vaccinating the same day as France but administered 82,000 doses in the first nine days, whereas France managed just a couple of thousand.

Germany, like France, also mandates a meeting with a doctor and is prioritizing shots for care home residents, but it is getting to them quicker, using mobile teams. At its current rate of nearly 30,000 vaccinations per day, Germany would need at least six years to inoculate its 69 million adults.

But while the German government is facing criticism for the perceived slow rollout, France made an even more leisurely start, at least in numerical terms, but has pledged to reach 1 million people by the end of January.
Overview

January 28

10AM PT, 1PM ET



Watch Now

The current economic climate has severely impacted budgets. Reducing institutional costs and increasing efficiencies will be a top priority in 2021 and beyond.

Join Government Technology and experts from GitLab on January 28 at 10:00am PT/1:00pm ET for a deep dive into cost control strategies that can simultaneously help government organizations accelerate their digital modernization efforts.

Well discuss:
The government has approved emergency authorisation for growers to use a product containing a neonicotinoid to treat sugar beet seed this year.

The authorisation is for the use of Syngentas Cruiser SB on sugar beet only and covers use in 2021 in England.

In approving the emergency authorisation, Defra said it was in recognition of the potential danger posed to this year's crop from virus yellows.

The department issued a statement on Friday (8 January) on the decision to issue  'with strict conditions'  the product's emergency authorisation.

The NFU had previously warned that the disease was having an 'unprecedented harmful impact' on the UK's sugar beet crop.

Some growers had reported yield losses of up to 80 percent, according to the union.

The virus is transmitted by aphids, and it is believed around 70% of the most common aphid, peach potato aphids, carry it.

The advice of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP), and Defras Chief Scientific Adviser on the application was put to Defra Ministers.

Based on the information provided, Defra Secretary George Eustice said the application met the requirements for an emergency authorisation.

However, the application rate of Cruiser SB will be below the normal commercial rate; no flowering crop is to be planted within 22 months of the sugar beet crop, and no oilseed rape crop is to be planted within 32 months.

Defra said in a statement that protection against virus yellows 'cannot be provided by any other reasonable means'.

"The neonicotinoid seed treatment provides important protection to the emerging crop against insect pests and the viruses they can transmit.

"Sugar beet yields were significantly reduced in the 2020 season due to the incidence of virus, and similar conditions in 2021 would be likely to present similar dangers."

The European Commission approved a ban on the pesticides in 2018 due to environmental concerns.

The restrictions were imposed after a report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that they posed a 'high acute risk' to honey bees.
Investors bailed on equity mutual funds in December, choosing instead to pile into initial public offerings or invest directly in stocks as markets climbed to record highs. Some investors chose to park their money in debt funds.

Net outflow from equity mutual funds rose to a record 13,121 crore in December, topping the 13,004 crore net outflow in the previous month, according to data released by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi) on Friday.

These funds reported a net inflow of 4,432.20 crore in December 2019.

Equity mutual funds have seen continuous outflow in the past six months as investors chose to put their money in IPOs, which saw record investor participation, and also directly into stocks.

View Full Image Equity MFs have seen continuous outflow in the past six months as investors opted for IPOs and stocks

Total redemptions in equity schemes stood at 36,220.28 crore in December, the highest since March 2018. In November, these schemes witnessed redemptions worth 27,113.18 crore and 15,441.78 crore in December 2019.

Investors in mutual funds have been using the market rally as an opportunity to book profits, said Akhil Chaturvedi, associate director and head of sales at Motilal Oswal Asset Management Co.

He said that reallocation of large parts of these redemptions would be in direct equities where the experience of investors has been good in the recent past.

There is a general belief that markets are expensive and overheated. Hence, a healthy correction should not be written off, and this could probably create fresh interest to make allocations back in equity mutual funds and reversal of negative sales trend for the industry," he added.

Markets have been rallying on expectations of an earnings rebound.

Indian markets have gained more than 80% after the steep crash in March. The benchmark Sensex index gained 8% in December following an 11% rise in the previous month.

Himanshu Srivastava, associate director and manager research, Morningstar India, said that the continuation of net outflows from equity funds could be attributed to profit-booking or portfolio rebalancing as markets continued to touch new highs.

In fact, the net outflow number would have been higher, had it not been for the NFOs (new fund offerings) across multiple equity categories, which collected 7,600 crore," he said.

Outflows were witnessed across equity fund categories, except for Dividend Yield and Sectoral/Thematic Funds categories. Large-cap and multi-cap categories were the worst hit during the month, with an outflow of 3,876.39 crore and 3,540.77 crore, respectively.

Domestic institutional investors have been consistently selling stocks. They sold a net of 37,293.5 crore in December after a record 48,319.17 crore sell-off in November.

Contribution from systematic investment plans (SIP) improved to 8,418.11 crore in December from 7,302.16 crore in the previous month.

Since the last three days of November were non-business days, the SIP contribution for December includes the SIP contribution that was due on those three days, Amfi said in a statement.

The number of SIP accounts increased to 34.71 million in December from 34.07 million in November.

The total number of folios rose to 94.34 million from 93.68 million at the end of the previous month.

The increase in retail folios and also SIP folios is reflective of investor confidence in the mutual fund asset class. On the debt side, I expect the RBI to continue maintaining accommodative stance and keep rates at current levels for the economy to play catch-up, which is reflected in positive flows in corporate bond funds owing to the schemes holding quality paper and also shorter-duration strategies, including floater and dynamic bond schemes," said N.S. Venkatesh, chief executive, Amfi.

Overall, debt funds received a net inflow of 13,862.77 crore in December, out of which 7,410.23 crore inflow was in overnight funds, 5,102.22 crore in liquid funds and 8,609.77 crore in corporate bond funds.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
The Charleston bike-share program Holy Spokes has gone offline for two to three days as its new parent company assumes control of the system.

Charleston startup Gotcha Mobility launched the operation in 2017, hand-in-hand with the City of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina.

The outage of the fleet of about 250 powder-blue bikes was attributed to a business transition, according to new owner Bolt Mobility. Co-founded in 2018 by Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, the Miami-based firm acquired the assets of Gotcha on Dec. 30 from the ailing company that had owned it.

The outage is expected to last between 48 and 72 hours, said Shari Lerner, vice president of business operations for Bolt.

"We are completely committed to continuing to serve the Charleston community and all of its riders," she said. "What we're experiencing right now is a transition from Gotcha to Bolt."

"The only change Charleston and its residents will see is an improvement," she added.

Jack O'Toole, a spokesman for the City of Charleston, said in a statement that officials reached out to the bike-share's new owner and "were told that the company is working to resolve an outage which has affected service across their network."

The recent change in ownership capped a tumultuous year for Gotcha.

Canada-based OjO Electric, which has been renamed Last Mile Holdings, announced in January 2020 it was acquiring the Charleston-based company. It reported various financial troubles to stock market regulators during the course of the past year.

Also, Gotcha founder and former CEO Sean Flood sued Last Mile over a contract dispute, a few months after his departure. The company has not filed a formal response to his complaint.

Sign up for our new business newsletter We're starting a weekly newsletter about the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email

Sign Up!

On Friday afternoon at Gotcha's Radcliffe Street darkened offices, two FedEx "we missed you" notices were taped to the front door. One was dated Dec. 16.

Bolt's Lerner said the new ownership will retain its presence in Charleston. The brand will stay intact, too, becoming "Gotcha powered by Bolt."

Holy Spokes, usually available in Charleston's peninsula area, isn't the company's only business asset. Gotcha has said it operates in dozens of cities and at universities across the United States. In many places it offers access to motorized vehicles such as tricycles and scooters.

Lerner said Bolt has mostly been offering electric scooters to its riders, and the Gotcha acquisition adds to its repertoire.

The service interruption that followed the sale left some customers confused this week.

David Laster, who moved to Charleston from New York semi-permanently and without a car, said he has been relying on the Holy Spokes program since late December.

But when Laster tried to unlock a bike at one of the docks to make it to a morning Pilates class Tuesday, he couldn't connect to the application. He ended up ordering a Lyft and paying $8 for a ride to class.

His attempts to reach the program via social media, phone and a visit to their office failed.
Business Roundup The Irrawaddy Business Roundup

--

Yangon  Myanmar expects to start providing COVID-19 vaccines in February and is seeking public donations to help fund the process. Amid COVID-19 restrictions, many shops, restaurants and teashops have reopened to allow their businesses to survive.

Also this week the Japanese firm Kirin announced it will continue denying profits to its partner in a joint venture with a firm linked to Myanmars military.

The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations has also announced investments approved in October and November.

The Central Bank of Myanmar this week issued remittance licenses to two companies in Myanmar and a small enterprise said it will start exporting roselle tea to the US.

Kirin continues profit denial

On Thursday, Japanese beverage giant Kirin announced it will continue denying profits to the military-owned Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company (MEHL) after a probe into the company ended inconclusively.

Last year, Kirin hired Deloitte Tohmatsu Financial Advisory to conduct an independent review of the financial and governance structures of MEHL after it faced international condemnation for its military ties amid accusations of genocide against the Rohingya in Rakhine State.

The review aimed to determine the destination of profits from joint ventures Myanmar Brewery Limited and Mandalay Brewery Limited.

However, the probe on MEHL ended inconclusively as access to information was denied, Kirin said.

In response to pressure from human rights groups, the company in November stopped paying profits from Myanmar Brewery and Mandalay Brewery to Kirin, MEHL and other shareholders.

Foreign investment approved

The investment ministry this week said it approved nearly US$200 million (265 billion kyats) in foreign investment in October and November last year.

It said $117 million (155 billion kyats) was approved in October and more than $82 million (109 billion kyats) in November.

More than 69.8 billion kyats ($53 million) of domestic investment was approved in October and November.

The foreign investment was focused on industry, agriculture, fisheries and service sectors and the domestic investments targeted housing development, industry, hotels and tourism, agriculture, animal husbandry and other sectors, the ministry said.

It said the investment created 9,031 jobs.

The ministry on Dec. 30 also approved $138 million (183 billion kyats) and 109 billion kyats ($82 million) in five new investments and for the expansion of four existing projects.

Two more remittance firms get licenses

On Tuesday, the Central Bank of Myanmar granted remittance licenses to Myanmar-based City Express Myanmar and Money King, allowing them to handle the flow of money across Myanmars borders.

The central bank is issuing remittance licenses to discourage illegal border transfers.

In November, it issued remittance licenses to about six other companies.

Firm launches US tea party

The Nara Green Tea Company said it will start exporting roselle herbal tea to the USA this month after receiving its first orders.

The company said it received positive feedback after sending samples to the US.

More than 1,000 boxes of roselle herbal tea (with each box containing 25 teabags) are being sent to more than 150 US shops.

You may also like these stories:

Kirin to Continue Profit Denial to Myanmar Military Conglomerate

Chinese Foreign Minister to Visit Naypyitaw Next Month

Myanmars Economic Year in Review
The Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee will be holding a national online meeting at 1 p.m. EST this Saturday, January 9, titled, Stop in-person learning until the pandemic is contained! We urge all educators, parents, students and workers who wish to join the struggle to close schools and nonessential businesses to register today and invite your coworkers and friends.

Based on a recent survey conducted by the Tennessee Educators Association (TEA), over 16,000 Tennessee education workers are estimated to have had COVID-19 since July. At least eight Tennessee teachers and support staff have died from the coronavirus.

Tennessee has had a staggeringly high number of confirmed COVID cases. Out of a total population of 6.89 million, as of January 7 there have been 625,237 confirmed cases, or just over 9 percent of the states entire population. Tennessees Department of Health reports 7,381 residents have died.

First-grade students return to class. (image credit: Scott Sonner/AP)

The TEA conducted its survey December 1021 and received more than 7,000 responses from teachers and other education workers. More than 12 percent responded that they had been diagnosed with COVID during the 20202021 school year. Indicative of the widespread outbreak in the state, a staggering 35.83 percent reported having to quarantine.

There is no doubt that the widespread reopening of schools was a major factor in the spread of the virus in the state. Most school systems in Tennessee have been open for in-person learning, whether in a hybrid model or fully in-person. Out of 147 school districts, the Tennessee Department of Education reports that only 20 are remote-only. Nine districts require in-person instruction, providing no online option. This is reflected in the TEAs survey responses, in which 86.58 percent of respondents reported working in either in-person (45.96 percent) or hybrid (40.62 percent) settings.

The impact of the pandemic and the decision to reopen schools with meager resources and training for online learning is taking its toll on Tennessee educators. More than 79 percent of respondents to the TEA survey reported working more hours this year, with almost three-quarters reporting working more than 50 hours a week. Over a quarter, 26 percent, reported working more than 60 hours.

Teachers are also required to take on more assignments and responsibilities, often with inadequate training. In response to the question Is your work more or less difficult this year than in past years? 92.75 percent responded with either more difficult (36.49 percent) or much more difficult (56.26 percent). Over 89 percent responded that they have been given new assignments or responsibilities, with only about 10 percent agreeing that they had received adequate training and support.

Government indifference to the lives of teachers, and the working class more broadly, is having a deep impact on educators. Over 84 percent of survey respondents reported a negative emotional impact from working in public education during the pandemic. And, in an indication of the growing anger in the working class against the ruling class response to the pandemic, almost 75 percent of respondents reported that the state governments response to the pandemic was inadequate. Over 46 percent of respondents rated the state response as poor.

In response to the survey findings, a Tennessee teacher posted on Facebook that she is Absolutely exhausted. The teacher continued in the post, but more importantly frustrated. I (and almost every educator I know) have spent LOTS of $ on digital resources to send to our virtual students. Our classroom materials just dont cut it when the students have to do so much independently. I spend at least 10 hours a week trying to find supplemental digital resources that are compatible with our digital platform to reinforce what we are teaching. Then, I use my own $ money to pay for them.

Another teacher discussed the additional responsibilities they have taken on during the pandemic: Were taking food to childrens houses to make sure theyre fed. Were zooming/FaceTime/Google Meet video conference teaching as best we can to teach them. Were meeting kids on their porch to teach in person if parents are ok with it. Were making copies of things for kids to take home and do, while giving our personal numbers to parents to call if they need help. Were doing what we always do. Taking what we have and making the best we can. Is it ideal? No. Is it perfect? Far from it. Teachers are doing what we always do. The best we can.

Despite the obvious risk for teachers and school personnel to contract and spread the coronavirus while schools remain open, TEA President Beth Brown responded to the unions findings by pleading with the state to assist with the burdens of teaching in a pandemic. Brown said, The administration and legislature must acknowledge the sacrifices weve been making and take concrete steps to give us the support and recognition we have earned.

The TEA listed no concrete steps of its own and made no demands that all education move to online learning. It has also made no call for strike action on the part of teachers to shut down schools. Instead, the TEA is keeping teachers on the job despite the escalating pandemic and the staff deaths that will continue to increase.

Unsurprisingly, the TEAs parent union, the National Education Association (NEA), supports the reopening of schools and has enthusiastically endorsed Joe Bidens pick for Education Secretary, Miguel Cardona. Cardona is a strong advocate for reopening schools in the midst of the pandemic and a proponent of various schemes to privatize public education.

On December 22, NEA President Becky Pringle tweeted that Miguel Cardona will be instrumental in helping @JoeBiden strengthen our public schools, colleges, and universities, returning to in-person instruction safely, and dismantling systemic racism in education.

In an announcement the same day on the NEA website, Pringle stated, In these tough times, students, educators, and families face unprecedented challengesfrom the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis to the systemic racism that has held back too many students for too long. We look forward to partnering with Secretary-designate Miguel Cardona in taking on these challenges together, Pringle said.

In partnering with Cardona, the NEA, along with the American Federation of Teachers, will do all they can to fully reopen schools in the face of growing teacher resistance and the escalating cases of coronavirus tied to schools. Nationwide, there have been over 489,000 cases in public schools, including 136,086 staff, according to the COVID Monitor web site.

Teachers, students and parents who want to resist the deadly opening of schools must unequivocally break from the unions and the union-backed Democratic Party. The World Socialist Web Site Educators Newsletter calls on teachers, students and parents to join the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, the only organization fighting to unify education workers, students and parents nationwide against school openings. Such a committee has already been established in Tennessee and we welcome all those who agree on the need to immediately close the schools to join today at wsws.org/edsafety.


Arrest marks second detention on high altitude border since the battle in June

Military said People's Liberation Army soldier 'apprehended' on Indian side

China said soldier went missing in 'darkness and complicated terrain' on Friday

Indian forces have detained a Chinese soldier on a disputed Himalayan border where the two nations fought a deadly battle last year, the military said today.

The arrest marks the second detention on the high altitude border since their deadliest confrontation in decades broke out in June, in which at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

ADVERTISEMENT

The face-off began in early May with a fierce brawl before exploding into hand-to-hand combat with clubs, stones and fists on June 15 which is also understood to have caused a number of Chinese casualties.

Both India and China have since heavily militarised each side of the Ladakh region.

It was said today that a People's Liberation Army soldier was 'apprehended' on the Indian side of the area, known as the Line of Actual Control.

The Indian army said in a statement the man was detained in the early hours of Friday and taken into custody.

Indian army soldiers stand on a snow covered road after snowfall near Zojila mountain pass that connects Srinagar to the union territory of Ladakh, bordering China

'The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures, and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated,' a statement said.

The People's Liberation Army Daily, which is run by China's military, said the soldier went missing in 'the darkness and complicated terrain' and insisted India was informed.

'India should strictly abide by the relevant agreements between the two countries, and promptly transfer the missing person to China, to help with cooling and de-escalating the China-Indian border situation,' the military newspaper added.

Click here to resize this module

Another Chinese soldier was briefly held by Indian forces in the same region in October.

Tensions flared between China and India last June when a clash along the disputed Himalayan border led to the death of at least 20 Indian soldiers.

In the following months, the nuclear-armed neighbours deployed tens of thousands of soldiers across India's Ladakh region and China's Tibetan plateau.

Indian troopers stand atop a vehicle on Srinagar-Ladakh Highway in Ganderbal district of Indian Administered Kashmir

An Indian army soldier stands on a snow covered road after snowfall near Zojila mountain pass that connects Srinagar to the union territory of Ladakh, bordering China

In November, the two sides began formulating a disengagement plan to withdraw troops and establish no-patrol zones.

India and China inherited their territorial disputes from the period of British colonial rule.

ADVERTISEMENT

Three years after India's independence in 1947 and a year after the communists came to power in China, the new government in Beijing began strongly asserting its claims and repudiating earlier treaties it says were signed under duress, but which India says are fixed.

Beijing's approach has strengthened under Xi Jinping, China's most powerful leader in decades who has sworn not to surrender even an inch of territory.

In the 1950s, China started building a strategic road on the uninhabited Aksai Chin Plateau to connect its restive regions of Tibet and Xinjiang.

India objected and claimed Aksai Chin as part of Ladakh, itself belonging to the former principality of Kashmir now divided between India and Pakistan.

Relations were further strained after India allowed Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to establish a self-declared government-in-exile in the northern Indian town of Dharmsala after he fled his homeland in 1959 during an abortive uprising against Chinese rule.

The differences led to a bitter monthlong war in 1962. Firefights broke out again in 1967 and 1975, leading to more deaths on both sides.

They've since adopted protocols, including an agreement not to use firearms, but those protocols have fractured in this year's clashes.

China, in the meantime, began cementing its relations with India's archrival Pakistan and backing it on the issue of Kashmir.

The fiercely contested LAC separates Chinese and Indian held territories from Ladakh in the west to India's eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. It is broken in parts where the Himalayan nations of Nepal and Bhutan border China.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to India, the de facto border is 3,488 kilometers (2,167-mile) long, although China promotes a considerably shorter figure.

As its name suggests, it divides the areas of physical control rather than territorial claims.

In all, China claims some 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles) of territory in India's northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh with its mainly Buddhist population.

India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometers (15,000 square miles) of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau, which India considers part of Ladakh, where the current face-off is happening.
Berlin, Jan 9 : The number of COVID-19-related deaths in Germany increased by a record 1,188 in 24 hours, bringing the country's official death toll to 38,795, the federal government agency for disease control and prevention Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said.

In the previous two days, the daily coronavirus death toll has exceeded 1,000 in the country -- 1,019 deaths on Wednesday and 1,070 on Thursday, the RKI said. The previous daily record was 1,129 deaths registered on December 30, 2020, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday.

The number of new daily confirmed COVID-19 cases remained near record levels and increased by 31,849 on Friday, according to the RKI. The cumulative number of confirmed infections has reached 1.87 million in Germany.

German officials repeatedly stress that the interpretation of COVID-19 data remains difficult due to delays in testing and reporting during the year-end holidays. This could lead to an "incomplete picture of the epidemiological situation in Germany of the previous two weeks," according to the RKI's latest daily situation report.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and the minister presidents of the federal states have agreed to extend the hard lockdown until at least the end of January and tightened social restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Non-essential shops, as well as bars, restaurants and leisure facilities, remain closed. People in Germany are only allowed to meet with one additional person who is not part of the household.

In areas with a 7-day incidence rate exceeding 200 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants, the country's states are advised to introduce additional local measures, such as restricting the radius of movement to 15 kilometers if no valid reason for travel, such as work, can be provided.

The German government aims to bring the 7-day incidence rate, which stood at 136 on Friday, back down to below 50 per 100,000 inhabitants to prevent the country's health system from being overburdened.

Germany had launched its vaccination campaign at the end of 2020, with priority given to people aged over 80, people in elderly and care facilities, and frontline health care workers.

As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in Germany and some other countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines.

Meanwhile, 235 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 63 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain and the United States, according to information released by the World Health Organization on January 6.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 18:57:25|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Two police officers and an assistant police patrol a street in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Jan. 6, 2021. The public security bureau of Changchun has carried out night patrol tasks since 2011. More than 500 police officers and over 130 police cars patrol the streets every night, performing the functions of emergency response, public security management, dispute mediation, rescue services and so on. China will mark its first national police day on Jan. 10 this year. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
The FBI is investigating whether any of President Donald Trump's supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol were conspiring to hurt lawmakers or take them hostage, according to a new report.

Already, dozens have been arrested over the January 6 riot, but the FBI is now looking at whether there was a deeper plot to kidnap or harm members of Congress, sources told the Washington Post.

'We're not looking at this as a grand conspiracy, but we are interested in learning what people would do with things like zip ties,' said one law enforcement official.

At least two mob members, one of them a retired Air Force officer, were spotted on the Senate floor carrying zip-tie handcuffs, while another was caught with a pistol on the Capitol grounds.

At least two individuals were spotted in the Senate chamber carrying heavy-duty flex cuffs. The FBI is investigating whether there was any plot to take lawmakers hostage

This man was spotted in the Senate press gallery with a bundle of flex-cuffs, heavy duty restraints used by law enforcement in mass arrests

Lawmakers evacuate the floor as the mob tries to break into the House Chamber on Wenesday

The FBI is investigating whether any Capitol rioters plotted to kidnap or harm lawmakers. Above, tear gas is fired at supporters of President Trump who stormed the Capitol building

In pursuing the investigation, the FBI will be pouring through social media posts, emails and phones to determine whether anyone among the rioters made specific plans to harm lawmakers.

Although no senators or representatives were injured in the attack, federal prosecutors could still bring conspiracy charges if a plot were uncovered.

Such was the case recently in Michigan, where militia members were charged with plotting to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat.

Among those who participated in the riot was an Air Force veteran who invaded the Senate floor and roamed Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office dressed in combat gear and carrying zip-tie cuffs.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Larry Rendall Brock Jr, 53, carried zip ties in the Capitol

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Larry Rendall Brock Jr, 53, admitted to being the man in the videos and photos inside the Capitol.

But he told The New Yorker he thought he was welcome to enter the US Capitol and claimed he 'found' the zip ties on the floor and merely picked them up so he could hand them in to a police officer.

The father-of-three, who now lives in Dallas, was pictured on the Senate floor Wednesday after the group had broken through barricades, pushed back law enforcement and sent lawmakers fleeing for safety.

Images show him wearing a combat helmet, body armor and a vinyl tag with the Punisher skull on - a symbol adopted by white supremacists and believers of conspiracy theory QAnon.

He carried zip-tie handcuffs and appeared to be speaking with fellow rioters, several of which were dressed in MAGA caps.

Brock, who was in the Air Force for more than two decades and now works for an aviation company, was also seen in footage, shot by ITV News, appearing to exit Nancy Pelosi's office - which was vandalized and looted in the chaos.

Brock, who was in the Air Force for more than two decades and now works for an aviation company, was also seen in footage, shot by ITV News, appearing to exit Nancy Pelosi's office

Brock's family members and a former Air Force comrade have painted a concerning picture of the veteran - one of a man who has become increasingly radical and been influenced by white supremacy in recent years.

Bill Leake, who worked alongside Brock in the Air Force for 10 years, told The New Yorker he had fallen out of touch with Brock because he had 'gotten extreme'.

He said Brock, who was nicknamed Torch in the force, became obsessed with Trump and with following 'the alternative-news-source world'.

'Torch got all in on Trump. He went all in on the alternative-news-source world,' said Leake.

'He actually believes liberals and Democrats are a threat to the country. You can see how the logical conclusion to that is, "We've gotta take over".'

Investigators will also consider whether there was any concerted plot targeting Vice President Mike Pence, who enraged Trump and his loyalists by refusing to illegally intervene in Congress to overthrow the election.

As the attack unfolded, Trump took to Twitter to vent fury at Pence, a message that quickly spread among the president's followers at the Capitol.

A noose is seen on makeshift gallows as supporters of President Trump stormed on the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. A Reuters' photographer covering the riot claimed he heard at least three Trump supporters speak about hanging VP Mike Pence from a tree as a 'traitor'

Pence angered Trump and his supporters earlier this week after pushing back against the president's incorrect claim that the VP could put a stop to the certification of Joe Biden's win

Pictured, a duffle bag of flex cuffs remains at the northern entrance door to the U.S. Capitol building after the Trump rioters on Wednesday. They hunted for Pence and Pelosi

A Reuters' photographer covering Wednesday's riot claimed he heard at least three Trump supporters speak about hanging Pence from a tree as a 'traitor'.

'Many more were just talking about how the VP should be executed,' tweeted Jim Bourg, the Reuters News Pictures Editor in DC.

Pictures from D.C. on Wednesday revealed that a noose was erected on a wooden frame on the West Front of the Capitol by the president's mob.

Rioters were also spotted stalking the halls of the Capitol chanting 'Where is Pence? Where is Pence?'

The FBI now has agents in all 56 field offices nationwide pursuing leads related to the attack.

'Just because you've left the DC region, you can still expect a knock on the door if we find out you were part of criminal activity in the Capitol,' said Steven M. D'Antuono, head of the FBI's Washington Field Office.

Pictured, flex cuffs still hung from the northern entrance door from when Capitol Police attempted to secure it from a pro-Trump mob on Wednesday afternoon

In this image from video, lawmakers evacuate the Senate floor as rioters gain entry

More than 80 rioters have already been arrested and 55 are being pursued on federal charges. The DoJ announced on a call with reporters Friday that 15 people have now been federally charged.

Adam Johnson, 36, was arrested by federal marshals in Florida on Friday

This includes 60-year-old Richard Barnett - the man who put his feet on Nancy Pelosi's desk and left her a threatening note before boasting about it after he returned to the crowds outside.

Barnett, who proudly referred to himself as a white nationalist on social media, was charged with unlawful entry.

Adam Johnson, 36, was also arrested by federal marshals in Florida on Friday and is currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail, according to arrest records.

The stay-at-home dad looted and smiled for a photo as he made off with Nancy Pelosi's lectern. The charges against Johnson are still pending.

Lonnie Coffman, 70, was also arrested after police found his red GMC pick-up truck near the RNC - where a pipe bomb was left.

Dozens more participants in the mob attack are still yet to be identified.

Adam Johnson, 36, was also arrested by federal marshals in Florida on Friday and is currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail, according to arrest records

On Friday, the FBI released new photos of 10 additional MAGA mob rioters inside the Capitol who are wanted in relation to the violent siege.

Federal authorities are seeking the public's help in tracking down those pictured for making 'unlawful entry' into the Capitol building.

The protesters were riled up by Trump, Giuliani and Donald Trump Jr. during a rally near the White House and told to head to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Biden's presidential victory.

A violent mob stormed the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building.

Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob defecated in the Senate and House, invaded Nancy Pelosi's office and looted items potentially including state secrets.

One female Trump supporter, US Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, was shot dead by Capitol Police as she tried to climb through a window.

Three other Trump supporters died after 'medical emergencies' related to the breach and Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick died Thursday from injuries sustained in the attack after the thug allegedly hit him over the head with a fire extinguisher.
Classrooms across Ireland will be empty until at least February 1. Photo: Reuters/Eddie Keogh

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) is recommending its members to reject the proposed public sector pay agreement.

It is the second teacher union to seek a no vote, following a similar move last month by the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI), which also represents post-primary teachers as well third-level lecturers

However, the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) is urging acceptance of the new deal, Building Momentum.

Speaking after meeting of his unions central executive council, ASTI general secretary Kieran Christie said that the proposed agreement did not achieve equal pay for post 2010 entrants to teaching.

Read More

He added that while the proposed agreement included modest pay increases for teachers, it follows a 12-year period where teachers endured significant cuts to pay and increased work demands.

In the past 10 months we have seen an unprecedented display of commitment, flexibility, hard work and agility across a range of civil and public services. During this time teachers and school leaders have worked tirelessly to support their students and to ensure their education continues.

In this context it is scandalous to think that a significant proportion of these teachers are experiencing pay discrimination. These teachers have been denied equal pay for up to a decade.

ASTI President Ann Piggott said they could not accept proposals that involve a continuation of unequal pay for thousands of second-level teachers. Todays decision demonstrates that ASTI members want to continue to stand up for lower-paid teachers.

At the meeting, lower-paid teachers stated that they had experienced unequal pay for up to 10 years. Many are now in their 30s and 40s and have substantially reduced career earnings.

The ASTI ballot will take place in the coming weeks.

The split between the INTO and the two second-level unions can be explained by what ASTI and the TUI see as two areas of unfinished business arising from two-tier pay scales introduced at the height of the economic crash a decade ago, which have had a particular impact on their members.

One is for a return to a situation where their members start on the third point of the salary scale, rather than the first, in recognition of second- level teachers taking up to six years now to gain their qualification.

They are also seeking payment of the HDip/P ME allowance to those who started teaching after February 1, 2012.

The allowance, traditionally held by second- level teachers, was axed when allowances were cut for new entrants during the recession.

Between those two issues it is estimated that newer entrants to second- level teaching would be at a loss of up to 80,000 over a career compared with those recruited before 2011/12.
Iraq voiced surprise Saturday after the US Treasury imposed "unacceptable" sanctions against Faleh Fayyadh, leader of the state-sponsored Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful pro-Iranian paramilitary network.

Fayyadh is one of the most senior Iraqi state officials to be placed on the US sanctions blacklist.

Washington has been threatening for months to impose sanctions on Iraqis with close ties to Iran or accused of human rights violations, and the US Treasury said Fayyadh was responsible for brutal attacks on protesters in October 2019.

Fayyadh's former deputy, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was killed in US drone strike a year ago alongside Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

But Iraq's foreign ministry called the blacklisting "surprising and unacceptable," and said it would "work to rectify" similar US moves against Iraqis, whether by outgoing President Donald Trump or his successor, Joe Biden.

The sanctions, announced Friday, seek to freeze any assets a designated person has under US jurisdiction and bans American firms -- including banks and other companies with US branches -- from doing business with them.

It poses a thorny problem for Fayyadh, a international businessman who has also been sent by Baghdad as an envoy to the US, Iran and the Gulf.

Iraqi national security adviser Qassem al-Araji said sanctions targeting a senior government official were an "error".

But several pro-Iran groups, including Lebanon's Hezbollah movement congratulated Fayyadh for the "honorary badge" of sanctions, saying it signalled his services to the "resistance".
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.

Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.

An award-winning show presented by the Wexford writer and performer Michelle Dooley Mahon in New York in early 2020 will be available to view on film in the New Year.

The Scourge which was directed by Ben Barnes and produced by Elizabeth Whyte of Wexford Arts Centre, was presented at the Origin 1st Irish Theatre Festival in the Off Broadway Irish Repertory Theatre in New York last January.

The Arts Centre has partnered with the 2021 virtual festival to create a video of the production, filmed by Ted Moran, with funds raised from the purchase of tickets going to support the Cornmarket centre, Dooley Mahon and the Origin 1st Irish Festival.

If you didn't catch the show during show production runs in Wexford or New York, you can purchase a ticket for $10 to view online as part of the Origin 1st Irish Virtual Festival 2021.

The Scourge sees Dooley Mahon reliving visits to her mother Siobhan in a nursing home after she has been struck down by Alzheimer's disease or what the author calls 'death by a thousand cuts'.

Through humorous and moving memories the audience is introduced to personalities, history, and a nostalgic archive of an ordinary Irish family forced to become extraordinary in their attempt to cope.

The production was well-received in New York and was nominated for festival awards for Best Actress, Best Playwright and Best Design. Dooley Mahon won a Jury Special Prize for her work in bringing underexposed issues affecting women in contemporary Ireland to an international audience.

Visit www.origintheatre.org or www.wexfordartscentre.ie for booking information. The Origin 1st Irish Virtual Festival celebrating Irish culture runs from January 11 to 31.

USM Launches STEM on Demand: Virtual Lessons for K-8 Mississippi Teachers

Wed, 01/20/2021 - 17:00pm | By: Van Arnold

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has launched an innovative program to support teachers across the state with virtual lessons in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for kindergarten through 8th grade classrooms in Mississippi.

The STEM on Demand program, administered through USMs Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME), is being funded by a $397,789 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. In addition to the virtual synchronous lessons, accompanying materials/supply kits will be made available to participating teachers and their students free of charge.

The one-year program was developed in response to the academic stresses created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons are taught by USM professors and scientists on Zoom, with times and lengths adjusted to meet teachers K-8 classroom schedules.

Public school teachers have just come through one of the most challenging years in history, said Dr. Julie Cwikla, Interim CSME Director. The University of Southern Mississippi is here to provide open access to University scientists, standards-based lessons, Q&As with scientists, and rich, hands-on STEM learning opportunities for the children of Mississippi.

Cwikla noted that the Office of Gov. Tate Reeves was also instrumental in helping to secure the grant.

Cwikla, a professor of mathematics education, is leading STEM on Demand, along with her CSME colleagues, Dr. Rachel Gisewhite, marine science education; Dr. Kendrick Buford, biology education; and Dr. Allison Downing, science education.

I am excited to be able to assist Mississippi teachers in any way we can by bringing classroom resources directly to them and their students during this challenging time, said Dr. Downing.

Teachers can reach out to CSME to help them with STEM content and standards they find more challenging or for an area in which they want something new and interesting for their students. STEM on Demand will provide young children in Mississippi with access to University professors, providing interactive hands-on learning experiences and equally important Mississippi role models and scientists in STEM.

I am so proud of the outreach and service coming out of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education. Leading the state in STEM education is part of the fabric and history of our institution, said Dr. Chris Winstead, Dean of USMs College of Arts and Science.

CSME is currently booking STEM lessons with topics ranging from DNA to astronomy to marine science

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way teachers and students interact and created a space for new and innovative ways to connect and learn, said Dr. Gisewhite. I am so excited for this opportunity to bring fun, engaging, and impactful STEM lessons directly to K-8 classrooms.

To learn more about the program, visit: https://stem-ondemand.org/

About CSME Since its inception in 1964, The Center for Science and Mathematics Education has served almost 1,500 graduate students in mathematics and science education. Our graduate degree programs currently serve nearly 40 masters and doctoral level students in mathematics education and science education. The center strives to stimulate, develop, and support interdisciplinary STEM education research initiatives both on and off the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. Additionally, the center designs and provides STEM Education outreach activities for the Gulf South region.
Matt Hancock, Michael Gove and Chris Whitty convinced Boris Johnson to lock down the country for a third time, reports say.

The Prime Minister faced a stark situation in a 'dashboard' meeting at 9am on Monday, with infection and hospitalisation figures painting a bleak picture of the country's situation.

Mr Johnson went on to describe the data as a 'bit unclear' during an interview at north London's Chase Farm Hospital, insisting that reopening schools was the right thing to do.

But the PM was less bullish when he returned to Downing Street, where England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty said he and other CMOs in the four nations thought the threat meter should be raised to the highest possible level, The Times reports.

A Downing Street insider said Mr Johnson was 'the last man standing when it came to schools'.

The source added: 'Gove was absolutely crystal clear. He said, ''Schools need to close  there's no question about that.'' '

Health Secretary Mr Hancock agreed with Mr Gove, reports say.

The Prime Minister faced a stark situation in a 'dashboard' meeting at 9am on Monday, with infection and hospitalisation figures painting a bleak picture of the country's situation

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson was said to have not been in the room when Mr Johnson gave in.

The inability to criticise the Johnson administration means Mr Williamson has been lined up as a scapegoat, it has been claimed.

A source said: 'Gove was absolutely crystal clear. He said, ''Schools need to close  there's no question about that'' '

Mr Hancock is reported to have said 'What have they been doing for the last six months?' during a meeting where the provision of laptops to pupils was being discussed.

A No10 source said: 'It's fair to say that there is pretty widespread irritation at the department for education in this building.'

Earlier this week Boris Johnson failed to guarantee that all pupils in England will be back in school classrooms before the summer holidays.

The Prime Minister said he is 'optimistic' that 'things really will be very different by the spring', but was unable to give parents, pupils and teachers a firm assurance that face-to-face teaching will be able to resume during the current academic year.

The closure of schools is due to last until the middle of February at the earliest when the lockdown is due to be reviewed.

Britain's Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty (L) and Britain's Health Secretary Matt Hancock (R)

Boris Johnson attends a virtual press conference on the COVID-19 pandemic, inside 10 Downing Street in central London on January 7

The massive disruption to learning has forced ministers to tear up plans for A-level and GCSE exams to go ahead broadly as normal in May and June.

Other high-up figures in the Johnson regime are also reportedly facing the firing line.

The role of Nadhim Zahawi, who was appointed minister for vaccine deployment after much of the planning was done, has been dismissed by some as a redundant position to assuage backbench calls for a 'minister for vaccines'.

One person involved in the rollout said: 'I don't think the success of the vaccine programme will depend on Nadhim Zahawi.'

Boris Johnson last night begged families to stay at home as the Covid-19 death toll hit a grim new record - with the Government launching a new campaign blitz to scare people into obeying lockdown rules.

England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty has appeared in adverts urging Britons to 'act like you've got' coronavirus to 'protect the NHS and save lives'.

Two terrifying new posters also show a patient dying in hospital and a healthcare worker wearing full PPE, warning Britons: 'If you go out, you can spread it. People will die.'

Mr Johnson warned that infections were rising at an alarming rate, despite the new national lockdown imposed at the start of the week.

And he warned the only way to prevent thousands more deaths was to follow the rules. The Prime Minister said: 'I know the last year has taken its toll.

'But your compliance is now more vital than ever. Once again, I must urge everyone to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.'

Another 1,325 Covid deaths were reported on Friday  nearly one a minute - and more than the peak of 1,224 in the first wave last April.

The grisly death toll - which has doubled in a week - takes the UK to the brink of almost 80,000 victims.

Experts fear the daily death counts will continue to spiral because of rocketing cases and hospitalisations, piling further pressure on Boris Johnson to speed up the sluggish vaccination programme designed to start getting Britain out of lockdown by mid-February.

Department of Health figures show the UK has recorded more than 50,000 cases for 11 days in a row, with the five worst days of the pandemic all occurring since the start of 2021. Cases have risen by almost 30 per cent week-on-week.

But a senior SAGE official today warned the actual number of Britons currently getting infected every day is closer to 150,000, claiming that the size of the second wave is now way worse than the first.

A commuter wears a facemask as he sits in a bus shelter with signage promoting 'Stay Home, Save Lives' in central London

Everyone in England is being urged to stay at home and 'act like you've got it' as part of a major advertising campaign. including posters (pictured) encouraging the public to control the spread of the virus and protect the NHS and save lives

The source also fears England's third national lockdown will not 'slam the R rate down as it did in March' because the country was dealing with a more infectious mutated strain and because adherence to the rules has dwindled.

No10's advisory panel revealed that the R rate could be as high as 1.4 across the seven regions of England.

Amid calls for even tougher restrictions, ministers are considering making face masks mandatory in busy outdoor locations, such as supermarket queues.

The hard-hitting ad campaign was launched on TV last night, fronted by Chief Medical Officer Professor Whitty. He said that while vaccines provided 'clear hope for the future... for now we must all stay at home'.

Professor Whitty, who is the most trusted government figure on Covid, said the rapid spread of the virus was putting 'many people at risk of serious disease and is placing a lot of pressure on our NHS'.

Dramatic images will carry the stark message: 'Coronavirus. If you go out, you can spread it. People will die.'

Prof Whitty says: 'Covid-19, especially the new variant, is spreading quickly across the country. This puts many people at risk of serious disease and is placing a lot of pressure on our NHS.

'Once more, we must all stay home. If it's essential to go out, remember: wash your hands, cover your face indoors and keep your distance from others.

'Vaccines give clear hope for the future, but for now we must all stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.' The campaign also urges people to 'act like you've got it' adding that 'anyone can spread it'.
Francesca Paris covers North Adams for The Berkshire Eagle. A California native and Williams College alumna, she has worked at NPR in Washington, D.C. and WBUR in Boston, as a news reporter, producer and editor. Find her on Twitter at @fparises.

The number of people in the country who have tested positive for the new mutated COVID-19 strain has reached 90. Madhya Pradesh has reported that one of its citizens tested positive for the new virus strain which was originally discovered in the UK.

The patient is a 39-yeat-old man who had returned to Indore from the United Kingdom last month. He tested positive for the new mutated COVID-19 strain on Friday. Officials have stated that the 39-year-old is asymptomatic.

Earlier on Thursday, three more people tested positive for the new mutated UK variant of the virus in Maharashtra. Till now, 11 such cases have been detected in Maharashtra, which also has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Officials have noted that all 11 patients in the state were asymptomatic.

On Wednesday, i.e. January 6, the total number of people who had tested positive for the new UK-variant of the coronavirus was 73. In just three days, this number has reached 90.

The Union Health Ministry had announced 58 cases on Tuesday.

The presence of the new UK variant of the coronavirus has already been detected in several countries including Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore.

Also Read: 'Ready to roll out two 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines, save lives,' said PM Modi

Also read: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro asks PM Modi to expedite shipment of COVID-19 vaccines
A woman infected with the highly contagious UK strain of Covid-19 visited a Queensland Woolworths, bottle shop and pizza cafe while infectious.

Queensland Health has urged anyone who was at the venues when the woman was there to get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

The woman flew into Melbourne from the UK on December 26, tested positive for coronavirus, and then was allowed to fly to Queensland after completing 10 days of quarantine.

Queensland Health has issued an alert for three venues in Maleny (pictured: health workers are seen at a COVID-19 drive through testing clinic at Murarrie in Brisbane, Friday)

The infectious woman visited Cappriccios Italian Pizza Restaurant (pictured) in Maleny on January 6 between 6.30pm and 7pm

The woman also visited Purple Palate Cellars (pictured right) between 4.15pm and 4.25pm on January 7 and Maleny Woolworths (pictured left) on January 7 between 4.30pm and 4.50pm

She arrived in Brisbane on January 5 on Jetstar flight JQ570 at 11pm and then travelled to Maleny on the Sunshine Coast where her parents live.

She visited Cappriccios Italian Pizza Restaurant on January 6 between 6.30pm and 7pm, Purple Palate Cellars between 4.15pm and 4.25pm on January 7 and Maleny Woolworths on January 7 between 4.30pm and 4.50pm.

Anyone who was at the venues during those hours as well as passengers on the Jetstar flight are asked to watch for symptoms and get tested and self-isolate should they appear.

Genome sequencing from the woman's Melbourne test revealed she had the UK variant, leading to Queensland health officials testing her again.

She was still testing positive to coronavirus after the second test, prompting the venue warning from Queensland Health.

Queensland's chief health officer Dr Jeanette Young said the woman was at the end of her infectious period so the risk to others was low.

'This is very, very, very low risk, but it's not zero risk, so we're just taking all of those precautions,' she said on Saturday.

The woman arrived in Brisbane on January 5 on Jetstar flight JQ570 at 11pm and then traveled to Maleny on the Sunshine Coast just outside of the Greater Brisbane lockdown area

Queensland reported zero new cases of coronavirus on Saturday with more than 14,000 tests being done in the previous 24 hours (pictured: Brisbane on Saturday)

Queensland Health also issued a separate urgent alert for anyone who visited two supermarkets in Brisbane's south when a hotel quarantine cleaner was there who has also tested positive to the UK strain.

These are the Coles at Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown on January 5 between 7.30am and 8am and the Woolworths at Calamvale North on January 3 between 11am and 12pm.

Anyone who was at the store during these hours in considered a close contact and must immediately get tested and quarantine for 14-days regardless of the test result.

Queensland reported zero new cases of coronavirus on Saturday with more than 14,000 tests being done in the previous 24 hours.

The Greater Brisbane area has gone into day one of a three day lockdown on Saturday designed to allow contact tracers to get ahead of the quarantine hotel cleaners case.

The hotel cleaner's case, a woman in her 20s, was infectious from January 2 before testing positive after showing symptoms on Wednesday.

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus is urged to get tested immediately.

Contact tracers are tracking the movements of the cleaner, who worked at the hotel Grand Chancellor on January 2.
Nanoparticle vaccine for COVID-19

Before the pandemic, the lab of Stanford University biochemist Peter S. Kim focused on developing vaccines for HIV, Ebola and pandemic influenza. But, within days of closing their campus lab space as part of COVID-19 precautions, they turned their attention to a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Although the coronavirus was outside the lab's specific area of expertise, they and their collaborators have managed to construct and test a promising vaccine candidate.

"Our goal is to make a single-shot vaccine that does not require a cold-chain for storage or transport. If we're successful at doing it well, it should be cheap too," said Kim, who is the Virginia and D. K. Ludwig Professor of Biochemistry. "The target population for our vaccine is low- and middle-income countries."

Their vaccine, detailed in a paper published Jan. 5 in ACS Central Science, contains nanoparticles studded with the same proteins that comprise the virus's distinctive surface spikes. In addition to being the reason why these are called coronaviruses - corona is Latin for "crown" - these spikes facilitate infection by fusing to a host cell and creating a passageway for the viral genome to enter and hijack the cell's machinery to produce more viruses. The spikes can also be used as antigens, which means their presence in the body is what can trigger an immune response.

Nanoparticle vaccines balance the effectiveness of viral-based vaccines with the safety and ease-of-production of subunit vaccines. Vaccines that use viruses to deliver the antigen are often more effective than vaccines that contain only isolated parts of a virus. However, they can take longer to produce, need to be refrigerated and are more likely to cause side effects. Nucleic acid vaccines - like the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines that have recently been authorized for emergency use by the FDA - are even faster to produce than nanoparticle vaccines but they are expensive to manufacture and may require multiple doses. Initial tests in mice suggest that the Stanford nanoparticle vaccine could produce COVID-19 immunity after just one dose.

The researchers are also hopeful that it could be stored at room temperature and are investigating whether it could be shipped and stored in a freeze-dried, powder form. By comparison, the vaccines that are farthest along in development in the United States all need to be stored at cold temperatures, ranging from approximately 8 to -70 degrees Celsius (46 to -94 degrees Fahrenheit).

"This is really early stage and there is still lots of work to be done," said Abigail Powell, a former postdoctoral scholar in the Kim lab and lead author of the paper. "But we think it is a solid starting point for what could be a single-dose vaccine regimen that doesn't rely on using a virus to generate protective antibodies following vaccination."

The researchers are continuing to improve and fine-tune their vaccine candidate, with the intention of moving it closer to initial clinical trials in humans.

Spikes and nanoparticles

The spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 is quite large, so scientists often formulate abridged versions that are simpler to make and easier to use. After closely examining the spike, Kim and his team chose to remove a section near the bottom.

To complete their vaccine, they combined this shortened spike with nanoparticles of ferritin - an iron-containing protein - which has been previously tested in humans. Before the pandemic, Powell had been working with these nanoparticles to develop an Ebola vaccine. Together with scientists at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to get a 3D image of the spike ferritin nanoparticles in order to confirm that they had the proper structure.

For the mouse tests, the researchers compared their shortened spike nanoparticles to four other potentially useful variations: nanoparticles with full spikes, full spikes or partial spikes without nanoparticles, and a vaccine containing just the section of the spike that binds to cells during infection. Testing the effectiveness of these vaccines against actual SARS-CoV-2 virus would have required the work to be done in a Biosafety Level 3 lab, so the researchers instead used a safer pseudo-coronavirus that was modified to carry SARS-CoV-2's spikes.

The researchers determined the potential effectiveness of each vaccine by monitoring levels of neutralizing antibodies. Antibodies are blood proteins produced in response to antigens; neutralizing antibodies are the specific subset of antibodies that actually act to prevent the virus from invading a host cell.

After a single dose, the two nanoparticle vaccine candidates both resulted in neutralizing antibody levels at least twice as high as those seen in people who have had COVID-19, and the shortened spike nanoparticle vaccine produced a significantly higher neutralizing response than the binding spike or the full spike (non-nanoparticle) vaccines. After a second dose, mice that had received the shortened spike nanoparticle vaccine had the highest levels of neutralizing antibodies.

Looking back at this project, Powell estimates that the time from inception to the first mouse studies was about four weeks. "Everybody had a lot of time and energy to devote to the same scientific problem," she said. "It is a very unique scenario. I don't really expect I'll ever encounter that in my career again."

"What's happened in the past year is really fantastic, in terms of science coming to the fore and being able to produce multiple different vaccines that look like they're showing efficacy against this virus," said Kim, who is senior author of the paper. "It normally takes a decade to make a vaccine, if you're even successful. This is unprecedented."

Vaccine access

Although the team's new vaccine is intended specifically for populations that may have more difficulty accessing other SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, it is possible, given the rapid progress of other vaccine candidates, that it will not be needed to address the current pandemic. In that case, the researchers are prepared to pivot again and pursue a more universal coronavirus vaccine to immunize against SARS-CoV-1, MERS, SARS-CoV-2 and future coronaviruses that are not yet known.

"Vaccines are one of the most profound achievements of biomedical research. They are an incredibly cost-effective way to protect people against disease and save lives," said Kim. "This coronavirus vaccine is part of work we're already doing - developing vaccines that are historically difficult or impossible to develop, like an HIV vaccine - and I'm glad that we're in a situation where we could potentially bring something to bear if the world needs it."

###

Additional Stanford co-authors include Kaiming Zhang, research scientist in bioengineering; Mrinmoy Sanyal, research scientist in biochemistry; Shaogeng Tang, postdoctoral fellow in biochemistry; Payton Weidenbacher, graduate student in chemistry; Shanshan Li, postdoctoral researchers in bioengineering; Tho Pham, clinical assistant professor in pathology at Stanford Medicine (also affiliated with the Stanford Blood Center in Palo Alto); and Wah Chiu, the Wallenberg-Bienenstock Professor at Stanford and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and professor of bioengineering and of microbiology and immunology. A researcher from Chan Zuckerberg Biohub is also a co-author. Kim is a member of Stanford Bio-X, the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI) and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, and a faculty fellow of Stanford ChEM-H. He is also affiliated with the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub. Chiu is a member of Stanford Bio-X and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, and a faculty fellow of Stanford ChEM-H.

This work was funded by MCHRI, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Virginia and D. K. Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Archaeologists have unearthed dozens of ancient military camps from Ancient Rome in the Southern Foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains and the Northern Plains of Castile and Leon (North of Spain). According to a new study, over 2,000 years old sites in the northern fringe of the River Duero basin were found mainly via satellite imagery and airborne LiDAR among other GIS tools. The discovery shed light on the Roman army movements between the northern Duero valley and the southern foothills of the Cantabrian.

The new sites were fundamental in understanding the expansion of the Roman state in northwestern Iberia during the 1 century BC. This renewed context set up a challenging scenario to overcome traditional archaeological perspectives still influenced by the cultural-historical paradigm, archaeologists explained in a study published in the Geosciences journal. The army camps were designed for training and shelter. The camps ranged in size from a few thousand squares to 37 acres (15 hectares).

"The remains are of the temporary camps that the Roman army set up when moving through hostile territory or when carrying out maneuvers around their permanent bases," study co-author Joao Fonte said in a statement. "They reveal the intense Roman activity at the entrance to the Cantabrian Mountains during the last phase of the Roman conquest of Hispania.

'Housing' for Roman soldiers

The camps were temporary housing for the Roman soldiers and aided in the Roman Empire's procurement of natural resources from Spain like tin and gold that were used to make jewellery. "We have identified so many sites because we used different types of remote sensing," Fonte explained in the study. "Airborne laser scanning gave good results for some sites in more remote places because it showed earthworks really well.

Aerial photography worked better in lowland areas for the detection of crop marks, he added. The excavation was aimed at decoding the asymmetrical conflicts between pre-modern societies and Mediterranean states and more knowledge about the old and rigid Romanisation concept. New research has led to the identification and analysis of a large number of new sites related to the presence of the Roman army in northwestern Iberia, the archaeologists explained.

Read: UK: Scientists Raise Concerns Over Vaccine Efficacy On South African Covid Variant

Read: Western Army Commander Reviews Operational Preparedness Of Kharga Corps

[Roman military sites archaeologically attested in northwestern Iberia according to their discovery/publication date. Credit: Geosciences Journal]

[Archaeological features in northern Castile-southern Cantabria as seen on the satellite imagery provided by Google Earth. Credit: Geosciences Journal]

[Credit: Geosciences Journal]

[Credit: Geosciences Journal]

Read: Scientists Discover Oldest And Farthest Galaxy Till Date, Located 13.4 Billion Light-years

Read: Earth Is Spinning Faster Than It Has In Over 50 Years: Scientists
Around 200 people protested against the government's coronavirus measures in Luxembourg City on Saturday afternoon.

The event had been promoted for several days on social networks and centred around opposition to the wearing of masks, large-scale testing and restrictions taken by the government to contain the coronavirus pandemic as well as the vaccine and 5G.

The protest took place between the Glacis and Place Guillaume II, where a few speeches were given followed by an "open mic" session for all those who wished to express themselves on the subject.

The last protest against the coronavirus measures, which took place in Luxembourg City's municipal park, brought together around 40 participants. This number increased significantly, with around 200 people participating in Saturday's protest.

Witnesses report that most of the participants did not wear masks despite a noticeable police presence involving some fifteen officers.
Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2021) - Danavation Technologies Corp. (formerly Wolf's Den Capital Corp.) (the "Company") and Danavation Technologies Inc. ("Danavation") are pleased to announce the completion of the Company's previously announced reverse takeover transaction (the "Transaction") pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Danavation in exchange for shares of the Company, as further detailed below. The Company will now carry on the business of Danavation, a leading provider of micro e-paper displays in North America.

The Transaction

The Transaction was carried out in accordance with the terms and conditions of a share exchange agreement (the "Share Exchange Agreement") dated March 30, 2020, as amended, between the Company, Danavation and the shareholders of Danavation (the "Danavation Shareholders").

The Transaction was subject to a number of approvals, which were obtained, and conditions, which were met, prior to its implementation, including, but not limited to the following:

completion of the share consolidation of the Company (as hereinafter described); the approval of the Transaction by the Danavation Shareholders, evidenced by the delivery of the Danavation shareholder consent agreements; completion of the concurrent financing (as hereinafter described); completion of certain non-brokered private placements by Danavation; the election and appointment of certain directors and officers of the Company; all conditions precedent set forth in the Share Exchange Agreement, having been satisfied or waived by the appropriate party; and the receipt of all necessary corporate, regulatory and third-party approvals and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and conditions in connection with the Transaction.

Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 94,141,662 common shares (the "Consideration Shares") of the Company to the former Danavation Shareholders, such that upon completion of the Transaction the former Danavation Shareholders hold approximately 94% of the total number of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of the Company.

The board of directors of the Company was reconstituted in conjunction with the completion of the Transaction such that it now consists of five (5) directors: John Ricci, Frank Borges, Michael Della Fortuna, Tom Loberto and Mark Di Vito. In addition, management of the Company was reconstituted such that it now consists of John Ricci, President and CEO, Rob Suttie as CFO, and Tom Loberto as Corporate Secretary.

Concurrent Financing

In connection with the Transaction, Danavation completed a private placement of subscription receipts (each a "Subscription Receipt") on December 10, 2020, led by Beacon Securities Limited and Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. (the "Co-Lead Agents") on behalf of a syndicate of agents including Haywood Securities Inc. (together with the Co-Lead Agents, the "Agents") pursuant to which Danavation issued an aggregate of 16,490,000 Subscription Receipts at a price of $0.25 per Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of $4,122,500 (the "Offering").

The gross proceeds of the Offering less certain expenses of the Agents and other commissions (the "Escrowed Proceeds") were held in escrow on behalf of the subscribers for the Subscription Receipts by Computershare Trust Company of Canada (the "Escrow Agent"), pursuant to the terms of a subscription receipt agreement (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement") entered into on December 10, 2020 among Danavation, the Co-Lead Agents and the Escrow Agent. As part of the completion of the Transaction, Danavation and the Co-Agents delivered a joint notice to the Escrow Agent on January 8, 2021 confirming satisfaction of the applicable escrow release conditions, at which time each Subscription Receipt was automatically converted into one unit (a "Unit") of the Company, and the Escrowed Proceeds were released to Danavation. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "Unit Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable by the holder thereof for one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") until January 8, 2023 at an exercise price of $0.35 per Warrant Share, subject to adjustments in certain events.

The Company will use the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital purposes. The Unit Shares, the Warrants and the Consideration Shares are freely tradeable. The securities offered have not been 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 the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Name Change and Consolidation

Prior to the completion of the Transaction, the Company changed its name from "Wolf's Den Capital Corp." to its current name, "Danavation Technologies Corp." in accordance with the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Also prior to the completion of the Transaction, the Company consolidated its common shares on the basis of thirty (30) pre-consolidation common shares for one (1) post-consolidation common share.

Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States.

Danavation Technologies Corp.

Danavation Technologies Corp., a Canadian-based company, is the leading provider of micro e-paper displays in North America. Our Digital Smart Labels, powered by leading edge IoT M2M automation technology and proprietary software platform, enables retailers, grocers, healthcare providers, manufacturing, and logistics companies to automate labelling, price, product, and promotions in real-time. This solves real pain points such as high labor costs, data accuracy, and low productivity associated with traditional labor-intensive workflows. Our mission is to empower the adoption of smart retail, smart cities, industry 4.0, and advocate for environmental sustainability by significantly reducing paper use.

For further information please contact:

John Ricci, President and CEO

Phone: (647) 500-3603

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the future business of the Company, and other matters. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. The forward-looking statements in this press release include the information related to the use of proceeds of the Offering, the future business of the Company, and other matters. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to continue operations, the Company's ability to raise further capital, and the Company's ability to obtain regulatory and exchange approvals,. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/71672

Soulful founder Iain Burke-Hamilton

Iain Burke-Hamilton, founder of UK-based vegan business The Soulful Food Co. tells Andy Coyne how the brand has managed to grow sales during the pandemic.

just-food: Iain, Soulful is best-known in the UK for its better-for-you, self-contained OnePots meals, with vegan offerings such as West African Peanut & Chickpea with Red Rice and Cajun Spice Jackfruit with Nutty British Spelt. You've launched a new ready-meal range, PlantBox. What's your thinking?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: The ready-meal market as a whole is down but it is almost static when it comes to brands and our OnePot sales have gone up by 24.3% over the last year. Buyers recognise that our type of branded, health-focused, functional foods can help them buck the trend where more traditional ready meals have taken a hit.

just-food: Any 'big four' retailer listings yet?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: We only launched it [PlantBox] last month so we are working hard to get listings for it. It's in Whole Foods so far.

just-food: How has Covid-19 affected your business more generally? Presumably your OnePots were often bought by office workers to take back to work to put in the microwave. Now their office is at home and convenience food outlets have struggled.

Iain Burke-Hamilton: The sort of stores we are selling into now are very different to when we started out. Before Covid, we over-achieved in small convenience-oriented stores in inner cities. That has been flipped on its head and the best stores for us now are the large, almost aircraft-hangar-like stores. People are not going into cities as much as they used to. It has been a big change around. The focus on health has in many ways accelerated the demand for our type of food. We expect next year to be in a very good position.

just-food: How did the business come about?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: I always had a passion for food. My dad was a pilot so I was able to travel and had a fairly eclectic palate. My mum was cabin crew and they both refused to eat airline food. Together they made incredible packed meals using seasonal home-grown vegetables with inspiration coming from the many far-off places they visited. I left my day job in 1999 and gathered together a team of like-minded folk. At first it was to establish a retail business but it became apparent early on that rents were going up and the retail landscape was changing significantly so we switched our thinking from retail to a manufacturing business.

just-food: Who were your customers in the early days?

Iain-Burke Hamilton: We restored a vintage Airstream trailer, christened her 'Betsy', and hit the London street food markets. During the summers we toured the country's festivals dishing up a hearty, wholesome menu to keep revellers invigorated. Events such as Glastonbury in 2006 were very useful in terms of testing products and to help establish the brand. We were also selling to lunchtime businesses. There were not many people with a similar offer when we set up. We wanted to bring something to market that showed people there was something other than bread and mayonnaise at lunchtime. We started to sell into those lunchtime chains from the middle to late noughties and this allowed the business to grow exponentially as that market grew. We were able to utilise that growth to fund infrastructure. And we were developing menus for chains and we used that as a test bed for products.

just-food: Albeit that you were a 'foodie', you were starting a business from scratch. Did you have investors behind you or mentors?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: Because we had a growing white-label business we were able to grow organically and didn't need investors. As for mentors, one person was Julian Metcalfe [founder of sandwich chain Pret a Manger, and Metcalfe's Skinny popcorn maker Metcalfe's Food Company]. Julian was always full of wisdom.

just-food: It must have been a steep learning curve when it came to things like branding and then scaling up manufacturing.

Iain Burke-Hamilton: In my previous life I worked for [UK advertising agency] Saatchi & Saatchi so I knew a bit about it and I also worked with an old friend who was an art director. We've always manufactured ourselves so that we could keep a quality focus on the business.

just-food: Tell me about the move into branded products.

Iain Burke-Hamilton: The first branded products we sold were around 2011/12 when we started to supply people like Whole Foods and [UK department store group] Harvey Nichols. Our first large retailer was [online grocer] Ocado in 2012. That gained traction very quickly and sales grew and that helped us to position ourselves and provided a good springboard for other retailers.

just-food: How many people worked at Soulful in those days?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: The team was about 20-30 people when we started to supply Ocado and we had a place in Park Royal [in north-west London]. We are about 70 people now across areas such as technical, supply chain, finance and marketing. In 2012, we moved to our existing facility in Greenwich [in south-east London]. We bought the building next door last year.

just-food: What was the main issue you faced in scaling the business up?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: It was bringing a lot of people into the business  trying to ensure you surround yourself with talent. The skill is to get the right people who can add value to the business and then making sure they are properly resourced.

just-food: When did you get you 'big four' listing with Tesco?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: That happened in 2019. Tesco was the key for us. It gave us a platform and visibility that we didn't have before. It happened really quickly. Tesco was testing a number of vegan brands. They had us in to do almost a [TV programme] Dragons' Den-type pitch. I pitched and two months later we were in. They had been looking to invest in their vegan offering. They went at it early and hard.

just-food: What about listings with other UK grocery majors?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: We are now in final conversations with two other of the big four. One has agreed [to list its products] from next summer but we are hoping one will come on line in the first quarter of next year.

just-food: Are you worried about the competition from supermarket own brands?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: Supermarkets will always develop their own brands but own label does not have that authenticity in vegan for people to buy into. It's too early stage. Branded is outperforming own-label.

just-food: Discount retailer Aldi is now selling self-contained pot products that look almost identical to your OnePots. Does that bother you?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: If people want to copy us we can't stop them. The key for us is to build on what we have achieved so far and to grow our offerings for different occasions. We are looking at larger format meals and to become a go-to brand for people's plant-based journey. We've got some exciting NPD to come next year.

just-food: Is white-label a growth area for you?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: Our focus is on our own brand offering. We started doing a few bits of own-label for lunchtime retailers going into Covid but that disappeared quickly.

just-food: Do you have plans to sell your products overseas?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: We sell in Germany and ship out to Dubai. We went direct to these markets but we are looking at distributors. We will focus on opening up the European market this coming year. OnePots lend themselves to export as they have a decent shelf life.

just-food: What are your long-term ambitions for the business?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: To be authentic and innovative as a vegan meal company. We are in a good position to grow the brand and defend ourselves against new entrants.

just-food: Would you be interested in talking to potential investors or a would-be purchaser of the business?

Iain Burke-Hamilton: I'm always open to having discussions with people but it's not something that's at the forefront of my mind.
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chinono was today remanded in custody by a Harare magistrate on allegations of publishing falsehoods despite indications from his attorneys that he may be infected with COVID-19.

Magistrate Lazini Ncube ordered Chinono to appear in court on Monday and be sent to remand prison where he will be in isolated from other inmates.

His attorneys - Harrison Nkomo and Paidamoyo Saurombe - told the court that Chinono should not be put on remand as what he faces are trivial charges.

Prosecutor Faith Nyamutowa told the court that Chinono posted a tweet that falsely reported the death of a child following a physical assault by the police.

Chinono allegedly breached Section 31 (a) (iii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

A video circulating on social media shows a woman carrying a lifeless body of a child holding onto a policeman demanding justice with some people also urging others to take action against the law enforcement agent.

Chinono was first arrested for posting a tweet noting that some Zimbabweans were expected to stage anti-corruption public protests in July last year.

If convicted of publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state, Chinono could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine, according to Section 31 of Zimbabwes Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Listen to article

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has directed Vice Chancellors of universities to resume academic activities on January 18, 2021.

It explained that the instruction was given in line with the directive of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 on the resumption of schools across the country.

NUC's directive was contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration) of the commission, Mr Chris Maiyaki, on Friday.

In the statement issued on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, Maiyaki urged the universities to safeguard lives by strictly adhering to the extant safety protocols and the guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on COVID-19.

He noted that the guidelines have been communicated on several occasions to university authorities through circulars from the commission.

The deputy executive secretary stated that on the resumption of academic activities, universities must under no circumstance violate the full cycle of the semester system, consistent with the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) approved by the NUC, as well as other extant quality assurance standards and guidelines.

He, however, said officers on Grade Level 12 and below have been advised to remain at home for a five-week period as earlier directed by the Federal Government.

Public universities in the country have been closed since March 2020 after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on an indefinite strike that lasted about 10 months.

A lockdown imposed by the government to contain the spread of COVID-19 also forced the students to remain at home.(Channels TV)

Auburn, N.Y.  A Covid-19 outbreak at a Cayuga County nursing home that began two weeks ago has infected 137 residents, 24 of whom have died.

The outbreak at The Commons on St. Anthony in Auburn started Dec. 21 as a wave of post-Thanksgiving Covid-19 cases began hitting the county, said Julie Sheedy, an official of Loretto which operates the 300-bed nursing home.

Forty-seven employees have tested positive.

Since the outbreak began, 21 residents have died at The Commons and three in the hospital, Sheedy said. Eleven residents have died since Wednesday, she said.

There had been no nursing home Covid-19 deaths in Cayuga County until the first three deaths at the Commons were reported Dec. 29. The three other nursing homes in Cayuga have not reported any Covid-19 deaths.

Our team is always deeply affected by any loss of life, and our hearts are with the families of these individuals, Sheedy said.

The total Covid-19 death toll in the county has increased from 13 on Dec. 21 to 44 as of Thursday. The nursing home deaths account for 54% of the countys Covid-19 fatalities.

There have been 3,650 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Cayuga since the pandemic began. Nearly half of those cases have been reported since Dec. 21.

The average percentage of people testing positive for Covid-19 in Cayuga County is 12%, the highest rate in Central New York. Here are the average positive test rates for other counties in the region: Onondaga, 7.8%; Oswego, 9.7%; Madison, 8.5%; and Cortland, 8%.

During the outbreak Commons employees are wearing gowns, gloves and face shields at all times when working with residents, Sheedy said. The nursing home also is isolating residents who test positive on Covid-19 floors.

Sheedy said the nursing home is testing residents on a schedule established by the state Health Department. The facility also is testing employees weekly. Sheedy said the state Health Department inspected the nursing homes infection control practices Wednesday and found no deficiencies.

The Commons gets a one-star rating, the lowest, from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. The one-star rating means the nursing home is considered much below average based on health inspections, staffing and quality of care.

The nursing home began vaccinating residents Dec. 22. So far 193 residents, or 80%, and 113 employees, or less than half the staff, have been vaccinated. The nursing home plans to do more vaccinations Jan. 12.

Kaylee Gabak, a certified nursing assistant at The Commons, is on life support at Upstate University Hospital after becoming infected with Covid-19. Her family believes Gabak was infected at The Commons before she went on maternity leave Dec. 16. Gabak gave birth to a baby girl Dec. 26, went home, then had to be hospitalized after developing breathing problems.

If you live or work at The Commons on St. Anthony wed like to hear from you. We want to learn from your experience and tell your story. Contact James T. Mulder at jmulder@syracuse.com or (315) 470-2245.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc has held a phone talk with Congressman Ted Yoho,

a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation (116th tenure), on the occasion of his office at the House of Representatives ending.

During their phone talk, Ambassador Ngoc appreciated Yohos contributions to the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership in recent times, while highlighting the sound development of the two countries ties along with friendship of close friends and partners of Vietnam like Congressman Yoho.

He thanked Yoho for his participation in and contributions to the success of major activities marking the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US (1995-2020).

Ngoc expressed his wish that Yoho, in his new position, will continue contributing to promoting multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

Ngoc took this opportunity to propose Yoho continue supporting efforts to reach satisfactory, equal and win-win solutions for investigations into Vietnams monetary policy and timber imports and use under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.

Ted Yoho, for his part, expressed his special sentiment towards the land and people of Vietnam, saying he admired achievements Vietnam has obtained in recent times.

He affirmed to continue making contributions to the two countries ties, especially in economic and agricultural cooperation, while pledging to continue discussing with relevant US agencies in order to contribute to ensuring a positive, win-win solution relating to investigations under Section 301.

The phone talk was among recent discussions and meetings between Ambassador Ngoc and the Vietnamese Embassy in the US and the US administration, parliament, businesses and scholars in order to maintain the development of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership./.VNA
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks during a joint appearance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, on Nov. 19, 2020. (Maya Alleruzzo/Pool via Reuters)

Pompeo Lifts Restrictions on US Contact With Taiwan Officials

The United States will remove all self-imposed restrictions on contact with Taiwanese officials, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Jan. 9, laying the groundwork for closer relations with the democratic island.

The announcement, made during the final days of President Donald Trumps term, marks the latest move to deepen ties with the self-governed island. The Chinese regime views Taiwan as part of its territory, to be brought under its control, by force if necessary, and opposes any U.S. official contact with the island.

The secretary lifted decades-old complex internal restrictions that have regulated diplomats, service members, and other officials interactions with their Taiwanese counterparts, according to a statement.

The United States government took these actions unilaterally, in an attempt to appease the communist regime in Beijing, Pompeo said. No more.

He ordered executive agencies to treat so-called contact guidelines on Taiwan previously issued by the State Department as null and void.

The United States doesnt have a formal diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, but maintains unofficial ties with the self-ruled island under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).

The TRA authorizes the United States to provide the island with military equipment for its self-defense, and set up a nonprofit corporation called the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which is now the de facto U.S. embassy on the island.

Pompeo also ordered that the executive branchs relations with Taiwan are to be exclusively handled by AIT.

Todays statement recognizes that the U.S.-Taiwan relationship need not, and should not, be shackled by self-imposed restrictions of our permanent bureaucracy, he said.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, the islands de facto embassy in the United States, welcomed the announcement, saying it reflected the strength and depth of the relationship.

We look forward to broadening the Taiwan-U.S. partnership in the months and years ahead, it said in a statement.

The United States has deepened its relationship with Taiwan during the Trump administration. Last year, it approved several large arms sales to Taiwan and increased engagements with the island.

Weve stood by our friends in Taiwan, Pompeo said in a Jan. 7 tweet. Over the past 3 years, the Trump Administration authorized more than $15 billion in arms sales to Taiwan. The Obama Administration? $14 billion dollars in sales over 8 years.

American arms sales are vital to Taiwan amid the escalation of tensions in the region. According to Taiwans Ministry of National Defense, Chinese jets violated Taiwans airspace about 380 times in 2020 and have continued to carry out such incursions at least six times in 2021.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft also will visit Taiwan for three days next week, becoming the third senior U.S. official to visit the island in less than six months.

Frank Fang contributed to this report.
A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Josiah Colt, of Boise, Idaho, who scaled a wall in the US Capitol's senate chamber and is now wanted by Capitol Police after Wednesday's riot wants to apologize.

Colt's apology appears to be a backtrack from a number of videos he shared on Wednesday in which he said he was "tired' of people "stealing our freedom."

Colt apologized in a statement to the local CBS News affiliate in Idaho, saying he had "brought shame on myself."

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A pro-Trump rioter who scaled a wall inside the Senate chamber and is wanted as a person of interest by the US Capitol Police now wants to apologize for participating in Wednesday's riot at the US Capitol, saying he got "caught up in the moment."

The apology from Josiah Colt, of Boise, Idaho, comes after he shared a number of videos on Facebook from Washington, DC, on Wednesday in which he gloated about taking part in the Capitol rampage and falsely stated he sat in House Rep. Nancy Pelosi's char while calling her a traitor and a "b---h."

Colt didn't actually sit in Pelosi's chair, because he stormed the Senate chamber, not the House of Representatives chamber. Photos show Colt climbing down a wall in the Senate chamber before sitting at the dais, where the President of the Senate - currently Vice President Mike Pence - sits.

HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic posted a photo from the Senate chamber during the riot, which appeared to show Colt at the dais. Bobic said the rioter at the dais shouted: "Trump won that election."

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

After leaving the Capitol, Colt posted a video in which he said he was "all over the news" and didn't know what to do next.

"I'm just like every single one of those people that was marching. A peaceful protest, we're here to represent America ... we're tired of being lied to. We're tired of people stealing from us, stealing our freedoms, stealing our liberties. I didn't hurt anybody in there," he said.

Story continues

Now, in an apparent backtrack of his actions, Colt apologized in a statement to the local CBS News affiliate in Idaho, saying he had "brought shame on myself."

A protester supporting U.S. President Donald Trump moves to the floor of the Senate chamber at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Win McNamee/Getty Images

"I got caught up in the moment and when I saw the door to the Chamber open, I walked in, hopped down, and sat on the chair. I said my peace then I helped a gentleman get to safety that was injured then left," he said. "While in the Chamber I told the other protesters that this is a sacred place and not to do any damage. Some of them wanted to trash the place and steal stuff but I told them not to and to leave everything in its place. We're still on sacred ground."

He said he thought he was doing the "right thing in the moment," but has since realized his actions were "inappropriate" and is seeking legal advice.

Colt did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Newsweek reported Colt's Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, had been deleted since the riot in which five people including a US Capitol Police Officer died.

Colt is among the people of interest that the Capitol police have highlighted, and the department is looking to speak with in connection with the riot. The FBI is also seeking to identify people involved.

Read the original article on Insider
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 11:23:52|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. employers slashed 140,000 jobs in December, the first monthly decline in employment since April 2020, as recent COVID-19 spikes stall labor market recovery, the Labor Department reported Friday.

"The decline in payroll employment reflects the recent increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and efforts to contain the pandemic," the department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said in its monthly employment report.

Sarah House, senior economist at Wells Fargo Securities, wrote in an analysis that the "uneven impact" of the virus on high-contact services and jobs where it is easier to socially distance was "on full display."

Employment in leisure and hospitality declined by 498,000, with three-quarters of the decrease in food services and drinking places, by 372,000, the BLS report noted. Since February 2020, employment in leisure and hospitality has been down by 3.9 million, or 23.2 percent.

Employment in private education, meanwhile, decreased by 63,000 in December, the report showed, noting that employment in the industry has fallen by 450,000 since February.

Government employment also declined by 45,000 in the month. Since February, government employment overall has been cut by 1.3 million.

In December, job losses in leisure and hospitality and in private education were partially offset by gains in professional and business services, retail trade, and construction, according to the bureau's report.

The report also showed that growth in total nonfarm payroll employment for October was revised up by 44,000 to 654,000, and the gain for November was revised up by 91,000 to 336,000.

Amid widespread COVID-19 shutdowns in March and April last year, 22 million Americans lost their jobs. The latest data showed that the number of unemployed in December remained unchanged at 10.7 million, which is about 5 million higher than pre-pandemic level in February 2020.

The unemployment rate, which has been trending down over the past seven months, remained unchanged at 6.7 percent in December, the report showed, indicating the disruption to the labor market recovery by resurgent pandemic.

The unemployment rate in December was down by 8 percentage points from its recent high in April 2020 but is 3.2 percentage points higher than its pre-pandemic level in February, the bureau noted.

In an analysis published Friday, Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) senior fellow Jason Furman and Harvard Kennedy School research associate Wilson Powell argued that the newly released official unemployment rate understates the level of joblessness by 1.9 percent.

Furman and Powell calculated that the "realistic unemployment rate" was 8.6 percent in December, taking into account workers who reported being "not at work for other reasons" and the unusually large decline in labor force participation.

They noted that the country saw an initial "partial bounce back" in the labor market in the late spring and summer, as the unemployment rate fell quickly at first as businesses reopened, but the pace of recovery has "slowed throughout the fall and has now reversed."

House added that the job loss in December corroborates the deteriorating jobs picture offered by the recent upward trend in jobless claims, the sub-50 reading from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) services employment index and the drop in small business hiring plans.

Weekly initial jobless claims have been largely declining in the past few months, but the trend was recently reversed in the weeks ending Nov. 14 and Nov. 21, and then in the weeks ending Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 amid COVID-19 spikes.

The Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) registered 57.2 percent in December, 1.3 percentage point higher than the November reading, according to the latest Services ISM Report on Business.

The employment index, however, fell by 3.3 percentage points to 48.2 percent, marking the first contraction after three consecutive months of growth, the ISM report showed.

House noted the latest round of COVID-19 relief is poised to help speed the labor market's recovery with additional Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and targeted emergency grants helping small businesses retain more employees.

"Nevertheless, the next few months are likely to remain bleak in the jobs market as the pandemic continues to rage," she said. Enditem
NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. ("BPFH" or the "Company") (BPFH) relating to its proposed acquisition by SVB Financial Group. Under the terms of the agreement, BPFH shareholders will receive $2.10 and 0.0228 shares of SVB stock per share they own.

The investigation focuses on whether Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, 2) whether and by how much this proposed transaction undervalues the Company.

Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/boston-private-financial-holdings-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018 and 2019 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2019 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, in 2019 we recovered or secured six cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.

If you own common stock in Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2020 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC

Related Links

http://www.monteverdelaw.com


KABUL  The Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has learned with great sadness that a passenger plane flying from Jakarta to the city of Pontianak in West Kalimantan province of Indonesia crashed shortly after takeoff today, resulting in the loss of lives of 62 people.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives, the Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar offers his sincere condolences to Foreign Minister H.E. Retno L.P Marsudi, and through her, to the families of victims and the people of Indonesia.

The Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan expresses its profound sympathies to Indonesia's government and shares the grief of the brotherly people of Indonesia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims.
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.
Federal judges side against pro-life laws in Arkansas, call on Supreme Court to revisit Casey

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

A three-judge panel on a federal appellate court struck down several pro-life laws in Arkansas, and two of the judges have called on the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its ruling in a major abortion case that upheld Roe v. Wade.

The ruling by three judges on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals prevents two pro-life laws passed by the state in 2019 from going into effect. One of the laws prohibits abortions after 18 weeks gestation while the other prohibits abortion of a child based solely on a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Judge James Loken, the George H.W. Bush appointee who authored the opinion, cited the precedent set in the 1992 Supreme Court case Planned Parenthood v. Casey when upholding a lower courts ruling blocking the Arkansas laws from going into effect. Casey, which upheld the finding in Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide, declared that the womans right to terminate her pregnancy before viability  is a rule of law and a component of liberty that we cannot renounce.

Loken cited the governing legal principle of Casey, that before viability the States interests are not strong enough to support a prohibition of abortion, in addition to alleging that there was no generally accepted medical evidence that babies are viable at 18 weeks gestation, when affirming the lower courts ruling.

While the panel unanimously agreed that Supreme Court precedent required them to strike down the Arkansas laws, two of the judges urged the court to reconsider the finding of Casey. One of the judges, George W. Bush appointee Bobby Shepherd, shared his view that good reasons exist for the (Supreme) Court to reevaluate its jurisprudence in Casey.

Todays opinion is another stark reminder that the viability standard fails to adequately consider the substantial interest of the state in protecting the lives of unborn children, Shepherd said. He also quoted from Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who contended that the state had a compelling interest in preventing abortion from becoming a tool of modern-day eugenics.

The viability standard does not and cannot contemplate abortions based on an unwanted immutable characteristic of the unborn child. However, because we must apply the ill-fitting and unworkable viability standard to an act aimed at preventing eugenics-based abortions unless and until the Supreme Court dictates otherwise, I concur in the Courts opinion, he added.

There are important reasons for the Supreme Court to revisit its precedent in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, wrote Judge Ralph Erickson, a Trump appointee. Viability as a standard is overly simplistic and overlooks harms that go beyond the states interests in a nascent life alone.

Additionally, Erickson maintained that by focusing on viability alone, the Court fails to consider circumstances that strike at the core of humanity and pose such a significant threat that the State of Arkansas might rightfully place that threat above the right of a woman to choose to terminate a pregnancy. He spent the rest of his concurrence objecting to the abortion of babies with Down syndrome.

The human person has immense creative powers, a range of emotional responses that astound the observant, and a capacity to love and be loved that is at the core of human existence. Each human being possesses a spirit of life that at our finest we have all recognized is the essence of humanity. And each human being is priceless beyond measure. Children with Down syndrome share in each of these fundamental attributes of humanity, he said.

Erickson described the push to abort babies with Down syndrome as a new eugenics movement, stressing that in Western society, there is currently no more threatened population than children with Down syndrome.

While there are still 6,000 children born annually in the United States with Down syndrome, the same is not the case in other western democracies, he added.

Erickson cited the adoption of universal prenatal screening in Denmark and the resulting decline in the number of births of Down syndrome babies due to abortion as an example of dangerous eugenics. In response to the ruling, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, a Republican, vowed to continue her efforts to lift the injunctions against the pro-life laws.

Following the 8th Circuits decision against Arkansas late-term abortion and Down syndrome-selection ban, I plan to seek further review of this decision in order to uphold Arkansas laws which protect the lives of the unborn and the health of the mothers, she said. The Supreme Court must limit and ultimately overturn Casey and I plan to do everything in my power to see that they do.

Meanwhile, officials at the ACLU praised the courts ruling. According to Ruth Harlow, senior staff attorney in the ACLUs Reproductive Freedom Project: This order will ensure that essential reproductive health care services will remain available in Arkansas. The laws blocked by the court today do nothing but place roadblock after roadblock in front of patients, in violation of their constitutionally protected rights. Arkansas politicians may continue their relentless attacks on abortion, but we will see them in court every time.

The Eighth Circuits ruling on this pair of abortion laws comes three weeks after the appellate court, in an en banc review, rejected the bid of pro-abortion groups to overturn other pro-life laws in Arkansas that ban dismemberment abortions, require doctors to inform law enforcement when a girl younger than 16 obtains an abortion, prohibit sex-based abortions and regulate the preservation and disposal of unborn babies remains. Because of the courts decision, those laws were allowed to go into effect.

Citing the series of pro-life laws recently passed in Arkansas, the group Americans United for Life recognized Arkansas as the most pro-life state in the U.S. as it released its Life List 2021, an annual state ranking based on our comprehensive analysis of each states law and policy protections for human life from natural conception until natural death.

Responding to Arkansas designation as the most pro-life state, Rutledge said, Even with this remarkable announcement, our work continues and I promise I will keep fighting wholeheartedly to defend our pro-life laws.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2021) A woman detained in connection with Wednesday's protests at the US Capitol whose request for a Russian-language interpreter sparked wild conspiracy theories, turned out to be 54-year-old Portland resident Evgenia Malimon of Moldovan descent, Buzzfeed reported.

Earlier on Friday, US media reported that one of the arrested protesters asked the Washington, DC Superior Court for a Russian-language interpreter, touching a firestorm, with some online users suggesting that the protests were in some way linked to Russian security and intelligence services.

The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC) confirmed to Sputnik that such a woman was among the detainees. According to the arrest list provided to Sputnik, Malimon was charged with violating curfew and trespassing.

The Portland, Orergon resident was detained along with her daughter, Kristina, 28. The younger Malimon is the vice-chairwoman the Young Republicans of Oregon and Moldovan native, according to her social media profile.

"Malimon speaks Russian, and she and her family have ties to Moldova, but there is no evidence to support the baseless claims of well - known conspiracy theorists that she and her mother are Russian citizens," Buzzfeed writes.

Malimon and five other people were stopped near the Capitol an hour past curfew, and detained after refusing to disperse despite repeated warnings from law enforcement, OregonLive.com reported, citing a police report.

The mother-daughter duo was released after receiving an entry ban to Washington, DC, local newspaper OPB said.
Vice President Mike Pence (L) watches as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) reacts after reaching out to shake hands with President Donald Trump as he arrives to deliver the State of the Union address in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Feb. 4, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Pence Opposes Invoking 25th Amendment Against Trump: Source

Vice President Mike Pence has no plan to invoke the 25th Amendment against President Donald Trump, a source close to Pence said.

The source, a Trump administration official who chose to remain anonymous, told The Epoch Times that there is no possibility of Pence invoking the 25th.

At least three Democrats and one Republican member of Congress have called for the usage of the 25th Amendment, which was adopted in 1967. It states that if a sitting vice president and a cabinet majority concur that the president is not fit to perform his duties, the president can be removed and the vice president can take over the presidency.

The situation of this unhinged president could not be more dangerous, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) wrote in a letter to House Democrats on Friday. If the president does not leave office imminently and willingly, the Congress will proceed with our action.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden (L) greets Vice President Mike Pence as they attend a ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial in New York to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, on Sept. 11, 2020. (Angela Weiss/AFP)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also called for Trumps removal from office.

What happened at the U.S. Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the president, Schumer said in a statement on Thursday. This president should not hold office one day longer.

He added, If the vice president and the cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the president.

Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) also called for the impeachment of the president in a Twitter video.

All indications are that the president has become unmoored, not just from his duty or even his oath, but from reality itself. It is for this reason that I call for the vice president and members of the Cabinet to ensure the next few weeks are safe for the American people and that we have a sane captain of the ship, he said.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) introduced articles of impeachment on Thursday.

She said in a statement: Yesterday, we saw domestic enemies incite violence and invade the peoples house with intent to harm. Enough is enough! The president has completely lost whatever moral authority he had and is unfit as commander in chief.

In her letter Pelosi wrote that she had spoken to Gen. Mark Milley to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes.

Trump has made no threats of that nature.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he doesnt support Trumps removal.

I do not believe thats appropriate at this point. Im looking for a peaceful transfer. Im looking for the next 14 days to reset, and we will hand off power in a traditional sense, Graham told reporters on Capitol Hill.

Jan Jekielek contributed to the report.
After four years of being the face of Chum Churum, Suzy is officially handing over the title to BLACKPINK member Jennie. Keep on reading to learn more!

Actress and former Miss A member Suzy is officially passing the baton to BLACKPINK member Jennie as Chum Churum's endorsement model. Suzy has been representing the brand for four years. Known as the "Nation's First Love," Suzy attracted consumers with her elegant and feminine charm. With her classy and clean image, she perfectly complimented the clean taste of Chum Churum's soju.

ALSO READ: From BLACKPINK to EXO: Korean Media Names the Top K-Pop Stars Who are the Face of Luxury Brands

Suzy's contract with Lotte Liquor and Chum Chur ended back in Nov 2019. Following her departure from the company, Lotte Liquor surprised people with the announcement that the new face of the brand would be BLACKPINK's Jennie!

Jennie definitely exudes a different charm than Suzy. While Suzy had a pure and innocent charm, Jennie is known for her girl crush aura, enchanting people with her feline-like eyes. Jennie is known for amazing duality, being able to switch from cute to sexy within a snap of her fingers.

ALSO READ: BLACKPINK and More: Korean Media Outlet Names The Girl Groups That Represent the 4th Generation of K-Pop

Along with a change of endorsement models, Chum Churum has lowered their alcohol content from the original 16.9% to 16.5%. The lowered version of Chum Churum began its production in Jan. of this year and will be available for purchase in Feb. This is the first time in a year and two months since the company has made any changes to the brand and its product.

According to Lotte Liquor, the reason they chose to lower the alcohol content of their soju is due to the increased amount of people who are drinking alone at home.

Chum Churum is another brand deal in Jennie's belt. In Jan. 2018, she was named the new model for Chanel Korea Beauty and by Oct. of that same year, she was named the new global ambassador of the French fashion house alongside labelmate G-Dragon of BIGBANG. Jennie was selected as the new face of the brand due to her loyalty to Chanel as well as her trendy image that best suits their image.

In Jan. 2019, South Korean cosmetics brand Hera announced that Jennie was their new model due to her elegant and luxurious image. She represents the brand alongside actress Jun Ji Hyun. Jennie's popularity helped skyrocket the "Red Vibe" lip series, which is often referred to as "Jennie's Lipsticks."

ALSO READ: BTS Jimin, BLACKPINK Jennie, and More: Korean Media Outlet Selects the 'Sell-Out Stars' of the Year

Back in Feb. 2020, Jennie was named the endorsement model of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Aura Red and Blue. The Aura Red phone was dubbed as "Jennie Red" during her time as the production's promotional model.

On June 11, 2020, Lotte Confectionery announced that Jennie would be the newest brand endorser for their newest snack product, "Air Baked." Jennie was selected due to her trendy image that best attracted their target demographic.

Congratulations Jennie on your newest endorsement deal!

Suzy is known as one of the most in-demand endorsers in South Korea and is often dubbed as a "CF Queen" due to the number of endorsements Suzy has done over the years. Her endorsement deals range from cosmetics to clothing, to even sugar! In 2013, Suzy made more than 10 billion won with more than 14 endorsement deals.

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Alexa Lewis
Diaspora played a major role in establishing India's reputation and culture across the world: PM Modi in PBD inaugural speech

Highlighting the contributions of the Indian diaspora in establishing India as a global power, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that they had played a major role in spreading India's reputation and culture across the world.

he theme of the PBD Convention 2021 is "Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat". Photo courtesy: PBD

"Indians brought their 'Indianness' along with them wherever they went," the PM said.

In his inaugural address during the virtual 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, PM Modi touched upon India's efforts during the pandemic to develop vaccines and airlift its citizens home, the government's plans for an 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' and the role of the diaspora moving forward.

The theme of the PBD Convention 2021 is "Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat". The PM expanded on the Indian government's plans for a self-reliant India, stating that such an entity would benefit the world as a whole.

"Today India is ready to save humanity with two 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines. The world is waiting to see how we roll out our vaccination programme as well," he said.

Modi said that last year was a challenging one and the work done by the Indian diaspora across the world and the way they fulfilled their duties was a matter of pride for the country.

"Many Indians living abroad have also lost their lives to COVID. I express my condolences to their families," the Prime Minister said. He also talked about the more than 45 lakh people rescued under the Vande Bharat mission during the pandemic.

PM Modi also spoke about the government's diaspora outreach programme and the launching of the Rishta portal last month, which would facilitate their links with INdians abroad.

A flagship event of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, PBD 2021 is being held virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. The keynote address will be delivered by the Chief Guest, HE Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 21:19:48|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Police officers speak with herdmen in the Gansu Annanba Wild Camel National Nature Reserve, northwest China, Jan. 8, 2021. Bordering Gansu, Qinghai provinces and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the nature reserve covering an area of 396,000 hectares is home to endangered wild animals such as wild camels, snow leopards, wild donkeys, goitered gazelles and lynx. A team of 14 policemen of the Annanba public security bureau is stationed at the reserve to guard this crucial habitat for wild animals, carrying out patrol missions against the severe weather and poor living condition here. They will greet China's first national police day, which falls on Jan. 10, by sticking to their posts. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)
Administratorii portalului nu poarta raspundere pentru continutul postarilor si materialelor plasate de utilizatorii site-ului. Utilizati informatia din acest articol pe propriul risc.

Washington: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was lifting restrictions on contacts between US officials and their Taiwanese counterparts, a move likely to anger China and increase tensions between Beijing and Washington in the waning days of President Donald Trump's presidency.

China claims democratic and separately ruled Taiwan as its own territory, and regularly describes Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in its ties with the United States.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Credit:AP

While the United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, the Trump administration has ramped up backing for the island country, with arms sales and laws to help Taiwan deal with pressure from China.

In a statement, Pompeo said that for several decades the State Department had created complex internal restrictions on interactions with Taiwanese counterparts by American diplomats, service members and other officials.
The Daily Beast

NBCSeth Meyers on Wednesday reacted to the recent news that the Manhattan District Attorneys office has convened a grand jury to consider issuing indictments in the investigation into former President Donald Trumps business dealings.Meyers began by drawing a throughline from this case to all the other figures in Trumps orbit who ended up in trouble with the law.Its just basic logic that if youre surrounded at all times by that many criminals, theres a solid chance youre also a criminal, Meyers said. He then likened Trumps situation to that of the frontman of a band denying that hes actually in a band.Still, Meyers said he wouldnt be surprised if the ex-president emerges relatively unscathed.Trump always manages to wriggle out of a jam, the late-night host said. Hes like the David Blaine of crime. If he ever goes to trial, hell just regurgitate a frog that has Not Guilty written on its back. If the feds ever come for him, hell hide out in a glass box over the [River] Thames.But if Trump himself may end up OK, that might not be the case for his family.Meyers said he would totally believe it if this investigation caused Trump to throw those close to him under the bus. You think he named his eldest son after himself for sentimental reasons? Meyers asked. He did it so there would be a second Donald Trump to pin the blame on.Commentators have also been discussing the likelihood that Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg will flip on Trump.Im guessing when you work for Trump, you start thinking about flipping as soon as you get the gig, Meyers said. Its like when youre in the middle of a job interview at Little Caesars and youre already fantasizing about how youre going to quit.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.
Holding hands is packing on the PDA? Is this the 1800s?

Reply

Thread

Link

I know, right?! Their fingers arent even intertwined 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Imagine if she was wearing capri pants! The horror, the scandalous pda!!1!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

good for them

Reply

Thread

Link































in a pandemic tho!

aw such loser lovein a pandemic tho!

Reply

Thread

Link

isn't australia free of covid rn?



Edited at 2021-01-09 06:04 pm (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I have a friend who lives in Australia and she said it sucks there rn



DISCLAIMER: I use the term 'friend' loosely and I should also acknowledge that she's usually fucked up on something, so she may be in Australia but sis lives in another place.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

There have been some outbursts, but I haven't been updated with the latest.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

They have had 122 new cases in the last 7 days. Compared to many other places, they are doing fine rn. And, ideally, they'll have managed to vaccinate a good part of their populace by the time winter returns to their side of the world.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Pretty much. My old roommate is living there and she was taking a vacation recently. She's not the type that would act irresponsibly or anything. Their entire country has like the same amount of covid as a podunk town in the US.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

My daughter lives in northern QLD and she says her town is pretty much normal, everything open, but the main city in the state, Brisbane, was put on lockdown for 3 days this past week over 1 positive result. Also, a friend lives in Perth and life is pretty much normal there too atm. Obviously people are cautious but theyre out drinking, having meals & having FUN!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Didnt they break up recently?

Reply

Thread

Link

I think that assumption was made by a tabloid literally off them not being photographed in public for a couple of weeks, so it was probably just made up.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Daily mail / womans day magazine claimed they did

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Womans Day is just RPF

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

huh I remember it was reported recently they broke up. Probably tabloids making stuff up because they hadn't been photographed. I kinda like her style, she looks cool and laid back. I wonder if she will become an influencer now

Reply

Thread

Link

It was reported from womans day magazine in Australia lol

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

It was Womans Day. According to them Jennifer Anniston has been pregnant 452 times.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

She's very pretty.



I've been in an HSM wormhole because of the Gen Z Troy and Gabriella love triangle that's all over my TikTok FYP.

Reply

Thread

Link

Im intrigued lol

Whats the love triangle

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I got you lmao.



So the two leads of the Disney+ show High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (I will never forgive Disney for that title), Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett were in a relationship. Fans noticed there was tension between the cast because they both announced new singles and literally all of them were praising Olivia on her Instagram when like only one of the cast members posted a supportive comment on Josh's single announcement. Olivia came out with her debut single on Thursday night and basically ever since then she was trending on Twitter and TikTok because it basically exposes that Josh left her for Disney Channel's Girl Meets World star Sabrina Carpenter because of a line in the song about how he left and pursued an older, blond girl who made her doubt herself. So it seems like everyone who follows them put two and two together that Josh broke Olivia's heart and moved on rather quickly or cheated. It's basically her first big heartbreak and she has to work with this guy. So now like every damn post I see on TikTok are about how if Gen Z sees Joshua Bassett on the street, they'd fight him.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Ugh, this post is giving me major nostalgia. My first apartment in Sydney was in Haymarket- I used to get my groceries from Paddys Market's basement every Saturday and had Japanese chicken katsu curry for the first time at the ramen shop that used to be just up the road. ~Memories~

Reply

Thread

Link

i don't understand the trend of high waisted pants that are too short on the bottom? i don't get pants that aren't long enough in general. and i say that as someone who's tall and should be relieved this is a trend but noooo, i hate it.

Reply

Thread

Link

I hate it so much.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I hate it too! I had such a hard time finding full length work trousers for a few years when cropped everything was the only availability. i don't mind cropped pants if i'm going for an audrey hepburn look, but on jeans and when i'm in a professional setting, i just don't like it.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

LOL yeah WTF is up with high-water pants?! Ive seen young guys wear them too. I dont get these youths. When I was in middle school, you got made fun of for that unsightly shit 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Omg nothing was more embarrassing than high waters in middle school, I blame Urkle

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

lol my 5'2" ass loves them tbh, finally a pant that is the proper length for me

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I love it bc I love wearing boots and I hate seeing jeans / pants / anything that arent tights tucked into them or bunched up around the ankle of the boot, ugh! Drives me crazy lol

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I like cropped pants/ankle skirts because I'm 5'2" and an exposed ankle makes my legs look slightly longer/leaner. I think she'd look better if she cuffed her pants. No comment about that waist pooch situation though.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I only accept this with skinny jeans.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I also fucking hate it

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

is she working as a full time girlfriend now?



what a dream

Reply

Thread

Link

Yes



Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

she went from "cafe waitress" to "model" in 6 months

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I really like her hair, the length and volume of it. Maybe if I had a thinner face, I'd go for a style like this.

Reply

Thread

Link

"Maybe if I had a thinner face, I'd go for a style like this." If your problem is weight, go for it. That hair has been pretty much my default from 2014 to 2020 (fuck COVID), I'm overweight and it works. If it's not weight though, I wouldn't know. I've never been thin. LMAO

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I'm def overweight right now, but I've also always had a rounder face, no matter my current weight. But if you say it works for you, maybe I should go for it too! I just need a change that's not super drastic, and my hair grows fast so if I hated it, it wouldn't be for long.



lmao, sorry for this stream of consciousness.



Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I like her outfit

Reply

Thread

Link

I think I wore this to the Much Music Video Dance in gr. 8

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Good for them.



I wish those bleached jeans and jeans jackets wouldn't make a comeback.

Reply

Thread

Link

How do I met a celeb and what do I need to do because Im not rich or pretty like Vanessa 2.0

Reply

Thread

Link

Why do people wear that style of top



Its so ugly

Reply

Thread

Link

you're wrong. bye

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Lol agreed. Where can I get one??

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Jealous, to be honest. Of their freedom to walk hand in hand, have a double date and getting dinner somewhere outside.

Reply

Thread

Link
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
Posted Friday, January 8, 2021 5:19 pm

A tentative April 12 trial date has been scheduled for an 18-year-old who pleaded not guilty to rape charges in Lewis County Superior Court.

Damian Christian Wilson, of Centralia, allegedly forced himself sexually on a past romantic partner, when she explicitly told him no, three times between January 2017 and December 2018.

According to court documents, Wilson allegedly admitted to the rapes in front of family members and in at least one phone message to the victim. He was charged Dec. 9, 2020, on three counts of third-degree rape, a felony.

Wilson pled not guilty to all charges and claimed his right to a speedy trial, which, in this case, because Wilson is not being detained, means that the court has 90 days from the date the charges were filed  Dec. 9, 2020  to hold a jury trial. However, because Lewis County Superior Court has suspended all jury trials through at least the end of February due to COVID-19, Wilsons attorney, Jared Ausserer, agreed with Judge J. Andrew Toynbee to restart the clock on March 1, 2021  the date that criminal jury trials will tentatively resume.

Toynbee additionally authorized a pretrial sexual assault protection order for the victim.
Weve heard rumors about the Dakotas revival for what seems to be eons, Ram has even confirmed a mid-sized workhorse, but nothing has materialized so far. Whats more, Toyota leads this segment because the ever-popular Tacoma has obvious advantages over domestic competitors.Speaking of Japanese automakers, unibody trucks are a bit of an oddity in this part of the world. The Honda Ridgeline comes to mind, which shares its chassis and drivetrain with the Pilot three-row crossover. This year, however, Ford is stepping into the limelight with the all-new Maverick Coming courtesy of The Maverick Truck Club , the first factory leaked image reveals an oversized grille that has more things in common with crossovers and passenger cars than body-on-frame workhorses. The C-shaped headlights are pretty massive in their own right, giving the newcomer an assertive look that would make the Ranger and F-Series blush with awe.Pictured at the Hermosillo production plant in Mexico, the Maverick is built on the assembly line where the Fusion used to be made until July 2020. The successor of the mid-size sedan, likely called Fusion Evos or simply Evos , is based on the vehicle architecture of the Maverick.C2 is how Ford calls this platform, which is already utilized by the Escape and Bronco Sport. Given this information, its easy to guess what kind of engine options and transmissions are in the pipeline. The worst-case scenario would be the 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo that comes standard in the Escape and Bronco Sport, but deep down inside of me, I hope the Blue Oval will offer the 2.0-liter EcoBoost as the only engine.Rated at up to 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet (376 Nm) of torque, this lump makes a perfect team with the eight-speed automatic that comes standard in both crossovers. The four-cylinder turbo would also be perfect against the free-breathing 3.5-liter V6 of the Honda Ridgeline, which cranks out 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet (355 Nm).
I should have seen the results of the Georgia Senate runoffs coming. As a lifelong resident (51-plus years) of Georgia, living my whole life in one of the most conservative congressional districts in the U.S. (Georgia's 9th), I've enjoyed living in a political sea of red  but though my congressional district is still reliably Republican, real conservatism is getting harder and harder to find in northeast Georgia. Nothing has made this clearer than the manufactured crisis over the Wuhan virus.

I write "manufactured" because it is now clear that, whatever health risks the Wuhan virus presents, they pale in comparison to the social, mental, economic, and spiritual carnage wrought by the foolish political actions  and subsequent foolish private actions  that tragically followed the Wuhan virus into the U.S. The shutdowns, the lockdowns, the mask mandates, and the like have done little to nothing to stem the tide. As many warned, including President Trump, for the Wuhan virus, the "cure" has indeed been worse than the disease.

In addition, the pervasive fear porn frequently spread by the left-wing media and those like-minded opened the door for mail-in voting, ballot drop boxes, and other opportunities for voter fraud. Though the exact extent is still unknown, a wide array of evidence has made clear that vote fraud occurred. Thus, the election fraud  however widespread  is also greatly due to our Wuhan virus reaction.

Nevertheless, two months after the fiasco that was the November election, and about ten months after the Wuhan virus fear-mongering began, in spite of all the evidence we now have, in northeast Georgia  again, one of the most conservative parts of America  the lockdown narrative persists. And if it's happening here, there's little doubt that this is the case over much of the U.S.

As I recently reported, numerous school systems  including colleges  in northeast Georgia are beginning the second semester with students stuck in at-home learning. As a long-time veteran of homeschooling our four children, there's nothing wrong with this if it is what parents and students are prepared for, but this is not the case for the vast majority of households. Also, this attitude toward in-person schooling perpetuates the lockdown narrative.

Many institutions  especially those that involve young people  are taking their lockdown cues from school systems. The prevailing thinking is, "If school is not safe, since our activity involves school-age children/young adults, we must shut down/lock down as well." This is happening with churches, recreation departments, camps, concerts, and the like.

Very troubling and discouraging is the fact that school boards in northeast Georgia are dominated by Republicans and supposed conservatives. I won't rehash the mountain of data and science one has to ignore to conclude that children are in any real danger from the Wuhan virus, but I will add: shame on them! Where is the courage? Where is the leadership?

Even more troubling is the seeming lack of courage and leadership on the Wuhan virus in U.S. churches, including those in my ZIP code and the surrounding areas. I realize that churches with vulnerable populations might need to take certain measures to protect them, but months-long, widespread shutdowns of services and activities  especially those involving young people  are inexcusable. This is nothing more than operating out of fear or laziness instead of operating out of faith.

Why in the world are churches taking direction on life and death, health and prosperity, liberty and joy, from the faithless in secular government? If there was ever a time for the Church to be the Church, this is such a time! Churches have just as much access  if not more  to expert health care analysis. Moreover, right-minded churches (note that many churches who have long been in shutdown mode have also compromised on a wide array of other important issues) are much more equipped to weigh health care advice from the proper perspective, rightly balancing safety with living one's life.

Corporate leadership on the Wuhan virus has been as bad as any other leadership. To the detriment or destruction of hundreds of thousands of small businesses all across America, for months now, Corporate America has enthusiastically backed mask mandates, lockdowns, and the like. As countless owners and employees of small businesses have suffered as their businesses have been significantly limited or shut down, Walmart, Amazon, and Home Depot have survived and even thrived in lockdown America.

Like public school teachers and other government employees whose paychecks have continued through the lockdowns and shutdowns, those employed by corporate America have seen little to no economic pain from the lockdown policies that are prolific in the U.S. No amount of "stimulus" checks from broke Uncle Sam  now approaching $30 trillion in debt  can replace the real income generated when businesses are free to operate as they wish.

It is past time for the end of lockdown politics and policies! Notice that I'm not saying that lockdown "leaders" must go, but that leadership that has resulted in the general lockdown of America, must end. However, leaders who refuse to acknowledge what science  as well articulated in the Great Barrington Declaration  has long made clear, should step aside, or be removed. On the Wuhan virus, the GBD rightly concludes:

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.

Trevor Grant Thomas: At the Intersection of Politics, Science, Faith and Reason

www.TrevorGrantThomas.com

Trevor is the author of The Miracle and Magnificence of America

tthomas@TrevorGrantThomas.com

Image: meandcolors via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
In its launch year, Red Books Press finished on a successful note by ensuring more people were getting stuck into the work of local authors this year.

The writing collective launched two new titles in time for Christmas - 'Through a Farmer's Eyes' by Mattie White and 'All of Them Hipsters' by Zeff Ryder, and both have sold-out and are awaiting a second run.

The two latest offerings bring to four the number of titles launched by the collective this year and owner of Red Books Wally O'Neill says it's just the beginning. 'We're very honoured to have been able to facilitate the release of these two local books,' he said. 'Wexford is a haven for untapped literary and artistic talent and must surely soon, in a post-covid world, use these strengths to increase our tourism sector. There is something special here.'

'These two new titles mark the third and fourth titles brought out by Red Books Press since our launch in August. I won't say that it's been all plain sailing but we've accomplished a base and these titles stand up against anything being produced anywhere else in the country today. This is only the beginning. We already have twelve Wexford books lined up for publication in 2021.'

A farmer from Bannow, Mattie White is donating all proceeds from his book to two causes close to his heart - Wexford MarineWatch and My Lovely Horse Rescue. Zeff Ryder's debut novel is a beautifully crafted story of loss. Better known as one half of Wexford band Hot Rod Hearse, he's set to take the literary scene by storm in the absence of live gigs.

'There were over twenty new Wexford books out for Christmas,' Wally said. 'The range of skill, style and voice shown by these authors is humbling and paints Wexford as a great muse for writers. It's really important we support them.'
Plainview Rotarians held their first meeting of the year with members meeting both in person and through Zoom.

The program for the day was presented via Zoom by Vitaly Bezrodnov, who gave a presentation on the Golden Gate program, which is a Rotary Childrens Fund and International Exchange Program.

Golden Gate brings together young people from one country and allows them to travel to other parts of the world and do fine art performances such as music or dance that represent their own cultures. The idea for the program developed after Bezrodnov, who originally is from Kazakhstan but immigrated to the United States, and his band were invited to perform at a Rotary club in Denver. He explained that he was impressed by the club members who didnt come to just be entertained but wanted to find ways to break down cultural barriers and were looking for solutions to challenges. It was founded in 2003.

Bezrodnov said that Golden Gate has allowed the young people in the groups to not only learn of other cultures but to spread their own cultures across the world, and in the process has broken the stereotypes that have developed over time.

Its just another tool for Rotarians to connect the world, he concluded.

Following the meeting, the club dismissed and looked to the community for ways to show Service Above Self.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
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.

British police warn of fines over $8,000 for going outdoors without 'reasonable excuse' during third lockdown

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

British police have warned the public that they will face a fine of $271 (200) for going outdoors during the country's third lockdown unless they have a "reasonable excuse," and fines will double for every violation that follows up to $8,675 (6,400).

Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chief's Council, wrote in the comment section of The Telegraph Wednesday that police "will continue to bear down on that very small minority that flagrantly and selfishly breach the regulations, such as those that organize unlicensed music events or parties.

Though several exceptions exist regarding travel restriction and mask-wearing, The Telegraph reported that officers "will not be reasoning with offenders but will impose fines straightaway" unless they have a reasonable excuse.

The increasingly tight restrictions in the U.K. have come about as a new and more contagious variant of the virus has been discovered there as well as in Italy and states across the U.S.

New rules state that it's against the law to gather socially with friends and family unless they are in one's "household or support bubble." Regulations also stipulate that people can take an occasion once daily to exercise outdoors near where they live.

The BBC reported Friday that two women were surrounded by police, read their rights and fined 200 each after driving 5 miles to a reservoir to take a walk. The hot drinks they purchased at a coffee shop were also not permitted as they were "classed as a picnic," police told them.

"I was so shook up afterwards," one of the women, Jessica Allen, said. "The fact they read my rights. I thought 'Am I going to prison for going on a walk?'

"I'm not a criminal but we were treated as if we were criminals and it really made me feel for those people who are wrongly arrested and questioned by police, because it wasn't a nice situation to be in."

England's new COVID-19 restrictions are especially affecting urban areas such as London where local authorities now say that fewer reasonable excuses exist for people to be away from their homes and police will be more inquisitive about their reasons for being outside.

A London Metropolitan Police statement warned that when "officers identify people without a lawful reason to be away from home, they can expect officers to move more quickly to enforcement, and those who do not wear masks will not be reasoned with but fined.

Twenty-one people were arrested Wednesday as a result of the new COVID-19 lockdown rules, including some who were protesting lockdown policies outside the U.K. Parliament.

This behavior puts others at significant risk, and it's right we patrol in potential hotspots and that officers are inquisitive when they see something out of the ordinary. This will offer both reassurance to the public and act as a deterrent to those who think the measures don't apply to them, Hewitt said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has emphasized the importance of wearing masks, nothing that your harmless cough can be someone else's death knell.

These measures will only work if people comply, he explained, noting that these rules will be enforced by tighter penalties.

The strict public health measures come as health authorities have begun distributing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines across the nation, in hopes that life might return to normal in a few months.

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.
01/08/2021



Logo for the national Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center program.

JSU is one of 28 universities from across the US selected to serve as home to a new Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center supported by the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the Kellogg Foundation.

The goal of the center is to break down racial hierarchies and dismantle the belief in the hierarchy of human value. It will lead efforts to create a campus that respects and values all humans equally.

The initiative is led by Dr. Erin Rider, assistant professor of sociology; Michelle Green, director of the Integrated Studies program; Pete Conroy, director of strategic partnerships and projects; Quadarius Whitson, a student majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences; and Kris Butcher, superintendent of the Freedom Riders and Birmingham Civil Rights National Monuments.

The center will kick off the Spring 2021 semester with a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 11, followed by a National Day of Racial Healing event on Jan. 19. Racial Healing Circles will also be scheduled throughout the semester to facilitate discussion and transform hearts and minds.

As partners with the Freedom Riders National Monument in Anniston, the university will recognize the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Rides this spring, starting with a lecture by Freedom Rider Charles Person on Feb. 9 (more information will be shared on the university calendar soon). Students, faculty and staff are also invited to volunteer for the Freedom Riders National Monument, the Amtrak Trails and Rails program and Community Volunteer Ambassador program. Learn more online or email jessica_epperson@nps.gov.

For more information about the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center, email the team at trht@jsu.edu.
Mainly Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province & Ringing Trips to Bahrain
ONLY Vicky would allow herself to be painted inside out.

Our Vicky Phelan is terminally ill and she needed to take care of her affairs.

The portrait you see here by Offaly painter Vincent Devine is her last will and testament. And we the people are the beneficiaries.

There are shamrocks painted on her heart. A sign of her love for us and the practical patriotism she aspires to.

She has donated her body to her own people.

Thats how I get my kicks, she says.

Vicky was badly treated by the health system.

There was a mix-up and the delay in informing her of a diagnosis of cervical cancer was a death sentence.

Her courage and intelligence revealed what has become known as the cervical cancer scandal.

Vickys fight for justice opened the door for many more women who had not been told of their diagnosis.

But most of you know that already.

Vicky is a gas woman. I do have a bit of the student in me.

Read More

The student days in University of Limerick were the happiest of her life. You sense she would love to have those carefree days back again

I live like Im dying. I take my opportunities. You could say to yourself I have six months and if you give in, you will be gone in six months.

I ask her about the painting.

I wanted the portrait to be up front and open, showing me warts and all.

Expand Close The Triptych Portrait of Vicky Phelan at Sheppard's Auction House in Durrow. (Picture Credit: Frank McGrath) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The Triptych Portrait of Vicky Phelan at Sheppard's Auction House in Durrow. (Picture Credit: Frank McGrath)

She has a long piece of metal in her right thigh, from an accident in France. Her boyfriend was killed in the terrible crash and her friend was paralysed.

Vicky was 20 and she almost died. She did actually die for a small while.

Im not a believer in God but when I died in France my grandmother kept on coming back to me. She said Vicky, you are not ready yet  you have too much to do.

"I remembered that when I came to. I believe those who died are still with you for a reason and I will be with my children and my family to help them after I die.

Vicky has too much love for her kids to leave them any time ever. She is an Irish mother and there is no more powerful or loving force on earth, or in the next life.

Her life is colour-coded. The tumours in the portrait look like coloured slugs with nodes. There are shamrocks on her heart to show her love for the Irish people.

The hope and spirituality is in the hands.

The bird resting on her right hand is a crimson rosella and represents her daughter Amelia, who is 15. Strong and independent she is, says her mom.

The artist Vincent Devine tells me the crimson rosella change colour when they come to adulthood.

Expand Close Artist Vincent Devine pictured with part of The Triptych Portrait of Vicky Phelan at Sheppard's Auction House in Durrow. (Picture Credit: Frank McGrath) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Artist Vincent Devine pictured with part of The Triptych Portrait of Vicky Phelan at Sheppard's Auction House in Durrow. (Picture Credit: Frank McGrath)

The oak leaf in her left hand is for her boy Darragh, aged 9. He is a sapling and will grow big and strong.

There is a pink strip on Vickys left cheek. This represents her erogenous zones. She has long been an advocate for the sexual health of cancer patients. There are life lines everywhere.

I ask her if theres hope. Im heading off for America on Sunday, she says. Doonbeg, where I posed for the portrait, looks out to America, where I am going for experimental treatment in the next few days. I might get another two or three years out of that.

Earlier she said to me: Cancer people must fight with all their might to extend their lives.

Expand Close Stefanie Morrissey and Vincent Devine pictured with The Triptych Portrait of Vicky Phelan at Sheppard's Auction House in Durrow. (Picture Credit: Frank McGrath) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Stefanie Morrissey and Vincent Devine pictured with The Triptych Portrait of Vicky Phelan at Sheppard's Auction House in Durrow. (Picture Credit: Frank McGrath)

Mary Leahy from Galway set up Heroes Aid with three friends back at the beginning of the pandemic. Mary asked Vicky if she would sit for the portrait as a fundraiser.

Mary is a nurse and is passionate about backing up our carers on the frontline. Mary said: Back in 2008, when the cuts were made to the health service, it was a financial exercise. There was a lack of pay and morale.

"The graduate nurses all left. The work-life balance was all wrong.

"The healthcare professionals went abroad, where they had time off and werent stressed. The Irish nurses felt undervalued but then Covid came and they learned just how much they were appreciated.

"When the first wave came we saw a need for support and Heroes Aid was founded. We fundraised for PPE for nurses. There have been 1,500 drops already.

Heroes Aid provides psychological care. A study by the NHS showed 40pc suffered from minor psychiatric morbidity. Mary sees the need for a radical overhaul of how we treat our frontliners.

When Vicky travelled up to Tullamore to see artist Vincent Devine, she said to Mary: If this fella loves himself, Im gone.

She neednt have worried. Devine (34) is sound. He reminds me of Seamus Heaney. The head is in heaven but he is rooted in the earth.

Vincent, Mary and Vicky clicked.

Says Vincent: We spent 12 hours chatting. We went through her life story in detail .I looked at the portrait as attaching the visible to the invisible.

Vickys plan is to make people aware of their own bodies. I asked my wife Lynne for advice as to how a woman would see things.

Look into the eyes, he says. Look at the soft maternal nurturing.

The eyes are a greenish blue and go into brownish in the centre. Be open. Be active. Be an advocate. Open up. Thats the message in the eyes.

I phoned Vicky just now. Vincent says we can all take our own interpretation from the painting.

Vincent had Vicky sit for him on a chair in the surf at Doonbeg where Vicky's ashes will be scattered.

So I ask: Vicky, the way your legs are stretched out, is it like showing off your legs on a beach or in a pub?

She gets a fit of laughter. No, she says. The chair was sinking into the sand and if I didnt stretch out, I would have fallen into the water.

I wish her luck in America.

The portrait is to be auctioned live online by Philip Sheppard, who has worked tirelessly on the project, on the February 4 at 2pm. The entire proceeds are going to Heroes Aid. Anyone can watch or bid on sheppards.ie.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  The parents of Christine Dacera are seeking the immediate relief of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) medico-legal officer who handled their daughter's body following her death.

Jose Nestor and Sharon Dacera filed an administrative complaint this week against PMAJ Michael Nick Sarmiento for gross negligence and gross incompetence in the "irregular and inaccurate" preparation and submission of a medico-legal report and death certificate in relation to their daughter's demise.

The complaint recounted that the younger Dacera was declared dead after being rushed to the Makati Medical Center on New Year's Day. Her body was then placed temporarily in a refrigerator facility in the hospital before being transported to the Rizal Funeral Homes in Pasay City around 9:30 a.m. the next day. Sarmiento then "prematurely ordered" that the 23 year-old's body be embalmed "without the conformity of the family and without having first conducting his medico legal examination," it read, noting he admitted in an interview on Wednesday himself that he committed a lapse by doing so.

Metro Manila police chief Vicente Danao Jr. likewise confirmed on Friday that the younger Dacera's body had been embalmed before the police were able to conduct an initial autopsy.

"As an experienced medico legal examiner for many years with SOCO, examining probably hundreds of cadavers, elementary common sense requires that a medico legal examination be first conducted on a cadaver before you embalm it," stated the complaint. The prior removal of several organs, draining of the deceased's blood and injection of chemicals may destroy any evidence relevant to the examination's supposed findings, it added.

The complainants also noted Sarmiento likewise admitted failing to secure blood samples, as these were no longer available given the embalming.

With this, the complaint stated the "subsequent medical examination report and Certificate of Death were irregular, inaccurate and misleading" considering the deceased's body had been embalmed even before a medico-legal examination could be conducted.

Apart from these, the complainants also stated under causes of action the death certificate stating the flight attendant's cause of death was natural, that is, a "ruptured aortic aneurism" after her body has already been embalmed and without taking into consideration other injuries, abrasions and bruises in the arms and legs of the deceased.

"In view of the foregoing, the undersigned Spouses Dacera most respectfully move that the Philippine National Police (PNP) order the immediate relief of PMAJ Michael Nick W. Sarmiento as Medico-Legal Officer of SOCO," the complaint read.

The complainants likewise stated they reserve the right to file proper administrative, civil and criminal charges against Sarmiento for his "irregular actuations."

Justice Secretary Menardo Gueverra has directed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a separate investigation on the flight attendant's controversial death. The bureau was earlier instructed to assist the Philippine National Police in their probe amid conflicting reports on her demise.

CNN Philippines correspondent Rex Remitio contributed to this report.
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
This important donation will contribute to strengthening of the South American country's response capacity in times of COVID-19, by meeting the health-related needs of vulnerable populations such as Amazonian communities.

Donacion de la Agencia de Cooperacion Internacional de Corea (KOICA) @emcoreape permitira la construccion de 6 hidroambulancias a fin de atender a las poblaciones riberenas de la region Loreto @GoreLoretoOf @Minsa_Peru.

?https://t.co/ZiVGpZyOws pic.twitter.com/qPcxzBKrpN
All nursing home residents and staff are to be given the Covid-19 vaccine in the next two weeks as the Government moves to accelerate the rollout.

The announcement came as it was confirmed that a more contagious South African variant of the virus has been found here, sparking serious concern among health officials amid record case numbers.

Health minister Stephen Donnelly said "speed is of the essence", especially for the most vulnerable groups, and therefore the vaccination plan for nursing homes, mental health and disability residential centres will be accelerated.

"We had planned to vaccinate all 75,000 residents and staff with the first dose of the vaccine by the end of January.

"Were now accelerating this plan to finish earlier, meaning that the first dose will be given to all residents and staff in the next two weeks.

Were mobilising 65 vaccination teams including hospital vaccinators, community vaccinators, school vaccinators and the National Ambulance Service. Vaccinations will take place seven days a week.

A brief update on our accelerated vaccine plan, which will see all nursing home residents and staff receive the vaccine within 16 days. This is on top of frontline healthcare staff. pic.twitter.com/GoheniiEuV  Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) January 8, 2021

The Defence Forces are also training up staff in vaccinating as a contingency measure, while private hospitals will provide additional capacity in a deal struck recently.

However, Mr Donnelly has come under pressure to clarify why the planned vaccination of frontline staff at two Cork hospitals today was cancelled at short notice.

As a record 8,248 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed last night, three cases of the South African variant have also been found in Ireland.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan advised anyone who has travelled from the country recently to self-isolate for 14 days and to identify themselves through a GP for testing as soon as possible.

Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory Dr Cillian De Gascun said: Preliminary analyses indicate that the South African variant is associated with a heightened viral load, and may have increased transmissibility."

He said there is currently not enough information available to determine whether this variant poses a possible risk to vaccine match and effectiveness, but results are expected in the coming weeks.

Images of people across Ireland receiving the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine brought a ray of hope in an otherwise grim week. pic.twitter.com/WX5uBVdYM1  RTE News (@rtenews) January 8, 2021

The acceleration of the vaccination programme came after Opposition parties hit out at a lack of transparency around staff capacity and the slow pace of the rollout.

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said: "The lack of planning for this in advance is indicative of how this Government does its business."

Social Democrats co-leader Roisin Shortall said the mistakes made in relation to what she called "inadequate" staffing of testing and tracing cannot be repeated with vaccinations.

The Minister for Health urgently needs to provide clarity about who will be administering the vaccines, the staff numbers required, and where the vaccinators will be drawn from," she said.

Most healthcare staff are already under severe pressure, and there is very little spare capacity for additional work to administer the vaccines."

But senior HSE officials continued to insist this week that the pace of the rollout is set only by vaccine deliveries, not delays inherent in the Irish system.

It is understood the HSE wants to expand the vaccination workforce by redeploying staff as the current team of about 2,000 trained vaccinators is not enough to reach a weekly target of 100,000 doses.

However, it is not clear where these staff might come from in the already stretched system.

Meanwhile, staff in both Mallow and Bantry Hospitals yesterday said they were told they would no longer be receiving the Covid-19 vaccine this weekend as planned.

Cork-South West TD Holly Cairns said staff who were booked in to be vaccinated on Saturday had been told that their appointments will be rescheduled for next week, but have not been given a specific date.

I have heard conflicting reports as to why the vaccinations were postponed," said Ms Cairns.

"Whatever the reason, it is deeply disturbing to learn that we are running into problems with the rollout of the vaccine so early into the programme."

A spokesperson for the hospital region denied that the rollout had been cancelled.

The South/South West Hospital Group can confirm that Mallow General Hospital has made all the necessary preparations and has been prioritised for delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine within the S/SWHG as early as possible next week, the spokesperson said.
(Natural News) As my listeners and readers can hopefully attest, I have been on a lifelong quest to understand human nature and human behavior. I am sad to report that I have learned more in the last few years, particularly in 2020, than in any equivalent period of time.

(Article by Dennis Prager republished from TownHall.com)

One of the biggest revelations concerns a question that has always plagued me: How does one explain the good German, the term used to describe the average, presumably decent German, who did nothing to hurt Jews but also did nothing to help them and did nothing to undermine the Nazi regime? The same question could be asked about the average Frenchman during the Vichy era, the average Russian under Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Leonid Brezhnev and their successors, and the millions of others who did nothing to help their fellow citizens under oppressive dictatorships.

These past few years have taught me not to so quickly judge the quiet German, Russian, etc. Of course, I still judge Germans who helped the Nazis and Germans who in any way hurt Jews. But the Germans who did nothing? Not so fast.

What has changed my thinking has been watching what is happening in America (and Canada and Australia and elsewhere, for that matter).

The ease with which tens of millions of Americans have accepted irrational, unconstitutional and unprecedented police state-type restrictions on their freedoms, including even the freedom to make a living, has been, to understate the case, sobering.

The same holds true for the acceptance by most Americans of the rampant censorship on Twitter and all other major social media platforms. Even physicians and other scientists are deprived of freedom of speech if, for example, they offer scientific support for hydroxychloroquine along with zinc to treat COVID-19 in the early stages. Board-certified physician Dr. Vladimir Zelenko, who has saved hundreds of COVID-19 patients from suffering and/or death, has been banned from Twitter for publicizing his lifesaving hydroxychloroquine and zinc protocol.

Half of America, the non-left half, is afraid to speak their minds at virtually every university, movie studio and large corporation  indeed, at virtually every place of work. Professors who say anything that offends the left fear being ostracized if they have tenure and being fired if they do not. People are socially ostracized, publicly shamed and/or fired for differing with Black Lives Matter, as America-hating and white-hating a group as has ever existed. And few Americans speak up. On the contrary, when BLM protestors demand that diners outside of restaurants raise their fists to show their support of BLM, nearly every diner does.

So, then, who are we to condemn the average German who faced the Gestapo if he didnt salute Hitler or the average Russian who faced the NKVD (the secret police and intelligence agency that preceded the KGB) if he didnt demonstrate sufficient enthusiasm for Stalin? Americans face the lefts cancel culture, but not left-wing secret police or reeducation camps. (At least not yet  I have little doubt the left would send outspoken conservatives to reeducation camps if they could.)

I have come to understand the average German living under Nazism and the average Russian living under communism for another reason: the power of the media to brainwash.

As a student of totalitarianism since my graduate studies at the Russian Institute of Columbia Universitys School of International Affairs (as it was then known), I have always believed that only in a dictatorship could a society be brainwashed. I was wrong. I now understand that mass brainwashing can take place in a nominally free society. The incessant left-wing drumbeat of The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and almost every other major newspaper, plus The Atlantic, The New Yorker, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, NPR, all of Hollywood and almost every school from kindergarten through graduate school, has brainwashed at least half of America every bit as effectively as the German, Soviet and Chinese communist press did (and in the latter case, still does). That thousands of schools will teach the lie that is the New York Times 1619 Project is one of countless examples.

Prior to the lockdowns, I flew almost every week of the year, so I was approached by people who recognized me on a regular basis. Increasingly, I noticed that people would look around to see if anyone was within earshot and then tell me in almost a whisper: I support Trump or, Im a conservative. The last time people looked around and whispered things to me was when I used to visit the Soviet Union.

In Quebec this past weekend, as one can see on a viral video, a family was fined and members arrested because six  yes, six  people gathered to celebrate the new year. A neighbor snitched on them, and the celebrants were duly arrested. The Quebec government lauded the snitches and asked for more public collaboration.

Snitches are likewise lauded and encouraged in some Democrat-run states and cities in America (Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in March: Snitches get rewards) and by left-wing governments in Australia. Plenty of Americans, Canadians and Australians are only too happy to snitch on people who refuse to lock down their lives.

All this is taking place without concentration camps, without a Gestapo, without a KGB and without Maoist reeducation camps.

Thats why I no longer judge the average German as easily as I used to. Apathy in the face of tyranny turns out not to be a German or Russian characteristic. I just never thought it could happen in America.

Read more at: TownHall.com and BrainWashed.news.


Employees Union has urged the company's chairman and managing director to hold regular interactions with the unions, like his predecessor did, for early revival of the loss-making public sector firm.

CMD PK Purwar, however, said he keeps meeting unions, employees and even individual employee for their suggestions and advice.

In a letter to Purwar, seen by PTI, the union said in mid-2016, management, under the then CMD Anupam Shrivastava showed inclination to involve unions and associations in the management's initiatives "night free calling" and "all India free roaming" where employees went beyond their duty hours to popularise the schemes resulting in increase in company's subscriber base.

BSNL is the only company, apart from Jio, that has regularly gained mobile customers. The subscriber market share of BSNL increased to 10.35 per cent in March 2020 from 9.44 per cent in March 2018. The company now has over 11.8 crore mobile customers.

BSNL Employees Union (BSNL EU) General Secretary P Abhimanyu in a letter dated January 7 said unions and associations utilised inputs from the management around various initiatives for motivating the employees to give better performance.

"When AUAB (Unions and Associations of BSNL) decided to organise the "Service with A smile" movement, the then CMD BSNL, Anupam Shrivastava ji, was kind enough to get that movement kickstarted through a huge meeting held in the corporate office premises.

"However, we regret to say that the coordination between the management on one side and the unions and associations on the other side, has become a story of the past," BSNL EU said.

When contacted, Purwar said "I always meet both unions and associations as well as individual employees to seek their valuable suggestions , support and advice."



BSNL EU on the other hand said it has insisted BSNL CMD on many occasions and alleged that he has been reluctant to have regular interactions with unions and associations as was done in the past.

"Even during this COVID-19 pandemic situation, interactions could have very well been organised with the unions and associations, through video conferencing. Unfortunately, that has not happened. Perhaps, you are under the impression that the unions and associations are there only to raise demands of the employees," the letter said.

It added that the management's mindset of viewing the unions and associations "as a headache" should be shed.

"We urge upon you to restart the practice of having regular interactions with the unions and associations for the sake of involving employees for the early revival of the company," BSNL EU said.

BSNL recorded a loss of Rs 15,500 crore and debt of Rs 21,902 crore in August 2020.

(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.)
Near the end of their business day on Friday, things finally started to slow down for Payless Pharmacy in Decatur.

Another busy week of issuing vaccines to the medical community was close to being in the books. But Friday brought with it a new wrinkle: the Alabama Department of Public health informed them that they would be among the first sites in the state to start offering the coronavirus vaccine during the soft rollout of the 1B group.

The consultation room at Payless Pharmacy in Decatur now serves as the vaccination room for the Moderna vaccine. The freezer in the corner will soon house shipments of the Pfizer vaccine as well. The consultation room at Payless Pharmacy in Decatur now serves as the vaccination room for the Moderna vaccine. The freezer in the corner will soon house shipments of the Pfizer vaccine as well.

That includes adults 75 and older as well as more first responders.

"We're going to try to ramp up to get more vaccines than what we've been doing recently every day. That's what we're in the process of: getting more vaccinators and servicing the need of this community," said Chris Matthews, a pharmacist at Payless Pharmacy.

Matthews said as of now, they are issuing between 40-50 vaccines each day. He said they hope to roughly double that amount when the state expands the eligibility.

"When this happens, we'll be doing close to 100 a day and we've talked about clinics and other things, whatever we need to do to get this ball rolling with this pandemic to make it stop," Matthews said.

In addition to planning for the physical space to administer the vaccinations, Payless Pharmacy is also working to acquire a digital data logger for one of its freezers. It sends back data instantly to the state about how cold the freezer is at any given time.

Once they have that in house, it will allow them to start receiving shipments of the Pfizer vaccine. Matthews said he expects it to arrive soon, potentially this coming week.

The Decatur pharmacy isn't the only non-hospital gearing up for the vaccine expansion. Mainstreet Family Care in Arab will also be among the first wave. Spokesperson Betsy Stewart said those wanting to get vaccinated need to sign up that day and can do so two hours before the clinic opens.

She said it's important for prospective recipients and their children to familiarize themselves with the process ahead of time.

"So, we want people to know what to expect and understand that registration process so that it is as smooth and easy experience and that we can get as many people vaccinated as possible," Stewart said.

She added that even those who are not eligible to register just yet should fill out their interest form online.

"So, if they go to mainstreetfamilycare.com, under the COVID-19 vaccine page, there is an interest form. You can fill that out and as criteria continues to expand, we will email those patients and alert them to let them know they are now eligible," Stewart said.

"And also, if there are extra doses one day, perchance if we don't have the full 10 or 20 people registered, we will start going ahead and pulling people from that list who are in that next eligible category to come in and get that vaccine."

Similarly, Matthews said anyone can register on their website, pharmacy-decatur.com, an fill out a questionnaire, which will determine in which group someone belongs.

Other facilities, like the Center for Elder Care in Huntsville, are working to add their names to the list of sites that can administer the vaccine.

CEC founder Dr. Zaheer Khan said they submitted their paperwork on Friday to start getting the Moderna vaccine for their more than 2,700 patients. He said over the past month, they've been getting about 20-40 calls each day from those wanting to know when they will be able to become vaccinated.

"We know their history, we know their allergies and we know their families. So, for us it's better and being a geriatrician, I thought it's my obligation and responsibility to give these vaccines," Khan said.

As Payless Pharmacies was preparing to close for the day on Friday, Matthews noted that they are excited to get to the next phase of vaccinations, since that means taking one more step towards ending the pandemic.

"Everybody's urgently wanting to get this and I get it. We all get it. We all want to help as many people as we can, but we have to do it in the right way," Matthews said.
Pretoria (South Africa) 09 January 2021 (SPS)- The President of the South African ruling party, ANC, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, affirmed that the Saharawi freedom must remain a priority for Africa, Yesterday in the statement of the ANC National Executive Committee on the occasion of the 109th anniversary of the ANC.

President Ramaphosa affirmed ANC commitment to meeting the aspirations of the AUs Agenda 2063 of an integrated, united, prosperous and peaceful continent, considering that to advance African unity and solidarity the struggle of the Saharawi people for independence and self-determination should remain a priority for the continent.

He further considered that silencing the guns on our continent will require commitment from all African leaders and the cooperation of the international community. (SPS)

090/500/60 (SPS)
During the holiday, Apple generated a record-breaking revenue through its App Store. According to Apple , from Christmas Eve till the end of December 2020, surprisingly Apple generated revenue of $1.8 million at its App Store either by digital products or its facilities.As soon as Apple stands against the allegation that they have monopolistic dominance over the App Store, the traffic on Apple devices goes wild during the holiday week. Apple senior vice president of internet software and services Eddy Cue made a statement that because of the valuable and efficient services provided by Apple, customers across the globe seek inspiration and trust the services more than ever. Apples range of services helps customers in every possible way.He further added that there are an immense variety of opportunities for creative developers. The technological benefits are vast and only need to be exploited well. Apple is excited about what they are doing and continues to do as long as it is helpful for the customers.In the pandemic, the sales for most of the business fall but the lockdown has positively affected the business of app developers whether it is a gaming app or any other app. The work from home concept has increased the usage of apps as everybody was instructed to stay at home be it a student or an employee. Video conferencing and meeting app zoom along with Disney+ app for online streaming service on television were the top downloaded apps of the App store during last year.In addition to these applications, gaming apps contributed majorly to generate a record-breaking revenue during the holiday week. Top games like Among Us and Roblox were among the most downloaded ones.As per Apple, on New Years Day, a new one-day record of more than $540 million was generated by the App Store.During the pandemic, developers became creative by discovering new ways to help people connect with each other, work from home, and be safe and healthy at the same time. Apple store was founded 12 years ago, since then developers have generated over $200 billion from the App store.With increasing sales, the policies of Apple are being inspected as Fortnites maker put allegations that if the California-based company is strictly controlling its App Store.Read next: Data Suggests Global Smartphone Production Expected to Reach 1.36 Billion Units in 2021 as Huawei Drops Out of Top-Six Smartphone Manufacturers Ranking
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
With dozens of waterfalls, rocky cliffs coated in moss and a crystal-clear creek that runs through it all, the Eagle Creek Trail is one of the most majestic natural attractions in Oregon.

Hikers have been rediscovering the beauty of Eagle Creek since it reopened on Jan. 1, more than three years after closing due to the Eagle Creek fire. While beautiful, the trail is also one of the most treacherous in the Columbia River Gorge  a problem compounded by landslides, narrow paths and the enormous crowds who flock to see it.

If youre heading out to hike Eagle Creek  whether its your first time or your 50th  there are a few factors to consider and some preparations to make (including packing the essentials) before leaving home.

READ MORE: Hikers return to Eagle Creek Trail, as one of Oregons best hikes reopens

Hikers return to the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, more than three years after the trail closed due to the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

CROWDS

Eagle Creek was overcrowded before the fire, and the pent-up demand after a three-year closure will likely result in big crowds for the foreseeable future.

On Thursday, all parking areas around the trailhead filled up by 9 a.m., as people took advantage of a break in the rain. Cars were forced to turn around upon arrival, while some parked in precarious places beside the roads around the area  a decision that risks towing, ticketing and endangering public safety. Make sure you show up first thing in the morning or later in the day if you want to ensure a place to park.

Crowds also pose problems on the trail itself. Carved into rocky cliffs above Eagle Creek, the Eagle Creek Trail narrows to only a foot or two in most places, and passing people sometimes requires getting too close to the edge for comfort. Make sure you allow as much room as possible when letting people pass.

The U.S. Forest Service has also posted a sign at the Eagle Creek Trailhead with a reminder that face coverings are mandatory when hikers cant stay at least six feet apart, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Given the narrow trail and the crowds, theres simply no way to hike Eagle Creek without coming within six feet of another person. Expect to wear your masks throughout most of your hike.

Hikers return to the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, more than three years after the trail closed due to the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

RAIN

Heavy winter storms have saturated the Columbia Gorge this winter, which could make hiking a miserable experience for those caught unprepared. Even on a dry day, the Eagle Creek Trail is extremely wet, as water constantly runs downhill over cliffs onto the trail. Come prepared with a waterproof jacket and good rain clothes, or else be prepared to get wet.

All that moisture also makes mud, and theres a lot of it along the trail, made messier with the recent crowding. The rainy season means the smaller creeks that feed Eagle Creek are higher as well, and some crossings can be treacherous, requiring hikers to walk along fallen logs and slippery stones to continue along the trail. Waterproof hiking boots will save your feet from a very uncomfortable day.

Heavy rains also mean an increased danger of landslides, which were common along Eagle Creek before the 2017 fire and are even more likely now. Hikers should stay away from the edges of the trail, where possible, and should avoid leaving the trail for any reason. There are already a few small slides on the trail, some of which require tricky crossings.

Hikers return to the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, more than three years after the trail closed due to the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

FOOTING

The Eagle Creek Trail was always a bit dangerous  with narrow paths carved into cliffs above a sheer drop-off into a rocky canyon  and that has not changed.

With extremely rocky ground, hikers need to watch their footing and make sure to stay focused on the trail. Cables are still bolted into rock walls at some points, but thats about all the help youll get. There are no guardrails to speak of.

Heavy rains only compound the issue. On some sections of the trail, hikers are forced to either plunge into a puddle or step around it and walk along the edge of a cliff (many, perhaps reflexively, choose the latter). Rocky areas also become slippery after rain, or after many muddy boots have crossed over them.

Aside from having proper footwear, maintaining physical awareness is key. Looking up or around you as you walk can sometimes result in a loss of balance, and on the Eagle Creek Trail that can be deadly.

A bridge marks the beginning of the Eagle Creek Trail, just past the parking area at the trailhead. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

PARKING

There are three main areas to park for the Eagle Creek Trailhead. The primary parking area is at the trailhead itself, with room for about two dozen vehicles. A second parking area has room for about a dozen cars along Northeast Eagle Creek Loop, the road that leads from Interstate 84 to the trailhead, though parking is prohibited along most of the road. The upper parking area is found beside the Cascade Salmon Hatchery just off the interstate and has room for about three dozen cars.

All parking areas require cars to display either a Northwest Forest Pass or another federal lands pass. Day passes can be purchased on site for $5 per vehicle.

Some visitors leave their cars parked illegally along the roads around Eagle Creek, which poses both a danger for pedestrians and a problem for emergency vehicles that may need to reach the trailhead. Over the summer, local authorities began towing vehicles that were illegally parked around recreation areas.

Before leaving home, you should also check TripCheck.com to make sure the roads to Eagle Creek are open, as the exit off the interstate occasionally closes due to landslides.

Hikers return to the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, more than three years after the trail closed due to the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

HIKING THE EAGLE CREEK TRAIL

DISTANCE: 4 to 14 miles, round trip

DIFFICULTY: Moderately difficult

AMENITIES: Portable toilets, parking lots

The Eagle Creek Trail runs 13.1 miles one way, from the main trailhead to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail at Wahtum Lake, though few hike the whole thing. Most hikers either turn around at Twister Falls about seven miles in, at High Bridge after 3.6 miles, or at Punch Bowl Falls only two miles from the trailhead.

Within this corridor, theres only one side trail to worry about: a short trip down to the water between Punch Bowl Falls and Lower Punch Bowl Falls. Otherwise, hikers can simply continue along the trail with no concern of getting turned around.

While there isnt much elevation gain, weve rated this trail moderately difficult for some tricky crossings over streams and around landslides, and for the generally treacherous terrain.

Hikers will find four primary waterfalls along the first seven miles of the trail  though during the rainy season dozens of seasonal waterfalls flow off the cliffs into Eagle Creek. Metlako Falls comes first after about 1.5 miles, though after the waterfall viewpoint washed out in 2017, the view is distant from the trail. Punch Bowl Falls is next about two miles in, with a large viewing area just off the trail, which makes a good place to rest or turn around.

About 6 miles from the trailhead, hikers will reach Tunnel Falls, the most impressive waterfall on Eagle Creek, and one of Oregons best. The trail passes behind the 172-foot plunge through a tunnel carved into the rock, emerging beside the spray on the other side. Just a half mile past Tunnel Falls is the fascinating Twister Falls, where the water contorts on its way down.

Just past Twister Falls is a sloping rocky bank that makes a great place to rest. Those looking for extra mileage can continue down the trail, though a 14-mile round trip hike should be enough adventure for most.

--Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB
(Natural News) USA Today newspaper has published 29 photos from the Capitol building takeover and asked readers to ID Trump supporters shown in them, leaving a few people puzzled and getting a sharp response from many others.

(Article republished from RT.com)

The paper said knowing the identities of those who stormed the US legislature on Wednesday will help them report this important story.

USA TODAY needs your help identifying the people who broke into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. View the photos and fill out our form. https://t.co/gIOXuaSi5l  USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 7, 2021

Considering the amount of anger that the Capitol invasion provoked, its no surprise that USA Todays call was answered by many people. Some readily provided names and other details about the rioters, while others pointed to people they suspected of being involved.

https://twitter.com/DennyLoggins/status/1347346147539607552

Heres a tip. They were on my friends flight. I saw this guy with the bag and one of the videos https://t.co/pEl6OFHpMp  Dr. LeiaRx (she/her) (@LeiaRx) January 7, 2021

My supervisor wasn't at work yesterday. He has never missed a day at work for 11yrs.   Adrian Browne (@AdrianB43126189) January 7, 2021

Quite a few of the tips were just links to reports by other major media outlets, while some replies seemed to gloat about the repercussions that the Trump supporters will now presumably face.

https://twitter.com/SilverSlicerWA/status/1347294796683988996

Others came up with suggestions how one could identify the suspects  that is if they had privileged access to protected information like hotel reservations.

Check room reservations from surrounding hotels. A person posted traitors in the lobby drinking and socializing. I'm also sure the airlines can help apparently a good Monday off then were rude to the stewards  peace&love (@positivepts) January 7, 2021

Outside and inside US Capitol there are thousands of cameras , each police has a camera , they have all . What are they looking for?  Stop Tourist Abuse (@StopTouristAbus) January 7, 2021

A handful of commenters seemed really troubled by USA Todays inquiry. Since when do journalists conduct police work? one wondered. Another said it showed the merger between press and state in the US.

Since when do journalists conduct police work?? You are supposed to be reporting on the violence, not investigating the perpetrators! Im in favor of prosecuting all who are guilty but let the @fbi and @mpdc do the police work! Info should be sent to them, not Gannett/USATODAY!!  Carol Kaplan (@carolkaplanPR) January 8, 2021

The merger between press and state is complete.  Cerno (@Cernovich) January 7, 2021

Plenty questioned why the newspaper was so eager to learn the identities of the people who broke into the Capitol building, as they point out, its hardly the only property damaged during mass protests lately.

Man I cant wait to see how many people get falsely accused and punished for nothing. @USATODAY is trying to now act like they give a shit about destruction. Portland? Stormed a fed building threatens staff. Looted and rioted for 90 days. No issue.  Dizz (@RandallRobinso2) January 8, 2021

Did they find the people responsible for the fires in DC in June? Just curious. pic.twitter.com/nuxIhLtVaY

 David Black (@David__Black) January 8, 2021

Odd, didn't see your paper crowd-sourcing ID for the 6 months of looting, rioting, and arson we had in 2020. To be clear, I believe those involved Jan 6 should be prosecuted but so should looters and arsonists. Let's be clear that this type of action is unacceptable by any group.  JB2 (@Carfan7199) January 8, 2021

And some tips will probably not help any investigation, since they focused on individuals that are long dead and only appeared in images picked by USA Today courtesy of their historic significance.

Can't quite tell bc the pic is blurry but I think that's John C. Calhoun? Watch out for that guy, I hear he's a baddie pic.twitter.com/zPRb7WpVrT  Allum Bokhari (@LibertarianBlue) January 7, 2021

Read more at: RT.com
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Defendants in the high-profile Yazzie-Martinez education lawsuit are pushing back on claims that the state has failed to provide all at-risk students the tools needed for remote learning.

The Yazzie plaintiffs filed a motion last month arguing that thousands of at-risk students dont have the devices or infrastructure necessary for distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. They called on the 1st Judicial District Court to order the state to provide internet and computers.

At-risk students in this case are those who are from low-income homes, are English language learners, Native Americans or have a disability.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

But lawyers for the defendants  including the state Public Education Department  assert that school districts havent shown theyve taken advantage of funding streams already in place for technology.

Plaintiffs should first seek to fund education technology under the available options before demanding additional funding from defendants and before seeking redress from this court, the document said.

The response also says that the state has worked to make sure New Mexico students have technology access by distributing laptops and hot spots and working with internet providers, among other efforts. They also noted that school districts got federal stimulus dollars for this purpose.

Melissa Candelaria, a lawyer representing the Yazzie plaintiffs, said theyll be responding in court, but its unfortunate that we have to continue to litigate this.

Our children need a statewide response that fixes this problem once and for all, she added.

Another argument in the defendants filing is that there isnt a cure-all solution that would adequately satisfy every districts technological problem and plaintiffs demands inappropriately shift the duty and burden of the school districts to the PED.

It is not within the purview of PED to enhance internet service providers or towers, nor disperse devices, the filing said. Again, the solutions for these issues should come from the school districts.

The lawyers also said schools could use old-school methods of learning, like phone calls and educational packets to do at home, if needed.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
Parler, the alternative social media platform favored by conservatives, now finds itself virtually homeless on the internet as Amazon, Apple and Google have all booted it from their platforms in a span of a little more than 24 hours.

Amazon will remove Parler from its cloud hosting service, Amazon Web Services, Sunday evening, effectively kicking it off of the public internet after mounting pressure from the public and Amazon employees.

The decision, which goes into force on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time, will shut down Parler's website and app until it can find a new hosting provider. BuzzFeed News was first to report the move. Parler is an alternative social network popular with conservatives and has been heavily used by supporters of President Donald Trump, including some who participated in Wednesday's US Capitol unrest.

In a letter obtained by CNN Business that was sent to Parler Chief Policy Officer Amy Peikoff on Saturday, Amazon Web Services said that in recent weeks it has reported 98 examples to Parler of "posts that clearly encourage and incite violence." The letter includes screenshots of several examples.

"We've seen a steady increase in this violent content on your website, all of which violates our terms," AWS wrote. "It's clear that Parler does not have an effective process to comply with the AWS terms of service."

The letter continued: "AWS provides technology and services to customers across the political spectrum, and we continue to respect Parler's right to determine for itself what content it will allow on its site. However, we cannot provide services to a customer that is unable to effectively identify and remove content that encourages or incites violence against others. Because Parler cannot comply with our terms of service and poses a very real risk to public safety, we plan to suspend Parler's account."

The sweep threatens to cut Parler off from its entire audience. Not only will new users be unable to find Parler on the internet's two largest app stores, even those who've already downloaded the app will be unable to use it because it will be unable to communicate with Parler's servers on AWS.

Indeed, Parler CEO John Matze warned that the deplatforming could lead to service interruptions.

After Amazon boots the company from its web hosting service, Parler's website could be offline for as long as a week while "we rebuild from scratch," Matze said in a post on his platform.

"We will try our best to move to a new provider right now as we have many competing for our business," Matze continued.

Matze accused Amazon of trying to "completely remove free speech off the internet."

The revelation of Amazon's decision came soon after Apple removed Parler from its app store.

"[T]here is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity," the iPhone maker said of its move.

Apple notified Parler of its decision in a message that said it had violated the company's app store terms.

"The processes Parler has put in place to moderate or prevent the spread of dangerous and illegal content have proved insufficient," Apple told Parler. "Specifically, we have continued to find direct threats of violence and calls to incite lawless action in violation of Guideline 1.1 - Safety - Objectionable Content."

Apple's notice said Parler's responses to an earlier warning were inadequate, including Parler's defense that it had been taking violent rhetoric on its platform "very seriously for weeks" and that it had a moderation plan "for the time being," according to Apple.

"Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to people's safety," Apple said in a statement to CNN Business. "We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues."

Apple's decision followed a similar move by Google on Friday to drop Parler from the Google Play Store.

Matze wrote in a message on his platform that Apple "will be banning Parler until we give up free speech, institute broad and invasive policies like Twitter and Facebook and we become a surveillance platform by pursuing guilt of those who use Parler before innocence."

"They claim it is due to violence on the platform," Matze wrote of Apple, whom he also accused of being a "software monopoly," a particularly relevant attack right now given an ongoing antitrust suit against Apple from Fortnite maker Epic Games. "The community disagrees as we hit number 1 on their store today."

Matze promised to share "more details about our next plans coming soon as we have many options."
Businesses yesterday called for tougher lockdown measures, with some going as far as proposing a long curfew spanning from 6 p.m to 6 a.m.

The curfew now starts at 9 p.m. and goes till 5 a.m. Businesses also called on the Government to free up the importation of Covid-19 vaccines to allow private sector participation and to allow people to travel overseas to get vaccinated.
The reprehensible, inexcusable behavior of the mob in Washington, D.C. was the inevitable result of the reprehensible, inexcusable behavior of the supposed leader of our nation. As he has done since taking up residence in the White House, the president has behaved recklessly and amorally, actively encouraging and unleashing the worst of human nature and systemic racism.

The violent mobs were frighteningly reminiscent of the scenes I saw as a young civil rights activist. The thugs gathered at the Capitol, waving Confederate flags, erecting nooses and wielding clubs, were no different than the vicious gangs backing Bull Conner and George Wallace in the segregated South.

The responsibility rests entirely upon the shoulders of the president and his enablers, especially those white evangelical leaders who support him and assure their flocks that his lies are the truth. The president has not only proven that he is utterly unfit to hold the office, but that he is a danger to the country. The nation cannot wait to suffer the ravages of another two weeks of racist, fascist violence. I echo the call of Sen. Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others for the 25th Amendment to be invoked and the president removed from office immediately.

Rory OConnor, San Francisco

A smaller mob inside

Regarding Siding with the mob (Front Page, Jan. 8): While one mob stormed the Capitol in a violent attempt to undermine the process of voting, elected Republican officials were citing reasons they would not certify the results of the legal election. Although all judges and state government officials agreed there was no evidence of fraud, Republicans proceeded with a process designed to cast doubt on the enfranchisement of often marginalized voters, people of color and younger voters, in order to win at any cost.

While the mob outside supports violent white supremacy, including the values of the Confederate South, the representatives inside also further white supremacy by refusing to pass policies that would create an equitable country, including universal voting rights. The California Republican delegation, led by Kevin McCarthy, although ostensibly denouncing violence, continue to support the policies and politics of a racism and disenfranchisement deeply embedded in our countrys foundations.

These representatives are dangerous precisely because they have the power to create policies that jeopardize democracy and block any paths towards justice for people of color, immigrants, women and LGBTQ people. The representatives actions encourage insurrection. They should be held accountable.

Carla Schick, Oakland

Republicans enabled Trump

It has been said, about the Bourbon kings after the 18th century French Revolution: They have learned nothing, and they have forgotten nothing.

How relevant is this to those Republican enablers of President Trump in todays world? This might not have happened if they had allowed evidence to be presented at the impeachment trial of Trump.

Marjorie Afterman, Sonoma

Repeal Electoral Count Act

We should amend or repeal the Electoral Count Act of 1887 to prevent any member from Congress from objecting to Electoral College results ever again. Once all the fraud lawsuits are resolved and the states have certified their elections and electors are chosen, there should be no way to overturn the results of our democratic election.

The Supreme Court shouldve been the last stop, as it always is. But engendering false hope to these insurrectionists made them believe they could forcibly have their voices heard and overturn the election. Thus, an insurrectionist mob. Congress should merely count the electoral votes in a ceremonial ritual with the vice president presiding. There should be no ability to contest or object to the Electoral College results.

For Congress to have the ability to suppress and disregard the will of the people is absolutely undemocratic and should be removed from our laws immediately.

Victor Lecha III, Portola Valley

Double standard in policing

President Trumps actions were heinous. That he has not been charged with inciting violence, which led to death, is beyond me. Had a leader of the Black Lives Matter movement made the same speech and thousands of BLM supporters then attempted to take the Capitol, we all know what would have happened. They would have been met with overwhelming fire power, tear gas, violence, massive arrests and conservative media blaming Antifa and the radical left and calling for heads on spikes.

Instead, the largely white insurrectionists were given what appeared to be a free pass. A glaring example of institutional racism. And one of the saddest days in the history of our nation.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed an agreement with India to provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of 30,000 million Japanese Yen (about 2,069 crore) for 'The COVID-19 Crisis Response Support Loan for Social Protection'. The objective of the project is to contain COVID-19 and mitigate adverse socioeconomic impacts in India, JICA said in a statement.

Katsuo Matsumoto, chief representative, JICA India said the outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely affected the underprivileged and vulnerable societies in India. JICA aims to support India in its response to COVID-19 pandemic, by accelerating economic support to the government.

"The project aims at supporting the government in its endeavour of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) to empower these disadvantaged groups, whose lives have been hampered with the occurrence of the pandemic. Besides this project, JICA has extended an ODA loan of 'COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support' for strengthen the public healthcare system under the Prime Minister Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (PM-ASBY)," he said.

This will be done by extending budget support to the government implementing emergency response programmes and policy reforms for social protection as countermeasures against the COVID-19, thereby contributing to promoting the social and economic stabilisation and development efforts of India, the release said.

The project aims to strengthen the capability of state and national governments in India to provide coordinated and adequate social protection to the poor and vulnerable from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and from its future crisis, the release said.

The loan aligns with loans provided by other multilateral and bilateral donor agencies such as World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) and Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW). DEA is the executing agency of the project.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Twitter has removed a COVID-19 conspiracy theory posted by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling the vaccines imported from the U.S. or U.K 'completely untrustworthy.'

Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, still has access to the account and has since tweeted - to the ire of Twitter critics demanding he be suspended since the platform banned U.S. President Donald Trump from their services.

'It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations,' the tweet said in reference to the two countries, CBS News reports. It also said the vaccines from France 'aren't trustworthy.'

It raises questions as to why certain leaders such as Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud all still have access to their accounts.

Khamenei in the past as even called for genocide in Israel through the 'elimination of Zionists', but is allowed to remain on the platform.

OJ Simpson, white nationalist Richard Spencer, and known anti-Semite Louis Farrahkan are also still allowed to freely tweet.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, still has access to the account and has since tweeted

A tweet on Khamenei's Farsi-language account is still up and expresses similar sentiments.

Khamenei on Friday announced a ban on importing vaccines from the United States and Britain.

The Red Crescent in Iran said it will not import the massive stash of the Pfizer vaccine that benefactors from America had planned to donate to the country.

Iran's leader has given the green light on imports of the vaccine from 'safe places abroad.

Twitter announced Friday evening that it was officially banning Trump from the platform after he incited a mob of supporters to descend on the Capitol

Twitter announced Friday evening that it was officially banning Trump from the platform after he incited a mob of supporters to descend on the Capitol and wreak havoc.

'After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence,' Twitter said Friday.

Khamenei on Friday announced a ban on importing vaccines from the United States and Britain

'In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action.

'Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly. It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open.

'However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules and cannot use Twitter to incite violence. We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement.'

The ban was met with calls from Iranian activists and Trump supporters to have Khamenei's account also removed.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio warned censoring Twitter could have dire consequences.

'Even those who oppose Trump should see the danger of having a small & unelected group with the power to silence & erase anyone. And their actions will only stoke new grievances that will end up fueling the very thing they claim to be trying to prevent,' the Republican tweeted on Saturday.

Sen. Rick Scott added that the social network allows dictators of the wold to tweet -so the president should not be offered less tham them.

'Twitter has now permanently banned President Trump's account. Meanwhile they allow the Chinese to openly brag about genocide and the Ayatollah to talk about wiping Israel off the face of the map. How can they defend this? Their attacks on conservatives are shameful,' Scott tweeted.

'Maduro commits genocide, but is allowed to use Twitter to spread propaganda with no repercussion. Shameful.'

Lindsey Graham added that he thought the ban was 'a mistake' and called for Congress to repeal Section 230.

'Ayatollah can tweet, but Trump can't. Says a lot about the people who run Twitter,' he wrote.

'Now it's time for @Twitter to remove the man who has banned 83 million Iranians from Twitter, bans US & European coronavirus vaccines and ordered the crackdown that killed 1,500 protesters,' declared Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad. 'Remove @Khamenei_fa now.'

'Now it's time for @Twitter to remove the man who has banned 83 million Iranians from Twitter, bans US & European coronavirus vaccines and ordered the crackdown that killed 1,500 protesters,' declared Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad. 'Remove @Khamenei_fa now'

'Today, @khamenei_ir posted misinformation about coronavirus vaccine and his tweet was swiftly removed after me and many activists flagged it. Alas, @khamenei_ir continues spreading the same anti-vaccine propaganda in his Persian account.

She continued: 'You've suspended the account of @realDonaldTrump, but you've not suspended the account of@khamenei_ir, who used the @Twitter platform to issue death threats. He's imprisoned various twitter activists while banning Iranians from freely accessing Twitter. Why?'

In December, Iran began the human test phase of its own vaccine and is expected to distribute the drug in the spring.

The country has the worst virus outbreak in the Middle East, with roughly 1.2million people infected with the virus. Some 56,000 people have died.

Chhattisgarh Health Minister T S Singh Deo on Saturday said the use of COVID-19 vaccine 'Covaxin' must not be allowed in the state as its third-phase trial data has not been published yet. He said he was not "confident" about asking people to take this vaccine.

Covaxin, indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech, has got approval for emergency use alongwith Oxford -AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine. "The third phase trial of Covaxin is under process.

The vaccine has been approved for 'emergency use (by the Drug Controller General of India). Its use should be avoided until its complete results are out," Deo told reporters. Asked whether it would be administered to people in Chhattisgarh, Deo said, "In my opinion, it should not be allowed in the state. As of now, I am not confident of asking people to accept this vaccine." The state recently completed a vaccination dry run in its 28 districts.
This is an opinion column.

Alabamas elected officials have embarrassed the state again, this time coaxing a failed coup and a vain attempt to overturn the results of a lawful election.

Meanwhile, the business leaders and so-called corporate citizens who fill their campaign coffers have been silent.

Thats no surprise. Its their habit. But it has to change. Those elites we colloquially call the Big Mules of Alabama can help change our course if they want.

Such things have happened before.

An Alabamian in Tokyo

Sidney Smyer was not what anyone would consider a progressive, a liberal or a radical. Nor was he especially moderate. For much of his life, the president of the Birmingham Realty Company was a staunch segregationist.

A leading voice among the citys business elite, he was active in Southern politics. After having walked out in protest from the 1948 Democratic National Convention, he helped organize the Dixiecrats, which held its first convention that year at Boutwell Auditorium and nominated Strom Thurmond to be president of the United States.

Smyer was content with the way things were and when traveling beyond the South, he was an apologist for his hometown, telling outsiders that it wasnt the brutish, racist place the media portrayed it to be.

Until, one day, he couldnt anymore.

In 1961, Smyer had traveled to Tokyo for a Rotary International convention. There, he kept up his defensive pitch for the city  at least until he walked onto the street and saw the newspapers. Although he couldnt read the languages, he could see a picture on their front pages.

It was of Freedom Riders being beaten in Birmingham.

Klansmen attacked a Freedom Rider at the Trailways Bus Station in Birmingham, Ala., on May 14, 1961. (AP Photo/Birmingham Post-Herald, Tommy Langston, File)

Lucky shot

A day before, on Mothers Day, Birmingham Post-Herald photographer Tommy Langston pushed through a side door of the Birmingham Trailways station, where the Klan brutally beat the civil rights activists. His eyes had not yet adjusted from the light outside when he literally took a shot in the dark. When his bulb flashed, the Klansmen turned their attention to him, beating Langston with pipes and chains, and smashing his camera.

However, the film inside Langstons camera survived the attack, and his photo became a shot seen round the world.

There was no defending Birmingham after that. If Birmingham were to survive, Smyer understood, it had to change.

Upon his return to Birmingham, Smyer steered the citys major business interests  known then and now as the Big Mules  toward integration. He set up a committee of business and civic leaders to change the citys toxic racial politics, and he supported a transformation in Birminghams government, from a commission structure to a mayor and council. The purpose of that change was unspoken but well understood  it would rid the city of its powerful police commissioner, Bull Connor.

Smyer was no white savior. He didnt redeem Birmingham from its shameful past. He didnt wash away the stain of racism or put a stake through the heart of white supremacy.

But he did change his mind. And he did help make a life-or-death course correction for Birmingham.

Much like the one Alabama needs right now  because our crackpot politicians are causing a scene again and people are getting hurt.

A pro-Trump mob breaks into the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Getty ImagesGetty Images

Crackpot politics

This week Rep. Mo Brooks went before a crowd of folks in Washington D.C., where he told them they were patriots, where he said it was time to start taking down names and kicking ass.

And he didnt just lead them to believe their votes had been stolen and their will ignored. He pushed colleagues in the House and Senate to overturn a lawful election and pull the plug on American democracy. Those colleagues included Sen. Tommy Tuberville, and Reps. Gary Palmer, Robert Aderholt, Mike Rogers, Gary Palmer and Barry Moore.

Perhaps no other state showed more support for this pathetic coup attempt than Alabama. The country saw that. The world saw that.

And here we are again.

Because when I open up Mo Brooks campaign and PAC records, I see Big Mules. Theres Alabama Power, Brooks largest donor the last election cycle, when Brooks didnt even have a general election opponent. Alabama Power is a regular contributor. At least when Blue Cross Blue Shield gave him $15,000 in 2016, he had a Democrat to beat.

Nationally, major business interests have begun to wake up. The National Association of Manufacturers has called for Vice President Mike Pence and the cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment. Goldman Sachs, seldom a model of business virtue, has decried the attack on our nations capitol.

Its time for Alabamas business interests not only to be heard but to have their influence felt, as well  in politicians campaign accounts. No more paying the way of kooks, crooks and conspiracy theorists. The politics of ignorance, hate, lies and self-destruction must stop. Voters have a role to play in that, but the donor class does too.

If Alabama is to change direction, our Big Mules must pull their weight.

Kyle Whitmire is the state political columnist for the Alabama Media Group.

You can follow his work on his Facebook page, The War on Dumb. And on Twitter. And on Instagram.

More columns by Kyle Whitmire

Mo Brooks didnt shout fire. He started it.

Why is this taking so long? Failure and a big, big number

The Biggest Phony

Must I care if someone doesnt want the coronavirus vaccine?

Alabama prisons stonewalled a data request. Heres what that data showed.

Think we can live with COVID? Meet me at the Cracker Barrel, Kay Ivey.

Mo Brooks thinks he knows better than everyone

Wait-n-see is over. Do something, Kay Ivey.

COVID was the perfect weapon

Is America a democracy or a republic?

Alabama is open for COVID

Thanksgiving wont be canceled

What Tommy Tuberville doesnt know

Lets never do anything like this again

Beware your new friends, Tommy Tuberville
A 30-year-old Australian business owner who suffered from an irritating skin condition in her mid-twenties has developed a unique natural sunscreen made from avocados after noticing a 'gap in the market'.

Ellen Casey, from Perth, launched Avocado Zinc in July 2019 with a range of SPF 15, SPF 30 and SPF 50 natural sunscreens and quickly sold out of each product before the coronavirus pandemic spiked in early 2020.

Ellen told FEMAIL she developed a condition known as melasma when she was 26 from not applying sunscreen and being exposed to the sun.

As a result she realised she needed to find an effective sunscreen that would cater to her sensitive skin.

'All of the products on the shelves would either irritate my skin or leave an ugly white cast, so I decided to create my own products and start the business,' she said.

While the pandemic placed strain on the new brand for eight month, the business re-launched two months ago with their new $40 SPF 50 natural physical sunscreen and already more than 2,000 tubes have sold.

Perth local Ellen Casey (pictured) launched Avocado Zinc in July 2019 with a range of SPF 15, SPF 30 and SPF 50 natural sunscreens and quickly sold out of each product before the coronavirus pandemic heightened in early 2020

'All of the products on the shelves would either irritate my skin or leave an ugly white cast, so I decided to create my own products and start the business,' she said

While the pandemic placed strain on the new brand for eight month, the business re-launched two months ago with their new $40 SPF 50 natural physical sunscreen and already more than 2,000 tubes have sold

'We ran out of stock in late February 2020 and then Covid hit. I didn't want to jump into manufacturing a new batch with all the uncertainty going on, so I had to go back to work full-time for months and work on the business on the side,' Ellen said.

'All of the re-design, re-formulation, shipping and manufacturing took a lot longer than anticipated but we got there in the end!'

The odourless SPF 50 natural sunscreen is made from avocado oil combined with zinc oxide, the active ingredient to reflect UVA and UVB rays effectively.

'We chose avocado oil as a hero ingredient for its powerful anti-ageing benefits as well as it's moisturising and healing properties,' Ellen said.

'We chose avocado oil as a hero ingredient for its powerful anti-ageing benefits as well as it's moisturising and healing properties,' Ellen said

The formula also boasts a number of nourishing, skin-boosting ingredients such as Calendula Oil, Kakadu Plum, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E and Candelilla Wax.

The smooth cream blends clear into any skin tone and the natural ingredients don't irritate the skin once applied and the avocado appeal is likely to be favoured by younger individuals.

It's also 100 per cent reef friendly, vegan, cruelty free and preservative free.

The odourless SPF 50 natural sunscreen is made from avocado oil combined with zinc oxide, the active ingredient to reflect UVA and UVB rays effectively

WHAT ARE THE KEY INGREDIENTS IN AVOCADO ZINC? *Avocado oil has powerful anti-ageing benefits as well as it's moisturising and healing properties * Calendula oil has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that make it useful in healing wounds, soothing eczema, and relieving rashes. * Kakadu Plum fruit is rich in Vitamins C and E, folic acid and carotenoids, which reverses the effects of free radicals and reduce the symptoms of ageing. * Coconut Oil reduces inflammation, keeps skin moisturised and helps heal wounds. The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil also possess antimicrobial properties that can help treat acne and protect the skin from harmful bacteria. * Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that may be effective at reducing UV damage in skin. And vitamin E applied topically may help nourish and protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals * Candelilla Wax is reputed to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks as well as the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. Furthermore, it is said to hydrate parched and scaly skin for enhanced smoothness. Candelilla Wax is known to be an effective binding agent that easily fuses ingredients Advertisement

Ellen said some (not all) chemical sunscreens contain active, harmful ingredients that are absorbed into the body in substantial amounts, and can often remain for days.

'Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are confirmed safe and natural ingredients for UV ray protection,' she said.

Similarly to alternative products, Avocado Zinc should be applied onto dry skin every four hours and after swimming.

The smooth cream blends clear into any skin tone and the natural ingredients don't irritate the skin once applied and the avocado appeal is likely to be favoured by younger individuals

'We chose avocado oil as a hero ingredient for its powerful anti-ageing benefits as well as it's moisturising and healing properties,' Ellen said

Top tips for applying sunscreen * Put it on clean, dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before you go out in the sun to allow it time to interact with your skin. Re-apply it just before you go out  you'll increase the amount applied and be more likely to get the stated SPF benefit. * Cover all parts of the body not protected by clothing (don't forget your ears, the back of your neck, the backs of your hands and the tops of your feet). * Apply it evenly, and don't rub it in excessively  most sunscreens will absorb into the outer layer of skin and don't need to be rubbed in vigorously. * Re-apply at least once every two hours and after swimming or exercise. * Think beyond the beach and pool  use sunscreen whenever you go outdoors for a significant amount of time, such as to the park, a lunchtime walk to the shops, playing sports or gardening. * Store your sunscreen at a temperature of less than 30 degrees Celsius. If you leave it in the glovebox of your car or in the sun, it may lose its effectiveness. Keep it in the esky with the drinks, in the shade or wrapped in a towel. * Don't use sunscreens that have passed their expiry date as they may have lost their effectiveness. Source: Choice Advertisement

Prior to starting the brand Ellen worked as an accountant for more than six years, which has proven to be very helpful with business finances.

'The biggest help has been talking to other small business owners and hearing how they are combatting the issues they are facing,' she said.

The manufacturing process is often a costly and challenging task, as Ellen said sunscreen is considered to be a high-end item on the same level as medicine.

Prior to starting the brand Ellen worked as an accountant for more than six years, which has proven to be very helpful with business finances

Over the short period of time the business has grown a strong following on Instagram of more than 10,000 people and customers from around Australia and internationally have purchased the product.

'The response from customers has been outstanding! We have been so happy with the feedback,' Ellen said.

'All of our customers are so grateful that we have produced a sunscreen that ticks all of the boxes and is safe for our bodies and the environment.'
Plainclothes and uniformed U.S. Capitol Police officers moved swiftly onto the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, ushering out Speaker Nancy Pelosi and instructing members of Congress to stay seated  U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls among them.

Three days earlier, the former Fort Bend County sheriff had been sworn in as the representative for Texas 22nd District, which covers suburbs south and southwest of Houston. The pro-Trump Republican was among a group planning Wednesday to vote against certifying Democrat Joe Bidens election as president, citing baseless voter fraud claims.

Now officers were securing the many doors leading into the House chamber, and someone said the Capitol had been breached. Lawmakers were instructed to pull out gas masks from under their chairs. Seated in the back near the center, Nehls heard rioters incited by President Donald Trump violently bang and kick at a nearby door.

This cant happen, Nehls, 52, thought.

Those inside dragged over furniture to barricade the entry. Nehls, a decorated Army veteran who served combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, removed his jacket. No longer carrying a service revolver as he did while sheriff, he broke off a long piece of furniture to defend himself and keep back intruders.

Glass shattered, sounding like gunfire.

In images that would be seen around the world, Nehls, in a royal blue dress shirt, stood directly at a chamber window as a rioter looked in with rage from the other side. Officers drew guns and trained them at those threatening to barge in. Nehls didnt want anyone hurt. So they talked.

This is un-American, Nehls recalled telling them, and this isnt the way we should conduct ourselves.

Nehls had left his cell phone in his suit jacket. But his twin brother Trever, a former county constable who ran unsuccessfully for his brothers sheriff job last fall, had texted around 1:25 p.m. to check in.

How are you pal? he had asked.

Doing fine, Nehls had responded. Locked us in House floor.

Standing now by the door, it was obvious to the freshman congressman that those on the other side were frustrated, angry and upset. He couldnt comprehend why disagreement had led them to violence. A woman was fatally shot by police and three others died in the mayhem. Many Democrats and some Republicans blamed Trump for the insurrection, citing his call at a midday rally for them to march on the Capitol.

Seeing his Texas flag mask, a member of the mob told Nehls, You should be with us.

But Nehls didnt agree with them at all. He told them to back up, to get away from the door. Lawmakers began leaving the chamber but Nehls, surrounded by officers and a colleague from Oklahoma, stayed.

Back in Texas, Nehls wife, Jill, felt sick. At the Lamar Consolidated ISD school where she is principal, she had her phone on silent mode but happened to see messages about the break-in filling a thread she shares with other spouses of new members.

She went to see her administrative assistant, needing to tell someone. She felt hot. Her hands were clammy. Her assistant prayed. Jill Nehls paced, telling herself it was OK.

She hadnt wanted to call her husband in the heat of the moment, but at 1:35 p.m. she texted: Im hearing things love. Is everything OK?

Eleven minutes later, with still no response, she typed, I love you.

Then her assistant found the photo: The man in blue at the window, wielding a giant stick.

That looks like Troy, she said.

When her husband deployed, Jill Nehls always looked at a picture of him in uniform talking to kids, the back of his head showing as he leaned over. She realized it was him.

His twin brother knew it too. Theyre identical and both have blonde hair.

A military veteran like Troy, Trever Nehls considered what a horrible day it was. He struggled to imagine the mob trampling through the historic building he had just visited for the swearing-in, last breached by the British in wartime in 1814.

But he was proud of his brother.

I would have expected nothing different, he thought, than him saying, Lets handle this.

Troy Nehls wanted to continue to protect the storied space where he had come to work. But then the sound of a gunshot rang out. Officers told the remaining lawmakers to go. And they did, exiting through the back hall to a secure building.

Nehls called his wife, who had to explain to their daughters what was happening. Their 8-year-old, used to seeing her dad on television, saw the photo and told her mom, I am so proud of him.

That night, Nehls still voted against certifying the Arizona and Pennsylvania electoral votes for Biden. He said he believes changes to election laws were unconstitutional, which they have not been shown to be. The electoral votes were ultimately certified and Vice President Mike Pence declared Biden the winner early Thursday.

Nehls said he feels the responsibility going forward to talk with others to work through differences. He wishes the rioters  whom he hopes to see prosecuted  would come to his office to talk about why they behaved with the rage that they did.

emily.foxhall@chron.com
A triptych portrait of Vicky Phelan, which was unveiled on the Late Late Show on Friday night, is to be auctioned for the charity Heroes Aid by Sheppard's of Durrow next month. The charity supports frontline workers battling Covid-19.

The stunning portrait, which has been described as a summation of the life of the women's health advocate, is by Tullamore based artist, Vincent Devine.

In an emotional interview Vicky Phelan revealed on the Late Late Show that she will be travelling to the US this Sunday to participate in a clinical trial in a bid to combat new tumours.

The only pain I get is in my back... If I stand for too long I get an unmerciful pain in my back, she told Ryan Tubridy.

Vicky spoke about her battle with cancer and how treatment has helped her in the last three years.

She said she will be leaving her family behind and staying for up to six months in Maryland while the treatment is ongoing.

If this trial works I will get more time with my kids.

The Pembro drug has helped her for three years and she is hoping that the next phase of treatment will extend her life by at least the same length of time.

Vicky has written a bestselling book about her life and her experience during the cervical check controversy since she was diagnosed in 2014.

She told Ryan Tubridy that the three-part portrait represents the past, present and future, with each element, especially the horses, one black and one white, representing parts of her life, including a car crash which happened before she developed cancer.

The inclusion of a shamrock in the centrepiece, which depicts Vicky sitting on a chair on Doonbeg beach, was her idea.

That's to represent the Irish people who have taken me to their heart, she said. It's a painting of hope and I hope that's the way people will see it.

Elsewhere in the portrait the bird resting on her left hand is a crimson rosella and represents her daughter Amelia, who is 15.

The oak leaf in her left hand is for her boy, Darragh aged nine. He is a sapling and will grow big and strong.

Vicky Phelan sat for the portrait on Doonbeg beach, one of her favourite places. Artist Vincent Devine mixed some of the sand of Doonbeg with paint for one portion of the portrait.

Sheppard's Auction House was hired by Heroes Aid to auction the painting which Philip Sheppard described as a really, really important work of art.

It will come up for auction at 2pm on Thursday, February 4 and the sale will be live online and open to a global audience of bidders.

We're absolutely delighted. The work that frontline workers are doing is incredible. They're under huge pressure and anything we can do to support them, we're happy to do so and it's a privilege to do so, said Philip.

We think that Vincent is an up and coming and talented artist and it's great to see it happening in the Midlands.

Vincent has built up a very good relationship with her and that's reflected in the artwork which is full of symbolism.

The auction house has waived all fees. Our fees will be donated along with the hammer price, said Philip.

Anyone can watch or bid online at sheppards.ie
Lars Ullrich

Three megatrends are shaping the auto industry: electro-mobility, automated driving and the connected car. This is welcome news for Infineon given that all are heavily reliant on sensors. Continuing just-auto/AIC's series of interviews, Matthew Beecham spoke to Lars Ullrich, Vice President of the Automotive at Infineon Technologies Americas about developing semiconductor solutions for automotive applications.

What areas of your automotive business are you particularly well positioned in the market place and which show most promise for growth in 2021?

The acquisition of Cypress Semiconductor in 2020 strengthened Infineon's ability meet customer requirements as the industry responds to three megatrends. We see these as the move to zero emission transportation systems; the fact that the car remains a car; and that there is steady evolution to platforms where the driver will become a passenger.

The move towards zero emissions hasn't eliminated innovation in ICE design and much of the advancement there relies on increasing the role of electronics in engine control and mechatronics. Concurrently, incentives to move quickly through stages of P/EV to full EV are significant factors in such major markets as China and the EU. In the U.S, action by state governments related to zero emission requirements will likely be followed at the federal level by the incoming administration, which seems committed to aggressive climate goals. Infineon has a full portfolio of the semiconductors to support all systems in PEV/EV vehicles; sensors, microcontrollers (MCUs), NOR Flash memories, and drive train power devices, as well as control power and communications.

As noted, we also see that while the car will remain a car  four motor driven wheels and full accommodation for human control  there is across the board adoption of comfort features and increasing levels ADAS systems. This plays to Infineon strengths in sensors, such as high-performance radar and Time-of-Flight (ToF) technologies, and to an expanded portfolio of MCUs that encompass critical Electronic Control Unit (ECU), body electronics and infotainment clusters. Both ADAS and growing in-car comfort and infotainment systems support enhancement of driver capabilities while improving the travel experience.

Given that increasing levels of driver automation require more sensors to be fitted to the car, where are Infineon's strengths?

Overall, Infineon is now the second largest supplier of sensor chips for automotive systems used in traditional "under-the-hood," body and chassis mechatronics systems, exterior environmental sensors such as radars, and technology suited to new types of driver monitoring and safety applications. Our portfolio comprises dependable products with features such as best in class security, functional safety and high automotive quality. We combine this with premium customer support, system understanding and a passion for innovation to better serve our Tier 1 customers and a larger portion of their bill of materials. We've moved from supplying a sensor to typically matching sensors with our inherently reliable and secure AURIX MCU. The next step is to offer sensor, MCU and power subsystem as a drop-in module.

A team at our Silicon Valley Innovation Centre is working with Reality AI to train a set of exterior mics to essentially "hear" the environment around a vehicle.

We also have capabilities in areas not commonly considered as part of an automotive sensor network, such as silicon MEMs microphones. A team at our Silicon Valley Innovation Centre (SVIC) is working with a company called Reality AI to train a set of exterior mics to essentially "hear" the environment around a vehicle. This is a completely new sensory input for cars and it will likely play an important role in future sensor suites.

That also brings up the idea of the status of sensor fusion in development of autonomous systems. There's a lot to learn in this area and the playing field also will see dramatic changes as electrification ultimately eliminates fuel-burning engines and their sensor loads from the equation. Ultimately, the decisions made by Tier One suppliers and OEMs about overall systems architecture will drive development. Infineon stands ready to provide input as needed to our customers.

Many cited 2021 as a turning point for automated vehicles, though the reality has shown it will be a longer process. Can you give us your thoughts on the timeline, especially on the important threshold the industry now stands at between Level 2 and Level 3 autonomy?

As far as turning points, 2020 might be described as when industry watchers recognised the reality that the move to autonomous vehicles is a long transition. That makes 2021 the year of realistic expectations. Forecasts by Strategy Analytics reflect that realism. They project adoption will move from 2020 level of L1/L2 automation at 40/7% respectively to 46/27% in 2025 and then L2 levels will grow to 53% of vehicles in 2030, with L1 used in another 28%. At that point, only a little more than 1 in 10 autos will have no ADAS features, and we'll also start to see measurable adoption rates for L3/4 autonomy.

Getting consumers to rely on automated systems is critical.

In our talks with companies on the cutting edge of autonomous development, there's a recognition that getting consumers to rely on the automated systems is critical. I think about it as learning to trust the "elf under the hood." We're moving from an era of fail-safe design being acceptable to one where fail operational is a requirement, which in turn requires what we at Infineon call "dependable systems." The evolving concept of dependability extends to every stage of every ADAS system; sensing, computing, communication, actuation, power supply and memory. For L 2/2+, there need to be protected branches for every critical load. L3 requires redundancy for critical loads, and higher-level Level 4/5 autonomy will need even more sophisticated dependability concepts.

How do you see the market place for LiDAR's evolving?

Good question. It is apparent that extending the range of exterior "vision" is very important to the eventual adoption of L4/5 autonomy and that LiDAR is an excellent candidate for that role. Given that, the time frame for its use in mass market systems is still some years out. Infineon has invested in the technology through early acquisitions and continued investment. So, we have a good sense of the overall system requirements and the likely evolution of the technology as OEMs make decisions about how LiDAR will fit into the overall system.

Security within the connected car continues to cause debate. How is Infineon addressing this security risk?

We look at security from several perspectives: you can't have safety without security, security is an architecture property, security is a moving target and security needs cooperation. There's the classic automotive view of securing the functional safety of the platform and through the whole evolution of ADAS from fail safe to fail operational capabilities that we discussed earlier. Here we continue to work on practical implementation and issues around architecture, such as the question of what's done in hardware vs. software. Infineon's security architecture is scalable to support multiple levels of solutions. Our microcontrollers integrate hardware security modules (HSM) to provide a run-time environment for secure modules and networking within the vehicle. Discrete Security Controllers provide trust anchor and tamper resistance to protect the vehicle from the outside environment and recover in the case of an attack.

Then there is the concept of the car as a connected network on wheels and how you protect that network from intrusion and attack. The Cypress acquisition broadened our perspective on this, so we can look at it from local area connectivity using both Bluetooth and WiFi, as a matter of embedded security embodied both in NOR Flash and as MCU-level security modules meeting automotive standards, and finally as a cybersecurity issue based on Infineon's historical leadership in computer network and payment systems security. All together this is an area where Infineon can help shape the approach and respond to nearly any conceivable architecture defined by manufacturers and standards bodies.

There is a lot of hype around the Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication and the possibilities for safer roadways and more efficient travel. What's your view on the realistic possibilities?

Ultimately, large-scale implementation of V2V/V2X requires a good deal of infrastructure outside of the vehicle that has to be put into place. Today's pilot programs in such cities as Singapore and Chicago will teach every party involved a lot, but we are still in the early stages of understanding capabilities and requirements. That puts wide-scale adoption at least a half-decade or more in the future.

Given that, we've got a several key technologies available to support V2X. The BT and WiFi capability we just covered is one, as well as technologies for secure communications. Those include network security tools like our Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and secure Embedded SIM (eSIM) for mobile communications.

2020 was a pretty memorable year for everyone and for all sorts of reasons. In your business, what stands out as the biggest challenges you faced over the past 12 months?

Of course, the pandemic's widespread effects are what set up the challenges we face. From a business perspective, economic contraction saw the global light vehicle market decline by 19.4% globally. That's forecast to snap back by 13.2% in 2021. Most interesting is that while that's not a complete return, the electronics content will be greater than in the past.

That sets up what was really our biggest challenge, managing our business through supply chain interruptions and very rapidly changing demand patterns. In our manufacturing flow it was a kind of whiplash, moving from high to low utilisation and relatively quickly back to high utilisation again. That's cushioned in part because Infineon has a relatively high proportion of manufacturing in-house, and continued investment in our capacity for power and sensor products, in particular, gives us a lot of flexibility.

What did you learn that you did not expect to learn?

For one, we all learned to work in virtual, digital business environments faster than I think anyone expected. In many ways, working from anywhere has helped to accelerate collaboration and cooperation, and it has certainly brought out higher levels of flexibility and agility. I guess you could say that the digital world we're operating in now turns about twice as fast as the real world. On a personal side, it's been really enjoyable to get spend more time with family; where we used to bump into colleagues in a hallway or lunch room, now it's family interactions that break up the day.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  The country recorded a surge of new COVID-19 cases with 1,952 more infections, the Department of Health said on Saturday.

The number is the highest daily record in the past three weeks. On Dec. 18, the department logged over 2,000 new cases.

The total tally is now at 485,797 with 5.5% or 26,784 active cases, according to the DOH case bulletin. Of these active cases or currently ill patients, at least 83.1% have mild symptoms, 8.6% have no symptoms, 5.1% are in critical condition, 2.8% are severe cases, and 0.47% are moderate infections.

Davao City recorded the highest number of new cases with 143, followed by Quezon City with 98, Rizal with 80, Cavite with 77 and Bulacan with 74, the DOH said.

Meanwhile, 34 others succumbed to the disease, pushing the death toll to 9,398 or 1.93% of the COVID-19 infections tally. There were also 291 recoveries, raising the survivor count to 449,615, which is 92.6% of the total number of cases.

The department said it removed seven duplicate cases from the total number, including three recoveries. It also corrected its previous report wherein three survivors were actually deaths after validation.

The tally did not include data from seven COVID-19 laboratories that were not able to submit their reports on time, the agency added.

Experts from the OCTA Research Team earlier warned of a possible post-Christmas season jump in cases amid backlogs in reporting. The DOH also projected the case count in Metro Manila to spike to as many as 4,000 a day by the end of January amid leniency during the holiday celebrations.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, on the other hand, said it did not receive any new reports on cases among overseas Filipinos. The infected toll in 84 countries stayed at 13,018 with 934 deaths and 8,460 recoveries, while 3,624 patients are undergoing treatment.
Robert Mallett

Rabin Martin names Robert Mallett CEO effective immediately. Jeffrey L. Sturchio, Rabin Martins CEO since July 2014, will continue in an advisory role as chairman. Mallett joins the agency from Africare, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of lives of the people in Africa, where he was president and CEO. He was previously executive vice president & general counsel for the Public & Senior Markets Group at United Healthcare and a senior vp at Pfizer. During the Clinton administration, Mallett served as deputy secretary and acting secretary of the Department of Commerce. In his new post, he will guide Rabin Martins strategy and drive the companys progress toward improving health for underserved populations. Roberts strong business acumen, passion for operational excellence, and deep belief in the importance of talent, especially the critical role of diversity, equity and inclusion, will help him lead Rabin Martin to new successes, said John Doolittle, CEO of Omnicom Public Relations Group, which includes Rabin Martin.

Kate Thomas, Donald Ritchey and Alexx Weincek

Crosby Marketing Communications promotes Kate Thomas to digital design supervisor, Donald Ritchey to director of IT services, and Alexx Weincek to senior multimedia designer. Thomas has been with the agency for 15 years, and was previously a senior digital designer, creating digital campaigns for such clients as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disabled American Veterans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Before coming to Crosby in 2018, Ritchey was an IT specialist at AT&T. He has also worked as a contractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Weincek joined the agency in 2012, and creates digital and multimedia content for clients as well as supporting front-end design for web development projects.

Jacqui Faclier

Viral Nation hires Jacqui Faclier as executive VP, general manager. Faclier comes to Viral Nation from DDB Canada, where she was most recently managing director of the firms Toronto office. She previously worked for both Young & Rubicam and Wunderman. At Viral Nation, Faclier will be responsible for people and capabilities development, financial management and revenue growth. Viral Nation CEO Joe Gagliese said Facliers exceptional new business and client relations leadership will help the agency as it expands in Canada and the US.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
TNPSC in the notification said that candidates will be required to furnish their particulars in One Time Registration before applying. It is mandatory for them to link their Aadhaar card details with the Departmental One Time Registration

Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) Departmental Examinations December 2020 will be conducted from 14 to 21 February 2021. The TNPSC has a released an official notification on its website - tnpsc.gov.in.

The online application process has been started by the Commission on its official portal. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria can enroll themselves by 29 January 2021.

According to a report by The Indian Express, candidates will be required to pay a registration fee of Rs 30 along with the examination fee of Rs 200 for each paper. Those applying for the exam should be at least 16 years on the date of the issue of the notification (8 January 2021).

TNPSC in the notification said that candidates will be required to furnish their particulars in One Time Registration before applying. It is mandatory for them to link their Aadhaar card details with the Departmental One Time Registration.

Applicants who have already furnished their details in One Time Registration must update by entering their Aadhaar details, the Commission said.

The Departmental Examinations December 2020 will be conducted as per the revised syllabus/ scheme/ pattern/ type of the exam.

A report by The Times of India said that candidates are at liberty to apply for as many tests as the time table permits. If a student is registering for two or more exams which are held on the same day and time, then he/she will be only allowed to write only paper which will be decided by him/her.

The memorandum of admission/ hall ticket will be available for download from 12 February 2021. Students will be required to visit the Commission's website and present the unique online application number and date of birth to download the hall ticket.
The CW viewers now have one question in mind: why is "Green Arrow and The Canaries" canceled?

A new year means a new line up. However, things are different for The CW and "Green Arrow and the Canaries."

According to Deadline, the most-awaited "Arrow" spinoff is no longer included in Warner Bros. Television's plans.

Initially, the company planned to release "Green Arrow and The Canaries" and "The 100" on The CW and HBO Max at the same time.

In May 2020, CW president Mark Pedowitz said that he and the company were involved in active discussions with Warner Bros.

"I've had many discussions with Warner Bros, we have a strategy involved -- hopefully we can pull it off," he went on.

This time, however, only "The 100" spinoff is left possible from the initial discussions.

Why Is "Green Arrow and The Canaries" Canceled?

Despite the long planning, it is noticeable how there were only little to none updates surrounding the spinoff series.

The "Green Arrow and the Canaries" release date was first announced as early as September 2019. During that time, "Arrow" already reached its eighth and final season.

Ben Lewis, one of the franchise's alum, told TVLine in its 2020 interview that he has not heard any progress about it for a while.

"I was always sort of a little bit out of the loop because I was not contractually attached to it the way that Katie [Cassidy] and Juliana [Harkavy] and Kat [McNamara] were, so I don't really know," he went on.

With the supposed "Green Arrow and The Canaries" cast, the series would have tackled what happened in Star City in 2040. The storyline also included Mia Queen having everything she wanted in her life--but not until Laurel and Dinah appeared before her again.

William Clayton's Actor Would Be 'Sad' With This Unfortunate Development

Elsewhere in Lewis' interview with TVLine, he noted that it would be sad if the kidnapping incident serves as the last appearance of his character, William Clayton.

"I think he deserves a lot better, and I was constantly pushing, particularly in the last season and when we were talking about the spinoff, for him to have a love interest," he said, per CBR. "I would love to see that. I would love to see how William Clayton spent the holidays with his partner."

The status of the spinoff series caused viewers to have unanswered questions like who kidnapped William and why Mia did not look so concerned about his disappearance.

READ MORE: Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton Remove Biggest Wedding Problem -- 'Holloback Girl' Singer Officially Annulled!

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
The pan-India vaccination drive against novel coronavirus will begin from January 16 after the upcoming festivals, including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Magh Bihu. Union Health Ministry made the announcement following a high-level meeting on Saturday chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assess the status of COVID-19 in the country along with the preparedness of states and union territories for vaccination.

The first phase of COVID-19 vaccination will inoculate 30 crore people from priority groups. This includes 3 crore healthcare and frontline workers, along with 27 crore people above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities. India has approved two COVID-19 vaccines - Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin - for emergency use.

ALSO READ: 'Ready to roll out two 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines, save lives,' said PM Modi

Commenting on the development later, PM Modi called it a "landmark step towards fighting COVID-19". "On January 16, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, India's nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis," the Prime Minister tweeted.

On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, Indias nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis. https://t.co/P5Arw64wVt  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2021

During the meeting, PM Modi was also briefed about the preparedness of Centre in close collaboration with the State and UT governments for roll out of the vaccine in the near future.

"The vaccination exercise in underpinned by the principles of people's participation (Jan Bhagidari); utilizing experience of elections (booth strategy) and Universal Immunization Program (UIP); no compromise of existing healthcare services, especially national programs and primary health care; no compromise on scientific and regulatory norms, other SOPs; and an orderly and smooth implementation driven by technology," the Health Ministry said in a statement.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 cases with mutated strain rise to 90 in India

PM Modi was also apprised about the status of Co-WIN Vaccine Delivery Management System. The vaccination digital platform will provide real time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature and individualised tracking of beneficiaries of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Co-WIN platform has been built to assist programme managers across all levels through automated session allocation for pre-registered beneficiaries, their verification and for generating a digital certificate upon successful completion of the vaccine schedule. More than 79 lakh beneficiaries have been already registered on the platform.

The training process for vaccinators and vaccine administrators was also detailed out during the meeting. During national level Training of Trainers, 2,360 participants were trained including state immunisation officers, cold chain officers, IEC officials, development partners, etc. More than 61,000 programme managers, 2 lakh vaccinators and 3.7 lakh other vaccination team members have been trained so far as part of trainings at states, districts and block levels.

ALSO READ: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro asks PM Modi to expedite shipment of COVID-19 vaccines
Hinting at a possible tie-up on electric cars and batteries with Apple, Hyundai Motor Co said on Friday that it was in the early stages of discussions with the iPhone maker. As per a report, the Hyundai statement read: Apple and Hyundai are in discussion, but as it is early stage, nothing has been decided. This sent Hyundai shares surging by $9 billion in the Seoul exchange after a cable TV unit of Korea Economic Daily initially reported on the talks. This intraday jump was the automakers biggest since 1988.

However, within a few hours, the South Korean auto giant backtracked on the statement. It released a subsequent statement to the Seoul stock exchange, where it omitted any reference to Apple. Instead, the automaker said there were requests for cooperation on joint development of autonomous electric vehicles from various companies. However, it didnt identify any company. Apple, too, did not comment on the statement from Hyundai.

Even after the automaker revised its statement, Hyundai shares still continued to remain near those high levels that it had touched earlier.

Hyundais move to refrain from naming Apple in the subsequent statement could be to prevent a potential fallout with the iPhone maker. Apple is known to be notoriously tight-lipped about its product development plans. In 2018, it had warned its employees to stop leaking internal information on future plans, stating that it could lead to potential legal action and criminal charges. Bu naming Apple in its initial statement, Hyundai may have breached that confidentiality.

In December, The Guardian had reported that Apple was planning to launch a self-driving car by 2024. The technology giant has plans to build an electric car that could compete with Tesla, the market leader in electric vehicles. Though Apple maintains utmost secrecy about its products, there have been reports that the company has been working on Project Titan, its electric and autonomous car vision, to develop its own vehicle technology, since 2014.

Over time, the share price of Tesla has skyrocketed to the extent that its chief executive and major shareholder Elon Musk this week overtook Amazons Jeff Bezos as the worlds richest man. While pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving and electric car technology, last year, Tesla shipped about 5 lakh electric vehicles.

Some of the other electric vehicle manufacturers Apple would rival include Lucid Motors, Daimler AG and Volkswagen AG.
Why Meyersdale nursing care workers are protesting

According to its website, the skilled nursing facility has the lone Veterans Administration contract in Somerset County.
NEW DELHI : Twenty-three Indian sailors stuck in China will return on January 14, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Saturday.

The cargo ship MV Jag Anand is set to sail towards Chiba in Japan, Mandaviya said.

"Our seafarers stuck in China are coming to India. Ship MV Jag Anand, having 23 Indian crew, stuck in China is set to SAIL toward Chiba, Japan, to carry out crew change, will reach India on 14th January," the ports, shipping and waterways minister said in a tweet.

He said this could be made possible only due to the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mandaviya also acknowledged "the humanitarian approach of the Great Eastern Shipping Company towards the seafarers and standing by them in this crucial time!"

On December 30, 2020, he had said that Indian sailors stuck in China will be brought back soon as diplomatic talks are on with the neighbouring country.

Two cargo vessels with Indian sailors on board have been on anchorage in Chinese waters as they were not allowed to unload their cargo, though some other ships have managed to do so.

"Diplomatic talks are going on for this successfully. Our seafarers will come to India soon," Mandaviya had said in reply to a query about sailors being stuck in China for the last seven months during a Cabinet briefing.

China on December 25 had said that there is no 'link' between the stranded Indian ship crew on its Chinese ports and its strained relations with India and Australia.

The statement had come a day after the External Affairs Ministry had said that two cargo vessels with a total of 39 Indians on board have been on anchorage in Chinese waters as they were not allowed to unload their cargo.

"There is a considerable amount of stress on the crew members on account of this unprecedented situation," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said.

Srivastava said bulk cargo vessel MV Jag Anand is on anchorage near Jingtang port in Hebei province of China since June 13 and it has 23 Indian sailors.

Another vessel, MV Anastasia with 16 Indian nationals as its crew, is on anchorage near Caofeidian port in China since September 20, waiting for discharge of its cargo, he had said at a media briefing.

"Our Embassy in Beijing has been in constant touch with provincial and central government authorities in China, requesting that the ships be allowed to dock and/or the crew be allowed to be changed," he had said.

Asked about India's concern relating to the Indian crew members of the ships and whether Chinas decision on this issue has related to the current situation between India, China and Australia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin had last week told a media briefing that "we stated repeatedly that China has clear stipulations on quarantine measures".

"Concerning this, China has stayed in close communication with the Indian side and responding to their requests as well as providing necessary assistance for them," he had said.

"As far as I understand, China allows the crew change while meeting certain quarantine conditions. But this Jingtang port is not in the list for such crew changes," he had said but did not refer to the 16 crew members of Caofeidian port.

China last month had blamed the freight forwarder of Jag Anand ship for the impasse, saying he is not letting the ship to leave.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
New Delhi: Bigg Boss 14 has been a unique roller-coaster ride for the contestants as well as the fans. This week as the family members have been coming to visit the housemates, emotions are running high in the house.

In the latest Bigg Boss 14s Weekend Ka Vaar episode on Saturday (January 9), Eijaz Khan is set to receive a beautiful surprise in the form of his former Bigg Boss 14 co-contestant Pavitra Punia.

As per the promo, Eijaz is ecstatic and shocked when he sees Pavitra visit him during family week. She calls him O Khan Sahab and he immediately runs toward her. The two converse and Eijaz proposes to Pavitra in a romantic manner. Main apni zindagi tere saath share karne ke liye tayar hu (I want to share my life with you), he says.

To this, Pavitra asks if he will always remain by her side. She also confesses her love for Eijaz on the show.

Taking to Instagram, Pavitra shared the promo of the episode and captioned it as, pavijaz @eijazkhan #pavitrapunia #eijazkhan #pp #ek #sher #sherni #pavijaz #elitepavitrians #pavitrians #pavijazians.

Earlier, Eijaz Khan's brother Imran Khan paid a visit inside the Bigg Boss house.

Meanwhile, other contestants will also get to interact with their family members. Former Bigg Boss contestant Rashami Desai will visit her close friend Vikas Gupta. Rakhi Sawant will meet her mother through a video call where the latter will make a revelation that will leave her daughter shell-shocked. Jasmin Bhasins parents will visit her and the conversation will leave Jasmin teary-eyed.
Doors opened at 5:30 a.m., welcoming the morning coffee crew, including the homeless who could get free coffee, said Susan Guercio, who has been a customer for 22 years. Doors closed at midnight, seven days a week. That is, until the pandemic shut the city down last March.

But his father tried to be upbeat about the situation, Mr. Panayiotou recalled. I remember one of the waiters said: All right, Pete. Goodbye, and my dad said, Not goodbye  till I see you again.

The next day, Chriss father complained about a stomachache. We told him, Maybe youre nervous, Mr. Panayiotou said. It was the first time Gee Whiz had shut down in 30 years, apart from the aftermath of Sept. 11, during which Peter Panayiotou spent several months cleaning up the damage from the terror attacks, just blocks away.

Being exposed to the pollution in 2001 contributed to Peter Panayiotous need for a double-lung transplant seven years ago. As the virus emerged, he was 65 years old and considered high-risk for Covid-19. To be safe, the family took him to the emergency room, but he was sent home and told to isolate. By then, Chriss mother, Maria, 67, had tested positive for the virus. Two days later, his father returned to the emergency room, but was again sent home. The following day, he turned blue. An ambulance came.

That was the last time we saw Dad, turning that corner in the ambulance, Mr. Panayiotou said. This time, his father remained at the hospital and was put on a ventilator. He died on April 5, nine days after the death of Andy Koutsoudakis, his business partner of 30 years, also from Covid-19.

Image Peter Panayiotou, center, opened Gee Whiz with his partner in 1989. He saw the TriBeCa diner through Sept. 11 and Hurricane Sandy.

Chris was devastated. Days were spent in bed, and nights were spent on his living room sofa staring at the wall in the dark. He started smoking again, going through a pack of Marlboro 27s a day and shedding close to 50 pounds in four months.
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.
As the country endures a third lockdown, with Covid-19 cases sky rocketing, the reality that pubs will not be open before March 15th next seems almost certain.

Absorbing that reality, Adrian Tansey of The Crossbar in Ballymote says now it is supports that publicans need.

"Nobody is calling for a re opening but who would have thought this is where we'd be at the New Year."

The Ballymote publican says it is inevitable that pubs will not be able to open properly until there is mass rollout of vaccines and numbers decrease.

"The Government did put some relief there, and that's good, but as it progressed and the longer we're off, the more supports we need. It's needed and needed badly, the sooner the better."

Mr Tansey says his heart goes out to other publicans who are in a much dire position than himself and for whom greater supports would be a lifeline to ensure their livelihoods are protected.

" I would definitely be supportive of calls for a package. I'm not in as worse position, people have big mortgages, couples have leased places and banks haven't played their part. At the beginning they did but people struggled to deal with them," he says.

The publican says if the pub scene is to survive a package must be put in place.

"It needs to be looked at and a package needs to be put in place, what that package is is up to others...We've been more our less closed for 9 months, other pubs that don't serve food are really hurting, I speak to a lot of them daily, they're going through a lot, my heart goes out to them."

The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) says the Government decision to close pubs serving food along with restaurants on Christmas Eve brings closer the probability that pubs will remain shut past 15th March 2021, the one year anniversary of when the trade first closed. The VFI says its members and their staff will require a comprehensive new package of supports if the trade is to survive until restrictions are lifted.

VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben said, "Our members who were allowed reopen for under three weeks must now reapply for the CRSS but at this stage, with little prospect of a full reopening in the short-term, we are calling for the CRSS to be increased for all pubs to 30% of 2019 turnover. Government must understand its decisions are decimating our trade so the supports on offer have to recognise that fact.

"We need clear communications from Government about how our members will be allowed resume trading. The good news is vaccines will end the pandemic but how and when will that happen? There is zero clarity about what level of vaccine coverage we require before restrictions will be lifted. Publicans urgently require a timeline," said Cribben.

WASHINGTON - @realDonaldTrump, the Twitter feed that grew from the random musings of a reality TV star into the cudgel of an American president, died Friday. It was not quite 12 years old.

President Donald Trump gestures at a campaign rally in support of U.S. Senate candidates Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., and David Perdue in Dalton, Ga., Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

WASHINGTON - @realDonaldTrump, the Twitter feed that grew from the random musings of a reality TV star into the cudgel of an American president, died Friday. It was not quite 12 years old.

The provocative handle was given birth by a New York real estate tycoon who used it to help him become the 45th U.S. president. It began with a May 4, 2009, tweet promoting Donald Trump's upcoming appearance on David Letterman's show.

It died more than 57,000 tweets later, with Trump using some of his final postings on the powerful platform to commiserate with a pro-Trump mob that besieged the halls of Congress in a deadly assault as lawmakers were set to certify his defeat.

The account met its demise when Twitter announced Friday it was pulling the plug permanently on @realDonaldTrump, citing concern that Trump would use it for further incitement of violence. Trump retorted that he'd be "building out our own platform in the near future. We will not be SILENCED!"

Trump, a novice politician but seasoned salesman, realized the power of social media in ways that few other politicians did. And he wielded it with never-before-seen power to diminish his opponents, shape elections and mould reality  at least in the eyes of his supporters.

Early on, @realDonaldTrump seemed innocent enough. Its owner, who had prolific experience in marketing casinos, real estate and even Oreos, used the platform mostly to promote his books, media appearances and give friendly plugs to friends.

But as Trump began seriously toying with a White House run, it became a tool to scorch opponents and give shape to his nationalist, America First philosophy.

He deployed its venom equally, whether insulting celebrity enemies (Rosie ODonnell was crude, rude, obnoxious and dumb) or using xenophobia to malign a country (Britain is trying hard to disguise their massive Muslim problem).

Peter Costanzo, then an online marketing director for the publishing company putting out Trumps book, Think Like a Champion, helped bring Trump to the platform.

Twitter was still in its infancy at the time. But Costanzo, who later came to work for The Associated Press, saw the then-140-character-per-message platform as a new tool that the real estate mogul could use to boost sales and reach a broader audience.

Costanzo was given seven minutes to make his pitch to Trump  Not five minutes, not 10, he recalled in a 2016 interview.

Trump liked what he heard.

I said, Lets call you @realDonaldTrump  youre the real Donald Trump, recalled Costanzo. He thought about it for a minute and said: I like it. Lets do it.

Other than Trumps family, no one seemed off limits from his Twitter wrath. Trump attacked Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, 2016 political rivals, current administration staffers, former administration staffers, the Republican Party and cable networks.

@realDonaldTrump was prolific: On days when its owner was particularly agitated, such as in the midst of impeachment proceedings, it pushed out more than 100 tweets.

In its most popular tweet, on Oct. 2, 2020, @realDonaldTrump announced that Trump and first lady Melania Trump had contracted the coronavirus. The post got 1.8 million likes and nearly 400,000 retweets, according to Factba.se., which tracks the presidents social media habits and commentary.

The account was used to announce firings. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson learned of his ouster in a tweet.

The account threatened adversaries in the most colorful terms. Before Trump fell in love with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un through secretly exchanged letters, Trump used Twitter to dub him rocket man and vowed to respond with fire and fury if the authoritarian dared attack the United States.

@realDonaldTrump frequently spread misleading, false and malicious assertions, such as the baseless ideas that protesters at Justice Brett Kavanaughs confirmation hearings were paid by the liberal philanthropist George Soros and that Novembers election was beset by voter fraud.

Trump often tweeted well past midnight and before dawn, a cathartic outlet for grievances (Witch hunt! Crooked Hillary, Russia, Russia, Russia, FAKE NEWS, and so on.) For the most part, @realDonaldTrump and its 280-character posts effectively allowed Trump to work around the Washington media establishment and amplify the message of allies.

Sometimes @realDonaldTrump stumbled. Trump deleted 1,166 tweets and, in his final months on the platform, had 471 tweets flagged by Twitter for misinformation, according to Factba.se.

In one of his most memorable Twitter stumbles, Trump in May 2017 sent (and later deleted) a cryptic post-midnight tweet that read Despite the constant negative press covfefe.

The gibberish set the Twitterverse afire with speculation. Theories included that the tweeter-in-chief had fallen asleep mid-message and that the man who once bragged of having the best words was adding a new word to the lexicon to properly describe collusion between Democrats and the press.

The mystery was never solved.

Sam Nunberg, a longtime  and now former  Trump adviser, said that in the summer of 2011, after Trump announced he wasnt running in 2012 but wanted to remain relevant, his team decided to start using social media to boost his profile.

They chose to focus on Twitter, where he already had an account and several hundred thousand followers. Nunberg remembers sending Trump daily reports on his follower growth. Trump would sometimes hand it back with hand-written notes  Why not more? Why so slow?

They celebrated when they hit the million mark.

Twitter definitely played a pivotal role in building Donald Trump as a political figure within Republican politics and he also greatly enjoyed it, said Nunberg. Remember he used to say: I wanted to own a newspaper. This is great, its like a newspaper without the losses.

Trumps eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., took to Twitter shortly after the platform banned @realDonaldTrump to note that it continues to allow Irans supreme leader and numerous other dictatorial regimes to use the platform, but cannot abide his father.

Mao would be proud, Trump Jr. scoffed.

In the end, @realDonaldTrump offered an in-the-moment peek into Trump's state of mind over more than a decade, a period in which the Apprentice TV star transformed into the 45th American president.

Down the road, when historians look for a glimpse into Trump thoughts on the issues of his time -- anything from actress Kristen Stewart's treatment of co-star Robert Pattinson to the president's views on Russian meddling in the 2016 election  the first stop may inevitably be one of the many digital archives that have preserved the tweets of @realDonaldTrump.

With Trump, whatever the topic, there's always a tweet for that.



Associated Press writers Julie Pace, Nancy Benac and Zeke Miller contributed reporting.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  Ten relatives who had close contact with the Filipina diagnosed with the new COVID-19 variant in Hong Kong have been tested for the coronavirus and are now under quarantine, the Cagayan provincial government said Saturday.

Contact tracing showed that the patient, a 30-year-old Filipino domestic helper, hailed from Solana, Cagayan, a town some 485 kilometers north of Manila. Dr. Carlos Cortina III, Cagayan provincial health officer, said her relatives were immediately swabbed and isolated.

Kasalukuyan na aniyang sinusuri sa DOH (Department of Health) National ang mga specimen batay sa isinagawang swab test at inaantay pa ang resulta ng mga ito, the Cagayan provincial information office said in a statement.

[Translation: The specimens are now being examined by the DOH national headquarters based on the swab tests, the results of which have yet to be released.]

According to the DOH, the patient left the province for Metro Manila last Dec. 17 and was quarantined upon arrival. Two days later, she took an RT-PCR test, considered as the gold standard in detecting the presence of coronavirus. She tested negative, allowing her to fly to Hong Kong.

She boarded a Philippine Airlines flight on Dec. 22, going straight to quarantine upon landing in Hong Kong. On Jan. 2, she was confirmed to have been infected with the coronavirus variant first discovered in the United Kingdom and believed to be more contagious.

Authorities are tracking her other close contacts in Metro Manila, as well as the passengers who boarded the same flight. Samples of those who would test positive for COVID-19 will undergo whole-genome sequencing to check for the new variant, the DOH earlier said.

The Philippines has imposed travel restrictions on 28 countries and territories with confirmed cases of the new variant from the UK, and of another mutation discovered in South Africa.

Both variants have not been detected in the Philippines, but officials said they will continue to monitor the presence of new mutations through genomic surveillance.
Ian Podkamien

Vayyar, an Israeli based startup, says its production-ready radar-on-chip platform has the safety credentials to redefine automotive standards, offering automakers and tier one suppliers in-cabin and ADAS high-end safety features for all vehicles, including economy models. To learn more, Matthew Beecham spoke to Ian Podkamien, Head of Automotive at Vayyar.

Could you tell us a little about Vayyar and your 4D imaging radar sensor?

Founded in 2011, Vayyar started with a vision of providing accessible RF-based safety solutions for the mass market. Our first development was a portable, non-ionizing, painless, affordable screening device for early-stage breast cancer, using 4D imaging radar technology. As our technology matured, we expanded to additional solutions in multiple industries. Today, the Israel-based SME is made up of over 200 employees.

Our sensors track and map everything happening in an environment in real-time. Powered by a high-performance mmWave RFIC, they generate exceptionally high-resolution 4D point-cloud that's used for detection and classification of multiple targets. The sensors' ultra-wide field of view ensures maximum horizontal and vertical coverage.

In the automotive industry, our fully tested, mass production-ready single-chip platform offers leading-edge safety while drastically reducing complexity and costs both for in-cabin monitoring as well as ADAS.

Vayyar's mission is to expand the potential of consumer radar that's miniature, affordable and versatile enough to improve everyone's lives.

How does your sensor compare to optical sensing hardware?

Our AEC-Q100-qualified sensor technology has numerous advantages over optics-based alternatives like cameras and infrared. First off, because it isn't dependent on light waves and line of sight, it's robust in all conditions  day and night, fog, rain, snow and dust. It provides accurate imaging with full depth of field and, of course, there are no lenses to clean.

It's also far more affordable than cameras or LiDAR, not only in terms of the technology itself, but because of the low power consumption, the ultra-wide field-of-view, and the multifunctional aspect of the platform. Just 1 in-cabin and 2-4 ADAS sensors replace a couple of dozen standard sensors, reducing complexity and cutting costs significantly, offering savings of up to $1 billion per vehicle model over its lifetime.

Thanks to their small form factor and ability to "see through" surfaces, our 4D imaging sensors also enable concealed installation, which is significant not only in terms of vehicle aesthetics, but for providing a sense of privacy, which is an increasingly important concern across the industry. Our 4D point cloud imaging provides exceptional granularity without relying on personally identifiable data.

Are the applications for your sensor limited to the interior?

While in-cabin sensing is largely a greenfield area for the auto industry and is therefore generating significant excitement, 4D imaging radar is by no means limited to interiors.

Vayyar's 4D imaging radar ADAS platform covers a myriad of applications such as Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Detection, all types of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), advanced Parking Assistance, Lane Change Assist and other ADAS functions covering both car-to-car and Vulnerable Road User scenarios. These applications, and many others, are supported simultaneously by the sensor, creating powerful, efficient feature "combos" tailored to the needs and specifications of each partner.

For in-cabin, our multifunctional platform (with market-ready SW stack) enables Child Presence Detection (CPD) to prevent hot car incidents, in tandem with intelligent Seat Belt Reminders (SBR). With our 4D point cloud, the platform supports additional features like active safety systems as well, including pretensioners, and Optimized Airbag Deployment and Dynamic Disabling. The same sensor also covers the vehicle perimeter with applications such as intruder alerts.

For 2023 requirements our platform provides a CPD + SBR combo over 4D point cloud. Because of its multifunctional nature, the platform streamlines multiple applications, providing affordable, game-changing safety for all cars. This allows Tier1s and OEMs to reduce the development and production costs of high-end models and enables economy vehicles to provide safety capabilities that have traditionally been out of their reach, bringing unrivalled safety to the general public.

Who are your customers?

In many ways, we're a classical Tier 2 supplier with established partnerships with numerous Tier 1s. We're also directly engaged with a number of OEMS, familiarizing them with the advantages of our technology and building long-term relationships that will enable them to leverage our multifunctional approach to in-cabin and ADAS sensing.

Vayyar is also an active player in the motorcycle domain, with a wide variety of ARAS functions such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Lane Change Assist (LCA).

There are others using radar to build up better imaging intelligence. What gives your solution the edge?

Vayyar leads the way in various areas. We're pushing the boundaries of miniaturization while also offering the industry's largest MiMo antenna array of up to 48 transceivers with a thumbnail-sized chip.

While other vendors provide only the chip, we offer complete antenna and array design, as well as full PCBA reference design, radar algo and low-level software stack. This enables automakers to optimize the system to their own specific requirements, without needing to deal with multiple vendors.

All computing is carried out on-chip and while traditional radar offers just 12 virtual channels and other providers offer 200, our platform supports thousands.

With just one chip, our platform provides vehicles with the basis for more EU NCAP safety points than any other technology. It enables any model to earn 43 Euro NCAP points for YM2023 onwards, representing a weighted 27% of a 5-star safety rating.

Further down the road, the platform is also a foundation for future application development so that automakers can easily adopt and fully utilize the power of 4D imaging radar.

Further down the road, the platform is also a foundation for future application development so that automakers can easily adopt and fully utilize the power of 4D imaging radar.

It's an end-to-end solution that enables OEMs to benefit from rich 4D point cloud imaging without having to deal with the nuts and bolts of radar. In fact, they can focus on creating more value by focusing on standard image-processing and machine learning methods.

What are the opportunities for your sensor to be used in autonomous vehicles?

Vayyar's technology is ideally suited to core ADAS applications thanks to its robustness, high-resolution point cloud data and ultra-wide field of view.

With an ultra-wide field-of-view, no dead zones and zero minimum distance, our sensors deliver the rich coverage that autonomous vehicles require.

What's more, we do it with the minimum number of sensors, allowing automakers to achieve better performance at a lower cost, with significantly less sensors and risks.

But it's inside the cabin where we offer a completely new dimension of safety as the industry shifts to autonomy. With no driver to supervise the cabin occupants, inward-facing seats and passengers' ability to constantly change their seating positions, we're talking about an entirely different environment.

Active safety features like airbags will need to be completely rethought in terms of their positioning and deployment in an AV. And with younger people likely to travel independently, parents will naturally want a new level of in-cabin monitoring to guarantee their safety.

Active safety features like airbags will need to be completely rethought in terms of their positioning and deployment. And with younger people likely to travel independently, parents will naturally want a new level of in-cabin monitoring to guarantee their safety.

Where else outside of automotive could your image sensors be applied?

Vayyar was founded with a vision of making the world safer using radio frequency technology.

In Smart Home, senior care and community environments, seniors are safeguarded through round-the-clock monitored well-being that delivers real-time fall detection and rich data that can be leveraged to generate behavioural insights.

Retailers profit from greater visibility into their operations, using real-time shopper and inventory analytics that improve store layout and product placement, prevent missed sales and enhance the supply chain.

Commercial property organizations benefit from workspace optimization and greater staff utilization as well as better energy efficiency.

With markets such as homeland security now coming to the fore, not to mention the ongoing success of our wall scanner: Walabot DIY, the potential of our technology to become a core element of everyday life is immense.

And as new challenges arise in the realms of mass transit systems and fleet management, 4D imaging radar will be the technology of choice for all use cases involving people-counting and monitoring.

Looking around events such as the CES, it seems like almost everything is now connected to everything else including the cars. What is your vision of the connected car?

Digitization is impacting all industries and vehicles connected over 5G and the cloud will become vital components of the smart cities of the future.

There are two sides of that coin: V2V (vehicle to vehicle) and V2X (vehicle to anything). As well as communicating with each other, connected cars will be constantly interfacing with infrastructure such as traffic lights and parking structures, processing vast amounts of data in real-time to ensure safety, optimize routes, save time, enhance the driver experience and provide better protection for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

Our platform is designed as a foundation for innovation. We've created the basis for OEMs and Tier 1s to write their own safety applications, leverage machine learning over radar and, crucially, upgrading entire fleets via over-the-air updates, future-proofing each vehicle without requiring motorists to take their cars to the shop.

2020 was a pretty memorable year for everyone and for all sorts of reasons. In your business, what stands out as the biggest challenges you faced over the past 12 months?

Last year wasn't only defined by the direct impact of the pandemic, but also the uncertainty that we know is challenging to all businesses. Fortunately, Vayyar's agility, combined with the commitment and professionalism of our teams, has enabled us to maintain our momentum throughout periods of lockdown, adapting to the challenges of working from home and overcoming the limitations of international travel bans by intensifying our efforts to maintain existing relationships and establish new ones. This, combined with exceptional cooperation from our partners, enabled us to run even faster in some cases, despite the unconventional nature of this year.

What did you learn that you did not expect to learn?

Part of this "new normal" has been a far greater reliance on virtual meetings and online collaboration tools. The net result is that's it's been far easier to schedule meetings and to increase the frequency of interactions with our partners. A year ago, one face-to-face meeting per quarter would have been standard, but now we're interfacing directly on a weekly or daily basis, which has actually accelerated the process in many cases.

What's next for Vayyar?

With a $109 million Series D financing led by Koch Disruptive Technologies just before the pandemic, we were able to rapidly scale our development efforts and grow our team over the past 12 months. As our relationships with partners broaden and deepen, we're looking forward to achieving even greater critical mass in 2021, in terms of the number and quality of our partnerships.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
This fall, The Citizens Voice will publish a hard-cover book commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Agnes Flood. Click here to share your stories of the flood.
GODFREY  Residents can start the new year off right with a good deed to help those in need.

The Lewis and Clark Community College Veterans Club will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14, at The Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Boulevard, in Alton.
Lana Scott was armed with a long list of orders and a wad of cash as she joined the line that extended down Orleans Street outside Plush Lounge & Grill and around the corner onto Fannin Street for the opening of Turkey Leg Huts food truck Friday.

Ive got orders from family, friends and then my own order, Scott said.

A fan of the popular Houston eatery that opened in 2015 in the Third Ward, Scott said she usually makes a couple trips a month to get her favorite, the shrimp alfredo stuffed turkey leg.

This is my favorite place. Everybody who knows me knows this is my favorite, she said.

With the food truck in Beaumont for a weekend, she was grateful to have a second trip to Houston off her turkey leg plate.

The fact that they took the time to come support our area is worth our support, Scott said.

She wasnt alone in showing her support. Scott was among the group of about 20 residents who queued up for two hours to be first in line  a line that grew to almost 75 an hour into the food trucks opening.

At the head of the line was Nicholas Babino, who said it was worth the long, cold wait outside to get his favorite  a crawfish mac and cheese stuffed turkey leg.

Turkey Leg Huts food truck will remain in Beaumont through Sunday, open from 11 a.m. until sold out each day.

Plush Lounge & Grill owner Al Henry was the driving force behind bringing, as his Facebook post says, the world renowned and hottest ticket in the city of Houston to Beaumont.

Im there all the time, Henry said. Knowing not everyone can make the trip, we decided to bring the experience here.

The crowd also helped bring some business to the downtown lounge and grill that opened last September in what was formerly Rumors.

Patrons could enjoy drinks inside, while staff tended to placing and delivering their orders from the truck outside.

kbrent@beaumontenterprise.com
Tajikistans state-owned electricity utility company has reportedly reintroduced power rationing across most of the country in response to a drop in water levels at a key hydroelectric dam. The government has not been compelled to limit how much power it supplies to households since the winter of 2016. As Eurasianet writes, as a result of the rationing coming into effect on December 5, homes in residential areas outside the capital, Dushanbe, and other major cities will have no power from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. for the foreseeable future, Asia-Plus newspaper reported.

The newspaper cited a source at the Barki Tojik utility company as saying that the restrictions are a result of levels at the Nurek hydropower dam dropping to four meters below what they were at this same period last year.

Unless water levels improve soon, rationing could eventually be introduced to Dushanbe too, the source told Asia-Plus.

In fact, rolling blackouts had already intermittently been taking place in rural localities since November. Energy officials denied this was happening, however, claiming that power interruptions were linked only to work on overhauling production and transmission infrastructure.

Barki Tojik had promised that blackouts would end by December 10, but it was only a few days before that pledge was broken.

On December 15, President Emomali Rahmon instead appealed to the population to economize on electricity, warning that failing to do so would force the authorities to bring in rationing. Around the same time, the governor of the Sughd region, Rajaboy Ahmadzoda, urged citizens to stock up on firewood as a way of saving on electricity.

Officials have also tried to use the cudgel to get the country through this impasse. At the start of December, police and other security bodies warned, at the behest of President Rahmon, that they were stepping up measures to stop households from trying to steal electricity. Although it was not spelled out, the clampdown apparently alluded to a common practice of jamming electricity counters to deceive Barki Tojik into charging households less for the power they use.

Then there is the fact that despite internal shortages, Tajikistan has increased the amount of power it is exporting. It is not public information which nations are the recipients of that electricity  Uzbekistan is a likely candidate, but Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan have also historically bought power from Tajikistan. Data from the state statistics agency showed that Tajikistan had earned $2 million from exporting power in October, but $2.7 million in November.

While many households will have to make do without power, the countrys main industrial concern, Talco aluminum producer, which is known to be controlled by Hasan Asadullozoda, the brother-in-law of President Emomali Rahmon, will see no rationing.

And while Talco pays industrial electricity rates of 7.2 dirams ($ 0.006) per kilowatt hour in the summer and 11.8 dirams ($ 0.010) per kilowatt hour in the winter, the rest of the population pays 22.66 dirams ($ 0.019) per kilowatt hour. Even at that preferential rate, Talco still has outstanding debts before Barki Tojik worth around 415 million somoni ($40 million).

What is particularly disappointing about the return to blackouts is that the situation with power supplies was meant to improve after the commissioning in 2018 of the first pair of generating turbines at the Roghun hydropower plant  a project that Rahmon has made the signature of his time in power. And electricity has indeed been reasonably reliably supplied over winter for a few years now.

The imposition of rationing is likely to again fuel stubborn speculation that some kind of technical fault has occurred at Roghun, forcing engineers to release amounts of stored water. Such suggestions are routinely ignored or dismissed by officials, who say only that work is ongoing to fill Roghun to the required levels.
OLMSTED COUNTY, Minn.  The Pine Island Fire Department dealt with a rare winter grass fire Friday night.

It happened around 9:30 pm on White Pines Road Southeast near East White Bridge Road. A caller reported a fire in the ditch spreading up the hill toward a field.

Firefighters arrived at the scene to see the flames had grown but areas of snow kept the fire contained and prevented it from spreading toward the road. It took crews about 10 minutes to put out the flames with high-pressure water hoses.

The Fire Department says it appears the fire may have started with a small pile of garbage.

The Goodhue County Sheriffs Office assisted at the scene.
Democratic senators weighed in with support, and some Republicans appeared newly open to the idea. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska indicated he would be amenable to considering articles of impeachment at a trial. A spokesman for Senator Susan Collins of Maine said she was outraged by Mr. Trumps role in the violence, but could not comment on an impeachment case given the possibility she could soon be sitting in the jury.

Even Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader and one of Mr. Trumps most influential allies for the past four years, told confidants he was done with Donald Trump. Mr. McConnell did not directly weigh on a possible impeachment case, but he circulated a memo to senators making clear that under the Senates current rules, no trial could effectively be convened before Jan. 20, after Mr. Trump leaves office and Mr. Biden is sworn in, unless all 100 senators agreed to allow it sooner.

It was a fitting denouement for a president who, despite years of norm-shattering behavior, has acted largely without consequence throughout his presidency, showing no impulse to change his ways, despite being impeached in Congress, defeated at the ballot box and now belatedly shunned by some members of his own party.

By Friday evening, Ms. Pelosi had not made a final decision on whether to proceed with impeachment and was wary of rushing into such a momentous step. She issued a statement saying she had instructed the House Rules Committee to be ready to move ahead with either an impeachment resolution or legislation creating a nonpartisan panel of experts envisaged in the 25th Amendment to consult with Mr. Pence about the presidents fitness to serve.

Democrats agreed it was logistically possible to vote on articles of impeachment as soon as next week, but they were weighing how to justify bypassing the usual monthslong deliberative process of collecting documents, witnesses and the presidents defense. Others worried that Mr. Trumps base would rally more forcefully around him if Democrats pushed forward with impeaching him again, undermining their goal of relegating the 45th president to the ash heap of history.

Republicans who only days before had led the charge to overturn Mr. Trumps electoral defeat said impeaching him now would shatter the unity that was called for after the Capitol siege.
Pakistan rules out possibility of giving military bases to US for anti-terrorism missions
The head of the Pennsylvania Senate said Friday night the Republican caucus will wait for a court ruling before making a decision on filling a seat from western Pennsylvania.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre, said Friday night the Senate Republicans will likely follow the lead of a federal court ruling in the election in the 45th District. State Sen. Jim Brewster, D-Allegheny, was certified as the winner in the race by the Department of State, but Republican challenger Nicole Ziccarelli has sued over inconsistencies in the counting of mail-in ballots. The controversy over filling the seat has drawn national media attention.

Earlier this week, Senate Republicans voted against seating Brewster to begin a new four-year term and said the Senate would review petitions filed by both Brewster and Ziccarelli. Democrats fumed when Brewster wasnt seated and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf called it a shameful power grab. Republicans hold the majority in the Senate.

Corman reiterated previous statements that the Senate has the power to decide who should fill the seat. Bue he said Friday if the pending federal legal challenge ultimately determines a winner, the Senate Republican caucus will accept that result and seat the victor, regardless of who it is.

But he also indicated the Senate GOPs decision depends on the court ruling on the merits of the legal challenge and not just determining a lack of jurisdiction.

It is our plan to let the election case in front of the federal district court play out and ultimately seat whoever is successful in that process as long as the findings from the court are to the merit of the challenge and the validity of the disputed ballots and not based on the lack of jurisdiction of the federal courts, Corman said in a statement Friday.

If the federal court rules, as we believe, that the ballots should not count then we will seat Mrs. Ziccarelli immediately and if they rule ballots should count we will seat Senator Brewster immediately, Corman said.

Corman said the seat would be filled even if there is an appeal to a higher court, but he said further action could be warranted if another legal challenge proves successful.

Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, said he was deeply disturbed by Cormans statement and said it is another indication that hes willing to disregard the will of the voters.

These comments are particularly disturbing in that they demonstrate a pattern of undemocratic behavior from Senator Corman and members of the Senate Republican Caucus, Costa said in a statement. Three times this week, that caucus has locked arms with Donald Trump in its efforts to disenfranchise voters and threaten democracy. Maya Angelou tells us, when someone shows you who they are  believe them the first time. I hope that voters across Pennsylvania have seen and believe them after this week.

Republican challenge Nicole Ziccarelli has filed a challenge with the Pennsylvania Senate contesting the election results that led to Democratic Sen. Jim Brewster being declared the winner of the 45th Pa. Senate District seat.

Battle in the Senate

Several heated exchanges ensued in the state Senate chamber Tuesday on what is normally a celebratory day for the swearing in of lawmakers. With Brewster blocked from taking office, Democrats accused Republicans of trying to thwart the will of voters and steal a Senate seat.

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman called for Brewster to be seated and refused to recognize repeated requests by Sen. Ryan Aument, R-Lancaster County. Instead, he broke from Senate rules to call on a Democratic senator who was calling for Brewster to be sworn into office. Ultimately, Senate Republicans approved a motion to remove Fetterman as the Senates presiding officer for the day.

The issue in the race centers on mail-in ballots that arrived without a date in the 45th Senate district, which includes part of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Allegheny County officials counted mail-in ballots without a date, while Westmoreland officials set aside undated ballots.

Brewster was certified as the winner by state election officials, edging Ziccarelli by 69 votes. If Allegheny County election officials excluded undated mail-in ballots, Ziccarelli argues she would have won the race by 24 votes.

Democrats contend voters have determined a winner and with the election results being certified in both counties and by the state, its grossly improper to deny Brewster the seat. Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks County, said, I understand that candidates who lose are disappointed but a candidates disappointment should not ever result in overturning our democratic process.

Gov. Wolf has vowed to do everything in my power to ensure that voters have the final say in elections.

Pennsylvania Senate Minority Leader Sen. Jay Costa, shown in a March 2020 file photo, said Senate Republicans are thwarting the will of voters in blocking a Democratic senator from taking office. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com

Questions of power

In his statement Friday night, Corman said the Senate clearly has the authority to fill the seat. But he said that doesnt necessarily mean the Senate should use that power.

There should be no dispute that the Senate is the ultimate authority of the election and who meets the qualifications to be seated, Corman said in the statement. That is constitutional and cannot be changed by any court of law or Twitter campaign. We have the power to put into place a process that would find facts and declare a lawful winner. But just because we have the power to do something doesnt mean we should exercise it.

As a caucus we believe that we have a duty to restore confidence in the election process, Corman said. Throughout the ongoing dispute nationally we have asked for people with election concerns to address them through the courts. We will hold ourselves to the same standard in this case.

Corman has cited a provision in the state constitution that grants the Senate the authority to serve as judge of the election and qualifications of its members.

Democrats have said that provision relates to the Senate judging if members meet qualifications such s age and residency requirements and that determining the winner of an election far exceeds the intent of the constitution.

Corman and Senate GOP lawmakers have been criticized for some of their actions and statements surrounding the presidential election. Corman and 20 other Senate Republicans sent a letter to Congress this week asking to delay the count of Pennsylvanias electoral votes, citing inconsistencies in election procedures.

Democratic lawmakers slammed Republican legislators for taking a stance against the will of Pennsylvanias voters and for failing to acknowledge President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the election.

In the clash over the open Senate seat, Corman has said he is mindful of setting future precedents.

What the last few days have shown us is that its our responsibility to restore confidence in the institutions such as the Senate, Corman said. This isnt accomplished by political theatre meant to appeal to base politics or people on Twitter.

Conversely, Costa, the Senates top Democrat, argued Corman and Senate Republicans are showing their intent to substitute their wishes for the will of the voters.

Senator Corman has exercised an election insurrection and is inching Pennsylvania toward authoritarianism, Costa said in a statement. The suggestion that he would defy yet another court order in his quest to steal the 45th district from Senator Brewster is chilling, and takes clear cues from his role model, Donald Trump.

The result in the Senate race wont change the balance of power in the Senate, where Republicans hold a solid majority.

Even with the one seat still unfilled, Republicans hold 28 seats, Democrats have 20 seats and one independent senator caucuses with the GOP.

More from PennLive

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman opens door to 2022 U.S. Senate race

Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf calls for state senator to be held accountable for participating in Trump rally
India has reported a total of 18,222 fresh coronavirus cases in last 24 hours, taking the total covid tally to 1,04,31,639, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Saturday.

These include 19,253 people who have recovered from the deadly infection and 228 people who succumbed in the last 24 hours.

While 1,00,56,651 people have recovered from the novel coronavirus so far, 1,50,798 persons have lost their lives to the virus in the country.

There are 2,24,190 active coronavirus cases in India, as per the Union Health Ministry. Kerala, the worst affected state in the country, has reported 64,639 active cases.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan who is on a visit to Tamil Nadu to oversee the dry run drill said that in the next few days, India should be able to start inoculating its citizens against Covid-19.

As many as 17,93,36,364 samples have been tested for Covid-19 up to January 7 including 9,35,369 samples tested on Thursday, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) informed.

With the country set to roll out vaccine against coronavirus, the External Affairs Ministry on Friday said India has been at the forefront of global response in the common fight against the disease by providing medicines and other essential supplies and is ready to cooperate in providing vaccines to the neighbours.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Army and Air National Guard members deploying to Washington, D.C. to help guard the capital and stay through the Jan. 20 inauguration will have access to lethal weapons at their commanders' discretion, Guard commanders said Friday.

"There's no hiding the fact that soldiers and airmen do have lethal force with them," Army Brig. Gen. David Wood, joint staff director of the Pennsylvania National Guard, said at a virtual roundtable with defense reporters.

Read Next: Air Force Demotes Former General As IG Reveals Details of Illicit Affair

"How those rules of the use of force are engaged is just dependent on the scenario and in that situation. We are going to try to deescalate as much as we can [before taking up weapons]," Wood said. "The way we deploy it will depend on the situation and the commander's intent."

The Associated Press reported earlier that Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy will make decisions in the coming days on whether Guard units will be armed on the District's streets.

Wood joined Army Maj. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, adjutant general of the Maryland National Guard, and Army Col. Lisa Hou, interim adjutant of the New Jersey National Guard, at a virtual roundtable with defense reporters to describe the issues involved with their emergency deployments to Washington.

All three officers said they already had been planning to send units to the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden, but had had to scramble Wednesday, following the pro-Trump mob assault on the Capitol, to resolve problems with the various jurisdictions and command authorities involved.

Because Washington is a federal district and not a state, District Mayor Muriel Bowser does not have authority to call out D.C.'s National Guard on her own as state governors can, but must first request activation from McCarthy.

McCarthy also must coordinate with state governors to bring in National Guard units from outside the District.

As a result, Gowen said, there was initial confusion Wednesday before Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan got clearance. Gowen said he received the order to deploy troops around 5:30 p.m., well after Trump supporters had been cleared from the Capitol building.

Then it was decided with the D.C. National Guard to wait until Thursday morning to bring in the Maryland troops, Gowen said.

"Everyone wants to help right away, but sometimes you can't," Gowen said. "We've got to accept the notion that the National Guard is not a first-responder force."

Gowen said Maryland initially planned to send about 500 troops to the District; Wood said Pennsylvania was sending about 1,000; and Lou said New Jersey was sending 500.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

Related: Army Secretary Says National Guard May Be Allowed to Carry Guns in DC
She's been living in London for the past three months while shooting her upcoming movie, Text For You.

And Priyanka Chopra, 38, celebrated her last day on set for the film as she shared a face mask selfie with the 'incredible crew' to Instagram on Saturday.

It comes days after the actress sparked a furore when she was seen at the Josh Wood Colour salon in Notting Hill, with police also visiting the hairdressers.

All done! Priyanka Chopra, 38, celebrated her last day on set for upcoming film Text For You as she shared a face mask selfie with the 'incredible crew' to Instagram on Saturday

Priyanka made sure she'd be warm for the final day of filming in the British capital, as she donned a thick black winter jacket and cream scarf.

She tied back her brunette locks back into a messy bun and appeared to be relaxed as she enjoyed a quiet moment during her day on set.

The star also wore a white mask as she posed for the camera while standing apart from several members of the crew, who were also wearing face coverings.

She penned: 'Last day on set! #TextForYou. Will miss this incredible crew that I've spent the last 3 months with. So special to be at work. #grateful'

On Wednesday Priyanka was seen by police officers after they found her attending an appointment at the Josh Wood Colour salon in Notting Hill.

It then emerged on Thursday that she had escaped a fine after showing police paperwork stating the hair colouring session was for a film.

Furore: It comes after the actress, 38, insisted she wasn't breaking any Covid rules when she went to the Josh Wood Colour salon in Notting Hill, with police later coming to the salon

A spokesperson for the actress said: 'Following government guidance, Priyanka Chopra Jonas' hair was coloured by Josh Wood for the purpose of the film she is currently shooting.

'The salon was opened privately for the production and everyone involved had been tested and followed both the DCMS working guidelines and the film production regulations.

'As per Film London and current government advice, by continuing to follow the approved COVID-19 guidance, Film and TV production can continue in the Capital and locations can continue to accommodate shoots and recces that are carried out in-line with the guidance.'

Priyanka is currently living in London with her husband Nick Jonas, 28, and was pictured arriving at the shop alongside her mother Madhu before two police officers arrived in a squad car and appeared to order the customers out.

However the pictures sparked disbelief from members of the public who have been subject to increasingly tight lockdown rules, with some questioning if she thought she was above the rules.

Taking precautions: Priyanka has previously explained how filming during the pandemic has required daily tests and lots of masks

One directly contacted her on Twitter, asking: 'Why are you and your mum pictured at a salon getting your hair done when it's against the rules in the UK right now??!!

'Why are the rules different for you, who do you think you are?'

While Sarah Nichols said: 'Getting so fed up with 'celebrities' thinking they don't have to do this lockdown like the rest of us.

'Why should Priyanka Chopra be able to get her hair done. Why does some swanky London salon think it's above the rules. GRRRRRRR'

Another added: 'Why should Priyanka think she is above the law and flout the regulations? Selfish beyond belief. I hope Josh Wood her stylist gets 10k fine.'

A spokesperson for the Met Police told MailOnline: 'Police were alerted at around 17:40hrs on Wednesday, 6 January to reports of a Covid breach taking place within a hairdressers on Lansdowne Mews, Notting Hill.

'Officers attended and the owner of the salon was given a verbal reminder of the important need to comply with all regulations regarding Covid-19 and signposted to sources of advice. No fixed penalty notices were issued.'

Couple: Priyanka and her husband Nick have been living in London while she filmed the movie and spent Christmas in the city

On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the UK was being plunged into national lockdown with immediate effect, meaning the visit was an apparent blatant violation of the rules, which state that business owners could be fined up to 10,000 for breaking the rules.

Government guidelines on hair salons in lockdown state: 'Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty, tanning and nail salons. Tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services must also close. These services should not be provided in other people's homes'.

Despite the new rules, Priyanka still made her way to the salon with her mother, who was walking along with Priyanka's beloved dog, Diana, a chihuahua mix.

When the pair, alongside an aide were inside the shop, the police arrived in their squad car and stood at the door speaking to those inside the salon, before Priyanka then headed out shortly with a bag of Josh Wood goodies.

Picture of happiness: The couple looked smitten as they spent Christmas together along with her beloved dog Diana

Text For You follows a young woman as she grieves the tragic loss of her fiance and decides to send romantic messages to his old phone number.

As she does so, the woman begins to form an attachment to the man who the phone number was reassigned to, and who is also struggling with a similar heartbreak. The pair meet and can't deny the connection they feel with one another, and decide to give love another chance.

Priyanka takes on the lead role in the film and stars in it alongside Highlander star Sam Heughan, while her other co-stars include Celine Dion, Russell Tovey, Arinze Kene, and Omid Djalili.

The film is an English remake of the German film SMS Fur Dich, which itself is based on the novel of the same name by Sofie Cramer.
IF ANYTHING demonstrates the dangers of lockdowns as a strategy, its where we find ourselves now. After the toughest year in living memory, were back where we started. Did we really learn so little in ten months of a pandemic?

Once again, the nation is under house arrest; our lives shut down, businesses closed, schools off. Click and collect is deemed too risky, so now its click and deliver only.

The height of excitement in my life at present is the Dunnes Stores at the Crumlin Shopping Centre, followed by DID Electrical across the road and the new Burger King at Maxol in Dolphins Barn. In my 5km zone, I can walk the other direction to Grafton Street, but its too depressing to see it so forlorn.

To start 2021 like this is madness. I think wed be better off mandating hazmat suits and getting on with things, rather than choosing this state of social and economic paralysis. According to our leaders, well be living like this until spring  so deal with it. I thought I was hearing things when Leo Varadkar said wed be locked down until March.

It made me want to run off and join the Mummers  move to Leitrim and sit on a stool with a basket on my head playing a pipe until its all over.

Theres scant sympathy or support for those who raise the issue of hidden harms and deaths of despair caused by this lockdown cycle we have trapped ourselves in. Incalculable, long-term, cruel damage that will only be visible in the aftermath.

The great Christmas cock-up of 2020 is proof that rolling lockdowns dont work  they just make things worse on the other side.

Yet there remains an almost superstitious belief in the potency of such a blunt instrument, exalted by its proponents as some kind of ideological expression of faith.

The same people crowing over how we achieved the lowest rate of the virus in Europe after locking down for six weeks are now carping about how the lifting of those restrictions led to us having the sharpest case rise internationally. It seems beyond their cognitive bias to see that one came as a result of the other.

If an entire society goes into hibernation, of course the virus will go down  for that period. If you never leave the house, nothing will happen to you either.

Blind faith in lockdown is a desperate grasp for security, which doesnt exist. As Germaine Greer once said: The only place you can really feel secure is in a maximum security prison, except for the imminent threat of release.

This disaster didnt happen in a vacuum. It was cause and effect.

It came about because we panicked and shuttered Ireland from October to December  locking down harder, faster, earlier and longer than anywhere else  and then opened up fully and enthusiastically right into Christmas, the biggest annual holiday, in the worst month of the year for the spread of such a virus.

In a normal human reaction to endless months of having no life, people rushed to restaurants just in time for a new, more transmissible strain of the virus to arrive, as evidence mounted about airborne transmission in poorly ventilated spaces.

Its the most baffling decision of our handling of the pandemic yet, although youll hear plenty of politicians telling you they could never have predicted it.

The battery-operated crystal ball I got for Christmas could have predicted it. I bought a second laptop for the house because even just as a parent, I predicted wed be back to home-schooling come January.

The academic Orla Hegarty  who is leading the way on ventilation strategies  tweeted a link to indoor dining reopening in early December, remarking: This may be the biggest mis-step in the pandemic. Surely the Government knew it too? Spare us the shock and surprise.

Those of us who are anti-lockdown always understood they are necessary in an emergency  as the World Health Organisation advises. But it is dangerous and harmful to rely on them as policy. They dont control the virus; theyre supposed to buy time, but are pointlessly punishing when nothing is done with that time.

Other countries across Europe have gone for a more proportionate response, compared to Irelands extremes. They didnt get the flatlined case numbers of draconian shutdown, but they didnt get the vertical rise on the other side either.

Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, France and Italy all peaked in November, and case numbers dropped at the end of December.

Our snap lockdown in October, designed to win a meaningful Christmas, just delayed the inevitable surge and exacerbated the impact. Hopefully, we will catch up with their patterns and see some fall-off in cases soon.

Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan gave us a glimmer of hope this week when he said we may be over the peak of the third wave.

We must look at other, innovative ways to combat the virus. Our over-reliance on lockdowns sent us from hero to zero.
Current testing arrangements for hauliers crossing the English Channel - where they must have had a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of crossing  are to continue following a decision by the French Government says the British Department for Transport (DfT).

The continuation means hauliers  including drivers and crew of HGVs, drivers of LGVs and van drivers  planning to cross the Channel should secure a negative test before travelling to Kent or other Channel crossing points.

The DfT notes following the French government's original decision to close the border to the UK and the subsequent reopening of the frontier to hauliers on the condition of a negative Covid test on 23 December (2020), it was agreed the arrangements would be reviewed regularly.

Having met to discuss the situation, the French government has made the decision to keep current measures in place until further notice.

Hauliers are now being urged to secure a negative COVID-19 test before travelling to the border, to help further with avoiding backlog or traffic management issues.

"Following the French government's decision to extend the current arrangements, I continue to urge all hauliers to get tested before getting to the border and only travel if they test negative," said British Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps.

"To help make this possible we are offering support to businesses to set-up testing facilities at their own premises, assisting the smooth passage of trucks and good across the border, as well as setting up testing at information and advice sites around the country."

To help hauliers have tests before travelling to Kent, 34 information and advice sites have been set up across the UK, linked to key haulier stopping spots on their journeys, so they can have their negative test before heading to the border. Further sites are in the process of being set up.

In addition, the government is offering to help any business to set up a testing centre at its own premises to ensure trucks heading for France depart 'COVID-19 ready.' This includes the provision of testing kits free of charge.

As with the previous arrangements agreed on the 23 December, hauliers must continue to have proof of an authorised negative test, conducted within 72 hours of travelling to the border to cross.

If they do not meet these requirements, they will be stopped from travelling.

According to a statement published by the Colombian Navy on January 6, 2021, the Pohang-class missile corvette donates by South Korea to Colombia was officially christened ARC Almirante Tono and commissioned by the Colombian navy.

According to a statement published by the Colombian Navy on January 6, 2021, the Pohang-class missile corvette donates by South Korea to Colombia was officially christened ARC Almirante Tono and commissioned by the Colombian navy.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

The official ceremony for the commissioning of the Colombian Navy Pohang-class missile corvette Almirante Tono donated by South Korea. (Picture source Colombian Navy)

In November 2020, Navy Recognition has published news announcing the transfer of the new Colombian Navy Pohang-class missile corvette Almirante Tono donated by South Korea.

The Pohang-class corvette christened Iksan PCC-768 by the South Korean Navy in March 1987. She was decommissioned in December 2018 and transferred to the Colombian Navy in February 1999 under the name of ARC Almirante Tono.

The Pohang-class corvette Iksan (PCC-768) was manufactured by the South Korean Company Hyundai Heavy Industries and launched in March 1987. A total of 24 Pohang-class vessels were built, all constructed in South Korea. 10 vessels remain in service in the ROKN as of 2020.

The Pohang-class corvette has been designed to conduct coastal patrol and is equipped with combat weapon systems to perform anti-submarine, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft warfare operations. The ship has an empty displacement of 950 tons, a length of 88.3 m, a beam of 10 m, and a draft of 2.9m. She has a crew of 95 people including 10 officers.

The ARC Almirante Tono is a Flight IV version in the Pohang-class corvette family. The ship is armed with two OTO Melara 76 mm/62 compact naval gun, two twin Otobreda 40mm/70 caliber Close-In Weapon System, four RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1B anti-ship missiles, four SSM-700K Haeseong anti-ship cruise missiles, two triple KMk 32 Torpedo Tubes with K745 Chung Sang Eo and Mistral MANPADS air defense missile system as well as four 7.62 machine guns.


Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

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.
Parents who reaped big savings when the Coalition's new childcare system began have found that rising fees are gobbling up the benefits.

Education Department documents show daycare fees are projected to rise 4.1 per cent a year for the next four years, far outstripping inflation. Labor predicts all the savings from the new system will be wiped out within a year, despite $9 billion in annual subsidies.

Davina Borrow-Jones, with son Lucas, 3, has a legal practice specialising in advice for mothers who start small businesses and has found that childcare fees are a big barrier for women. Credit:Sam Mooy

Childcare centre fees rose 6.1 per cent on average between mid-2018, when the new system began, and the March quarter of 2020, the most recent quarter for which data is available. Family daycare fees rose 5 per cent over the same period.

But the benchmark hourly fee that subsidies are based on grows in line with the consumer price index; and since the system began, the CPI has increased just 2.7 per cent.
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.
Four years ago this month, Donald Trump invited Sean Hannity to the White House for one of his first sit-down interviews as president.

Let me ask you about the power of the pardon, which is absolute for a president, Mr. Hannity said to Mr. Trump. He brought up Clint Lorance, an Army first lieutenant who ordered his platoon to shoot three unarmed motorcycle riders in Afghanistan, in July 2012, killing two of them (the third escaped unharmed). A military court had found him guilty of second-degree murder and he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Mr. Hannity suggested he was a hero, just serving his country, and cries grew for Mr. Trump to set him free.

Less than three years later, thats just what Mr. Trump did, pardoning Mr. Lorance after being shown biometric data  fingerprints and DNA  that alleged the Afghan men killed were Taliban bomb makers, not civilians.

Biometric evidence is at the heart of another case that is now on file with the Supreme Court. In June 2013, Staff Sgt. Robert Bales pleaded guilty to killing 16 Afghan villagers in cold blood. He is serving a life sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan. His appeal rests, in part, on data provided by a biometrics expert named William Carney  who also worked on the Lorance case. Mr. Carney claims he used biometric evidence to prove that three Afghans who testified as witnesses at Mr. Baless sentencing were Taliban bomb makers who left their fingerprints on bomb components.
DALLAS, Jan. 8, 2021 Supporting the growing need for senior housing in the densely populated Dallas-Ft. Worth metro, Gardner Capital has broken ground on Gala at Central Park in Hurst. A family-owned private equity firm specializing in multifamily housing and renewable energy development and investment, Gardner Capital aims to complete construction in early 2022.

Treymore Construction will serve as general contractor for the project, to be located at 309 W. Pipeline Rd. in Hurst. Hurst Public Facility Corporation is the development partner for Gala at Central Park, while NDC Corporate and Redstone are the financial partners for the transaction.

"A couple years ago the City of Hurst realized that we need to address a growing problem in our city, said Henry Wilson," Mayor of City of Hurst. "That problem was sufficient workforce and senior housing. We were so fortunate to develop a community revitalization relationship with Gardner Capital. We now have new communities open or under development to further address the city's growing affordable housing needs. Working with Gardner Capital and their investment team at NDC, we have established a true public-private partnership. Their projects are first class and more than meet the needs for the city and our citizens. It has been a pleasure working with them, truly a partnership relationship, and much more than a traditional city and developer relationship."

NDC Acquisition Manager, John Zaluski added "NDC is so excited to be a part of the Gala at Central Park project. This project fits our mission to provide equity capital for the construction of affordable housing for low-income individuals across the country." Since its inception, NDC's affordable housing group has raised over $1 billion of equity, which has resulted in over 15,000 units of housing created.

The 94-unit senior complex, with a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, will include a three-story residential building and a two-story clubhouse with a variety of resident amenities.

"As the need and demand for affordable senior housing continues to grow, we are thrilled to break ground and make a genuine difference in the market. We are excited to continue to grow our long term commitment to investing in the City of Hurst as well as build upon our long term partnership with the City  a partnership that has and will continue to be a very important one, not only to our Company, but for me personally," said Michael Gardner, President and CEO of Gardner Capital. Gala at Central Park is one of multiple transactions currently in development for Gardner Capital specific to the DFW Region, consisting of over 1,000 units to be completed in the next few years.

About Gardner Capital

Gardner Capital is a private equity firm with multiple operating businesses focused on affordable housing and renewable energy development, tax credit syndication, and real estate-related investments with offices in St. Louis, Dallas, Houston, and Orlando. Since 1992, Gardner Capital has placed more than $3 billion of equity in affordable housing and related investments. In recent years, Gardner Capital added a rapidly growing national platform for solar development and investment and expanded its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability across its investment platform and operating companies. Gardner Capital is committed to investing in communities, creating upward mobility, and improving the wellbeing of families by developing, investing and raising capital for affordable housing and clean energy-related businesses.

Visit www.gardnercapital.com for more information.

For additional information, please contact:

Chief of Staff, Gardner Capital Corporate, Mike Koehler

314-561-6065

[email protected]

SOURCE Gardner Capital

Related Links

http://www.gardnercapital.com


1 of 11

A violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. Though the history of violence directed at Congress is not long, there have been some previous attacks.

Which of the following is the only one not to have happened?
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.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Governor Brown has called up the Oregon National Guard to assist with a mass vaccination effort at the state fairgrounds.

Hundreds of people have been receiving COVID-19 vaccines at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in a mass vaccination that doctor in charge called ''the most meaningful work of my career.''

Next week, the operation will be stepped up with the Oregon National Guard having been called up by Gov. Kate Brown.

On Friday, Oregon recorded 7,994 doses of vaccine administered _ including 578 second doses _ raising the state's total number of shots given to 74,914.

The Oregon Health Authority expects that between 300,000 and 400,000 individuals will qualify for access to COVID-19 vaccination under Phase 1a.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
The recent controversy over the Indian governments approval to the Covaxin vaccine being produced by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has polarized Indias polity, with several Opposition politicians attacking the government for approving a vaccine whose efficacy is not clear yet.

There was criticism earlier about the approval given to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine being produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII) as well. However, that was milder than the backlash following the Bharat Biotech announcement. That the heads of SII and Bharat Biotech traded barbs publicly did not help matters.

Aware that such controversies can dent confidence in both vaccines and his own government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tried to invoke national pride, highlighting how two Made-in-India" vaccines have made the country proud even as the health ministry nudged the two key vaccine makers to bury the hatchet.

Even before the latest controversy, opinion on the covid-19 vaccination drive was polarized, an analysis of the latest YouGov-Mint-CPR Millennial Survey shows. Views on the governments performance during the pandemic seem to influence attitudes towards vaccination, the survey conducted online during October-November 2020 shows. Those rating the government favourably are more willing to take the vaccine immediately. This is true of those who rated the central governments performance favourably and those who rated the state government favourably.

The YouGov-Mint-CPR Millennial Survey was conducted jointly by the Indian arm of the global market research firm YouGov, Mint, and the Delhi-based think tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR). It solicited the views of nearly 10,000 respondents spread across 203 cities and towns on a broad range of questions. Roughly half of the respondents were millennials (aged 24 to 39). The rest were post-millennials (aged 18 to 23) and pre-millennials (above 39). The survey is the fifth of a series of bi-annual online surveys aimed at examining the aspirations, anxieties, and attitudes of Indias digital natives.

The good news from the survey is that only a small minority of respondents (6%) were vaccine-sceptics. The rest wanted to take the vaccine. As much as 44% said they would take the vaccine immediately, while 50% said they would wait to see reports about the effectiveness of the vaccines before they take it. The share of those who wont take the vaccine even after more information is available is much lower than in countries such as the US, where roughly 20% reportedly said they will not take a vaccine, according to a recent Pew survey.

Indians have generally been more trusting of vaccines than their US counterparts. However, the latest survey reflects the attitudes of only urban online Indians and may not be representative of the entire country. Among the respondents, the share of those who said they will not take the vaccine is slightly lower among the better-educated. However, education levels dont seem to strongly impact the decision on whether people would take the vaccine immediately or after waiting for early reports on effectiveness.

Age, gender, religion and region also did not seem to influence attitudes towards vaccination strongly, the analysis shows. Those reporting higher anxiety and poorer mental health because of the pandemic are more likely to take the vaccine immediately, the analysis suggests.

One strong predictor of attitudes towards vaccination seems to be political affiliations. Those who said they support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are most likely to take the vaccine immediately but those who said they support the Congress are not far behind. Those who do not support any party are most sceptical about taking the vaccine immediately. It seems scepticism about political ideologies go hand in hand with scepticism about the effectiveness of the vaccines that are about to be deployed.

Political preferences and views about government performance remained strong predictors of attitudes towards vaccination even after controlling for variations in class, age, and geography, a probit regression model that we estimated on the survey data shows. Views on government response to the pandemic had the most significant impact on determining vaccination attitudes.

Where one got their information from was also an important determinant, the model results suggest. Avid social media users were more likely to immediately want vaccination. In contrast, in countries such as the UK and US, those who use social media for information are more likely to be hesitant towards vaccination.

The older generations are more vulnerable to the pandemic, but it is the younger lot that shows greater enthusiasm for vaccination, our model suggests. Post-millennials had a preference for taking the vaccine immediately, while pre-millennials wanted to wait to see its efficacy first. Those who were more anxious and those still working from home were likely to take vaccines immediately.

Income levels do not seem to determine attitudes towards vaccination. In contrast, the decision to purchase health cover in the form of medical insurance is driven by income levels. One in five respondents said they bought a health or covid-19-specific insurance plan during the pandemic. However, a third said they do not have an insurance cover and dont intend to purchase such cover. Most of them are relatively poorer.

Unlike medical insurance, most people perhaps expect vaccination to be publicly funded. Given that vaccination is close to what economists would term as a public good", with herd immunity rising for every additional vaccinated person, the expectation that vaccines should be fully or partially subsidized by the state may be justified.

However, it is not enough for the government to simply budget for the vaccine. It is imperative that decisions on vaccine approval are transparent and clearly communicated so that the ranks of the vaccine-sceptics dwindle, rather than grow. The vaccination drive will be a litmus test for the Indian states capacity to remain efficient and equitable at the same time.

This is the fourth of a five-part data journalism series on how the pandemic has impacted Indias digital natives. The first part looked at the unequal impact of job and income losses in urban India, the second looked at how Indians are tackling financial insecurity, and the third part explored personal and professional lifestyle changes during the pandemic.

The authors are with the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), New Delhi.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Black New Jerseyans were not surprised.

A high school teacher in North Jersey wasnt shocked when a white mob stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. A South Jersey activist failed to be amazed that President Donald Trump incited the violence. A pastor in Woodbury said the siege was a little startling.

I think the piece that surprises me the most is that I can still be surprised, when America does exactly what it has always done, over and over and over and over again, said Rev. Charles Boyer of the Bethel AME Church.

As the death toll rose to five and calls for Trumps removal intensify, Black residents said Wednesdays attack was just one part of a painful history. Trump had certainly stoked racial fears for years, they said, but white people fighting an election defined by the power of the Black vote was nothing new.

Thats why I think the clearest symbol of what took place (Wednesday) was that Confederate flag flying right inside, Boyer said.

Part of the frustration stemmed from how police reacted.

Several people said they faced far more aggressive officers at peaceful protests they had participated in or witnessed, including Black Lives Matter rallies, in contrast to images Wednesday of some police appearing to offer little resistance to charging white people waving Trump flags.

We need to handle domestic terrorists the same way we handle terrorism from outside our borders, said Jiles Ship, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and now leads the state chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

Policing different groups differently damages trust in law enforcement, said Ship. The security failures needed to be investigated, especially in light of the death of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, he added.

Weve been complaining about this sh-- for 50 years, said Gale Muhammad, leader of the nonprofit Women Who Never Give-Up in Moorestown, which helps prisoners and their families.

A few years ago, Muhammad was invited to the White House, according to a copy of the RSVP she shared with NJ Advance Media. The meeting was to discuss prison reform, she said, but even with an invitation guards kept her waiting outside for an hour while letting other people through.

My name is Muhammad, she said. So you know I had to show my ID three times, take my shoes off, take my socks off, take everything out my pocket book  they damn near had me take my bra off.

At Columbia High School in Maplewood, the principal distributed resources to help students process the violence, said English teacher TJ Whitaker.

Some teenagers said they were frightened or embarrassed for the country when class met on Google Meet, Whitaker said.

The overwhelming majority of them were more acknowledging the reality of what America has become, he said.

He and others did express hope that the incident would jolt the country to action, to both hold perpetrators accountable and work to make sure a similar scene wasnt repeated.

When we choose to fawn over flawed leaders and rubber-stamp harmful legislation because its the path of least resistance, we kill America, state Sen. Ronald Rice, D-Essex, said in a statement.

I am appalled and demoralized. And yet somehow, I am not surprised, Rice said.

This wasnt a partisan issue, he said, and truly listening to those we disagree with was one of the only ways to heal.

We must do better, beginning right now. America needs to reward truthfulness, honor compassion, elevate justice and celebrate diversity.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BCunninghamN.

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
Baby Skyla Livingston drowned in her family backyard pool on Thursday night

A shattered mother whose one-year-daughter drowned in the family pool has opened up about the final moments they shared together.

Skyla Livingston was found in the family's backyard pool in Emerald, north-west of Brisbane, on Thursday after pushing past a faulty gate.

The child was rushed to Emerald Hospital but couldn't be saved.

Skyla Livingston (pictured above) drowned on Thursday in her family backyard pool in Emerald

Her mother Bel Perry (pictured above) described her baby as a 'very bubbly girl who was high on life'

Just before 7.30pm on Thursday, Skyla went through an unlocked door before crawling towards the pool, which has since deemed faulty by the local council, according to the Courier Mail.

After calling emergency services, doctors managed to find her pulse, but soon after she was declared brain dead by doctors after being deprived of too much oxygen.

'They called it (death) at 8.30pm,' her mother Bel Perry said.

'Emerald Hospital was amazing.. they let us sit with her for as long as we wanted. I read (Skyla) her favourite book.'

Skyla, the second youngest of eight children, has been described by her mother as 'a very bubbly girl with a big attitude and was high on life.'

The small girl loved movies and would watch Monsters Inc daily, her mother said.

Skyla (pictured above) was due to celebrate her second birthday in a few weeks before her tragic passing

She was also sassy, and 'often known to fold her arms when she didn't want to do something.'

Skyla was due to celebrate her second birthday in a matter of weeks.

A family relative said Ms Perry is an 'amazing mother', who always puts the interests of her children first.

Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and that a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Our story today is called "The Purloined Letter." It was written by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe is generally known for his horror stories. This is the third of three stories he wrote about Auguste Dupin and how he solves crimes. The story is about a stolen letter. It first appeared in 1844 in a yearly magazine. It was reprinted in many publications, newspapers and books. This is one of Poe's stories that influenced the development of the modern detective story.

One evening in Paris, during the autumn of eighteen forty-five, I went to visit a friend, Auguste Dupin. We were smoking our pipes and talking when the door of his apartment opened. Mr. Germont, the head of the Paris police force, came into the room.

"I came to ask your advice," Germont said to my friend Dupin. "I am trying to solve a very important case. It is also a very simple case, so I really need your help. But I thought you would like to hear about it, because it is so strange.

"My men and I have worked on this case for three months," Germont said. "It is a very simple case of robbery. But we still cannot solve it."

Dupin took the pipe out of his mouth. "Perhaps the mystery is too simple," he said.

Germont began to laugh. "Too simple?" he said. "Who ever heard of such a thing?"

I looked at Germont. "Why don't you tell us the problem?" I said.

Germont stopped laughing and sat down.

"All right," he said. "But you must never tell anyone I told you this."

"The wife of a very important person needs help. I cannot tell you her name, because her husband is a powerful man in the French government. Let us just call her Madame X. Three months ago, someone stole a letter from Madame X. She is offering a large amount of money to anyone who can return the letter to her.

"We know that her husband's political enemy, Mr. D'Arcy, stole the letter. We also know it is somewhere in his apartment. D'Arcy plans to use the letter to embarrass Madame X's husband and destroy his political power.

"As you know, I have keys which can open any lock in Paris. For the last three months, my men and I have spent every evening looking for the letter in his apartment. But we cannot find it."

Dupin stopped smoking. "Tell me how you looked for it," he said. Germont moved forward in his chair.

"We took our time," he said. "First, we examined the furniture in every room. We opened all the drawers. We looked under the rugs. We searched behind all the paintings on the walls.

"We opened every book. We removed the boards of the floor. We even took the tops off the tables to see if he had hidden the letter in the table legs. But we cannot find it. What do you advise me to do?"

Dupin puffed on his pipe. "What does the letter look like?" he asked.

"It is in a white envelope with a red stamp," Germont said. "The address is written in large black letters."

Dupin puffed on his pipe again. "I advise you to go back and search the apartment again," he said.

About one month later, Germont came back to see us.

"I followed your advice," he said. "But I still have not found the letter."

Dupin smiled. "I knew you would not find it," he said. Germont became very red in the face. "Then why did you make me search the apartment again?" he shouted.

"My dear Germont," Dupin said. "Let me tell you a little story. Do you remember the famous doctor, Louis Abernathy?"

"No!" Germont shouted. "Get to the point, Dupin!"

"Of course! Of course," Dupin said. "Once, a rich old man met Abernathy at a party. The old man was not feeling very well. He decided he would get a medical opinion from the doctor without paying for it. So he described his problems to Abernathy. 'Now doctor,' the old man said, 'suppose you had a patient like that. What would you tell him to take?'"

"'Oh, that is quite simple,' said Abernathy. 'I would tell him to take my advice.'"

Germont looked embarrassed. "Look here, Dupin. I am perfectly willing to pay for advice."

Dupin smiled at Germont. "How much money did you say the reward was?" he asked. Germont sighed. "I do not want to tell you the exact amount. But I would give fifty thousand francs to the person who helps me find that letter."

"In that case," Dupin said, "take out your checkbook and write me a check for fifty thousand francs. When you have signed the check, I will give you the letter."

Germont looked at Dupin with his mouth open. His eyes seemed to jump out of his head. Then he took out his checkbook and pen, and wrote a check for fifty thousand francs. He gave it to Dupin.

My friend examined the check carefully and put it in his pocket. Then he unlocked a drawer of his desk, took out the letter, and gave it to Germont.

The policeman's hands shook as he opened the letter. He read it quickly. Then he put it in his pocket and ran out of the room without saying a word.

"Dupin!" I said, as I turned to my friend. "How did you solve the mystery?"

"It was simple, my friend," he said. "Germont and his policemen could not find the letter, because they did not try to understand the mind of the man who stole it. Instead, they looked for the letter where they would have hidden it.

"Mr. D'Arcy is not a policeman. He is, however, very intelligent. He knew the police would search his apartment. He also knew how police think. So, he did not hide the letter where he knew they would look for it.

"Do you remember how Germont laughed when I said the mystery was difficult for him to solve because it was so simple?"

Dupin filled his pipe with tobacco and lit it. "Well, the more I thought about it, the more I realized the police could not find the letter because D'Arcy had not hidden it at all.

"So I went to visit D'Arcy in his apartment. I took a pair of dark green eyeglasses with me. I explained to him that I was having trouble with my eyes and needed to wear the dark glasses at all times. He believed me. The glasses permitted me to look around the apartment while I seemed only to be talking to him.

"I paid special attention to a large desk where there were a lot of papers and books. However, I saw nothing suspicious there. After a few minutes, however, I noticed a small shelf over the fireplace. A few postcards and a letter were lying on the shelf. The letter looked very old and dirty.

"As soon as I saw this letter, I decided it must be the one I was looking for. It must be, even though it was completely different from the one Germont had described.

"This letter had a large green stamp on it. The address was written in small letters in blue ink. I memorized every detail of the letter while I talked to D'Arcy. Then when he was not looking, I dropped one of my gloves on the floor under my chair.

"The next morning, I stopped at his apartment to look for my glove. While we were talking, we heard people shouting in the street. D'Arcy went to the window and looked out. Quickly, I stepped to the shelf and put the letter in my pocket. Then I replaced it with a letter that looked exactly like it, which I had taken with me. I had made it the night before.

"The trouble in the street was caused by a man who had almost been run over by a horse and carriage. He was not hurt. And soon the crowd of people went away. When it was over, D'Arcy came away from the window. I said good-bye and left.

"The man who almost had an accident was one of my servants. I had paid him to create the incident."

Dupin stopped talking to light his pipe. I did not understand. "But, Dupin," I said, "why did you go to the trouble of replacing the letter? Why not just take it and leave?"

Dupin smiled. "D'Arcy is a dangerous man," he said. "And he has many loyal servants. If I had taken the letter, I might never have left his apartment alive."

The Purloined Letter was written by Edgar Allan Poe and adapted by Dona De Sanctis. The storyteller was Shep O'Neal. The producer was Lawan Davis.

_______________________________________________________________

Quiz

Quiz - The Purloined Letter by Edgar Allan Poe Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

Lesson Plan

This lesson plan, based on the CALLA Approach, teaches the learning strategies 'focus' and 'predict' to help students understand the story.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

case - n. a situation that is being investigated or managed by someone (such as a police officer or social worker) in an official way

robbery - n. the crime of stealing money or property

embarrass - v. to make someone feel confused, foolish or ashamed in front of other people

puff - v. to breathe smoke from a cigarette, pipe, etc., in and out of the lungs

sigh - v. to take in and let out a long, loud breath in a way that shows you are bored, disappointed, relieved, etc.

check - n. a piece of paper that is used to make a payment to someone using the money in a bank account

checkbook - n. a book containing checks for use with a checking account

franc - n. a basic unit of money that is used in some countries where French is spoken

Now it's your turn. Do you like to read detective stories? Who is the best detective story writer in your language? Write to us in the comments section.

Bill Gates has been accused of hypocrisy after entering a bid to buy the world's largest private jet operator, just one month before he releases a book preaching about climate change.

The Microsoft boss's company Cascade Investment entered the bidding war for Signature Aviation Friday, teaming up with Blackstone Group to make a $4.3 billion play for the British private jet servicing company.

Cascade and Blackstone are now going head-to-head with private equity firm Carlyle, which had already made an initial takeover approach.

Gates' Cascade already owns a 19 percent stake in Signature making it the firm favorite to win the bid.

But news of Gates' pursuit of the private jet firm has raised eyebrows given the company's actions are at direct odds with his very vocal stance on climate change.

It comes just one month before Gates releases his hotly-anticipated book, 'How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need', where he sets out his plans for how the world can reach zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to prevent a climate crisis.

It also comes just months after he published a blog post lecturing the public that climate change 'could be worse' than the coronavirus pandemic.

Bill Gates boards a private jet at Gillette-Campbell County Airport in Gillette, Wyoming in 2010. Gates has been accused of hypocrisy after entering a bid to buy the world's largest private jet operator, just one month before he releases a book preaching about climate change

Signature Aviation handles 1.6 million private jet flights every year. And every single private jet flight emits up to 40 times as much carbon per passenger as a regular commercial flight, according to a 2019 report by aviation firm Honeywell Aerospace.

Several people were quick to point out the hypocrisy in Gates' latest business venture on social media Friday.

'Bill Gates, one of the most prominent climate change activists, has a big investment in a company that runs small airports for the mega-rich's private jets,' one person wrote.

'What does climate change have to do with flying around in private jets? Ask Bill.'

Gates releases his book, 'How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need' in February, where he sets out his plans for how the world can reach zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to prevent a climate crisis

Another objected to being lectured by one of the world's richest men on climate change while he buys up jets and jet companies.

'Let's not hear from Bill Gates about climate change please. Investing in private jet companies,' they tweeted.

'Gates is consistent: 'We cannot get to zero emissions simplyor even mostlyby flying and driving less.' Still, it should be hard to demand action on climate change *and* promote private jets,' tweeted another.

Should Cascade win the bid for Signature, any deal is likely to still be in the works when Gates' book is released on February 16.

The book aims to educate people about the need to work toward net-zero emissions and how individuals can help achieve this goal.

In the book's foreword, it states that Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change.

In August, the billionaire philanthropist warned in a blog on his Gates Notes site that 'as awful as this pandemic is, climate change could be worse.'

'A global crisis has shocked the world. It is causing a tragic number of deaths, making people afraid to leave home, and leading to economic hardship not seen in many generations. Its effects are rippling across the world,' Gates wrote.

The Microsoft boss's company Cascade Investment entered the bidding war for Signature Aviation Friday, teaming up with Blackstone Group to make a $4.3 billion play for the British private jet servicing company

'Obviously, I am talking about COVID-19. But in just a few decades, the same description will fit another global crisis: climate change.'

Then, in December, the billionaire released a plan he claimed for how the US can take the lead in the fight against climate change.

'[We] need to revolutionize the world's physical economy - and that will take, among other things, a dramatic infusion of ingenuity, funding, and focus from the federal government. No one else has the resources to drive the research we need,' he said.

His plan includes a $25 billion increase in spending on clean energy research while he hit out at the fact that Americans spend more on gasoline in a single month than the government spends on such research.

This isn't the first time Gates has been slammed for his double standards around the climate change agenda.

While Gates, who has four of his own private jets, has previously claimed 'I don't think there is anyone doing more' than himself on tackling climate change, he has also admitted his planes are his 'guilty pleasures'.

A 2019 study by Lund University in Sweden found that Gates had the biggest carbon footprint of a group of 10 celebrities known to frequent private jets.

Researchers estimated that he took a whopping 59 private jet flights in 2017, travelling 343,000 km and producing a staggering 1,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

By comparison, the average person produces around 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

DailyMail.com reached to Gates Notes for comment.

Gates with Indigenous Peoples Representative Tuntiak Katan at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019. Gates has previously claimed 'I don't think there is anyone doing more' than himself on tackling climate change

Gates and Michael Bloomberg in 2017 for the One Planet Summit. A 2019 study by Lund University in Sweden found that Gates had the biggest carbon footprint of a group of 10 celebrities known to frequent private jets

Despite the perceived hypocrisy, Blackstone and Cascade are said to be in advanced talks with Signature about their proposal that involves a cash offer of 3.81 pounds per share.

The offer will be made through Brown Bidco Ltd, a newly incorporated company which will be 70 percent owned by Blackstone with Cascade holding the rest.

Signature said this was Blackstone's sixth proposal, after it first made a bid last February.

Cascade and Blackstone must announce a firm intention to make an offer or walk away by January 14.

The bid for the travel company comes as commercial airlines have somewhat grinded to a halt amid the pandemic, as borders shuttered, travel bans were issued and consumers were told to stay home.

But while major airlines have been hard hit and are struggling to stay afloat, private jet operators have fared better as wealthy passengers sidestep travel rules and jet off around the world.
ALBANY  The state Constitution has long prohibited New York from taking on debt without first seeking approval from voters, but through a process known as backdoor borrowing lawmakers routinely dodge that requirement and finance billions of dollars through public authorities.

The operation of the quasi-governmental public authorities is known colloquially as the shadow government, and it has been called New Yorks deepest pork barrel for its practice of doling out billions for pet projects around the state that are financed with taxpayer debt. It began more than 80 years ago when former parks czar Robert Moses used it to finance projects all over the state.

Now, about 96 percent of state debt is done through backdoor borrowing, according to reports from the comptroller and the New York Senate.

A number of state programs are funded through backdoor borrowing. They are outlined in the state budget proposed by the governor and passed into law by the Legislature each year, a massive hodgepodge of legislative priorities and revenue allocation that is difficult for the public to parse.

Generally, the practice involves allocating money as a down payment to take out a big loan through a public authority. Those public authorities pledge to pay back loans using money from New Yorkers' personal income taxes, allowing them to get very good rates on massive loans from the markets.

It's a convoluted process that critics say is confusing, nontransparent and potentially conducive to waste, fraud and abuse.

I dont even have a full grasp of what the palate of programs available to the governor are," said Sen. James Skoufis, a Hudson Valley Democrat who chairs the Senates investigative committee.

His committee released a report in December 2019 highlighting the practice of backdoor borrowing and decrying it as nontransparent.

"I think that speaks to a big problem here when legislators, including a legislator who has paid some keen attention to this issue, doesnt have a firm grasp on what some of these programs are," Skoufis said.

In total, there were nearly 600 authorities in New York last year. A vast majority are smaller and local, while there were about 50 larger, state authorities. If the expenditures of state public authorities were included in the state budget, it would make up nearly 30 percent of all New York spending, according to a second report done by the comptroller's office in 2017.

And the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, or DASNY, is the granddaddy of state authorities.

DASNY is basically a bank for the state, and it flies almost under the radar. While the debt facing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority  another state public authority  draws significant attention, the MTA has less than $40 billion in debt. The lesser known DASNY has about $54 billion. The total of DASNYs revenue listed in public data  nearly $4 billion  would be large enough to qualify for the top 1,000 in Fortune Magazines list of the largest corporations in the world.

My guess is 99.99 percent of the public has never even heard of DASNY, Skoufis remarked.

Freeman Klopott, a spokesman for the executive-branch Division of the Budget, noted that DASNYs debt has gone down during the tenure of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, dropping from $55.7 billion in 2011 to $54.2 billion in 2020. That's a decrease of 2.7 percent.

The state relies on bonds to support capital expenses, including schools, roads, bridges, and hospitals, and every dollar of state issued bonds is approved by voters directly either at the polling booth or through their elected representatives in the Legislature when they enact the state budget each year, and any suggestion otherwise is wrong, Klopott wrote in an email.

The Empire Center, a conservative-leaning think tank focused on state government, keeps a database of capital projects built by the State and Municipal Facilities Program, which is funded through public debt issued by DASNY. They include skateboard parks, a roller rink, an electronic scoreboard, salt sheds and snow plows. Other programs build hospitals, bridges and, occasionally, dormitories.

Dormitories are sort of incidental to what it does, said E.J. McMahon, founder of the Empire Center. Its a capital slush fund.

While its reported how money is spent, McMahon said, whats not revealed is why: Its not like its debated. Should we borrow $250 million for this, fill in the blank? Well, guess what, theres no public discussion of that. It just happens.

The Times Union wrote several stories four years ago highlighting the controversial practice of moving money through DASNY.

Since then, little has changed, but Skoufis said he is confident that the Senate will take up a package of reform bills this year. The comptrollers office has also pushed policies to ban backdoor borrowing, to add more conflict of interest restrictions and to require greater transparency.

I dont think I have a silver bullet to prescribe to you on this phone call, Skoufis said. But I think step one is further raising the awareness that this isnt pretend money just because it isnt coming directly from state government.
Gardai in Cork broke up a large gathering in the Blarney area on Thursday night, where over 100 people were present.

At approximately 11 pm, Gardai attended an incident in Blarney where a large gathering in excess of 100 people was taking place in a shed.

Gardai intervened and stopped the event which was in breach of Covid-19 regulations.

The gathered crowd was dispersed without any public order incidents.

An investigation under The Health Act 1947 has commenced in respect of the organisation and those who attended the event and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardai have reminded members of the public of the importance of adhering to public health guidelines.

"Personal social responsibility, wearing of face coverings and social distancing are public health guidelines and should be followed by all individuals.

"The COVID-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Siochana continues to appeal to all citizens to demonstrate personal and social responsibility to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in order to continue to save lives."
Sara Ali Khan Says Her Grandmother Sharmila Tagore Epitomizes Dignity And Grace

Sara was quoted as saying by ETimes, "I'm very lucky to have a grandmother like her because she is very warm. She is amazing. She epitomizes dignity and grace. And she's also an extremely maternal and loving grandmother."

Sara Ali Khan On Watching Her Grandmother In Films

The actress said that she finds it amazing to watch her grandmother on the silver screen and continued, "If I watch Aradhana, and Mere Sapno ki Rani', I'm like, Oh my God, that's my dadi! Like, are you serious? Because she's just superb, you know, she's a star. I think she's the first star in my opinion. So sometimes it's almost confusing for me, like, really that lady is my grandmother! You know, it's weird. It is very strange. But, I mean, she's amazing. And I'm very lucky to have her in my life."

Sara Ali Khan Is Inspired By Her Grandmother

Earlier, on Sharmila Tagore's birthday, Sara had described her grandmother as her pillar of strength' and penned a heartwarming note for her that read, "Happy happy Birthday Badi Amman. Thank you for being my pillar of support, guiding force and inspiration. I love you lots."
Virgin Atlantic and Norwegian Air Shuttle are scrambling to shore up their finances as airlines struggle to make it through to the summer.

Majority owned by founder Sir Richard Branson, Virgin is finalising a deal to raise up to 70million by selling and leasing back two Boeing 787 Dreamliners after completing a 1.2billion rescue plan in September.

It faces a huge blow from the collapse of trans-Atlantic travel, which makes up 70 per cent of its network.

Two industry insiders said Virgin will have to raise more money.

ADVERTISEMENT

One well-placed source said it will need a further 1billion to survive.

Norwegian  which is under bankruptcy protection in Norway, Ireland and Spain  is holding rescue talks this month to raise hundreds of millions of pounds.

Last night, Virgin said: 'We continue to explore financing opportunities.'

That followed an easyJet announcement late Friday that it had secured a 1.4billion state-backed loan to help survive the pandemic.
Definition of Russophobia: fear or dislike of Russia or Russian policy

Russophobia is an epidemic in Western media, governments and basically all mindsets associated within the Western World

I have by no means understood and construed the psychotic mentality of why the West is claiming that Russia is the biggest risk to Western civilization of all instances and that West wants to arm itself in opposition to an assertive, rising and expansive evil Russia of Vladimir Putin. Russophobia is constantly driving the parlay of, It is big Evil Russian Empire! into Western Mindsets

And at the identical time, sometimes within the same breath, paragraph and thought; The West is claiming that Russia is a failed nation in decline and collapsing into a pit of communist sewage

This two large contradictions are nevertheless confusing me to this day. Yet so many in the Western World seem to ignore the double speak about Russia?

It looks inexplicable; Perhaps what we are seeing from the Western World is a collective inadequacy or deeply embedded guilt. Maybe dark primitive stuff? It is without a doubt an mental illness

What about China? Russia is no longer the distinct champion of hate mongers/neocons attention. China is back on the radar and well, a war with China is almost as good as a war with Russia. Better yet, how about both of them at the same time?

We now see the resurgence of identical samples of Western World conduct developing with every passing day in its dealings with China

Come to think of it! I am just as perplexed about the Western Worlds distinct fear and hate of China, as I am about the hate and fear of Russia

Sinophobia: Fear and or dislike of anything Chinese!

Good to learn new words

WtR

Two words that will encompass all the desires of your hate:

Sinophobia and Russophobia

Your welcome!
Two Chinese cities south of Beijing further tightened COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday (Jan 9) as authorities race to stamp out a resurgence in infections, CNA reports.

Mainland China reported 33 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, down from 53 reported a day earlier. The National Health Commission said in a statement that 14 of the 17 locally transmitted infections were in Hebei. The commission also reported 38 new asymptomatic cases, down from 57 a day earlier.

China does not classify these asymptomatic patients, who have been infected by the coronavirus but are not yet showing any COVID-19 symptoms, as confirmed cases.

A spike in the number of cases in the Hebei province, bordering Beijing, has sparked fresh lockdowns ahead of the Chinese New Year next month.

Hebei has reported more than 130 COVID-19 cases in the past week, with more than 200 asymptomatic infections.

Most of the cases were in Shijiazhuang city, which along with its surrounding areas, is home to 11 million people. Several other infections were reported in neighbouring Xingtai city, home to 7 million.

Shijiazhuang suspended subway operations from Saturday morning to aid "prevention and control of the outbreak", authorities said. Earlier this week, authorities banned people from leaving the city in an effort to curb the spread of the disease.

Major highways leading into the city, around 300km south of Beijing, have already been closed and inter-city passenger travel halted.

Shijiazhuang is also launching mass testing across its population. On Friday, municipal authorities told residents they must stay home for at least seven days after they complete a nucleic acid test.

Overnight, Xingtai announced a week-long stay at home order to residents in order to curb its outbreak.

The curbs come ahead of the Chinese New Year, when hundreds of millions criss-cross China to visit family and friends, with National Health Commission vice minister Zeng Yixin warning on Saturday that the festival "will further boost the risk of transmission".

Authorities are racing to roll out vaccines, with more than 9 million doses given so far, Zeng added.
Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Genocide gets the girlboss treatment

You know those horrific mass detention camps in China? Turns out we were all completely wrong about them. The Chinese government isnt oppressing its Muslim minority population, its simply rounded up over a million Uighurs in order to open their minds. Its not forcibly sterilizing Uighur women, its just teaching them feminist theory.

I know that may sound a little hard to believe, but the Chinese government has firmly assured us that this is the case. On Thursday the Chinese embassy in the US tweeted a link to the findings of a report on demographics in Xinjiang, a predominantly Uighur area. Birth rates have dropped dramatically in recent years  something that many international observers believe is down to forced sterilizations. Thats nonsense, according to the report, which was created by a state-run thinktank, and reported on by China Daily, an English-language newspaper owned by the publicity department of the Chinese Communist p54arty. The real reason for declining Uighur birth rates is gender equality.

[I]n the process of eradicating extremism, the minds of Uygur women in Xinjiang were emancipated and gender equality and reproductive health were promoted, making them no longer baby-making machines, the Chinese embassy in the US tweeted. They are more confident and independent.

Does Twitter have any issue with this outrageous propaganda? Nah, of course not: the social network has said that the tweet doesnt violate its policy against hateful conduct. That doesnt mean you can say whatever you like on Twitter without censure, of course. If you incite a coup then you will be locked out of your account for 12 hours. Twitter takes its responsibilities very seriously!

The full extent of what China is doing to its Uighur population isnt clear. However, evidence of what some experts have called a form of demographic genocide is mounting. An Associated Press investigation last year found that the state of Xinjiang regularly subjects minority women to pregnancy checks, and forces intrauterine devices, sterilization and even abortion on hundreds of thousands. If ethnic minorities have too many children theyre threatened with internment, the AP said.

Story continues

The fact that China is brazenly rebranding demographic genocide as gender equality is outrageous and unconscionable  but not unprecedented. In the 1990s about 350,000 people were sterilized in Peru under a program promoted by President Alberto Fujimori, who argued a lower birth rate was the key to eliminating poverty. Peruvian women should be the owners of their destiny! Fujimori said in a 1995 speech to congress. He presented his family-planning campaign as a step forward for feminism, and even got funding from the US Agency for International Development, USAid. Many of the women who were sterilized, however, came from poor indigenous backgrounds and were coerced or forced into the procedure.

I find it hard to wrap my head around whats happening in China: there are a million Muslim Uighurs in detention camps and the world is doing very little about it. Disney even shot Mulan in the same region as these camps thanking the government entities in Xinjiang in the films credits. The fact that so many people seem to be turning a blind eye to whats happening to the Uighurs, the fact that the Chinese government feels emboldened to crow about declining Uighur birth rates on social media, demonstrates the extent to which Muslims have been dehumanized by the war on terror.

The west must hold China to account for what is happening to the Uighurs but it must also hold itself accountable. After 9/11 you could infringe civil liberties with impunity in the name of combating extremism. Michael Bloomberg, for example, has never apologized for an unconstitutional mass surveillance program targeting Muslims after 9/11; indeed, hes justified it. Of course were supposed to do that, he said. Treat a huge group of people as if every single one of them is a potential terrorist? Thats what youre supposed to do? Because thats exactly what is happening in Xinjiang. China is simply following a playbook that America put together.

Just a reminder that women in America have also been forcibly sterilized recently

More than 40 women have submitted written testimony attesting to abuse by a gynecologist while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. Dr Mahendra Amin performed so many hysterectomies that he was known as the uterus collector.

Women are allowed to drive Moscow subway trains again

The Moscow metro stopped hiring female drivers in the 1980s and train driver was added to a long list of jobs considered too demanding for women to undertake. It was removed from that list last year and the citys transport department welcomes its first female driver on Sunday.

Virginity tests for female rape survivors outlawed by Pakistani court

Lahores high court abolished the test, saying the practice offends the personal dignity of the female victim. The tests have been used to victim-blame: if an exam demonstrated that a woman was habituated to sexual intercourse then it was assumed she was less likely to have been raped. As well as being misogynistic it should be noted that virginity tests are entirely unscientific. Shockingly, theyre also legal across much of America.

Germany is getting more diverse storms

A low-pressure system called Ahmet hit Germany last week. It brought low temperatures and the winds of change: Ahmet is part of a new campaign to make the weather news more diverse. So far, our weather had mostly typical German names only, even though 26% of people in Germany have migrant roots, one of the leaders of the initiative explained.

Iran moves to criminalize violence against women

Cabinet ministers approved the long-awaited bill on Sunday. While its not law yet, this is a hugely positive step. The events of last year, both honor killings that got national attention and the #MeToo movement in Iran, have increased the pressure on the government to push this bill that was in the making for almost a decade, a researcher for Human Rights Watch told the New York Times.

Man buns are making a comeback

Lockdown is causing more men to experiment with their hair, apparently.

Demand for sperm is through the roof

The pandemic has caused some sperm banks to run low, the New York Times reports. Enterprising individuals with unregulated Facebook groups are stepping into plug the gap: meet the Sperm Kings of America.

College hunks hauling junk spotted outside Javankas mansion

Speculation was rife after the moving truck was pictured by Ivanka and Jareds Washington DC home on Thursday. However, the orange College Hunks Hauling Junk truck was just picking up Salvation Army donations, a source close to Ivanka said. Which is a shame: I can think of some trash that needs to be cleared away.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) negotiations between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia are scheduled to resume on Sunday under the aegis of the African Union (AU), along with the participation of each countrys foreign and irrigation ministers.

Sundays gathering is expected to look into Sudans absence from last week's talks and review the coming steps of the long-running standoff, which has been of concern to Cairo and Khartoum since 2011.

Sudan skipped the meeting, according to an official statement released last week, in objection to not receiving a response to its demands of holding bilateral meetings between the AU experts participating in the negotiations and each of the three countries' representatives separately to discuss and identify points of differences while continuing to hold only trilateral meetings between the three countries' negotiating teams.

The AU-mediated talks have been observed by representatives from the EU, the US, the AU, as well as legal and technical experts.

Only 24 hours before Sunday's six-member meeting, Sudan called for the AU to play a leading and more effective role in the negotiations, which the continental body has been mediating.

The call came during a meeting held on Saturday between the Sudanese negotiating team and the AU experts' team participating in the talks that are being held.

During the bilateral meeting, the Sudanese side called for granting experts a bigger role and establishing a clear frame of reference for their role, the Sudanese official news agency SUNA reported.

Sudan affirmed the need for the AU to play a leading and effective role more than it had been doing during the previous rounds of negotiations, SUNA added.

The team reiterated the necessity of reaching a comprehensive and binding agreement on the rule of filling and operating the dam, that includes clear mechanisms for settling potential disputes.

The Sudanese government warned that it would withdraw from Sunday's meeting if its demand of granting a bigger role for experts will not be met, the Saudi-owned new website Asharq reported, citing Sudanese diplomatic sources.

The GERD, built 15 kilometres from the Ethiopian border with Sudan, has been a source of contention between the three countries since its construction began in 2011.

Cairo fears the project will significantly cut its crucial water supplies from the River Nile, while Sudan has concerns over how the reservoir will be managed.

Ethiopia says the massive project - which it hopes will make it Africas largest power exporter - is key to its development efforts.



Short link:


On the Fourth of July, 1976, America staged a huge birthday party on the National Mall. A million people showed up. As dusk fell, families spread out on blankets, old folks set up lawn chairs and strangers shared picnics with each other while awaiting the fireworks.

It was a glorious time. Our nation had survived the many traumas of the 1960s and the more recent assault of Watergate. We were torn and bruised, but steadied by the sense that our democracy was strong enough to withstand the abuses of those who would betray the Republic by lying or cheating to get ahead. Our government was divided  a Democratic Congress, a Republican White House  but our disagreements as citizens did not define us.

With friends (most of them young congressional aides, as I was), I watched the aerial display from a nearby rooftop. Long after midnight, with most of the crowd gone, I headed home, then turned toward the brightly-lit Capitol. Officers at the south door checked my pass, then let me walk freely through Statuary Hall, where patriots from every state are memorialized. Feeling their presence, I breathed a prayer of gratitude for the blessing of being a 20th-century American.

I grew up as a patriotic kid, and I remain even today a bit starry-eyed about this country. Patriotism is like faith: Its something you feel and hold, often a result of your familys influence or some inspirational experience. Events may shape the nature of your patriotism, but the love of your country doesnt leave your heart.

Democracy isnt like that. Its more like health than faith. You may be lucky enough to be born into a democracy, just as some newborns luckily inherit good genes. But the preservation of a democracy requires effort as surely as maintaining your health depends upon good nourishment, clean air and exercise.

In the aftermath of what happened in the Capitol this week, I cant escape the notion that our democracy is debilitated. It has been laid low by carelessness and habits of poor citizenship on the part of too many Americans, including plenty who have proven to be cavalier about their oath to uphold the Constitution. Its as though their Uncle Sam is a booze-swilling, down-at-the-heels degenerate, unmindful of the real work it takes to remain robust as we face the inevitable challenges of age.

No democracy has lasted as long as Americas. The record of Donald Trumps presidency, and that of the Congress that abetted his abuses, suggest we are not aging well.

Like many Americans, surely, I wept as a televised mob egged on by the president stormed the Capitol this week, trying to stop Congress from affirming the election results. They vandalized Statuary Hall and the Rotunda and forced terrified lawmakers to flee the House and Senate chambers. It was an act of sedition by right-wing radicals with the encouragement of a morally unfit president.

But while the lawlessness and terror was intolerable, you cant help but also feel a touch of sympathy for the misdirected mass; they were responding to a string of lies suggesting that the election had been stolen. It was not.

In that regard, the trashing of our seat of government wasnt carried out only by the throng of misfits and malignant actors we saw on our screens. The blame is shared, rather, by a president and his enablers  people who for years have ignored, excused and even encouraged the presidents malevolence and mendacity. These are smart people  like Harvard-educated Elise Stefanik, who represents part of our community, or the Yalie senator from Missouri, Josh Hawley, the leader of the gang that tried to block the electoral vote count this week. They know exactly what is true and what isnt; they just decided the truth mattered less than their political ambitions.

That attitude is as devitalizing to our democracy as a three-pack-a-day cigarette habit is to your lungs. If we dont demand truth-telling by public figures, we will kill this great nation as we know it.

The far-right politicians who have taken over the Republican party are backed by a cadre of media outlets that have found commercial success by preying on the biases of their target audience. You can blame that echo chamber for the fact that 80 percent of Trump voters think Joe Biden didnt legitimately win the election  despite the five dozen or so court decisions upholding the vote, and the assertions of its validity by state and federal officials from both parties. Attractive lies die hard.

All my life, Ive heard that Americas democracy is a beacon to the world. That is no longer so. You can't lump U.S. democracy in with Canada, Germany, and Japan anymore, Ian Bremmer, the head of the international consultancy Eurasia Group told Axios this week. Were now midway between them and Hungary.

Of course, just as its better to quit smoking and start exercising now, even if youve long put it off, we can regain our democratic health. But we have to stop treating it the way a dissolute old rock star abused his body. And those who attack our democracy should be dealt with as aggressively as we should go after a coronavirus. We need to stop the epidemic of untruth that is wearing out our America.

More groups in the New Orleans metro area are preparing to receive coronavirus vaccine doses in coming weeks, with school nurses in local districts along with medical and other staff at Tulane University set to be part of the next leg of the rollout.

Officials at Jefferson Parish Public Schools and NOLA Public Schools said this week that they would be informing school nurses and some other staff that provide health services of their eligibility, and working with schools in coming days to get them registered for vaccinations.

School nurses are among several job categories that fit into the "first tier" of the Louisiana Department of Health's Phase 1B of vaccine eligibility, a group of about 640,000 people statewide that also includes residents over the age of 70.

And on Friday, Tulane officials said the school was expected to get approximately 5,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine early next week, marking one of the first universities in the state set to begin administering doses.

School re-openings didn't up coronavirus hospitalizations, Tulane researchers say in novel study In what experts called a novel study examining one connection between school openings and coronavirus, Tulane University researchers determine

In a press release, Tulane President Mike Fitts said the first rounds would be given to "those on the front lines of COVID-19 research and community response," including school of medicine faculty and staff, campus health staff who work directly with infected students and some frontline custodial staff.

Employees over the age of 70 will also be eligible.

The university got the doses because it had been designated as a COVID-19 vaccine provider site by the state health department.

"As the largest private employer in New Orleans, allowing us to participate in the distribution of the vaccine helps to make the entire community safer," Fitts said. "We are committed to rapidly administering vaccines and will be prepared to support vaccinations for those in the Tulane community and beyond as more become available."

He said those eligible would start receiving emails this weekend to schedule an appointment.

The rollout to Tulane and preparations at public school districts indicated that even amid an achingly slow rollout of doses across the state, more groups are starting to see indications that shots may soon be on the way.

According to the latest health department figures, the state had administered 81,585 of its 298,825 available vaccine doses as of Thursday.

The health department had said vaccines could be available to the general public in late spring or early summer of 2021, according to public documents, although that timeline could change after President-elect Joe Biden said he will try to release almost all available doses when he takes office, rather than implement the current administration's strategy of setting half aside for the required second dose.

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

Hospitals, nursing homes and some pharmacies have been jabbing residents with the vaccines aimed at eventually ending the pandemic. But so far, it has primarily been doctors and nurses, the elderly in group care and people over 70 that have been receiving the shots.

As the state receives more doses, it will move down the list of tiers and phases in its vaccination rollout plan to hit more groups.

On Friday, Jefferson Parish Schools spokesperson Vicki Bristol said that based on their job description, school nurses will be eligible to receive the vaccine sooner than other employees.

The district plans to start registering them, along with some other eligible employees, next week, after which the employees will be contacted by health care providers to make an appointment for their vaccine, Bristol said.

In a presentation given to some Orleans Parish School Board members during all-day training sessions for new board members held Thursday, officials said nurses in the city's nearly 80 charter schools would be eligible to receive their vaccines as soon as next week, The Lens reported.

Need meals while New Orleans public schools are closed? Find locations, times here Following its recent announcement that all New Orleans public schools were reverting to remote learning because of rising coronavirus infectio

Tiffany Delcour, the chief operations officer for NOLA Public Schools, said the district would work with Childrens Hospital and the New Orleans Health Department to host a town hall next week for all educators and school support staff to learn more about the vaccine and the process for getting shots.

In Thursday's meeting, she estimated teachers might have access to the vaccine sometime in February, according to The Lens. Teachers and other school staff aren't eligible during the current phase of the rollout, and will be able to get a shot when the state moves to the second tier of its Phase 1B.

Both Bristol and NOLA Public Schools spokesperson Taslin Alfonzo said in interviews more information about vaccines for those employees would be coming over the next several days.

More coronavirus vaccines headed to pharmacies in all 64 Louisiana parishes next week Thousands more doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed to pharmacies across the state next week, with Gov. John Bel Edwards promising t

Other members of the group including school nurses also became eligible for vaccines this week, although long wait times and backlogs had been reported.

Physicians, nurses, frontline healthcare workers and emergency responders were among the first to receive the vaccine when it became available last month.

The vaccine is given in two doses, which are administered three weeks apart, and people aren't considered immune against COVID-19 until at least a week after the second dose.
On July 15, 2016, Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu and his new bride crossed over the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, heading to visit their families after their honeymoon.

Hours later, the landmark bridge was awash in blood, as Turkish armed forces opened fire on civilians in a military attempt to depose the nations elected government. The coup failed, but not before the parliament was bombed and more than 300 people killed.

On Wednesday, the trauma of that day in Turkey rose anew in Tekelioglu, as he watched pro-Trump insurrectionists attack the Capitol in a violent effort to stop President-elect Joe Bidens electoral victory.

Tekelioglu thought: Americans shouldnt be so surprised.

The discourse around Trump is an outlier, American institutions are well-established  it was a false sense of security, said Tekelioglu, 40, of Allentown, who is outreach-and-education director of the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. There are people who believe in their ownership of the state, that they represent what the nation should be.

That sense of experience relived ran through other Philadelphia-area immigrants last week, people who had witnessed violent attempts, successful and unsuccessful, to change the governments in their homelands.

Emilio Buitrago endured not one but two attempted coups in Venezuela in 1992, when Hugo Chavez tried to seize power from President Carlos Andres Perez.

On Wednesday, he spent hours staring at his TV screen, absorbed in the insurrection and then Congress Electoral College vote count. Memories flooded back from his days marching on the streets of Caracas, his fellow demonstrators carrying the dead as they tried to avoid tear gas and bursts of bullets.

Buitrago, a 46-year-old Delaware County wind-energy engineer, left Venezuela before Chavez was elected president in 1998. But hes watched what has followed, in that country and this one.

At the start of Trumps presidency, Buitrago said, he saw him as a carbon copy of Chavez and other dictators who have ruled Latin American lands. Friends told him he was wrong.

I began to think that I was the one who was traumatized and not seeing things correctly, he said. But now that these four years have taught us that dictators dont just come from the left, time has proven me right.

When he heard that five people died at the Capitol, he thought of the hundreds who perished in the streets of Caracas, protesting the hatred that the Chavismos anarchy and extremism have built in its supporters.

Americans have been naive, he said, ignoring or not recognizing the incendiary rhetoric that Trump has employed from Day One. Even now, he expects Trump and his supporters to continue to try to sabotage democratic institutions.

People used to tell us that Venezuela wasnt Cuba, and look  , he said. They also told us that the U.S. isnt Venezuela, and look.

The Capitol assault shocked because of the bedrock American belief that such a thing cant happen here, that the nations democracy is ever-enduring. But since the end of World War II, there have been 225 successful coups in countries of more than 500,000 people, according to the Center for Systemic Peace, which studies global political violence.

Most occurred during the Cold War, in the 1960s through the 1980s.

The center does not try to count attempted coups. And as Americans grapple for language to describe Wednesdays events  sedition, revolution, riot, terrorism  it doesnt see the assault as meeting the definition of coup, a forceful seizure of authority and office by an opposition faction, as distinguished from revolutions and civil wars.

The center puts the Capitol attack in a different category, called a presidential coup or autocoup, which includes circumstances where a leader attempts to stay in office after being voted out. Since 1946, there have been 39 autocoups in 35 countries, including Bangladesh (2018), Burundi (2015), Haiti (1999), Niger (2009), and Venezuela (2017).

Thailand has had at least 10 forceful coups, Bolivia and Syria at least eight, and Argentina seven.

In December 1970, Pakistan President Yahya Khan refused to accept the results of the general election and seat the new National Assembly. That attempt to nullify the will of the voters felt uncomfortably familiar on Wednesday to Iftekhar Hussain, 55, a Chester County educator who was a boy during the subsequent civil war.

Maybe the attack on the Capitol shouldnt have been a surprise. What can you expect out of five years of this race-baiting? But at the same time, he said, it was a shock that these people felt empowered to do this.

The civil war in his homeland was long coming. After gaining independence from Britain in 1947, Pakistan was divided into western and eastern segments, physically separated by India.

In March 1971, the junta in West Pakistan launched military operations against the East, killing civilians, students, and religious minorities. The East immediately sought independence. The Indian army invaded both wings that December.

Hussain has vivid memories of rushing to the cellar during bombing raids, and of his father hiding in the attic when soldiers came looking for him. One night, he, his brother, and a cousin sneaked out of the house to explore, coming across a shallow grave that contained two bodies. A dog was eating the entrails.

Indias victory ensured the creation of an independent Bangladesh in what was East Pakistan. Today, what was West Pakistan is simply Pakistan.

Hussains family moved to Kuwait, and in December 1981 he came to the United States, later becoming a citizen.

Ive never seen democracy as a guarantee, but certainly as a promise, he said. Institutions themselves dont guarantee they function well. Its people whose values align with the values of those institutions.

In Nigeria, military coups can seem as common as yams  two in 1966, another in 1975, 1983, 1985, 1990, and 1993.

Elkins Park financier Mohammed Zubairu was 12 years old during the 1983 takeover, and he remembers it as pretty unremarkable for most of the citizenry.

Radio and television broadcast that a new government had taken power. Politicians got rounded up. Eventually there were more soldiers in the streets, but generally people went back to their lives. He doesnt remember being afraid.

There wasnt really an immediate impact, said the 48-year-old board chairman of the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

On Wednesday, he watched what he described as a coup masquerading as a revolution, people at the bottom incited by those at the top.

Perhaps the only surprise, he said, is that more Americans werent shocked sooner, such as when a white supremacist shot and killed nine African American worshipers at a church in Charleston, S.C., or when Unite The Right supremacists marched in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017.

Did I ever think that this could happen? Zubairu said. Youre talking to someone who  as Black, Muslim, and an immigrant  has an understanding that not everybody is equal under the law. Im disappointed, but Im unfortunately not shocked.

Turkey had experienced three coups by 1980, but it was a quiet, behind-the-scenes military coup in the 1990s that most impacted Tekelioglus life. He was in high school. His Muslim family fell under persecution, his father, a university dean, deemed unwanted.

Tekelioglu came to the United States in 2007, earning a doctorate in political science at Boston University, his experience in his homeland fueling his work in civil rights and voting rights.

In 2016, he had returned to Turkey for his wedding, and was scheduled to fly home just as the fighting broke out. Of course, all flights were canceled.

The violence on the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects Europe and Asia, killed at least 34 civilians and seven coup plotters before the troops surrendered to police.

Today, the span is formally known as the July 15 Martyrs Bridge.
For weeks, intensive care nurse Suzie Minnich has labored on the front lines of the Bay Areas latest COVID-19 surge in the heart of the regions crisis: Santa Clara County.

An astonishing 154 people a day have been admitted to ICUs in Santa Clara County on average in January, and Minnich, the nurse manager of two ICUs at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, said dealing with the flood of patients is like working in quicksand.

I make one bed, and two patients are already waiting for it, she said.

The number of people in the countys ICUs is nearly seven times higher than in October before the holidays, and hospital officials estimate that at least half of those patients have COVID-19.

The deluge of people needing critical care is prompting administrators to bring in doctors from outside the ICU to help.

Normally, we would not even consider doing that because these doctors are not trained as well to care for these kinds of patients, said Dr. Cliff Wang, chair of Santa Clara Valley Medical Centers Department of Medicine.

But these are extraordinary times, he said, and those doctors are able to take on tasks that free up the ICU doctors, such as calling families about a patients condition.

Santa Clara County hospitals are by far the hardest hit in the Bay Area, with 37% more new patients arriving daily into its ICU beds than in the next most saturated county, Alameda, which is seeing an average of 113 new ICU patients a day this month, up from 19 a day in October.

Although Santa Clara County is struggling with the highest number of new ICU patients each day  its the largest county in the Bay Area, with 2 million residents  every county in the region has seen a tremendous jump since before the holidays, with increases that are nine, 10 and even 17 times higher in some counties.

The rising numbers suggest that many people simply ignored public health experts who implored them to stay home over the holidays, if not to spare themselves from disease, then to keep ICU beds available for emergencies, from car accidents to heart attacks.

Not everyone listened.

Over Christmas was the worst week of nursing Ive had in 10 years, said John Pasha, a coronary ICU nurse who works the night shift at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. A decade ago is when Pasha traveled to Haiti to help out after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake destroyed much of the country.

In some ways, he said, this surge is even worse than that.

Ive never seen someone go into respiratory arrest faster than someone with COVID-19, Pasha said. This person was saying they were having trouble breathing. I looked away and turned back, and the person was dead.

Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle

That is COVID, he said. Thats whats scary.

Intensive care units, with their specially trained doctors and nurses, accept only the sickest of the sick. All ICU patients have their own room. Each person is surrounded by life-saving machinery, sometimes up to 15 IV pumps. Wires connect the patient to a monitor that beeps and flashes a constant stream of vital data about oxygen levels, heart rhythm, breathing rates and body temperature.

And now, as families are barred from visiting patients, the mix of equipment includes tablets on stands so that those visits can happen virtually.

By California law, each ICU patient can share a nurse with only one other patient. But because of the surge, and over the objection of nurses who call it unsafe, state officials are now allowing hospitals to apply for a waiver to these ratios.

Despite the limits, a patients cramped ICU room is often a crowded place as nurses and technicians collaborate to safely turn the patient over sometimes twice a day, or when a team of doctors and other experts surround a patient, fighting for that persons life.

Minnich said that at least half of the ICU patients at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center have COVID, many of them in their 40s and 50s  a younger group than she saw last spring.

Pasha, Minnich and Wang all described their ICU colleagues as tired beyond belief.

People are drained. Exhausted. Everybody is running on reserve, Wang said. The additional shifts means you arent home on a regular basis  and you dont sleep as well because you know you could get called in at any time.

The difference from the usual experience of dog-tiredness in the ICU is that now there are so many patients, you dont really have time to recover, he said.

The other day, Minnich was walking down the hall and saw a nurse beside the IV pump outside his patients room gazing off somewhere, his shoulders hunched.

He looked exhausted, Minnich said. I said, Are you all right? Do you need help? He goes, No, Im OK. I said, You want this all to be over, dont you. He said, YES!

Five ICU beds have been added to the 40 that Minnich usually oversees, she said, and theres no guarantee the unit wont be expanded again. She manages about 140 nurses.

Across town at Good Samaritan, Pasha works 12-hour shifts with no meal breaks, he said. We cant leave our patients because we dont have people to replace us. There is no break nurse. We usually have one rapid-response nurse who can come if a patient is getting worse. We dont have that anymore. There are no extra hands.

Patients can remain in the ICU for weeks at a time, sometimes more than a month, Minnich said, which is long enough for the doctors and nurses to get to know them and care about them.

Think about that, she said. Youre with somebody every day for two to six weeks. Youre taking care of them. This is someone who has a life. They have people who care about them and love them. They have hobbies. They had a life before they came to the ICU, and now theyre very sick.

People hear about numbers. But theyre not numbers. Theyre people. The losses have been way too many. And those who survive, many will face lifelong disabilities. Its not going to be over for them.

ICU admissions Santa Clara County hospitals are the hardest hit in the Bay Area, but all counties are facing big spikes in ICU admissions. The numbers below compare average daily ICU admissions in October and January. Santa Clara County: Oct.: 24. Jan: 154, nearly seven times higher. Alameda County: Oct.: 19. Jan.: 113, six times higher. Contra Costa County: Oct.: 7. Jan.: 66, 10 times higher. Napa County: Oct.: 1. Jan.: 17, 17 times higher. Solano County: Oct.: 4. Jan.: 38, nine times higher. Marin County: Oct.: 1. Jan.: 7, seven times higher. San Francisco County: Oct.: 10. Jan.: 57, six times higher. San Mateo County: Oct.: 6. Jan.: 41, six times higher. Sonoma County: Oct.: 6. Jan.: 19, three times higher. Source: Chronicle analysis of California hospitalization data See More Collapse

Dr. Ahmed Kamal, Santa Clara Countys COVID-19 director of health care preparedness, warned this week that relief from the post-holiday surge is not yet in sight, despite the arrival of vaccines.

As awful as it is, things could get worse, he said, adding that the county has not been in a situation where two people are gasping for breath and only one gets a ventilator.

But we could get there.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Justice Department and FBI announced charges Friday against an incoming West Virginia lawmaker, an Arkansas man who told the media he posed for photos on a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office and an Alabama man whose truck allegedly carried 11 molotov cocktails and a semiautomatic rifle to this week's U.S. Capitol riots.

The cases come as authorities in Washington continue working to identify members of the mob who stormed the Capitol - many of whom posted images of themselves on social media amid the mayhem.

A nationwide dragnet involving hundreds of prosecutors and agents from all 56 FBI field offices is involved in the effort, which "has the highest priority of the Department of Justice," said Kenneth Kohl, a top official in the federal prosecutors office in Washington.

"Just because you've left the D.C. region, you can still expect a knock on the door if we find out you were part of criminal activity in the Capitol," FBI Washington Field Office chief Steven D'Antuono told reporters in a teleconference, pledging "the full force" of the bureau in the investigation.

Investigators described a sprawling inquiry that could take months to unfold. District of Columbia police, for example, announced they had received about 17,000 tips from the public after posting images of people of interest in the break-in. The FBI also has been inundated with leads after posting more than 40 photographs asking for help identifying individuals.

Among 13 individuals facing federal charges in Washington was Richard Barnett, who was arrested Friday morning after turning himself in to local authorities in Arkansas.

Barnett, of Gravette, Ark., was photographed sitting with his boots up on a desk in Pelosi's office - an image that quickly became emblematic of the chaotic storming of the complex by a pro-Trump mob. Barnett, who has defended white nationalism on Facebook, identified himself as the intruder in Pelosi's office to the New York Times.

Barnett, 60, who goes by the nickname "Bigo," was charged with three counts of entering restricted grounds, violent entry and disorderly conduct at the Capitol and theft of public property, Kohl said.

Also charged with unlawful entry was Hawaii Proud Boys founder and unsuccessful state house candidate Nicholas Robert Ochs, who gave media interviews saying he participated in the break-in, an FBI arrest affidavit unsealed Friday alleged. The affidavit also said he tweeted a photo of himself and another person smoking cigarettes inside the Capitol, saying "Hello from the Capital lol."

Prosecutors said in a court filing that Ochs was arrested Thursday in Hawaii and was expected to go before a federal magistrate Friday or Monday for possible transfer to Washington. A defense attorney for Ochs could not immediately be located.

Kohl also announced that recently elected West Virginia delegate Derrick Evans was charged with unlawfully entering restricted grounds after allegedly live-streaming a video of himself during the breaking on his Facebook page.

"Bring the tear gas. We don't care," Evans is heard yelling on the video. "We're taking this country back whether you like it or not. Today's a test run. We're taking this country back."

An attorney for Evans, John Bryan, has maintained Evans is innocent, that he was not part of the violent mob that damaged the Capitol Building and that he was exercising his First Amendment rights.

Prosecutors announced that Lonnie Leroy Coffman, 70, of Falkville, Ala., charged Thursday on one federal and one local count of possessing an unregistered or unlicensed firearm, was the registered owner of a red GMC pickup truck with Alabama plates parked near the Capitol in which officers allegedly found 11 molotov cocktails, a handgun and an M4 carbine assault rifle.

Kohl said police also found Coffman carrying two handguns. Federal agents discovered the truck while investigating suspected pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee headquarters on Capitol Hill and its Democratic counterpart, Kohl said.

Kohl said that while the truck was investigated because of the suspected or "perceived pipe bombs," Coffman was not charged in connection with those possible devices, but with allegedly possessing the other weapons and destructive devices in his truck or on his person.

At an initial court appearance Thursday in Washington, Coffman did not enter a plea, and was ordered held pending a hearing next week on the government's evidence or an indictment. In response to a U.S. magistrate's questions over whether he wanted a court-appointed attorney, Coffman said he earned a high school equivalency degree in the U.S. military after dropping out in the 8th grade to work on a farm.

An attorney for Barnett could not immediately be reached, and Coffman's assistant federal defender declined to comment.

In addition to 40 suspects facing local charges, federal defendants face counts including entering restricted areas, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds. Authorities said they may use placeholder charges against some suspects pending deeper investigation.

But as officials provided updates on the arrests, the Justice Department also appeared to step back from remarks Thursday by Michael R. Sherwin, the acting U.S. attorney for Washington, who had said President Donald Trump's own remarks before Wednesday's riot at the U.S. Capitol may be investigated.

Asked about incendiary statements made by the president and other speakers at Trump's rally shortly before a mob of his supporters breached security and wreaked havoc inside the Capitol, Sherwin said: "Yes, we are looking at all actors here, not only the people that went into the building, but . . . were there others that maybe assisted or facilitated or played some ancillary role in this? We will look at every actor and all criminal charges."

On Friday, asked about the possibility that Trump or other onstage speakers could face charges for inciting violence, Kohl clarified, "We don't expect any charges of that nature."

Afterward, Justice Department spokesman Marc Raimondi elaborated: "Our focus is on the events at the Capitol. As of now, we have not charged anyone with incitement or insurrection. This is an extremely complex and ongoing investigation and we will continue to follow the facts and the law."
Italys government is set to tighten coronavirus restrictions in Milan and its surrounding area, as well as four other regions, in an attempt to counter an acceleration in the spread of the pandemic.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza on Friday will sign a new order listing Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia Romagna in the north, and Sicily and Calabria in the south as medium-risk orange" zones from Jan. 10, according to a statement. This will trigger curbs including the closing of bars and restaurants, and strict limits on people's movements.

Also Read | How US democracy nearly came undone

Prime Minister Giuseppe Contes cabinet this week already extended lockdown measures imposed during the holiday season, including a ban on people leaving their home region, to mid-January. Infections in the country rose for the first time in seven weeks this week as testing picked up after public holidays.

Easing restrictions while contagion levels are still high could rapidly lead to a new pandemic peak, according to a study by Italys National Health Institute and other institutions. Hospitalizations for the virus also resumed their increase after weeks of decline.





This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Kohima/Imphal, Jan 9 : The 12-day long wildfire in the famous Dzukou Valley on Nagaland-Manipur borders is "almost controlled" as no fresh fire or smoke was visible on Saturday, officials said.

Kohima District Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Ali Shihad A said that the fire fighters, including the Indian Air Force and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), would continue their operation on Sunday.

"Both the operation and inspection, in the ground and in the air, would continue on Sunday. The state government has decided to continue with the recce cum Bambi bucket operation by IAF on Sunday to assess the situation and carry out the operation accordingly," the Deputy Commissioner, who is supervising the operation, told IANS over phone from Kohima.

Quoting the forest and disaster management officials, he said that during the inspection from the IAF choppers, it was observed that no fresh fire or fresh smoke was visible while a very low intensity smoke was seen which was doused by Bambi bucket operation.

"Superintendent of police of Kohima district Manoj Kumar informed that the ground operation team reported that smoke from across the mountain started appearing on Saturday morning. The smoke was doused by one sortie of Bambi bucket operation. No active smoke or fire was reported by the ground team from the watchtower till the time of reporting," the DC said.

Defence spokesman Lt. Col P. Khongsai said that in the ongoing effort to douse the wildfire in the popular tourist destination on Nagaland-Manipur border, Spear Corps (of Army) and Assam Rifles is working hand in hand with various central and state governments organisations, tackling the problem in a synchronised manner.

He said that the Army is also providing its aviation base for the launch of Bambi bucket operations and coordinating ground support, air traffic control, air space management as well as other logistics support to the IAF.

An IAF release said that operating in the northern part across Dzukou River, the teams have been successful in dousing the fire in a large area and are creating fire lanes to avert further spread.

"The four IAF Mi-17V5 helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets sprayed water to check the wildfire on Saturday and similar operations would continue on Sunday," IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh told IANS.

He said that responding to Nagaland government's requisition, the IAF had started uninterrupted operations since January 1.

A large number of volunteers and locals are helping the NDRF, IAF and Army personnel to douse the wildfire.

The wildfire broke out in the Dzukou Valley under Kohima district in southern Nagaland on December 29 and crossed over to the northern Manipur side forcing both the state governments to request the NDRF and the army to help contain the wildfire.

According to the officials, the inferno has destroyed much of the forest, seasonal flowers, flora and fauna and harmed the rich biodiversity of the valley, which is also a famous trekking site.

One of the 10 most beautiful places in the mountainous northeast India, the Dzukou valley, 30 km from Kohima, is also a sanctuary for the endangered Blyth's tragopan - Nagaland's state bird - and other species of birds and animals.

The iconic valley, situated at an altitude of 2,452 metres above the sea level, is a popular tourist spot and also famous for its seasonal flowers and biodiversity.

Often caught in a boundary dispute between Manipur and Nagaland, it has been prone to wildfires.

Members of the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), which runs an adventure-based conservation programme, tackled such fires in many instances earlier. In 2006, the wildfire affected a 20-km stretch in the southern part of the valley.
(Newser)  Michael Apted, the acclaimed British director of the Up documentaries series and films as diverse as the Loretta Lynn biopic Coal Miner's Daughter and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, has died. He was 79. No cause was given, the AP reports. An incredibly prolific director, Apted's legacy is perhaps most defined by the nine Up films, which followed the lives of 14 economically diverse British children from age 7 to 63. The project started in 1964 with Seven Up!the brainchild of the late Canadian filmmaker Paul Almond. Apted served as a researcher on the first and, seven years later, took over as director and continued checking in with the subjects every seven years. The ambitious project earned him an Institutional Peabody Award in 2012 and had the honor of being satirized by The Simpsons in 2007. The last film, 63 Up, came out in 2019. "The series was an attempt to do a long view of English society," Apted told Slant Magazine in 2019. "The class system needed a kick up the backside." He had said he wanted to do a 70 Up.

story continues below

Scholarships allowed Apted to study at Cambridge, where he counted John Cleese among his friends. He started in media with an apprenticeship at Granada Television, working on productions such as Coronation Street. He made his feature debut in 1972 on the Triple Echo with Oliver Reed and Glenda Jackson. In 1980, he came to the US to direct Coal Miners Daughter, a commercial and critical success that earned Sissy Spacek a best actress Oscar; Apted himself was never nominated for an Academy Award. He ended up moving to California after that and worked steadily in film and television for 40 years. Apted was actively involved in his own industry, having served as an Academy governor and as president of the Directors Guild of America from 2003 to 2009. Taylor Hackford, who succeeded Apted at the DGA, said in a statement that he was "the definition of 'mensch'  like the wonderful director he was, you could always count on him to deliver a clear and well thought-out point-of-view, usually leavened with a dollop of dry wit."

(Read more obituary stories.)


A north Wexford Councillor has appealed to Coillte to alter their practices after a large section of woodland was cut down on Tara Hill recently.

With more people exploring and enjoying the great outdoors since the pandemic began, Cllr Fionntan O Suilleabhain said there was great dismay when clear-felling took place at the scenic spot. Clear-felling sees all marketable trees cut down at the end of a forest rotation and Cllr O Suilleabhain would like to see an alternative practice adopted that would leave less of a void on the landscape.

He has suggested that a 'continuous cover' method be adopted, meaning instead of a wholesale removal of mature trees, the sitka spruce trees would be gradually cleared or thinned out and replaced by deciduous, broad-leaf trees.

'This manages the landscape in a far more sensitive way and provides a habitat for flora and fauna,' he said.

Cllr O Suilleabhain, who has been contacted by a number of local people about the matter, said there was an outcry when clear-felling took place on Tara Hill three years ago. He said these areas have since been replanted with commercial conifers and sitka spruce, creating what he called 'ecological dead zones'.

'For those who use the hill as an important local amenity, this is the last thing needed.'

The Sinn Fein councillor believes that clear-felling, followed by the process of removing all stumps and roots, not only 'wipes out' eco-systems but can also damage heritage features that may not be recorded.

Cllr O Suilleabhain said that Tara Hill is steeped in history, with records of sites of archaeological importance, and that the forest is also important for wildlife, from birds to fungi to butterflies, hares and other creatures of the forest floor.

'Many of the trees were planted in the 1950s so its a pretty mature forest and the ecosystem on Tara Hill sustains owls, kestrels falcons, buzzards, jays, ravens hares, newts, butterflies and other insects,' said the councillor, who added that he had been in contact with Coillte.

With Wexford County Council having worked with local groups to develop trails, Cllr O Suilleabhain feels the time is right to highlight the issue.

'A huge number of people became more familiar with Tara Hill during the lockdown,' he said. 'Everyone wants to see this handled sensitively with the appropriate types of deciduous broadleaf trees to provide habitats for flora and fauna, replacing the sections felled rather than commercial sitka spruce'.

'It would be nice to see it managed through a process of continuous cover forest with an increasing commitment from the Department of Communication, Climate-Action and the Environment to ensure that, going forward, Tara Hill is protected from a repeat of clear-felling practices. I support local residents in their wish to ensure Tara Hill will be developed in a sustainable way that will benefit future generations,' he said.

In a statement, Coillte said it employs 'a range of silvicultural techniques' in the management and harvesting of trees.

'Clear fell and replanting is the most common silvicultural system used in Ireland and the UK due to the prevailing weather conditions and the typical soils and elevations of our forest locations. Clear fell and replanting involves the removal of all marketable trees from an area at the end of the forest rotation (usually at between 30 to 40 years of age).

'Due to the typical poor soil fertility and the exposed and unstable nature of our forest sites there is often little scope for alternative silvicultural systems that remove mature trees more gradually,' the statement said.

'At clear fell time, considerable effort is now put into adjusting felling coupe size and shape to satisfy both environmental and landscape design purposes. Low Impact Silvicultural Systems (LISS) such as 'Small Coupe Felling', 'Change to Broadleaf' and 'Continuous Cover Forestry' are also in use in Coillte and it is intended to expand this level where possible.

'Coillte harvest trees which have been planted specifically to grow wood. Ireland has a very effective climate for tree growth and our forests reach commercial maturity much faster than other European countries. The wood grown in Irish forests supports a vibrant sector which today supports over 12,000 jobs mostly in rural Ireland and contributes over 2.4 billion to the Irish economy.

'Coillte's forests are not just for wood production, with over 90,000 hectares of forest lands managed especially for nature conservation and protection of wildlife and their habitats. In addition, Coillte have an open forest policy and welcome visitors to our forests according to the "Leave no Trace" principles and are the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Ireland, with over 3,000km of waymarked walking trails, 260 recreational forest areas, 12 forest parks and eight purpose built dedicated mountain bike trails.

The statement said there is 'ongoing dialogue' with locals in Tara Hill. It also said that all forest plans are available to view on the Coillte website.

'Coillte carries out ongoing consultation with locals and wider community groups, and submissions may be made to our forest plans also via our website. The public may also sign up as stakeholders on our website and receive regular information regarding our forest plans'.
A second dry run of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out was conducted at 150 sites across all 11 districts of on Friday, officials said.

They said 10 vaccination centres were chosen in South for the dry run, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the Safdarjung Hospital, the Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Hospital, and the Pushpwati Singhania Hospital and Research Institute.

In South East district, 19 sites were chosen across three sub-divisions.

The sites included the Batra Hospital, the Fortis Hospital, the Escorts Hospital, the National Heart Institute, the Holy Family Hospital, the Apollo Hospital and the MCW Gautampuri.

At the National Heart Institute, a staff member said, "We followed the procedure as would be done on the day of vaccination."



In North West district, the 12 sites chosen for the exercise included the Max Hospital and the Fortis Hospital, both at Shalimar Bagh, the Saroj Hospital, the Jaipur Golden Hospital and the BSA Hospital, the officials said.

Four sites were chosen in New district, including the Northern Railway Central Hospital and the Fortis hospital, Vasant Kunj.

India's drugs regulator has approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and the indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

A total of 1,000 vaccination centres will be set up in Delhi, of which about 600 will be set up in the first phase, the officials said.

At every vaccination centre, there will be multiple booths, each to attend to a maximum of 100 people, they said.

Health Minister Satyendar Jain had earlier said the COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to the people of Delhi for free once it arrives and asserted that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had made all preparations for the vaccination drive.

Jain had said last week that the city government had so far made preparations to vaccinate one lakh people in a day.

The Delhi government is fully prepared to receive, store and administer COVID-19 vaccine to 51 lakh priority category persons in the city in the first phase of vaccination, the minister had said.

These include healthcare workers, who will be first to receive, followed by frontline workers, people aged above 50 and those below 50 years but with co-morbidities, he had said.

Vaccination centres will either be hospitals or facilities linked to hospitals.

The dry run of inoculation in the national capital was held on January 2 at three sites -- GTB Hospital, Shahdara, Urban Primary Health Centre, Daryaganj and Venkateshwar Hospital, Dwarka.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, Jan 8: A coffee table book filled with over hundreds of photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his "107 overseas and bilateral visits" was released here on the eve of the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) on Friday. The book, titled "Modi India Calling - 2021", is the brainchild of senior BJP leader Vijay Jolly. It was released by Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta at the Press Club of India.

"My initial plan was to have a photo exhibition capturing the personality and persona of our PM on a wider scale and tell people how Modi's visits overseas, across the seven continents, have made India more empowered and honoured worldwide. Since coronavirus didn't allow us to have that photo exhibition, we instead thought of coming out with a book," said Jolly. "I realise that what we achieved through this book is much bigger than what I had thought. Also, I am happy that we could meet our deadline and release the book just in time for the 16th PVD," he added.

The photographs that made it to the book were culled out from a collection running into what must have been "thousands and lakhs" of images, Jolly said. "The criterion for selecting the photographs centered around PM Modi, the country that he was visiting, the business people, the local leadership, and of course, the Indian diaspora living there," he explained.

Besides Modi, the 60-year-old BJP leader said, he wishes to present the book to the prime minister's "biggest critic" Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta congratulated Jolly on coming out with his book.

He said PM Modi has changed the dynamics of Indian foreign policy for good and the book will help readers in understanding the same. "This book will surely provide a deep insight into PM Narendra Modi's vision, unparalleled leadership and foreign policy," he added.

The 450-page book has been published by Maneesh Media. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which aims at strengthening the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the government of India, was first held in 2003 under the leadership of the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. An annual event till 2015, it is now celebrated every two years on January 9 -- the day Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to Mumbai in 1915.

The event will be held online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
As painter Alaa Awad prepares for his upcoming exhibition, he spoke to Ahram Online about his fascination with ancient Egyptian heritage.

To Awad, the gateway to modern art is ancient Egyptian heritage. Based in Luxor, a town built on ancient Egyptian treasures and legacies, the young artist and assistant professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Luxor has always been inspired by ancient Egyptian art. Awad is known for his murals, especially the ones displayed in downtown Cairo.

I was born and raised in Luxor, and since my graduation in 2004, I have spent over 12 years in my atelier in old Qorna, Luxor, Awad said.

I would visit temples and sketch there. At the nobles tombs I would watch the daily lives painted on the walls, which are identical to the modern-day daily lives of the people in the markets of Luxor. The agriculture and craftsmanship are very much the same as the modern-day life on the west bank, he added, reflecting on what he learnt from ancient Egyptian art.

The ancient Egyptians were pioneers and were among the first to create art. I saw all the various art schools live in front of my eyes. I would see the abstract, the cubical, in the art works of ancient Egypt, Awad elaborated, emphasising that ancient Egyptian civilisation has inspired the modern art movement and the post renaissance.

The ancient Egyptian artist worked in 2D. He set his own scales of the face and profile, made certain distortions as he would magnify bodies and elongate legs. He would draw the king and soldiers with muscles and would use salience and sunken art techniques for various perspectives that gives it a two-dimensional effect. This is abstract.

The ancient Egyptian artist wanted to tell stories to be recorded for posterity. He did not make optical illusions like the renaissance school of art. Renaissance artists such as Michael Angelo and Leonardo Da Vinci discovered the third-dimension perspective. This is obvious in the portrait of the Monalisa for example, Awad noted.

As for Amedeo Modigliani, he was inspired by ancient civilisations in general and especially the ancient Egyptian civilisation. According to the book titled Modigliani, by Werner Schmalenbach, the renowned Italian artist used to explore the Louvre Museum in Paris.

He was influenced by the abstract and the distortion techniques of ancient Egyptian arts, Awad explained.

This also goes for icons of modern and contemporary art such as Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Van Gogh, Klimt and Picasso. They were all influenced by ancient civilisations in their art.

Awads fascination with ancient Egyptian art took another level when he studied the caricatures of ancient Egyptians that were found in Deir Al-Madina, Luxor. They are the creative art work of ancient artists when they were off duty. They reflected wit and humour.

I started working on the caricatures, which reflects the acts of resistance and objection through art and the use of political comics, like using the cat and mouse theme, where they pictured the mouse sitting and the cat serving him, he says with a laugh.

Inspired by the abstract school of arts, Awad understood best the abstract artwork of contemporary and modern art when he related to the source of their inspiration: ancient civilisations. This also had an impact on his perception of the art and dynamics of ancient Egypt.

I started to read the relationship between the strokes and geometrical shapes and colours and symmetry. This was a language that was ahead of its time by thousands of years. Truly there was a brilliant mind-set of the ancient Egyptians.

Unfortunately, this magnificent art is not taught in fine arts faculties. What is taught to art students is art history and not the art technique and concept of ancient Egypt.

There ought to be an Egyptian academy to study the ancient Egyptian arts, fashion, designs, sculpture and paintings

Eighty years ago, there was Al- Marasem (Atelier) of Luxor, where a post graduate residency programme was dedicated to art students from all over Egypt, who would come and be inspired by Luxor archaeological gems and draw them for two years. The program was the gateway to icons of the Egyptian modern art movement such as Abdel-Ghaffar Shedid, Mamdouh Ammar, Moustapha Al-Feqqi, and Hassan Abdel-Fattah, he notes.

Unfortunately, this internship was cancelled in the 1980s and replaced by a student exchange program, but we are now aiming to revive the concept.

Alaa Awads upcoming exhibition will be in March in Cairo, and the theme will be the intangible heritage of Luxor.

Short link:


10 babies killed in fire at Mumbai hospital

In a tragic incident, ten children died after a fire broke out at the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra at 2 am today. The rescue operations are currently underway. Civil Surgeon in Bhandara, Pramod Khandate said, "10 children have died in a fire that broke out at Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital at 2 am today. 7 children have been rescued so far." Speaking about the incident, the hospital authorities informed that the 10 children died due to suffocation caused by the fire outbreak.

Read: 10 Children Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out At A Hospital In Maharashtra's Bhandara

5000 sites identified for vaccination drive

Days after approval of two COVID vaccines by India, the Health ministry sources on Saturday said that 5000 session sites have been identified across the country for the COVID vaccine administration. In the national capital, there are as many as 89 session sites. Further, officials have been asked to submit a report by January 9 on appropriate locations where vaccination drive could take place in Delhi.

Read: COVID Vaccine Rollout Plan: 5000 Session Sites Identified, Says Health Ministry Sources

India, Pakistan repatriate two boys

India and Pakistan on Friday repatriated two boys who had inadvertently crossed over the Line of Control, to their respective countries. India has sent a boy named Ali Haider back to Pakistan and the latter has sent back an Indian national named Mohammed Bashir, who had accidentally crossed over to PoK in the Poonch sector. Ali, who crossed the LoC near Rangar Nala in Poonch on December 31 and was handed over to Pakistan Army on Tuesday, said, "These people provided me with clothes, shoes and gave me food. These are very good people, the Army, and the police."

Read: Youth From PoK Who Crossed LoC Is Repatriated To Pakistan, Calls Indian Army 'good People'

India's COVID-19 tally

India reported 18,222 new COVID-19 cases, 19,253 discharges, and 228 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry. So far, more than 18 crores samples have been tested for COVID-19 and 9.16 lakhs samples were tested in the last 24 hours, said the Ministry of Health. Total infections in the country have surpassed the 10 million mark, while active cases remain at 2,24,190. So far, more than 1,50,000 people have died due to the disease across India.

Read: Coronavirus LIVE Updates: India Reports 18,222 Fresh Cases; 19,253 Recoveries In 24 Hours

Scientists warn of new US strain

In the latest report, the White House coronavirus task force stated that the United States may have its own version of a more transmissible variant of Covid-19 that might be helping fuel the already aggressive spread of the virus. According to CNN, the reports sent by the task force to states dated January 3 warned of the possibility of a 'USA variant' of Covid-19. This fall/winter surge has been at nearly twice the rate of rising of cases as the spring and summer surge. This acceleration suggests there may be a USA variant that has evolved here, in addition to the UK variant that is already spreading in our communities and maybe 50 percent more transmissible," reported CNN.

Read: USA Variant Of Covid-19 Found, New Strain More Transmissible Warns White House Task Force



65 And Older Residents Of Suwannee Co. Can Get Free COVID Vaccinations LIVE OAK, FL -- The Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County has released a statement concerning the availability of free COVID-19 vaccines to those 65 and over in the county. It reads as follows: "SUWANNEE COUNTY FREE COVID-19 VACCINES FOR AGE 65 AND OLDER The Department of Health in Suwannee County will be offering Covid-19 vaccinations to seniors age 65 and older by appointment at the Department of Health in Suwannee County 915 Nobles Ferry Road Live Oak, Fl 32064 Please call 386-362-2708 to place your name on the list for a scheduled appointment . "
She recently dashed the hopes of fans of the character that practically launched her career.

But Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff looked to be in good spirits on Friday, as she walked along in New York City rocking a fashionable winter look.

The Cinderella Story actress, 33, wore an olive green down puffer mid-length coat, which hung open to allow a peek at her pregnant belly.

Stylish: Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff looked to be in good spirits on Friday as she walked along in New York City rocking a fashionable winter look

The mother of twos baby bump was hard to discern though, since she wore a thick looking black mock turtleneck sweater underneath her coat.

Hilary paired this with grey leggings, which she tucked into black socks and chic maroon Gucci boots with gold buckling.

The actress also wore a black face mask as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spiral out of control throughout the country.

Ambling along: The Cinderella Story actress, 33, wore an olive green down puffer mid-length coat, which hung open to allow a peek at her pregnant belly

Her blonde hair hung down around her face and on the green faux fur trim of her jackets hood.

The Younger star's manicure was bright red, and she carried a fancy looking blue and white filtered water bottle.

At one point Duff turned to laugh at an older pedestrian who walked alongside her.

It's there: The mother of twos baby bump was hard to discern though, since she wore a thick looking black mock turtleneck sweater underneath her coat

Hilary is currently expecting her second child with husband Matthew Koma.

The pair are already parents to daughter Banks Violet, who was born in 2018.

The Agent Cody Banks actress also has an eight-year-old son named Luca Cruz Comrie, whom she shares with her ex-husband Mike Comrie.

Almost there: Hilary is currently expecting her second child with husband Matthew Koma; seen on a recent Instagram Story

Proud parents: The pair are already parents to daughter Banks Violet, who was born in 2018

In the middle of last month, Hilary took to Instagram with a lengthy text slide explaining that the long-awaited reboot of her early 2000s Lizzie McGuire show on Disney 'isnt going to happen.'

Fans had been expecting to revisit an all-grown-up Lizzie in the reboot on the Disney+ streaming platform, after rumors of the project began circulating back in 2019, and filming even began last year.

Duff alluded to disagreements as to how the grown-up version of McGuire would have been portrayed in the new project as a reason for its stalling, making sure to express that she felt 'very sad,' and that 'the stars just in align.'

In the middle of last month: Hilary took to Instagram with a lengthy text slide explaining that the long-awaited reboot of her early 2000s Lizzie McGuire show 'isnt going to happen'
Amid renewed buzz that the much awaited expansion or reshuffle of his cabinet was likely this month, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will be travelling to New Delhi on Sunday. According to the Chief Minister's tour plan shared with the media, Yediyurappa will be travelling to Delhi on Sunday morning and is scheduled to meet Union Ministers.

His return journey has been kept open. According to official and party sources, Yediyurappa is likely to meet top BJP national leadership to discuss about the cabinet exercise.

The Chief Minister on Wednesday had said the BJP central leadership will take a call on the much awaited cabinet expansion, amid renewed buzz that the exercise was likely this month. BJP national general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Arun Singh, after attending party meetings in Shivamogga last week, had maintained that the expansion of the state cabinet was likely soon and it was the chief minister's prerogative.

Yediyurappa has been waiting for some time now to carry out the cabinet exercise, as he was asked by BJP president J P Nadda during their meeting in New Delhi on November 18, to wait for the clearance from the central leadership. The cabinet expansion or reshuffle is expected to be a tightrope walk for the Chief Minister, considering that there are too many aspirants, from the party old guard to Congress- JD(S) rebels who are now BJP legislators.

The cabinet currently has 27 members, and seven berths are still vacant.
Three of the President Donald Trumps riotous supporters, including a newly elected West Virginia politician, faced federal charges Saturday for their high-profile appearances in the U.S. Capitol riots that left five people dead.

Each of the men was photographed or caught on video during Wednesdays violent insurrection after Trump delivered a two-hour harangue insisting his loss to President-elect Joe Biden came in a rigged election.

Two became literal poster boys for the despicable event: One for walking off with House Speaker Nancy Pelosis official lectern, the other for posing shirtless while seated in Vice President Mike Pences chair on the Senate floor.

The third, politician Derrick Evans, was busted in part when investigators compared his voice on a live-streamed video from the Capitol with his voice-over from a campaign ad, according to court documents.

Our house! Our house! Evans shouts in the Capitol video.

Adam Johnson, the Florida resident photographed while lugging the lectern with the speakers seal during the wild Wednesday rampage, was taken into custody shortly after 9 p.m. Friday and held without bail on a warrant issued by federal marshals, authorities said.

Johnson, the 36-year-old father of five, was photographed while gleefully toting the lectern through the Capitol in the midst of Wednesdays rioting  with the photo instantly going viral.

He also posed while wearing a TRUMP ski cap for a second photo alongside a sign reading Closed to all tours inside the building, authorities said.

Fellow rioter Jacob Anthony Chansley  better known as QAnon Shaman Jake Angeli  was arrested Saturday for wandering shirtless through the Capitol with his face painted red, white and blue while wearing a horned headdress. Investigators noted his unique attire and extensive tattoos in identifying the 32-year-old suspect.

Additionally, according to court documents, Chansley actually called the FBIs Washington Field Office to confirm he was the bizarrely clad man seen sitting in Pences seat.

Authorities also noted he was carrying a 6-foot spear festooned with an American flag tied just below the blade.

The self-proclaimed shaman said he was under the sway of Trump when he traveled from Arizona to the nations capital, answering the presidents request for all patriots to attend the rally-turned-riot, court papers alleged..

Last but hardly least was newly elected West Virginia House of Delegates member Derrick Evans, 35, spotted in a live Facebook stream as he joined rioters in unlawfully entering the Capitol, court documents said.

Were in, were in! shouted the law-breaking lawmaker two days before his Friday arrest. Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!

Evans, who issued a post-riot statement Wednesday claiming went to the Capitol as an independent member of the media to film history, had previously revealed his true motivation on social media, officials said.

This is why were are going to DC #StopTheSteal, he wrote hours before the rioting, in a retweet of a Trump tweet claiming 4,000 bogus ballots were found in Fulton County, Ga.

One rioter was shot dead by Capitol Police, one police officer was killed by rioters, and three other demonstrators died during the violence fomented by Trump in the first assault on the Capitol since a British attack in 1814.

Last week, in the capital of the United States, David MacMillan and his friend were in a Giant Food store when by surprise they found a worker in the pharmacy section of the supermarket and offered them a dose each of the vaccine against the COVID-19. . This was due to the fact that they had two doses left that were going to expire, therefore, a pharmacist decided to administer them.

Hey, I have two doses of the vaccine and I'm going to have to throw them away if I don't give it to someone. We close in ten minutes. Do you want the Moderna vaccine ? Asked the pharmacy worker, according to the NBC source, student David MacMillan.

Video of the student being immunized with the dose, viewed more than 700,000 times on TikTok on Monday, was released. It should be mentioned that the young man was not in the priority group to receive the vaccine.

Image: @justlydeserved

That said, the vaccination campaign began in the middle of December in the United States , at the moment it is focused on health personnel, in accordance with the recommendations of the US health authorities.

The young man described the woman as a "heroine" and claimed to have taken the opportunity to report on the vaccine by posting the video on TikTok, where it has been viewed more than 733,000 times.

It is important, when there is so much misinformation, that people can see that it is a good thing, that it is a positive thing. We must be excited to be able to fight the pandemic, "he said on NBC.

You are scheduled to get your second dose later this month.

Taking into account the above, the Giant supermarket chain argued that the worker had respected the orders of the health authorities of the country's capital, and pointed out that the health workers who were going to receive these vaccines had not shown up.

It should be remembered that Moderna vaccine must be kept at very cold temperatures, once it is taken out of the freezer it quickly spoils and the lid is pierced.

MacMillan pointed out that getting the vaccine didn't take away anyone who needed it. The situation was to use it or lose it.

"The Moderna vaccine is valuable and saves lives, and we are happy not to have wasted it and we have given each one a dose," says Giant through a statement.

More than 4.5 million people have received the first dose of one of the Covid-19 vaccines in the United States, according to the governmental Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So far, only vaccines designed by Pfizer - BioNTech and Moderna They are authorized in the country.

To know more: Moderna designed a vaccine against covid-19 in just two days thanks to mRNA technology

Related:

Jaw pains increase: Is it because of the mask?

Aumentan los dolores de mandibula: Son por culpa del cubrebocas?

Este joven fue al supermercado por comida y salio vacunado contra el Covid-19



Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 20:18:24|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Workers walk at the construction site of the second phase of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Bushehr, southern Iran, on Nov. 10, 2019. (Xinhua File photo)

"If the (U.S.) sanctions against Iran, particularly in the fields of finance, banking and oil, are not lifted by Feb. 21, we will definitely expel the IAEA inspectors from the country," a senior Iranian lawmaker warns.



TEHRAN, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian lawmaker warned on Saturday that Iran will expel the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors if the U.S. anti-Iran sanctions are not lifted by Feb. 21, semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

"If the sanctions against Iran, particularly in the fields of finance, banking and oil, are not lifted by Feb. 21, we will definitely expel the IAEA inspectors from the country," Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani, a member of the presidium of Iran's parliament, was quoted as saying.

Iran will also stop voluntary implementation of the IAEA's Additional Protocol, he added.

"This is the law of the Iranian parliament and the government is obliged to implement it," Amirabadi Farahani noted.

The main goal of the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal was the removal of sanctions against Iran, he said. "If the sanctions are not removed, we will see no reason to fulfill our obligations."

Iran launched 20-percent uranium enrichment process on Monday as part of its Strategic Action Plan to Counter Sanctions which was approved by the parliament in December 2020.

In response to the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 and re-imposition of sanctions against Iran, the Islamic republic stopped implementing parts of its obligations under the deal. 
3 jailed for up to 66 months for assaulting journalist in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Hong Kong court on Friday sentenced three people to 51, 63 and 66 months in prison for attacking a journalist in 2019.

Lai Yun-long, Amy Pat and Ho Ka-lok were convicted of rioting and assault occasioning actual bodily harm by Hong Kong's District Court. They were also found guilty of other crimes, including possession of offensive weapon and false imprisonment.

The three people participated in confining and assaulting Fu Guohao, a journalist from the Beijing-based Global Times newspaper, at the Hong Kong International Airport on Aug. 13, 2019, in what was considered one of the most atrocious violent incidents during the then social unrest in Hong Kong.

The judge said the crime occurring at the airport damaged the reputation of local youth and disgraced Hong Kong residents.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - The closure of a Med City bar and grill could pave the way for a significant development in Downtown Rochester.

With Legends announcing it will be closing its doors, the City of Rochester is now planning to reutilize the property it had been leasing out to the establishment. The city bought the property it now calls the Riverfront Reimagined Site in 2013, recognizing its development potential.

The Rochester City Council will decide whether to demolish the building Legends had been operating out of later this month. If they choose to do so, the city says it will activate the space with temporary improvements including turf and light vegetation.

One official tells KIMT that could happen as soon as this spring. From there, the city will seek community input as to what should come next at the property.

Rochester Projects Manager Josh Johnsen tells KIMT News 3 officials will want the space to address local priorities, which could include one issue city leaders have high on their list.

"We definitely want to incorporate the city priorities and community priorities in this site," Johnsen said. "That includes affordable housing, as well as potentially affordable ownership opportunities, and that could be in the form of condos."

Johnson says the city will take a "long term" approach in developing the property, with parcels as exceptional as the Riverfront Reimagined Site not coming along very often.
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.
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.

All three have since died or been euthanised.

The discovery came after one infected animal was found in the southern suburb of Parkinson on December 10 . Another was found in Cairns earlier in the month.

The bat, which subsequently died, was sent for testing and was found to be positive. (File image)

The Australian flying fox was recovered from the Anstead Bushland Reserve, about 30 kilometres south-west of the city, on December 30.

A second bat carrying the deadly Lyssavirus has been found in Brisbane in the space of one month, with health authorities urging people to be cautious.

In an alert issued on Friday, a Metro North Public Health Unit spokesperson said Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) was fatal to humans and anyone who may have had contact with the animal should immediately contact their doctor.

"The bat was found in an area adjacent to the main car park at Anstead Bushland Reserve, late in the afternoon on Wednesday, 30th of December 2020," the spokesperson said. "It was taken into care by appropriately trained and vaccinated carers."

"The bat, which subsequently died, was sent for testing for ABLV and was found to be positive."

The spokesperson added that bats, even those which appear dead, should not be handled by members of the public under any circumstances.

"We have been in contact with those people who reported the bat when it was found and those who cared for it, to check any contact they may have had with the bat and whether they were vaccinated," they said. "Once the bat was rescued, it was only handled by trained and vaccinated carers."
A majority of Republican voters surveyed in a new poll said President-elect Joe Biden is at fault for the actions of President Donald Trumps supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

The YouGov poll, which surveyed 1,448 registered voters on Wednesday, found 52% of Republicans said Biden was at least somewhat to blame for the violence at the Capitol while 28% of surveyed Republicans said it was Trumps fault. Twenty-six percent of Republicans said the congressional Republicans who said they would vote against certifying Bidens presidential win were to blame. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.

A majority of registered voters  55%  said Trump is a great deal to blame, and 50% said it was appropriate to remove Trump from office due to the violence at the Capitol.

Trump has made baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud and challenged the results of the election for months. He spoke at a rally of his supporters on the National Mall on Wednesday as Congress convened to certify the Electoral College vote and cement Bidens presidential win. A mob of pro-Trump rioters then stormed Capitol building as Congress was in session, forcing evacuations and a lockdown that lasted hours.

Lawmakers from both parties have blamed Trumps rhetoric for the riot at the Capitol, which led to at least five deaths, including a U.S. Capitol Police officer and a woman who was shot and killed by police.

Forty-five percent of Republicans surveyed said they approved of the storming of the Capitol while 43% opposed it. Among registered voters overall, 21% said they support the Capitol rioters and 71% strongly or somewhat oppose.

Among registered voters, 52% would label the rioters as extremists, 49% would say theyre domestic terrorists and 41% would call them criminals. Half of Republicans surveyed said the people who stormed the Capitol are protesters, 30% would call them patriots while 26% said theyre extremists.

Many Democratic lawmakers, as well as Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, have called for Trumps impeachment or the invocation of the 25th Amendment.

The New York Times reported that Vice President Mike Pence doesnt support invoking the amendment, which requires the support of a majority of Cabinet officials.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, assistant House speaker, said House Democrats are eyeing a vote to impeach Trump as early as mid-next week.

2021 McClatchy Washington Bureau. Visit at mcclatchydc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
OSLO  July 22, 2011, is seared into the national consciousness of Norway.

On that day, the country experienced its deadliest attack since World War II when a right-wing extremist detonated a bomb in Oslo and then went on a shooting rampage at a political summer camp for young people on the small island of Utoya.

In the years since the massacre, Norway has struggled to reckon with the trauma of that day. That effort has been particularly acute in mainland communities around Utoya, which have been deeply conflicted about how to memorialize the 69 people killed there.

The latest disagreement dividing the community is over the construction of a permanent public memorial at a harbor across from the island. That issue is at the center of a lawsuit filed in a district court in the nearby town of Honefoss by a handful of local residents against the state and the youth wing of a political party that hosted the summer camp.

The residents say the memorial, which is under construction, risks turning the area into a destination for tragedy tourism and could traumatize locals again.

Ten infants died in a massive fire at the Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra. The fire broke out at 2 am at the Sick Newborn Care Unit of the hospital. The newborns were aged between one and three months. As per reports, seven other children were rescued from the unit. While the cause is yet to be ascertained, preliminary investigations suggest that the blaze was caused by an electrical short circuit.

Civil Surgeon of Bhandara District General Hospital, Dr Pramod Khandate told India Today TV that 17 children were admitted to the Sick Newborn Care Unit. "In the early hours of Saturday morning, a nurse noticed smoke emanating from the ward. The hospital staff tried their best to save the children. Ten children have died, seven are safe."

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray spoke to state health minister Rajesh Tope and District Collector and Superintendent of Police of Bhandara district. He has also ordered a probe into the matter. Maharashtra government has announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the newborns killed in the fire.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as early as possible."

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of 10 infants in Maharashtra's Bhandara. I express my heartfelt condolences to the parents who have lost their children in this heart wrenching tragedy," said President Ram Nath Kovind.

"The fire accident in Bhandara district hospital, Maharashtra is very unfortunate. I am pained beyond words. My thoughts and condolences are with bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss," Amit Shah tweeted, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "The unfortunate incident of fire at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra is extremely tragic. My condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives. I appeal to Maharashtra government to provide every possible assistance to the families of the injured and deceased."

Also read: 'I am absolutely fine,' says Sourav Ganguly as he is discharged from hospital
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.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

University of New Mexico medical student Cody Moezzi always wanted to give back to his hometown.

Moezzi graduated from Alamogordo High School in 2016 and started medical school at the University of New Mexico in 2020.

Moezzi was in Alamogordo on Dec. 31 to distribute 45,000 KN95 masks to high-risk medical organizations through ProtectNM.

Mask drop-off locations included the Good Samaritan Society-Betty Dare and the Aristocrat Assisted Living Community, as well as the La Luz Fire Department and Alamogordo Police Department.

I am very fortunate to have the tools and connections from ProtectNM, UNM Medical School and from the large city of Albuquerque, which have made this donation possible, Moezzi said.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Growing up here in Alamogordo and completing all my education up till college, then having the opportunity to come back to give back to my community that shaped me is something I envisioned before I left. I am glad to be a part of the fight in the pandemic, he said.

ProtectNM was started in March 2020 by UNM medical students.

Moezzi and fellow UNM medical student Remy Link joined ProtectNM when they started medical school in the fall 2020 semester. Link helped Moezzi deliver the masks.

(ProtectNM) does triage and distributes PPE  personal protective equipment  to areas in need across New Mexico, Link said.

The Dec. 31 trip to Alamogordo, although not the first, was the largest, Moezzi said.

The pair has delivered PPE to other communities throughout the state; they dropped off between 13 and 15 gallons of hand sanitizer in Gallup and Albuquerque.

ProtectNM decided to do a mask delivery in Alamogordo because the city has not received as many mask donations as the northern part of the state has, Moezzi said.

Being able to come down here to the town I grew up in and give masks back to Alamogordo is a big deal to me, Moezzi said. Its pretty nice, you know, going up to Albuquerque, and having the opportunities and resources to come back and do this kind of thing is special.
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 internet can help drivers that are looking for an insurance deal to save time and money", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that presents the best places from the internet that can help drivers get free online car insurance quotes.

For more info and free car insurance quotes online, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/where-to-find-free-car-insurance-quotes/

The internet is the perfect place for drivers that are looking for better car insurance deals. Before the internet, drivers could have spent hours to obtain a small number of quotes from a few insurance companies. Nowadays, the internet allows drivers to obtain many quotes and compare them in just a few minutes.

The best sources from the internet to obtain free car insurance quotes are:



Insurers websites. The vast majority of insurance providers own a website that provides quotation services to their potential customers. Drivers will only need to fil an online questionnaire in order to get several price estimates. However, going to the site of an insurance company to obtain quotes has its disadvantages. One disadvantage is that drivers will get quotes only from a single insurance company. To obtain quotes from different providers, drivers will have to visit different insurers websites and complete a questionnaire for every site.

Brokerage websites. Many drivers consider that brokerage websites are the ideal places to obtain quotes. Brokerage websites work together with multiple insurance companies. Drivers that visit a brokerage website will have to fil only one questionnaire in order to receive quotes from multiple insurance companies. With the help of brokerage websites, drivers can discover offers made by local or regional insurers. These relatively unknown insurers can offer better insurance offers than nationwide insurers. All insurers that offer insurance deals will have to adhere to the same set of questions provided by the brokerage website. By doing so, the significant price differences that drivers get when filling quotes at different insurers' sites will be gone.

Local insurance department. This is not exactly the place from where a driver can obtain car insurance quotes, but instead, drivers can find out more details about car insurance companies. Drivers can easily find a list of top insurers and some basic rate surveys.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has warned that the chaos in moving goods between GB and Northern Ireland "will get worse before it gets better".

Mr Gove said he was in discussions with the NI Executive, working to ensure "that businesses in Northern Ireland can continue to have access to the rest of the UK market, and that Northern Ireland businesses can have the goods that they need on the shelves, that they have access to at the moment".

On Friday night DUP minister Edwin Poots called on the UK Government to take immediate action to prevent the Northern Ireland Protocol causing further damage to the local economy - but faced criticism from political rivals.

Mr Poots warned there could be food shortages if changes were not made.

There has been an escalation in reports of bare supermarket shelves, freight delays, and disruption to parcel services and commercial traffic.

"I have met senior members of Her Majesty's Government to highlight the scale of the problem, and urged them to take steps up to and including invoking Article 16 as it is evident that the Protocol is damaging Northern Ireland at the economic and societal level," Mr Poots tweeted.

"I met hauliers, supermarkets, and processors this week.

"Jobs will be lost in processing, costs of transportation will rise, a wide range of frozen/chilled foods will be unavailable after the temporary exemption period ends."

The DAERA Minister - whose own Stormont Department is responsible for the implementation of EU customs checkpoints at NI ports -blamed the increasing commercial difficulties on political opponents.

"The issues at our ports are a result of the Ireland Northern Ireland Protocol supported by SF, SDLP and Alliance Party," he tweeted.

Responding SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "You broke it, you own it."

Alliance MP Stephen Farry also hit back: "Most people well know how DUP helped to deliver a destructive Brexit and the resultant need for special measures for NI. For now, our focus is on mitigating and managing the fallout of DUP's actions," the North Down MP tweeted.

Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson also tweeted: "Own it Edwin you and other Brexiteers caused this unmitigated disaster. If you didn't know this was going to happen because of Brexit, you were asleep at the wheel."

Marks & Spencer has already had to suspend nearly 400 of its food product lines in NI due to EU bureaucracy imposed under the NI Protocol since Jan 1.

Chief executive Steve Rowe explained how their Percy Pig sweets are a typical example. "Percy Pig is actually manufactured in Germany, and if it comes to the UK and we then send it to Ireland, in theory, he would have some tax on it. So we've got a lot to do in terms of composition and rerouting, but it's really important that we continue to be focused on trading the business."

Meanwhile, DUP MP Ian Paisley called on Mr Gove to invoke Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which permits the UK to act unilaterally if the Protocol causes "serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties... or to diversion of trade.". However experts have said triggering Article 16 would not be an automatic quick fix.

Meanwhile, the Ulster Unionist Party on Friday tabled a recall petition in the Assembly to address the disruption to trade caused by the Protocol.
Jaipur:

Disgruntled BJP MLA in Rajasthan Ghanshyam Tiwari, who has been criticising Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, lashed out at the Narendra Modi government saying development is taking place only for some corporate houses.

He has been targeting Raje and the BJPs state leadership after he was served show cause notice by the party last month for anti-party activities.

Development is taking place only for a few select corporate houses... Most of the wealth in the county is owned by just a few people, Tiwari said on Sunday.

Questioning the development agenda of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, he said, The country has emerged as a major global economic power but there is no development for ordinary citizens.

No farmer in the country is left without debt. They are throwing their milk on streets. Unemployment rate is on the rise. The country now has centralised capitalism, he had said at a programme in Bharatpur.

Also Read | Meghalaya: BJP leader Bachu Marak quits over Centres ban on cattle sale for slaughter

In his reply to the show-cause notice, the rebel BJP MLA had claimed that he did not attend party meetings and events due to threat to his life, and that he will not bow down to the corrupt and inferior leadership.

In his two strongly-worded replies, Tiwari had attacked Raje, calling her queen of indiscipline, and questioned the central leadership for not taking action against her.

Also Read: BJP should take lessons from farmers strike else lava of their pain will create havoc for it, warns Shiv Sena

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
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.

Democratic President-elect Joe Bidens press conference yesterday afternoon in Wilmington, Delaware was devoted to a cover-up of those politically responsible for the fascistic coup on Wednesday aimed at blocking Congressional certification of Bidens own victory.

Less than 48 hours after hundreds of people, incited by President Trump and backed by top officials in the Republican Party, stormed the Capitol, Biden called for unity with his Republican colleagues and made clear that he is opposed to holding anyone politically accountable.

Der designierte Prasident Joe Biden spricht am Freitag, den 8. Januar 2021, im The Queen Theater in Wilmington, Delaware (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Biden deliberately sidestepped a question as to whether he supported the immediate impeachment of Trump for inciting Wednesdays insurrection, which has been proposed by some members of the House of Representatives. What the Congress decides to do, thats for them to decide, Biden said.

Biden later stressed his opposition to any attempt to remove Trump immediately, saying, If we were six months out, we should be doing everything to get him out of office, but two weeks before Inauguration Day, I am focused on us taking control as president and vice president on the 20ththat is, at the end of Trumps term.

The remainder of Bidens remarks were focused on providing political cover for Republican officials who assisted Trumps coup. Referring to Vice President Pence as Mike, he said that he would be honored to have him at the inauguration ceremony on January 20, which Trump declared on Friday he would boycott.

Asked if he thought Josh Hawley and Ted Cruztwo of the Republican senators who played leading roles in promoting the lie that the election was riggedshould resign, Biden only offered the hope that they would be beaten the next time they run for office, that is, in 2024. Cruz and Hawley were among seven Republican senators who voted to reject the electoral votes from the state of Pennsylvania early Thursday morning, after the attempted coup. Hawley was photographed raising his fist in salute to the fascist demonstrators.

Most significant was what Biden said of Mitch McConnell, who remains Senate majority leader until elections for officers are held in the new Democratic-controlled Senate. Biden said he was so proud of McConnell. I thought what he said before the United States Senate was the right thing to do. He stood up; he was ashamed.

Biden was referring to McConnells speech on the Senate floor Wednesday, as he tried to cover up his own role in providing political legitimacy for Trumps efforts to nullify the elections.

All of the figures defended by Biden helped prepare the assault on the Capitol with weeks of lying claims that the election was stolen. McConnell, as leader of the Republicans in the Senate, rendered critical service to Trump by withholding Republican recognition of Bidens election for weeks. He declared in the aftermath of the election that Trump was 100 percent within his rights to look into allegations of irregularities and weigh his legal options.

McConnells wife, Elaine Chao, has served in Trumps cabinet as transportation secretary throughout the entire four years of the administration. She announced yesterday that she is resigning effective this coming Monday, as part of an effort by top administration officials to distance themselves from Trump.

Bidens principal concern yesterday was to uphold the stability of the Republican Party itself. We need a Republican Party, he said. We need an opposition that is principled and strong. He referred several times during his brief remarks to his Republican friends, and stressed that he would strive to unify Republicans and Democrats to accomplish things we have to agree on and work together on.

Within the framework of American bourgeois politics, Bidens statement that the Democrats need a strong Republican Party means that the worst possible outcome would be a rout of the party of Trump, the incubator of fascism. Biden and the Democrats want to make sure that a political instrument essential to the defense of ruling class interests is not shattered by the at least temporary failure of the coup.

This is why the Democrats are opposed to an exposure of the criminal conspiracy, even though it was directed at their own electoral victory. If the truth were to come out, the radicalizing impact on masses of workers would threaten the stability of not only the Republican Party, but the entire state apparatus and the capitalist system it defends.

Whatever their tactical differences, centered primarily on foreign policy, the Democrats and Republicans represent the ruling class. They are far more worried about a revolutionary movement of the working class than they are about the overthrow of what remains of democratic forms of rule in the United States.

In his recently published memoir, former President Barack Obama remarks that he was quietly angry about protests against George W. Bush at the time of Obamas inauguration. Never mind that Bush came to office through the theft of an election, or that he waged illegal wars that killed hundreds of thousands of people. The matter at hand was defense of the institutions of the capitalist state.

In November 2016, immediately after Trumps election, the Democrats responded with pledges to work with the incoming administration. The election, Obama declared, is an intramural scrimmage between two sides of the same team.

Over the past year, as Trump attempted to overthrow the Constitution and establish a personalist dictatorship, the Democrats sought to cover up the far-reaching assault on democratic rights. Following Trumps June 1 speech threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act against protests over police murder, the Democrats ceded all opposition to this effort to establish a military dictatorship to the military itself.

Just three months ago, when Trump came down with the coronavirus in early October, one month before the election and only days after Trump called on the fascistic Proud Boys to stand back and stand by, the Democrats responded by wishing for his speedy and complete recovery.

The New York Times published an editorial, Get Well, Mr. President, expressing its hope that Trump would recover swiftly for the sake of the nation. As the WSWS noted at the time, Trumps quick return to the White House was clearly motivated by deep concerns over the impact of his sickness on his position and political conspiracies.

Only days after Trumps return to the White House, the fascistic plot to kidnap and assassinate the governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, was revealed. The Democrats suppressed the significance of this coupa dress rehearsal for the events on Wednesdayand hardly defended Whitmer herself. No investigations were held of the many connections between the coup plotters and officials within the Republican Party and police forces.

Now, only days after an attempted fascistic insurrection, the line from the leader of the Democratic Party and the future president is unity and bipartisanship. It is necessary to turn the page, as Biden surrogate, Senator Tom Carper said Wednesday afternoon.

In other words, no oneaside from some participants in the right-wing mobwill be held accountable. These individuals will be celebrated as right-wing martyrs, and it will not be long before they are featured speakers at fundraising events for the fascists. Some of them, one can be certain, will be Republican candidates in future elections. As for the political organizers and abettors of the coupTrump, his vicious sons Eric and Donald Jr., Rudy Giuliani, Stephen Miller and other fascist gangstersthey will live and thrive to fight another day.

It is worth recalling that Hitler benefited politically from his failed putsch of 1923. He was sentenced to prison, where he was kept in comfortable confinement, and used his free time to write Mein Kampf. Within 10 years, he was chancellor of Germany.

As for a future Biden administration, it will be a right-wing regime viciously hostile to the working class. Bidens effort to strengthen the Republican Party is aimed at marginalizing and attacking the left. It is combined with the twin pillars of Democratic Party politics, the anti-Russia narrative of the military and intelligence agencies and the promotion of racialist conflict. The policy of a Democratic-run government will create the best conditions for the further growth of the far-right.

The effort to conceal the conspiracy must be opposed! The Socialist Equality Party demands the immediate removal and arrest of Trump and an open and public criminal investigation into all those who aided and abetted the fascistic putsch of January 6. Their emails, text messages and communications must be exposed. Everyone involved in directing, planning and providing political cover for this operation must be removed from office, arrested and sent to prison.

In raising this demand, the SEP does not give any credibility to the Democratic Party. Rather, it exposes both parties and the entire capitalist state.

Bringing the conspiracy to the full light of day is necessary to raise the consciousness of the working class about the nature of the forces it confronts, expose the connection between the fascist conspiracy and significant factions of the ruling class, and develop an independent movement of workers against the entire capitalist system.
New Delhi:

Twitter is buzzing with news alerts from India and rest of the world. Here are the latest updates from the micro-blogging site in one scroll:

LIVE | Kabul: Blast at Indian guesthouse during NATO peace talks, no causalities reported

#10:43 PM

Macron calls for 'unity', 'calm' in Gulf crisis: presidency- AFP

#10:25 PM

Hyderabad: Farmers from Narsapur Assembly Constituency met CM K Chandrashekhar Rao, Minister Harish Rao & MLA Madan Reddy were also present- ANI



#10:00 PM

Uttarakhand: Road blocked due to landslide near Chamol- ANI



#9:56 PM

Qatar crisis has 'no impact' on US military operations: Pentagon- AFP

#9:43 PM

Notre-Dame hammer attacker shouted 'this is for Syria': minister- AFP

#9:41 PM

4 people injured as handrail of an escalator moving upwards, started moving in opposite direction at Kolkata's Kavi Subhas Metro station.



#9:32 PM

One man arrested as video goes viral showing 2 men being tied to a tree upside down & beaten up in Bihar's Kaimur district last week: Police- PTI

#9:29 PM

Bihar: Police in Rohtas seized 3,248 bottles of illicit liquor, recovered from a dry well during a raid carried out following a tip off.- ANI



#9:27 PM

4 children killed, 2 seriously injured in lightning strike at Mundaro village in Jharkhand's Giridih district: Police.- PTI

#9:22 PM

J&K: One civilian killed in clash between protesters and security forces during cordon operation in Shopian's Ganowpora-ANI



#9:19 PM

Congress leader in Porbandar deletes Facebook post making contact number of a Gujarat minister public after police intervention.-PTI



#9:07 PM

Coimbatore:Beef Festival organized by members of 'Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam' in protest against ban on sale of cattle for slaughter- ANI

#8:58 PM

Paris police say operation at Notre Dame cathedral is over; one attacker wounded, reports AP- ANI

#8:57 PM

Gurugram: Police releases sketches of suspects in Manesar gangrape case. Woman was gangraped in auto,her 9 month-old daughter was also killed- ANI

#8:52 PM

Maoist hideout busted in Chhattisgarh's Sukma after gunbattle, cache of explosive-making materials recovered: officials- PTI

#8:48 PM

Three people held with Rs 25 lakh in scrapped currency in Gujarat's Anand district: Police- PTI

#8:45 PM

NSA and Gangsters Act to be invoked against those involved in cow slaughter and trafficking of milch animals for slaughter:DGP Sulkhan Singh- ANI

#8:39 PM

Illegal phone connections case: Former Union telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanidhi Maran appear in CBI court in Chennai- PTI



#8:39 PM

In view of prevailing situation in Kashmir, CISF has sounded alert at power plants Uri 1 & Uri 2 of the valley as a precautionary measure- ANI

#8:37 PM

RJD chief Lalu Prasad, ex-Bihar CM Jagannath Mishra appear in special CBI court in Patna in connection with a multi-crore fodder scam case.- PTI



#8:36 PM

Goa govt retracts plea challenging dropping of serious charges against 2 Christian priests for attacking group of special branch policemen- PTI



#8:35 PM

Anti-terrorist prosecutors open probe after Notre-Dame attack- AFP

#8:33 PM

Liquor manufacturers from Bihar move SC, seek clarification on order granting time till July 31 to dispose old stocks worth over Rs 200 cr.- PTI



#8:33 PM

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake met EAM Sushma Swaraj in Delhi.- ANI

#8:31 PM

Right to life of people cannot be risked by encroachments: Delhi HC.- PTI



#8:22 PM

Woman, allegedly tortured by in-laws, committed suicide along with her two kids by jumping into canal in Gujarat's Kheda. Probe underway- ANI

#8:13 PM

Lucknow: BJP MLA Shriram Sonkar allegedly slapped a Traffic Home Guard after argument over the MLA wrongly using a one way route- ANI



#8:12 PM

Police shoot, injure attacker outside Paris's Notre-Dame cathedral: authorities- AFP

#7:58 PM

Assam: More than 59,000 people affected due to flood situation in 92 villages of Lakhimpur, Karimganj and Darrang districts- ANI

#7:42 PM

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.- ANI

#7:24 PM

Trump says isolating Qatar 'beginning of end' of terrorism- AFP

#7:17 PM

Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini with all-women crew entered Port Louis harbour, Mauritius on her maiden visit since induction in Feb 17- ANI

#7:10 PM

China launches 1st World Pest Day with an aim to eventually reduce and eliminate pest-borne diseases.- PTI



#6:48 PM

Chhattisgarh: One Naxal (Jan Militia member) surrendered before CRPF's 80 battalion in Jagdalpur- ANI

#6:38 PM

Nepal Parliament elects Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba as 40th Prime Minister of Nepal- ANI

#6:15 PM

Karnataka: One accused arrested in the minor girl gang rape case in Davangere district's Channagiri- ANI

#5:54 PM

Investigation is being conducted as per the due process of law & under jurisdiction of Court of law: CBI on raids at Prannoy Roy's locations- ANI

#5:52PM

CBI fully respects the freedom of press and is committed to the free functioning of news operations: CBI on raids at Prannoy Roy's locations- ANI

#5:43 PM

Amarnath Shrine Board issues health advisory for pilgrims for Yatra which is set to begin from June 29th- ANI

#5:36 PM

Huge explosion rocks Jam-e-Mosque in Afghanistan's western Herat province; 7 killed, more than 15 wounded- ANI

#5:25 PM

India's growth has slowed down due to demonetisation, economy running on just one engine of public spending: ex-PM Manmohan Singh at CWC- PTI

#5:19 PM

UGC & AICTE to soon be history, govt planning to replace them with a single higher education regulator: HRD ministry sources.- PTI

#5:18 PM

PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to meet this week on sidelines of SCO Summit in Astana.- PTI

#5:16 PM

Chhattisgarh: Exchange of fire took place b/w Police&Naxals in Jongeras y'day.IED making materials,3 detonators & naxal literature recovered- ANI

#4:54 PM

Mandsaur farmers' protest (MP): Death toll rises to three, curfew imposed in sensitive areas- ANI

#4:39 PM

Government is at war with the farmers of our country: Congress vice President Rahul Gandhi on farmers' protest and firing in Mandsaur- ANI

#4:28 PM

UK police name third London attacker as Italian national Youssef Zaghba- AFP

#4:28 PM

Pilots write to DGCA, say "unconditional apologies for getting your (DGCA Official Lalit Gupta) designation wrong"- ANI

#4:22 PM

Philippines temporarily suspends deployment of Filipino workers to crisis-gripped Qatar- AP

#4:16 PM

Delhi Police examining a group of pilots after DGCA filed complaint against them for allegedly bad mouthing their bosses in a WhatsApp group- ANI

#4:11 PM

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan orders judicial enquiry into the firing incident during farmers' protest in Mandsaur- ANI

#4:08 PM

Within six months, Uttar Pradesh's 100 district hospitals will come on the platform of 'E-hospital': Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad- ANI

#4:06 PM

Delhi money laundering case: Yogesh Mittal,a close associate of Advocate Rohit Tandon sent to three days ED custody by Saket Court.- ANI

#3:55 PM

CBDT notifies transactions for which condition of chargeability to Securities TransactionTax for claiming exemption u/s10(38)shall not apply- ANI

#3:54 PM

3 killed, 8 including women have been injured in an attack on Bugti refugees camp by ISI in Spin boldak,Afghanistan: Baloch Republican Party- ANI

#3:52 PM

Third London attack suspect was Italian-Moroccan: Italian media- AFP

#3:48 PM

Sensex retreats from record, ends 118.93 pts lower at 31,190.56; Nifty falls 37.95 pts to 9,637.15.- PTI

#3:48 PM

Cabinet secretary PK Sinha asks different Ministries/Departments & PSUs under these Ministries to set-up & activate a GST Facilitation Cell.- ANI

#3:38 PM

Kremlin 'resolutely' denies Russia hacked US vote- AFP



#3:35 PM

El Nino likely in second half of monsoon, but is seen weak: IMD Director General K G Ramesh- ANI

#3:19 PM

Madhya Pradesh: 2 farmers dead, 4 injured in firing that took place in Mandsaur during farmers' protest.- ANI

#3:11 PM

Madhya Pradesh: Death toll rises to two in firing during farmers' protest in Mandsaur- ANI

#2:30 PM

AIADMK 'Two Leaves' symbol EC bribery case: Hawala operators Nathu Singh and Lalit Kumar granted bail by Delhi Court- ANI

#02:19 PM

Maj Gogoi did great job by saving lives but few ppl hv to condemn Army than condemning acts of Pak-V Naidu on Army Chief-Gen Dyer comparison-ANI

#02:08 PM

DG CRPF Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar visits Kashmir; interacted with 45 Battalion CRPF Sumbal, Cheetahs of 45 and 44th Battalion

#02:02 PM

Met like-minded parties to find commonly acceptable candidates.Sub-group of representatives frmed fr way frward-S.Gandhi on Pres&VP election-ANI

#01:55 PM

Ironically, whatever success/progress this govt (NDA) has scored, came from programs/projects started by UPA govt: Sonia Gandhi in CWC meet-ANI

#01:31 PM

Misa Bharti fined Rs.10,000 for not appearing today;Fresh summon issued for her to appear on 12 June;her husband Shailesh to appear tomorrow-ANI

#01:27 PM

MP: Internet suspended in Mandsaur, Ratlam & Ujjain due to farmers' protest. Rashtriya Kisaan Mazdoor Sangh calls for state-wide bandh tmrw-ANI



#01:00 PM

West Bengal: Fire broke out in a truck carrying plastic granules on NH 41 near Barsundara in East Midnapore district; 2 fire tenders on spot-ANI

#12:49 PM

UP CM Yogi Adityanath seeks explanation from ten Superintendents of Police over lack timely addressal of public grievances.-ANI

#12:36 PM

Early reports indicate a rocket landed close to Resolute Support compound in Kabul city: Tolo News #Afghanistan-ANI

#12:28 PM

Asked DM & CMO to submit a report, it should not have happened,shows how insensitive the system has become: Siddharth Nath Singh,UP Minister-ANI



#12:14 PM

Delhi money laundering case: Yogesh Mittal,a close associate of Advocate Rohit Tandon arrested by ED-ANI

#12:12 AM

Karnataka: Minor girl gang-raped in Davangere district's Channagiri; all accused absconding-ANI

#11:57 AM

Bengaluru: Union Minister Piyush Goyal eats food at a Dalit party worker's home pic.twitter.com/Sx2zZl1DXs  ANI (@ANI_news) June 6, 2017

#11:51 AM

One killed, six injured in clash between two communities in UP's #Muzaffarnagar district-ANI

#11:27 AM

Ruchira Kamboj appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of South Africa-ANI

#11:25 AM

Meghalaya BJP leader Bachu Marak resigns over Centre's cattle slaughter rule-ANI

#11:21 AM

Vijaypura (Karnataka): A pregnant Muslim woman burnt alive for allegedly marrying a Dalit man; four people arrested-ANI



#11:05 AM

At least 175 people fall ill,allegedly due to food poisioning, after breaking #Ramzan fast at a madrassa in Harwatand village in UP: police-ANI

#10:29 AM

DG CRPF Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar to visit Kashmir today, to interact with 45 Battalion CRPF Sumbal, Cheetahs of 45 and 44th Battalion-ANI

#9:33 AM

Misa Bharti not to appear today before Income-Tax officials for questioning over money laundering : Sources- ANI

#9:31 AM

Kaimur (Bihar): Two men tied upside down and beaten for stealing chairs from a wedding pic.twitter.com/UXRfVlryJ7  ANI (@ANI_news) June 6, 2017

#9:28 AM

Patna: RJD chief Lalu Yadav appeared before a special CBI Court in Fodder scam case-ANI

#8:47 AM

Jaipur (Rajasthan): 5 people dead after an overloaded truck fell on a car, in Chomu House circle area-ANI

#8:16 AM

Delhi: Doctors on a one-day strike to protest against increasing cases of violence against doctors across the country pic.twitter.com/k2hrVIm0U5  ANI (@ANI_news) June 6, 2017

#8:07 AM

Mumbai: Rise in prices of vegetables as some farmer groups continue with strike. Sellers complain of sharp decline in sale pic.twitter.com/JAHaSRA017  ANI (@ANI_news) June 6, 2017

#8:06 AM

Indian energy giant #Adani Group gives final investment approval for its massive #coalmine project in Australia.-PTI

#7:54 AM

Haryana: Woman allegedly gangraped in an auto rickshaw, 9 month old daughter killed in Gurugram-ANI

#7:30 AM

Moradabad: Body of kidnapped girl found in a field in Thakurdwara. Police begin investigation pic.twitter.com/Zegr6LX7F3  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 6, 2017

#6:56 AM

Wide sensational media coverage on my attendance at IndvPak match at Edgbaston.I intend to attend all games to cheer India :Vijay Mallya- ANI



For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
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.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters join our brothers and sisters across the labor movement in condemning the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday and decrying the murder of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. Officer Sicknick was a member of the U.S. Capitol Police Labor Committee.

"This past week we witnessed an unprecedented assault on our democracy, as a mob of extremists stormed the sacred halls of the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to thwart the will of the people and prevent the certification of the Presidential election," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "This unconscionable attack on America was incited by President Trump and is the culmination of more than five years of hate, division and lies sowed by the President. We call for a full investigation into these events, and all those responsible to be held accountable."

The Teamsters Union represents more than 30,000 law enforcement officers across the United States and more than 200,000 public service employees in North America who serve as front line and essential workers.

"We mourn the death of Officer Sicknick and stand in solidarity with the U.S. Capitol Police Labor Committee and all public service workers in the Capitol," said Jason Rabinowitz, Director of the Teamsters Public Services Division. "The attack on our democracy failed in large part thanks to the law enforcement officers and other public service heroes who defended the Capitol and secured the electoral votes, allowing the vote of Congress to go forward."

The Teamsters are members of the North American Building Trades Union (NABTU) and support NABTU's announcement of a $100,000 reward for the arrest of suspects involved in Officer Sicknick's murder. More information can be found at NABTU.org.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

Contact:

Galen Munroe, (202) 439-7427

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Related Links

http://www.teamster.org


Nominee John L. Ratcliffe sits during a Senate Intelligence Committee nomination hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office building on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 5, 2020. (Gabriella Demczuk-Pool/Getty Images)

US Space Force Joins Intelligence Community as Its 18th Member: DNI Ratcliffe

Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe announced Friday that the U.S. Space Force (USSF) officially joined the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) as its 18th member.

No other organization has joined the IC since 2006.

This accession reaffirms our commitment to securing outer space as a safe and free domain for Americas interests, Ratcliffe said during a ceremony Friday. American power in space is stronger and more unified than ever before. Today we welcome Space Force to the Intelligence Community and look forward to the power and ingenuity of a space security team unrivaled by any nation.

Ratcliffe said that the integration of both organizations would increase the efficacy of their operations and highlight the significance of space intelligence, such as military observation and development efforts.

Through sharing space-related information and intelligence, the IC and DoD increase integration and coordination of our intelligence activities to achieve best effect and value in executing our missions, he said. This move not only underscores the importance of space as a priority intelligence and military operational domain for national security, but ensures interoperability, future capability development and operations, and true global awareness for strategic warning.

An annotated version of the new Space Force logo, explaining the design choices. (Space Force)

Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond was also present at the ceremony on Friday.

Raymond said that the adjoining of the new military branch to the IC would make the space domain accessible, and national security would be safeguarded.

Today, we took action to elevate space intelligence missions, tradecraft, and collaboration to ensure the success of the Space Force, the Intelligence Community, and ultimately our National Security, Raymond said. This is a significant milestone, a clear statement that America is committed to a secure and accessible space domain. Our partnership will ensure the Space Force and the Nation remain always above any threat.

Gen. John Raymond testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington on June 4, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security Ezra Cohen added, Todays change aligns our newest service with the other members of the Defense Intelligence Enterprise and will help ensure our efforts are coordinated and synchronized across all domains of warfare.

President Donald Trump last year said that the U.S Military was developing a super-duper missile that could travel 17 times faster than what we have right now.

Were building, right now, incredible military equipment at a level that nobody has ever seen before. We have no choice. We have to do it, with the adversaries we have out there, Trump said, singling out Russia and China.
Scout Willis is evidently still making social calls to her pals in the midst of a pandemic.

The 29-year-old daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis was spotted walking to a friend's place in Los Angeles on Friday.

Along for the trip was her pup Grandma, who was rescued after her now-owner found her walking down a city street in 2019.

Stepping out: On Friday, Scout Willis was spotted carrying her pup Grandma while making a visit to a friend's place in Los Angeles

Willis was spotted wearing a distressed black t-shirt featuring a graphic print from heavy metal mainstays Iron Maiden.

She wore the shirt underneath a cozy grey cardigan and carried a multi-print jacket in case the cool Los Angeles winter weather grew any colder.

The social media personality also was seen in a pair of red pinstripe pants which she wore above a set of high-top leather boots.

She allowed her flowing brunette hair to fall down past her shoulders during her social outing.

Stylish: Willis was spotted wearing a distressed black t-shirt featuring a graphic for the heavy metal legends Iron Maiden and red pinstripe pants

Keeping her close: Instead of using a leash, the social media personality held Grandma close to her chest as she walked to her friend's house

In addition to carrying a red handbag to store her belongings, Willis wore a large black facemask to keep herself safe in the midst of the coronavirus situation in Southern California.

In lieu of utilizing a leash, Scout carried Grandma to her friend's place.

While Willis is typically very active on her various social media platforms, she made a post to her Instagram account on New Year's Eve announcing that she would be stepping back from posting for an extended period of time.

She noted that she would update her followers who were interested in her upcoming musical project regularly, although her regular posts would cease for a while.

Taking a break: On New Year's Eve, Willis made a post to her Instagram account announcing that she would he stepping back from the platform for an extended period of time

The caption for the post partially read: 'I want to keep all interested parties abreast of the progress with my album, and I shall!'

She continued: 'However, I am starting this year off with an Instagram sabbatical in service of taking exquisite care of myself and starting this new blessed year off right!!'

Willis then expressed that her followers would start the new year off with a healthy mindset and new goals in mind.

She wrote: 'I hope tonight you can set an intention to let go of everything that does not serve you and call into your life all that is for your highest good and the highest good of all concerned!'

Willis ended the message on a positive note, writing that she was: 'Sending so much LOVE to everyone out there.'
ARISS contact with school in Japan

An ARISS educational school contact is planned for Shannon Walker KD5DXB with students at Shigagakuen Junior and Senior High School, Higashioumi, Japan.

The contact is schedules for Wednesday January 13,2021 at approximately 10:38 UTC.

This will be a direct contact operated by 8N3SG.

You are invited to view the live stream at http://youtu.be/cT6j-7N6zC

A 45-year-old Lithuanian man who was arrested yesterday morning with more than 1m in cash in the van he was driving was moving the money on behalf of the notorious 'The Family' gang, senior sources revealed.

The suspect is being detained at Portlaoise garda station under anti-gangland legislation, where he is being questioned about "involvement in a criminal organisation, to facilitate money laundering, relating to the suspected proceeds of drug trafficking," gardai said in a statement.

Detectives believe the arrested man, who is based in the midlands, had been moving the huge cash haul on for one of Ireland's biggest drugs trafficking networks.

Gardai believe the cash was to be moved out of the country.

It is the second major cash seizure against the gang in just over three months after a multi-million euro seizure last year.

The west Dublin-based drug trafficking mob, led by convicted heroin dealer Brian Grendon (42), have been the subject of numerous raids by specialist garda units in recent years, but they remain one of the biggest drug dealing organisations in the State.

'The Family' gang have been using Dublin garages to launder money for years and in June, 2017, in a major operation by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) five car dealerships were raided and another three visited by officers in searches which yielded more than 1m worth of assets, including luxury watches and high-end cars.

Yesterday morning's operation involved members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), intercepting a van on the M7 near Ballybrittas, Co Laois, at 6.30am. The seven figure cash sum was found in the vehicle.

Around 10,000 in cash was then discovered during follow-up searches in the midlands by detectives.

Brian Grendon, along with his older brother Philip, are classified as two of the main leaders of the mob, whose stronghold is in the Clondalkin and Ballyfermot areas.

Brian was jailed for six years in December, 2002, for the possession of 1.9m worth of heroin in a Palmerstown pub in November, 2001.

Brian's older brother Philip (45) is understood to have been released from a tough Spanish jail in 2018 after he was caught in a bizarre bust in August, 2014.

Spanish police arrested him after he threw one of two suitcases containing 3.8m worth of cocaine from a hotel window in a paranoid fit.

Speaking about the massive M7 cash seizure, Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll, who heads Organised and Serious Crime, said: "An Garda Siochana continues to pursue organised crime groups who are believed to involved in supplying illicit drugs within our communities, the motivation for which is financial gain.

Bizarre

"We again today have made a significant advance in our attempt to dismantle organised crime groups, by locating and seizing the suspected proceeds of their criminal activity.

"Despite our significant commitment to tackling issues associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, at this time, An Garda Siochana remains focused on protecting communities from serious and organised crime, including cyber enabled crime, drug trafficking and associated money laundering."

This is the idea that took over the world. First there was one democracy  then 10, then 20. There were some setbacks, but people really seemed to want democracy. And eventually, most of them got one. But 15 years ago, democracy stopped spreading, and it might not pick back up again. Even some places that seemed safely democratic turned out not to be. And people are even getting worried about established democracies like the U.S. So is there something wrong with democracy? Im Max Fisher. Im Amanda Taub. Were journalists at The New York Times. And this is the Interpreter. We can measure democracy kind of like a health score. Over here, there are full democracies like the United States. And over there are dictatorships like North Korea. So the further left a country is, the less democratic it is and the further right a country, the more democratic it is. Now lets see what happens when we add how rich the countries are. The higher on the graph, the richer the country and the lower on the graph, the poorer the country. Generally, countries have moved up and right. As they got richer, they became more democratic. Youve got your Englands, your Latvias, your Indonesias. You see a pattern? Countries getting richer. Countries getting more democratic. But look at countries like China and Saudi Arabia. They got richer, but never got more democratic. Look at Russia and Venezuela. They got democratic, but then backslid, which wasnt supposed to happen. So whats going on? China looked exactly like places we thought would become democracies next. They built up the rule of law, civil society and some institutions. Normally, those are the building blocks that eventually add up to democracy. But they were really designed to make citizens just happy enough to protect the authoritarian system from the will of the people. And whenever the government feels like it could lose control, it uses the other side of its strategy: violent oppression and coercion. Were seeing this in more places where dictators are learning how to stop democracy from forming. And at the same time, some elected leaders are developing their own playbook for pulling democratic systems down from within. A handful of seemingly established democracies are sliding back towards dictatorship. These countries didnt have coups or invasions. In each case, voters elected strongman leaders who dismantled their democracies from within. Venezuela had been democratic for 40 years, then Hugo Chavez rose on a message that only he spoke for the people. People cheered as he accrued power for himself, jailed his opponents and tore down the democratic institutions that constrained him. And when the dust settled, Chavez was unchecked. Society descended into chaos that is getting worse every day. Other elected leaders are using similar tactics, but always bit by bit  in ways that arent obvious and might even be popular at the time. One of the most powerful forces that can turn people against democracy is polarization. When people feel scared enough of their political opponents, it feels more important to protect their side than it does to protect democracy. Leaders can exploit that fear. So if youre Russian and you support Putin, you might blame societys problems on gay people or nefarious Western plots. If youre Turkish and support Erdogan, you fear the secular elites will impose military rule. And were seeing that kind of polarization and fear start to take hold in established democracies. You are a racist, no good American. I was just called a racist. Could it happen in the United States? It still feels impossible. And it might be. So far, the system is resilient. But the warning signs are here. Polarization. Populism. Distrust of institutions. A desire for strongman leaders to smash the system. These things dont necessarily mean that democracy is doomed. But they show that in times of social stress, even a free people can dismantle their own democracy without realizing theyre doing it. Democracy is still a pretty new system of government. That century-long trend might not have been a trend at all. Just a few one-time moments that we mistook for inevitability. We want to believe it will last forever, but we cant be sure.
The politics of procession is an oft-repeated diatribe that becomes a convenient excuse to tarnish a certain community. However, what often gets buried under the reams of such atrocious literature is the fact that communalism does not express itself via politics

The discourse has been rather charitable in abusing the Hindutva brigade when it comes to instances of communal violence. But the trend to offer a selective reading -- as has been presented in several shoddy attempts -- and claim a grand theory is becoming rather stale. The irony of the timing perhaps, given the backdrop of the bogey being raised in light of the recent attacks on the Capitol in the United States of America, could not have been worse though: this is the month that marks the thirty first year of a genocidal exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from their homeland - a smear so dark on the face of Indias fake liberals that they can perhaps never remove it. Not that it matters  the animosity that they possess for the uncultured and barbarian natives of India perhaps overrides everything else that they witness.

Nor is the hype on secularism ever visible when it comes to a state like Meghalaya. For more than four decades now, Hindus of Meghalaya have been at the receiving end of the xenophobic Christian Khasi Students Union (KSU). As has only very recently been brought to light, it started in 1979 with the desecration of a Kali idol during Diwali in Shillong, followed by the ethnic cleansing of Bengalis. This too is a tale of forced migration like the Kashmiri Pandits, that still remains untold and unknown to most Indians, thanks to the curious silence of the bleeding-heart secularists of India. Perhaps a selective kind of xenophobia is a permissible crime in their world.

Communalism Doesnt Need a Procession to Manifest

The politics of procession is an oft-repeated diatribe that becomes a convenient excuse to tarnish a certain community without hesitation. However, what often gets buried under the reams of such atrocious literature is the fact that communalism does not express itself via politics; it is about the intolerance towards simple things in the name of religious values of the few.

In January 2020, two communities engaged in a stone pelting in Qutubpur Kusani Village in Saharanpur District. As usual, the trigger was something anodyne - a music band was accompanying resident Dharampal Singh, who had retired from the local Inter-College. Muslims objected to a Hindu band procession playing music in front of their house, leading to an altercation that quickly escalated into violence between the two communities.

Communalism also shows itself up in the form of intolerance towards people wanting to work on their own parcels of land. In Uttar Pradeshs Auraiya district the same month, an FIR was registered against eleven people of a certain community by the Uttar Pradesh Police for beating up an army jawan supervising construction work on his own plot. His crime? Locals had accused the jawan of being inebriated and raising the incendiary Jai Shri Ram slogans. This led to a fracas, with a crowd of Muslims heckling and beating up the jawan.

Walking back in time slightly, one wonders what procession did the Kashmiri Pandits hold that caused them to face incidents of stone pelting? Wanting to perhaps get a second chance at life in transit camps in Baramulla, Haal and other places in Kashmir , they are now forced to feel caged and are unable to roam about freely.

Questions also remain as to how Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu could be allowed to witness fatwas declaring Muslim-majority villages out of bound for people even from the district itself. What procession drove this radical decision?

The excuse that a community gets provoked to take certain steps is quite a baffling justification. When the case of Munawar Faruqui came up, the provocation resulted in a police case. Comparisons of the same to the beheadings in France looked like a cruel joke, especially given the fact that people lost lives for printing a cartoon. If provocation is so easy, it frankly raises the question on the sagacity of communities to exercise restraint.

Provocation is not just a one-way street in any case. The selective reading reeks of hypocrisy even more, when one sees the utter silence on attacks on temples in Andhra Pradesh. The DGP of Andhra Pradesh was on record to inform the media that in 2020, about 228 cases of attacks on temples were registered in Andhra Pradesh, compared to 305 cases in 2019, 267 in 2018, 318 in 2017, 332 in 2016 and 290 in 2015. One can, perhaps, wonder where the politics of procession plays a role in encouraging temple attacks.

The list could get long if one were to be honest, but honesty and secularism are like oil and water  an emulsion that is immiscible. The selective reading of the communal history of India is a problem that tries to cover up the complexity of Indias inter-community relations by painting one community as the villain. Honest introspection, however, continues to remain a distant dream when it comes to the self-appointed vanguards of Indias values. As their edifices crumble down challenged by the questions on their narrative, one can only pray that some lessons will be learnt eventually, so that the self-anointed secularists of India can speak honestly for once.
Makar Sankranti: No blanket on kite flying

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Ahmedabad, Jan 09: The Gujarat High Court refused to put a blanket ban on kite flying related to Uttarayan and Makar Sankranti festivities on January 14 and approved restrictions which the state government has proposed in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

Kite flying is a major activity during Uttarayan in Gujarat, which falls on January 14, with people gathering on terraces of buildings etc to take part.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vikram Nath and Justice JB Pardiwala gave their consent to restrictions imposed by the state government while flying kites on Makar Sankranti.

While hearing a bunch of petitions, some demanding a complete ban on the festival to stop the spread of the virus and others seeking relief, the HC said "we are not anti-anyone and don''t want to take away anyone''s livelihood."

"But, putting other''s lives in jeopardy is also a consideration. There is a large responsibility on the public," it said.

The measures proposed by the government include a ban on flying kites in open grounds or public areas, as well as no entry on terraces without masks, maintaining social distancing and putting hand sanitizers on the terraces.

Advocate General Kamal Trivedi, while reading out the proposed measures during the online hearing, informed the bench that the government would issue a notification in this regard after getting approval from the court.

While there will be a ban on loudspeakers or sound amplifier systems during the celebrations, only close family members will be allowed on terraces, and no person other than residents and owners of flats in housing societies will be allowed to assemble on its terraces, the government informed the court.

Making a small addition, the bench said the society chairman or secretary will be responsible if this condition is breached.

"No one is allowed to display any writing, slogan, pictures on kites that can affect the sentiments of society and disturb public tranquility" read the government response which was approved by the court.

Those found violating these instructions will be booked under relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act and Indian Penal Code, it added.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 15:49 [IST]
Sweden, which has long shunned lockdowns and face mask orders as tools in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, has given its government power to act more forcefully to stem the spread of the disease.

Parliament on Friday passed an emergency law that will allow the government to limit the number of people in shops, businesses and public places, like theaters and public swimming pools, or even order their closure in case of violations. The government will also be able to fine individuals for breaking coronavirus rules.

The new powers go into effect on Sunday, freeing the government to do more than make recommendations, as it has thus far. But with the country struggling to battle a second wave of the coronavirus, and with emergency wards filling up to critical capacity, the government said it needed more tools.

As of Saturday, Swedens total death toll stood at 9,433. The country now has 93 deaths per 100,000 people, less than Britain, which has 120, but far more than its neighbor Norway, with nine.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Donald Trump and his henchmen did not single-handedly normalize political violence. That was the collective work of many hands. Our liberal consensus is dying because of ideologues on the left and the right.

Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump cover their faces to protect from tear gas during a clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington

Anzeige

Ours is the age of the mob and on Wednesday a mob stormed Capitol Hill. This particular gang was encouraged by the president, the most powerful man in the world, who for weeks has lied to his supporters, insisting that the election was stolen. Were going to the capitol, he said in a 70-minute speech at a rally on Wednesday, to try to give them the kind of pride and boldness they need to take back our country. His lawyer, Rudolph W. Giuliani, stood before the gathering and called for trial by combat.

What followed was a scene out of a banana republic. The mob attacked the police. They shattered windows. They trashed the office of the Senate parliamentarian. They took down the stars and stripes and carried Confederate flags. They live streamed and took selfies and bragged to reporters about stealing Nancy Pelosis stationary from her desk. One man wore a sweatshirt emblazoned with a skull and the words Camp Auschwitz: Work will set you free.

Exactly how they were able to do all of this is a scandal for another day. But by the end of Wednesday four Americans were dead, including an Air Force veteran named Ashli Babbitt.

Anzeige

Sometime in the chaos--time blurred between initial videos of the crowds overtaking the police and the unforgettable image of a digital age Viking, a shirtless man with a horned fur hat mugging for pictures in the well of the senate chamber-- the president-elect of the United States found his way to a podium to declare: This is not who we are.

A pro-Trump mob breaks into the U.S. Capitol Quelle: AFP

Im a sop for that kind of rhetoric. Give me speeches about our better angels, the ever-perfecting union, the shining city on a hill, the last best hope on earth. I cant stand at the Lincoln Memorial or think of the words on the liberty bell without crying. I carry a pocket constitution in my backpack.

I am a Jew, but if its possible to be of two faiths my other one was always Americanism. I grew up on American exceptionalism and the kind of passionate patriotism possessed by those whose family stories would simply not be possible anywhere else in the world. I was raised with the rock-solid faith that ours was the most brilliant constitutional government ever devised. That what was good about this country so radically outweighed what was bad about it. That the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Anzeige

I keep texting friends that I am heartsick. But maybe the more accurate way to put it is that I feel like Im losing my religion. When I heard Joe Biden insist that this wasnt America I wanted to reply: Isnt it?

Mitt Romneys speech

How we got to the vile events of January 6, 2021, will be a subject for historians. Surely a central figure in those stories will be our malignant, maniacal president. Mitt Romneys speech from the Senate floor on Wednesday presents as accurate a picture as any: We gather due to a selfish mans injured pride and the outrage of supporters who we had deliberately misinformed for the past two months and stirred to action this very morning. The presidents disgraceful enablers, Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, will also have a prominent place in the sordid story.

But the 45th American president and his henchmen did not single-handedly normalize political violence of the kind we witnessed on Wednesday. That was the collective work of many hands.

Anzeige

I realize that the internet demands that we live in a state of constant nowness, Wednesdays news memory-holed in service of the ever-refreshing news feed. But try, if you can, to reach back to the events of this summer.

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police, protests broke out in cities and towns across the country. But peaceful protests were not the summers only activity: the collective riot damage, at more than $1 billion, is the most expensive in insurance history.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the U.S. Capitol Quelle: AFP

Statutes of George Washington and Frederick Douglass were torn down by ecstatic crowds. Businesses were destroyed. Lawmakers were harassed by mobs. In the dead of night, protestors marched down residential streets and singled out homes for the sin of having an American flag. In June, the Seattle police abandoned a precinct in the citys Capitol Hill neighborhood and for the next month anarchists set up an autonomous zone ruled by American warlords. Two unarmed black teenagers were killed before the government finally did anything. In July, a courthouse in Portland was firebombed.

The lunatic notion of abolishing the police was debated in our most storied newspapers. A book called In Defense of Looting was published by Hachette, a prestigious publishing house, in which the author argues that Jews and Koreans are the face of capital and that looting is mostly victimless crime. Destroying property, which can be replaced, is not violence, declared a Pulitzer Prize winner. And in one of the most emblematic images of the surreal gap between reality and The Narrative, a CNN reporter stood in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in front of roaring flames while the chyron beneath his image declared: fiery but mostly peaceful protest.

Such were the moral and linguistic contortions. We were supposed to acquiesce to the insidious idea that such nihilism was the language of the unheard. Speech was violence, our intellectual betters declared, but violence, when carried out by the right people with the right politics against the right targets, was something closer to virtue.

This isnt whataboutism. It is the crucial context for the inexcusable events on Wednesday. The norms had already been broken. We were already living in unreality.

The liberal order that I grew up in

Heres what I know: The liberal order that I grew up in, held up by Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, is falling apart. That was the order that insisted that all people were created in the image of God and therefore were entitled to equality under the law; that prized the sacredness of the individual over the group; that insisted on judging a person based on their deed and not based on their lineage; that upheld due process and the presumption of innocence; that rejected mob justice; that celebrated pluralism, tolerance and difference as sources of our strength; that saw liberty of thought, faith, and speech as the bedrocks of democracy; that held that true fairness demanded equality of opportunity but not equality of outcome. That liberal consensus is dying because of ideologues on the left and the right who hate the other side more than they love the country, who worship their own power more than they venerate the common good, our common story, and our common identity as Americans.

Anzeige

In the midst of the civil war, Lincoln called the United States the last best hope on Earth and I was raised, like millions of others, to believe in that creed and to stand in awe of those who sacrificed to make it so. It is not a coincidence that various American vandals began by taking down his statues and have now invaded the house where he made his name carrying the flag of those who tried to destroy our union. It is nothing less than that sacred inheritance that is under attack, as America threatens to become yet another country torn apart by the dislocations of the 21st century. Surely a new order must be built, even if it is the work of lifetimes.

Quelle: Sam Bloom

Bari Weiss was an op-ed staff editor of The New York Times until she quit the paper in July 2020.
ONLY bars and restaurants serving hotel residents are allowed to sell alcohol and any other outlets including supermarkets are banned from doing so, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.

Following a spike in coronavirus cases, Zimbabwe was put under level four lockdown which reintroduced a 6PM to 6AM curfew.

Under the lockdown regulations announced last Saturday by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care only essential businesses such as supermarkets, pharmacies and banks, can remain open and all gatherings such as wedding ceremonies or religious services are banned, with the exception of funerals, which are limited to 30 people.

Yesterday, there was panic on the liquor streets of Bulawayo as imbibers shared pictures of leading supermarkets putting up notices that they were no longer selling alcohol.

Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp were awash with pictures of alcohol sections of different supermarkets shutting down.

Bottle stores, bars and other leisure centres were banned from operating leaving, before yesterday, only supermarkets to sell alcohol during the lockdown.

The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi said Statutory Instrument (SI) 10 of 2021 means that even supermarkets are not supposed to sell alcohol and those who have stopped are doing so correctly under the lockdown regulations.

The only places that were allowed to sell alcohol are hotels for their residents. If theres a bottle store in a supermarket its supposed to be closed. The SI banned the sale of alcohol in bottle stores, supermarkets, except hotels. Those chain supermarkets have segments, if they have a bottle store in the supermarkets they should be closed. I think they are correct if they are stopping the sale of alcohol, said Minister Ziyambi.

Bottle stores and bars are potential hazardous places for the spread of Covid-19. Generally, alcohol leads to non-compliance. Our aim is to ensure that people comply and stay at home and we arrest new infections.

Workers at various supermarkets yesterday said they were told not to sell alcohol on Thursday at the end of the day.

At a TM Pick n Pay outlet in Bulawayo, the section where alcohol is normally housed was emptied with the social lubricants replaced by rows and rows of, most curiously, fruit juices.

Fridges that chill lagers and beer were sealed off and notices that they were out of order were placed in front of them.

Spirits and wines have a longer shelf life, but beverages such as opaque beer (amasese), go bad after a week and carbonated sorghum beer (Super) goes bad after two weeks, while lagers and beers have a six-to-nine-month shelf life, according to a source at an alcohol manufacturing plant.

Announcing the lockdown measures, VP Chiwenga said: Just to be clear, restaurants, bottle stores and bars are closed for 30 days except for bars and restaurants serving hotel residents. Also, tourist facilities and national parks will operate as before subject to the usual health precautions.

When South Africa introduced an alcohol ban last year a move authorities said was meant to prevent drunken fighting, cut domestic violence and eliminate weekend binge-drinking prevalent across that country, doctors and police said the previous ban contributed to a sharp drop in emergency admissions to hospitals. But the countrys brewers and wine makers complained that they were being driven out of business.

In a statement on Thursday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe expressed concern over the hosting of wild parties which have become super spreaders of the deadly virus. He said police will be deployed to all areas and anyone found on the wrong side of the law will pay the price. The Minister said his Ministry was concerned with bars, night clubs, restaurants, and other business entities who are operating yet according to Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021, are banned.

I am equally disturbed by some shopping centres in some areas in the country which are now known for wild parties, beer drinking binges and all sorts of illegalities. This should stop forthwith. Police officers will move around all suburbs, shopping centres and even check houses to account for transgressions against Covid regulations and other criminal activities, he said.

I urge the public to report to any nearest police station, individuals or groups holding parties or musical events or any other gatherings not sanctioned under Covid-19 regulations. Organisers of such events will face the wrath of the law and risk losing their licences.

Minister Kazembe said security agents are there to enforce regulations while it is the responsibility of citizens to stop the spread of the pandemic. Chronicle
: dime (dime), : USANews

 : 

: BBS  (Fri Jan 8 10:35:04 2021, )



FB closed group



This morning, I realized that everything is about to change. No matter how I

vote, no matter what I say, lives are never going to be the same.



I have been confused by the hostility of family and friends. I look at

people I have known all my life so hate-filled that they agree with opinions

they would never express as their own. I think that I may well have entered

the Twilight Zone.



You can't justify this insanity. We have become a nation that has lost its

collective mind.



We see other countries going Socialist and collapsing, but it seems like a

great plan to us.



Somehow its un-American for the census to count how many Americans are in

America.



People who say there is no such thing as gender are demanding a female

President.



Universities that advocate equality, discriminate against Asian-Americans in

favor of African-Americans.



Some people are held responsible for things that happened before they were

born, and other people are not held responsible for what they are doing

right now.



Criminals are caught-and-released to hurt more people, but stopping them is

bad because it's a violation of THEIR rights.



People who have never owned slaves should pay slavery reparations to people

who have never been slaves.



After legislating gender, if a dude pretends to be a woman, you are required

to pretend with him.



It was cool for Joe Biden to "blackmail" the President of Ukraine, but its

an impeachable offense if Donald Trump inquiries about it.



People who have never been to college should pay the debts of college

students who took out huge loans for their degrees.



Immigrants with tuberculosis and polio are welcome, but youd better be

able to prove your dog is vaccinated.



Irish doctors and German engineers who want to immigrate to the US must go

through a rigorous vetting process, but any illiterate gang-bangers who jump

the southern fence are welcomed.



$5 billion for border security is too expensive, but $1.5 trillion for 

free health care is not.



If you cheat to get into college you go to prison, but if you cheat to get

into the country you go to college for free.



And, pointing out all this hypocrisy somehow makes us "racists"!

Nothing makes sense anymore, no values, no morals, no civility and people

are dying of a virus coming from China, but it is racist to refer to it as

China Virus even though it began in China.



We are clearly living in an upside-down world where right is wrong and wrong

is right, where moral is immoral and immoral is moral, where good is evil

and evil is good, where killing murderers is wrong, but killing innocent

babies is right.

Wake up America. The great unsinkable ship Titanic America has hit an

iceberg, is taking on water and sinking fast.

--

 :WWW  mitbbs.com [FROM: 68.]


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 Mitchelstown plant will convert slurry and other waste into natural gas to be fed back into the national network

An Bord Pleanala has upheld a decision by Cork County Council to grant permission for a facility near Mitchelstown that will convert slurry and household waste into natural gas to be fed back into the national network.

In June of last year planners gave the green light to the facility on a site at Corracunna/Garryleagh near Mitchelstown which had been chosen as one of the proving grounds for Gas Network Ireland's innovative GRAZE (Green Renewable Agricultural & Zero Emissions) project, which the company had previously said would be the first step to "de-carbonising Ireland's gas network."

Mitchelstown has been selected as the location for the this phase of the overall project due to the large number of cattle in the surrounding area and its close proximity to Ireland's biggest gas pipeline.

The plan made provision for the demolition of agricultural structures on the 1.8 hectare site and the construction of a Central Gas Injection (CGI) facility and associated works for a 10-year period.

However, An Taisce objected to the development on a number of grounds, including that the applicant had failed to consider what they described as the "considerable environmental impacts" of biomethane production.

The appeal also claimed that the Environmental Report submitted with the application did not "evaluate the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of the feed source, digestion process, transport, outputs and fugitive emissions" associated with the proposed plant.

In their order the appeals board considered that, subject to conditions, the development would be in accordance with EU, national, regional and local policy.

The board said that the development would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety, would not have an unacceptable impact on the amenities of the area and would, therefore "be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

The list of conditions imposed, which can be viewed at www.pleanala.ie dealt with issues under various headings including public health and safety, the protection of local ecology and environmental protection.

The Mitchelstown facility, which will cost in the region of 28 million to build, will be the second of its kind in the country to be developed under the GRAZE project and will involve the placement of a series of up to 20 agri-anerobic digestion biomethane units within a 50km radius of the proposed central injection facility.

They will convert animal waste, slurry, municipal waste and grass into renewable gas that will be collected by a fleet of purpose built tankers in similar to the operating model currently used for milk collection by dairy co-ops.

Once operational the development will produce enough natural gas to supply roughly 8% of Ireland's residential gas demand, supplying green energy to some 54,000 homes.

The use of animal waste in particular will have the additional benefit of reducing harmful emissions from Ireland's beef and diary industries.

In addition the GRAZE project will fund the development of two Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, part of a network of 70 similar facilities planned for around the country that will facilitate HGV and bus operators from using diesel to renewable gas in their vehicles.

This will help to substantially reduce transport emissions, with gas generating a 99% reduction in particulate matter when compared to diesel.

It is estimated that at maximum capacity the Mitchelstown operation alone will reduce Ireland's annual harmful CO2 emissions by up to 170,000 tonnes per annum, 27,000 tonnes of which will be made up from agricultural emissions.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
An effort could be under way in Springfield over the next few days that would hinder small businesses ability to recover from incredible economic damage, a small business group said.

On Friday, the Illinois House returned to Springfield for the first time since May at an alternative location because of COVID-19 concerns. Theyll be in session through Wednesday to finish up the 101st General Assembly. The Senate is set to come to order to finish out this term starting this weekend.

One issue Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he was looking for during the lame-duck session is a provision to decouple the states tax code from the federal tax code.

On Friday, the governors office said the administration is freezing the implementation of a new set of state business tax credits and calling for a decoupling of Illinois tax law from recently enacted federal business tax changes that would cost Illinois in excess of $500 million.

The administration said state tax credits authorized in 2019 that took effect this month cost the state $20 million annually.

Unfortunately, COVID also hit our state budget, requiring tough choices about what we can and cannot afford. Right now, we cannot afford to expand tax breaks to businesses that already receive tax breaks, Pritzker said in a statement. As we recover from the pandemic, we must focus on job creation and balancing our state budget. I am confident in our ability to grow our economy and put our state on firmer fiscal footing.

A source familiar with the proposed change said as of Friday afternoon, no measure has been filed for consideration, but that there is a desire to decouple provisions of the states tax code from the federal code dealing with losses from previous years as part of tax loss deductions. The estimated revenue hit to Illinois coffers ranges from $500 million to $1 billion.

Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, didnt have an immediate reaction Friday when asked about the issue he approved in March 2020.

I really havent studied that particular issue, there was a big bill, several thousand pages, Durbin said. I wanna make sure that my response to that is accurate and really reflects a knowledge of the subject that I really dont have as I sit here today.

Asked what advice hed give the legislature in their final days of lame-duck session to ensure small businesses could survive, Durbin said policymakers and the governor have a dilemma.

First the pandemic, and all of the heartbreak that its causing across our state, and secondly the situation in the economy where so many businesses are struggling and so many individuals who have been terminated, furloughed, laid off, whatever, the state of [the] economy is fairly worse, Durbin said. Gov. Pritzker faces a terrible dilemma, fiscal mess, and economic situation thats very troubling, a pandemic that makes it hard to get on your feet and little to no help from Washington.

Durbin said hes confident the incoming Biden administration and Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate will advance such a measure.

National Federation of Independent Business Illinois State Director Mark Grant said from what hes hearing the change the governor characterized as technical would have consequences for some small businesses in Illinois hit the hardest by the pandemic and the governments restrictions to slow the spread of the disease.

It just takes away an avenue for our small businesses, sole proprietors, to be able to recover from this incredible economic damage thats been done to them over the last year, Grant said. It takes away avenue the federal government thought was a good idea, and would help our small businesses recover, and this would take away that ability to help with that.

The Tax Foundation said in a July analysis of the CARES Act that the bill signed in March would give relief to businesses.

In particular, provisions related to net operating losses, business interest deductibility, the Paycheck Protection Program, and the cost recovery treatment of qualified improvement property offer critical cash flow assistance to struggling businesses and provide immediate economic relief in a structurally sound manner, Katherine Loughead said. Conforming with the provisions  will facilitate a smoother economic recovery, ensuring as many employers as possible can remain in business and rehire the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs in recent months.

Its unclear when such a measure could surface, or if it would advance both chambers of the state Legislature before the current term ends Wednesday when a new term of the state Legislature begins.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

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.
Do you remember Martin Gugino? He was the 75-year-old man who in June was peacefully supporting a Black Lives Matter protest in Buffalo when police officers shoved him to the ground, cracking his skull and damaging his brain.

As Gugino lay in the hospital, President Trump lied about him, accusing Gugino of being an antifa militant who had faked his fall.

So I called Gugino a couple of days ago. After the brutal treatment he received for peacefully trying to protect constitutional rights, was he troubled by the mostly gentle reception for rioters invading the Capitol to overthrow a constitutional election?

Ive got other fish to fry, Gugino told me mildly. He is still recovering from the police assault: He lost hearing in one ear and still is unstable while walking.
Cameron Announces New Human Trafficking Campaign

By West Kentucky Star Staff





FRANKFORT - Attorney General Daniel Cameron will be holding a press conference on a new human trafficking awareness campaign on Monday.Cameron will hold the press conference to kick off a statewide Your Eyes Save Lives human trafficking awareness and training campaign.The campaign will mobilize Kentuckians, law enforcement, and community leaders across the state to recognize and report signs of human trafficking.The press conference will feature human trafficking advocacy groups, House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, and Senator Wil Schroder. Schroder championed House Bill 2, which was passed by the General Assembly in 2020 and updated Kentucky's human trafficking laws.The Your Eyes Save Lives campaign is made possible, and is fully funded, by a grant from the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The Attorney General's Office was awarded the grant in July.The press conference will be livestreamed on the Attorney General's Facebook page at 9:30 a.m. You can find a link to the Facebook page below.On the Net:
A Superior Court judge in Gloucester County will hear a lawsuit alleging Washington Township officials have awarded no-bid contracts to two companies that have made political contributions to municipal officials including the mayor and four council members. Town officials say the suit is baseless.

A hearing is scheduled for later this month.

The lawsuit was filed last month by Brian McBride and Joe Junfola, who describe themselves in the court filing as concerned local residents and government watchdogs.

The donations to an incumbent mayors reelection and council members 2018 elections is a clear violation (of) state law...flipping the bird at not only New Jersey law but every resident of Washington Township, the complaint said.

The lawsuit alleges the law firms of Capehart Scatchard and Platt and Riso both made political contributions to Mayor Joann Gattinelli, Council President Joseph Perry and council members Sean Longfellow, Andra Williams, Andrea Dougherty.

The filing cites a state law that prohibits no-bid contracts over $17,500 to political contributors. It also listed recent no-bid contract to Capehart Scatchard that doesnt specify an amount for service.

Both law firms are awarded huge hourly rates to prosecute and defend litigation, respond to records request and provide any legal advice the lawsuit said.

Stuart Platt, the township attorney, declined to comment Tuesday about the pending legislation. He said attorney Patrick Madden is representing the township in the lawsuit and attributed this statement to Madden: The entire complaint is without merit and frivolous.

McBride did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

McBride wants the contracts with both law firms to be voided and wants Gattinelli, Perry, Longfellow, Williams and Dougherty to resign. He and Junfola also want the township business manager to resign for awarding the no-bid contracts and an investigation into Gattinelli, Perry and their campaign treasurer, Prudence Higbee.

The complaint said Capehart Scatchard donated a total of $7,800 to Gattinelli and Perry in June and had previously donated $5,000 in 2016. The firm has been appointed for services annually, including workers compensation attorney, since 2017, the lawsuit said.

Platt and Riso have given campaign contributions to the Gattinell, Longfellow, Williams and Dougherty, the legal action said.

Platt and Riso have been appointed directors of the township department of law since January 2017, the complaint said.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com.

Scores of first year students have started arriving on the campus of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as the University opened for the 2020/21 academic year on Saturday, January 09.



This is in pursuance of the governments recent directive to Ghanaian universities to open the campuses for effective academic work to commence, following several months of their closure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.



A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the campus saw the KNUST embossed and other private vehicles busily shuttling the various Halls of Residence to offload students luggage.



Per the Universitys arrangements, a team of police and KNUST Security personnel with the support of the Students Cadet Corp had been stationed at vantage points to assist and ensure the safety of the arriving students.



Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, the University Relations Officer, in an interview with the media in Kumasi, said the authorities had notified all arriving students to strictly observe the COVID-19 safety protocols.



He hinted that a mass fumigation exercise had already been done before opening the campus, saying the authorities had put in place the necessary measures for the safety of the students.



According to the University Relations Officer, students who had issues with accommodation were to contact the Office of the Dean of Students for assistance.



Dr. Bekoe said continuing students were also expected to report on Saturday, January 16.

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 Delhi, Jan 9 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday said it has registered a case against a Hyderabad-based company, including its Chairman and Managing Director and Guarantor, Managing Director and Guarantor, and other directors for defrauding State Bank of India-led consortium of banks to the tune of Rs 4,736.57 crore, and carried out searches at several locations.

A CBI official here said that it booked Coastal Projects Ltd based at Hyderabad, its Chairman and Managing Director and guarantor Sabbineni Surendra, MD and guarantor Garapati Harihara Rao, Whole-Time Director and Director Finance Sridhar Chandrasekharan Nivarthi, Whole-Time Director Sharad Kumar, Guarantor and Mortgagor A.K. Ramulu, K. Anjamma, Ravi Kailas Builders Pvt Ltd represented by its Managing Director/Director Ramesh Pasupuleti and Govind Kumar Inani and unknown public servants and others.

The official said that the agency registered a case on a complaint from State Bank of India on behalf of other member banks -- IDBI Bank, Canara Bank, BOB, BOM, PNB, UBI, EXIM Bank -- for causing an alleged loss of Rs 4,736.57 crore to the banks.

The official said that the bank in its complaint alleged that the accused in connivance with unknown public servants and others defrauded the consortium of banks.

"The account became NPA on January 25, 2017 with retrospective effect from October 28, 2013 and reported as fraud on February 20 last year," he said.

He said that it was also alleged that the borrower company based at Hyderabad during the period 2013-18 had indulged in falsification/fabrication of books of accounts, manipulations/falsification of the financials to show unrealisable invoked BG amounts as realisable investments, falsified details of promoters' contribution, converted receivables from related parties to investments to siphon off the banks' funds, cheating the SBI and other consortium member banks.

"Searches were conducted at the residential and official premises of the accused at Hyderabad and Vijayawada which led to recovery of several incriminating documents and other material evidences," the official added.
A local robotics company is more than doubling the size of its facility at Port San Antonio.

Plus One Robotics, the startup that makes software and equipment that helps warehouse robots see, outlined an $800,000 project to expand its facility by 15,000 square feet in a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The design phase is complete, construction is set to begin and the company hopes to move into the space thats adjacent to its current 10,000-square-foot facility in May, said Paul Hvass, Plus Ones chief operating officer and co-founder.

The excitement that were seeing from customers and venture capital interest has propelled our expansion of the facility, he said.

The 150 percent expansion will give the fast-growing company flexibility as their business continues to grow.

It's going to give us so much additional resource to host people, Hvass said. We'll be able to take on a whole lot more business.

On ExpressNews.com: For most businesses, coronavirus is a threat. For San Antonio robot makers, its an opening

The company is dedicating much of the new space to a customer experience center that will allow for sales presentations and activities in which customers can try Plus Ones software and robots, Hvass said. It also will double its developer work spaces from 32 to 64.

Plus One has seen consistent growth since its founding in 2016. CEO Erik Nieves told the San Antonio Express-News in April, the company had our strongest quarter ever, and the momentum continued through the year.

Its been an extremely strong growth year, accelerated by the pandemic, Hvass said. We're in the fortunate convergence of some technology we've been working on for many years with a market that is suddenly on fire.

While the pandemic has battered other industries, Plus One and others in San Antonios robotics scene  including Xenex, the germ-zapping robot manufacturer  has fared well in the turmoil.

Plus Ones facility expansion is the latest in a run of good news for the company.

On ExpressNews.com: S.A. robot company files to develop facility near airport

In October, FedEx announced it had purchased and began using a number of Plus One systems, and the company is installing more this year.

Last month, the Information tech blog listed the company in its Top 50 Most Promising Startups.

We had hoped to do (the expansion) a little sooner, but COVID kind of slowed us down, Hvass said. COVID has been a bit of a whiplash where we thought it was going to slow us down and then it made all of our customers hungrier for automation.

Plus Ones technology helps robots perceive their surroundings and enables better human and robot collaboration. And its in demand as manufacturers, warehouse operators and logistics firms scramble to boost efficiencies while keeping up with increased shipping traffic resulting from the pandemic.

Were definitely a machine vision software company, the secret sauce is in our motto  robots work, people rule and so we take that quite literally, he said.

Plus One uses artificial intelligence and allows a single human operator to oversee multiple robots doing multiple tasks at the same time.

The company calls this supervised autonomy, where a human crew chief manages and operates up to 20 robots remotely. Hvass said the company hopes to eventually boost that number to 50.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio tech grew in 20, poised for more expansion in 21

We're trying to automate highly variable work, he said. So we put the human in the loop, a supervisor for the autonomy  so when the task changes outside of what (the robot) has ever seen before, then it calls for help, and a person literally responds in five seconds.

Currently, Plus One is focused on earthbound applications, but there are possibilities to use supervised automation of robots on in the ocean, the moon or other planets.

We're open to use the technology wherever the market will lead, he said.

Plus One resides at Port San Antonio, a 1,900-acre industrial park on the Southwest Side that currently hosts 80 companies with about 14,000 employees.

Were tremendously excited by the work that Plus One and companies like it have been doing in recent years and particularly is emblematic of the convergence that we're seeing on the port campus, where we have different technologies being adapted in new and creative ways, said Paco Felici, Port San Antonios chief of staff and chief communication officer.

Brandon Lingle writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. ReportforAmerica.org.

brandon.lingle@express-news.net
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.
Dozens of protesters gathered Saturday to call for Rep. Jeff Van Drew to resign in response to the congressmans controversial vote opposing certification of Joe Bidens win over President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election earlier this week.

Van Drews vote took place only hours after thousands of pro-Trump rioters overtook the Capitol Wednesday, delaying the certification ceremony and leading to the deaths of five people.

Dozens of people came together Saturday outside of Van Drews Mays Landing office, waving signs and chanting for the congressman to step down.

The events of Wednesday made clear the fact that the president and his enablers are an imminent national security threat, said Owen OBrien, a Cape May County resident who organized the protest. Not just to the basic functions of our democracy, but to our public safety and civil rights.

Van Drew, R-2nd Dist., was one of more than 100 Republicans in the House who voted to challenge the election results in Arizona and Pennsylvania.

I know some people might not agree with me on the certification process, the congressman told the Associated Press Wednesday. Its not so much that I want to overturn the election. It is the fact that some really, really  if everybody would clear their head and look at this  that some really wrong things did happen.

The Mays Landing office is not open on weekends and no one answered the phone when NJ Advance Media called Saturday.

OBrien said protesters were calling for the congressmans ouster either by his resignation or through a measure from Congress to sanction or remove House members who voted to challenge the results of the 2020 election.

Formerly a Democrat, Van Drew switched parties and became a Republican after he voted against impeaching President Donald Trump. He also pledged his undying support for the president.

He also signed onto a lawsuit late last year asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the election and re-elect Trump. The court dismissed the case.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com.






Pagani's Huayra is preparing to put on a racing suit, just like its predecessor, the Zonda, did in 2009. And a video posted on the firm's social media channels suggests engineers may have ditched the turbos.

Listen to the short video in the Instagram post embedded below. It's the Huayra R's V12 engine singing its heart out. While the actual footage reveals little that we don't know, the soundtrack seemingly comes from a naturally-aspirated engine. We don't hear a pair of turbos spooling up. That's unusual, because the regular Huayra is powered by a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 6.0-liter V12 that's twin-turbocharged to over 750 horsepower.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Pagani hasn't given any specs on the engine, though. Previous reports have suggested the engine will have more than 900 horsepower and the ability to rev beyond 9,500 rpm. Certainly the video supports the high-revving prediction. We would expect Pagani to be using a version of the 6.0-liter AMG V12, as it has on all of its supercars, though without turbochargers. And that's not just because Pagani has always used AMG engines, but because there aren't many companies with a V12 in its parts bin, and developing one from scratch would be extremely expensive for a small company like Pagani.

Pagani will release more details about the Huayra R in the coming weeks, and we expect the model will make its official debut online during the first half of 2021. It will likely arrive as a limited-edition car with a seven-digit price tag, and we wouldn't be surprised if every available example is spoken for by the time it breaks cover. It might be the last variant of the Huayra, too. Production of the Roadster has already ended, and the next Pagani hypercar is currently being developed. It's tentatively scheduled to break cover before the end of the year.

Related Video:

You Might Also Like
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.
(@FahadShabbir)

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Friday discussed relations with Russia, as well as the situation in Belarus, in a phone conversation with her recently appointed Lithuanian counterpart, Ingrida Simonyte, the Finnish government said

HELSINKI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th January, 2021) Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Friday discussed relations with Russia, as well as the situation in Belarus, in a phone conversation with her recently appointed Lithuanian counterpart, Ingrida Simonyte, the Finnish government said.

Marin congratulated Simonyte on her appointment and exchanged views on topics ranging from national implementation of the EU recovery measures, the transition to a green economy and the digital transformation.

"The Prime Ministers also had a comprehensive discussion on relations with Russia and the situation in Belarus," the government said in a statement.

The heads of governments touched upon the cooperation between Nordic and Baltic countries as Finland will be coordinating the Nordic-Baltic Eight cooperation format this year.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : As we enter 2021, there's no doubt that we want to once again gain a little more control of our lives. Even as we think of several resolutions -- from getting fitter to reading more books -- it's not often that we promise to prioritise taking care of ourselves or working towards improving our dating lives. So, in 2021, it's time to make new year resolutions for dating.

Bumble India's Relationship Expert, Shahzeen Shivdasani suggests new year dating resolutions that you could consider to help you navigate the new rules of dating in 2021.

I will make the first move It's 2021 and it's time to take charge of your dating journey by making the first move. Ask your connection out on a date, or if you're uncomfortable to step out, plan a virtual date on Bumble, the women-first social networking app, which has made it so much easier and safer to find your perfect match. This new year, make the resolution to take charge of your dating journey, and don't just stop there. In 2021, make the first move in all aspects of your life.

I will be clear about what I want You can be dating for a long time and still hesitate to have "the talk". It's okay to put off the conversation, but as a resolution, promise yourself to look inwards, understand what you want and then communicate when you're comfortable. You can spend months with someone knowing fully well what you want from the connection, yet hesitant to ask "where is this going?" You should have this conversation whenever you want to. This is your dating life, and whether you are looking for something serious or not, you should be able to address this head-on. As long as you have this ironed out in your own head, there's no space for confusion.

I won't overthink text messages How often in your dating life have you found yourself overthinking a text message and staring at your phone? We've all been there! My suggestion for this resolution would be to take text messages at face value and no more. Everyone has a completely different daily routine as well as texting style - after all, someone might like you but hate texting! I will make more time for my bonds

Often we get so caught up in our daily routines with friends and family, that we forget to actually spend quality time with our partner or a new connection. How often do we plan a date night? How often do we sit and share things with each other? Relationships get monotonous when we stop putting effort into them. Make a resolution this year to ensure you make time for your partner, or if you are talking to your new match online, perhaps consider giving more time and care to the new connection you made. This will only strengthen your existing bond and aid in growing it further.

I will pay attention to green flags While we spend so much time talking about the red flags and what to stay away from which is absolutely essential,, how often do we talk about the good qualities that someone brings to the table? Let's make a resolution in the new year to appreciate the admirable traits we see in someone--whether it is in your relationship or while getting to know someone new. These traits could include: a good understanding of who you are, showing up for you when you need them, making you laugh often or showing up at family events. In 2021, let's take the time to notice these green flags in people and be grateful for it.

I will go easy on myself In this new world of dating, our lives have been radically altered as we continue to adjust to socially-distanced dating: not being able to meet in person or have a hug or a hand touch as easily as we were used to. Whether it's a first date or conversations on texts, don't get stressed out by thinking you need to be a certain way. As we begin a new year, my final suggestion would be to promise yourself to have fun! Make the final resolution to just be yourself in 2021. If you are looking for someone to connect with, they deserve a chance at getting to know the real you.

Dating right now can be complicated and we're all just trying to figure it out. No matter how you decide to connect, or what other resolutions you want to make for 2021, just focus on making sure that they are resolutions that help you take charge of your dating life and guide you in finding what is right for you.

(Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

The Westminster Magistrates' Court in London will pronounce its judgment on whether fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi will be extradited to India in connection with the Rs 13,000 crore bank fraud case. The UK court completed the hearing regarding Nirav Modi's extradition on January 8 and set February 25 as the date for the delivery of its judgement.

Modi who is at the Wandsworth Prison in London appeared before the court through a video-link. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that is representing the Indian investigative agencies said that Modi was involved in a 'ponzi-like scheme' and is responsible for money laundering, fraud and cheating.

The court was told by the CPS that Nirav Modi cheated the bank using three of his firms, Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds after he conspired with bank officials. The CPS also told the court that Modi gave death threats to a witness and warned him of testifying against him.

Nirav Modi's legal counsel Clare Montgomery said that the Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai has no arrangements to deal with Modi's mental condition, increasing his risk of committing suicide.

Indian authorities, in their submission, told the UK court that Arthur Road Jail is fully capable of handling such health conditions and there are three hospitals nearby the jail. Barrack number 12 of Arthur Road Jail has been kept ready for Nirav Modi if he is extradited to India. "As in the Assange (Wikileaks founder Julian Assange) case, the issues here evidently are the same - the mental condition of Modi and the treatment he would receive given the prison conditions in India," said Montgomery.

Nirav Modi has been lodged in London Jail since March 19, 2019 after a request from the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.

Also read: PNB scam: Nirav Modi's sister, her husband opt for pardon, to testify against him

Also read: Nirav Modi extradition: UK court to hear final arguments on Jan 7-8, judgement few weeks later
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.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Locally heavy thunderstorms in the morning will give way to partly cloudy skies late. High 74F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. Low near 45F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2021) Austria will tighten border controls with Slovakia and the Czech Republic from Saturday midnight due to an "extremely tense" coronavirus situation in the neighbor countries, the interior minister said Friday.

"To protect people in our country we will seal off borders there and control every car entering Austria," Karl Nehammer was quoted as saying in a statement by the Heute news website.

Those entering Austria will be required to sign a paper promising that they will self-isolate for 10 days. Commuters and freight vehicle drivers will be exempted.

Austria reported 2,063 new cases of infection on Friday, taking the total to 376,793. The nationwide death toll stands at 6,641. According to the Interior Ministry, 2,371 people remain in hospitals, including 371 patients in intensive care.
The NSW/Victoria border was closed from 11.59pm on January 1. Credit:Justin McManus Premier Daniel Andrews, who was holidaying at home in Mulgrave but on work calls for 20 hours a day, was extensively briefed during the day. He also approved the border closure which was announced by Ms Allan at a snap press conference at 3.30pm. This is not an easy choice, Ms Allan said. Closing borders and putting in place restrictions is never an easy choice to make, and certainly not one we wanted to make and be announcing on a day that is supposed to be about celebrating. There had been warnings. On December 18 Health Minister Martin Foley advised Victorians to avoid travel to Sydney due to a growing coronavirus cluster. Then on December 27, the state government advised Victorians against travelling to NSW. Unfortunately by this time, many people had already gone away.

Loading Public health officials were on high alert after a NSW coronavirus outbreak that originated in Sydneys northern beaches spread to the Blue Mountains and Wollongong. On the day the border closure was announced, NSW had recorded 10 new coronavirus cases, and trouble was also brewing in Victoria. A NSW-linked outbreak at Thai restaurant in Black Rock had grown to eight cases. Public Health Association of Australia chief executive Terry Slevin said while those inconvenienced by the border closure were always going to believe they hadnt been given enough notice, authorities had to act quickly. You dont go into public health to be popular, he said. The Victorian community is very determined to avoid a lockdown. People are prepared to see restrictions of freedom to achieve a longer term avoidance of a sudden return to lockdown.

But Georgie Crozier, the oppositions health spokeswoman, believes the decision to shut the border was completely unreasonable and very dangerous. She said people had already started drinking on New Years Eve when the announcement was made, making their hurried journeys across the border risky. She also hit out at COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar for sharing an account of how he travelled from south-west Queensland to northern Victoria in less than 10 hours, with just two 15-minute breaks. It was highly irresponsible, Ms Crozier said. Amy Touzell, her husband and two children are stranded in the Gold Coast and trying to figure out how to return to Melbourne. While the orthopaedic surgeon can fortunately stay with friends for as long as she needs, she wants to return to Melbourne because her son will soon start prep and her patients need face-to-face care.

After a tough year working at a Melbourne hospital rocked by a coronavirus outbreak,the family decided to drive to Coffs Harbour on the north coast of NSW for a change in scenery. When the announcement about the border closure was made Dr Touzell calculated she would have to complete a nine-hour drive in seven hours in order to avoid home quarantine. It was going to be really dangerous, she said. Loading Shed also heard horror stories of six-hour queues on the border and wasnt sure if driving to Victoria on New Years Day was going to be viable either. Instead, the family decided to travel north to Queensland.

Shes spent every day since on the phone to the Department of Health and Human Services and is still unsure how and when shell be able to return home. The lack of communication is the hard part, she said. She'd like to see a national standard for border closures with clear procedures for interstate travellers. "It is so important that we work as a collaborative nation with clear messages about how we can all live safely in a pandemic," she said. Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, chair of the Victorian council of the Australian Medical Association, said while he supported the border closure, the DHHS had provided confusing information to travellers. "People have one set of information on one day and a different set of information often on the same day," he said. He said officials were also unprepared for the surge in people at testing clinics, with thousands of returned travellers queuing for up to six hours in order to meet the conditions of their travel permit, which stated they must be swabbed within 24 hours of returning home.

A bit of compassion, and laxity wouldn't go amiss, Dr Haikerwal said. He said there was no logical reason why returned travellers needed to be tested within 24 hours and as long as they were isolating, they should be allowed to get tested up to three days after their return. Sometimes that can be productive because you are not picking everything up on that first day, he explained, referring to COVID-19s incubation period. University of Melbourne epidemiologist professor James McCaw is upbeat about the management of Victorias latest outbreak. The contact tracing has clearly been effective, he said. We have seen that through rapid turnaround of testing, and identification of the links between the cases, he said.
Chinese mainland gadget maker Honor will unveil its first smartphone on Jan 18 after leaving Huawei Technologies Co, with the new model likely to be powered by chipsets from MediaTek.



The move comes at a time when Honor is striving to rebuild its supply chains after gaining full independence from Huawei, said experts.

Honor said that its online and offline retailing platforms will start taking pre-orders for the V40 smartphone series from Friday. The new phones, scheduled to be unveiled on Jan 18, are expected to be powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 1000+ chips, sources familiar with the matter told China Daily.

Taiwan-based chipmaker MediaTek said in a statement on Thursday that Honor is a newly established independent company and MediaTek is evaluating the current situation when asked about its cooperation prospects with Honor.

MediaTek has cooperation with many original equipment manufacturers and is committed to bringing leading technology to customers and consumers around the world, it said.

Honor was sold by Huawei in November to a Chinese consortium of over 30 agents and dealers to ensure the brand's survival. Huawei, which was facing severe pressure due to the persistent unavailability of technical components needed for its mobile phone business, had decided to hive off the Honor brand.

Industrial Securities, a Chinese securities company, said in a research note that Honor could obtain chips from Qualcomm and MediaTek as it is no longer a part of Huawei. However, due to the current shortage of chips in the global smartphone industry, a large number of shipments to Honor are likely to be resumed in the second half of this year.

Multiple Chinese financial media outlets including Caixin quoted sources from supply chains as saying that Honor's new smartphones based on Qualcomm's 5G chips are already in progress, and the new products are expected to be launched around May and June 2021. "Honor starts with midrange smartphones", Caixin said.

Honor and Qualcomm did not respond to requests for comments.

Qualcomm said in December that it was holding discussions with Honor when asked whether it would ship chips to the latter.

Last month, Honor announced that it had signed a global cooperation agreement with US tech giant Microsoft Corp, under which it will use Microsoft Windows 10 as the official operating system in its laptops.

The move is likely to pave the way for more partnerships in the near future such as the one anticipated with US chip giant Qualcomm Inc, to better solve Honor's supply chain issues. This showcases foreign companies' welcoming attitude toward the new company, experts said.

Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Information Consumption Alliance, a telecom industry association, said the partnership with Microsoft showcases the US company's recognition of Honor as a new company.

"With one US company partnering with Honor, more US companies are likely to be on board in the near future, which can better solve Honor's supply chain issues," Xiang said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The New York City Department of Health updated its timeline for vaccination Friday, the same day that Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the state will finally begin to move past the first phase of rollout.

Mayor Bill de Blasio also announced in a tweet that the city will start vaccinating the next eligible group on Monday.

New York City has heard enough, de Blasio said. We will begin administering shots to City Workers and the elderly in 1B starting on Monday.

New York City has heard enough. We will begin administering shots to City Workers and the elderly in 1B starting on Monday.  Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 8, 2021

The rollout is designed using federal guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which outline phases designed to prioritize people most in need of protection from the disease.

Until Friday, only the first group had been eligible in New York state -- health care providers, as part of Phase 1a.

The estimated timing going forward, according to the citys website, is:

Mid-January

Per the mayor, Phase 1b is starting in New York City on Monday.

Those eligible in Phase 1b are teachers and education workers; first responders; public safety workers; public transit workers; people ages 75 and older.

The website says other frontline essential workers and other at-risk groups could be identified by the state during the rollout of Phase 1b.

The CDC lists the following groups, totaling 30 million people, as frontline essential workers in Phase 1b: first responders, education, food and agriculture, manufacturing, corrections workers, U.S. Postal service workers, public transit workers and grocery store workers.

March-April

Phase 1c is expected in either March or April.

This phase will include people ages 65 to 74; people with certain underlying health conditions (to be determined by New York State); and all other essential workers (to be determined by New York State).

Other essential workers, of which there are approximately 57 million, are identified by the CDC as: transportation and logistics workers, food service, shelter and housing (construction), finance, IT and communication, energy, media, legal, public safety (engineers), and water and wastewater.

Summer

In the summer the remaining population will be eligible to get vaccinated.

STATEN ISLAND VACCINATION LOCATIONS

A number of vaccination hubs were announced this week for Staten Island, however, due to high demand appointments have so far been scarce.

Locations named by the city so far include:

NYC Health + Hospitals Gotham/Vanderbilt clinic, located at 165 Vanderbilt Ave., Clifton

The Beacon Christian Community Health Center, located at 2079 Forest Ave., Mariners Harbor

AdvantageCare Physicians, located at 4771 Hylan Blvd., Annadale

GoHealth Urgent Care, located at 4316 Amboy Rd., Eltingville

AdvantageCare Physicians, located at 1050 Clove Rd., Sunnyside

Port Richmond High School, located at 85 St. Josephs Ave., Port Richmond (opens next week)

Susan Wagner High School, located at 1200 Manor Road in Sea View (opens Monday)

For city workers only:

Staten Island Technical High School, located at 485 Clawson St., New Dorp (opens next week)

The mayor said Friday that he expects to announce Staten Islands mass vaccination site, which would be open 24 hours a day, in the coming week, and Cuomo said on Friday that the state expects some pharmacies will begin to administer the vaccine in the coming week.

HOW CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Eligible individuals can visit the citys website, select the applicable borough and vaccination hub, and follow the individual locations registration information -- either calling to make an appointment or by visiting the linked website.

Before registering for vaccination, you will need to complete the New York state COVID-19 Vaccine Form.

You will also need to bring proof of employment, such as an employee ID card, a letter from your employer or affiliated organization, or a recent pay stub.
WASHINGTON  The Justice Department said Thursday that it would not rule out pursuing charges against President Donald Trump for his possible role in inciting the mob that marched to the Capitol, overwhelmed officers and stormed the building a day earlier.

We are looking at all actors, not only the people who went into the building, Michael Sherwin, the U.S. attorney in Washington, told reporters.

Sherwin was asked whether such targets would include Trump, who exhorted supporters during a rally near the White House, telling them that they could never take back our country with weakness. Propelled by Trumps baseless claims of election irregularities, the protesters had gathered to demonstrate against Congresss certification of Joe Bidens Electoral College victory and moved on to the Capitol after the presidents rally.

Sherwin said he stood by his statement. Were looking at all actors, he said. If the evidence fits the elements of a crime, theyre going to be charged.

His comments were an extraordinary invocation of the rule of law against a president who has counted on the Justice Department to advance his personal agenda, and they came as former Trump officials and others condemned Trumps actions. Former Cabinet officials including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Attorney General William Barr, once among the presidents most important defenders, blamed him for Wednesdays violence. Several officials resigned, and even some Republican lawmakers said Trump had gone too far.

The Justice Department generally asserts that sitting presidents cannot be charged with a crime, but that protection covers Trump for only 13 more days.

Biden, who has said he has no appetite to investigate and prosecute the Trump administration, unequivocally blamed Trump on Thursday for trying to use a mob to silence the voices of nearly 160 million Americans who voted in the presidential election.

He said Trump had treated Barr and the Justice Department as his personal lawyer and the department as his personal law firm, and that Judge Merrick Garland, his own nominee to be the next attorney general, would need to restore rule of law.

There is no more important place for us to do this work than the Department of Justice that has been so politicized, Biden said. We need to restore the honor, the integrity, the independence of the Department of Justice in this nation thats been so badly damaged.

The Justice Department faces the daunting task of prosecuting a large number of people who broke into the Capitol, as the U.S. attorneys office in Washington acts as the main prosecutor for the District of Columbia.

Sherwin said that his prosecutors and the citys Metropolitan Police Department were working around the clock to identify and arrest suspects. He complained that their job was made harder because the U.S. Capitol Police did not detain most of the rioters who forced their way into the building.

The scenario has made our job difficult, Sherwin said, noting that the police, FBI agents, counterterrorism investigators and other law enforcement now had to rely on social media posts and video footage to identify suspects. That has made things challenging.

He said he had received no word from the Capitol Police as to why they arrested only 14 people and let hundreds more peacefully walk out of the building. The chief of the Capitol Police, Steven Sund, resigned Thursday amid questions about his forces failure to protect the building.

In all, prosecutors have filed 40 cases in Superior Court on charges including unlawful entry, assault and firearms offenses, and they were preparing to file complaints for 15 federal criminal cases related to the breach of the Capitol, including unauthorized entry, illegal possession of a firearm and theft of property.

Rioters also rifled through the offices of lawmakers and stole electronics, prosecutors said.

The citys police also announced that they had arrested nearly 70 people at the riot on charges that included unlawful entry, illegal gun possession and assault.

Sherwin said the theft of files and electronics from lawmakers offices opened the possibility of national security breaches but that the Justice Department did not yet have a full understanding of the scope of the problem.

One federal complaint accused a man named Mark J. Leffingwell of assaulting a Capitol Police officer around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday in a hallway in the Senate wing of the Capitol. The officer, Daniel Amendola, said in the complaint that Leffingwell was part of a crowd that had breached a window. When Amendola sought to stop him and others from entering the building any further, Leffingwell punched him repeatedly in the head and chest, according to the complaint. Leffingwell then spontaneously apologized.

Prosecutors also unsealed charges against a Maryland resident, Christopher Alberts, accusing him of illegally carrying a Taurus 9-millimeter pistol at the riot. Officers first saw Alberts leaving the Capitol complex around 7:30 p.m. and noticed a bulge on his right hip. When they stopped Alberts, the officers found the pistol, which had one round in the chamber and a magazine filled with 12 rounds, according to the complaint. They also discovered that he was wearing a bulletproof vest and had a gas mask in his backpack.

After he was taken into custody, the complaint said, Alberts told the police that he had the weapon for personal protection and did not intend to harm anyone.

Sherwin said he would not rule out investigations into Trump and his inner circle for their roles in the rioting, just as he would not rule out an investigation into anyone who may have assisted, facilitated or played an ancillary role in the events.

All options are on the table, he said. We will look at every actor and all criminal charges.

Trump is said to have discussed in recent weeks the possibility of pardoning himself, an unprecedented and untested use of presidential power, but it is uncertain whether that would ultimately protect him.

Trumps eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., also told the crowd on Wednesday that Republicans in Congress should back Trumps efforts to undo the election result: Were coming for you, he said of lawmakers who refused. And Rudy Giuliani, Trumps personal lawyer, said that to win the election, his supporters would need to engage in trial by combat against Democrats.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, called on Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday to invoke the 25th Amendment and immediately remove Trump for urging on the mob.

That amendment would allow Pence and a majority of the Cabinet to wrest the power of the presidency from Trump. But Pence is said to oppose such a move.

Pelosi said Democrats were prepared to impeach Trump for a second time should Pence not act.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.




Haiti - NOTICE : Recruitment of BED and BEC staff





Friday January 8, in a note, Me Guylande Mesadieu, President of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) informed the population in general and political parties in particular that the electoral institution is recruiting staff from decentralized structures : Departmental Electoral Office (BED) and Communal Electoral Office (BEC)



Interested men and women are invited to submit their candidacies to the 13 departmental electoral offices, from January 7 to 13, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.



The files of interested parties aged thirty (30) for the BED and twenty-five (25) years completed for the BEC must contain :



- A curriculum vitae including three references



- A copy of the National Identification Card (CIN)



- A certificate of good life and morals



- A certificate of higher education, for the BED



- A certificate of end of classical studies, for the BEC



- A certificate of residence.



Note that the BED members in office are exempt from the competition if they express their interest within the time limit. On the other hand, the former members who were sanctioned for administrative errors will not be able to participate in the recruitment.



Before taking office, each member must submit a police certificate (no criminal record) issued by the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ).



The Provisional Electoral Council strongly encourages the candidatures of women and reaffirms its determination to accomplish its mission in complete independence, in a credible, honest and transparent manner.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32719-haiti-flash-complete-calendar-of-all-electoral-operations-2020-2022-official.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Butte County, Calif. - The incoming Biden administration announced a plan Friday to make it a priority to distribute the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to everyone.

That's counter to the Trump administration's plan for holding back enough vaccine doses to guarantee booster shots to those who got the first dose.

Butte County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Bernstein told Action News now it's a smart move, especially in light of a new report by the World Health Organization that also recommends vaccinating as many people as possible with a first dose.

Dr. Bernstein said clinical trials show that "The Pfizer vaccine after one dose, between 2 and 3 weeks after the first dose, is already 89% effective. After the second dose, it's 95% effective. 89% is pretty good."

He also said that the World Health Organization now says it's okay to wait longer between the first and second doses.

Dr. Bernstein said he's disappointed with the limited supply of vaccine so far, "President-to-be Biden's suggestion that the availability of doses be distributed now will help everywhere, to address supply chain shortages that are affecting our ability to immunize our population."

The Doctor is hoping a change in policy will help speed up supply distribution and get more people vaccinated sooner.

But he warns that you should still wear a mask and practice coronavirus prevention after you're vaccinated because it's still not known whether you could still spread the virus. He said that won't change until 80% of Americans are immunized.

Dr. Bernstein went on to say that vaccine hesitancy is one of the most serious public health problems in Butte County, California, the U.S., and all over the world. People objecting to what he calls safe and effective childhood vaccines and the new COVID-19 vaccines.

"Those people out there hesitating are endangering themselves, their children, grandparents, friends, families, and co-workers. I hope everybody's going to go out and get the vaccination as soon as they're eligible, as soon as we have the supply to meet their needs," said Bernstein.

Representative Image

Go Air, one of India's low-cost air carriers, terminated its senior pilot from services over his derogatory remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter.

According to a Go Air spokesperson, it has terminated the services of the captain with immediate effect.

"GoAir has a zero-tolerance policy and it is mandatory for all GoAir employees to comply with the company's employment rules, regulations and policies, including social media behaviour. The airline does not associate itself with personal views expressed by any individual or an employee," the spokesperson told The Economic Times.

The airline has also distanced itself from the pilot's tweets and has taken action against him, the paper reported.

The pilot had posted these remarks about the prime minister on January 7.

Since then, the pilot has tendered an apology for his remarks on Twitter. "I apologise for my tweets about the prime minister and other offensive tweets, which may have hurt sentiments of anyone associated. I convey that GoAir is not associated with any of my tweets directly or indirectly as they were personal views. I take full responsibility for my actions and would like to apologise for my mistakes and willingly accept the consequences," the pilot said.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of Twitter staffers signed a petition calling for Trump to be banned following the assault on the US Capitol that resulted in five deaths.

Twitter announced on Saturday (AEDT) that it had permanently suspended Trump's account because he had violated its "glorification of violence policy" and posed the risk of inciting violence in the future.

Washington: A day after accepting that his quixotic bid to remain in the White House had failed, Donald Trump has suffered another blow that may prove almost as traumatic in the long term: being banned from Twitter, his favourite social media platform.

Trump's Twitter account played an integral role in his rise to power. He used the platform to bypass the mainstream media, communicate directly with his followers and control the daily news cycle.

It was predominantly through Twitter that he spread the conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was born outside America, and therefore ineligible to be president  a false claim that made him a folk hero among conservatives.

As president, he has used Twitter at all hours of the day to vent against his enemies, fire cabinet members and announce major policy decisions. When Trump had something to tell the world  like the fact he had contracted the coronavirus  he did it via Twitter.

In recent months, he has pumped out hundreds of tweets falsely claiming he was the victim of election fraud. It was through Twitter that Trump urged his followers to travel to Washington for the rally that turned into a violent assault on the US Capitol.

Even when Twitter started to apply warning labels to his most egregious tweets, Trump continued to tweet  so addicted was he to the platform and so reliant on it to spread his message. When Twitter suspended his account for 12 hours after the Capitol riots, he came running back as soon as he could.
Alessandra Ambrosio flaunted her stunning figure as she modeled the latest designs from her swimwear line, Gal Floripa, on Friday.

The Brazilian-American model, 39, displayed her gym-honed midriff as she strode barefoot on the sand in luxurious beachwear that included aviator sunglasses, a rose-hued coverup and layers of gold necklaces.

In addition to striking a few classic poses with her hands behind her hair, she enjoyed a serene moment while dancing in front of the ocean's breaking waves in Florianopolis, Brazil.

Beach: Alessandra Ambrosio flaunted her stunning figure in a tiny white and pink two-piece as she modeled the latest designs from her swimwear line, Gal Floripa, on Friday

For her photo shoot, her long brown hair was slicked back and she rocked a 'no makeup' makeup look with a light foundation, blush and a nude lipstick to enhance the natural hue of her plump pout.

She was joined by two female friends, who also appeared to also be wearing stylish looks from Gal Floripa.

In addition to frolicking in the water, the trio of women appeared to be taking in the glorious views around them on the pleasantly warm day.

Accessorizes: As the 39-year-old Brazilian-American model displayed her gym-honed midriff, she strode barefoot on the sand in luxurious beachwear that included aviator sunglasses, a rose-hued coverup and layers of gold necklaces

In addition to striking a few classic poses with her hands behind her hair, she looked serene while dancing in front of the ocean's breaking waves in Florianopolis, Brazil

While walking down the shore, Ambrosio twirled around as she held hands with a brunette pal, who wore a long white duster, yellow one-piece and crochet shorts.

One of her pups was also in attendance and could be seen standing by her side as she looked into the distance.

Her two children, 12-year-old Anja and Noah, 8, who she shares with ex Jamie Mazur, did not appear to be in attendance.

Natural beauty: For her photo shoot, her long brown hair was slicked back and she rocked a 'no makeup' makeup look with a light foundation, blush and a nude lipstick to enhance the natural hue of her plump pout

Frolicking: She was joined by two female friends, who also appeared to also be wearing stylish swimsuits from Gal Floripa

Seemingly in no rush to get back to her home in Los Angeles - amid current lockdown restrictions that include a 14-day quarantine and limited access to simple luxuries like dining out - Ambrosio has been milking her extended stay in Brazil.

Fortunately, the designer certainly has no shortage of bikinis from her line as she has been seen on the beaches in a number of her designs during the extended stay.

After a tough 2020 for everyone, Ambrosio seemed keen on celebrating the start to a new year.

Models: In addition to frolicking in the water, the trio of women appeared to be taking in the glorious views around them on the pleasantly warm day

Enjoying herself: Seemingly in no rush to get back to her home in Los Angeles - amid current lockdown restrictions that include a 14-day quarantine and limited access to simple luxuries like dining out - Ambrosio has been milking her extended stay in Brazil

Pals: While walking down the shore, Ambrosio twirled around as she held hands with a brunette pal, who wore a long white duster, yellow one-piece and crochet shorts

In recent weeks, she has been going on a few boat trips and playing beach games as she trades in the city life for a bit of island time.

She's also been focused on running her bikini line with the help of her co-founder and childhood friend (who resides in Brazil) and maintaing her fitness.

She and her family spent New Years back on dry land as she stunned in a white PatBo dress, after doing some yoga earlier in the day.

Business mode: Her two children, 12-year-old Anja and Noah, 8, who she shares with ex Jamie Mazur, did not appear to be in attendance

Soaking up the sun: Ambrosio walked around barefoot on the warm sand by two other models

Model trio: All three of the women showcased their enviable and tanned physiques

Twin poses: Alessandra's pal sure knew how to model with the best of them, holding her own next to the famous Brazilian beauty

The extended clan all seemed to ring in the holiday at a white party as she shared some loved up snaps of her family and friends.

Ambrosio took to social media to wish her 10.2M followers a happy new year as she said, 'May this year be magical.'

Posing with her two kids, she looked like she had all she needed by her side as she looked towards the future.

Later on: The stunner modeled a different skimpy bikini, as she flaunted her slim figure in the afternoon sun

Carefree in the breeze: Ambrosio looked like she was thoroughly enjoying herself during the oceanside excursion

Getting wet: Alessandra made sure to take a dip
LAST Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his team made their usual weekly briefing on the status of the coronavirus in Trinidad and Tobago.

Given the rise in cases, the addition of a state of emergency was added to the existing public health measures, setting a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
IOWA CITY, Iowa - A white man who deliberately sped his car through a crowd of racial injustice protesters in Iowa City, striking several, will avoid prison and have the incident erased from his record if he stays out of trouble for three years.

IOWA CITY, Iowa - A white man who deliberately sped his car through a crowd of racial injustice protesters in Iowa City, striking several, will avoid prison and have the incident erased from his record if he stays out of trouble for three years.

A judge last month granted a deferred judgment for Michael Ray Stepanek, 45, who told police he drove his Toyota Camry through the crowd in August because the protesters needed "an attitude adjustment."

This undated photo provided by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office in Iowa City, Iowa, shows Michael Stepanek after his arrest on Aug. 25, 2020. Stepanek will avoid prison and could have the case dismissed under a plea agreement resolving charges related to his decision to intentionally drive through a crowd of racial injustice protesters in Iowa City, striking several. (Johnson County Sheriff's Office via AP)

The sentence means a felony charge of wilful injury resulting in bodily injury against Stepanek will be dismissed and expunged, as long as he does not commit a crime during a three-year term of probation. Judge Paul Miller also suspended a $1,025 civil fine.

Offenders who commit "forcible felonies" are not eligible for deferred judgments, but the charge to which Stepanek pleaded is not considered one under Iowa law. He was also eligible for the break because he did not have a criminal history.

One of the protesters he hit said Friday that she advocated for no prison sentence, but that she wasn't aware the case might disappear from the public record.

"I think its dangerous to have this kind of case occur and just wipe it away," said University of Iowa student Eva Sileo. She said it was frustrating to see protesters face harsh charges in other cases while Stepanek gets leniency.

Stepanek's attorney John Bruzek said his client was influenced by social media and political rhetoric characterizing the protesters as dangerous criminals. Stepanek initially believed he was legally justified but has come to see he was wrong and apologized, Bruzek said.

"Michael understands how his conduct could have resulted in a much more serious and harmful situation," he said.

The Johnson County Attorneys Office, which agreed to Stepanek's plea deal, is still pursuing charges against some Black Lives Matter protesters involved in the demonstrations last summer.

Prosecutors have filed 15 counts, including nine felonies, against a protest leader charged with shining a laser beam light in police officers eyes in August.

A 20-year-old Black protester who carried an assault rifle through an Iowa City crowd in June has been indicted on a federal charge of illegally possessing a gun while using marijuana. The man, who faces up to 10 years in prison, had already been prosecuted by Johnson County on related charges after the gun was found during a traffic stop following the protest.

Separately in Des Moines, prosecutors are pursuing felony leak charges against two protesters accused of stealing an intelligence bulletin from an officer and giving it to a television reporter.

Stepaneks violence came during a downtown Iowa City protest organized by the Iowa Freedom Riders, whose members have been pushing for changes to policing for months. Police fired tear gas on them in June, outraging city leaders.

Police say Stepanek became enraged when he was stopped behind other vehicles after protesters blocked an intersection. He honked his horn then made a U-turn, squealing his tires to turn around.

Then, he shut off his lights, drove around the block, and turned onto a downtown street where there were no vehicles between him and the protesters, police say. Video shows his car striking multiple protesters, dragging one on his hood, before speeding off.

Sileo, 21, recalled pushing others out of the way of the vehicle before ending up on its hood. She said her leg was hurt and the man who was dragged smashed his head on concrete.

"I dont know how he lived," she said.

In a victim impact statement to the court, she said the incident opened her eyes to hatred in the community.

"It was extremely jarring to have some stranger take it upon himself to punish a group of young unarmed people for inconvenience and/or political dissidence," she wrote.

A police officer on the scene saw Stepanek speeding away and noted his license plate but did not pursue him, citing traffic congestion. The officer claimed to have not seen him plow through the crowd.

The Iowa City Police Department announced an investigation the next day, after video of the incident spread on social media and protesters accused police of failing to respond.

The department asked those who were struck to come forward, but only Sileo did. Stepanek was arrested and spent 76 days in jail.
President Donald Trump considered deploying the National Guard to hold off would be anti-Trump counter protesters, according to advisers familiar with the matter.

Trump is said to have expressed interest beforehand in calling the National Guard to Wednesday's demonstration and eventual assault on the Capitol to protect his own people, the New York Times reports.

Instead, Trump was resistant in calling the troops even after the mob of brazen Trump supporters descended on the Capitol and stole property.

Trump is said to have expressed interest beforehand in calling the National Guard to Wednesday's demonstration and eventual assault on the Capitol

Instead, Trump was resistant in calling the troops even after the mob of brazen Trump supporters descended on the Capitol.

In addition to calling the National Guard for his supporters, Trump is said to have also told advisers in the days leading up to the march that he wanted to join his supporters at the Capitol.

White House officials advised against the move, however.

More than 24 hours after his public silence following his supporters storming of the Capitol, Trump released a short video where he blasted the 'heinous' attack and called for national 'healing' along with an 'orderly' and 'seamless' transition to a new administration.

The video - posted on Twitter after his suspension from the site was lifted - came as the death toll from Wednesday's rampage rose to five after a Capitol Police officer succumbed to his injuries in hospital last night.

U.S. National Guard troops walk through the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on January 06

President Donald Trump released a short video Thursday where he blasted the 'heinous' attack and called for national 'healing'  and called for an 'orderly' and 'seamless' transition to a new administration

Fox News' National Security Correspondent, Jennifer Griffin, tweeted: 'Trump in video says he immediately ordered Natl Guard ...to secure the building & expel the intruders. NOT TRUE Trump was not on calls with DoD ordering Guard. Pentagon relied on blanket permission to mobilize Guard from weekend conversations. Pence spoke to DoD from Hill'

'Id like to begin by addressing the heinous attack on the United States Capitol,' Trump said, in Thursday's video.

'Like all Americans I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem.

'I immediately deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruders. America is and must always be a nation of law and order.'

His claim to have called up the National Guard was immediately disputed.

Fox News' National Security Correspondent, Jennifer Griffin, tweeted: 'Trump in video says he immediately ordered Natl Guard ...to secure the building & expel the intruders. NOT TRUE Trump was not on calls with DoD ordering Guard. Pentagon relied on blanket permission to mobilize Guard from weekend conversations. Pence spoke to DoD from Hill.'

CNN, NBC, The New York Times and others all reported that it was Pence, not Trump, who spoke to the Pentagon and called up the Guard.

CNN, NBC, The New York Times and others all reported that it was Pence, not Trump, who spoke to the Pentagon and called up the Guard

Kaitlan Collins, CNN's White House correspondent, tweeted: 'Trump did not immediately deploy the National Guard yesterday, as he claims in his video. He initially resisted it, according to several people, as CNN, NYT and others reported'

AOC blasted reports that Trump ordered the National Guard to the scene

Kaitlan Collins, CNN's White House correspondent, tweeted: 'Trump did not immediately deploy the National Guard yesterday, as he claims in his video. He initially resisted it, according to several people, as CNN, NYT and others reported.'

NBC tweeted: 'In video tonight, Pres. Trump says he "immediately" deployed the National Guard. He had to be convinced to deploy the Guard, a person familiar with the matter says. VP Pence was in contact with the Pentagon, and encouraged a much more rapid deployment than what was occurring.'

And Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, member of the House representing New York, pointed to the Pentagon's statement about the deployment, which did not mention Trump but did say they had been in contact with Pence.
Sri Lankas dilemmas of the dead and our punching bags of politicians View(s):

If ever 2021 had a ghastly leitmotif, it would be the dead. From Muslims not being allowed to cremate their dead disregarding the recommendations of experts, the Tamils not being allowed to remember their dead with even memorials being bulldozed by night, we have the highly avoidable covid-19 dead including hundreds of migrant workers abandoned by a Government which once seduced them for their vote.

Our present nightmares and useful parallels

On top of all that, we also have the politically dead as it were, churning out vainglorious laments as to what Sri Lanka might have been if current political leaders were not in power. But there are obstinate truths that Sri Lanka  and Sri Lankans who moralize from hollow pinnacles of self-styled liberal superiority  must understand. Indeed, the chaos in the United States after the mercifully outgoing President of the United States, now called a domestic terrorist, incited right-wing mobs to invade the Capitol reminds us of our own nightmares.

And to be clear, this does not stop with (superficial) parallels that some may like to draw between cult followers of Donald Trump storming the floor of the United States Senate this week and the siege of the Speakers dais by chillie wielding Rajapaksa parliamentarians in 2018. As one gleeful ruffian put his feet up on the desk of Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi and mouthed gibberish about the desk belonging to him as a tax payer and seasoned American reporters sought for adjectives to describe the mayhem, the scenes were extraordinary.

But the point sought to be made here is far more than that. Trumpism is indubitably a symptom of a possibly near-fatal disease that has inflicted American democracy rather than the cause. That affirmation goes beyond the simplistic reality that racism was always a part of the society and that the Trump era merely made it politically correct. As the free speech advocate and lawyer Glenn Greenwald has persuasively argued in several writings that run counter to the general narrative of Trump equals evil and everything else equals good, the Trump administration is not a radical aberration or a dramatic break from American political practice.

The redemption of the unredeemable

It may seem to be so as the ugliness is out in the open. But deep down, this is not some new universe of savagery, lawlessness, or radicalism when compared to those who preceded him in power. Greenwalds scathing remarks are made in the context of the Trumpian era giving a new lease of life to Republican as well as Democratic politicians with blood on their hands in the so-called War against Terror and journalists who cheered them on but who can now throw up their hands, aghast at the evil dicator that Americans elected to power.

As he observes these architects of terror who ushered in lawlessness, executive power transgressions and authoritarian leadership in the name of fighting terror in the pre-Trump years, also claimed the right to violate Congressional statutes restricting how they could spy, detain, or even kill anyone, including American citizens, as long they justified it as helpful in the fight again terrorism. These forthright critiques and the usefully revisionist history that they refer to in the context of the crisis ridden United States is useful for us.

Rajapaksa-ism in Sri Lanka, now in its most frightening avatar under this Presidency, came about by the unhappy confluence of not only political but also a profound failure of intellectual and civil leadership in Sri Lanka, not limited to the Rajapaksas. It is very much a product of the yahapalanaya times when the opportunity for redemption that Greenwald speaks of, operated very much in the same manner here in relation to those who had driven the very deliberate violation of constitutional rights.

That toxic brand of crisis

Thus, state lawyers who, not long ago, presided over the subversion of the Udalagama Commission of Inquiry going so far as to coerce family members of the Mutur massacres into signing confessions that government troops were not responsible for the killings of their loved ones, chaired committees on anti-torture prevention as part of the Annual Human Rights Action Plan. And anti-corruption crusaders metamorphosed into shameless defenders of the Government announcing that the yahapalanaya corruption drive was going just as it ought to when the contrary was the case. Now, criminal investigators who were pivotal in those efforts are in prison

Worse would have been in store. At the last minute, we were saved from a Counter Terrorism law which, if enacted into law, would have been more draconian than the Prevention of Terrorism Act in the hands of the current administration. So the Rajapaksas and their toxic brand of crisis which we are suffering now is very much a consequence of a citizenship failure, no more and no less. By this, I do not mean, the thousands of decent Sri Lankans who, in 2015, threw Mahinda Rajapaksa out of power, including as must be said, a percentage of the Sinhala electoral bloc.

Indeed and to digress, that despicably false approximation of the anti-Rajapaksa vote in 2015 to the minority vote (ie; the common complaint that Rajapaksa would not have been defeated if the Tamils and the Muslims had not combined to throw him out) has a familiar tone to it. Donald Trumps lunatic supporters who rampaged through the Capitol said the same thing, our President would be continuing in office if it was not for these blacks, browns etc, etc. The narrative of the right-wing is eerily familiar if only we bother to listen.

Powerful, independent engagement with citizenry needed

But in our case, that failure was culpably compounded by the stupidity of front men of Ranil Wickremesinghes alliance, the Tamil National Alliance, who indulged in the boast that they were the king makers at Sri Lankas national elections. Unfortunately, unlike in America, as discussed in these column spaces last week, we lack the tri-formidable forces that stopped the Trumpist march in their tracks, namely grassroots activism of our Opposition politicians which in turn, activated the citizens, steadfast refusal by the military to get involved in politics and the determination of the judiciary in upholding its constitutional role to protect rights.

Instead, what we have is the familiar refrain of heaping blame for the ruinous state of our nation on the sins of one political family. This pattern of the Rajapaksas and their racist acolytes continuing as the favourite punching bag of righteous liberal wrath in Colombo must stop. A far more insightful narrative of our own flaws as rights interventionists and libertarian practitioners must emerge together with powerful, independent engagement with the people.

On their own part, independent analysts (or those professing to be such) must stop wobbling like jellies by engaging in painful equivocations on why this Government is doing this or justifying why it is doing that. That was bad during the yahapalanaya times and is bad now, without exception. When critical oversight agencies are rudely dismantled, the truth stares you in the face.

The dilemmas of our dead

When the policy says one law, one country but the reality is that the minorities are treated differently to the majority even where the dead is concerned and the majority itself is treated like cattle only to get to political power, that cannot be just shrugged off. The dilemmas of Sri Lankas dead need to be dealt with. Ghosts who cry for closure need to be laid to rest.

It is as simple as that.
ADVERTISEMENT

The police in Damaturu, Yobe State, have arrested four persons over the death of an 18-year old female at a government guest lodge in Damaturu.

PREMIUM TIMES was told the incident occurred on Thursday.

The police have arrested the suspects who are now at the Police B Division in Damaturu.

Police sources said the prime suspect is Al-bash Yahaya Ibrahim with three others and they are being charged with homicide

The corpse has been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital Damaturu awaiting autopsy.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES.

Four suspects are in our custody over suspected charge of homicide, he said.

According to him, the charges of the case will come out clearly after an autopsy is carried out on the body.

Yes, we have four suspects in our custody over suspected homicide (killing) of one girl who died at a government lodge in Damaturu. The case is now with the state CID under investigation, he added.

What transpired

One Dr Al-bash Ibrahim Yahaya reported to the police that he slept with a girl and the girl died in his room.

Dr Al-bash reported to the police that, he was a guest to Yobe State Government who lodged at the government lodge and he asked some boys get him a woman and they brought one for him and he slept with her just to discover in the morning that the girl was under the influence of drugs.

ALSO READ: Police arrest four men for allegedly raping two minors in Yobe

Dr Al-bash said the girl was shivering and doing some funny things. Our preliminary information also revealed that the girl is a drug addict, Mr Dungus said.

Dr Al-bash called the boys that brought the girl to him and informed them of the development and instead, they came and started administering peak milk to the girl who died in the process, he added.

He said the matter was being investigated.

What I can tell you now is that we are investigating a case of homicide against Dr. L-Bash Yahaya Ibrahim, a principal suspect and three others. One who procured the girl for him, two of his friends who saw her in an usual condition and started treating her with peak milk.

We must know whether it was actually peak milk that was administered on her and what really killed her. The cause of the death will have to be established through autopsy results, the police spokesman said.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered the deceased just finished her secondary school in 2020.
Chandigarh, Jan 9 : British Labour Party MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has sent a letter, signed by over 100 MPs and Lords, to Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the ongoing farmers' protests in India, asking him to raise this matter with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi when they next liaise.

The letter seeks to ensure that the UK Prime Minister reaffirms the importance of the right to peaceful protest internationally, has a full understanding of this important issue and asks him to raise this matter with the Indian Prime Minister, following the cancellation of their meeting in India, planned later this month.

"Immensely grateful to the 100 plus MPs and Lords who've signed cross-party letter to the Prime Minister, given huge concerns for the peaceful Indian farmers' protest. Boris Johnson must raise with the Indian PM when they liaise, expressing hopes of speedy resolution to the current deadlock," Dhesi told IANS in an message.

Image Source: IANS New Delhi: Indian Farmers Union stages 'Chakka Jam' demonstration to protest against the Central Government over Agri Bills 2020 at the Delhi-Noida border, on Sep 25, 2020.

Earlier, 36 UK MPs led by Dhesi, who has been a vocal supporter of the protesting farmers in India, wrote a letter to Commonwealth Secretary Dominic Raab in which they asked him to speak to the Indian government.

The letter dated January 5, titled "Peacefully protesting Indian farmers and linked global protests", says the issue has so galvanised the Indian diaspora community, especially those of a Punjabi or Sikh background, and others who have land or links to farming in India, that tens of thousands engaged in global protests, including in towns and cities across the UK.

"A cross-party letter was sent to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to raise this matter with his Indian counterpart and he has assured that it was raised with the Indian Foreign Minister, but he did not do so with the Indian Prime Minister during his December Delhi meeting.

Image Source: IANS New Delhi: Indian Farmers Union stages 'Chakka Jam' demonstration to protest against the Central Government over Agri Bills 2020 at the Delhi-Noida border, on Sep 25, 2020.

"We believe your January India visit has now been cancelled, but you intend to meet your Indian counterpart soon. Given the urgency of this matter, could you please confirm that you will definitely convey to the Indian Prime Minister the heart-felt anxieties of our constituents, our hopes for a speedy resolution to the current deadlock and also for the democratic human right of citizens to peacefully protest? "We look forward to your timely response, so that we can inform our constituents accordingly," said the letter signed by over 100 MPs.

The agitated farmers are demanding the repeal of the three farm laws passed by Indian Parliament and have expressed apprehension that they would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporate houses.

Refusing to repeal the laws, the government has maintained that the new laws will provide farmers with better opportunities.

The eight round of talks between the farmers' leaders and the government remained inconclusive on Friday, however, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is hopeful of a solution in the ninth round of talks scheduled for January 15.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Law enforcement agencies across the country are using artificial intelligence facial recognition software to identify members of the violent mob that broke into the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, including at least one in Alabama.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on Friday that Oxford Police Sgt. Jason Webb was using the Clearview AI facial recognition application to help identify people who participated in the violent protests Wednesday. Webb told the Journal on Friday that he had generated several suspect leads using the program.

Five people died, including an Alabama man and a Capitol police officer, as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, entering through smashed windows, crossing toppled barricades and battling with police.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has asked for the publics assistance in identifying individuals who made unlawful entry into the United States Capitol Building on January 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

Webb and the Oxford Police Department declined to comment Saturday, but Clearview AI CEO Hoan Ton-That confirmed that Oxford PD was an early adopter of his platform, and that Webb is one of the softwares top users.

What I can say is, yeah, that department that was in the New York Times story and the Wall Street Journal, they have been one of our earliest customers for a long time, Ton-That said in a phone interview Saturday. And I know that the sergeant there is one of our top users. Hes solved many, many, or helped to solve many, many cases.

Ton-That said that after the FBI asked other agencies to assist in locating individuals who stormed the Capitol, the Webb was one of the first to respond.

The FBI is a customer of Clearview AI, Ton-That said. Nevertheless, they send out this, you know, call for help, and I think Jason was the first to jump on it, because they work with the FBI on a lot of cases.

Ton-That said Clearview is like Google for faces and that it allows law enforcement to compare photos from crime scenes to publicly available images such as social media posts to try to identify people.

The company announced in May that it was canceling contracts with non-law enforcement or governmental customers and has pledged not to offer its services to private companies as a result of a multiple lawsuits and privacy concerns about the facial recognition software.

Its not real time surveillance, its not something that when someone walks by a camera, something happens, Ton-That said. Its more like youre trying to solve a crime, say, a bank robbery, or a murder, and all you have is a photo from a crime scene, youre able to put it into our system, and we cull the internet for openly available images, publicly available images, and return a match.

Ton-That said that more than 2,400 law enforcement agencies in the United States use Clearview, and that the software is a step in the investigations process.

[After searching] the investigator goes through all the information and has to really double check is the right person or not? and then proceed on with the case, Ton-That said. Its a good way to kind of open up cases that wouldnt have been opened up otherwise.

Ton-That said that Webb is one of Clearviews most established users.

Hes kind of like the go-to guy in Alabama, you know, Ton-That said. Everyone knows that he knows how to use Clearview really well, he knows how to enhance the photos, how to do the research. You know, if you get a link to a profile, say on Instagram or a mug shot that is no longer there, he can keep on researching, and really dig in and find stuff.
Doctor Forgives $650,000 Debt for Cancer Patients in Arkansas Treatment Center

An Arkansas cancer treatment center has decided to wipe the slate clean for 200 patients by forgiving $650,000 in outstanding debt.

Oncologist Dr. Omar Atiq, founder of the Arkansas Cancer Clinic in Pine Bluff, sent a special note inside a Christmas card to all patients ahead of the Holidays.

The Arkansas Cancer Clinic was proud to serve you as a patient, read the card, WSB-TV reported. Although various health insurances pay most of the bills for [the] majority of patients, even the deductibles and co-pays can be burdensome.

Arkansas Cancer Clinic is closing its practice after over 29 years of dedicated service to the community. The clinic has decided to forego all balances owed to the clinic by its patients. Happy Holidays.

Atiq, originally from Pakistan and now a professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, told KARK, Being sick is hard, having cancer is harder, and having cancer in this pandemic is devastating. The clinic closed its doors in February 2020 due to staffing shortages, having served patients since 1991, reports Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. It does not plan to reopen.

The cancer treatment center worked in collaboration with a billing company to ensure there would be no financial ramifications for the patients after their debt was wiped clean.

Arkansas Cancer Institute in Pine Bluff, Ark. (Screenshot/Google Maps)

We thought there was not a better time to do this than during a pandemic that has decimated homes, peoples lives and businesses, and all sorts of stuff, Atiq explained. We just thought we could do it, and we wanted to, so we went ahead and did it.

The outstanding debt was accumulated partly because we have never refused to see a patient, he said.

David Wroten, executive vice president of the Arkansas Medical Society, praised the oncologist for his gesture of compassion. When he called me, he wanted to make sure there was nothing improper about doing it, he added.

If you knew Dr. Atiq, you would better understand, Wroten continued. He truly has a heartfelt love affair with the patients who he has seen. He has gotten as much from his patients as they have gotten from him.

We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com
A tough start to the weekend. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

A cohort of Trump supporters berated Senator Lindsey Graham at Reagan National Airport Friday for breaking with President Trump during this weeks chaotic certification of the Electoral College vote. Graham was initially among the GOP senators who planned to vote against the certification of Joe Bidens victory, but he jumped ship after a mob, incited by the president, violently stormed the Capitol during Wednesdays proceedings. The South Carolina Republican and longtime Trump ally was harassed by the angry group of loyalists, who were likely on their way home from Washington, as he passed through the airport terminal. Some in the group chanted traitor in videos of the confrontation shared on Twitter.

Its going to be like this forever, wherever you go, for the rest of your life... audit our vote you piece of shit.



Trump supporters continue to harass Sen. Graham at Reagan airport this morning  horrifying new reality in our countrypic.twitter.com/9SBZzgJqZW  j.d. durkin (@jiveDurkey) January 8, 2021

A source sends this video of a group of Trump supporters today harassing Sen. Lindsey Graham at Reagan airport and loudly calling him a traitor after he publicly broke with Trump earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/XBF8K6DIUD  Daniel Lippman (@dlippman) January 8, 2021

Earlier this week, Senator Mitt Romney, an outspoken critic of the president, was confronted in similar fashion by Trump supporters at Salt Lake Citys airport and again during his flight to Washington.
Health workers perform a trial run of COVID-19 vaccine delivery system in New Delhi. India tested its COVID-19 vaccine delivery system as it prepares to roll-out an inoculation program to stem the coronavirus pandemic. The exercise included necessary data entry into an online platform for monitoring vaccine delivery, along with testing of cold storage and transportation arrangements for the vaccine, according to the health ministry. (Image: AP)

New Delhi, Jan 9 : Faced with an angry outburst not just from the Uyghur community but also prominent politicians, human rights activists and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Twitter has finally removed a tweet from a Chinese government account justifying its genocidal policy in the Uyghur dominated Xinjiang region, the westernmost part of the country.

In a tweet Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in the United States had shared a China Daily report on the population change in Xinjiang published by the Xinjiang Development Research Center defending China's oppression of Uyghur Muslims. The report said that the Muslim women in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) are "no longer baby-making machines" and that the decrease in population growth throughout the province has led to a drop in terrorism.

"Study shows that in the process of eradicating extremism, the minds of Uygur women in Xinjiang were emancipated and gender equality and reproductive health were promoted, making them no longer baby-making machines. They are more confident and independent," the tweet from the Chinese embassy said.

The tweet backing the Chinese government's policies against the Muslim community in spite of several reports revealing shocking data on involuntary abortions and sterilizations performed over the years in the region, invited instant scathing criticism from all corners of the globe.

"It is utterly appalling & shameful for the @ChineseEmbinUS & Communist #China to justify its genocidal policy in the #Uyghur region. I call on the international community to join USCIRF in condemning #CCP in the strongest terms," said USCIRF Commissioner Nury Turkel.

Twitter first said that the Chinese embassy's "Baby-making machines" tweet is not against its rules, which ban "the dehumanization of a group of people based on their religion, race, or ethnicity" but reversed its decision earlier Saturday by removing it saying it "violated the Twitter Rules." The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, also condemned the Chinese Embassy and had called on the social media corporation to remove the "horrific" tweet.

"China's fascist government is now openly admitting and celebrating its use of concentration camps, forced labor, forced sterilizations and abortions, and other forms of torture to eliminate an ethnic and religious minority. Leaders, nations and corporations around the world must take concrete action to end China's genocide of Uyghur Muslims, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said in a statement urging Twitter to ensure that foreign governments cannot use their platforms to justify or celebrate crimes against humanity.

"Why does twitter allow their platform to be used for this kind of propaganda? They are bragging about the Genocide of Muslims. And why hasn't Justin Trudeau's government imposed #Magnitsky sanctions against communist China for these actions? What more do they need?" tweeted Leo Housakos, a Senator from Canada's Quebec.

Much has already been written about the Chinese government policies aiming at reducing birth rates among Uyghurs including involuntary abortions and sterilizations. It has been revealed that in 2018, 80 per cent of all the Intrauterine Device (IUD) placements in China were performed on women in the Uyghur Region, despite the region making up only about 1.8 percent of China's total population.

A report by German researcher Adrian Zenz, one of the world's leading scholars on Chinese government's policies towards the Tibet and Xinjiang regions, was published by the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation think tank last year detailing measures to forcibly suppress birthrates among ethnic Uyghur communities, to include the mass application of mandatory birth control and sterilizations.

This policy directed by the authorities of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the report revealed, is intended to reduce the Uyghur population in Xinjiang relative to the numbers of ethnic Han Chinese - and thereby to promote more rapid Uyghur assimilation into the "Chinese Nation-Race," a priority goal of national-level ethnic policy under CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping.

"Between 2015 and 2018, about 860,000 ethnic Han residents left Xinjiang, while up to 2 million new residents were added to Xinjiang's Han majority regions. Also, population growth rates in a Uyghur region where Han constitute the majority were nearly 8 times higher than in the surrounding rural Uyghur regions (in 2018). These figures raise concerns that Beijing is doubling down on a policy of Han settler colonialism," cited the report.

The findings, mentioned the report, provide the strongest evidence yet that Beijing's policies in Xinjiang meet one of the genocide criteria cited in the U.N. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, namely that of Section D of Article II: "imposing measures intended to prevent births within the [targeted] group." The U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had labeled the report as "shocking" and "disturbing." "The revelations are sadly consistent with decades of CCP practices that demonstrate an utter disregard for the sanctity of human life and basic human dignity. We call on the Chinese Communist Party to immediately end these horrific practices and ask all nations to join the United States in demanding an end to these dehumanizing abuses," Pompeo had said in a statement.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)
(Newser)  Twitter permanently suspended President Trump's personal account, @RealDonaldTrump, on Friday, but the commander in chief quickly found a temporary workaround. CNBC reports that Trump managed to sneak in four more tweets from the government-owned @POTUS account on Friday evening, although those tweets were also removed from the platform almost as soon as he posted them. "As I have been saying for a long time, Twitter has gone further and further in banning free speech, and tonight, Twitter employees have coordinated with the Democrats and Radical Left in removing my account from their platform, to silence me," Trump wrote, at odds with the actual story of why his personal account was given the axi.e., because the platform was afraid further tweets from the president may incite more violence.

story continues below

Trump also noted "we have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon, while we also look at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future." Twitter tells CNN it will enforce its policy on ban evasions if Trump keeps trying to use other accounts to tweet, noting those accounts would potentially be suspended. "For government accounts, such as @POTUS and @WhiteHouse, we will not suspend those accounts but will take action to limit their use," the company says in a statement, adding those accounts will soon be handed over to the Biden administration anyway. Meanwhile, two more names in Trump's sphere were banned from Twitter Friday: former national security adviser Michael Flynn and attorney Sidney Powell, who've both been pushing Trump's false election-fraud narrative, as well as QAnon conspiracy theories. A Twitter rep tells Fox News their bans were for "coordinated harmful activity." (Read more Donald Trump tweets stories.)
NASHVILLE The Tennessee Beef Promotion Board will meet Jan. 15, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. CST.

In accordance with Governor Bill Lees Executive Order 71, the Tennessee Beef Promotion Board will meet and conduct business by electronic means.

The meeting is open to the public to attend via an internet-based teleconferencing system. There is no cost to participants. Instructions and alternative methods of communication are included at the bottom of this notice.

The agenda includes approval of previous meetings minutes, review of board finances, and quarterly update on programs.

Zoom meeting instructions:

Join Zoom meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86906595335?pwd=aUZTZnY4VVVhVHk2c3lGbktFMTR2QT09

or call

312-626-6799 US toll

Meeting ID: 869 0659 5335

Passcode: 175463

AGENDA:

1:30 p.m. Welcome  Russ Uselton  Chairman

Approval of minutes  October 16, 2020

Financial Review  Lydia Hancock/Patterson Freeman

Program Update  Valerie/Karman/Janna

 Discovery Park of America

 Agriculture Education Center Update  Tim Edwards and Jennifer Apala

Other Business  next meeting April 16, 2021
The number of people infected with the new UK-linked variant of has gone up to 90 in India, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday.

These 90 cases include the 82 announced by the ministry till Friday.

"The total number of cases infected with the new strain of the novel coronavirus, first reported in the UK, now stands at 90," the ministry said.

All these persons have been kept in single-room isolation in designated healthcare facilities by respective state governments, the ministry had earlier said.

Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others, while genome sequencing on other specimens is going on, the ministry said.

The situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to designated labs.

The presence of the new UK-variant has already been reported by several countries including Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore.

(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.)

Secretary of Tourism says nearly a million vacationed in the Mexican Caribbean during the holiday season

Cancun, Q.R.  More than 150 hotels around the state requested special permission to exceed the allowed 60 percent capacity placed on them due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Marisol Vanegas Perez, the State Secretariat of Tourism said that while official figures are still being calculated, it has been estimated that nearly a million tourists arrived in Quintana Roo for the recent holiday season.

It was for this reason that 154 hotels around the state requested special permits to be able to exceed the allowed 60 percent capacity to accommodate those arriving for vacation.

Playa del Carmens Fifth Avenue was busy with vacationing shoppers

During the holiday period of December 22 to January 6, Vanegas Perez says they have estimated approximately 961,000 travelers spent their holidays around various destination in the state.

She added that of those, American tourists led the way with visits to the Mexican Caribbean. Those figures were followed by national tourists.

State beaches were also busy with vacationing travelers enjoying the sun and sand

With everything that has happened due to the pandemic, we could say that we had a successful year-end holiday season with a good number of hotels open, increased operations at the airport, tourists from the United States and from around the country.

We also had tourists from other nations, which translates into job creation and more operations for travel agents, rental companies, nautical services and restaurants among many others, she pointed out.

Quintana Roo health care workers to begin vaccinations next week

Cancun, Q.R.  Governor Carlos Joaquin says that the states health care workers will be the first to be vaccinated against Covid-19 when the vaccines arrive early next week.

He explained that as defined by the federal government, all health care workers will be prioritize to receive the vaccinations before others in the state.

They will be the doctors, the nursing and administrative personnel, the laboratory workers, the chemists, the technicians, the radiologists, the orderlies, the trusted people, the temporary and paid workers, the cleaning and hygiene personnel of the hospitals where they attend to Covid-19, food and ambulance handlers and social workers who will receive the first doses, he said.

Joaquin said that the first stage of vaccinations will run from January to February. From January 12 to 18, 7,800 doses will be applied. From January 19 to 25, 2,925 doses will be applied and that from January 26 to February 1, 5,850 vaccines will be administered for a total of 16,575 doses.

After that first stage, the second stage of vaccines will begin between February and April, with the remaining health personnel and with people over 60 years of age. Vaccines from April to May will include residents from 50 to 59 years old, while stage four, from May to June, will see those aged 40 to 49 vaccinated.

The federal government will see all health care workers vaccinated first

He says the remainder of the states population will be vaccinated from June of this year to March of 2022. He mentioned that in a talk with Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, he raised the importance of the states population being vaccinated since Quintana Roo consistently receives a large number of foreign visitors.

We cannot stop the flow of touristsbut instead, we must improve our sanitary fences, check-ups with rapid tests and different diagnoses, he said.

Joaquin also pointed out the importance of the vaccines due to the new variant of the virus and the flow of tourists that arrive from Europe, noting that Cancun regularly receives flights from cities such as Zurich, Frankfurt and Paris.

He added that he has received a request for help from hotel businessmen to coordinate the possible purchase of vaccines that would allow them to expand their vaccination reach.

On Friday, the head of the Cancun Hotel Association, Roberto Cintron Gomez said that they were considering a strategy for the northern region that would see the vaccination of tourist service providers along with Covid testing points in the hotel zone.
JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- On Dec. 1, Mississippis single-day high for new cases of COVID-19 stood at 1,972.

The state averaged more than that each day for the past week.

As medical workers and the elderly have begun receiving the COVID vaccine, its readily apparent it will take some time to stem the tide of the virus. During the past week, the state set a new record for single-day cases with 3,255 on Thursday and surpassed 5,000 total deaths.

According to data from the Mississippi Department of Health, the state totaled 15,279 new cases over the past week -- an average of 2,182.7 per day. While not good, and despite the single-day record, those number actually represent a slight decrease from 15,735 cases and a 2247.9 average the week prior.

Deaths, however, rose -- from 261 the week prior to 286 this week, an average of 40.9 per day.

The state health officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, has warned that he expects case numbers to continue to grow as people start testing positive after attending holiday gatherings.

Locally, Jackson County saw a significant increase in weekly numbers, totaling 603 new cases over the past week, an average of 86.1 per day. Both are increases from the week prior, when Jackson County had 530 cases and a 75.7 daily average. There were eight total deaths, identical to the previous week.

Jackson County now totals 9,423 cases and 166 deaths.

The numbers are even worse in neighboring Harrison County, which totaled 1,025 new cases this week for a daily average of 146.4 -- significant increases from the week prior when the county totaled 869 cases for a 124.1 daily average. There were 12 deaths, down from 18 the previous week.

Harrison County now totals 11,904 cases and has surpassed Jackson County in total deaths with 169.

Coastwide, there were 1,830 new cases for an average of 261.4 per day, both increases from the week prior when there were 1,641 cases and a 234.4 average. Twenty-one coast residents succumbed to the virus, down from 24 the week prior.

There was good news to be had during the week, however. Singing River Hospital System announced they had received authorization from the MDH to begin vaccinating residents ages 75 and above. That process began Thursday.

Residents above 75 can call 228-809-5555 for an appointment.

Additional good news came in the form of $200 million approved by Congress for additional testing and vaccinations in Mississippi, which will receive $173.3 million for testing and $26.8 million for vaccinations.

Other data from the MDH released Friday shows that 1,419 Mississippians were hospitalized with COVID-19, with 340 of those in intensive care. There were 60 total ICU beds available statewide -- including 1 at Singing River Hospital and none at Ocean Springs Hospital.

The health department reported that 214,600 doses of the vaccine had been distributed across the state, with 41,541 doses administered and reported to the MDH.

The MDH also reported 182,103 Mississippians are now presumed recovered from the virus. With total deaths taken into account, there are 46,461 active cases across the state -- up from 37,591 in mid-December, an increase of 23.6 percent in roughly three weeks.

Total testing now stands at 1,886,536, with a positive rate of 12.4 percent, up from 11.8 percent in mid-December.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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.
Home > 2021 > Too Much Democracy, Mr Kant, Or Too Little? | Avay Shukla

by Avay Shukla

2 January 2021

So now we finally know why the Modi govt. has messed up the Farm Bills issue big time: it has advisors like Mr. Kant who no doubt firmly believe that a few more jackboots on peasant throats would have made them gladly swallow the legislation without any demur. And, for all we know, hes the one who is also advising our resident sage: " We kant back down now!"

Amitav Kant is one of the most powerful and influential policy makers in the present dispensation and his words cannot be wished away like those of Mr. Giriraj Singh. He has come a long way from his Kerala Tourism days, but posterity will always wonder what happened to him between the brilliant "Gods own country" and the alarming " India has too much democracy." He may just be his masters voice sending up a trial balloon or he may be making a down payment to insure a second extension of service. In either case he appears to have crossed that gradually fading line between a civil servant and a politician. The IAS is justly proud of the fact that it is a jack of all trades, but when one of its tribe elevates this to master of all he is treading on thin ice. But this is unfortunately what happens when you get invited to too many Conclaves where fawning comperes treat you like the Delphic oracle, and one soon starts believing that one is Nostradamus, Solomon and Adam Smith combined.

For, if only Mr. Kant had taken off his saffron-tinted blinkers, he would have realised that the reverse of what he said is the stark truth: it is not too much, but too little democracy which is the problem with reform and governance today. Democracy is not just periodical elections or a brute majority in Parliament, as he seems to think, but the existence of robust constitutional values. Its ingredients include a willingness to consult and engage, federalism, tolerance of dissent, freedom of the press, a tireless quest for equity, social harmony, respect for autonomy of institutions, transparency, a pledge to abide by the rule of law. If only Mr. Kant would take the trouble of stepping out of his bio bubble in NITI AYOG he would notice that most of them do not exist in his masters New India.

The present regime consults nobody, not even Parliament or reportedly its own Ministers, even as it forcibly imposes one calamitous policy after another on the hapless nation: demonetisation, GST, the lockdown, electoral funding, reading down of Article 370, reduction of status of J+K, CAA, NRC, the amendments to the UAPA, the three Farm Laws. Internationally recognised domain experts are ignored with contempt and banished abroad, we are left with the Surjit Bhallas and Gurcharan Dases. It allows no debate in Parliament: not even one in five draft bills are referred to Parliamentary committees, where earlier 70% of them went through this process of scrutiny. The inevitable results of such steam-rolling are widespread agitations like the anti-CAA and the ongoing farmers protests.

Federalism has ceased to exist: states ( especially opposition controlled states) are not consulted on legislation or policy matters; they are brow beaten into surrender by fiscal arm twisting or outright denial of legitimate funds ( such as the GST compensation) or re-engineering the TORs of the Finance Commission, or denial of Ways and Means limits ; central investigating agencies are let loose on "uncooperative " states to a point where at least five states have now barred them from operating without permission; state police are intimidated by excessive deployment of CAP personnel during "raids" even though law and order is a state subject ; state governments are preempted and prevented from investigating cases that may embarrass the central govt. by bringing in the CBI, ED or NIA, as in the Sushant suicide case or the Bhima Koregaon case. In opposition ruled states there is now no difference between a Governor and a party apparatchik. Huge resources are deployed in undermining elected state governments and federalism has now become naked adversarialism: the last vestige of trust has been exterminated.

The space for free speech has been drastically curtailed: dissent has been rechristened as anti-nationalism and sedition, and dozens of academics, social workers, students, activists and journalists have been incarcerated for being critical of the government. The only free " press" now is on social media and digital platforms, and the government has now initiated steps to bring them under control too by bringing them under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Hate speech laws are being applied selectively, sending a clear signal that remarks against a particular community will attract no punishment. Our own govt. will do nothing to curb the hate speech on TV which only amplifies its own narrative, even as one of its pet channels has been fined 20000 pounds by the UK watchdog last week, even after it tendered 280 specious apologies! Our own regulator is happy being a lapdog.

Just about every constitutional institution, nurtured over decades, has bitten the dust, the judiciary and CAG not excluded. What the government wants, the government gets, with reemployed bureaucrats falling over themselves to carry out the imperial commands. Parliament, it appears, has become as obsolete as its building and as redundant as the coccyx on the human anatomy: its a part of our evolution but has outlived its purpose. Universities have been bludgeoned into silence. Such is the decay of these institutions that just last week the Central Information Commission ruled that the citizens have no right to know who is donating how much money to a political party! I can only wonder: was this judgment given with a straight face ? Was the honourable CIC able to sleep that night? Going by this amazing logic, the next step could be a ruling that the voter does not have a right to know how many votes were cast for a political party in an election. The leitmotif is clear- the less the citizen knows, the stronger Mr. Kants version of "democracy".

This is further strengthened by a complete lack of transparency in the manner in which the govt. functions, whether it is about the Electoral Bonds, the Rafael pricing or off- set details, the PM CARES Fund, the Chinese intrusion into Ladakh, the EVM-VVPAT reconciliation, or even Mr. Modis degree from Delhi University. Crucial reports and results of surveys are simply buried if they do not suit the govts narratives or claims. No international organisation of any repute believes our statistics any more and have developed their own markers.The publics right to know is haughtily dismissed with silence by the executive, with convenient adjournments by the Supreme Court and a quivering pen by institutions like the Election Commission, the CAG and Central Information Commission.

Which is why Mr. Kants obiter dicta is so astounding. Especially when the consequences of this lack of democracy are becoming more and more visible every day, in cold facts and figures which can no longer be brushed under a yoga mat , redacted by a Niti Ayog or sanitised by Arnab Goswami.

Its not just that our economy has shown a negative growth of 23% or that the unemployment rate has never been higher in independent India or that the GST has been a failure or that demonetisation has knocked the bottom out of our small scale sector which accounts for 80% of non-agriculture employment. Other indicators of democracy or social well being have taken an even bigger hit in the last six years:

* In the Freedom Index we are now at 111 out of 162 countries, a fall of 17 places since 2014. Incidentally, this is a comprehensive assessment of the state of Personal, Economic and Human freedoms in a country, aggregated by the globally respected CATO Institute.

* The Human Development Report of UNDP places us at 131st position among 189 countries, again a fall of 2 places in one year.

* In the Global Hunger Index the country is ranked at 94 out of 107 ( even though the govt. claims we have 90 million tonnes of foodgrains in stock!)

* The Internet Freedom Index ranks us at a miserable 52, which is not surprising considering that Kashmir has had the longest continuous internet shutdown in the world since last August. This is the third straight year of decline.

* In Environmental Protection our country is at an abysmal 168 out of 173 nations, and we can only go further down under the stewardship of Mr. Javadekar.

* In the Economic Freedom Index we have plummeted- there can be no other word to describe this- from 79 to 105.

* The World Press Freedom Index places us at an alarming 142nd rank out of 180 countries, and things are only getting worse, what with as many as 50 scribes being arrested simply for being critical of the various state govts during the pandemic.

* The most disturbing report about the state of our country, however, comes from the central govt. itself- the NFHS ( National Family Health Survey)s fifth report, which covers 2019-20. It has found that malnutrition, stunting, wastage and underweightage among children ( between the age of 1 and 5 years) has GONE UP in 15 states and union territories. It is the first time this decline has been seen since 1998 and it negates all the progress made since then. The explanation is simple: it has been caused by a consistent decline in incomes, rendering households unable to buy protein foods- meat, eggs, vegetables, pulses, milk. These findings confirm the other economic and health indicators. This is not something for which the BJP govt. at the centre can blame the UPA or Nehru or the pandemic( the normal scapegoats), as all these children were born after 2014. And these figures can only get worse next year, once the impact of the pandemic has been factored in.

Mr. Kants Niti Ayog, as the govts primary stink-sorry, think- tank has to bear responsibility for the mess we are in. None of the big ticket programmes launched by this govt. has shown any success so far- Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, Smart Cities, Insolvency Code, RERA, to mention just a few. Instead, social and economic inequality has only worsened at a compounded rate, thanks to the consistent pro corporate policies which have become the unabashed norm. Just 1% of the countrys rich control 45.40% of its wealth, the top 10% control 74.30%. According to the Billionaires Insight Report 2020 ( brought out by UBS and PWC every year) the net worth of Indias billionaires increased by 35% to US$ 423 billion- at a time when 120 million people have been pushed below the poverty line and tens of millions have lost their jobs. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that, according to the World Economic Forums Global Social Mobility Report, it is estimated that it will take seven generations for a member of a poor Indian family to achieve the average national income! Thats a very long time to wait for Mr. Modi to deliver on his many promises.

And the CEO of Niti Ayog would have us believe that all these stupendous failures are because we have too much democracy ?

Do a retake, Mr. Kant, and remove your blinkers. If the country is regressing in every field- economic, social, developmental- it is because of the rapid erosion of democracy in the last few years, not because of too much democracy. Ambedkar famously described democracy in India as a thin top dressing of the Indian soil- much of it has been removed since 2014. We need to restore it- and not deny it with incompetent dilletantism and worse.

Contrary to what he may think, genuine democracy begins AFTER the votes are counted and the winner declared, and we have had too little of that of late. Which explains the many protests breaking out ( and suppressed) all over the country, the farmers revolt being only the latest but perhaps of greater consequence. Mr. Kant and his govt. may consider these are a sign of too much democracy, but they would be wrong- the protests are indicative of too little, not too much, democracy.

I would have advised Mr. Kant to go back to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, for a refresher course on Indias history and Constitution, but I wont. They have probably already changed the syllabus there, from " peoples democracy" to "corporate democracy".

(Reproduced from: Avay Shuklas Blog View from [Greater] Kailash)
Hong Kong: 2 mobile testing stations open

Two new mobile specimen collection stations have been set up at Yan Ching House of Kai Ching Estate in Kowloon City and Mei Tin Community Hall in Tai Wai, the Government announced today.

With the prolonged local COVID-19 epidemic situation, there have been widespread virus cases across all districts. Some patients have been asymptomatic, indicating the existence of many silent transmission chains in the community.

The Government has exercised the power under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation to cover several buildings under compulsory testing notices and require residents, workers and visitors to undergo testing.

It has arranged for testing service providers to set up mobile specimen collection stations in various districts to provide free and convenient testing services for people covered under the compulsory testing notices.

Apart from the mobile stations, those subject to compulsory testing may also choose to receive free testing at community testing centres in all districts. Such centres operate from 8am to 1.30pm and from 2.30pm to 8pm daily and provide booking and on-site registration services.

As several confirmed cases were detected recently at 26 Reclamation Street, Jordan, the community testing centre at Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre has extended its free testing service to residents of even nos. 20 to 26 Reclamation Street from today until January 11 tentatively.

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
January 6 was announced to be ''the day of reckoning'' by US President Donald Trump as he exhorted his followers to come to Washington where ''it will be wild''. Rudy Giuliani, his legal lickspittle, urged the mob that turned up to engage in ''trial by combat''.

For the next 11 days, Americans will instead undergo a trial by ordeal, as a deranged President, with his finger on the nuclear trigger, makes unpredictable and unaccountable decisions. He pardons those he loves, so may well give amnesties to the insurrectionists and to their enablers and first and foremost to himself. But how should those who have violently attacked a democratic government be treated?

The main argument for accepting the United States as world leader has always been advanced by making comparisons with the alternatives. True it is that if a mob like this had invaded the politburo in session in Beijing, all its members would have been shot dead. So, for all the astonishment at the failure of congressional security to predict and prepare for the obvious risk of riot from Trump and Giulianis incendiary pronouncements, there is some small comfort to be taken in the minimal bloodshed on the Capitol steps (even if a Black Lives Matter protest in the same place would have been met by immediate police force).

Another crumb of comfort comes from the CCTV and television close-ups of the mob that stormed the citadel. There were hundreds, not many thousands. Some wore neo-Nazi insignia, others were bearded yahoos from the average bikie gang and hare-brained QAnon conspiracy theorists, but many looked like befuddled right-wingers amazed that they had found such easy entry to the Capitol, and were more interested in taking selfies than in committing acts of domestic terrorism. This rag, tag and bobtail crowd was not attempting a ''coup'', namely a violent overthrow of government, and calls to charge them with treason (still punishable in America by death) or ''seditious conspiracy'' carrying up to 20 years in prison, are over the top.
Canada is making every effort to ensure Iran makes full reparations to the families of those killed in the UIA plane crash that occurred near Tehran on January 8, 2020.

This was said in a statement by Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau to mark the first anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752.

We continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation into the cause of this tragedy, and to hold Iran accountable, including by ensuring that Iran makes full reparations for the victims of PS752 and their grieving families, and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice," Trudeau said.

He added that "Canada has worked tirelessly to get the transparency, accountability, and justice that the victims and their families deserve." "We have been unrelenting in pursuit of the truth, and Canada will not accept anything less than a comprehensive and honest explanation from the Iranian regime of what exactly happened that day," the PM noted.

Trudeau promised that Canada will continue to support the family members of the Canadians and permanent residents of Canada who were lost to the tragedies of Flight PS752 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.

"In honour of the victims of Flight 752 and other air tragedies, the Government of Canada has designated January 8 of every year as the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters. And, to pay tribute to the students, teachers, and all those who had ties to schools across the country, we are also establishing scholarships in memory of those on Flight 752," the PM summed up.

On January 8, 2020, the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 in Iran claimed the lives of 176 people. Among them were nine crew members (all Ukrainians) and 167 passengers (citizens of Ukraine, Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK).

On January 11, Iran admitted that its military had accidentally shot down the Ukrainian passenger jet. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of the Ukrainian airliner.

On December 29, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the flight PS752 crewmembers the titles of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Golden Star.

On January 5, 2021, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine had received from Iran a draft technical report on the circumstances of the crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, which occurred near Tehran on January 8, 2020.

ish
A Chinese doctor has caused controversy by saying that the Covid-19 vaccine that has been rolled out in the country is the most unsafe in the world and has as many 73 side-effects.

Dr Tao Lina, a vaccine expert from Shanghai, took to his social media account to sound an alarm about the Sinopharm vaccine but soon went on to retract the charges.

Getty

U-turn after post went viral

According to a Daily Mail report, Lina announced the shortcomings of the jab developed by Beijing's state-run drugmaker Sinopharm to his 48 lakh social media followers on Tuesday. But the controversial post has since disappeared from Weibo, the Twitter-like platform popular in China.

Not just that, as soon as his statement went viral, the vaccine expert apologised to the nation and his fellow countrymen for his imprudent comments.

However, Lina on Thursday denied having criticised the vaccine after his remarks were reported outside mainland China. He denounced foreign media outlets for 'twisting' and 'exploiting' his words.

File

Side-effects as told by expert

A screenshot of the doctors post shows that he had mentioned that none of the vaccines in the world 'had more side effects' than the two-dose COVID-19 regimen from Sinopharm and described its potential adverse impact as unprecedented. Some of the listed side effects were pain around the injection area, headache, high blood pressure, the loss of vision and taste, and urinary incontinence.

A report by Chinese state-run media outlet Global Times has now said that Tao Lina has clarified that Chinese inactivated vaccines are safe.

Global Times further said that Tao Lina had posted sarcastic comments on the Sinopharm vaccine meant as a disclaimer for hostile parties but was wrongly interpreted by VOA on its site.

File

While Tao Lina posted his comments on Weibo, it is no longer available on the social media site, reported The Daily Mail.

The Chinese state-run media outlet quoted Tao Lina as saying, I have never said that inactivated vaccines lacked safety and efficacy. Instead, I frequently emphasised that inactivated vaccines produced by China are safe in multiple articles to dismiss public concerns over vaccinations.

In another post on Weibo on Thursday, Tao Lina has refuted his own allegations against the Sinopharm vaccine. Meanwhile, the Chinese government had granted conditional approval to the Sinopharm vaccine, which has shown over 79% efficacy.


Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Since the world heard the news of Ravi Zacharias indiscretions and that of Carl Lentzs, it has been easy for us to throw stones, hasnt it? Give it some thought. How often has it come up around the holiday table or in phone conversations or text chats? It has for me. Until I spoke to a young minister who cared deeply for Zacharias yet wasnt shaken by the news I bore. He said he came to understand a simple truth long ago. We are all Ravi Zacharias. We are all Carl Lentz. Today its them. Tomorrow it will be him or me or you.

He told me that part of him thinks it makes us feel better to gab about the newest Christian leader who has fouled up big time. As if to say, at least they are not after me. I was shaken by the realization. Is that what we are feeling inside?Im glad its not me. But, what if it were? What if it were your name splashed across websites and Christian gossip columns? Youd have a different opinion on the matter. What if the media or the church elders knew about your secret abortion, your homosexual thoughts, your med school cheat sheet or your roll in the hay with the choir director.

The truth is, friends, our attention on scandals such as these in the Christian church does nothing for us. In fact, its only making a case for our own guilt. We all know that there is therefore now no condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus. But we dont believe it enough  especially now that weve seen news break about a late Christian apologist and a mega-church leader falling into sin. But, we are all on trial here, cant you see that?

I dont care how many sexual trysts he had or how many jewelry store owners he slept with, all these news articles and gossip do is magnify OUR sin. And when sin is magnified or outed in the lives of our fellow saints, Christian leaders no less, it has ONE effect. It encourages me to hide my sin all the more. Is that the culture of Christianity that we hope to perpetuate? Dont confess sins one to another. Nah, thats for the birds. Instead, just dont get caught. For the record, the more we continue to spread the news of scandals like this, the more we deter people from actually wanting to follow Christ. Why? Well, if the Christian life is all about being scrutinized, why would I ever want to be a part of something like that? Especially if Im unchurched and have a crapload of things that Im struggling with like Justin Bieber did. If I come to church without getting those things fixed, it sounds a lot like theyd do to me what they do to the new kid in the cafeteria on his first day of school  roast me.

When we brandish each others mistakes in the public eye, we are no better than the Pharisees. Thats what they did. Going about all the city pulling out the law and performing a stick-measuring contest with other believers. Pastor Ravi Zacharias, why didnt you fulfill the law? Pastor Carl Lentz, you fell way short, how shameful! If this is truly what the Christian walk is about, that sucks because no one can fulfill the law. No, not one.

Everyone has fallen short, am I right? So, why are we expecting everyone to be good enough? Why are we expecting everyone to be awesome and holy and special and perfect ALL THE TIME? Of course youre thinking were supposed to hold preachers and teachers to higher standards, right? But, I ask, a simple question and I need a simple answer. What if we were them? We are ALL ministers but we love discussing these leaders mess-ups. But what would we do if our momentary indiscretions or our present-day slip-ups were put on front-street for all to see and hear? Are we not all humans, susceptible to the EXACT same temptations as Zacharias and Lentz? We should not magnify the sin. We should magnify the God who is still working on us and still saving us. Just as he is still working on their case and their behalf, he is still working on my case and on my behalf.

Saints, the folly of someone else should not be our joy. All that were doing is putting more and more guilt on ourselves. And, I cant carry that weight. Our little mistakes and our little sinsthe ones that we do behind closed doors, Im not willing or ready to have them spoken about in public. Take a hard, long look at your own issues. What if the Christian stick-measuring committee were to find them and put them out into the world? Would you want your fellow Christians to relish your failure? I would not.

Heres my advice, Christians. The law disqualifies you, your mother, your father, your brother and your sister. Embrace the fact that you are going to sin and you are going to make mistakes. Embrace the fact that your neighbor, your pastor and your parent will sin and make mistakes. Think before you attempt to spread gossip about someone elses failing. Show mercy. Extend grace. The same grace you want from your Father in heaven.

I mean, if you only give them the amount of grace you gave Donald Trump, that would be a start.
This Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 image shows the suspended Twitter account of President Donald Trump. On Friday, the social media company permanently suspended Trump from its platform, citing "risk of further incitement of violence." (AP Photo)

@realDonaldTrump, the Twitter feed that grew from the random musings of a reality TV star into the cudgel of an American president, died Friday. It was not quite 12 years old.

The provocative handle was given birth by a New York real estate tycoon who used it to help him become the 45th U.S. president. It began with a May 4, 2009, tweet promoting Donald Trump's upcoming appearance on David Letterman's show.

It died more than 57,000 tweets later, with Trump using some of his final postings on the powerful platform to commiserate with a pro-Trump mob that besieged the halls of Congress in a deadly assault as lawmakers were set to certify his defeat.

The account met its demise when Twitter announced Friday it was pulling the plug permanently on @realDonaldTrump, citing concern that Trump would use it for "further incitement of violence." Trump retorted that he'd be "building out our own platform in the near future. We will not be SILENCED!"

Trump, a novice politician but seasoned salesman, realized the power of social media in ways that few other politicians did. And he wielded it with never-before-seen power to diminish his opponents, shape elections and mold realityat least in the eyes of his supporters.

Early on, @realDonaldTrump seemed innocent enough. Its owner, who had prolific experience in marketing casinos, real estate and even Oreos, used the platform mostly to promote his books, media appearances and give friendly plugs to friends.

But as Trump began seriously toying with a White House run, it became a tool to scorch opponents and give shape to his nationalist, "America First" philosophy.

He deployed its venom equally, whether insulting celebrity enemies (Rosie O'Donnell was "crude, rude, obnoxious and dumb") or using xenophobia to malign a country (Britain is "trying hard to disguise their massive Muslim problem").

Peter Costanzo, then an online marketing director for the publishing company putting out Trump's book, "Think Like a Champion," helped bring Trump to the platform.

Twitter was still in its infancy at the time. But Costanzo, who later came to work for The Associated Press, saw the then-140-character-per-message platform as a new tool that the real estate mogul could use to boost sales and reach a broader audience.

Costanzo was given seven minutes to make his pitch to Trump"Not five minutes, not 10," he recalled in a 2016 interview.

Trump liked what he heard.

"I said, 'Let's call you @realDonaldTrumpyou're the real Donald Trump,'" recalled Costanzo. "He thought about it for a minute and said: 'I like it. Let's do it.'"

Other than Trump's family, no one seemed off limits from his Twitter wrath. Trump attacked Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, 2016 political rivals, current administration staffers, former administration staffers, the Republican Party and cable networks.

@realDonaldTrump was prolific: On days when its owner was particularly agitated, such as in the midst of impeachment proceedings, it pushed out more than 100 tweets.

In its most popular tweet, on Oct. 2, 2020, @realDonaldTrump announced that Trump and first lady Melania Trump had contracted the coronavirus. The post got 1.8 million likes and nearly 400,000 retweets, according to Factba.se., which tracks the president's social media habits and commentary.

President Donald Trump gestures at a campaign rally in support of U.S. Senate candidates Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., and David Perdue in Dalton, Ga., Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The account was used to announce firings. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson learned of his ouster in a tweet.

The account threatened adversaries in the most colorful terms. Before Trump "fell in love" with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un through secretly exchanged letters, Trump used Twitter to dub him "rocket man" and vowed to respond with "fire and fury" if the authoritarian dared attack the United States.

@realDonaldTrump frequently spread misleading, false and malicious assertions, such as the baseless ideas that protesters at Justice Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings were paid by the liberal philanthropist George Soros and that November's election was beset by voter fraud.

Trump often tweeted well past midnight and before dawn, a cathartic outlet for grievances (Witch hunt! Crooked Hillary, Russia, Russia, Russia, FAKE NEWS, and so on.) For the most part, @realDonaldTrump and its 280-character posts effectively allowed Trump to work around the Washington media establishment and amplify the message of allies.

Sometimes @realDonaldTrump stumbled. Trump deleted 1,166 tweets and, in his final months on the platform, had 471 tweets flagged by Twitter for misinformation, according to Factba.se.

In one of his most memorable Twitter stumbles, Trump in May 2017 sent (and later deleted) a cryptic post-midnight tweet that read "Despite the constant negative press covfefe."

The gibberish set the Twitterverse afire with speculation. Theories included that the tweeter-in-chief had fallen asleep mid-message and that the man who once bragged of having "the best words" was adding a new word to the lexicon to properly describe collusion between Democrats and the press.

The mystery was never solved.

Sam Nunberg, a longtimeand now formerTrump adviser, said that in the summer of 2011, after Trump announced he wasn't running in 2012 but wanted to remain relevant, his team decided to start using social media to boost his profile.

They chose to focus on Twitter, where he already had an account and several hundred thousand followers. Nunberg remembers sending Trump daily reports on his follower growth. Trump would sometimes hand it back with hand-written notes"Why not more?" "Why so slow?"

They celebrated when they hit the million mark.

"Twitter definitely played a pivotal role in building Donald Trump as a political figure within Republican politics and he also greatly enjoyed it," said Nunberg. "Remember he used to say: 'I wanted to own a newspaper. This is great, it's like a newspaper without the losses.'"

Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., took to Twitter shortly after the platform banned @realDonaldTrump to note that it continues to allow Iran's supreme leader "and numerous other dictatorial regimes" to use the platform, but cannot abide his father.

"Mao would be proud," Trump Jr. scoffed.

In the end, @realDonaldTrump offered an in-the-moment peek into Trump's state of mind over more than a decade, a period in which the "Apprentice" TV star transformed into the 45th American president.

Down the road, when historians look for a glimpse into Trump thoughts on the issues of his timeanything from actress Kristen Stewart's treatment of co-star Robert Pattinson to the president's views on Russian meddling in the 2016 electionthe first stop may inevitably be one of the many digital archives that have preserved the tweets of @realDonaldTrump.

With Trump, whatever the topic, there's always a tweet for that.

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
My conservative cousin from New York moved to California a few years ago  in other words, out of the frying pan and into the fire when it comes to state governance. He reports on the effort to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom:

Today I received in the mail a request from the California Republican Party to sign an enclosed petition to recall Governor Gavin Newsom. Together with my wife, we signed and returned the petition.

Over one million Golden State residents have called for Newsoms removal. To put the question of removal on the ballot requires 1 1/2 million valid signatures by March 17th. Proponents believe they need 2 million signatures to make up for all the ones likely rejected during the review process. Unlike mail-in ballots for the November election, recall petitions are subject to strict scrutiny.

The question of recall could well make it to the ballot and result in, of all things, a GOP Governor for what is considered one of the bluest states in the Union. Newsoms handling of the Wuhan Virus has been disappointing. The last straw for many was the dinner he held for close associates at Napas swanky French Laundry restaurant after lecturing Californians about the dangers of dining with mixed households. Prolonged school closings and scandal surrounding the sending of unemployment checks to prison inmates are among the issues stoking anger at Newsom.

Once recall is put in motion, two separate elections will be held simultaneously. First, voters will decide whether Newsom should be recalled. Then, they will be asked whom they want to be Newsoms successor if he is recalled.

Requirements for getting on the ballot to succeed Newsom are quite lax. You need only 65 valid signatures and $3,500.

California Democrats are divided along identity politics lines. When Newsom appointed Secretary of State Alex Padilla to succeed Kamala Harris in the Senate, San Francisco Mayor London Breed called the selection a real blow to the African American community. Asians, Afro-Americans, Latinex & LBGTQ activists will doubtlessly clamor for their group to be represented on the ballot.

In this environment if the GOP could coalesce around a credible candidate like former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, they could win the election against a fractured Democratic party. Faulconer has already formed an exploratory committee for a possible Gubernatorial run.

Conservative sentiment may be more widespread in California than generally believed. In the recent election, conservative arguments prevailed at the polls on propositions dealing with Affirmative Action, rent controls, abolishing cash bail as well as changing Uber drivers and other app based workers from contractors to employees.

Other deep Blue states  Massachusetts, Maryland, Vermont  have GOP Governors. But gaining the Chief Executives chair in the nations largest state would be a real shot in the arm to GOP morale after the loss of the Presidency and Senate.
A woman from Brazil has become the first person in the world to be re-infected with a mutant of the novel coronavirus, known as E484K, state-run news agency Agencia Brasil has reported.

The re-infection case, discovered by researchers from the D'Or Institute for Research and Education in northeast Bahia, involves a 45-year-old woman who tested coronavirus positive in May and tested positive again in October last year with the mutation. In both cases, the patient did not present serious symptoms.

Originally identified in South Africa, the E484K mutation has been previously detected in Brazil, but this is the first case of re-infection with it.

To confirm re-infection, it is necessary to undertake an analysis of the genome of the two viruses and compare the sequence of RNA, the "prime" molecule of DNA, to see if they are in fact two different strains, the report added.

Researchers at the D'Or Institute expressed concern over the discovery, since the mutation may entail alterations that can prevent the action of antibodies from treating patients.

"The discovery serves as an alert and reinforces the need to maintain pandemic control measures through social distancing, and the need to accelerate the vaccination process," warned institute researcher Bruno Solano.

So far as many as five variants of coronavirus have already been discovered in Brazil.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite a shipment of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine amid broader delays to the Covid-19 vaccine's arrival in the country.

The letter released by Bolsonaro's press office comes amid growing pressure to speed up Brazil's Covid-19 vaccine roll-out and end the world's second-deadliest pandemic.

"To enable the immediate implementation of our National Immunization Program, I would appreciate ... the supply to Brazil, with the possible urgency and without jeopardizing the Indian vaccination program, of 2 million doses," Bolsonaro said in the letter.

On Friday, Brazil reported 52,035 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, and 962 deaths, the health ministry said.

The South American country has now registered 8,013,708 cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 201,460, according to ministry data, in the world's third-worst outbreak outside the United States and India.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
The father of a 10-year-old girl shot to death with her mother and sister at a home in far Northwest Bexar County almost two years ago filed a lawsuit Friday against her late mothers boyfriend, who owned the home.

Hector Bribiescas, the father of London Sophia Bribiescas, who was a Leon Springs Elementary School fifth grader, accused Charles Edward Wheeler, 33, of Austin, of negligence and is seeking more than $1 million in damages.

The lawsuit alleges that the childs mother, San Antonio hairstylist Nichol Leila Olsen, 37, used a gun that Wheeler kept unsecured in their bedroom to kill London, her other daughter, 16-year-old Alexa Montez, and herself.

Bringing the lawsuit was really hard, but in the end, I want to know what really happened to London, but mostly, why, Hector Bribeiscas said in a statement released through his attorney, Joe Hoelscher. London deserves to have those questions asked, even if theres never an answer. This is the only way to make sure that happens.

Olsen and her two girls were found dead at Wheelers $1 million home in the gated Anaqua Springs Ranch subdivision near Leon Springs on Jan. 10, 2019.

The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office ruled Olsens death a suicide and her daughters deaths homicides. The Bexar County Sheriffs Office is still investigating after detectives reached an initial conclusion late last year that agreed with the medical examiners finding, Sheriff Javier Salazar has said.

On ExpressNews.com: A single mother, her millionaire boyfriend and how their storybook romance ended in horror

Wheeler, who has since sold the home and moved to Austin, has repeatedly declined to comment on the case and has requested privacy. His attorneys have said he had nothing to do with the deaths and have called on Salazar to publicly clear their clients name.

Wheeler, an oil and gas businessman and former rodeo competitor, told investigators he left his home the night before the shootings after an argument with Olsen. He called 911 to report the deaths when he returned the next morning.

The lawsuit, filed in Bexar County late Friday afternoon, said Olsen exhibited increasingly erratic behavior during a lengthy argument with Wheeler at the residence. It also claims Wheeler was likely present at the home when Olsen accessed the loaded firearm, which Wheeler kept in his bedside table.

Wheeler knew Olsens behavior was escalating, was erratic and was potentially threatening and/or could lead to actual violence, the lawsuit states.

Olsen obtained the gun in (the) defendants bedside table, in the bedroom they shared, and used it to kill herself, (London) and another child, the suit states. Wheeler knew the children were present and was aware that they were exposed to Olsen while she was in an inflamed and erratic emotional state and actually or potentially armed with Wheelers firearm.

Wheeler knew that (London) and the other child could not protect themselves from Olsen. Wheeler took no reasonable measures to protect the children from Olsen, who was armed with Wheelers gun.

The lawsuit also claims that Olsen would not have posed a risk of violence if it wasnt for Wheelers behavior toward her, but it doesnt elaborate on that allegation.

On ExpressNews.com: Bexar County sheriff says Anaqua Springs shootings investigation fell short

The civil petition accuses Wheeler of failing to take reasonable measures to protect the children and of fleeing his home. It also argues that the killings were reasonably foreseeable.

Wheeler failed to notify authorities of a threat of abuse or injury to the children, secure his firearm, notify competent adults who may have protected the children, including their fathers, to remove the children with him when he fled or take other reasonable protective measures, the lawsuit states.

It goes on to accuse Wheeler of failing to secure his gun, failing to prevent a person showing signs of a mental or emotional disability or threatening behavior from accessing it, leaving it in a place where he should have known Olsen would gain access, failing to heed signs of the risk Olsen posed to her children and failing to do what an ordinary, prudent person would do in such circumstances.

The petition raises the claims of negligence and gross negligence. It seeks wrongful death damages, survival damages, exemplary damages, interest and court costs.

Londons father is asking for a jury trial to weigh the civil suit.

Hoelscher, his attorney, said the Bribiescas family cannot rely on the sheriffs office to find answers for why the shootings happened.

We have called upon Salazar to involve independent investigators from the FBI without response, Hoelscher said Friday night in an email. Due to his delays and failed oversight, there is no other legal option for an investigation outside the office that already botched their investigation than for us to do it ourselves.

On ExpressNews.com: Sheriff says Anaqua Springs killings most likely a murder-suicide, case may soon be closed

As a result, after much difficult discussion, even most of today, Londons family decided to file suit before their ability to ask important questions and find answers would be lost forever, he said, referring to the two-year statute of limitations for bringing such a suit.

Hoelscher also said the sheriff has attacked him and Londons family by claiming they are seeking profit.

This accusation is shameful, threatens due process of law and shows the deepest disrespect for this familys pain, Hoelscher said.

His law firm is representing the childs family pro bono.

Nobody wants to profit from something like this. We just want to fill the holes left in our lives, Hoelscher said.

Salazar recently reassigned the investigation to a cold case investigator in his office. But the sheriff has said he doesnt expect to find anything to challenge the medical examiners ruling that Olsens death was a suicide.

Salazar has previously described Wheeler as a person of interest in the shootings, but no one has ever been charged in the case.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: Peggy_OHare


Hospital fire: Rahul Gandhi urges Maharashtra govt to provide all assistance to affected families

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Mumbai, Jan 09: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Saturday condoled the death of newborn babies in the Maharashtra hospital fire and appealed to the state government to provide all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured.

Ten newborns died after the fire broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit of a hospital in Maharashtra's Bhandara district in the early hours of Saturday, doctors said. The babies were aged between a month and three months, according to a doctor.

District civil surgeon Pramod Khandate said there were 17 babies in the unit of whom seven could be rescued. "The unfortunate incident of fire at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra is extremely tragic. My condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives," Gandhi said in a tweet.

India-China agree on holding next round of commanders meeting

"I appeal to Maha Govt to provide every possible assistance to the families of the injured & deceased," he said. The Maharashtra government is led by the Shiv Sena with the NCP and the Congress part of the ruling dispensation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter and expressed grief over the fire incident at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra. "Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives," he said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday expressed grief over the death of newborn babies in the fire at the Bhandara district hospital and ordered a probe. Ten newborn babies died after fire broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit of the hospital in the east Maharashtra city in the wee hours on Saturday, doctors said.

Will Nirav Modi be extradited to India? UK court to decide on Feb 25

The infants were aged between a month and three months, a doctor said. Thackeray spoke to Health Minister Rajesh Tope soon after learning about the incident which occurred in the child care unit in the hospital, as per a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office.

"The chief Minister has ordered a probe in the entire incident. He spoke to the district collector and police superintendent and asked them to probe the fire," the statement said.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased in the fire incident at Bhandara District General Hospital. As many as ten newborn babies died while 7 were rescued after a fire broke out at a hospital in Maharashtra's Bhandara.

As many as ten newborn babies died after a fire broke out at a hospital in Maharashtra. According to reports, the fire was reported in the Special Newborn Care Unit of a hospital, in the wee hours on Saturday.

"All the infants were between a month and three months old," a doctor said. The fire broke out in the Bhandara district hospital at around 2 am, he said.

There were 17 babies in the unit and seven were rescued, he added.

Another doctor said a nurse first noticed smoke coming out from the neonatal section of the hospital and alerted doctors and other staff who reached there in five minutes.

Fire brigade personnel rescued seven babies from the 'inbound ward' of the unit but could not save the 10 other babies, he said.

The cause of the fire in the four-storeyed building is not known but could have been the result of an electrical short circuit, he said.

as many as ten newborn babies died after a fire broke out at a hospital in Maharashtra. According to reports, the fire was reported in the Special Newborn Care Unit of a hospital, in the wee hours on Saturday.

Vincent Xavier, Kochi man who carried Tricolour to US Capitol protest

"All the infants were between a month and three months old," a doctor said. The fire broke out in the Bhandara district hospital at around 2 am, he said.

There were 17 babies in the unit and seven were rescued, he added.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

Another doctor said a nurse first noticed smoke coming out from the neonatal section of the hospital and alerted doctors and other staff who reached there in five minutes.

Fire brigade personnel rescued seven babies from the 'inbound ward' of the unit but could not save the 10 other babies, he said. The cause of the fire in the four-storeyed building is not known but could have been the result of an electrical short circuit, he said.
The rules mean that China can strike back at countries or companies that comply with US bans such as president Donald Trumps ban on Huawei. Photo: Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

China has fired back at the US with new rules to counter foreign sanctions on Chinese companies and citizens as economic relations between Beijing and Washington fray.

The order, which went into effect on Saturday, empowers China to tell firms and citizens to ignore foreign restrictions and sue global businesses for complying.

This means that China can strike back at countries or companies that comply with US bans such as president Donald Trumps ban on Huawei.

Last year the US, citing national security fears, imposed restrictions on the Chinese telecom and consumer hardware giant, that deprive Huawei of critical components and could cripple its smartphone business.

Huawei also lost many relationships with global companies and countries.

In July, the UK government decided to block the Chinese firm from having a role in the countrys 5G network. As a result, British telecoms firms were instructed to remove Huawei equipment from the 5G network by 2027 and stop buying new 5G equipment from the company by the end of 2020.

READ MORE: How the US-Sino trade war is impacting global companies

The Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures are meant to counter foreign laws that unjustly prohibit or restrict people or firms in China from doing normal business, the countrys commerce department said.

It said that the measures were necessary to safeguard Chinas national sovereignty and security and to protect the rights of its citizens and entities.

A Chinese person or organisation that is restricted by foreign legislation from engaging in normal economic, trade and related activity with a third State or its citizens, may report it to the commerce department within 30 days.

Chinas commerce department will then assess a case for its potential violation of international law, impact on Chinas sovereignty and national security, and impact on Chinese citizens.

Under the rules, relevant government departments may provide necessary support to a citizen or organisation that suffers significant losses from non-compliance with foreign laws.

Story continues

While the Chinese commerce department didnt single out any country, the new rules could see global companies put in the middle of the ongoing trade war with America.

It also puts more pressure on incoming president-elect Joe Biden, who will take over from incumbent Trump on 20 January. Biden must decide whether to maintain Trump-era restrictions against Chinese firms or not.

Meanwhile, the New York Stock Exchange (^AMZI) reversed its decision to delist three Chinese telecom firms in compliance with Trumps orders.

It said that it dropped the plans after further consultation with relevant regulatory authorities in connection with Office of Foreign Assets Control. On Thursday, NYSE said it would delist American depository shares of China Telecom (CHA), China Mobile (CHL) and China Unicom (CHU).

WATCH: What does a Joe Biden presidency in the US mean for the global economy?

The worlds two biggest economies have been locked in a bitter trade war since Trump took office in 2016.

When they are not fighting over trade, technology and security, they are at odds over the coronavirus pandemic, or as Trump calls it the China virus.

Social media and chatting apps have also fallen victim to the ongoing tiff, with TikTok and WeChat both narrowly avoiding being banned from downloads in US app stores.

The Trump administration has accused China of unfair trading practices, intellectual property theft and using personal data from apps to spy on Americans. Beijing in turn believes that America wants to dim its rising star on the global economic stage.

A study by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, laid bare the impact of the trade war.

The research showed a sharp decline in bilateral trade and that consumers in the US bore the heaviest brunt of US sanctions on China, as importing firms were charged more, which meant higher prices for consumers.

Figures revealed that US tariffs caused a 25% export loss, inflicting a $35bn (27bn) blow to Chinese exports in the US market for tariffed goods in the first half of 2019.

READ MORE: China implements new national security rules on foreign investment
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.
Fr Michael Commane: 'Dermot Farrell needs to give us hope, not just to Catholics but to all people of good will.'

Last Tuesday (29th) Dermot Farrell was named as the new Catholic archbishop of Dublin.

The archbishop-elect is from Westmeath and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Meath on June 7, 1980.

He spent 11 years as president of St Patrick's College, Maynooth. Since 2018 he has been bishop in the Diocese of Ossory. Before his episcopal appointment he was parish priest in Dunboyne.

In the run-up to the appointment of a new bishop the papal nuncio sends three names, called a terna, to Rome and a group of men in the Vatican usually pick one of the three and that person is appointed bishop.

Is it possible that senior clerics had suggested names to the papal nuncio?

Because it is all done behind closed doors it's fair to say that anything and everything is possible.

And it's a pity that the appointment of bishops is done in such a closed and secret manner. Far too often apparatchik-type people can easily be appointed bishops.

What Dublin needs right now is a charismatic man, who will inspire, someone who will be genuinely interested in people.

And already, Dermot Farrell has spoken of the importance for him to listen to the people.

The Catholic Church in Ireland is tired and its leadership leaves much to be desired.

Is it a good idea to move one of the current Irish bishops to Dublin?

Was there not a priest in the archdiocese suitable for the position?

The archdiocese needs someone with imagination and courage, who will not be afraid to try new ways, so as to capture the imagination of the people.

After all, the Gospel is a story of Good News and wouldn't you imagine that it should be easy enough to sell a good news story.

The new archbishop needs to be a person of prayer and humility, who feels at ease with people. Dermot Farrell has a doctorate in theology.

I hope he can easily communicate the faith and is pastorally sensitive.

It's important that he appoint a top class press officer, who has the skills, intelligence and sense of humour to make the story of the Good News attractive to the media.

The church has a bad track record in appointing staid and boring people to speak on their behalf to the media.

Indeed, often they have a sense of haughtiness about them. Any good press officer needs to feel at ease with his or her counterparts across the media.

On top of all that, the new bishop will have the almost impossible task of getting to know the priests of the diocese and building up a relationship with them.

A bishop needs to be in touch with his priests and deacons.

Just imagine if the new man, say within 100 days in the job, decided to organise a gathering, some sort of synod, to plan for the future of the archdiocese.

Dermot Farrell needs to give us hope, not just to Catholics but to all people of good will.

Hopefully he will be kind and good natured to the people in the archdiocese.


India on Friday conducted a second dry run to test the readiness of its vaccine delivery systems with Health Minister Harsh Vardhan expressing confidence on vaccinating the entire population against Covid-19 after prioritising risk groups.

Hospitals, NGOs, healthcare workers participated in the exercise across districts by simulating the actual vaccine administration event using dummy vaccines.

Also Read | PM Modi to meet CMs on January 11 on Covid-19 vaccine rollout

District magistrates across the country monitored various stages of the vaccination drive including beneficiary registration, microplanning and the actual vaccination at the planned session site across all districts, except those that were part of the first drill on January 2.

In the next few days, also in the near future, we should be able to give this vaccine to our countrymen prioritising those who are at risk in public and private sectors. The government has already made known the scheme of things, the Union Health Minister said in Chennai, where he reviewed the dry-run of the vaccination drive.

He said the Centre has started a new Co-WIN digital platform to track particulars of potential vaccine beneficiaries and also issue electronic certificates to them.

Also Read | What we do and don't know about new coronavirus mutation

During the dry run, over 25 health workers received dummy vaccines at each site to test the mechanisms and reveal possible gaps in the system ahead of the actual vaccination drive.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the dry run would give policymakers an idea on areas that need improvement that need to be fixed before the actual vaccination drive begins.

"There are still some areas in the overall system where we need to improve efficiency in terms of data updation, delivery of SMS and training the local staff for inoculation, Tope said in Mumbai.

In Rajasthan, the vaccination drill was carried out at 102 vaccination centres.

State Health Minister Raghu Sharma said a total of 2,550 health workers participated in the second vaccination dry run held all over the state.
The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low around 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.


Pardee announces broad partnership for next vaccination phase

As Henderson County nears the transition to the second phase of Covid-19 vaccinations, Pardee UNC Health Care announced a broad partnership that will focus on logistics and workforce for what is anticipated to be a process over many months.

Pardee announced on Friday that it is actively working with Henderson County Department of Public Health, Blue Ridge Community College, Henderson County Emergency Management, Henderson County public schools and others to prepare for Phase 1B.

The Henderson County Department of Public Health will announce when the county officially moves into Phase 1B, Group 1 which will include anyone over 75 years of age. Once an official announcement is made, Pardee will share information on how vaccination appointments can be made.

Blue Ridge Community College has agreed to provide space for a clinic, for as long as it is needed, to assist with the vaccination process. This clinic is expected to open next week after Phase 1B is announced by the Health Department. As the clinic and the pre-registration system becomes available, that information will be shared with the public.

We are eager to begin the process of vaccinating individuals over the age of 75 within our community, said David Ellis, chief medical officer for Pardee UNC Health Care. However, it is important for everyone to understand that this is a challenging logistical process with many moving parts. Please be patient with us and our partners as we finalize a process that will enable us to quickly and efficiently begin vaccinating those individuals who fall within Group 1 of Phase 1B - residents aged 75 year or older.

Just as we did with the early efforts to combat Covid-19 in working with our community partners to set up a mobile testing site, Blue Ridge is once again stepping up to play a vital role in this new phase of a county-wide COVID response, BRCC President Laura Leatherwood said. We are our communitys college and we will proudly remember this offer of assistance to our community and healthcare partners for decades to come.

Ellis and Leatherwood implored the community to refrain from going to the BRCC campus in search of a vaccine clinic. No one will be able to get a vaccine without a scheduled appointment; there are no walk-up appointments. Once the pre-registration system is live, individuals will be able to call or go online to register. Once registered, they will be scheduled to receive a vaccine. Pardee also notes that appointments will be made available as they receive additional doses of the vaccine from the state.

Earlier this week, the Health Department issued a news release on th upcoming vaccination process and warned county residents to be patient.

"This whole campaign will take months, not weeks," the health officials said in a news release. "Everyone will eventually have access to a tested, safe and effective vaccine, but that will take months to achieve. We ask for patience as we navigate this process."

Phase 1b includes adults 75 years or older and frontline essential workers, specified by groups. Because there will not be enough vaccine for everyone in Phase 1b to be vaccinated at the same time, the phase is divided into three groups:

 Group 1: Anyone 75 years or older, regardless of health status or living situation.

 Group 2: Healthcare workers and frontline essential workers 50 years and older.

 Group 3: Healthcare workers and frontline essential workers of any age.

Essential workers are defined by the CDC as first responders, food and agricultural workers, grocery store workers, the education sector and childcare staff among others.

It is estimated there are at least 6,000 people in Henderson County in the 75+ age group who dont reside in a long-term care facility. Until more information is gathered on Groups 2 and 3, it will difficult to estimate a timeline for completing Phase 1b, the Health Department said.




Lackawanna College received a $19,250 grant from Gov. Tom Wolfs 2020-21 Its On Us PA grant program.

The funding helps colleges and universities address and respond effectively to sexual violence on campus, according to the college.

The Lackawanna College Its On Us, Lackawanna initiative will include targeted training for staff on Title IX procedures and trauma awareness, and a variety of sexual violence awareness events during the Red Zone," or the first six weeks of the fall semester, when students, particularly freshmen, are most likely to experience sexual assault on college campuses, according to college officials.

The initiative will educate, engage and serve Lackawannas students, faculty and staff and improve the colleges current sexual violence response systems, officials said. This is the third time Lackawanna College has received the grant.


Marks & Spencer remains two businesses rolled into one as its food and clothes divisions put in very different performances in the run up to Christmas.

Food sales  boosted by the High Street giant's partnership with Ocado  soared 8.7 per cent over the festive period as customers snapped up smaller turkeys and hampers.

But again clothes proved to be the chain's undoing as sales fell 19.4 per cent in December and 25.1 per cent across the whole third quarter.

Worry: Clothes proved to be the chain's undoing as sales fell 19.4 per cent in December

A strong performance online and a spike in women buying pyjamas as Christmas presents could not plug the gap.

'The great British public are back in their pyjamas,' quipped M&S chief Steve Rowe.

Under the 53-year-old, M&S had tried to make its food more affordable, while maintaining premium quality, and analysts said in this part of the business the results show the strategy has worked.

Rowe said: 'Given the on-off restrictions and distortions in demand patterns, our trading was robust over the Christmas period. Beneath the Covid clouds we saw a very strong performance from the food business including Ocado.'

Upbeat: Under Steve Rowe, M&S had tried to make its food more affordable

But the poor clothing figures meant overall group sales in the month of December were down 3.6 per cent, while for the three months to December 26 sales of 2.52billion were 8.2 per cent lower than last year. 'It wasn't what we had hoped or planned for,' conceded Rowe.

M&S clothing was expected to take a hit given that it relies heavily on in-store sales in town centres and like many retailers it had been forced to close shops in England for the whole of November due to the second lockdown. But analysts warned that many of M&S's clothes remain unfashionable, despite Rowe's efforts.

Jonathan Pritchard, analyst at Peel Hunt, said: 'M&S has never solved the issue. They are trying to be all things to all women.'

To makes matters worse the results come days after rival Next recorded a barn-storming online performance to cushion the blow of its town store closures.

Analysts said M&S could follow Next's lead and look to sell clothes from third parties online and in store. The retailer recently bid for lingerie firm Victoria's Secret UK but was beaten by Next. Jaegar, which M&S was linked with earlier this week, could be part of that plan, although Rowe refused to confirm whether he had bought the fashion brand from administration.

But despite the disappointing clothes sales, Rowe remained upbeat and reassured shareholders that M&S was in the right place to weather the latest national lockdown.

He said: 'We worked very hard over the summer to get our stock in the right shape.'
LOS ANGELESAVN Media Network is pleased to announce the launch of the Bubble Bath Contest on AVN Stars.

This Friday, January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day, so to mark the occasion, treat yourself to a relaxing soak this weekend and share it with your fans in a personal photo. Get wet, have some fun and win cash this weekend on AVN Stars. Just be sure that youre in the image that you submit.

This three-day, 72-hour, fan-voting contest starts at midnight PDT on New Years Day, Friday, Jan. 8 and goes until 11:59 p.m. PDT on Sunday, Jan. 11.

All AVN Stars are eligible to enter and the Top 10 vote-getters will each receive cash prizes with the winner getting $750! To enter, just go into your Settings, click on the Contests tab and upload your image.

Under contest rules, all uploaded images must feature the content creator; in addition, creators are required to post a tweet about their participation in the contest.

As a reminder, AVN Stars implemented new rules for the 2021 contests. The winner of the previous contest may join the following weeks contest, however for that week their fan votes will only count 50% toward their contest ranking. For example, every 2 votes would count as 1 toward the following weeks contest ranking. The payout amount for votes will remain unchanged.

Additionally, for every consecutive week that the same creator wins a contest, that following week their votes for ranking purposes will be reduced by 50%. For example, if the same creator wins two weeks in a row, their votes for the third week would accrue at 25% toward their contest rank for Week 3.

To join AVN Stars for free, visit stars.avn.com.

Built for adult entertainers, AVN Stars is a subscription-based community where creators can monetize their content without the worry of censorship, discrimination, shadow-banning or suspensions. Creators may charge a subscription fee or make their posts available for free.
His regular hangouts on the Gold Coast with fellow Married At First Sight star Tamara Joy had sparked rumours of a romance.

But on Friday, Ivan Sarakula was seen cosying up to a stunning blonde while on a night out at bar Nineteen, at Queensland's The Star Casino.

His companion, Bec Cosier, shared a video to her Instagram Stories of the pair embracing, and Ivan blowing a kiss at the camera.

Out and about: Married At First Sight's Ivan Sarakula (left) cosied up to a stunning blonde, Bec Cosier (right), on a night out on the Gold Coast on Friday... after sparking rumours of a romance with fellow MAFS star Tamara Joy

Ivan cut a suave figure for the occasion in a crisp white dress shirt and trousers, and appeared relaxed and at ease as he held onto a glass of bubbly.

The sighting comes after Ivan and Tamara told Daily Mail Australia that despite the allure of a reality romance, they are nothing more than 'just friends'.

Ivan, 31, and Tamara, 29, were seen on Instagram cuddling up for a sexy beach selfie - wearing nothing but skimpy swimwear as they soaked up the Queensland sun.

Platonic: Ivan, 31, and Tamara (left), 29, were seen on Instagram cuddling up for a sexy beach selfie - wearing nothing but skimpy swimwear as they soaked up the Queensland sun. However, they told Daily Mail Australia on Friday they are nothing more than 'just friends'

Rumours first began to swirl when the duo spent the festive season together, and posed in very sexy ensembles by the tree.

Ivan's costume consisted of underwear with the face of Santa placed in a rather racy position, and a pair of red straps that ran up his chest.

He also showed off his new, long hair in the image, and held Santa's hat up against his torso in a suggestive manner as he beamed for the camera.

Merry Christmas indeed! Rumours they were an item first began to swirl as the duo spent the festive season together, and posed in very sexy festive ensembles by the tree

Tamara meanwhile looked adorable in a Mrs Claus outfit that flaunted her impressive physique.

He captioned the photo simply 'Merry Christmas' then joked on Instagram Stories that the pair had picked matching outfits by accident.

Ivan has been in the sunshine state spending time with his former co-stars including Tamara and Hayley Vernon.

In recent months, Ivan has drastically changed his appearance by growing out his hair and hitting the gym to add some muscle to his frame.

Festive fun: The real estate agent donned a revealing Santa costume consisting of underwear with the face of Santa placed in a rather racy position

Ivan was partnered with fellow real estate agent Aleks Markovic on Married At First Sight last year, but they are no longer together.

Meanwhile, Tamara rose to fame on the sixth season of the show, and 'tied the knot' with Dan Webb - who continued on the show with new flame Jessika Power.

The pair's short-lived romance failed to last away from the show.
OnSceneTV

Four people, including a 16-year-old boy who died, were shot early Saturday at a daiquiri shop in south Houston, officials said.

Police responded about 1:30 a.m. to a reported shooting at Nawlins D-Shop on Martin Luther King Boulevard in the Greater OST/South Union neighborhood where they encountered a large crowd in the parking lot of the bar, said Lt. R. Willkens of the Houston Police Department.
The critical shortage of oxygen affects COVID-19 patients who are unable to breathe as their inflamed lungs are weakened. Some patients are killed for having trouble getting the amount of oxygen they needed.

It's gotten so bad that officials from Los Angeles County are warning paramedics to keep it secured. Some hospitals have to postpone the release of patients because they don't have enough oxygen to take them home.

"Everybody is so worried about what's going to happen in the next week or so," expresses Cathy Chidester, the director of the L.A. County Emergency Medical Services Agency.

It's not about only an oxygen shortage, it includes county and hospital officials say. There is a shortage of canisters that patients use to return home, and because of the large quantities of oxygen needed to be transported around the hospital, outdated hospital pipes are breaking down.

The delivery of oxygen at aged hospitals has two issues. First thing is, there are so many patients who require a high oxygen level that the device is unable to sustain the adequate pressure required in the tubes. The second thing is that the flow through the pipes is so strong that they freeze, "and obviously, if it freezes, then you can't have good oxygen flow," said Dr. Christina Ghaly, director of health services in L.A. County.

Some hospitals are forced to switch patients to lower floors because, without the pressure to drive them up to higher floors, it is safer to provide oxygen there, Ghaly said.

Oxygen, which accounts for 21 percent of the air on Earth, is not running short. But Covid's lungs are weakened, and the crush of patients in hot spots like Los Angeles, the Navajo Nation, El Paso, Texas, and last spring in New York required high concentrations. The system for supplying gas to hospitals and their patients has been strained.

The supply of both the portable cylinders that carry oxygen and the concentrators that pull oxygen from the air is also under pressure. And in some situations, manufacturers providing oxygen failed to get enough of the gas to hospitals. Even the tubing used to administer oxygen, nasal cannulas, is now running short.

"It has been nuts, absolutely nuts," Esteban Trejo said, the general manager of Syoxsa, an industrial and medical gas distributor based in El Paso. He provides oxygen to several temporary hospitals set up specifically to treat people with covid.

However, hospitals unable to provide adequate oxygen in the Los Angeles area for the sickest coronavirus patients started to receive assistance on Saturday when the U.S. In order to upgrade their oxygen delivery systems, Army Corps of Engineers crews arrived.

The alliance comes as the six aging hospitals are struggling to sustain oxygen pressure while treating an unprecedented number of respiratory patients. In addition to the lack of oxygen, it was difficult for hospitals to keep up with the demand for oxygen tanks to carry discharged patients home.

Considering that there are some patients with COVID-19 that can need 10 times more oxygen than a normal patient.

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday urged workers of his Janata Dal (United) to look at the future banishing memories of the recent assembly elections in which the party suffered humiliating losses. The JD(U) de facto leader, who relinquished the post of the party's national president earlier this month, also asserted that the government in the state will "complete its five-year term", in an indirect rebuff to opposition leaders who have been speaking of political instability.

Kumar was addressing the party's state council and state executive meetings in Patna, in presence of leaders like RCP Singh, who has succeeded him as the national president, and state unit chief Vashishtha Narayan Singh. The JD(U) could win only 43 seats in the October-November polls, down from 71 in the last elections in 2015.

The Chief Ministers assertions of completing the term came at a time when opposition leaders like Tejashwi Yadav and ally turned adversary Chirag Paswan have been speaking of the possibility of "mid-term polls" pointing towards the changed equations in the NDA in which the BJP now seems to have gained the upper hand. Moreover, the BJPs failure to rein in the rebellion by Paswan, who continues to swear by his loyalty towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has riled the JD(U) cadre.

"We must strive to work for all those who voted for us as well as those who did not. I would urge the candidates who fought and lost in the recent elections to devote themselves to serving the people with gusto", Kumar said. He also asked party workers to "make use of the social media to spread positivity and counter those who misuse the virtual mediums for spreading falsehoods".

The 69-year-old, who returned as the Chief Minister for the fourth consecutive term after the elections, reiterated that he was reluctant to hold on to the seat of power "but agreed only because you all insisted that I continue working". Addressing the function, JD(U) president RCP Singh cautioned the rank and file against the hubris that comes from being the party in power.

Vashishtha Narayan Singh said "we are incapable of treachery though we might ourselves get cheated sometimes. But we have held our own in the face of adverse circumstances and there is no alternative to our leader (Nitish Kumar) nor can anybody match his calibre".

The Pentagon has named the first half of a panel that will spearhead the renaming of bases that honor Confederate leaders, and the list includes a White House liaison who oversaw the purges of major Pentagon advisory boards.

Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller on Friday named four members to the panel, which was established by annual defense policy legislation that President Donald Trump attempted to sink in part over his opposition to renaming bases.

Chief among Miller's appointees is Joshua Whitehouse, the White House liaison to the Defense Department. In late November and early December, Whitehouse oversaw the firing of members serving on expert advisory panels  the Defense Policy Board and the Defense Business Board  and the installation of numerous Trump loyalists in their place.

Miller's three other appointees are Earl Matthews, a former acting Army general counsel, Ann G. Johnston, the acting assistant secretary of Defense for legislative affairs, and White House official Sean McLean.

The remaining four members of the eight-member panel must still be appointed by the chairs and ranking members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Reps. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) each will appoint one panelist.

The panel is part of a mandate, laid out in the National Defense Authorization Act for the Pentagon to rename 10 Army bases that honor Confederate leaders and remove other symbols or honors to the Confederacy within three years. The effort mirrors an amendment adopted in the Senate pushed by progressive Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

Despite bipartisan support in the House and Senate for removing racist relics in a year of racial upheaval, Trump opposed the effort. After months of threats, the president vetoed the defense bill due to, among other things, his opposition to renaming the bases, which he likened to rewriting U.S. history. Lawmakers overrode Trump's veto.

Story continues

The legislation mandates the removal of Confederate names, symbols, monuments and other honors from military property  including bases, buildings, streets, ships, aircraft, weapons and equipment  within three years. The bill exempts Confederate grave markers from the review.

The commission is charged with developing criteria for identifying Confederate monuments and recommending procedures for renaming the property and gathering input from local communities.

The panel isn't explicitly tasked with coming up with new names for bases, though it could do so or defer to the Army secretary or Defense secretary.

A final report is due by Oct. 1, 2022, outlining property that must be removed or renamed, and the Pentagon will have until early 2024 to carry out the plan.
For one strange moment, it looked as if the US Capitol Building had been invaded by Vikings. Naked from the waist up, daubed with war paint and wearing a furry cowl with two curving horns, a protester posed for photographs in the chair where Vice-President Mike Pence had sat only about an hour before.

Yet for some people, the outlandish marauder, known as the "QAnon shaman"  whose real name is Jake Angeli  was a familiar figure. Since 2019, he has appeared at far-right rallies in Arizona spreading the beliefs of QAnon, the online conspiracy movement partly behind Wednesday's raid. His costume is designed to grab attention and get shared on social media. It works.

A protester known as "QAnon shaman" is a regular at far-right rallies. He was pictured inside the US Capitol Building during the riots on Wednesday. Credit:Getty Images

However shocking such images were to the world, they were the result of extensive discussion, planning, organising and propaganda on social networks big and small. As well as QAnon, militia groups such as the Proud Boys and pro-Trump social media influencers played a role.

For critics of Big Tech, this was also the culmination of many years of mistakes by some of the world's biggest companies, whose highly profitable online services and secretive algorithms may have helped such movements grow past the point of no return.
India's Covid-19 vaccination to begin on Jan 16: When will others be ready?

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 09: Almost a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, about 200 vaccine candidates are in the works and 10 have been either approved by several countries or are under limited emergency use.

As India prepares to launch its vaccine drive on January 16, here is a look at the options:

COVAXIN

Developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology, the indigenous vaccine was granted emergency use authorisation in 'clinical trial mode' by the Indian government this week.

It is an "inactivated" vaccine developed by chemically treating novel coronavirus samples to make them incapable of reproduction. This process leaves the viral proteins, including the spike protein of the coronavirus which it uses to enter the human cells, intact.

Given as two doses, three weeks apart, the viral proteins in the vaccine activate the immune system and prepare people for future infections with the actual infectious virus. According to Bharat Biotech, the therapeutic can be stored at room temperature for at least a week.

A study on the Phase  trial published in the preprint server medRxiv in December showed the therapeutic doesn't cause any serious side effects. However, there has been no further data released in the public domain which could demonstrate that the vaccine is safe and effective.

"ICMR-Bharat Biotech vaccine is a killed whole-virus vaccine and there are absolutely no data available so far on its protective efficacy. I am critical of its getting approval by the authorities," immunologist Vineeta Bal, affiliated with the National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi, told PTI.

COVISHIELD

Co-developed by the University of Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca and known as Covishield in India, the vaccine was the first on which a scientific study was published based on Phase 3 clinical trials.

It has so far been given emergency use authorisation in the UK, Argentina, Mexico and India.Scientists have engineered a version of adenoviruses that infect chimpanzees to carry the gene responsible for the spike protein of the novel coronavirus.

It requires two doses, provided four weeks apart, to produce the desired effects.

Manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, Covishield will be sold at Rs 1,000 per dose in the private market but cost the Indian government only Rs 200, said SII CEO Adar Poonawalla.

"Oxford-AstraZeneca-Serum Institute vaccine has shown protective efficacy in global trials to the tune of 60-70 per cent. While clear data from bridging trials in India are not available, the vaccine is certainly proven safe," Bal said.

According to virologist Upasana Ray from the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is less restricted in terms of cold storage as it can be stored, transported and handled at normal refrigerator temperatures (2-8 degrees Celsius) for at least six months.

MODERNA

The mRNA vaccine by US-based company Moderna has so far been approved for use in Israel, the EU, Canada and the US.

A study of the efficacy of Moderna vaccine revealed it has 94.1 per cent efficacy in preventing the disease. In this type of vaccine, the messenger RNA-or mRNA-acts as a blueprint for the production of the coronavirus spike protein and is encapsulated by lipid molecules and delivered into human cells.

The cells of the vaccine recipient then use this mRNA genetic code to produce the viral protein to train the immune system for a future encounter with the infectious coronavirus. Administered as two doses, four weeks apart, the Moderna vaccine can reportedly be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius for up to 30 days.

At -20 degrees Celsius it can be stored for up to six months. This is still a challenge for many developing countries in the tropical regions that experience very high temperatures in the summer months.

In November last year, Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel told a German weekly that the company would charge governments between USD 25 and 37 per dose of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, depending on the amount ordered.

PFIZER-BIONTECH

The US-backed Pfizer-Biontech's COVID-19 preventive, like the Moderna vaccine, is based on the segments of the genetic material of the novel coronavirus. Preliminary data from the clinical trials showed that two doses of the vaccine, given three weeks apart, provided an efficacy of over 90 per cent.

Following the results, the UK, Canada, the EU and Saudi Arabia have approved the Pfizer vaccine for use. Several countries, including the US, Singapore, Argentina and Mexico, have given emergency use authorisation.

One limitation for the Pfizer vaccine has been its requirement for ultracold storage-up to -70 degrees Celsius.

Each dose is reportedly priced at USD 37.

SPUTNIK V

Sputnik V from Russia's Gamaleya Research Institute has been approved for emergency use by several countries but awaits more results from Phase 3 trials.

An adenovirus vectored vaccine, Sputnik V is produced using a combination of two adenoviruses called Ad5 and Ad26. Preliminary evidence from Phase 3 trials indicates it is 90 per cent effective when given as two doses, three weeks apart.

In November, the Russian Direct Investment Fund said the cost of the vaccine would be less than USD 10 per dose starting from February 2021. It said the dry form of the vaccine can be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius, and does not need freeze storage.

CONVIDECIA

The adenovirus vectored vaccine developed by the Chinese company CanSino Biologics is also under Phase 3 trials and has already been approved for limited use by the Chinese military.

Since August, the vaccine has been part of Phase 3 trials in several countries, including Russia, Mexico and Pakistan.

CORONAVAC

Another Chinese company, Sinopharm, has also made progress with its inactivated vaccine dubbed CoronaVac. It has been given emergency approval for limited use in the country. The vaccine is reportedly provided as two doses, administered two weeks apart. Scientists are yet to publish a study on the trial conducted so far.

VECTOR INSTITUTE

Russia's Vector Institute has developed a protein vaccine. It is currently under Phase 3 clinical trials. It uses modified versions of the coronavirus spike protein to induce immunity. The vaccine reportedly can be stored at 2-8 degrees celsius for up to two years. Data on the efficacy of the therapeutic is yet to be released.

NOVAVAX

After showing promising results in Phase 1-2 trials, and in animal experiments, the vaccine developed by US company Novavax is currently under Phase 3 clinical trials. It uses modified versions of the coronavirus spike protein to induce immunity, and can reportedly be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius. After some setbacks in manufacturing the doses required for the Phase 3 study in the US, the trial was finally launched on December 28.

JOHNSON&JOHNSON

The adenovirus vectored vaccine by the American company has shown protection against the coronavirus in experiments in monkeys and is currently part of Phase 3 clinical trials. Unlike other vaccines, this vaccine is reportedly provided as a single dose, but trials are currently underway to test its efficacy as two doses. The company had noted that the therapeutic can be stored for up to three months when refrigerated at 2-8 degrees Celsius, and up to two years when frozen at -20 degrees Celsius.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 19:06 [IST]
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Locally heavy thunderstorms in the morning will give way to partly cloudy skies late. High 74F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. Low near 45F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A 5% rate increase for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association policies that was expected to go into effect after April has been rejected by the states insurance regulator.

The Texas Department of Insurance on Friday declined to approve the rate increase on the grounds that administration felt TWIA hadn't made all of the information considered in the increase available to the public before the TWIAs board approved the filing at its Dec. 8, 2020 meeting.

In the long lead up to the boards decision to somewhat address the associations estimated funding shortfalls, the board tasked its Actuarial and Underwriting Committee with reviewing the associations process for understanding its rate needs and ultimately make a rate recommendation.

Near the end of the more than year-long process, the committee contracted Willis Towers Watson, an independent analysis firm, to make its own review rates. The committee heard two different reports before asking the firm to make a few more adjustments for a final presentation to the board.

In its rejection letter released Friday, the Insurance Department said that the final analysis performed by Willis Towers Watson should have been available to the public on its website for 14 days before the vote.

In a response to the letter, representatives for TWIA explained the associations process leading up to the vote.

TWIA had not considered the WTW analysis as the Associations analysis, spokeswoman Jennifer Armstrong said in a statement. However, TWIA will defer to the Departments interpretation of this statute whenever rate filings are considered by the board in the future.

It was unknown whether the TWIA board will consider refiling the rate increase. The board is next scheduled to meet on Feb. 23.

In the meantime, TWIAs policies could still be underfunded by double digits, even in the latest, independent review.

That Willis Towers Watson analysis found TWIA rates to be inadequate by 26% for residential policies and 44% for commercial policies.

Both the board and the Actuarial and Underwriting Committee had been debating the need for more context before increasing rates since August 2019, when the board decided not to submit a rate filing, but staff had already been warning of shortfalls near the 50% mark for both private and commercial policies.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/jd_journalism
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Friday in Istanbul, Anadolu agency reports.

Erdogan and Hariri, who is assigned to form the new government in Lebanon, held a one-on-one meeting at the Vahdettin Palace in Istanbul, according to Turkey's Communications Directorate.

During the meeting, issues related to politics, economy, trade and culture were discussed with aim to enhance Turkey-Lebanon relations as well as cooperation in regional matters.

The Turkish president expressed the country's "willpower" to further enhance and strengthen the bilateral relations.

Underscoring that political stability of Lebanon is not only "critically important" for the people of Lebanon but also for the peace and security of the region, Erdogan said Turkey's support toward Lebanon's "unity and peace" will continue.

Hariri during the meeting thanked Erdogan for Turkey's support and investments made in Lebanon.

Lebanons president in October 2020 assigned Hariri, the leader of the Future Movement, to form the countrys new government, less than a year after Hariris last government resigned.

Hariri served as premier twice, from 2009 to 2011 and from 2016 to this January, before being replaced by the current government.

He comes from a political dynasty, as the son of late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005.

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

France is to extend its COVID-19 curfew to a further eight departments, Prime Minister Jean Castex said Saturday, citing a "tough and necessary" response as some opposed the restrictions in several cities.

France has been ramping up its anti-virus restrictions in the face of rising cases and imposed a post-New Year curfew from 6 pm (1700 GMT) on 15 of its 101 departments, the remainder subject to an 8 pm confinement.

Those 15 are deemed to be where the virus is spreading the most in a country which has seen some 67,000 deaths to date from some 2.7 million cases and with a reproduction rate escalating.

The new departments likely to be be subject to an earlier curfew are primarily in the east of the country, including Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin and Cote d'Or, as well as the central one of Cher.

Castex highlighted the southern port of Marseille, France's second largest city, where local politicians of all stripes have voiced opposition to extending the partial lockdown, questioning its effectiveness.

"In reality we are applying the same criteria to Marseille as we apply elsewhere," said Castex, confirming the earlier lockdown would be extended to eight departments including the Bouches-du-Rhone, which includes Marseille.

"Everybody is conscious of the epidemic not weakening or that on the contrary it is growing stronger in some areas," Castex said.

Castex also defended the government's vaccine rollout strategy, criticised in some quarters for its slow start.

"The objective is to go quickly, (but) do it in absolutely irreproachable security conditions."

Opinion polls show around half the French population are sceptical about having the jabtheir opposition notably higher than in neighbouring countries.

Castex underlined what he termed the "credibility" of the vaccine strategy, adding "it must succeed as that is what will allow us to find out way out of this serious and worsening health crisis."

Health Minister Olivier Veran stressed that France would be stepping up the rate of vaccinations from the coming week.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

 2021 AFP
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

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.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  Flooding from heavy rains in some areas in Negros Occidental forced more than 4,000 families to flee their homes.

As of early Saturday, at least 4,154 families from Talisay, Silay, Victorias, and Sagay were rescued by authorities and brought to evacuation centers, records from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Division showed.

Meanwhile, Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares III said in a Facebook post 100 families from Zone 2, 55 from Barangay Bubog, 45 from Zone 3, 21 from Zone 12, seven from Zone 16, five from Talisay South, and two from Zone 4-A sought shelter in evacuation centers as of 12 midnight of Saturday. It is not clear if these data were included in Negros Occidental PDRRMOs tally.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, they have rescued a total of 85 families, composed of 500 individuals, in joint disaster response operations amid massive flooding in Talisay City and Victorias City.

In case of emergency, Talisay residents may contact these hotline numbers: 0949-113-9395 or 712-6074, local disaster management officials said.

On Friday night, PAGASA said thunderstorms brought heavy rains in Talisay as well as other areas in Negros Occidental namely Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, E.B. Magalona, Victorias, and Manapla.

Prior to this, Talisay City was placed under a state of calamity due to the damage to houses and other infrastructure from heavy flooding triggered by nonstop rains. The declaration of the state of calamity on Wednesday allowed the local government to tap into calamity funds for faster relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Donation drives

Some organizations have launched relief drives for flood victims in Negros Occidental, accepting cash and in-kind donations.

To help affected residents of Victorias, and Silay, donors can visit the page of Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute for more details.

Bacolod-based students are also raising funds to provide relief to flood victims in Silay, Talisay, and Victorias. Here is how to donate to their cause.

Bacolod-based Correspondent Shiela Gelera contributed to this report
Type address separated by commas

Your Email:
BJP leader Tejasvi Surya on Saturday urged the government to review and repeal the laws governing big social media firms in India, after Twitter permanently banned US President Donald Trump's account citing 'risk of incitement of violence'.

He said the suspension of Trump's Twitter account was a "wake-up call for democracies" on the threat posed by "unregulated" big-tech companies.

"Intermediaries, as per their definition, can't interfere in content on Social Media platforms. But Rules thereunder say otherwise. This anomaly must be addressed immediately. If they can do this to POTUS, they can do this to anyone. Sooner India reviews intermediaries regulations, better for our democracy," Surya said on Twitter.

He urged the government to repeal the 'IT Intermediaries Guidelines Rules' during zero hour in the parliament. "They (the guidelines) are problematic because they empower private foreign enterprises performing essentially a public function to act as censors as free speech without government oversight, thus effectively and severely impacting safeguards of fundamental rights to free speech(sic)," Surya said.

This must be wake up call for all who dont yet understand threat to our democracies by unregulated big tech companies. If they can do this to POTUS, they can do this to anyone.Sooner India reviews intermediaries regulations, better for our democracy.@GoI_MeitY https://t.co/SWzaBfycJ8 Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) January 9, 2021

The unprecedented move by Twitter came two days after Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol, bringing disgrace to the country and its democratic institutions, after a rally in which he made 'incendiary' statements. Five people, including a woman and a police officer, have died.

Trump then switched to his official @POTUS account to accuse Twitter of conspiring with his political enemies "to silence me. "Twitter has gone further and further in banning free speech, and tonight, Twitter employees have coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left in removing my account from their platform, to silence me -- and YOU, the 75,000,000 great patriots who voted for me," he said in a series of tweets from the @POTUS account. The post was swiftly deleted by Twitter.

Hyderabad police in November had issued a warning against speeches that could incite 'communal violence' after Surya's comments at a rally ahead of the city municipal polls. "Owaisi is Jinnah's new avatar. We must defeat him," he had said, equating the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen chief with Pakistan's founder.

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya also commented on Trump's Twitter account ban, saying "deplatforming Donald Trump, a sitting US president, sets a dangerous precedent. It has less to do with his views and more to do with intolerance for a differing point. Ironically, those who claim to champion free speech are celebrating. Big tech firms are now the new oligarchs."

Rahul Gandhi must be the most discredited opposition leader India has seen in a long long time. https://t.co/9wQeNE5xAP pic.twitter.com/b4HjXTHPSx Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 28, 2020

A tweet by Malviya was in November flagged by Twitter as 'manipulated media' after the BJP leader shared a video on farmers' protest. On November 28, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had shared the picture of a policeman whipping a baton towards an old farmer who was among the protesters of anti-farm bill demonstrations at Singhu border. "It is a very sad photo. Our slogan was 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' but today PM Modi's arrogance made the jawan stand against the farmer," the Congress leader had written.

Malviya quoted his tweet and uploaded a 'Propaganda vs Reality' video claiming the police "did not even touch the farmer."

Soon, fact-checking websites called Malviya's claim 'untrue'. The video that he shared to prove his point was reportedly a cropped version of the actual footage of the police action against the farmers at the Singhu border.

Twitter red flags content posted on its platform if they are significantly and deceptively altered or fabricated, if they shared in a deceptive manner, or if they are likely to impact public safety or cause harm. Twitter also removes content if two or more criteria are met.
Arson investigators are probing a 'suspicious' fire that ripped through a two-storey home in the early hours of the morning.

Fire crews were called to Pellegrino Grove in northwest Sydney's Rouse Hill, at about 4am on Saturday where a brick home was 'well-alight'.

Residents on the normally quiet street awoke to lights and sirens rushing to the scene of the blaze as firefighters worked quickly to stop the flames spreading to neighboring homes.

Arson investigators are probing a 'suspicious' fire that ripped through a two-storey home in the early hours of the morning. Pictured: Kellyville Rural Fire Brigade are on the scene

Fire crews were called to Pellegrino Grove in northwest Sydney's Rouse Hill, (pictured) at about 4am on Saturday where a brick home was 'well-alight'

NSW police said there was no one home at the time of the fire and that a crime scene has now been established.

'The fire is being treated as suspicious with police believing it was a targeted incident,' police said.

Detectives from The Hills Police Area Command along with Crime Scene Officers and Fire Investigators are now combing the scene to try and find the cause of the blaze.

Fire and Rescue NSW fire-fighters managed to put out the fire with only 'minor damage' sustained to the building.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact police immediately.

NSW police said there was no one home at the time of the fire and that a crime scene has now been established
Shareholders give final approval to PSA-FCA Stellantis merger

Tavares will need to pay considerable attention to the new company's China strategy

With more than 99% of votes in favour, PSA and FCA shareholders have finally approved the long-awaited merger of the two companies. The new automaker group will be called Stellantis and will bring familiar brands such as Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Dodge, Jeep, Opel, Alfa Romeo and Maserati under the same leadership. The merger will reduce costs for both groups thanks to platform and component sharing, and joint R&D expenditure.

The deal comes at a time when pressure on auto groups is high thanks to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and developing megatrends including electrification, connectivity and autonomous vehicles vying for attention. While those challenges affect all auto players, Stellantis' leadership will be hoping the newly merged group can tackle some of the specific weaknesses that affected FCA and PSA prior to the agreement.

Most pressing is the group's weakness in China  the world's largest car market and a vital growth engine for any international auto player. Despite continued efforts from both partners, neither has been able to establish a strong sales base in the country or capture the market's imagination with a stand-out model. This weakness is increasingly exacerbated by the rapid pace of improvement shown by China's home-grown automakers, undercutting many foreign automakers.

Industry estimates put both PSA and FCA's capacity utilisation in Asia-Pacific at just 8%, with the majority of that capacity concentrated in China. The groups' inability to break into China was exemplified by the news in January 2020 that a PSA joint venture with Chinese OEM Changan would be dissolved as both parties sought to sell their stakes in the underperforming unit. The 2011 JV led to the construction of a 200,000 unit-per-year factory in Shenzhen intended to manufacture DS-branded vehicles for local sale but volumes simply never reached that level, peaking at a little more than 20,000 units in 2014 before dropping dramatically. Qoros brand owner Baoneng Investment Group has since purchased the operating unit.

Most pressing is the group's weakness in China  the world's largest car market and a vital growth engine for any international auto player.

Clearly, fortunes for both groups in China need resuscitating and the Stellantis merger gives them a better chance at success than as separate competitors. Sharing rebranding costs, along with production facilities and distribution networks will spread the financial burden more widely across the newly formed group, reducing the risk to both parties and increasing the chances of gaining a foothold in the world's most important vehicle market.

Overcapacity is not just a problem for Stellantis in China, however. The group has consistently operated below capacity for years with estimates suggesting that, even in strong sales years such as 2016, the combined group had capacity for roughly four million vehicles left on the table.

Stellantis' leadership has pledged not to close any factories after the merger, claiming that it will be able to make use of the additional capacity by increasing sales. However, some analysts predict that closures will be inevitable as the group seeks to cut costs. Facilities at particular risk include Opel's Ellesmere Port factory in the UK which faces added uncertainty due to the fallout from Brexit and the last-minute trade deal signed by the UK and EU that sets rules of origin requirements on UK made vehicles if they are to avoid EU import tariffs.

In addition, the new Stellantis leadership, fronted by PSA CEO Carlos Tavares, will seek to rationalise its now-larger brand portfolio. Expect the strongest players to be immediate growth drivers for the group, with Jeep SUVs and RAM pickup trucks earning healthy revenues. The lineups of volume players including Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and Opel will need to be adjusted to limit sales cannibalisation among the group. Focus will also turn to underperforming outliers including Maserati, Alfa Romeo, DS and Lancia that will need either a costly reboot to reach projected sales figures, or could be culled to cut costs.

This article first appeared on GlobalData's research platform, the Automotive Intelligence Center
A local protest power play speaks to the escalation of tough tactics in the Kansas City discourse as this after dark gathering literally hits home amid an ongoing debate over evictions.

Read more . . .
Violent riots at the U.S. Capitol aimed at disrupting the transition of power represent the clearest example for experts warning that domestic terrorism has become the most pressing threat facing the United States.

Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States made responding to foreign terrorism its top mission. But national security experts and elected officials believe domestic terrorists are not being treated with the same urgency, contributing to a rise in anti-government extremists who organized armed protests inside Michigans state Capitol, a plot to kidnap the governor and violent riots at the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, identified domestic terrorism as the greatest national security threat facing the United States. The former CIA and Pentagon official served multiple tours in Iraq studying militia groups and said Wednesdays attempt to overturn the election is a textbook case of extremists using violence to achieve a political goal.

(Wednesday) was a very visceral generational event that signals the end of one era and the beginning of another, Slotkin said. The domestic strife -- the polarization, the anger, the internal division -- is now the single greatest national security threat to Americans, greater than any foreign adversary.

Supporters of President Donald Trump breached the Capitol and attempted to break into the House and Senate chambers while lawmakers were barricaded inside. Images show one person carried zip ties into the Capitol, while a noose was erected on a wooden structure outside the building.

A Capitol Police officer was killed after being struck in the head with a fire extinguisher during a clash with protesters. A woman involved in the protest was shot and killed by police inside the Capitol and three others died of medical emergencies during the chaos.

Two pipe bombs were also found outside the Democratic and Republican headquarters in Washington D.C. Police also found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.

U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, was in the House chambers when the pro-Trump mob began forcing their way inside. Meijer said its clear that some of the rioters intended to attack members of Congress.

There are people who stormed the Senate chambers who had zip ties and they were carrying weapons. I mean you do that to take hostages, Meijer said. The idea the folks who ransacked the Capitol were just there to kind of take selfies, there may have been some but there were people there who intended violence. We have to realize that it could have been much worse. This was terrible, but it could have been much worse.

Todd Helmus, a researcher specializing in disinformation and terrorism research, said extremists scored a major propaganda victory. Helmus is a senior behavioral scientist at RAND, a nonprofit public policy institute that specializes in military matters

Images of rioters clad in MAGA hats, QAnon apparel and confederate flags parading through the halls of Congress and lounging in legislative offices will likely serve as a valuable recruiting tool, he said.

Big win for these guys Wednesday, Helmus said. Maybe they really thought they could overturn the election, they probably did, but short of that they really got what they wanted. This will be used for many ages to rally the troops, to show people that success is possible, to show people what can be done if you have the right mindset ... The videos will get played out in the same way that videos of jihadi attacks were consumed by their audience.

Meijer said hes not sure if the worst is yet to come.

I would not be surprised if we saw in the near term political assassinations or some type of additional attempts to take lives by the folks who feel emboldened by whats happened, Meijer said.

U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP

Fostering home-grown extremism

Javed Ali, a former senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council during the Trump administration, also drew comparisons between Islamic terrorists and American terrorists who view themselves as patriots fighting to usurp a tyrannical government.

I can see the parallels to what I would consider jihadist terrorism. Members of al-Qaida or ISIS also thought their actions, however heinous or vile, were completely justified under the banner of their interpretation of Islam, Ali said. They thought they were able to do what they did because religion was on their side. I think were seeing a parallel to whats happening here with people wrapping themselves around this political ideology, thinking that justifies their actions.

Hemus said false narratives about the election being stolen from Trump will continue to foster resentment among domestic terrorists. The same factors that fostered extremism in the U.S continue to exist, he said.

You have the same media circles, you have the same propaganda content, the same social milieu supported their radicalization and supported their violent activities to begin with, Helmus said. I dont see these folks anytime believing that the election has been legitimate.

Experts agree that more acts of political violence could be on the horizon. Trump acknowledged Joe Biden as the next president in a statement Thursday, but Ali said it comes after the president spent months promoting unproven allegations of election fraud and calling on his supporters to reject his loss.

The genie is completely out of the bottle, Ali said. I think Trumps statement yesterday, most people would see right through that, no matter what side of the ideological and political spectrum. The damage has already been done.

Ali said Wednesdays attack in Washington D.C. can be traced back years before Trump took office, to growth among far-right extremist groups.

The first inflection point occurred when President Barack Obama was inaugurated in 2008, he said, but polarization escalated rapidly in the last year. Extremist beliefs became more mainstream in response to COVID-19 lockdowns, Black Lives Matter protests and the popularization of misinformation and propaganda, all leading up to the 2020 presidential election.

I was just as disturbed as most other Americans were watching everything unfold, but I was not surprised in the least bit, Ali said.

Republican leaders in Michigan and across the country spent months promoting unproven claims about late-night ballot dumps and votes being changed by faulty voting machines. This includes conservative activist Meshawn Maddock, who attended protests in Washington D.C. this week and is set to become the co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party.

Meijer said his party is responsible for lying to its supporters.

The Republican party needs to own up for the lies and the deceptions that weve been telling some of our supporters because they believed us, Meijer said. That is heartbreaking. That is the sad reality. We need to come to grips with that. I hope some of the disingenuous duplicitous and deceptive rhetoric that folks have latched on to try to and feel better about what happened, that they realize the utter cowardice of that approach.

Three Michigan Republicans objected to the electoral votes of Arizona and Pennsylvania -- U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet; Tim Walberg, R-Tipon and Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township. Each of the three Republicans cited concerns from constituents in their predominately red districts in statements before the vote.

There were 138 Republicans in the House and six Republican Senators who objected to Arizonas electoral votes. Pennsylvanias electoral votes were challenged by 121 House Republicans and seven Republican senators.

I was disappointed that I saw people continuing to sign off, each of those objections had to be in writing, Meijer said. When we reconvened while blood was drying 100 feet from where we stood, while a Capitol Police officer was on life support, they were still signing their names onto them.

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, said misinformation surrounding the election is a huge problem. Huizenga supported a Texas lawsuit asking the Supreme Court to invalidate Michigans election results, but has pushed back against constituents who believe incorrect narratives about Dominion Voting Systems software and other conspiracies.

Huizenga deemed himself a member of the rational caucus facing pressure from Trumps base. He said a media environment feeding Americans outrage infotainment has led conservatives to deeply distrust reports debunking voter fraud allegations.

One of the reasons why these people feel this way is they feel lied to, they feel like theyve been ridiculed, Huizenga said. This whole Russia BS hoax that led to an impeachment of this guy. Theres a lot of reasons why they feel the way that they feel. They feel completely dismissed.

Slotkin said many Americans were taken advantage of by political leaders looking to enhance their own personal power by riding a wave of populism.

Slotkin said Democrats cant just ignore Republicans who dont trust the election outcome. She supports convening a bipartisan commission to improve election processes but also said elected leaders who perpetuated falsehoods should be held accountable.

We cant just sort of retreat to our corners and say, No, the election was perfect, so we need to just forget about those people who question it, Slotkin said. Its the opposite. How do we make sure Americans believe in our democracy? Thats our responsibility, because, without it were doomed.

Trump called for healing and reconciliation after releasing a statement warning these are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away.

Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)AP

Michigan was a proving ground for extremists

Demonstrations in Michigan may have created a blueprint for extremists planning similar actions, said Ali, the former counterterrorism official.

Armed protesters stormed the state Capitol in Lansing last spring, looming over lawmakers in what organizing groups branded judgment day.

Michigan protesters, some who were later identified as militia members who allegedly plotted to kidnap and possibly assassinate Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, brought nooses and signs declaring Tyrants Get The Rope.

I think what happened almost a year ago Lansing showed a template for how this could work, Alis said. What we saw on Wednesday was a permutation of the Lansing template.

Related: Misinformation and conspiracies took starring role in Michigans political movements

Hours before the violence broke out in Washington D.C., Trump supporters held a rally outside Michigans Capitol to oppose Bidens victory. Some carried signs warning a civil war is coming, and demonstrators erected a large wooden cross on the Capitol lawn.

In a speech on the Capitol steps in Lansing, Mike Detmer, who lost the GOP primary to challenge Slotkin, called Vice President Mike Pence a traitor for pledging to affirm the Electoral College vote. Detmer also called Slotkin a traitor in a video posted to his Twitter account Friday.

We as patriots have a mission and a duty, Detmer said Wednesday. We are all soldiers for almighty God. We cannot let this slide, we cannot let it slip. We have to abandon our current political system.

A day later, the Michigan Capitol was closed in response to a bomb threat.

Michael Varrone, 48, was arraigned on two counts of false report or threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony; and one count of false report or threat of bomb/harmful device, a four-year felony. The Michigan Attorney Generals office said Varrone also threatened to kill state Rep. Cynthia Johnson, D-Detroit.

Johnson faced lynching threats after challenging election fraud allegations during a legislative committee hearing.

Helmus said law enforcement officials should be prepared to face more threats of violence at government buildings across the country.

Theres all sorts of opportunities; next up I would imagine would be the state Capitol, so they need to make sure that those targets are hardened to limit opportunity and to increase the cost of engaging in these actions, he said.

Extremists may be emboldened unless law enforcement is able to track down people involved in illegal activity this week, Ali said. Authorities are making arrests as protesters are identified. As of Friday, 60 people were arrested on suspicion of curfew violations, and another 37 were arrested on suspicion of unlawful entry.

What was the cost? Ali said. There really didnt seem to be that much cost to the people who committed the siege ... Unfortunately, its probably only going to galvanize folks to action.

Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)AP

Tools to combat terrorism

The Department of Homeland Security identified domestic violent extremism as a threat to the homeland in an October assessment of national security issues. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf specifically expressed concern about white supremacist violent extremists who have been exceptionally lethal in their abhorrent, targeted attacks in recent years.

The DHS report found 2019 was the most lethal year for domestic extremism in the United States since the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. The agency was still evaluating data for incidents occurring in 2020 as of the October report.

Some U.S.-based violent extremists have capitalized on increased social and political tensions in 2020, which will drive an elevated threat environment at least through early 2021, the report states. Violent extremists will continue to target individuals or institutions that represent symbols of their grievances, as well as grievances based on political affiliation or perceived policy positions.

The report found white supremacist groups have been responsible for more deaths than any other domestic extremist group. Josh Pasek, a political science professor at the University of Michigan, said actions of the insurrection like flying the Confederate flag inside the U.S. Capitol are racist at the core.

Its part of the nature of what the current contentious politics is about, a perception amongst some Americans that theyre losing out on some relative power and that falls on racial lines, Pasek said.

Slotkin called for the Biden administration to establish a task force on domestic terrorism and work with local law enforcement agencies to protect citizens from violent militias.

I think the first place we have to look is the level of effort that the government puts on tracking and evaluating domestic terrorism, Slotkin said.

Arresting domestic terrorists has long been a tricky proposition, Ali said, because there are no federal law that specifically covers domestic terrorism. Civil rights groups have expressed concern that creating new statutes could result in federal overreach and infringement on free speech.

National security experts at the Brennan Center for Justice advocate for a more robust response to domestic terror groups, but also oppose expanding counterterrorism powers that could be abused. Instead, they argue, Congress should require the FBI to collect and publish data on far-right violence and intensify its oversight of federal counterterrorism programs.

In the meantime, Slotkin said Americans need to make an effort to come together.

I hope its a shock to the system and represents the low point of American politics, Slotkin said. I think that is a vision of what our country would look like if we dont restore the tenets of democracy. We are a nation of laws and rules. The only reason democracy stays together is because we all buy into the system.

Several Republican leaders, including popular Indian- American politician Nikki Haley, have condemned Twitter for permanently deactivating outgoing President Donald Trump's account, saying that the "US is not China".

Twitter on Friday permanently suspended Trump's account due to the "risk of further incitement of violence", days after his supporters stormed the US Capitol and caused the deaths of four civilians and a police officer.

"Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country, tweeted Haley on Friday.

Unbelievable, said the former US Ambassador to the UN who during a closed-door meeting of the Republican National Committee in Florida on Thursday strongly condemned Trump's comments inciting supporters to mount an attack on the US Capitol.

The president has not always chosen the right words and his actions post-election will be "judged harshly by history", she had said in the meeting.

US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Ben Carson, joined Haley in opposing the Twitter's move.

Silencing a significant number of voters and erasing history is no way to unite us; it only further divides. Big tech and social media platforms want to act like media organisations but don't want to be held accountable with the rest of media. Speech should be free whether you agree or not, he said.

" is not China", Carson asserted.

"You want to ban @realDonaldTrump, fine you're a private company, but @Twitter deleting the President's account which highlights this admin & its history is wrong. @Facebook & @instagram banning all images from the Capitol riot is a dangerous precedent to set. We aren't in China, he tweeted.

Twitter also suspended the account of Trump campaign and deleted his tweets from the official twitter handle of the US President.

Twitter also suspended the account of Trump campaign digital director Gary Coby after he changed his Twitter name to 'Donald Trump' and tweeted from the account.

Disgusting, tweeted Jason Miller, a longtime Trump adviser. Big Tech wants to cancel all 75M @realDonaldTrump supporters. If you don't think they're coming for you next, you're wrong, he added.

The president's son, Jr, likened the Twitter's move to George Orwell's 1984".

We are living Orwell's 1984. Free-speech no longer exists in America. It died with big tech and what's left is only there for a chosen few. This is absolute insanity!, he tweeted.

"Mao would be proud," he said in another tweet, referring to Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China.
A 20-year-old criminal with links to the gangs involved in serious organised criminality in Drogheda is due to be sentenced next month in a landmark money mule case.

Sean Everitt, from Hill View, Drogheda, Co Louth, is already serving sentences for drug dealing and aggravated burglary but he can expect more prison time after he admitted having 10,000 in his bank account which was the proceeds of crime.

It is understood he was to be paid about 1,000 for the use of his bank account which he hoped would go towards paying off a drugs debt to one of the violent gangs involved in the deadly Drogheda feud.

Busted

However, Everitt was caught after he unsuccessfully attempted to withdraw the cash from a bank in August, 2019, in an incident which was caught on CCTV.

Sources say that the bank had the money locked and gave information to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) who had set up a major investigation codenamed Operation Random.

This investigation began after over 200 customers of an Irish bank became victims of a major 2.7m phishing scam in which they provided their bank details after receiving a bogus text message that led to their bank accounts being cleared out.

The international crime gang behind the massive theft then used money mules such as Everitt who allowed their bank accounts be used by the crime organisation to withdraw and deposit money stolen from other accounts.

GNECB detectives identified 56 money mules across the country and 39 of these people have now been arrested.

Everitt was the first person to be arrested in Operation Ransom when fraud squad detectives brought him from Cloverhill Prison for questioning in October, 2019.

At that stage, he was on remand in the jail on charges of possession of cocaine totalling 16,000 and cannabis resin worth 19,000.

On November 16 last year, Everitt was handed a four-year jail sentence for this offence at Drogheda Circuit Court and given an additional four-year term for his role in an aggravated burglary in which a wheel brace was used to terrorise a family in Tullagh, Co Louth, in September, 2019.

He will be sentenced next month at Dublin Circuit Court for "possession of 10,000 believed to be the proceeds of criminal conduct" after he pleaded guilty at a court sitting in December.

A senior source told the Herald that Everitt is "not typical" of most young people who act as money mules, the vast majority of whom are teenagers without previous convictions.

"He got involved through pure criminality but in many other cases students who have never had any involvement in crime become money mules," the source said.

"The organised crime gang use social media, particularly Snapchat, to find people who will allow their bank accounts be used to launder money and they often target students who receive very little reward for letting their bank accounts be used - once they get involved they lose complete control of their accounts."

Hotspots

The average age of those arrested as part of Operation Ransom is 19 and among the suspects detained as part of the investigation is a 20-year-old Clondalkin man who had 44,000 in his bank account.

Investigations also established that in Limerick, a young man used the account of his 15-year-old brother to launder a large amount of money.

Of the 56 people arrested so far, at least 19 are Irish nationals.

GNECB have also identified "hotspots" for money mules in Kildare, Limerick, Mallow and Galway and anywhere where there are third level colleges across the country.
MidMichigan Medical Center emergency room physician Dr. Jeff Newman told the Daily News on Friday that he felt "OK" two days after receiving the second dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday.

"Everything is OK," Newman said in a phone interview. "For me, it was better than the first (dose three weeks earlier). I had a sore arm (this time), which is pretty normal. I had a little bit of a headache the first night, but the next day, I felt normal. So it was very smooth sailing."

What a sickening obscenity its been that it took so many Republican politicians in the States so long to wake up to at least some of what the rest of us have been saying since 2016 about their dangerous and deranged president.

Ever since he was elected to the White House I have been arguing that Trump was a menace who could wreak untold damage from the White House and I cautioned against the all-too-common tendency to treat him as a figure of mirth.

I also questioned his mental state and several times wondered if it wasnt time for the 25th amendment in the American constitution to be invoked to force him from power.

But it wasnt until last week, a fortnight before he was due to leave office, that many of his own deluded political allies finally turned against him following the storming of the Capitol building which came after he incited his supporters to march on the building.

Expand Close Donald Trump at his rally before the riots on Wednesday ((Jacquelyn Martin/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Donald Trump at his rally before the riots on Wednesday ((Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Despite what Ian Paisley says, there was no doubt that his words were designed to fire up his supporters including some members of extremist organisations like QAnon and it was no surprise that the supposedly peaceful protest turned into a violent assault on the Capitol building just as Congress was engaged in the ceremonial counting of the electoral votes that would confirm Joe Bidens victory in the presidential race.

Just by chance I turned the telly over to CNN just before my Coronation Street fix as the crowds were moving menacingly up the steps to the Capitol after breaching the pathetically porous defences mounted by the police in Washington  a sham of a security operation that was in marked contrast to the treatment of Black Lives Matter demonstrations around the States.

For the next seven hours I was transfixed as I flicked between BBC News 24 and the American broadcaster to see one of the most astonishing nights of history unfolding in front of millions of astonished eyes across the planet. The Beeb kept calling the mob who invaded the Capitol protesters or rioters. But CNN, who long ago ditched any pretence of impartiality where Trump is concerned, were branding them as insurrectionists or domestic terrorists.

Reporters repeatedly said the scenes were what they would expect to see in other parts of the world, not Washington. Over here weve all seen too often how uncontrolled crowds can run amok  like the corporals killings and the flag protests. Also, watching Trumps address to his followers before they besieged the Capitol building  and his subsequent reaction to the chaos  was reminiscent of how political leaders here goaded their supporters into action and then washed their hands of culpability for any violence that resulted.

It took Trump several hours to call off his hounds but only after President-elect Biden had shamed him into it. Many of Trumps erstwhile allies in the Republican Party did denounce him but it smacked of far too little far too late. And the talk of using the 25th amendment to replace Trump with Vice-President Mike Pence or impeaching him has also probably come too late.

Ever since the invasion, and the five deaths associated with it, Trumps former friends around the world have condemned him, though they should have put the boot in years ago. Even his best buddy Nigel Farage distanced himself as did another ex-chum Boris Johnson. But I didnt see any similar rebukes from Trumps flag-wavers in the DUP like Ian Paisley, Paul Girvan and Sammy Wilson who last year were pictured with a Trump banner outside the House of Commons during the presidential election campaign. Mr Paisley has even defended Mr Trump and hes one of the few politicians in the world who didnt believe hed provoked the violence.

Expand Close Support: DUP MPs Ian Paisley (left), Sammy Wilson (second left) and Paul Girvan (right) fly the flag for Donald Trump / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Support: DUP MPs Ian Paisley (left), Sammy Wilson (second left) and Paul Girvan (right) fly the flag for Donald Trump

During the assault on the Capitol a number of American reporters reminded their viewers that the building and the forerunner to the White House hadnt been subjected to anything quite so destructive since they were burnt down by the British in 1814. But there was no mention of the Northern Irish link. For the troops who attacked the buildings were under the command of Major General Robert Ross from Rostrevor whose statue has pride of place in the village.

Social media has been red hot with posts about Washington and here thereve been comparisons with Michael Stone trying to storm Stormont in 2006 but on a lighter note, some folk edited the footage of the No Surrender woman from the 2012 flegs protest at the doors of the City Hall into the film of the Trumpites.

Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 with 62 aboard is feared to have crashed into the sea after the Boeing 737 lost contact with aviation authorities shortly after taking off from Indonesia's capital Jakarta on Saturday, reported AFP. The flight tracking data showed the jet had plunged into a steep dive just four minutes after take-off. The search agency has picked up some debris and is trying to confirm if it belongs to the Sriwijaya Air Flight SJ182, the organizations deputy for operations, Bambang Suryo Aji, said, according to Bloomberg.

The authorities have started search and rescue operations for the missing plane with the National Search and Rescue Agency and the National Transportation Safety Committee, according to ministry spokesman. The government have sent a search vessel from Jakarta to planes last known location in the Java Sea. First responders were also deployed to the site to aid potential survivors, local TV reported. No radio beacon signal had been detected, Bagus Puruhito, head of the country's search and rescue agency Basarnas.

The plane took off from Soekarno-Hatta Airport and was on an estimated 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesias Borneo island. There were 56 passengers and six crew members onboard. FlightRadar24 data showed the plane was a Boeing 737-500 series.

"A Sriwijaya (Air) plane from Jakarta to Pontianak (on Borneo island) with call sign SJY182 has lost contact," said ministry spokesman Adita Irawati. "The Boeing 737-500 took off from Jakarta at about 1:56 p.m. and lost contact with the control tower at 2:40 p.m.," the ministry added, according to AP.

"Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 lost more than 10.000 feet of altitude in less than one minute, about 4 minutes after departure from Jakarta," Flightradar24 reported.

"ADS-B signal from flight #SJ182 was lost at 07:40:27 UTC time. The flight was en route from Jakarta to Pontianak in Indonesia," Flightradar24 said.

The 737 first flew in May 1994, according to Flightradar. A Boeing 737 MAX operated by Indonesian airline Lion Air crashed off Jakarta in late 2018, killing all 189 passengers and crew. The plane that lost contact on Saturday is a much older model.

We are aware of media reports from Jakarta, and are closely monitoring the situation," Boeing spokeswoman Zoe Leong said in a statement. Sriwijaya Air said in a statement it is still gathering more detailed information regarding the flight. The airlines said it would release an official statement later.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
The inside story of how a determined band of Tories saved Brexit and led to Theresa Mays downfall is set to be revealed by a senior MP at the heart of the bitter battle.

Mark Francois, chairman of the partys European Research Group, will give a blow-by-blow account of its four-year fight to fulfil the 2016 referendum in a book to be published later this year.

He will claim that his group slammed as a party within a party by critics  played a crucial role, not just in repeatedly blocking Mrs Mays surrender deal but also in helping to prevent her successor, Boris Johnson, from repeating her mistakes after he became Prime Minister in 2019.

BITTER BATTLE: MP Mark Francois, chairman of the partys European Research Group, (pictured with an anti-Brexit campaigner in 2019), is set to publish a book on how his band of Tories 'saved' Brexit

Named Spartan Victory in honour of the 28 so-called ERG Spartans who voted three times against Mrs Mays Brexit deal, the book is set to claim that even key Johnson aide Dominic Cummings admitted he had not read her controversial Withdrawal Agreement.

The Mail on Sunday understands that Mr Francois will say that after Mr Johnson became premier, he met Mr Cummings  who was hostile to the ERG  and warned him the deal would have left the UK at the mercy of the European Court of Justice with successive Parliaments unable to change it.

He says that prompted the aide to say: Who the f*** negotiated that?

Former Defence Minister Mr Francois became, along with fellow arch-Brexiteers Steve Baker and Jacob Rees-Mogg, one of the key figures in the ERGs struggle to prevent Mrs May from delivering what they derided as Brino  Brexit In Name Only.

That involved inflicting the largest defeat on a sitting Government in parliamentary history in January 2019, when 118 Tory MPs defied the party whip to oppose the May agreement.

Mr Francois will claim his group played a crucial role in blocking Theresa May's (pictured in January 2019) 'surrender' deal and will reveal how Tory votes were won by a secretive whipping operation

In his book, Mr Francois is set to reveal how those votes were won by a secretive whipping operation which the partys official whips office never penetrated.

So secret was the ERG rival whips team  known as The Buddies and overseen by Mr Francois  that not even most other ERG members knew who they were.

During the Brexit rows, Mr Francois was mocked by Remainers for drawing on his Territorial Army service to say: I was in the Army, I wasnt trained to lose.

Last night, he told The Mail on Sunday: I honestly believe that if it hadnt been for the ERG and the tireless work of colleagues such as Steve Baker, we would now be locked in a Brino  in the worst of all worlds stuck in the EU Customs Union and with no unilateral exit. It would have been a Hotel California situation where we could check out but we could never leave.

Mr Francois added: If it hadnt been for the ERG and, in particular, the 28 of us who stuck it out to the very end, Boris Johnson would not have been able to achieve the very real Brexit he has managed to do.

Mr Cummings was approached for comment.
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.
I wanted to show people the different ways that God speaks, so they too can listen to hear what He is saying.

Author Tressa Renee Fernandez encourages readers to recognize Gods involvement in their lives in God is Speaking, Are You Listening? A Collection of Testimonies ($13.49, paperback, 9781662805202; $6.99, e-book, 9781662805219).

Fernandez was not always tuned in to Gods voice. After her conversion, however, she looked back over her life and realized that God had always been watching over her and speaking to her, even though she was not listening.

I wanted to share my testimony with others and encourage people to listen for Gods voice and know that no matter who they are, or where they are at in life that God cares. I wanted to show people the different ways that God speaks, so they too can listen to hear what He is saying, said Fernandez.

Tressa Fernandez faced death (not once, but twice) and was on her way to hell, but God had a different plan. He spared her life and gave her the opportunity to accept His saving grace. Now, as a woman of God, she is confident of who she is in Him: new, redeemed, loved, accepted and forgiven. She can most often be found in her craft studio, where she spends time with God, writes, paints, crochets or just relaxes and reads while having tea. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband of 24 years, Al Fernandez and has two adult sons, Jamar and Dlon.

###

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. God is Speaking, Are You Listening? is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.
At least three tourists from Khabarovsk, Russia, including a child were reportedly severely injured after a large chunk of ice collapsed at Kamchatka's Vilyuchinsky waterfall. 1 tourist succumbed to the injuries sustained at a hospital while others remain critical in intensive care. According to sources of TASS, the group was sightseeing a frozen 40-meter Vilyuchinsky waterfall on the Kamchatka Peninsula in far eastern Russia when at least four people got trapped under the thick sheets of breakaway ice that collapsed, according to the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry that made the official announcement at about 10:30 p.m. local time. The tourists were rescued by a Mi-6 helicopter by a team in an operation and were flown to the nearest hospital.

According to Russias Siberian Times, the popular tourist attraction, Vilyuchinsky waterfall emerges out of the melting glacier. It, however, freezes in the winters and despite that, hundreds of tourists make the challenging trip to see the Tsar Icicle in the Kamchatka peninsula. However, in an incident that shocked the travellers, the huge ice chunk broke off the frozen waterfall and crumbled on the group of tourists, Russia's Emergencies Ministry said in a statement, adding that a young boy was among those injured who was watching the waterfall along with his father. In a rescue mission conducted by more than 40 officers, all three survivors were safely pulled out of the snow rubble. Authorities told the state press that an avalanche from a nearby volcano may have caused an ice block to collapse from the slopes of the Vilyuchinsky volcano. A probe into the accident was underway.

Read: Snow Brings More Misery For Migrants In Bosnia

Read: Storm Filomena Blankets Most Of Spain With Snow

[The frozen Vilyuchinsky waterfall. Credit: Twitter/@weatherchannel]

Woman, man toppled off Alps peaks

In a similar shocking incident, a woman had toppled from the edge of a mountain cliff in Austria, from a nearly 650-foot cliff after her boyfriend decided to propose to her atop Alps peaks, Carinthia in the southern Austrian region. In the spine chilling event, the 32-year-old woman ended up falling from the Falkert mountain. The woman, however, survived as she miraculously landed on the thick blanket of snow, after her boyfriend failed to hold her and pull her back up. The emergency rescue team was called in to save the woman after a passerby spotted the woman lying motionless in the snow. Her boyfriend was rescued by a helicopter from the cliff he had been hanging by the officers in a rescue effort. The Austrian police informed the sources of the UKs Daily Mail that the couple was extremely lucky to have survived such a dangerous fall.

Read: Parts Of Italy Covered In Heavy Blanket Of Snow

Read: Madrid Sees First Snow Fall In A Decade
Relatives of two men who died while detoxing at the St. Bernard Parish Jail in late 2019 and early 2020 are suing Sheriff James Pohlmann, alleging negligence by deputies and the jails medical provider.

The men died within weeks of each other at the same jail where 19-year-old Nimali Henry died in 2014 when she failed to receive lifesaving medication for a rare blood disorder. Although the jail contracted with a corporate health care provider after Henrys death, the families of Eddie Mixon Jr. and Marvin Walker allege that care at the lockup still falls short.

St. Bernard jail guards plead guilty to federal charges in inmate's 2014 death Two St. Bernard Parish jail guards, including one who shot himself during the middle of his 2018 trial, pleaded guilty Thursday to federal cha

The new deaths add to the frustration of the grandparents of Henrys 7-year-old daughter. They are still waiting for their own lawsuit to have its day in court, and the four guards who pleaded guilty to federal charges in her death have yet to be sentenced.

We feel like they do this by pattern and practice down there, said Jeff McCoy, grandfather of Henrys daughter. They just have a way of sweeping things under the rug.

In an interview Friday, Pohlmann defended the quality of care at the jail. After Henrys death, the parish contracted with Atlanta-based CorrectHealth for inmate health services.

We continue to try to provide the best health care that we can in the jail system, Pohlmann said. Thats why we share a cost of about $690,000 a year for CorrectHealth with the parish government, to have 24-hour medical coverage in our jail.

The inmates who died in 2019 and 2020 said upon arriving at the jail that they were daily users of heroin and the anti-anxiety drug Xanax, according to Sheriffs Office records.

Walker, 28, was arrested Dec. 28, 2019, in St. Bernard Parish on a charge of resisting arrest by flight. His cousin told investigators that Walker ran from police because of an open warrant for missing a court date in New Orleans.

The lawsuit alleges that Walker was showing signs of drug withdrawal the next morning and that his conditions worsened as the days went on. As Walker vomited and defecated on himself, he and another inmate complained to deputies and nurses that he needed to go to a hospital, according to his family's suit.

It was five days before Walker was taken to the hospital. On the morning of Jan. 2, 2020, a nurse discovered him unable to move his extremities and cold and clammy to the touch. He was ordered to a hospital but dead by the time he arrived.

The coroners report said Walkers cause of death was undetermined. The family's suit asserts that medical providers did not properly treat his Xanax withdrawal.

Civil rights lawyer Gary Bizal filed the suit Dec. 29 on behalf of Walkers parents. The defendants are Pohlmann, CorrectHealth, jail guards and medical workers. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman.

Mixon, 50, arrived at the lockup Oct. 24, 2019, and died four days later. His wife and daughter filed a federal civil rights suit on April 17, stating he was on medication for a number of life-threatening conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure. The family says Mixon rapidly and obviously deteriorated at the jail but that staffers failed to send him to a hospital.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Mixon's cousin told a Sheriff's Office investigator that they were arrested during a traffic stop for possession of heroin. On the night he arrived at the jail, Mixon told a nurse he was a daily heroin user and also took the painkiller Percocet, Xanax and other drugs for his heart and lung conditions, according to Sheriffs Office records. But in jail he didnt receive drugs for his heart and lung conditions until Oct. 26, and not for his withdrawal until Oct. 27, according to a Sheriffs Office report.

In the meantime, Mixon repeatedly called his wife to complain about withdrawal symptoms, according to recordings of jail calls. Two days before his death, Mixon told his wife he was "as sick as a dog and can't keep nothing down and the nurses aren't doing anything to help him."

The suit from Mixons family doesnt specify how relatives think he died, and the Sheriffs Office report is silent on the point. The coroners office said Friday it couldnt immediately provide records.

Lawyers George Recile and Jonathan Lee are handling the suit for Mixon's wife and daughter. They sued Pohlmann, the Sheriff's Office and a jail staffer but not CorrectHealth. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan.

Mistrial declared after St. Bernard sheriff's deputy standing trial attempts suicide A federal judge on Wednesday declared a mistrial for three St. Bernard Parish Sheriffs Office deputies on trial on civil rights charges after

After Mixon and Walkers deaths, investigators questioned CorrectHealth employees, according to Sheriff's Office reports. The company says it is the largest private provider of correctional health care in Georgia and Louisiana. Among other places, it provides jail health care in Jefferson and East Baton Rouge parishes, and in both it has faced criticism from inmate advocates.

Pohlmann would not comment on the specifics of Mixon and Walkers cases, citing the pending lawsuits. But he said he was satisfied with CorrectHealths services at this point.

There's video of both men's final hours, but lawyers for the Sheriff's Office would not release it. They cited "expectations of privacy of the inmates in the jail" and said "because the video would reveal security procedures."

When Henry died in 2014, the jail was using its own employees to provide medical services. Prosecutors who charged four deputies with depriving Henry of her civil rights said the jails staffers made serious mistakes.

Henry suffered excruciating pain over 10 days at the jail as officials failed to give her medication for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a rare blood disorder, despite her pleas for help.

If they would have listened to what we said back six or seven years ago, Marvin Walker and Eddie Mixon would probably still be around, said McCoy, whose son is the father of Henrys daughter.

Four jail guards who ignored Henry pleaded guilty to federal charges. But the coronavirus pandemic has repeatedly pushed back their sentencing. Last week they asked U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle to delay their Jan. 20 sentencing, citing the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Lemelle hasn't yet ruled on their motion.

McCoy, his wife and son filed a lawsuit on behalf of Henrys daughter. It is on hold until the guards are sentenced.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Two of Austria's most widely read newspapers were sharply criticised Friday for running a full-page advert containing misleading claims by opponents of measures taken to combat the coronavirus

Vienna, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jan, 2021 ) :Two of Austria's most widely read newspapers were sharply criticised Friday for running a full-page advert containing misleading claims by opponents of measures taken to combat the coronavirus.

The advert, printed in the Kurier and Oesterreich newspapers, included claims that mask-wearing is "damaging to health" and that the "overwhelming majority of scientists warn of serious side effects" from vaccines based on mRNA technology.

Both claims in fact run contrary to the majority of scientific opinion.

The editor-in-chief of Kurier, Martina Salomon, conceded in a column printed alongside the advert that it contained "theories decisively rejected by the majority of the scientific community", but justified its publication on grounds of "freedom of expression".

She also argued that suppressing such opinions would "only encourage abstruse conspiracy theories", despite the advert itself warning of the dangers of a "centralised state being used by international actors".

Many were not convinced by Salomon's reasoning and accused Kurier and Oesterreich of irresponsible behaviour.

The editor-in-chief of the Heute tabloid said it had rejected the ad.

The editor of the Falter weekly Florian Klenk said on Twitter: "So you can get this fake news into Kurier as an advert. Unprecedented." Professor Leonhard Dobusch from Innsbruck University, whose work has included research on the nature of information exchange online, tweeted that "the irony is that while Facebook and co.

are making it harder to take out such ads, the previously proud print media offer them an alternative route for their disinformation".

Austria is currently in its third coronavirus lockdown, which is scheduled to end on January 24.

Recent restrictions have brought down daily infection rates from their peak of almost 10,000 in mid-November when the statistical average stood at 471 per 100,000 inhabitants over a seven-day period. But they remain above the government's target of a seven-day average of below 100 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Austria has seen a growing number of protests organised against coronavirus restrictions.

While the protests are still only drawing relatively small numbers, the authorities are concerned about the presence of "extremist" elements and this week new government guidelines were issued for monitoring them.

Three such protests planned for this weekend and a larger rally planned for January 16 in the capital Vienna have been banned, police spokeswoman Barbara Gass told AFP.

Those behind the events had previously organised others where illegal activity had taken place and the protests would not be conducive to the public good, she said.
Oregon U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader has apologized after reportedly calling possible impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump a lynching.

Schrader, a Democrat representing the Salem area, part of the coastline and the southern Portland suburbs, made the comment on a call with other House Democrats, sources told ABC News.

On Friday, Schrader apologized for the comments with a statement on Twitter, calling his words wrong, hurtful and completely inappropriate.

I recognize the horrible historical context of these words and have started to reach out to my colleagues personally to express that I understand the harm caused, he said. I will work hard to rebuilt trust and again, I humbly apologize.

I take complete responsibility for the language I used on the Caucus Conference call this afternoon. My words were wrong, hurtful and completely inappropriate. I sincerely apologize to my colleagues, constituents and friends for the pain I caused.  Rep. Kurt Schrader (@RepSchrader) January 8, 2021

Schraders comments come as other Democrats call for the presidents removal following the siege of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters Wednesday. Articles of impeachment are expected to be introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday, setting up a vote around the middle of the week.

If the House votes to impeach Trump and the Senate votes to convict him prior to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20, Trump would be removed from office.

An impeachment conviction might also mean Trump would be prevented from running for the presidency again in 2024  or from holding any public office again.

Trump would be the first president to be impeached twice.

--Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB
Additionally, all students will be required to provide proof that they have tested negative for COVID-19 before returning to school. The tests must be done seven days or less prior to the first day of class, which is Monday for graduate students and Jan. 25 for undergraduates.
There remains a lot more to be said about the events of the week and the new circumstances now facing us. Herewith a few observations that I may expand into longer treatments at some point.

 The events of the week have emboldened the vindictive and radical spirit of the Democrats and their allies in the media-academic-cultural complexnot that they werent radical enough already. You can see this in things like Simon & Schuster canceling Josh Hawleys book, calls for the expulsion from Congress of Republicans who objected to the electoral college tally on Wednesday, and demands (by an ABC news person on Twitter, since deleted) that the nation needed to be cleansed of Trump supporters. Look for the censorious spirit of the lefts cancel culture to go into overdrive now, instead of receding with the end of the Trump Administration.

The first thing to watch for will be the seemingly arcane adoption of the Senate rules for the next Congress. I recommend Jon Adlers refresher on the rules adopted in 2001, when the Senate was last split 50-50, with Vice President Cheney breaking ties. Then, the two parties agreed on a power sharing arrangement that tilted only slightly toward the Republicans. Will this Senate repeat those rules, or will they rely on Vice President Harris to deliver a more partisan set of rules for Democrats?

The next question, then, is Joe Manchin. Already today Manchin has said that he does not favor $2,000 COVID relief checks, and hes on record against ending the filibuster and packing the courts. And of course he isnt down with any of the Green New Deal nonsense. Back in 2001, the Senate flipped Democrat in May when Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords switched parties, after which he was hailed for his courage, of course. Keep your eye on media coverage of Manchin, to see whether he is labeled an obstructionist rather than a man of conscience and principle, as renegade Republicans are always described. And if he is pressured too much by the left, maybe he jumps ship to the GOP? He does not strike me as an especially tough-minded or courageous figure (he only announced his vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh after it became clear Kavanaugh had enough GOP votes to be confirmed), so that could cut either way.

 A pair of details from Wednesdays events deserve more notice: First, an apparent bomb planted at the Republican National Committee HQ (which is close to the Capitol); also an apparent bomb at DNC HQ. Why a bomb at the RNC if this was a pro-Trump mob? Second and related, while it is unclear to what extent Antifa may have been present as a false flag operation, it does appear that a number of figures appearing in costume committing the worst atrocities inside the Capitol cant be seriously attributed to any distinct political ideology. The person photographed carrying out a podium from the House has been identified as a person from Florida who is a registered independent, but who has apparently never voted. And the fellow with the fur and horns is alleged to have been seen at both BLM and environmental protests over the last year. (I await further confirmation of this.)

What gives? My mind keeps running back to Max Webers famous long lecture Politics as a Vocation, delivered 100 years ago, in which he explains that extremist political commitment is often not a function of ideology at all, but a matter of both psychology and even warped theological commitment (in which theological can mean atheism as well as revealed religion). Or put more simplyit is just plain nihilism. The Proud Boys, for example, dont actually appear to represent a coherent or at least non-contradictory ideology. The rag-tag militia group that planned to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer apparently expressed a similar hatred for Trump. (And I still cant quite figure out what the hell Qanon really is.)

When our leaders fail to understand that some of what is going on in the rioting of the last several months is not strictly speaking ideological or rational leads to spectacles such as Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler baffled about why his efforts to engage Antifa and de-escalate in Portland was met with contempt and, it is reported yesterday, a physical assault on him at a restaurant.
Dateline Will Glimmers of Good News Continue as Myanmar Moves Into a New Year?

--

Ye Ni: Happy New Year! Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! This is the first dateline of 2021. The year 2020 was a hard year due to COVID-19, but since the Nov. 8 election and through New Years Day, we have heard good news. Executive director U Aung Myo Min of Equality Myanmar and writer Daw Mon Mon Myat join me this week. Im The Irrawaddy Burmese editor Ye Ni.

The year 2020 was a hard year and we had to give up some of our individual freedom and rights willingly. We started to hear good news toward the end of 2020 as various vaccines emerged. So, there are hopes that there will be more good news in 2021. The fighting in Rakhine State ceased in November. It is good news that fighting ceased in a region which has continuously seen human rights violations. On International Human Rights Day, Dec. 10, President U Win Myint released a statement in which he pledged that the government would cooperate with civil society organizations [CSOs] to build a society that respects human rights. What is your assessment of the situation of human rights in Myanmar in 2020, and what are the prospects for 2021?

Aung Myo Min: It is welcome news. But taking a look at 2020 as a whole, it was a difficult year regarding human rights. It is fair to say that people suffered from the pandemic, human rights abuses and armed conflict. Human rights violations persist. There was religious persecution, and there were allegations in 2020 that there were more punitive actions against freedom of expression.

The number of people charged under the Telecommunications Law for sharing posts on social media was the highest to date in 2020. The number of cases filed against news media was the highest to date in 2020. What was worse were human rights violations in connection with the fighting in Rakhine State, which were quite serious. There were civilian deaths, injuries and grave violations of human rights in Rakhine with increased child deaths and sexual harassment of women.

But then, no effective actions were taken against those violations. There have been civilian deaths and detentions with no sides accepting responsibility. Whats worse, there is no proper legal system that can ensure perpetrators are held accountable. People suffered more serious human rights violations due to the fighting. The repatriation of Rohingya still cant be carried out. Aside from the lawsuit filed against Myanmar by Gambia at the International Court of Justice [ICJ] over alleged Rohingya genocide, Myanmar is likely to face a lawsuit at the International Criminal Court. The formation of a commission on war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide signals that Myanmar is facing greater pressure from international jurisdictions.

At first glance, COVID-19 is a health issue. But there were human rights violations during the pandemic using COVID-19 as an excuse. Restrictions on movement and gathering are fine. However, in some cases, there were unnecessarily tough restrictions [imposed] by abusing unclear laws and instructions. There was increased discrimination against some people using safety and health as an excuse, and there were increased attacks on the grounds of race.

And during the campaign period ahead of the Nov. 8 election, the laws were applied differently to different parties and in different places. So, there were criticisms as a result.

We have hopes for 2021. There will be a new government and a new Parliament. We have hopes for them. But we have to wait and see this year. We will have to see if they are as good as their campaign promises, and to what extent they can make progress in building peace, and to what extent they can fulfill the federal wishes of ethnicities and address their human rights violations. It is difficult to make a prediction now. But it is important that the government keeps its promises, keeps pursuing its stated objectives, listens to the voices of the people and collaborates with CSOs. And Id like to urge the government to do so.

YN: Another big story besides COVID-19 in Myanmar was the Nov. 8 election. People overwhelmingly voted for the National League for Democracy [NLD]. The NLD government and NLD-dominated Parliament are taking office soon. Voters overwhelmingly supported the NLD with the expectations that the party would form a smarter government and continue to address tasks it could not accomplish over the past five years. Ma Mon Mon Myat, what are your expectations of the new government and the new Parliament?

Mon Mon Myat: We voted for the NLD in 2015, which was said to be the peoples government. It had to go through various difficulties including clashes and the unexpected pandemic. It is good for the countrys prospects that it can hold office for another five years after fighting tooth and nail for the past five years.

In fighting the pandemic, public participation was noticeable. The pandemic shows that public participation is necessary to overcome obstacles. There are notions that only the government and army are necessary when it comes to state building or state defense. The COVID-19 outbreak showed that it is impossible to overcome obstacles without public participation. State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi highlighted, in her speech about COVID-19, the peoples sense of responsibility. We can see that in difficult times the level of political maturity on the part of our people has increased. So our hopes have grown. I feel encouraged by the fact that we dont need to rely only on the government, but we can pin high hopes on public cooperation.

Take a look at the speeches of three leaders. President U Win Myint highlighted that obstacles would be overcome through public strength. He focused on peace and stability, the two most important issues facing the country. Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing focused on peace. The Tatmadaw [Myanmars military] formed a peace negotiation committee after the November election and has been actively working for peace. The Arakan Army [AA] has released three [former] NLD candidates and three military personnel as a result of talks between the AA and the Tatmadaw. So we can be hopeful that there will be increased cooperation between the government, the Tatmadaw, and armed organizations toward more positive changes. The ruling party said even before the election that it would form a government of national reconciliation. After it won the election, it planned to hold talks with ethnic parties starting in Kachin State. This boosted our hopes that there will be more ethnic representatives in an NLD-led government. I hope the NLD will be able to form a better government and carry out more ambitious missions. We will wait and see.

YN: Implementation is important. While the NLD is confronted with numerous problems on the domestic front, it is under increased international pressure over the Rohingya issue, as Ko Aung Myo Min has pointed out. Whenever Western countries and America talk about human rights, the Rohigya issue is always a topic. And Myanmar has been prosecuted at the ICJ. And every year, Myanmar is condemned at the United Nations General Assembly over the Rohingya issue. This issue must be addressed. My view is that the government should cooperate with the international community rather than dismissing the allegations. Only then will we be able to save our reputation, I think. Ko Aung Myo Min, what are your suggestions to the government regarding the Rohingya issue?

AMM: We received increased international attention in 2020. The previous [military] government was always criticized on the international stage as an oppressive regime that imprisoned political dissidents. In 2020, Myanmar was increasingly known to the world in connection with alleged discrimination, human rights violations and genocide against Rohingya. Myanmar became almost synonymous with the Rohingya issue. The situation got worse in 2020. In the past it was just human rights violations, but in 2020 they were labeled crimes. So, international criminal procedures were applied to bring justice. This was unprecedented.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi defended [Myanmar] against the lawsuit at the ICJ. She denied genocide, but there could have been war crimes, she said. Myanmar is still using the same approach the previous government used. Myanmar diplomats to the UN Security Council continue to say genocide allegations are just rumors and Myanmar would not cooperate if its national security and sovereignty can be harmed.

Only the government has changed, the attitude toward the international community has not changed. This is very dangerous. In the past, the quasi-civilian government came under international pressure when it denied human rights violations, and the image of the country was also tarnished. The incumbent government that calls itself the peoples government also speaks with the same voice and denies human rights violations. This can mar the image of the country and also undermine trust in the government.

Times have changed, and the government can no longer shut the door to the international community and deny allegations. Today, thanks to the internet, human rights abuses can be reported online in real time. There is undeniable evidence. The government should change its approach. It should confess to cases that did take place, and it should be willing to take responsibility and make the utmost effort to address the issue. The international community does not believe that there are no human rights violations in Myanmar. The government should therefore cooperate instead of denying the allegations.

Myanmars government denied Yanghee Lee, [then] UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, entry into the country. It has not granted access to new UN Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrew. The Myanmar government can show its willingness by allowing him to come to Myanmar and investigate freely to find out the truth.

UN member nations are set to meet on Jan. 25 to discuss nuclear ban programs. Myanmars government needs to clarify at that meeting what the real situation is and explain how it can cooperate. At the same time, it must hold the perpetrators accountable. But what the government is so far doing in response suggests there will be greater international pressures and greater calls for punitive actions.

YN: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in her New Years speech highlighted the ethnic issue. She talked about a New Peace Architecture or an inclusive peace approach. An NLD delegation recently went to Kachin and Mon states to hold talks with local ethnic parties. And clashes have ceased in Rakhine State and former NLD candidates were released. All these indicate positive developments in ethnic issues. Ma Mon Mon Myat, do you think this is a good beginning that can lead to a good ending?

MMM: In her New Years speech on Jan. 1, she also talked about what the new government would do. She talked about the vision and mission of the incoming government. We should welcome it as she explained the initiatives.

She said the incoming government would implement the Union Accord Part III signed at the fourth session of the 21st Century Panglong Conference. She called the process New Peace Architecture. She said definitely that the new approach aims for distinct signs of progress toward the establishment of a federal union in 2022 when Myanmar marks the 75th anniversary of the Panglong Agreement. She said the new approach will enable participation of not only the key players like the government, Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations, but also civil society organizations. The government might have finally understood over the past five years that permanent peace and healthy development can be achieved only when all the stakeholders are involved.

Thats why she introduced the new approach. She also stressed the need to make an example in anti-corruption efforts and a departure from the old system. The main reason many of us felt frustrated with the NLD government is that it did not get rid of the old guard but kept them in its administration. Often the NLD government was criticized for that approach because people believe the old guard and their old habits hamper progress. She has kept them in consideration of national reconciliation.

From her speech, I infer that she has openly warned that she will no longer keep those who are corrupt and who havent changed their old habits and mindset. By saying that the old system must be left behind and general administrative reforms must be introduced, I think she is determined to introduce a new system. She focused on three sectorshealth, education and economyin her speeches. The performance of the Health Ministry improved during COVID-19 though we used to question its reliability. She said large investments will be made in the health sector in terms of health care infrastructure, universal health coverage and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices in the country. This is welcome news. She also said that the incoming government will work on development of the private sector in education and economy. I view those as good commitments. If the NLD is as good as its word, we will be able to see a better future for our country in the next five years.

YN: Thank you for your contributions!

You may also like these stories:

How Are Myanmar Migrants in Thailand Faring in the Face of COVID-19?

Will the Centenary of Myanmars Yangon University Lead to Re-Establishing the University Student Union Building?

Will Myanmars New Government Avoid the Mistakes of the Past?

"Minari," an Academy Award-winning film will be screened at Tango Theaters, Micronesia Mall on the evening of May 28 as part of a cultural eve 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.
F ive people were arrested after a planned anti-lockdown demonstration was met with a large police presence in south London.

Some 30 unmasked demonstrators chanting take your freedom back walked along Clapham High Street soon after midday while being heckled by members of the public.

One woman shouted from her car at the protesters, Theres a pandemic going on you t****, while another bystander shouted idiots.

The protest took place after London mayor Sadiq Khan declared a major incident as the spread of coronavirus threatens to overwhelm the capitals hospitals.

Officers were seen questioning people not wearing masks and telling them to go home, threatening fines under Covid regulations if they did not comply.

A man wearing a tartan face covering was told to return to his home in nearby Balham. He replied: I dont like Balham, I dont like the Baham area.

On Clapham Common itself, where protesters had planned to gather, officers were seen in heated conversations with people about enforcement of the regulations.

A man being detained shouted: I stand under common law, not maritime law and this is assault, as he was put into handcuffs by police officers.

A large police presence remains around Clapham Common station, but almost all protesters had left the area as of 2pm.

NHS England figures showed the number of Covid patients in London hospitals stands at 7,277, up 32% on the previous week.

Around eight in 10 recent positive cases of Covid-19 in London and eastern England could be the new variant discovered in the UK, according to the ONS.

The Met tweeted: Five people have been arrested during an anti-lockdown protest in Clapham Common today.

Gathering for the purpose of a protest is not an exemption to the rules. Those looking to gather today are urged to stay at home, or face enforcement action by officers.
G etting vaccinated against coronavirus is an ethical obligation Pope Francis declared today, as he revealed his own plans to get the Covid-19 jab.

The pontiff, 84, said he would be inoculated as early as next week and urged everyone to get a shot, to protect not only their own lives but those of others.

"I believe that ethically everyone should take the vaccine," the Pope said in an interview with Italian TV station Canale 5 on Saturday.

"It is an ethical choice because you are gambling with your health, with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others."

Vatican City plans to innoculate its 450 residents in the coming days / AP

His home of Vatican City  the smallest independent country in the world  is due to launch its own vaccination programme in the coming days.

Next week we will start doing it here, in the Vatican, the Pope said.

And I have booked myself in. It must be done."

The 84-year-old had part of one lung removed during an illness when he was a young man in his native Argentina, making him potentially vulnerable to Covid-19.

Vatican City last week said it expected to receive enough vaccine doses to inoculate all of its 450 residents and workers who live beyond its walls in Rome.
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.
Hyderabad, a hub of innovation, has been selected for setting up a Science and Technology Cluster, an initiative of the Prime Minister's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).

To be led by Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH), the cluster was formally launched by Telangana's Industry and Information Technology Minister K.T. Rama Rao and Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof K. Vijay Raghavan on Friday. It aims to bolster nationwide scientific collaboration in the innovation hub of the country.

The Principal Scientific Adviser has proposed establishment of mega S&T clusters in four cities that have strong organisations, institutions, and industries focused on science and technology - Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi-National Capital Region, and Pune.

These S&T clusters are a means to encourage scientific enterprise and to push individual institutional excellence towards collective performance.

"The goal of PM-STIAC is to develop a futuristic roadmap for science and technology in India. Creation of mega clusters that leverage the local science and technology expertise will pave the way for a faster and more efficient deployment of scientific outcomes. We believe that the new Hyderabad cluster will enable and empower patents, products and profits, while solving problems that afflict society," said Vijay Raghavan.

He noted that India has retained its position as the most innovative country among the Central and South Asian countries. It is also the world's third largest start-up hub and continues to grow at a steady pace. With continuing state and central government support, India has the potential to vault to the top of this list.

Telangana, the youngest state in India, has one of the highest growth rates in the country due to its focus on innovation in all sectors, and from all constituents. Hyderabad has, therefore, been chosen as one of the cities for setting up a mega S&T cluster.

Housing the nation's largest bio-cluster, Genome Valley, which is a group of roughly 200 companies, it is also the 'Pharma Capital of India' contributing to about 35 per cent of the country's pharmaceutical output. It is also the 'Seed Capital of India' and one of the largest digital technology hubs. It houses over 60 government, multinational and private research institutions.

"The creation of the Hyderabad Cluster, driven by RICH, will help discovery and invention in the labs to move to implementation, promising to change the lives of the citizens. We are looking to help launch at least 5 large impactful companies over a period of next 5-7 years, which will benefit millions, generate wealth, and create over 100,000 jobs across the country. Longer term, our goal is to make Telangana the best Centre of Excellence for Lifesciences, Agriculture and Digital Technology," said Rama Rao.

Creation of the S&T clusters aims to solve complex local challenges by creating networks between diverse stakeholders ranging from national research and academic institutions, industries, associations, startups, civil society entities, state governments, and central ministries, by providing innovative solutions that transform lives.

The formation of the Hyderabad S&T mega cluster will strengthen the available body of knowledge and drive innovation for addressing key problems at the city and state levels.

"At the Hyderabad Cluster, we will foster multi-disciplinary research and entrepreneurship to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all. We will work with MSMEs, startups, researchers and industry to rapidly commercialise promising ideas. The vision is to make Hyderabad the best science startup hub that will become the #1 destination for science startups," said RICH Director General Ajit Rangnekar.

RICH has fostered collaboration between entities in its core focus sectors of aerospace and defence, food and agriculture, and lifesciences for an effective innovation ecosystem. RICH has also expanded its operations into allied fields such as sustainability - with a focus on renewable energy and waste management - and emerging technology.
Healthcare workers struggle to keep up with the number of COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit Dec. 29 at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The post-Christmas surge of coronavirus cases is worsening in Los Angeles County, a much-feared scenario that officials say will result in more crowding at already overwhelmed hospitals and an increase in deaths. On Saturday, L.A. County reached new milestones in the pandemic: more than 12,000 dead from COVID-19 and more than 900,000 cases of the coronavirus.

The coming days are expected to be critical in determining how bad this surge will get and how much it will affect conditions at hospitals.

L.A. County's average number of new coronavirus cases on Thursday, Friday and Saturday was 17,879  significantly above last week's average of 14,000.

"This very clearly is the latest surge from the winter holidays and New Year's  no question about it," said Dr. Paul Simon, chief science officer of the L.A. County Department of Public Health, on Friday. "It had gradually started earlier in the week, but [definitely is] here in the last day or two."

On Saturday, there were 218 COVID-19 deaths reported in L.A. County. That came the day after the county set a single-day record, with 318. L.A. County has averaged 200 COVID-19 deaths a day over the past week.

The number of people dying from COVID-19 daily now exceeds the average number of deaths in L.A. County from all other causes  including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, car crashes, suicides and homicides  which is about 170 a day.

This is another devastating day for Los Angeles County. The speed with which we are reaching grim milestones of COVID-19 deaths and cases is a devastating reflection of the immense spread that is occurring across the county," L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement Saturday.

"This accelerated spread reflects the many unsafe actions individuals took over holidays. The travel and intermingling with non-household members made it much easier for transmission of the virus," Ferrer said. "As a result, there is so much more risk when engaging in any activity that has you exposed to people outside your household."

Story continues

About 1 in 5 coronavirus tests performed daily in Los Angeles County is coming back positive, a huge spike from November, when about 1 test in 25 confirmed an infection.

Ferrer urged residents to pause activities outside the home that aren't essential. "This is just not the time to go to the shopping mall or to a friends house to watch a basketball or football game," she said.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have leveled off in recent days but remain high  at about 8,000. Intensive care units are effectively stretched beyond capacity across L.A. County; there were a record 1,731 ICU patients on Friday, about triple the number from Dec. 1. There are only about 2,000 staffed ICU beds in L.A. County, and earlier in the week, about 400 were occupied by non-COVID patients.

Meanwhile, officials Saturday confirmed three additional cases of the coronavirus-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children known as MIS-C. A total of 54 children in L.A. County have contracted the severe illness, and one has died. The disease can cause fever and inflame the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes and gastrointestinal organs. The disease is disproportionately affecting Latino children, who account for about 3 of 4 reported cases.

What is particularly frightening about the coronavirus, Simon said, is how unpredictable it is in terms of who becomes severely ill. Earlier in the pandemic, only 7% of COVID-19 deaths in L.A. County occurred among people with no underlying medical conditions, while now, 14% of deaths are among that group.

"I know personally someone who is in his late 30s who became very ill," Simon said. "Everybody needs to recognize that this virus has the potential to wreak tremendous havoc, tremendous damage within the body."

Statewide, Friday was the worst day yet for COVID-19 fatalities, with 676, according to a Times survey of health agencies. That figure easily topped the previous single-day record of 575, set Dec. 31.

To prepare for more deaths, the Governors Office of Emergency Services has been preparing to dispatch 88 refrigerated trailers around the state that can serve as temporary morgues. Ten have already been designated for Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Imperial, Monterey and Sonoma counties.

On Monday, six men and women from the California National Guard arrived to assist county workers in the loading of bodies from hospital morgues into one of 12 refrigerated storage units at the L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, said Sarah Ardalani, a spokeswoman with the coroners office. Additional members of the National Guard are expected to come next week.

The leader of a trade group representing California hospitals said Friday that the states healthcare system will be swamped starting in about a week.

We do anticipate the worst of this is to hit in another week or 10 days, and may continue into the month of February, said Carmela Coyle, president and chief executive of the California Hospital Assn.

This has been unprecedented for our state, unprecedented for the nation, unprecedented for the world, she said during a conference call. But we find ourselves today, in terms of the numbers, at a point where we are standing on a beach and watching a tsunami approach.

Simon pointed out symptoms that warrant emergency medical attention, such as a call to 911 or a call ahead to the hospital:

 Trouble breathing



 Bluish lips or face



 Persistent pain or pressure in the chest



 New onset of confusion



 Inability to wake or stay awake

It is also critically important not to wait till you are sick to identify a regular source of healthcare. If you don't have a regular healthcare provider, get one today, Simon said. The odds are simply too great at this moment that you will be exposed to COVID-19. And if you are, youre going to need a doctor, a nurse to alert and discuss your symptoms or options and care options."

L.A. County residents who dont have a healthcare provider can call 211 to get more information.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Newly elected Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn condemned the violence at the Capitol earlier this week after encouraging his supporters to fight in the run-up to the insurrection.

The North Carolina congressman spoke at the rally held Wednesday morning before the Trump supporters marched to Congress and ransacked the building, resulting in the death of one Capitol Police officer and four insurrectionists.

This crowd has some fight in it, Cawthorn said. And I am so thankful for each and every one of you.

Cawthorn, 25, had stated in advance of Jan. 6 that he planned to object to the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens win, lending support to President Trumps baseless claims that the election was stolen from him. In a Dec. 31 video explaining why he was objecting, Cawthorn said, Voter fraud is common in America, which has been disputed by multiple investigations, including the administrations own commission that looked into the 2016 election and disbanded without finding any irregularities worth reporting.

January 6th is fast approaching, the future of this Republic hinges on the actions of a solitary few, Cawthorn tweeted late Monday. Get ready, the fate of a nation rests on our shoulders, yours and mine. Lets show Washington that our backbones are made of steel and titanium. Its time to fight.

On Tuesday, Cawthorn tweeted out an image that included the hashtag #StopTheSteal, a rallying cry for Trump supporters who have been told by leaders that Democratic officials and rigged voting machines are responsible for Bidens 306 electoral votes and 7 million-ballot margin in the popular vote.

Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., speaks as supporters of President Trump gather by the White House on Wednesday. (Jim Bourg/Reuters)

Two days later, Cawthorn said his rhetoric had nothing to do with the violence in Washington.

I dont feel I had any responsibility for them attacking the Capitol, Cawthorn told WLOS, a North Carolina ABC affiliate. It was despicable. They are thugs.

I do believe that saying we needed to march down to the Capitol was a mistake on behalf of the president. Any of my supporters who are thinking about trying to take democracy in their own hands and storm the Capitol again, I have to say they do not support the same type of politics I support, Cawthorn added.

The congressman, a primetime speaker at last summers Republican National Convention, has been criticized for comments hes made about Adolf Hitler, lying about his acceptance into the Naval Academy and racist attacks against a journalist. Cawthorn is among the many Republicans who spread disinformation for weeks that Bidens victory was fraudulent, often fundraising off the claims. That same group  including prominent leaders like Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri  has refused to take responsibility for Wednesdays siege.

This election they are coming after Texas. They are coming after the country, and they cant have it, Cruz said at an event Monday, indicative of the incendiary rhetoric used. We will not go quietly into the night, but we will rise to defend liberty. We will rise to defend Texas. We will rise to defend the United States of America.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
File / Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media

GREENWICH  Four crew members who were kidnapped in late November from a product-tanker vessel owned by Greenwich-based Diamond S Shipping off the coast of the west African nation of Togo have been released, the company announced.

All four crew members are safe and will undergo further medical examinations today, the company said in the announcement. Diamond S would like to thank all those involved in securing their release. Due to the sensitive nature of the incident, Diamond S will provide no further updates on this matter.

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 Daily Beast

NBCSeth Meyers on Wednesday reacted to the recent news that the Manhattan District Attorneys office has convened a grand jury to consider issuing indictments in the investigation into former President Donald Trumps business dealings.Meyers began by drawing a throughline from this case to all the other figures in Trumps orbit who ended up in trouble with the law.Its just basic logic that if youre surrounded at all times by that many criminals, theres a solid chance youre also a criminal, Meyers said. He then likened Trumps situation to that of the frontman of a band denying that hes actually in a band.Still, Meyers said he wouldnt be surprised if the ex-president emerges relatively unscathed.Trump always manages to wriggle out of a jam, the late-night host said. Hes like the David Blaine of crime. If he ever goes to trial, hell just regurgitate a frog that has Not Guilty written on its back. If the feds ever come for him, hell hide out in a glass box over the [River] Thames.But if Trump himself may end up OK, that might not be the case for his family.Meyers said he would totally believe it if this investigation caused Trump to throw those close to him under the bus. You think he named his eldest son after himself for sentimental reasons? Meyers asked. He did it so there would be a second Donald Trump to pin the blame on.Commentators have also been discussing the likelihood that Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg will flip on Trump.Im guessing when you work for Trump, you start thinking about flipping as soon as you get the gig, Meyers said. Its like when youre in the middle of a job interview at Little Caesars and youre already fantasizing about how youre going to quit.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.
Cork had the highest number of road deaths of any county in Ireland last year, statistics show

Provisional figures released by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have shown a marked increase in the number of fatalities on Cork roads last year.

The figures showed that 24 people lost their lives on Cork's roads during 2020, compared to 15 in 2019. The Cork figure for 2020 was the highest of any county in Ireland, with only Dublin (20) and Donegal (10) also reaching double figures.

Nationally, the figures revealed that 138 people lost their lives in 149 fatal collisions on Irish roads using 2020 - nine more deaths in nine more fatal collisions than in 2019, representing a year-on-year increase of six per cent.

However, the RSA figures did show a 25-per-cent reduction in the number of 'injury collisions' (serious and major combined), down from 5,527 to 4,120, perhaps a reflection of reduced traffic volumes as a result of COVID-related lock-downs.

Broken down into different categories, the figures showed that drivers and passengers accounted for 60 per cent of fatalities during 2020, down slightly from 64 per cent in 2019. While the number of driver fatalities dropped by 11 from 74 to 63, the number of passenger deaths increase by the same amount from 15 to 26.

Of the 86 drivers and passengers killed in vehicles equipped with seatbelts, half were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision, 26 per cent were not, and it is not yet know if the remaining 24 per cent were. Sadly, the number of pedestrian deaths rose by five from 27 in 2019 to 32; cyclist deaths by two to 10; and motorcyclists by one from 16 to 17.

February and September saw the largest number of road fatalities at 19 and 18 respectively, with April (seven) and May (six) the having the lowest number of deaths.

According to the RSA figures, Saturday was the most dangerous day on Irish roads in 2020 with 29 fatalities, followed by Monday (25) and Wednesday (25).

Some 42 per cent of fatalities occurred between 12pm and 8pm, with 25 road users losing their lives between midnight and 6am.

RSA chairperson Liz O'Donnell said she was "saddened" by the increase in road fatalities, particularly in light of the fact that 2018 and 2019 were the safest years on Irish roads since records began in 1959. However, she say the overall the strategy to improve safety on Irish roads was working, pointing to the fact that between 2013 and 2019 Ireland saw a 26-per-cent reduction in road traffic fatalities, compared to just six per cent in the same period across the EU-27.

"Thanks to the success of the current road safety strategy and the compliance of road users, Ireland is viewed as a leader in road safety and is ranked as second safest in the EU and fourth globally. It is important to acknowledge that many lives have been saved, and the next strategy now being prepared will build on this progress," said Ms O'Donnell.

Junior Transport Minister Hildegarde Naughton said 2020 had been a "disappointing" year for road safety.

"While we have seen a significant reduction in the number of serious and minor injury crashes, road deaths have increased. This is despite a reduction in traffic volumes for periods during the year due to the pandemic," she said.

"However, we have had setbacks like this in the past. What's important is how we respond. All deaths on our roads are preventable, and no loss of life or injury should be tolerated or accepted as the price of our mobility. Starting in the new year, working together, Government agencies and public alike, we must begin the work of realising the vision of zero deaths on Ireland's roads."

Assistant Garda commissioner Paula Hilman said, in the current period of high-level restrictions, it was important to remember the driver behaviour patterns witnessed during previous restrictions, "in particular, increases in speeding and drug driving".

"These will be of particular focus during 2021," she warned.

Deadly toll

* In 2020 there were 149 fatalities in 138 fatal collisions on Irish roads.

* Cork saw the highest number of fatalities at 24, up from 15 in 2019.

* Driver and passengers accounted 60 per cent of fatalities during 2020.

* There was a marked increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities (up by 10) during 2018.

* 32 pedestrians, 17 motorcyclists and 10 cyclists lost their lives on Irish roads in 2020.

* Saturday (29 fatalities) was the most dangerous day, followed by Monday and Wednesday (25 each).

* 42 per cent of fatalities occurred between 12pm and 8pm, and 25 road users lost their lives between midnight and 6am.

* An average of 12 people died each month on Irish roads during 2020.

* The number of serious and minor-injury collisions dropped by 1,407 (25 per cent) during 2020, compared to 2019.
John Garing, former Air Force and DISA exec, dies at 78

John Garing has died at 78, but leaves behind a legacy as a mentor to the people around him and a leader always looking for new and better ways to improve government

He retired from government in 2010 after having served 24 years as an Air Force officer and then another 13 years in the senior executive service the Defense Information Systems Agency, where he was chief information officer and the director for strategic planning and information.

In 2010, he was recognized by our sibling publication GCN with a Hall of Fame award. The award specifically recognized his work aligning DISAs planning, engineering, acquisition, and operations with the needs of the armed services. In 2009, he received the Fast Company Most Creative People in Business award.

After leaving government, Garing worked for Suss Consulting and then became vice president for Vion Corp. He fully retired in 2017, but only after health complications following back surgery.

In a Facebook post, his daughter Stacy Garing Yentz wrote eloquently about his devotion as a father and the pride he took in his government service.

He was a family man who instilled in us the great value of family and all the blessings that come with it, she wrote. I learned so much from my dad and know that he loved us and is proud of us. Thank you for being the best daddy. We will cherish the memories and the lifelong values.

The numerous comments in response to her posting illustrate the impact he had on many peoples lives, both professionally and personally.

I was an executive at (Hewlett-Packard) and Cisco and worked with your Dad when he was at DISA, wrote Bruce Klein, who ran the federal business for Cisco and HP. John was an icon and a great man. So glad I got to work with him. He leaves a legacy with his family and those he worked with.

In a separate email to Washington Technology, Klein said Garing was creative and innovative and may have been the first to push for storage on demand, a new model at the time. He was a man you could look up to both professionally and personally.

In an email to Washington Technology, former IBM executive Anne Altman called Garing a passionate patriot who took great pride in his time at the Air Force and at DISA. He worked tirelessly, she said. He had immense pride in his team at DISA; he trusted their judgment and cared deeply about their success.

Altman also noted that Garing had a quick wit and a kind soul.

Vion Corp. CEO Tom Frana, Garing's former boss, said he was loved and respected by everyone.

Vion was a supplier to Garing at DISA and introduced the idea of a consumption-based model in 1999 or 2000. At the time, Garing asked all his major suppliers to come in a tell him something he didnt know. Garing ran with the idea now known as as-a-service" and pushed it to the rest of DISA and the Defense Department.

It is one of the primary procurement methods used today in the federal government and it is DISAs primary acquisition strategy today, Frana said.

Over a decade later, Garing was working for Frana as a vice president at Vion. John was a true road warrior, he said. He loved being in front of customers and prospects.

John Garing was born April 29, 1942, in St. Paul, Minn., to the late John and Helen Garing. He is survived by his wife Gerri Perras Garing. They were married for 54 years.

His family remembered him as a teacher. He taught everyone he met something to remember  respect, loyalty, friendship, and love, they wrote in his obituary.

In addition to his wife, other survivors include his son Matt Garing and three daughters: Chris Garing and her partner Christopher, Stacy Garing Yentz and husband Kevin, Nicole Garing Kinney and her husband Michael; plus seven grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be conducted 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at St. Bridget of Ireland Catholic Church in Berryville, Virginia. Burial will be later at Arlington National Cemetery.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Family Support.

A longer version of this article was first published on WashingtonTechnology.com.

These Republicans predicted with more hope than confidence that once Mr. Trump was out of office, the ardor for him in the conservative base would cool.

Yet for now, the flames still burn.

I would love to see him go into states that have some House seats we can flip in 22, said Terry Lathan, the Alabama G.OP. chair, who said absolutely not when she was asked if Mr. Trump bore any blame for the attack on the Capitol.

When a committee member took an informal survey on whose closed-door speech on Thursday members had liked better, that of Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota or of Nikki R. Haley, the former United Nations ambassador, the response was clear. The party officials preferred Ms. Noems, because she had not criticized Mr. Trump as Ms. Haley did in her remarks, a Republican familiar with the sampling said.

Earlier in the day on Thursday, when the president briefly called into a breakfast meeting, he was greeted by applause. And when the Missouri national committeeman, Gordon Kinne, said at the breakfast that he was a supporter of the president but had been upset by his comments about the violence at the Capitol, he was met with a generally frosty response, according to another committee member in the room.

The loyalty to Mr. Trump results in part from the turnover on the committee during his term. The presidents top political lieutenants intervened to install loyalists in state and local G.O.P. conventions ahead of 2020. The goal was to prevent any party rule changes that could have made it easier to mount a primary challenge against Mr. Trump, but the end result was to leave the committee heavy with Trump devotees.

The changes also accelerated a trend that pre-dated Mr. Trumps rise: the evolution of the committee from a body filled with canny political professionals and power brokers in their states to one dominated by dogmatic partisans well-marinated in Fox News and Facebook memes.

Perhaps more significant, the president has fostered a new wave of activism on the right  and many longstanding G.O.P. leaders fear alienating these newcomers to party politics.

An "ambitious" proposal to re-introduce dingoes into the Grampians has angered farmers, with a petition expressing fierce opposition to the idea gaining support among locals.

A 15-year draft plan created by Parks Victoria and three groups of traditional owners to guide the management of the Grampians - known as Gariwerd to its custodians - was released in November and contained a proposal to restore "locally extinct and culturally significant wildlife" such as the dingo and the quoll.

The proposal to re-introduce dingoes into the Grampians National Park has been fiercely opposed by local farmers. Credit:Peter Rae

It outlined a proposal to investigate, with farmers and academic institutions, whether the re-introduction of the native predator could "restore missing ecological processes" and control pest species as well as over-abundant populations of kangaroos and wallabies.

"There are, however, many unknown interactions or outcomes that may result from their reintroduction to the existing state of ecosystems," the plan reads.
Posted Saturday, January 9, 2021 7:02 am

Fourteen people were placed on Alaska Airlines' banned passengers list after they were rowdy, argumentative and refused to wear masks on a flight from Dulles International Airport to Seattle, the airline said.

Airline spokesperson Ray Lane said those banned were on Flight 1085 from the D.C.-area airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Thursday night.

"Last night, a number of passengers onboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1085 from Washington Dulles to Seattle were non-mask compliant, rowdy, argumentative and harassed our crew members," Lane wrote in an email Friday morning.

"Their behavior was unacceptable. We apologize to our other guests who were made uncomfortable on the flight."

To date, Alaska Airlines has banned 302 people for violating its mask policy since Aug. 7, 2020, including the 14 new additions.

___

(c)2021 The Seattle Times

Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
ADVERTISEMENT

A former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, was on Saturday absent when Governor Abdullahi Ganduje paid a condolence visit to his family over the death of Mr Kwankwasos father.

Musa Saleh-Kwankwaso died on December 25, 2020, after a brief illness. He was 93.

Until his death, he was the Makama of Karaye and kingmaker in the Karaye Emirate Council, one of the four emirates controversially created by Mr Ganduje.

Messrs Ganduje and Kwankwaso have had political differences over the years.

Visit

Governor Gandujes spokesperson, Abba Anwar, in a statement on Saturday, said his principal, after returning from Dubai, visited the family of the deceased but was not able to meet the former governor at the time of the visit.

The governor was out of the country when the traditional ruler died, thus, delaying the condolence visit, he added.

Mr Anwar said Mr Ganduje alongside members of his cabinet, visited the residence at Kwankwaso town in Madobi local government area.

He said the governor was received by his Commissioner for Rural Development, Musa Iliasu-Kwankwaso, and the village head of Kwankwaso, Baba Musa- Kwankwaso, a younger brother to the former governor.

While condoling the families, the governor reportedly said: We lost a very caring father who has blessed years before his return to Allah. May Allah forgive his soul and continue to shower blessings on him.

He added that, Our late father was a complete gentleman, very patient, just leader, focused and committed leader. That was why he was praised by all his people and even beyond.

The governor also promised to retain the traditional title held by the deceased before his death in the (Kwankwaso) family following request to do so by one of the sons of the late kingmaker.

Responding to the request put forth by the village head, a junior brother to the former governor Kwankwaso, on being magnanimous to the family and leaving the position of the late Madaki of Karaye with the family, Governor Ganduje promised that there is no need for the request, because this house deserves everything from us. We always respect this house, Mr Anwar quoted his principal as saying in the statement.

Whatever is associated with this great family, because of the late father, and the Village Head, Baaba Musa Kwankwaso, we must take it with utmost care and importance, the governor added.

In his brief remarks, the village head expressed how the family was delighted over the visit.

Muhammad Ali, the personal aide to Mr Kwankwaso, did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES calls requesting comments on why his principal was absent during the governors visit.

The governor was accompanied during the visit by the majority leader, House of Representatives, Alassan Ado-Doguwa; State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Abbas; party chieftain, Nasiru Aliko-Koki, among others.

The liturgies of the Christmas season plunge us into the very heart of our Catholic faith. Christian piety, as expressed in our popular traditions, tends to dwell on the poetry and human drama of the Lords nativity. We set up a Christmas crib in our homes and we retell, especially to our children, the ancient yet ever new story of the Saviors birth in poverty, the message of peace brought by the angels, and the visit of the Magi, who came from the ends of the earth to worship the newborn King.

Here in Italy, it is a tradition for families, local artisans and parish churches to create elaborate and artistic nativity scenes. Those from Naples are famous for their scores of figures drawn from everyday life and set against a typically Italian landscape of ancient ruins, lively villages and striking natural beauty. Shepherds guard their flocks, innkeepers serve steaming plates of food, including spaghetti and pizza, to men playing cards, an open-air market is in full swing, children play, and washerwomen gossip around a public fountain. In a word, the whole scene is one of overwhelming life and activity. Usually the central figures in this drama, Our Lady, Saint Joseph and the baby Jesus are not easy to make out. Amid the bustle of daily life, they remain peacefully apart, alone with the Christ Child, seemingly unaffected by all that is taking place around them.

These crib scenes remind us the Son of God was born in hiddenness, while the world went its busy way. We are reminded that, like so many of the figures in the scene, we too can be oblivious to the mystery of grace present and at work in our midst, simply because we are caught up in so many infinitely less important things. We fail to make time, to open our eyes and to see the things that really matter.

The Churchs liturgy in the Christmas season has little to do with folklore. It dwells not so much on the story of Christmas, the colorful events surrounding the birth of the Messiah, as on its ultimate meaning, its cosmic significance. We see this already in the Mass of Christmas Day, whose readings center on the majestic prologue of Johns Gospel. Saint John, echoing the first words of the Book of Genesis, invites us to contemplate, not the beginning of creation and time, but the eternal begetting of the Son, the Word through whom all things were made. That Word, in the fullness of time, became flesh and dwelt among us, and gave us power to become children of God, sharers in the Fathers glory.

One line of the Prologue always struck me, from the time I was a child, when we would hear it each Sunday in what used to be called the Last Gospel. It reads: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. No one who has glimpsed that light, however dimly, can fail to be moved by this verse. Gods light, his eternal life, dwells among us and no darkness in our own lives, or in our human history, can ever overcome it.

In a very real way, the three great mysteries that the liturgy commemorates in the days after Christmas are mysteries of light.

The first is that of Our Ladys divine maternity, celebrated on January 1st, the Octave of Christmas. Among the many threads of which this great feast is woven is the Churchs veneration of Marys virginal conception and her perpetual virginity. Here in the West, the most evocative representations of these mysteries are found in the paintings that show Our Lady kneeling in prayer before her newborn Child, as the light of glory shines all about. With supreme discretion, the artistic tradition alludes to the hidden fulfillment of the prophecy and sign of the Virgin who gives birth. The image of Mary, Virgin and Mother, wrapped in light as she contemplates the Christ Child, is meant to invite us, with union with her, to contemplate the eternal generation of the Son from the Father  light from light, true God from true God  now mirrored in the human birth of her Son in time. And to see in his glory the fullness of light and life that awaits us in heaven, where we hope one day to see him face to face.

The second mystery of light celebrated in the Christmas season is, of course, the Epiphany. Here the emphasis of the liturgy is on the star whose light led the Magi, as representatives of the nations, to Christ, the Savior of the world. Saint John tells us that in the mystery of the Word made flesh, the light which enlightens every man and woman who comes into the world, has shone among us, full of grace and truth. The world was created in that light and can only find salvation by being drawn ever more fully into it. Only in that light can we understand the ultimate meaning of our life, our vocation and our destiny as individuals and as a human family. Epiphany reminds us that the Saviors birth was the beginning of the Churchs mission to preach this Good News to people of every nation, race and tongue, until the very end of time. And to spread the Kingdom of justice, holiness and peace that Christ came to bring.

The final mystery of light we celebrate in this Christmas season is the Baptism of the Lord, which is itself the first of the five new luminous mysteries that Saint John Paul ii proposed to enrich our praying of the Rosary. The liturgy of this feast invites us to reflect on the relationship between Christs consecration of the waters of the Jordan, his anointing by the Holy Spirit, and our own rebirth in baptism. For at our baptism, we were given a share in Christs divine life and, in him, we were made adoptive children of the Father. In the Churchs Liturgy of the Hours for the Baptism of the Lord, we read a homily of Saint Gregory Nazianzen which nicely sums up all that we have been saying about these Christmas mysteries of light. Saint Gregory urges us to relive our own experience of Baptism by plunging with Jesus into the waters and rising with him to see the heavens opened and the glory of God, who takes pleasure in us, his beloved sons and daughters.

In that movement upward, in union with the Son of God made man, we come to understand the deepest meaning of Christmas, the mysteries it celebrates, and their significance for our lives and for the redemption of our world.
Feature Article

10 ways Argonne science is combatting COVID-19

DOE/Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne scientists and research facilities have made a difference in the fight against COVID-19 in the year since the first gene sequence for the virus was published.

Sunday, Jan. 10, will mark one year since the first gene sequence for the virus that causes COVID-19 was published, igniting the quest for vaccines and treatments. Ten days later, the first case of the virus was confirmed in the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory pivoted immediately to join the global fight against the pandemic, turning our powerful scientific facilities and world-leading researchers to the tasks of tracking, treating and helping stop the spread of the disease.

Here are 10 ways that Argonne scientists and research facilities made a difference in the fight against COVID-19 over the past year.

1 . Speeding COVID- 19 vaccine development

Scientists were able to develop COVID-19 vaccines in record time, and make them more effective, thanks to more than a decade of research on other viruses at Argonne's Advanced Photon Source (APS). Five COVID-19 vaccines, including those approved by the FDA from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, contain genetic mutations based on research conducted at the APS on vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

2 . Determining the structure of the virus that causes COVID- 19

Argonne scientists began identifying the structures of the proteins that make up the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 as soon as its genetic sequence was released. Since then, more than 80 research teams from across the country have used over 11,000 hours of APS time to study the virus, determining more than 100 of the virus's protein structures.

3 . Creating the most detailed simulation of COVID- 19 spread in Chicago

Argonne scientists created an innovative simulation of how COVID-19 spreads that has informed Chicago, Cook County and Illinois officials since early in the pandemic. The CityCOVID model uses artificial intelligence and the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility's (ALCF) supercomputers to simulate the movement of millions of people as they go about their daily lives, predicting how COVID-19 will spread and the impact of preventative measures such as masks.

4 . Developing reusable, anti-viral N 95 masks

Argonne researchers working at the lab's Materials Engineering Research Facility developed N95 protective masks that can be cleaned and reused. The team worked with the California-based Orbis electrical vehicle startup and the Donaldson Company filtration business in Minneapolis to develop a way to embed new antiviral polymers into fibers 1,500 times slimmer than a human hair to create an ultraresilient mask for medical professionals.

5 . Advancing the search for COVID- 19 drug treatments by examining the spike protein

Researchers used a combination of artificial intelligence and supercomputing resources, including those from the ALCF, to examine how the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds to and interacts with a receptor protein on human cells. This binding starts a cascade of events that allows the virus to infect the host. The data generated so far are providing new insights into how the spike protein changes its motions when it interacts with the receptor, advancing the search for drug treatments.

6 . Learning how SARS-CoV- 2 hides itself inside the body

Scientists from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio used the APS to discover that the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses some unique ways to camouflage its messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), the molecule that carries its genetic code, to mimic that of the host cell. The human immune system can't differentiate it from the body's own mRNA, so it doesn't fight the virus off.

7 . Studying antibodies from COVID- 19 survivors

A research team led by scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle used the APS to examine an antibody from a COVID-19 survivor, gaining clear insights into how this potent antibody blocks the virus from entering cells. They discovered that the antibody not only prevents the virus from clinging to human cells, it actually causes parts of the spike protein that makes the virus-human cell connections to break off and fall away.

8 . Investigating the most effective materials for homemade masks

University of Chicago researchers used Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) to identify which types of common cloth are most effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Findings indicate that the most effective combination of fabrics for homemade masks is a sheet of tightly woven cotton plus two sheets of chiffon, made from polyester and spandex.

9 . Potentially changing how dexamethasone is prescribed for COVID- 19

A research team led by scientists at the University of Virginia used the APS to study how the steroid dexamethasone, which can significantly reduce the chance of death from COVID-19, is transported throughout the body via a blood protein. Their finding, which demonstrated for the first time exactly how the blood protein binds with dexamethasone, may lead physicians to rethink how they prescribe the drug for certain COVID-19 patients, such as those with diabetes.

10 . Supporting the largest comprehensive analysis of COVID- 19 genome sequences in the United States

A collaboration of researchers from across the country used Argonne computing resources to analyze the genomes of over 5,000 strains of the virus sequenced by Houston Methodist Hospital over the course of five months. Their analysis helped solidify mounting observations and international concerns that a mutation in the virus had become dominant, driving rates of COVID-19 transmission.

The APS, ALCF and CNM are DOE Office of Science User Facilities.

About Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials

The Center for Nanoscale Materials is one of the five DOE Nanoscale Science Research Centers, premier national user facilities for interdisciplinary research at the nanoscale supported by the DOE Office of Science. Together the NSRCs comprise a suite of complementary facilities that provide researchers with state-of-the-art capabilities to fabricate, process, characterize and model nanoscale materials, and constitute the largest infrastructure investment of the National Nanotechnology Initiative. The NSRCs are located at DOE's Argonne, Brookhaven, Lawrence Berkeley, Oak Ridge, Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories. For more information about the DOE NSRCs, please visit https://?sci?ence?.osti?.gov/?U?s?e?r?-?F?a?c?i?l?i?t?i?e?s?/?U?s?e?r?-?F?a?c?i?l?i?t?i?e?s?-?a?t?-?a?-?G?lance.

The Argonne Leadership Computing Facility provides supercomputing capabilities to the scientific and engineering community to advance fundamental discovery and understanding in a broad range of disciplines. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Science, Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program, the ALCF is one of two DOE Leadership Computing Facilities in the nation dedicated to open science.

About the Advanced Photon Source

The U. S. Department of Energy Office of Science's Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory is one of the world's most productive X-ray light source facilities. The APS provides high-brightness X-ray beams to a diverse community of researchers in materials science, chemistry, condensed matter physics, the life and environmental sciences, and applied research. These X-rays are ideally suited for explorations of materials and biological structures; elemental distribution; chemical, magnetic, electronic states; and a wide range of technologically important engineering systems from batteries to fuel injector sprays, all of which are the foundations of our nation's economic, technological, and physical well-being. Each year, more than 5,000 researchers use the APS to produce over 2,000 publications detailing impactful discoveries, and solve more vital biological protein structures than users of any other X-ray light source research facility. APS scientists and engineers innovate technology that is at the heart of advancing accelerator and light-source operations. This includes the insertion devices that produce extreme-brightness X-rays prized by researchers, lenses that focus the X-rays down to a few nanometers, instrumentation that maximizes the way the X-rays interact with samples being studied, and software that gathers and manages the massive quantity of data resulting from discovery research at the APS.

This research used resources of the Advanced Photon Source, a U.S. DOE Office of Science User Facility operated for the DOE Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.

Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://?ener?gy?.gov/?s?c?ience.
Srinagar: Police personnels and others, recovered from COVID-19 voluntarily donated their plasma at Plasma Screening Camp organised at Kashmir Nursing Home by J&K Police and Dept of Health and Medical Education, in Srinagar on July 22, 2020. (Photo Image Source: IANS News

Baramulla: A medical worker collects sample from a person for COVID-19 tests at a 'Booth type sampling Centre' set up in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla amid cornavirus pandemic, on Apr 7, 2020. (Photo: ANS) Image Source: IANS News

Srinagar, Jan 9 : Two patients carrying the new UK COVID-19 strain were admitted to a hospital in J&K's Srinagar city on Saturday.

The discovery of two locals carrying the new UK COVID-19 strain is disturbing since there has been a decline in the number of daily COVID positive cases in Kashmir.

Dr Bilquees Shah, nodal officer for COVID-19 at Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial (JLNM) hospital in Rainawari area of Srinagar, told reporters that two male patients from Kashmir have tested positive for the new COVID-19 strain that was first reported in the United Kingdom.

"These two male patients are residents of Habak and Soura areas of Srinagar and both had travelled to UK," she said.

Authorities have said that contacts of these two patients are being identified for isolation while the two patients have been admitted to JLNM hospital for treatment.

These two patients found with the new UK strain are among the 90 such cases found so far in the country.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Union government announced that it will start the covid-19 vaccination drive in the country from 16 January.



The announcement was made hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials to review the COVID-19 situation in the country and finalise vaccine roll-out details. It was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu etc., the COVID19 vaccination will start from 16 January 2021.



Unsplash

Who will get it first?

Priority will be given to around one crore healthcare workers and two crore frontline staff, like doctors, community health workers and police, who are directly involved in fighting the pandemic. The vaccine will be free of cost for this group, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said last week.



On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, Indias nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis. https://t.co/P5Arw64wVt  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2021

The next priority group will be people over 50, followed by those under 50 but with co-morbidities. The total number of people expected to be vaccinated in the first phase is around 30 crore.

AFP

What will CoWIN app do?

On Tuesday the government said its CoWIN app (short for Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network) and its ecosystem would be used to manage the massive vaccination drive. The app has yet to be launched but will use Aadhaar numbers to authenticate vaccine beneficiaries and send text messages - in at least 12 languages - with details of vaccination date and time.

For the initial phase it will auto-populate data for citizens over 50 from electoral rolls. If there is a problem with the data, the individual can approach the district or block officer to register themselves, Dr Suneela Garg, a member of the Delhi COVID-19 task force, said, adding that those below 50 could upload medical certificates to establish co-morbidities and secure a vaccination appointment.

AFP

Once the app is launched and the general public can access it, there will be three registration options - self, individual (an official will help in uploading data) and bulk upload.

What else was discussed at the meet?

The Prime Minister took a detailed and comprehensive review of status of COVID management covering various issues. Emergency Use Authorisation or Accelerated Approval has been granted by the National Regulator for two vaccines (Covishield and Covaxin) which have established safety & immunogenicity.

AP

The PM was also briefed about the preparedness status of the Centre in close collaboration with the State and UT governments for roll out of the vaccine in the near future. The vaccination exercise in underpinned by the principles of peoples participation (Jan Bhagidari); utilizing experience of elections (booth strategy) and Universal Immunization Program (UIP); no compromise of existing healthcare services, especially national programs and primary health care; no compromise on scientific and regulatory norms, other SOPs; and an orderly and smooth implementation driven by technology.





NEW DELHI : This story, 300 casualties in Balakot airstrike by India, admits former Pak diplomat: Report by news agency Asian News International (ANI) has been withdrawn due to factual inaccuracies. The error is regretted.
Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

Partly cloudy. High 83F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 76F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
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.
Rejuvenate your career path with a Global MBA from a Top ranked University at MSU View(s):

There is no doubt that 21st-century economic dynamics have changed the landscape of businesses of home and abroad. Global organisations and establishments at all levels of management, in corporate and industrial sectors seek cost-effective ways to stay afloat like in the red ocean. One vital question remains: are the current human capital or talent resources able to adapt to the megatrends of disruptive changes?

The combined approaches of Management & Science University (MSU), Malaysia to 21st-century learning and industry-driven education have built strong traditions that enhance current and future pools of human capital assets to address the challenges of 21st-century Knowledge Economy.

The MSU Master of Business Administration (MBA), centered under Graduate School of Management (GSM) is geared towards producing highly competent professionals who are globally competitive in the relevant fields and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. The school provides opportunity for executive careers to be boosted with expanded global perspectives. Focused on real-world practices, students can go up the corporate ladder as competitive individuals.

MSU offers an affordable MBA, meeting world-class standards in teaching and learning, with industrial collaborations that create a sustaining network of graduates and managers who are well prepared to face the demands of 21st business borders.

This programme aims to enhance students credentials and knowledge to perform effectively in a cutting-edge business environment. The curriculum provides a comprehensive grounding in general management theory with a focus on strategy, decision-making, entrepreneurship and leadership.

MSUs MBA remains high in the priority list of 21st century education for professionals and leaders in generating business-centric skills to meet human capital demands of new business perspectives around the globe.

Features of the MSUs MBA programme;

Industry-based Dissertations: The research work is an integral part of the Masters programmes and is closely supervised by faculty members from MSU-Malaysia and MSI- Sri Lanka. Students are encouraged to complete an industrybased dissertation that is directly relevant to their work. In addition, personal supervisors are also assigned in relation to their dissertations.

MBA Modules: Adopting global standards of industry best practices, MSUs MBA modules pioneer new direction in building capacity and enhancing key abilities for all levels of management spectrum in business innovation, strategy, and decision-making skills across Entrepreneurial, Management, Finance, ICT technology, Governance, and Human Resources spectrum. MSU MBA seeks to transform the real-world practices into classrooms for an immersive 360-degree experiential learning excitement.

Awards and Accreditation: MSU has achieved Excellent Status University thrice on the national university-rating system SETARA by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE). It has achieved highest global standards by attaining 5 STARS in QS Stars University Rating for Teaching, Employability, Facilities, Social Responsibility, and Inclusiveness. It is the Winner of The Most Entrepreneurial Private University by MOHE, Malaysia. MSU has also been awarded Platinum 5 Crowns by the UKs Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC). MSU is Asias first to be recognized by Netherlands-based ACEEU as an Entrepreneurial and Engaged University and is the Asia Pacific Best Brand in Education for Leadership and Human Capital Development.

International recognitions: MSU is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), UK and recognized by University Grant Commission (UGC) Sri Lanka. MSU accreditors include the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), the United Kingdoms Accreditation Services for International Schools, Colleges & Universities (ASIC), the Japans Alliance on Business Education and Scholarship for Tomorrow (ABEST21) and the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial & Engaged Universities (ACEEU).

Academic Faculty: MSU Graduate School of Management has an excellent panel of lecturers both part time and full time who offer a stimulating and challenging learning experience. Our full-time faculty is supplemented by visiting lecturers, experienced industry leaders and experts.

Excellent Student Support Services: The MSU Graduate School of Management provides a supportive environment in which individuals can flourish and grow in their pursuit of knowledge. Students are provided with individual assistance on academic matters through our mentoring system.

Flexible Programme Delivery: The programme is designed to help students with work life balance.

MSU currently ranks in the Top 100 among the worlds top young universities, Top 200 among Asias best universities, Top 301+ for Graduate Employability Ranking and Top 401+ for University Impact. Ranked by both Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE), MSUs world rankings place it in the Top 47% of the worlds best universities in QS World University Ranking 2021 and Top 200 for impact on quality education, gender equality, and decent work and economic growth in THE University Impact Rankings 2020).

Besides MBA and PhD programmes, MSUs offers key degree programmes that students can complete in Sri Lanka, MSU Malaysia or partner Universities worldwide including, Australia, UK, Japan and Germany.

MSU is having their local learning center, Management & Science Institute (MSI) offers students with a wide range of Diploma programmes with aims to develop knowledge and skills of students while preparing them to obtain employment or continue their higher studies.

MSI currently offers diploma programmes in a wide range of interests including Hospitality and Tourism Management, Biomedical Science, Event Management, Business Management, Accounting, Dialysis Technology.

Further information on the

programmes can be obtained from Management & Science Institute (MSI) at No 300 Galle Road, Colombo 03 or contacting us on 011 2576 644,

011 2576 700, Hot Line 077 0777 880, email enquiry@msi.edu.lk

website www.msu.edu.my
'Happy New Year' rang out in New Ross shops on Thursday (31st) as people took time to pick up the last few bits and peruse the discounts before a return to Click & Collect and online shopping for non essential items.

With Taoiseach Micheal Martin's message of the previous evening - namely that a four week (at least) lockdown closing non-essential retail was to begin on New Year's Day - ringing in their ears, and the speakers hushed of their Christmas tunes, shoppers took to the streets in numbers.

December was a tale of two halves for retailers as an initial flow of custom gave way to an ebb as a Covid-19 outbreak on the Hook Peninsula after a funeral saw numbers and concerns spike locally. A further outbreak in New Ross agitated anxieties.

For Ray Lawlor, who runs one of the most established businesses in the town, December was a month to forget in terms of Christmas spirit, even if customers were very supportive.

Mr Lawlor said: 'December was very strange, and while we got through it, it wasn't in any way a Christmas atmosphere. People were very organised in what they wanted to buy and we got through it. People were not spending any time. They knew exactly what they wanted before they came. They often phoned ahead to ensure what they were looking for was in stock. They came in and got their purchases. Even Christmas conversations [didn't happen]. While we were happy to be here and we are grateful for the loyal customers who came back to us, it wasn't an enjoyable December and we hope we don't see its like again.'

Mr Lawlor said he was surprised by how well Click & Collect worked for him, adding that he will continue the service.

Expand Close Ray Lawlor, owner of Lawlors shop / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Ray Lawlor, owner of Lawlors shop

'On the very first lockdown, I closed and organised a click and collect service and I found I spent half my day both fielding calls and driving to the premises here. It was inconvenient for both the customers and for myself because they would arrange a time for an appointment and either they'd get delayed or I'd get delayed. I checked it out to make sure it was OK for me as an essential provider of work wear, overalls, rain-wear and wellingtons. I had a visit from the guards back in October. They had a look around the premises and they said, given the level and type of stock I carried, there was no problem with me remaining open.'

For this lockdown, he will provide the same in-person service, but also a click/phone and collect service through his Facebook page and at lawlorsnewross@gmail.com or over the phone.

Opened in 1964 by his father Joe, Ray has never seen a year like 2020, despite recessions and bank runs.

He said very little changes were needed at his North Street shop, 'other than our sanitisation station. Social distance measures are already in place because I am one of the few shops that still uses counter space, I didn't need to put any stickers onto the floor'.

He said customers know exactly what he has and the kind of stock he carries.

'It's not like they have to go online to check whether we have it in their sizes or within their price range; they already know that it's there. That, in itself, has been a big help to us and we would like to think it has been a big help to our local and loyal customers as well.

'The click and phone and collect has taken off to an extent. I looked at moving more into online but given the type of customer and stock I carry, I found that people were more than happy to avail of the other two services. My online didn't take off to the extent that it would have for other businesses.'

The 20k and 5k limits saw more people shopping locally, he said.

'There hasn't been people coming from the other towns saying they wanted to see what New Ross has to offer but we did find that customers who came to us explained that they were doing all their shopping in the locality and in New Ross. They said anything they needed they were able to get in New Ross and it was more than possible to do all your Christmas shopping in the New Ross area.

'I had a few customers who came to me either through the Click & Collect service or called in who had difficulty getting what they wanted online. They were pleasantly surprised. While they might not have gotten the brand they needed or the particular Premiership team on the t-shirt, with my embroidery service and with O'Neills we were able to satisfy their needs in time for Christmas.'

Ray said people were more organised from the time that the last lockdown was lifted.

'There would have been earlier December purchases and Christmas week wasn't like the Christmas weeks of old where people were wandering in looking to have a chat, looking around, maybe making a purchase and looking at your stock.'

Impulse buys were consequently down.

'I'm just happy to be trading. I know the figures are going to be way down on previous years but when you consider that some businesses haven't been able to open since last March I am just grateful. The county council supports have been very helpful. I probably wouldn't be able to keep going without them.'

Shaun Connolly at 3 started work the week before the first lockdown and has only seen the people of New Ross through the mask-faced prism of Covid restrictions.

'We're essential for emergency purposes just as we are for this lockdown. December was moreso a continuation of the months prior to that. The town has dropped off in itself from when I was first here in March. December was a pick up on October and November. People always need to top up their phones and assistance with their phones.'

Mr Connolly said the only deviation [from the norm] has been concern from day one about Covid around the town.

'It's difficult for me and [my colleague] Michala (who is from Graigue) to ascertain how this town functions normally as all we have witnessed in New Ross is pandemic life. I started ten days before the first lockdown. All I've ever known is facemasks. I don't think I've seen a lot of people's faces.

Three has been opened throughout.

'It's been steady. I've seen a town concerned about Covid, just as any other town would be. We haven't seen what New Ross can offer as of yet so I'm looking forward to normality returning and people going around the place. I haven't seen too many ups or downs or ebbs and flows since May. Since May 18, we are here and that's realistically all I can go on. I'm looking forward to Christmas 2021 to seeing a lot more joy around the place.'

At Amy Jane's boutique on Charles Street, customers were picking out dresses ahead of the business closing for the latest lockdown.

Anne Kehoe said: 'It's tough going but it was expected. With the numbers they just have to do something. It's gotten too dangerous with the numbers locally. It's just scary for everybody at the moment. December wasn't too bad, however I feel it was definitely affected by the local numbers. The first week was good but then given what happened in the area it affected the businesses a lot.'

She said: 'After being closed for so long it was our time to have a good few weeks. A lot of people are doing exactly what they should. They are following the guidelines and there is just a minority of people ruining it for everybody else.'

She found Click & Collect OK.

'You still have to be extremely careful. I will do it again this time. I'm not saying it's going to be very busy but people will take the restrictions very seriously. Just look at the numbers now; it's gotten out of control really. I don't know if three or four weeks is going to do anything. It will probably be six weeks again.'

As for business supports, Ms Kehoe said: 'I don't think they can do much more. I think the government have helped businesses along as much as possible considering we've never been here before.'

She said people have made an extra effort to shop local.

'I'm sure a lot of people did their online shopping in November as well because people were cautious about going out. When you see the lockdowns taking place and the streets around and businesses closed it makes people realise support local and keep the local businesses open.'

At Molloy's SuperValu, owner Colum Molloy said there is no business in the town that hasn't been impacted by Covid in some way.

Having had some part-time staff members who picked up the virus having attended the funeral in Ramsgrange, he said they immediately self isolated and had not returned to work yet.

Mr Molloy said people are fearful and this is affecting business and footfall in businesses.

He urged people to act responsibly and keep their contacts at a minimum to ensure businesses and the elderly in the community can be safe and successful.
The Mauritius-based lawyer for the McAreavey and Harte families has said it is his lifetime goal to get justice for Michaela McAreavey.

Dick Ng Sui Wa said he knows exactly who murdered the 27-year-old on her honeymoon in 2011, and would continue to search for evidence that would finally secure a conviction.

His pledge came as the husband of the tragic honeymooner said he will never give up trying to ensure her killers are caught as he prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of her death.

Read More

Michaela, the only daughter of GAA manager Mickey Harte, was strangled in the bathroom of her hotel suite on the holiday island on January 10, 2011.

She had married John McAreavey days earlier.

Mr McAreavey has led a long campaign for justice. And yesterday, in a direct message to those responsible, he said: I pray to God that some day they would face up to their responsibilities.

Mr Sui Wa, meanwhile, told the Belfast Telegraph that the Indian Ocean islands authorities were looking into re-examining the case.

Ive worked on several murder cases but this was the most shocking, he said.

Its also a very sad one because Michaelas murder remains unsolved. My legal experience, however, tells me I am well aware of who has committed this terrible crime.

Two local hotel workers were acquitted of Michaelas murder following a high-profile trial on the island in 2012.

Expand Close Michaela McAreavey / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Michaela McAreavey

Mr Sui Wa said he spoke to the head of the Mauritius criminal investigation department on Friday, following a conversation with his client John, and he said that he was informed they would dig further and more thoroughly into the file.

We need fresh and strong evidence to bring those responsible to justice, and the standard is higher if you want to start a new case, the barrister said.

John McAreavey is being kept up-to-date about everything. We are working as a team.

Its my lifetime goal to get justice for Michaela and I know he feels the same.

He added: I have been really impressed about how John has handled this over the past 10 years.

He has never stopped inquiring, never stopped fighting. He has never stopped seeking help from the Irish Government, the Irish Embassy, the Mauritian authorities. Like me, he knows who did this, but the police have to do their job.

Mr Sui Wa said there is a sense of shame among the Mauritian people that such a brutal act could happen and go unpunished.

Yesterday, in an interview with the BBC, Mr McAreavey said: To be here in this situation 10 years later, not having the justice delivered for Michaela, is a hugely difficult and frustrating thing.

I guess for me it probably feels like a failure, and I know that obviously I cant deliver this (on my own), but it does sort of give me a sense of failure that I havent been able to close this chapter out and to deliver the justice that is the very least of which Michaela deserves.

Mr McAreavey said he feels it is his duty to ensure the case is not forgotten.

We were newly married  there was a large part of me felt that I was responsible for Michaela and this happened when I was there with her, he said.

I know its not right to have those feelings and to have any sort of sense of guilt about that, but the reality is that I do.

I struggle with that at times. I try to manage that in my life.

But whether I like it or not, that is a driver for me. And it is a driver to ensure that I take this as far as I can.
As China braces for a possible increase in Covid-19 infections during the winter, the country has already administered over 9 million anti-coronavirus vaccine doses.

Some 7.5 million doses have been administered since 15 December last year, officials said at a media briefing in Beijing.

China sees a bigger risk of the virus spreading in winter as people travel and gather for holidays, National Health Commission Deputy Head Zeng Yixin told reporters.

Meanwhile, China has sealed off two cities south of Beijing, cutting transport links and banning millions of residents from leaving, as authorities move to stem the country's largest Covid-19 outbreak in six months.

The Covid-19 pandemic has so far broadly been brought to heel by Chinese authorities since its emergence in Wuhan in late 2019, with small outbreaks swiftly snuffed out using mass testing, local lockdowns and travel restrictions.

But Hebei province in northern China has seen 127 new Covid-19 cases, plus an additional 183 asymptomatic infections, in the past week.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
A 42-year-old volunteer from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh died nearly ten days after he participated in the clinical trial for Covaxin held at a private hospital

Dr Rajesh Kapur, Vice Chancellor, People's Medical College and Hospital where the trial was conducted, told PTI that Deepak Marawi had participated in the Covaxin trial held on December 12, 2020.

Madhya Pradesh Medico Legal Institute Director Dr Ashok Sharma said the doctor who had performed postmortem of the deceased suspects that he died of poisoning.

The vice-chancellor said today while a government official suspected poisoning but added that the exact cause of the death will be known after viscera test.

However, the exact cause of the death would be known from his viscera test, he added.

"After Marawi's death on December 21, we informed the Drug Controller General of India and Bharat Biotech, which is the producer and sponsor of the trial," Dr Kapur said.

He said Marawi had volunteered for the trial and was examined.

"All protocols were followed and Marawi's consent was taken before allowing him to participate in the trial," he claimed.

Dr Kapur, however, said he cannot confirm whether Marawi was administered the vaccine shot or was given a placebo.

"It (the vial containing the liquid for trial) comescovered and coded. During the trial, 50 per cent people get the actual injection while the rest are given saline," he said.

Kapur said Marawi was kept under observation for 30 minutes after the trial as per guidelines before he was allowed to go.

"We monitored his health for 7 to 8 days," he claimed.

Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Dr Prabhuram Choudhary did not respond to phone calls.

Meanwhile, family members of Marawi, a tribal, said he was working as a labourer.

They claimed that Marawi and his colleague were administered the Covaxin injection on December 12 during the trial.

"When he returned home he felt uneasy and experienced some health problems. He complained of a shoulder pain on December 17. Two days later, he spewed foam. He refused to see a doctor saying he would be alright in a day or two. When his condition deteriorated, he was being rushed to hospital but he died midway (on December 21)," they added.

Rachana Dhingra, a Bhopal-based social activist, claimed neither Marawi's consent was taken for participation in the clinical trial nor he was given any proof of his participation in the exercise.

However, the hospital has denied this charge.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had last week approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country, paving the way for a massive inoculation drive.

*With inputs from agencies

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Lavu Inc. vacated its luxury suite Downtown this week for a much smaller Uptown space after facing financial difficulties in the pandemic.

The companys new 3,000-square-foot office is nearly six times smaller than the 17,700-square-foot space it previously leased at the U.S. Eagle Building next to Albuquerques Central Plaza. It moved into that Downtown space only two years ago, backed by state approval of up to $270,000 in Local Economic Development Act funding and much fanfare by local officials celebrating the success of the homegrown technology startup.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

But the pandemic has severely cut into company revenues since March, leading to a major reduction in staff, which conflicts with its LEDA funding, plus difficulties paying its monthly rent Downtown.

Tough year

Lavu, which launched in 2010, offers a subscription-based point-of-sale software system that allows restaurants to manage internal operations online with mobile devices like iPads and smartphones. The software facilitates everything from taking customers orders using instantaneous communications with kitchen staff to automatic logging and processing for payment at a tablet-based register.

But the restaurant industry has suffered immensely in the pandemic, and its hit Lavus bottom line pretty significantly.

Its been a tough year for us, and for restaurants in general, Lavu CEO Saleem Khatri told the Journal.

The company workforce dropped from about 75 in Albuquerque before the coronavirus hit to about 27 now. But Lavu is slowly recovering, and its hired back some staff, Khatri said.

Weve brought back some people that we laid off in March as a result of the coronavirus, he said. We want to continue to grow in Albuquerque, and we remain deeply committed to the city and the people here. We havent left the state and we dont intend to  we just packed up and moved Uptown.

The move will cut expenses. And, given the reduction in staff, Lavu doesnt currently need all the space it occupied Downtown, said Jacquelyn Turcich, the companys Albuquerque general manager and human resources director.

About 95% of our workforce has operated remotely from home since March, and theyll continue to do so going forward, Turcich told the Journal. Our new space in Uptown has individual offices with windows and glass doors to maintain social distancing to provide a good, safe, flexible environment for employees when they come back. We just moved in this week.

Landlord suit

The company faced a lawsuit that its landlord, Albuquerque Plaza Office Investment, filed in Bernalillo Countys 2nd Judicial District Court in August to remove Lavu from its leased space Downtown for nonpayment of rent. But both sides have since opened settlement negotiations.

We reached an agreement for us to leave in an amicable fashion, Khatri said. We have a stipulated agreement with the landlord that was filed with the court.

Negotiations on back payments for the Downtown lease continue and are progressing well, Khatri added.

Albuquerque law firm Rhodes & Salmon, PC, which represented the landlord in the legal complaint, did not return a call from the Journal on Friday.

Clawback waiver?

Lavu is also awaiting official word from the state Economic Development Department on a request it made last May for a waiver from clawback provisions included in its LEDA agreement that could be triggered by failure to achieve agreed-on employment levels as a result of the pandemic. The agreement includes a clause that could allow a waiver if business climate changes beyond company control derail progress on employment levels.

Lavu needed to employ 114 people by June 30, 2020, under LEDA targets, but by May, its workforce had fallen to less than one-fifth that level. Under clawback penalties, it could be forced to reimburse $100,000  the amount Lavu spent to upgrade the Downtown office  from the $270,000 in LEDA funding approved by the state.

The Economic Development Department appears amenable to the waiver request.

There has not been a formal written response yet from EDD, but we have told them verbally that we are in agreement with their assessment about business climate, EDD spokesman Bruce Krasnow told the Journal in an email Friday.  The EDD has accepted that the business climate has changed and does not at this point think it is in the best interest of taxpayers to clawback the $100,000 in LEDA that has been paid to this company. Those dollars have been invested in the tenant property and could very well benefit future economic activity.

Bernalillo County, the LEDA fiscal agent, is awaiting formal word from the EDD, said county spokesman Tom Thorpe.

We are aware of the situation with Lavu and were waiting for direction from the state on how they want to proceed, Thorpe told the Journal.

Outlook optimistic

Lavu, meanwhile, is upbeat about prospects for the new year. The company served customers in about 100 countries before the pandemic, and its worked to retain many of them through a credit-relief program for point-of-service subscriptions to continue through the coronavirus.

It also pivoted its business strategy to prioritize an online ordering and delivery system it offers through MenuDrive, a Pennsylvania-based company that Lavu acquired in 2019.

The MenuDrive platform allows food establishments to almost instantaneously begin online ordering and delivery free of charge, with only a 4.5% commission that includes delivery service by a partner company. That compares to 35-40% commissions with companies like UberEats.

Lavu installed MenuDrive for nearly 4,000 restaurants last year, pushing MenuDrive transaction volume up 45 times higher than before the pandemic, Turcich said.

MenuDrive has helped us weather the storm in 2020, Turcich said. Well continue to focus primarily on that over the next 12 months. Were enthusiastic about the opportunity to grow the MenuDrive service a lot more this year.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : Regional English language officers at the US Embassy here will enhance the English teaching competency of the teachers of Delhi government schools. The initiative began on Saturday with the first batch of 50 teachers joining a certificate programme to be run by the US Embassy in coordination with the Delhi government.

The new move is part of the TESOL Core Certificate Programme launched by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia earlier in the day.

"The program will enhance English language teaching competency of the participant teachers which will improve English teaching in government school classrooms. The current batch is of 50 teachers," Sisodia said while launching the certificate programme.

"It is important for the teachers to keep enhancing their skills. We want our teachers to do the things they already know differently. This course will bring more creativity in classrooms," he added.

Noting that English has become an essential language these days, Sisodia said that the teachers know how to teach English to their students but it is important for them to teach it in a creative manner. "We will provide all kinds of support to the teachers for learning new ways of teaching," he said.

Regional English language officer Ruth Goode from the US Embassy was also present during the launch. She acknowledged the long association of US Embassy with Delhi government and appreciated the efforts taken by the Deputy CM in ensuring that Delhi government teachers learn from the best.

"We really value our relationship with Delhi government. We have trained around 800 teachers in the past and will continue to support more in the future," Goode said.

The Regional English Language Office of the US Embassy has trained around 800 teachers from Delhi government schools since 2017. They have worked on creating a pool of master trainers who have subsequently trained primary and secondary school teachers on innovative English teaching methods.
Jeremiah Johnson apologizes for inaccurately prophesying a second term for Trump

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Jeremiah Johnson of Jeremiah Johnson Ministries apologized to his followers Thursday for inaccurately prophesying that President Donald Trump would win a second term and warned Christians to repent of their idolatry of the populist leader.

I would like to repent for inaccurately prophesying that Donald Trump would win a second term as the President of the United States. I refuse to blame the saints and say, It didnt come to pass because they did not pray enough. Nor will I proclaim, Donald Trump actually won, so I was right, but now it has been stolen from him, Johnson said in a statement.

I believe the first statement seeks to alleviate the prophetic messenger from the responsibility of what he prophesied, and the second statement is filled with potential pride and an unwillingness to humble himself and admit he was wrong, he added.

Johnsons apology comes after widespread and growing condemnation of the president who urged his supporters to rally outside the Capitol. Five people died after hundreds broke through barricades and stormed the Capitol building. Police shot and killed an unarmed woman as she attempted to climb into the House chamber, three others died from health emergencies, and a Capitol Hill police officer died Thursday after he sustained injuries while responding to the riots.

At the time of the riots, lawmakers were undergoing the electoral certification process and were forced to stop. The confirmation of President-elect Joe Biden's victory was affirmed by Congress early Thursday morning after Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers reconvened.

Johnson also apologized to believers he might have caused to doubt the voice of God because of his false prophesy.

I was wrong, I am deeply sorry, and I ask for your forgiveness, he wrote. I specifically want to apologize to any believer in whom I have now caused potential doubt concerning the voice of God and His ability to speak to His people. As a human being, I missed what God was saying; however, rest assured, God Himself is NOT a liar and His written Word should always be the foundation and source of our lives as Christians.

Despite repenting for prophesying inaccurately about a second term for Trump, Johnson declared I will never repent for being pro-life, pro-religious liberty, pro-Israel, and pro-traditional marriage.

He added that he believes the Church would be much better off concerning these issues under another four years of Donald Trump  if he had repented of his pride and the church had not put him on a pedestal  but this is not what happened.

He said he has accepted Trumps defeat as the will of God and urged Christians to now humble themselves.

A humbling has come and is coming to the American Church like never before. How we choose to respond to this correction and judgment from the Lord will determine many outcomes in the years ahead, he wrote.

I encourage the remnant to continue to stand for righteousness and truth in America. We must focus our efforts on preaching the Gospel and making disciples like never before. Remember the words of Jesus, Let the wheat and tares grow up together until the time of harvest  I, for one, am choosing today to dedicate 2021 and beyond to the testimony of Jesus Christ, he added.
Actress Kangana Ranaut on Friday left for Bhopal after recording her statement with Bandra Police in connection with a sedition case filed against her.

"If you are anti India you will find lot of support, work/rewards, and appreciation. If you are a nationalist then you will have to stand alone, be your own support system and appreciate your own integrity. After hours of grilling at police station on my way to Bhopal #Dhaakad," Kangana tweeted on Friday evening.

If you are anti India you will find lot of support, work/rewards, and appreciation. If you are a nationalist then you will have to stand alone, be your own support system and appreciate your own integrity. After hours of grilling at police station on my way to Bhopal #Dhaakad pic.twitter.com/BqGrldzBvx  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 8, 2021

The actress and her sister Rangoli Chandel appeared before the Bandra Police earlier in the day.

A Bollywood casting director and fitness trainer, Munawwarali S.A. Sayyed had accused Kangana and Rangoli of defaming the film industry, portraying the people working in the industry in bad light, with allegations of nepotism, drug addiction, communal bias, and attempting to drive a wedge between artistes of different communities, calling them murderers, insulting religions, etc. on social media and through their public utterances.

Why am I being mentally, emotionally and now physically tortured? I need answers from this nation.... I stood for you its time you stand for me ...Jai Hind  pic.twitter.com/qqpojZWfCx  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 8, 2021

Earlier in the day, Kangana had shared a video on Twitter alleging that she is being tortured mentally, emotionally and physically.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) -- It's the moment we've all been waiting for. Covid-19 vaccines are now rolling out to the public. The Vigo County Health Department has a plan in place and is ready to vaccinate you. So, here's how you can get your vaccine.

The Indiana State Department of Health is now allowing you to register to get your COVID-19 vaccine. Scheduling began at 9 a.m. the morning of January eighth.

You can go to Corona Virus dot Indiana dot gov, or click here.

There you can click on vaccine information and planning. Then, you'll be directed to click on a link to find your vaccination site.

Next, you can find your county.

Once you click on your county you'll be able to see all available vaccination sites.

Only those who are frontline workers, health care workers, or are above 80 years-old are eligible right now to receive the vaccination.

Health officials told News 10 this is a very important group to get vaccinated.

Health officials said, "Whether they're working with people in the high-risk population, they're around covid every day with their jobs, or they're in that age group where if they got covid they could have some serious health issues from it."

If you have trouble finding the website to schedule an appointment, you can call 2-1-1.

Vigo County health officials told News 10 they received 500 doses of the Moderna vaccine for this group.

The Vigo County Health Department believes these doses are enough to get this group vaccinated.

The vaccines they received are only the first doses of the vaccine. The vaccines will be given by the Vigo County Health Department at the council chambers of the annex building.

The Vigo County Health Department said, "We'll have our staff, as of right now, because it's such a small population of people, we'll have our staff being the vaccinators, the people who are checking everybody in, scheduling the second dose for the next appointment."

Health officials said you can park on the north side of the building when you arrive. From there, you'll walk in and receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have trouble walking, or can't go into the building, there is an option for you to get vaccinated in your car.

Health officials said you can expect this to feel like a normal vaccination process. They said, "You might get a fever, or a headache, fatigue, just within the first 24-hours is totally normal. It's not a live vaccine, so you're not getting covid-19 from getting the vaccination."

Health officials said for now they will be doing vaccinations out of the council chambers building. Once the vaccine can reach a larger population, then things will change.

Health officials said, "We're starting to get the high-risk population vaccinated we'll continue vaccinating, and hopefully we'll get through this pandemic."

Health officials told News 10 that they'll continue updating us on vaccination plans when the vaccine can reach more of the public.

We will continue to update you as well.
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.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 19:00:03|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Another Cambodian migrant worker from Thailand tested positive for the COVID-19, raising the total number of infected laborers from Thailand to 22 so far, said a statement from Cambodia's Ministry of Health (MoH) on Saturday.

Thousands of migrant workers had returned to Cambodia after neighboring Thailand confirmed a large-scale COVID-19 outbreak in its Samut Sakhon province last month.

The new patient is a 24-year-old man, who came back to Cambodia earlier this week via a land border, the statement said.

"The result of his samples' test showed that the man above was positive for the COVID-19, and he is currently undergoing treatment at the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Referral Hospital," MoH's secretary of state and spokeswoman Or Vandine said in the statement.

Cambodia has so far recorded a total of 387 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with zero deaths and 365 recoveries, she said. Enditem
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Olmsted County is receiving over one million dollars to help house people experiencing homelessness.

The $1.1 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services will fully fund operations at the Rochester Community Warming Center and The Creek, a short-term shelter in Rochester, through January of 2022.

Funding for the facilities was set to run out just next month. Olmsted County Housing Director Dave Dunn says the grant comes at a pivotal moment, with cold weather threatening the safety of our most vulnerable populations.

"We know it's probably only a matter of time still before we get weather that can be deadly. And so being able to keep people safe is of the utmost importance. And what this grant allows us to do is, for the remainder of this year, to keep people safe who are unsheltered and out in the community."

Olmsted County says the warming center has provided emergency shelter to more than 250 people since March of last year.
Governments can ensure that religious processions don't end in violence. For that though, the lives of innocent citizens, especially minorities, should matter to them

In the mid-80s, a spate of communal riots sparked off by religious processions led to a public debate on whether such processions should be banned. An entire generation of Indians has grown up since, and we are still seeing processions taken out in the name of religion ending in communal violence.

Madhya Pradesh saw violence in the last week of December, when processions were taken out by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to collect funds for the Ayodhya temple.

The pattern of violence in Madhya Pradesh follows a formula perfected by the Sangh Parivar since the late 60s, when the first post-Independence riots took place. The formula: organise a procession as a show of strength; mark out a route that passes through a Muslim mohalla; linger in front of the mosque, play loud music especially if its namaz time, throw gulaal on the mosque, and shout incendiary slogans. Do this till Muslims are provoked into throwing stones at the processionists, then go on the rampage against them, knowing the police will support you.

The big riots of the 70s and 80s almost all had this trigger, sometimes resulting in both communities competing to put on a bigger show of strength. Certain occasions came to be associated with riots: the Ganeshotsav procession in Hyderabad; Muharram in Lucknow (Shia-Sunni riots); Shivaji Jayanti in Maharashtra, Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. If these occasions passed off peacefully, editorials would be written.

In the 80s, such processions were patented as "yatras by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The 1981 Meenakshipuram conversions of 150 Dalit families to Islam made the VHP take out "ekatmata yajna yatras in 1983, aimed at uniting Hindus across caste over the twin symbols of Ganga Jal and Bharat Mata riding a tiger. In 1985 came laffaire Shah Bano and the Ayodhya campaign. VHP yatras became routine: Ram-Janakirathyatras; shilapujan yatras,and the biggest of them all, LK Advanis Rath Yatra. These yatras sparked off riot after riot.

On 6 December, 1992, the first stone thrown in the 92-93 Mumbai riots came from a victory procession celebrating the demolition of the Babri Masjid, that passed by a mosque in a narrow lane in Dharavi. The rally was led by local Sena leaders but Congress members participated too. The slogans shouted were so abusive that they could not be read out in open court during the hearings of the BN Srikrishna Commission set up to investigate the riots.

It was again slogans and speeches at a procession that resulted in the first-ever conviction of a senior Sena leader for hate speech. The procession to install an idol in a templewas led soon after the December phase of the 92-93 riots by two-term MP Madhukar Sarpotdar, who was convicted along with Shiv Sainiks Jaywant Parab and Ashok Shinde, under Sec 153 A (promoting communal enmity).

The specious argument now being made by BJP supporters that in MP, the VHP was just taking out religious processions and Muslims had no business objecting to this, is an old one.

The same was said by no less than the Mumbai Police Commissioner to the Srikrishna Commission. Advanis Rath Yatra was not the cause of riots, said Shrikant Bapat, Mumbais police chief during the 92-93 riots.It was the opposition to it by Muslims through unconstitutional means that generated communal tension, he said.

Does the aggressive display of religiosity in such processions that insist on passing through Muslim areas, have anything to do with devotion? As Justice Srikrishna put it in his report: "Though ostensibly religious, the (VHPs) Ram Paduka processions (taken out in Mumbai after July 1992) had less of religion and more of politics.

Previously, processionists would shout "Jai Shivaji Jai Bhawani and "Har Har Mahadev. The Ayodhya movement replaced these with "Jai Sri Ram. The lynchings of Muslims that marked the January 1993 phase of the Mumbai riots, and that have become a hallmark of the last six years, have also been accompanied by slogans of "Jai Sri Ram. Can it still be called a religious slogan?

So why is it that with all this experience of the last six decades, we are still seeing lives and properties endangered by religious processions?

A ban on religious processions has often been suggested. Muharram processions in Lucknow were banned for 10 years after 1977, and in Srinagar, a similar ban has not been lifted since 1970. After a Shiv Jayanti procession in 1970 sparked off the Bhiwandi-Jalgaon-Mahad riots, all religious processions were banned in Bhiwandi. In 1984, however, the Vasantdada Patil government gave in to the Shiv Sena-BJP and lifted the ban for ShivajiJayanti. But though the police made sure the procession passed off without incident (stipulating the route and the slogans), a fortnight later, the township burst into flames which spread to Thane and Mumbai.

However, the very next year, the same procession passed off peacefully. The Sena-BJP were too busy preparing for municipal elections that were being held after a gap of 14 years. The Janata Party leaders who took over the Shiv Jayanti committee ensured the participation of prominent Muslims on it, and told the police to act against anyone who deviated from the stipulated route and slogans. The same strategy: cooperation between both communities and the police have allowed Muharram and Ganpati processions to be held simultaneously without any violence in Mumbai.

But when the intent of the procession is to display a communitys domination or defiance, is a ban the only way out? Such a ban can be successfully challenged in court, as happened in West Bengal in 2017, when the chief minister banned Durga Puja immersion processions on Muharram. Is a ban practical, given the religious fervor that still prevails among most Indians, and the fact that for many, such processions have more to do with tradition and culture?

There are easier means. Justice Srikrishna suggested that organisers be made to pay for the police deployment required for such processions, and to deposit Rs 5,000 (a huge amount 23 years back when his report was written), which would be forfeited if violence takes place.

If governments decided to hold the police officers in charge of the bandobast responsible for any violence that breaks out, and punish them, the latter would think twice before permitting a procession to take a controversial route, or permitting it at all in a tense situation. As things stand, the police make no arrests even when a procession is taken out in defiance of their orders, though they escort it. In Indore, then BJP MLA Kailash Vijayvargiya even persuaded a sub-inspector escorting a Ram yatra in 1990, to join it and sing a bhajan, after removing his cap and belt! No action was taken against the cop  a BJP government was in power.

But it was a Congress government that refused to ban maha aartis in January 1993, during the second phase of the Mumbai riots, despite the police telling chief minister Sudhakar Naik that these could trigger anti-Muslim violence  which they did. But Naik maintained that these were religious activities and could not be banned.

Governments can ensure that religious processions do not end in violence. For that though, the lives of innocent citizens, especially minorities, should matter to them.

President Donald Trump's top White House lawyer has repeatedly warned the president that he could be held responsible for inciting Wednesday's riot at the Capitol, but the standard for legal liability is high under court decisions reaching back 50 years. The admonitions from presidential counsel Pat Cipollone were delivered in part to prompt Trump to condemn the violence that was carried out in his name and acknowledge that he will leave office in less than two weeks, according to White House aides. They were not authorised to publicly discuss private conversations and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump did just that in a video from White House on Thursday. President-elect Joe Biden is to be inaugurated on January 20. But the promise of a wide-ranging, aggressive investigation by federal prosecutors into Wednesday's events has raised the question of Trump's role in the mayhem just as he faces the imminent loss of the protection from legal liability that the Oval Office has given him for the past four years.

ALSO READ: Twitter Permanently Suspends Trump's Account Citing 'Risk of Further Incitement of Violence'

The legal issue is whether Trump or any of the speakers at Wednesday's rally near the White House that preceded the assault on the Capitol incited violence and whether they knew their words would have that effect. That's the standard the Supreme Court laid out in its 1969 decision in Brandenburg v. Ohio, which overturned the conviction of a Ku Klux Klan leader. Trump urged the crowd to march on the Capitol, even promising to go with them, though he didn't in the end. He said "you'll never take our country back with weakness." Trump's words followed a speech by his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, in which the former New York City mayor said, "Let's have trial by combat.

Many in the crowd then set out for the Capitol, where a mob broke through police barriers, smashed windows and paraded through the halls, sending lawmakers into hiding. A police officer died from injuries suffered during the siege, and a rioter was shot to death by Capitol Police. Three other people died after "medical emergencies" related to the breach. Former federal prosecutor Randall Eliason wrote in The Washington Post on Friday that Trump's actions should be investigated.

EXPLAINER: How Trump Could Be Impeached Again, But Faster

"We want to avoid the risk of criminalising political differences. But that understanding has nothing to do with what happened at the Capitol. It's impossible to characterize Trump's incitement of the riot as having anything to do with the legitimate exercise of his executive power  just the opposite," Eliason wrote.

Trump could be in violation of several federal laws, Eliason wrote, including prohibitions on aiding a rebellion, which has a maximum prison term of 10 years, and conspiring with others to prevent laws from being enforced, which calls for 20 years in prison. The mob that invaded the Capitol interfered with Congress' counting of the electoral votes and certification of Biden's victory.

Andrew Koppelman, a constitutional law professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, said it would be difficult to prove Trump intended for violence to ensue at the Capitol. "It looks to me like Trump was culpably reckless. But it seems to me the Brandenburg standard requires intention," Koppleman said.

He said Giuliani's exhortation sounded more like a metaphor than an incitement to violence. "It's like the word fight. It's often used as a metaphor. 'Senator X is a fighter. He will fight for you,'" Koppelman said. That's where context comes in, said Stanford University law professor Sirin Sinnar.

"Officials can always say that they intended peaceful protests, not violence. But the context here is significant, including the fact that the crowd was shouting 'fight for Trump!' during his speech and that right-wing militant groups like the Proud Boys in town for the protests were already fighting with police," Sinnar wrote in an email.

In the atmosphere in which Trump was speaking Wednesday, Sinnar said, "The violence was entirely foreseeable." Federal judges have taken a hard line against the federal anti-riot law and its speech restrictions that prosecutors have tried to use in recent years. The federal appeals court in Virginia last year narrowed the Anti-Riot Act, with a maximum prison term of five years, because it swept up constitutionally protected speech. The court found that invalid parts of the law that encompassed speech tending to "encourage" or "promote" a riot, as well as speech "urging" others to riot or involving mere advocacy of violence.

The same court upheld the convictions of two members of a white supremacist group who admitted they punched and kicked counter-demonstrators during the 2017 "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. In 2019, a federal trial judge in California struck down the entire anti-riot law, enacted in 1968, dismissing charges against members of the white supremacist Rise Above Movement. The Justice Department has appealed that ruling.
Peru reached one million confirmed cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, becoming the fifth nation in Latin America to report that number as the region struggles with the pandemic's economic and health effects.

Peru, which has a population of 32 million, was quick to declare lockdown measures in March, as the pandemic spread in Europe.

But in spite of closing its airports for almost six months and ordering most of its residents to stay at home it has struggled to contain the virus.

Officials said they had recorded 1,000,153 cases as of Tuesday evening.

More than 37,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Peru.

That gives the Andean nation the world's second highest per capita death toll from the pandemic, according to data compiled by John Hopkins University.

Peru began to reactivate its economy in August after case numbers peaked in late July, but several factors have made it vulnerable.

About 70% of the country's labor force works in the informal economy and is hard pressed to stay at home.

Water is scarce in neighborhoods on the periphery of large cities like Lima, which have become focal points for infection.

Many Peruvians lack simple devices that can help them stay at home.

According to a recent government study only 22% of families in working class areas of Peru own a fridge.

Those who don't must make regular visits to street markets where the virus spreads easily.

As Peru fights the pandemic it has also been rocked by political turmoil.

In November then-president Martin Vizcarra was impeached by congress over bribes that he allegedly took while he was a state governor from a construction company.

He was replaced by congressional president Manuel Merino who lasted less than a week in office, as massive protests forced him to resign.

The new president, Francisco Sagasti, was appointed by congress and has promised to hold elections next year.

His government is currently struggling to purchase coronavirus vaccines from international laboratories and recently blamed the Vizcarra administration for not completing a purchase with Pfizer for nine million vaccines.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
A man captured sitting inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office with his foot up on her desk during the U.S. Capitol siege on Wednesday, has been taken into custody and faces multiple charges.

Man Captured With Foot on Desk in Pelosi's Office Arrested

Richard Barnett from Arkansas was indicted this morning in Little Rock, Arkansas, according to Ken Kohl, first assistant for the United States Attorney's Office in Washington.

Kohl stated Barnett left a note and removed a couple of Pelosi's mail.

According to a Department of Justice official, the 60-year-old faces many federal charges involving violent entry, entering and remaining on restricted grounds, and theft of public property.

Spokesperson Joshua Stueve confirmed that the protestor in the U.S. Capitol Hills riot has been arrested in his home state of Arkansas.

His photo went viral and stirred indignation.

The storming of the building was courtesy of a mob of President Donald Trump's supporters.

According to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Little Rock spokesman Connor Hagan, Barnett turned himself in to FBI agents at the Benton County Sheriff's Office in Bentonville, reported QC Times.

Barnett, who goes by the moniker "Bigo," has upheld white nationalism on Facebook and identified himself as the intruder in House Speaker Pelosi's office to the New York Times.

Kohl stated during a conference call that Barnett was arraigned for entering and staying at a restricted building and grounds without authority. He is also indicted for disorderly conduct and violent entry at the Capitol grounds and for theft of public property or public money.

Photos of Barnett were trending on social media and displayed him casually sitting with his foot on Pelosi's desk. His place of residence and identity became a hot topic of discussion on the internet.

Also Read: Trump Calls for 'Healing,' Condemns US Capitol Siege

Denouncement of the photo and the insurgence at the seat of U.S. democracy initiated a harsh backlash against Barnett's hometown of Gravette, remarked Mayor Kurt Maddox. He said on Friday, "Barnett is now in custody of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a list of pending charges," reported MPR News.

Barnett was seen taking the House Speaker's mail and leaving a quarter on a desk in the office.

Protesters inundated the U.S. Capitol on January 6, interrupting a Congress joint session held to count electoral votes and clinch Joe Biden's presidency.

Barnett was heard boasting about his action of taking personalized envelope of Pelosi's but affirmed he did not steal the item.

He told a New York Times reporter, "I didn't steal it, I bled on it, because they were F-----g mazing me," reported Rokzfast.

Barnett is detained at the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was taken into custody without bond pending an initial court appearance. No lawyer is listed for Barnett in online jail records.

Incoming West Virginia delegate Derrick Evans has also been indicted for unlawfully trespassing restricted grounds.

According to a lawyer for the accused, John Bryan, Evans is innocent and that he was not part of the destructive mob that damaged the U.S. Capitol. He added that Evans was exercising his First Amendment rights.

Related Article: China Goes Online to Mock US Capitol Siege as 'Beautiful Sight'

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., holds a news conference on the day after violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, January. 7, 2021. (AP/J. Scott Applewhite)

Washington: US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said the House would move ahead with the process to impeach President Donald Trump for encouraging a mob that stormed the Capitol if he did not resign "immediately".

Trump, who lost the November 3 elections, would be succeeded by Joe Biden on January 20 as mandated by the Constitution. However, Pelosi and the Democrats believe that in the aftermath of the incident of his supporters storming the Capitol on Wednesday, he should be removed from office immediately.

"It is the hope of members that the President will immediately resign. But if he does not, I have instructed the Rules Committee to be prepared to move forward with Congressman Jamie Raskin's 25th Amendment legislation and a motion for impeachment," Pelosi said in a statement on Friday.

"Accordingly, the House will preserve every option  including the 25th Amendment, a motion to impeach or a privileged resolution for impeachment, she said after the House Democratic Caucus had an hours-long discussion on the issue.

Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said the impeachment proceedings should begin immediately. "Let's do it right now," she said.

Congressman Kaiali'i Kahele said he fully support removing Trump from office, either by invoking the 25th Amendment or bringing forth articles of impeachment against him.

"We cannot have a sitting president in office who incites violence among the people, or who tries to upend the American people's democratic process and right to a just election...his remarks in front of an agitated mob of his supporters that roused civil indignancy at the grounds of the US Capitol are unforgivable," he said.

Every day Trump remains in the White House is another day America is unsafe, Kahele said.

Kahele is a co-sponsor of two resolutions of impeachment authored by fellow US members of Congress -- one sponsored by Representatives David Cicilline, Ted Lieu, and Jamie Raskin; and the other by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

The resolution by Cicilline, Lieu and Raskin offers a single article of impeachment of abuse of power that covers both inciting violence against the US as well as Trump's urging of Georgia's Secretary of State to find votes.

Omar's resolution contains two articles of impeachment -- Trump's abuse of power and unlawful attempts to overturn the November 2020 presidential election; and his abuse of power to incite violence and orchestrate a coup against the country.

Congressman Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, led Democratic members of the Committee in calling for the impeachment of Trump for instigating the attack on the Capitol.

In a letter to Speaker Pelosi, the lawmakers underscored that the president's actions have already emboldened demagogues around the world and holding him accountable is critical to help restore US global leadership on democracy and the rule of law.

"There is a foreign policy imperative to hold the President accountable for his actions  we must demonstrate to the world that no one in America is above the law...the Constitution demands that we, as members of the House of Representatives, use every tool at our disposal to safeguard our country and our democracy during this perilous time by holding to account those who would do them harm. That tool is impeachment," the members wrote.

Congressman Adam Schiff alleged that by inciting the act of insurrection, Trump has committed his worst offence against the country and Constitution to date.

"The danger of him continuing to abuse his power will go up, not down, in the time remaining in his term. To protect the country from any further harm, he must leave office, immediately. The best course would be for him to resign...Failing that, the Vice President and Cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and remove him from any further performance of his duties, he said.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer also demanded that Trump be removed from office. "The Twenty-Fifth Amendment would be the quickest way to proceed, but Congress should consider impeachment if that Amendment is not invoked, he said.
(Newser)  Ten years ago this week, a gunman shot Rep. Gabby Giffords in the head in Arizona. A decade later, as a mob besieged the Capitol, Giffords had to wait for the news that her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly, was OK. Giffords reflects on both moments in a New York Times op-ed, drawing a parallel between her own tough path of recovery and the one the nation must now take. "The last year has been so hard for all of us," she writes, ticking off the pandemic, lost jobs, closed schools, and increasingly bitter political fighting. "All around us is rancor, rage and hate, culminating in the scenes this week of Americans attempting to undermine their own democracy," she writes. "Its going to take a long time before we feel strong again." But based on her own experience, she writes that she's optimistic it will happen.

story continues below

"I have worked every day to move my right arm and leg," she writes. "I have trained every day to get my speech back." Similarly for the nation, "no magic recovery" exists. But "through hard work, intention and commitment our country will overcome the rage of those who stormed the Capitol with Confederate flags and symbols of hate," predicts Giffords. For inspiration, she looks to the first responders and frontline workers amid the pandemic. "We will move ahead together as I did and still do every dayone foot after another," she writes. "When one person flags, another person steps into lift up the weak, and give strength to the doubtful. Together, our resolve and determination will be fuel for years to come." (Read the full column.)
Eight Workplaces Fined in Latest Round of COVID-19 Workplace Safety Citations

Eight Workplaces Fined in Latest Round of COVID-19 Workplace Safety Citations

MIOSHA encourages employers to take advantage of education and consultation services to prevent citations and assure workplace safety

January 8, 2021

Contact: Erica Quealy, 517-582-2961

As the state continues to prioritize worker safety and health, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) inspected and issued COVID-19 emergency rule or general duty citations to eight different workplaces with violations for failing to protect workers and take safety precautions.

Under MIOSHAs Emergency Rules, businesses that resume in-person work must, among other things, have a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan and provide thorough training to their employees that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE), steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and how to report unsafe working conditions. An emergency rule citation carries a fine of up to $7,000.

The MIOSHA general duty clause requires an employer to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to the employee. A general duty clause citation carries a fine of up to $7,000.

On-site inspections conducted by MIOSHAs general industry and construction industry enforcement divisions determined eight employers allegedly committed violations by failing to implement necessary precautions to protect employees from contracting COVID-19. Deficiencies included a lack of health screenings, face coverings, employee training, cleaning measures and overall preparedness plans.

The cited employers have 15 working days from receipt of the MIOSHA citations to contest the violations and penalties. Citations include suggestions to fix hazards to protect employees. Employers must provide proof to MIOSHA that abatement has been completed.

A cited employer may choose to enter into a Penalty Reduction Agreement with MIOSHA and agree to abate noted hazards by the abatement date provided within the citation and will receive a 50% reduction in penalties. By entering into the Agreement an employer must also agree to not seek an appeal.

The latest MIOSHA citations were issued to the below companies for the following issues:

Memphis Fire Department in Memphis, MI was fined $2,100 for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements under the general duty clause including not developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan that helps guide protective actions against COVID-19; not providing COVID-19 training to employees; not conducting daily in-person or virtual health checks of employees before they entered the facility; and not ensuring that employees wore a cloth face covering. The inspection was initiated in response to an employee complaint, view the full citation document.



At Home Stores in Roseville, Michigan, was fined $7,000.00 for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements under the general duty clause including not developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan that can guide protective actions against COVID-19 and not conducting daily in-person or virtual health checks of employees before they entered the facility. The inspection was initiated in response to an employee complaint, view the full citation document.



Autozone in Davison, Michigan, was fined $4,000 for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements under the general duty clause including not developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan, not requiring employees to wear cloth face coverings and not requiring employees to social distance. The inspection was initiated in response to an employee complaint, view the full citation document.



Daners Diner in Lapeer, Michigan, was fined $1,900 for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements under the emergency rules including not developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan; not providing employee training on COVID-19; not increasing facility cleaning and disinfection to limit SARS-CoV-2 exposure; not establishing procedures for disinfecting the worksite if it is suspected or confirmed that an employee, visitor, or customer has a known case of COVID-19; not conducting a daily self-screening protocol for employees; not designating a COVID-19 safety coordinator onsite; not posting signs advising employees to stay at home when they are sick; not posting signs advising employees of proper cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene; not keeping everyone on the worksite premises at least 6 feet from one another through the use of ground markings, signs, and physical barriers; not providing non-medical grade face coverings to employees working onsite; and not requiring the use of face coverings for employees that work less than six feet from other individuals onsite. The inspection was initiated in response to an employee complaint, view the full citation document.



Kokomos Family Fun Center in Saginaw, Michigan, was fined $2,000 for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements under the general duty clause including not developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan, not requiring employees to wear cloth face coverings, not requiring employees to social distance, and not posting signs for non-English speakers that include advising employees to stay at home when sick and of proper cough and sneeze etiquette. The inspection was initiated in response to an employee complaint, view the full citation document.



Painters Supply and Equipment Co. in Canton, Michigan, was fined $3,500 for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements under the emergency rules including not requiring employees to wear cloth face coverings and not requiring employees to social distance. The inspection was initiated as a planned programmed inspection, view the full citation document.



South Lake Public Schools in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, was fined $4,900 for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements under the general duty clause including not developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan that can guide protective actions against COVID-19; not providing COVID-19 training to employees; and not conducting daily in-person or virtual health checks of employees before they entered the facility. The employer was also fined $4,900 for not having a written hazard communication program developed, implemented, and maintained. The inspection was initiated in response to an employee complaint, view the full citation document.



Twin Peaks in Livonia, Michigan, was cited for a violation of the COVID-19 workplace safety under the emergency rules requirement regarding a written preparedness and response plan. The inspection was initiated in response to an employee complaint, view the full citation document.



A complete list of MIOSHA COVID-19 workplace safety citations is available online.

Visit Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety for employee and customer factsheets, educational videos, a sample COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, best practices that employees need to follow and a reopening checklist to help businesses put safeguards in place.

For more information about MIOSHAs safety and health guidelines to protect Michigans workforce during the pandemic, employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219).

To report health and safety concerns in the workplace, go to Michigan.gov/MIOSHAcomplaint.

Information around COVID-19 is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at michigan.gov/coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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.
RTHK: Dozens charged over storming of Capitol

Dozens of supporters of US President Donald Trump have been criminally charged in connection with the violent storming of the US Capitol building earlier this week, and many more cases are expected.

Five people died as a result of the riot, including a Capitol Police officer. No one has been charged yet in connection with any of those deaths.

Several different criminal statutes and theories of liability could be used against the rioters, legal experts said.

Here is an overview of some of the potential charges, including seditious conspiracy and felony murder.

What criminal charges have been filed so far?

Some of the more than 50 defendants in the federal district and superior courts have been charged with gun-related offences. There are federal laws against carrying a gun in the Capitol building, and possessing an unregistered firearm or unlicensed ammunition in the District of Columbia.

A Seattle man, Mark Leffingwell, has been charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer, a federal crime. He is accused of punching a Capitol Police officer in a separate incident from the one that led to an officer's death. A lawyer for Leffingwell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Several dozen individuals have been charged with unlawful entry on the Capitol grounds, which is a crime under the Washington D.C. criminal code and federal law. Those include Nicholas Ochs, a member of the far-right group Proud Boys, who posted a photo of himself inside the Capitol building. A lawyer for Ochs could not be identified.

Could multiple people be charged with killing a police officer?

Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick died on Thursday. Sicknick "was injured while physically engaging with protesters", the police department said in a statement. He collapsed after he returned to his divisional office, the statement said.

Sicknick was one of the five people to die as a result of the riot.

A top priority for law enforcement will be identifying anyone responsible for Sicknick's death, said Matt Jones, a former federal prosecutor in Washington now at the law firm Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr.

If someone assaulted Sicknick, that person could be charged with murder or manslaughter.

Anyone who assisted the main perpetrator could face criminal charges for "aiding and abetting" murder or manslaughter.

If Sicknick was killed as part of a coordinated plot to attack individuals inside the Capitol, individuals involved in that scheme could be charged as co-conspirators, Jones said.

"Prosecutors are no doubt scouring every phone and social media post they can," Jones said. "And, to the extent they show an intent to cause harm to an officer, or member of Congress or their staff, that will dramatically move the ball forward."

Jay Town, former US Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, said rioters who were simply present in the room when Sicknick was engaged with protesters are far less likely to be charged.

"To assign culpability beyond the actual assailant, or those that aided or abetted them, would normally require proof that other individuals knew that the commission of their criminal acts might likely lead to death or serious bodily injury," Town said.

Could there be felony murder charges?

There is a doctrine of US law, recognised in Washington, called felony murder, which allows prosecutors to charge people with murder even if they did not intend to kill.

Typically, a defendant is charged with felony murder if they engage in a violent crime and a death indirectly results from their actions.

Ken Kohl, a top prosecutor on the case, said at a news conference on Friday that felony murder "is always in play in something like this."

Legal experts said more facts were needed to determine if this theory of liability would apply.

Jones said it could be difficult to bring felony murder charges. To do so, prosecutors may need to prove certain underlying offences such as armed robbery or kidnapping, which do not appear to be present here.

What about sedition?

It is very possible individuals will be charged with a federal law that bans efforts to overthrow the government, legal experts said.

That law prohibits conspiring to "overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force" the US government.

The statute "will absolutely apply once the investigation is completed," said Justo Mendez, a criminal defence attorney at Holland & Knight in Texas and a former federal prosecutor. "The evidence of 'conspire to overthrow' is all over social media."

Who is bringing the criminal cases?

All of the criminal charges so far have been brought by the US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, part of the US Justice Department. These prosecutors enforce federal laws, as well as the District of Columbia's criminal code.

Federal prosecutors around the country could also bring charges if plans to carry out violence were made within their jurisdictions. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.


A couple have been charged with firearm offences after police allegedly found a loaded homemade handgun in their car during a random search.

Police stopped a maroon Ford Falcon sedan on Jervis Street in Nowra on the NSW south coast about 8.20pm Friday.

They spoke to the 30-year-old male driver before searching the car.

Police then allegedly located a handmade .22 calibre inside the vehicle (pictured)

As they were searching the vehicle, a 46-year-old woman approached the officers and she was searched.

Police then allegedly located a handmade .22 calibre inside the vehicle.

Officers attempted to arrest the man who allegedly resisted but was eventually handcuffed and taken to Nowra police station.

He was charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a public place, possessing an unregistered firearm in a public place, and resisting officer in the execution of duty.

The woman was also charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a public place and possessing an unregistered firearm in a public place.

The pair were refused bail and are due to appear in Wollongong Local Court on Saturday.

The Duchess of Cambridge has said her thoughts are with workers on the front line of the pandemic as she celebrates a 'very different' birthday - as she received well-wishes from The Queen. Prince Charles and Camilla.

Kate Middleton, who turned 39 today, is believed to be spending the day with her family at their Norfolk home of Anmer Hall, where the Cambridges spent Christmas after the Queen decided to have a quiet festive period at Windsor Castle.

A message on the Cambridges' Twitter page said: 'Thank you for your kind wishes on The Duchess' birthday.

'Birthdays have been very different in recent months, and our thoughts continue to be with all those working on the front line at this hugely challenging time.'

The message was accompanied by a photograph of Kate wearing a face mask and waving, which was taken while she and William spent three days in December touring the country by royal train to thank key workers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Birthday wishes were also sent to the duchess by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

But Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who do not have social media accounts, have not publicly posted a message to the royal despite the Cambridges doing so for both of the Sussexes last year.

The Duchess of Cambridge (pictured) has said her thoughts are with workers on the front line of the pandemic as she celebrates a 'very different' birthday. Pictured, on royal train tour in December

The message (pictured) was accompanied by a photograph of Kate wearing a face mask and waving, which was taken while she and William spent three days in December touring the country by royal train to thank key workers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic

Taking to Twitter, the official Royal Family Instagram shared two throwback photographs of the duchess and penned: 'Wishing The Duchess of Cambridge a very happy birthday today!' (pictured)

In one of the snaps, the royal can be seen with Her Majesty during a visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

A second snap shows the duchess donning a Scouts woggle to meet Cub and Beaver Scouts in Northolt, west London on 29 September

The Clarence House Twitter account posted a photo of Kate taken during a visit to Battersea Park in September, where she met mothers to learn how they were helping each other during the pandemic, alongside the message: 'Happy Birthday to The Duchess of Cambridge!'

Buckingham Palace tweeted two photos of Kate, one of her with the Queen which was taken as the duchess gave a guided tour of the garden she created for Chelsea Flower Show, and the other of Kate as she became joint president of the Scout Association, which the Queen is patron of.

The palace tweet said: 'Wishing The Duchess of Cambridge a very happy birthday today!'

A birthday cake emoji was added, as well as the hashtag #HappyBirthdayHRH.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall also shared a snap of the mother-of-three and wrote: ' Happy Birthday to The Duchess of Cambridge!' alongside a confetti ball emoji (pictured)

In the photo, a smiling Kate looks relaxed in a pair of recycled pink 29.50 M&S trousers which she wore to meet with parents helped by peer support networks during the Covid-19 pandemic on 22 September

A general view of the front of Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate on January 13, 2013 in King's Lynn

Kate's birthday celebrations are likely to be a private affair, due to lockdown restrictions, with William and their three children - seven-year-old Prince George, Princess Charlotte, five, and two-year-old Prince Louis.

Throughout the pandemic, the Cambridges have adapted their public life, turning to video calls to carry out virtual engagements and then joining socially distanced face-to-face events when restrictions were lifted.

In November, the duchess said she was 'humbled' that more than half-a-million people had taken part in her landmark research on the issue of early years.

The study was the largest of its kind in the UK on perceptions of early childhood - which found only one in four people recognise the key importance of the first five years of a child's life.

It is believed the Cambridges had intended to return to their London base at Kensington Palace, but now have no reason to return to the capital, and the law advises against essential travel. Pictured with their children attending a special pantomime performance at London's Palladium Theatre in December

Prince William and Kate Middleton are likely to remain at Anmer Hall and resume homeschooling their children Prince George, seven, Prince Louis, two, and Princess Charlotte, five (pictured together in a shot for their 2020 Christmas card)

The day before Kate's 38th birthday in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their bombshell news that they wanted to step down as working royals and become financially independent - something they have achieved.

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born to Carole and Michael Middleton at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading on January 9, 1982.

Amman in Jordan was home to Kate and her family for a few years in the mid 1980s, where she attended a nursery school from the age of three, before returning to Berkshire.

At the age of 13, she went to the exclusive, private Marlborough College in Wiltshire, where she part-boarded.

She graduated in 2005 with a 2:1 in history of art from St Andrews University, where she met and began dating William, whom she married at Westminster Abbey in 2011.

Kate - now an HRH and a future Queen consort - is patron of 19 charities and organisations, and has focused her charity work on helping children have the best possible start in life, particularly surrounding their mental health.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on the fallout of the storming of the Capitol by a mob of pro-Trump loyalists (all times local):

6:30 p.m.

After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.https://t.co/CBpE1I6j8Y  Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 8, 2021

Twitter says it is banning President Donald Trump from its platform, citing risk of further incitement of violence.

The social media giant said Friday: After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them  specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter  we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.

Trump was locked out of his account on his preferred social medial platform for 12 hours earlier this week after a violent mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to stop Congress from affirming President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

Trump posted a video on Twitter calling them very special people and saying he loved them. Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer.

RELATED: Facebook bans Trump from posting for remainder of his term in office

HERES WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON:

5:25 p.m.

Twitter has banned President Donald Trumps former national security adviser Michael Flynn and pro-Trump attorney Sidney Powell as part of a purge of QAnon accounts following the storming of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of violent Trump supporters.

Social media companies have been under intensified pressure to crack down on hate speech after Wednesdays attack on the Capitol. Dozens of QAnon social media accounts were hyping up Jan. 6 in the days leading up to a Washington, D.C., rally for Trump, expressing hope that President-elect Joe Bidens victory would be overturned.

Twitter said in an email statement Friday: Given the renewed potential for violence surrounding this type of behavior in the coming days, we will permanently suspend accounts that are solely dedicated to sharing QAnon content.

The company says that when it determines a group or campaign is engaged in coordinated harmful activity, it may suspend accounts that it finds primarily encourages that behavior.

QAnon is a baseless belief, born on the internet, that Trump has been secretly fighting deep state enemies and a cabal of Satan-worshipping cannibals operating a child sex-trafficking ring.

___

4:55 p.m.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has become the first Republican member of the Senate to call for President Donald Trumps resignation.

The Alaska Republican tells the Anchorage Daily News that she wants Trump to resign after a violent mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol, forcing a lockdown. Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer.

Murkowski said in a telephone interview Friday: I want him out. He has caused enough damage. She also questioned whether she wanted to remain a Republican.

She says many people felt she became an independent when she lost her Republican primary in 2010 but won the general election by write-in. She has been in the Senate since 2002, replacing her father, Frank Murkowski, who took office in 1981.

If the Republican Party has become nothing more than the party of Trump, I sincerely question whether this is the party for me, she said.

She adds, He needs to get out. He needs to do the good thing, but I dont think hes capable of doing a good thing.

___

3:05 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden says its up to Congress whether to pursue a second impeachment of President Donald Trump, but he expected lawmakers to be ready to move on his agenda as soon as he is inaugurated.

Bidens comments to reporters came after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Friday letter to lawmakers that House Democrats would move to impeach Trump again if he did not resign immediately. Pelosi and other lawmakers have pressured Trump to step down after Wednesdays attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob that lawmakers in both parties said was incited by Trump.

Asked what hed tell lawmakers about Pelosis push for impeachment, Biden responded, Id tell them thats a decision for the Congress to make. Im focused on my job.

Biden added that he would be speaking with Pelosi and Democratic leadership later Friday.

___

2:55 p.m.

Supporters of President Donald Trump have harangued Sen. Lindsey Graham at an airport, accusing the South Carolina Republican of being a traitor for laying blame on the Capitol Hill siege at the presidents feet.

Videos posted on Twitter show a crowd heckling Graham as he awaited a flight at Washingtons Reagan Airport on Friday. Graham is flanked by police officers.

One woman says hes a garbage human being.

Graham has been one of Trumps most steadfast supporters but said this week that he wouldnt support fellow Republicans efforts to stall certification of Joe Bidens victory. On the Senate floor Wednesday, Graham said count me out of the effort, which failed.

On Thursday, Graham told reporters that Trumps actions had been the problem in the Capitol Hill violence, calling the matter a self-inflicted wound.

Other GOP lawmakers who opposed the certification challenge, including Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, have also been harassed by Trump backers unwilling to accept the elections results.

___

2:45 p.m.

The third-ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate is calling on Republican Sens. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz to resign, arguing that their objections to the certification of President-elect Joe Bidens victory incited and supported the violent mob that attacked the Capitol.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state said Friday that there can be no normalizing or looking away from what played out before our eyes this week.

Cruz, of Texas, and Hawley, of Missouri, were at the forefront of congressional efforts to object to the certification of Bidens win over President Donald Trump. A violent mob stormed the Capitol as the process of objecting was underway, creating mayhem that left five people dead. Trump spoke at a large rally near the White House before the siege began.

Another Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, said one option for punishing Hawley and Cruz would be to hold them in contempt, basically, for insurrection and high crimes.

He stopped short of saying Hawley and Cruz should be expelled from the Senate. But he said action should be taken to prevent anyone with blind political ambition to supersede the protection and defense of our country.

Hawley says he will never apologize for giving voice to the millions of Missourians and Americans who have concerns about the integrity of our elections.

In a statement, a Cruz spokesperson said the senator has always condemned political violence and has called for those who participated in the terrorist attack to be prosecuted.

___

This item has been corrected to show that Manchin said one option would be to hold Hawley and Cruz in contempt, not that he was specifically calling for it.

___

2:30 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden says he gave serious consideration to nominating Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders as labor secretary, but both he and the senator agreed the appointment would put Democratic control of the U.S. Senate at risk.

Biden said Friday while introducing Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as his Labor Department nominee that he and Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democratic Party, spoke after Democrats won two Senate seats in Georgia in Tuesdays runoff elections.

Biden says that he cant think of a more passionate and devoted ally to working people in this country than Sanders and that Sanders approves of Walsh for the job.

Biden says he and Sanders spoke about working together and traveling the country together to work on their shared agenda for working people.

Biden is calling on the Senate to approve his Cabinet nominees quickly. His call comes two days after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol and unsuccessfully tried to stop Congress from affirming Bidens victory.

___

2:20 p.m.

President-elect Joe Biden is calling on the Senate to move to immediately confirm his slate of Cabinet picks.

Biden said Friday from Wilmington, Delaware, that we have no time to lose as the coronavirus pandemic continues to inflict pain on the nations health and economy.

He says, Given what our countrys been through the last few days ... they should be confirmed as close to Jan. 20 as possible.

Two days ago, a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to stop Congress from affirming Bidens election victory. Trump called them very special people. Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer.

Biden rounded out his economic team by announcing the nominations of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as labor secretary, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo as commerce secretary and Isabel Guzman as administrator of the Small Business Administration.

___

1:05 p.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is telling fellow Democrats that the nations top military officer has told her there are steps in place that would prevent President Donald Trump from firing nuclear weapons.

Pelosi is holding a conference call with House Democrats about what they should do about Trump doing his waning days in office, including the possibility of impeachment. Democrats and many Republicans blame Trump for this weeks deadly assault on the Capitol by pro-Trump rioters, and many say they are worried that Trump might try something irrational.

Before Fridays conference call, Pelosi told her colleagues that she had asked Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about preventing Trump from initiating a nuclear strike. A person familiar with Fridays call says Pelosi has told them that Milley has told her there are precautions in place that would prevent such an action by Trump.

The president has sole authority in the U.S. government to order the launch of a nuclear weapon. But if a military commander were to determine, on advice of his lawyers, that such an order was illegal, then the order could be refused.

It would be illegal to launch a nuclear attack for no reason or as a disproportionate response to a military provocation.

The person described Fridays conference call on condition of anonymity because the call was limited to House Democrats.

Alan Fram

___

12:45 p.m.

A leading centrist Democratic senator says it seems unlikely that President Donald Trump can be quickly removed from office. But West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin isnt ruling out action against GOP senators who led the effort to thwart President-elect Joe Bidens win because he says that helped encourage pro-Trump rioters to attack the Capitol.

Manchin says in an interview that hes heard Vice President Mike Pence is not likely to use the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. He also says hes seen no evidence of enough Senate GOP support to oust Trump if the House impeaches him.

Manchin says that while he favors removing Trump as soon as possible, We dont need any more theater. He says lawmakers should defer to President-elect Joe Bidens need for the Senate to focus on confirming his Cabinet. And he says Twitter should bar Trump from its platform.

Manchin says GOP Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Ted Cruz of Texas both knew they had no chance of persuading Congress to nullify Bidens electoral votes this week. He says their efforts facilitated rioters who swarmed the Capitol. And he says other Republicans who voted with them should also be held responsible.

Manchin stopped short of saying Hawley and Cruz should be expelled from the Senate.

___

12:10 p.m.

Three House Democrats are planning to introduce articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on Monday, meaning the chamber could potentially vote on his removal from office by midweek, according two people familiar with the planning.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet said whether the House will vote on impeachment, and the caucus is meeting at noon to discuss the idea after pro-Trump supporters ransacked the Capitol on Wednesday. But if leadership does decide to move forward, they could vote on articles of impeachment drafted Wednesday by Reps. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Ted Lieu of California. They are expected to be introduced Monday, said the people, who were granted anonymity to discuss the planning.

The articles say Trump willfully made statements that encouraged  and foreseeably resulted in  imminent lawless action at the Capitol.

Mary Clare Jalonick

___

11:50 a.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has spoken to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff about preventing President Donald Trump from initiating military actions or a nuclear strike.

Pelosi said in a statement to colleagues that she spoke with Gen. Mark Milley to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes and ordering a nuclear strike.

She said, the situation of this unhinged President could not be more dangerous.

Pelosi is meeting with the House Democratic caucus Friday to consider impeachment proceedings against the president.

She and Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer have called on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to to force Trump from office. Its a process for removing the president and installing the vice president to take over.

Trump is set to leave Jan. 20 when Democrat Joe Biden is to be inaugurated.

___

11:30 a.m.

The family of the slain Capitol Police officer says they want the public to remember him for being a hero.

Brian Sicknick died Thursday night of injuries sustained during the riot at the Capitol. His brother, Ken Sicknick, issued a statement through a family spokeswoman Friday.

A native of South River, New Jersey, Brian Sicknick served in the New Jersey Air National Guard and went on to a law enforcement career, which his family said was his lifelong dream. He joined the Capitol Police in 2008.

His family said it did not want to make Sicknicks death a political issue as many questions remain about what happened. The statement says, Brian is a hero and that is what we would like people to remember.

__

11:15 a.m.

President Donald Trump is casting himself as the defender of those who voted for him as he begins his Friday on Twitter.

Trump wrote Friday that the 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for him will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!

He followed that up shortly with a tweet that he would not be attending the inauguration on Jan. 20th of President-elect Joe Biden.

The tweets did not include any reference to the news overnight that U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick had died after being injured while physically engaging with protesters during the Wednesday riot. He is the fifth person to die because of the violence.

A 12-hour lockdown of Trumps account ended Thursday and the president used his restored account to post a video in which he acknowledged for the first time that his presidency will end soon.

___

10:30 a.m.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is rejecting suggestions that the United States is a banana republic following the assault on the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump. Its a highly unusual defense to criticism that hasnt previously warranted an riposte from Americas top diplomat.

Pompeo is one of Trumps strongest supporters in the Cabinet and has unstintingly defended him since Trumps loss to President-elect Joe Biden in Novembers election.

He denounced criticism of the U.S. in the wake of the attack on the Capitol as slander and decried questions about its democracy in a series of tweets from his personal account late Thursday. He followed up on Friday from his official account, calling the United States the greatest country on earth and extolling American goodness."

Pompeo wrote that the comparison "reveals a faulty understanding of banana republics and of democracy in America.

___

10:20 a.m.

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff says President Donald Trump is a danger to the Republic and should be removed from office immediately by impeachment, resignation or invoking the 25th Amendment.

Schiff said Friday that Democrats warned during Trumps impeachment that he would try to cheat to remain in office.

Now, he said Trump lit the fuse which exploded on Wednesday at the Capitol as a mob loyal to the president stormed the Capitol. Five people died from the mayhem, including a Capitol police officer.

Every day that he remains in office, he is a danger to the Republic, and he should leave office immediately, through resignation, the 25th Amendment or impeachment, Schiff said in a statement.

Schiff called Trump the worst president we have ever had.

Schiff was the leading manager of the House Democrats impeachment of the president in 2019. Trump was later acquitted by the Senate on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress over his dealings with Ukraine.

___

10 a.m.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says those responsible for police officer Brian Sicknicks death from the siege at the Capitol by a mob loyal to President Donald Trump must be brought to justice.

Pelosi said Friday she was lowering flags at the Capitol in his honor.

Sicknick died after defending the Capitol complex and protecting those who serve and work here. The perpetrators of Officer Sicknicks death must be brought to justice, she said.

Pro-Trump supporters were urged on by the president Wednesday to the Capitol where Congress was tallying the Electoral College votes to confirm Democrat Joe Bidens election.

Five people are now dead from the violent melee.

The violent and deadly act of insurrection targeting the Capitol, our temple of American Democracy, and its workers was a profound tragedy and stain on our nations history, Pelosi said.

___

9:10 a.m.

House Democratic leaders say the House could take up articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump as soon as next week if Vice President Mike Pence and Trumps Cabinet dont act to remove him.

Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark of Massachusetts says the House can use procedural tools to get articles of impeachment to the House floor quickly, as early as the coming week, if Pence doesnt invoke the Constitutions 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

Rep. James Clyburn, the No. 3 House Democrat, says he can confirm that we have had discussions about it. The South Carolina Democrat says he hopes Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., would move forward if the vice president refuses to do what he is required to do under the Constitution. Everyone knows that this president is deranged.

The 25th Amendment allows for the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare a president unfit for office. That section of the amendment has never been invoked.

On Thursday, Pelosi said the House could move on impeachment if Pence and the Cabinet dont remove Trump before his term ends on Jan. 20.

Pence hasnt publicly addressed the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment. But that possibility may have faded after two Cabinet members resigned Thursday in protest after Trump egged on protesters who then mounted an assault on the Capitol the day before.

Clark and Clyburn spoke Friday on CNN.

___

8:40 a.m.

A police officer has died from injuries he suffered when President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol.

And his death is intensifying questions about the defeated presidents remaining days in office and the ability of the U.S. Capitol Police to secure the area.

The Capitol Police say in a statement that Officer Brian D. Sicknick died Thursday.

During Wednesdays melee, Sicknick was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher, according to two law enforcement officials said.

Those officials could not discuss the ongoing investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The officer is the fifth person to die from the attack on the Capitol.

Discussions are underway about Trumps fitness to remain in office
Ross Kemp paid an emotional and tearful tribute to Dame Barbara Windsor as he delivered a moving eulogy at her funeral.

The EastEnders legend was laid to rest at Golders Green crematorium on Friday after losing her battle with Alzheimer's in December, aged 83.

And Ross, 56, who played Barbara's on-screen son Grant Mitchell in the BBC soap, honoured the actress with heartfelt words as he said: 'The public loved her, she loved them back.'

Tribute: Ross Kemp paid an emotional and tearful tribute to Dame Barbara Windsor as he delivered a moving eulogy at her funeral

Speaking at the funeral, which was attended by a selection Barbara's friends, family and co-stars, Ross gave a moving speech in which he noted how much the nation loved her.

It's said that he also got emotional as he told a funny story about his co-star in which he remarked how popular she was with the public.

'Ross speech was so incredibly moving and uplifting in equal measure....it was very much from the heart and he got teary at times' a source told The Mirror.

They continued: 'He told a wonderful story about how producers on EastEnders wanted Grant to slap Peggy in a big fight scene but he told producers he couldnt do it.

Beloved friend: Ross, 56, who played Barbara's on-screen son Grant Mitchell in the BBC soap, honoured the actress with heartfelt words as he said: 'The public loved her, she loved them back'

'Instead he pretended to do but Babs took her art so seriously she performed this huge acrobatic act and flew back over the table onto the floor.'

The insider went on to say how Ross explained that Barbara was so convincing and loved by the public that he had received thousands of letters a day from disgruntled soap fans condemning him for being a 'terrible bloke'.

Meanwhile, in his eulogy, shared in The Sun with permission by Barbara's husband Scott Mitchell, Ross said: 'The public loved her, she loved them back and they loved her even more for it.'

Sadly missed: The EastEnders legend was laid to rest at Golders Green crematorium on Friday after losing her battle with Alzheimer's in December, aged 83

He also remarked that the Peggy Mitchell star has 'time for anyone', no matter who they were.

He said: 'If you walked down the road with Bar, you knew a five minute walk would take you at least ten to fifteen minutes. She had time for everyone and anyone, no matter who or what they were.'

Ross went on: 'She was also a diplomat, who could walk with queens and princes, gangsters and politicians but she never lost the common touch, she was just as happy having a quick chat with a plumber, a baker or a candlestick maker.'

Stars including David Walliams, Matt Lucas and Christopher Biggins had joined Ross, Scott and other mourners at the service in North London on Friday.

Speech: Speaking at the funeral, which was attended by a selection Barbara's friends, family and co-stars, Ross gave a moving speech in which he noted how much the nation loved her

Moving: 'Ross speech was so incredibly moving and uplifting in equal measure....it was very much from the heart and he got teary at times' a source told The Mirror

Flowers spelling out Babs, The Dame and Saucy adorned her coffin, while a topless photo from her Carry On days was included in the order of service, accompanied by her quote: "That picture will follow me to the end".

Mr Mitchell, who was married to Dame Barbara for 20 years, wrote below it: "Yep!!! Rest in peace my darling Bar, my love forever Scott xx."

Famed for her infectious laugh and baring all in the Carry On films, the Shoreditch-born actress known as 'Babs' boasted a 66-year career in showbiz, first appearing on stage aged 13 before retiring four years ago aged 79.

As dementia took its toll, 4ft 10ins Dame Barbara was forced to stop playing fearsome landlady Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders.

Floral tributes: Flowers spelling out Babs, The Dame and Saucy adorned her coffin, while a topless photo from her Carry On days was included in the order of service, accompanied by her quote: "That picture will follow me to the end"

Mr Mitchell said on December 11 that his 'best friend and soul mate' passed away peacefully in a London care home at 8.35pm the night before. He had moved into her home a few days earlier to be by her side when she died.

Mr Mitchell has shared the order of service for her funeral because Covid restrictions have limited the number of mourners who can attend.

He said: 'As Covid has denied so many of Barbara's family, friends and fans a chance to say farewell properly, I wanted to share the order of service to let people be a small part of it.

'My heart goes out to every family who have experienced the same restrictions at their loved ones funerals.'

Legend: The east London-born actress universally known as 'Babs', boasted a 66-year career in showbiz, first appearing on stage aged 13 before retiring four years ago aged 79

Attendees: Jane Moore, left, and David Walliams, right, were among the stars to attend the funeral of legendary actress Barbara Windsor

He added: 'I would again like to thank my family, friends, the media and the public for their incredible support and well wishes since Barbara's passing.

'Barbara's condolences page for Alzheimer's Research UK has passed the 150,000 mark. Beyond anything we may have dreamed of.'

The service, which was also attended by Loose Women's Jane Moore and EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, featured tributes from Kemp, Biggins and Dame Barbara's former co-star Anna Karen.

Kind gesture: Mr Mitchell has shared the order of service for her funeral because Covid restrictions have limited the number of mourners who can attend

The order of service featured a collection of photos of Dame Barbara throughout her career and personal life, including on the set of EastEnders, with the Queen and on her Carry On films, as well as with her husband.

Dame Barbara's recording of Sparrows Can't Sing from her 1963 film of the same name was played as the recessional music.

The order of service finished with the famous topless photo of Dame Barbara from the film Carry On Camping, accompanied by her quote: 'That picture will follow me to the end'.

Mitchell wrote below it: 'Yep!!! Rest in peace my darling Bar, my love forever Scott xx.'

The couple have been widely praised for their work raising awareness for Alzheimer's disease after the actress went public with her diagnosis in 2018.
On one hand, Merrick Garland, the federal appeals court judge nominated by President-elect Joe Biden as attorney general, is not particularly liberal.

A former prosecutor who took part in the Justice Departments death penalty case against Timothy McVeigh for the 1995 bombing that killed 168 people at a federal building in Oklahoma City, Garland has generally ruled in favor of the prosecution in criminal cases, according to a New York Times review of his record. He joined a 2003 ruling that said prisoners held as enemy combatants at Guantanamo could not go to federal court to challenge their confinement, a decision the Supreme Court overturned in 2004.

On the other hand, Garland has supported civil rights, campaign finance limits and prosecutors political independence. He is likely to follow a much different path from Attorneys General Jeff Sessions, who regularly opposed minority groups and immigrants in court, and Bill Barr, whose priorities included shielding President Trump from special counsel Robert Muellers investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election.

In his Justice Department, there will not be one rule for Democrats and another for Republicans, one rule for friends, another for foes, one rule for the powerful, and another for the powerless, Garland told reporters Thursday.

Garland understands that the attorney general is a constitutional officer whose client in the United States of America  not the president, said Michael McConnell, a Stanford law professor, director of the schools Constitutional Law Center and a former federal appeals court judge appointed by President George W. Bush.

And on yet another hand, the nomination comes with a helping of karma  call it the Mitch McConnell factor.

It was McConnell, R-Ky., and no relation to the Stanford professor, who as Senate majority leader refused to hold a hearing for Garland after President Barack Obama nominated him to succeed Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February 2016. McConnell said the nomination should await the November presidential election, a rationale he did not apply when Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died last September and the Senate quickly confirmed her successor, Amy Coney Barrett, Trumps third appointee to the court.

Now Democrats are about to take control of the Senate, unseating McConnell as majority leader and clearing the way for party-line confirmation of President Joe Bidens nominees, including Garland, 68, and his future successor on the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. He was appointed to the court by President Bill Clinton in 1997.

One early indicator of Garlands policies, and his independence from the White House, will be his decisions on potential criminal charges against Trump and his associates for Wednesdays mob invasion of the Capitol, and possibly other conduct in the past four years.

While the current U.S. attorney in Washington is filing charges against participants in the riot, it will be up to the next Justice Department to decide whether to prosecute figures like Rudy Giuliani, Trumps personal lawyer, who urged Trump supporters to challenge congressional vote-counters in a trial by combat; Donald Trump Jr., who made similar remarks to rally-goers; and the president himself, who told his backers to head for the Capitol and praised them afterward.

Any such prosecutions could signal Garlands approach to possible criminal liability for Trump and his administration stemming from Muellers investigation and election law violations for hush-money payments. Federal prosecutions of Trumps aides and relatives would be forestalled if he pardoned them, but the president would be inviting a prosecutorial challenge if he pardoned himself.

University of Baltimore Law Professor Garrett Epps noted Garlands past roles in the Justice Department prosecutions of McVeigh, for the Oklahoma City bombing, and of the Unabomber, Theodore Kaczynski, a onetime UC Berkeley faculty member who was sentenced to life in prison for bombings that killed three people, two of them in Sacramento, and wounded 23 between 1978 and 1995.

He has taken the measure of domestic terror; let us hope he can recognize it at all levels of power, Epps said in a column for the Washington Monthly. If he does find it, no good-heartedness should stay his hand.

Civil rights will also be a prime topic for the new Justice Department.

Biden has promised executive actions to quickly undo some of the Trump administrations rollbacks  for example, the ban on U.S. entry from a group of predominantly Muslim countries, a near-prohibition on political asylum in the U.S., and the remain in Mexico policy for asylum-seekers at the southern border.

But other minority-rights issues likely will require both policy changes and court action from Garlands department. They include regulations allowing health care providers, adoption agencies and others to deny care or coverage to the LGBTQ community, and a rule maintaining federal funding for employers, housing providers and others whose policies harmed minorities, as long as they did not do so intentionally.

The Justice Department appoints judges to the nations immigration courts and recently enacted rules barring them from granting asylum, in nearly all cases, to women fleeing rape or domestic violence, migrants fleeing gangs, and lesbians and gays facing persecution in their homeland. On another issue, Garlands department must decide whether to resume federal oversight of big-city police departments, after Sessions and Barr stopped enforcing consent decrees that set rules for officers use of force and treatment of minorities.

Garlands judicial record on minority issues won a generally favorable review in 2016 from the American Civil Liberties Union, which said he had shown sympathy towards civil rights plaintiffs. Biden took additional steps in the same direction by nominating Vanita Gupta, the departments chief civil rights official under President Barack Obama, as associate attorney general, and Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, as assistant attorney general for civil rights.

With those appointments, the new administrations commitment to civil rights is clear, said Mara Rudman, a policy director at the liberal Center for American Progress.

One of the touchiest subjects for Garlands department will be its predecessors recently announced tax investigation of business dealings in China by Hunter Biden, the president-elects son. The attorney generals options include allowing the investigation to continue, reassigning it to a Mueller-like special counsel in the department, or recommending an independent counsel, like the one whose investigation of Clinton led to his impeachment.

In any event, the president must be kept miles and miles from any such decision, said Laurie Levenson, a Loyola Law School professor and former federal prosecutor. She called Garland a man of integrity and said he would most likely let the current investigation continue to its conclusion.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Desks small enough for students learning from home during the coronavirus pandemic have been in high demand at the Bergen County Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Westwood.

It just killed me to say, no, we didnt have them, said Teri Capparelli, the director of the ReStore, which sells donated furniture and housewares to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

Thats what led Capparelli to team up with so-called greyheads, a volunteer group who usually volunteer to build homes for the nonprofit. So far, they have built 30 desks fit for kindergarten to fourth-grade students at Fanny M. Hillers School in Hackensack.

A batch of 20 desks was distributed to families on Saturday at the ReStore. The group also built and donated 10 desks to students at the school in December.

Its great that in this time of COVID, that everyone is showing that they have a caring heart. Its definitely a great thing, said Erick Charleston, who received two desks on Saturday for his children, including his 8-year-old daughter. His kids have mostly been doing schoolwork in their beds.

Families with more than one school-aged child might have to work through competing Zoom conferences or other background noises. Its a challenge that students and teachers alike have had to work through since Fanny M. Hillers School went remote in March.

In school, we dont have those distractions, said the schools principal, Joy Dorsey-Whiting. So children are called upon to dig deep to be successful in this remote learning environment. If they have a place where they can attend and work and organize, they can be more successful.

Bergen County Habitat for Humanity reached out to Dorsey-Whiting about the initiative to link students up with free desks. The principal asked teachers if they knew of any students that were in need of a personal learning space to find those who would benefit most from a desk.

Living rooms and kitchen tables have turned into makeshift classrooms as students learn from home during the pandemic. Capparellis children are all adults now, but one of them is a teacher who told her students have felt totally displaced during remote learning.

In todays day and age, we just need to pay it forward and take care of people in any way we can, Capparelli said.

The district purchased folding chairs for the desks and an art teacher at Fanny M. Hillers School put together a kit with paint, sticks and stencils so children could personalize their desks.

When youre in a space thats inviting and positive, you tend to be more productive and happy, said Dorsey-Whiting.

It costs about $35 to build each desk, which are designed to be portable and lightweight. The Bergen County Habitat for Humanity ReStore hopes to give more desks to students at different schools in the future too.

The nonprofit is looking for donations to build more desks. To make a donation, visit the organizations website.

NJ Advance Media videographer Andrew Malok contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com.
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, who was discharged from hospital on Saturday afternoon, will continue to be treated for internal and external injuries suffered in a serious car accident in Sydney.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese, with girlfriend Jodie Haydon and son Nathan, leaves Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after he was in a car crash. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The Labor leader also confirmed he would abandon plans to travel to Canberra on Sunday as scheduled, due to the "ongoing assistance" he would require as an outpatient from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown.

"There is pain in my neck, my back ... and there is some swelling of some of my internals," he said, noting he still had issues from a previous serious car accident in the 1980s.
Apparel, footwear and home textiles imported into the US from China are caught in the trade spat between the two countries

Amid the rapidly shifting goalposts of the US-China tariff war and the addition of punitive duties on textiles and apparel imported into the US from China, we've taken an updated look at the latest actions and the products on the hit-list.

The tit-for-tat trade war between the US and China was instigated by a Section 301 investigation into China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation. Punitive tariffs were first introduced on US imports from China in July 2018.

The stakes were upped on 1 August 2019, when the Trump administration announced plans to impose an additional 10% punitive tariff on US$300bn of imports from China  including almost all textiles and apparel.

Then, on 23 August 2019, after China outlined retaliatory measures against US products, President Trump decided the scheduled punitive tariff rate would rise from 10% to 15%. This was on top of the most favoured nation (MFN) rate applied by the WTO on US imports from China  which averaged 14.4% for knitted apparel (HS chapter 61) and 10.4% for woven apparel (HS chapter 62) in 2018.

The additional 15% punitive rate (Tranche 4A) applied from 1 September 2019 to most apparel items (HS chapters 61 and 62) imported into the US from China. Additional apparel items  for which China's share of US world imports is largely more than 75%  were were set to see tariffs imposed from 15 December 2019 (Tranche 4B).

However, on 13 December 2019, the US reached a 'Phase One' trade agreement with China. As part of the deal, the Trump administration said the 15% punitive tariffs on Tranche 4A products would be reduced to 7.5% around 30 days after the signing of the agreement. It was officially signed on 15 January 2020, meaning the 15% punitive tariffs on Tranche 4A products were reduced to 7.5% from 14 February 2020. Meanwhile, the scheduled tariff increase for Tranche 4B products is currently suspended.

Although less impactful for the clothing sector, punitive tariffs continue on about $250bn of Chinese imports. Around US$3.7bn in textile imports into the US from China are affected, which applies to Tranches 1, 2 and 3.

The tables below summarise the textile and apparel products covered by the US-China trade war and the tariff rates  and have been updated to reflect the latest moves  which include the extension of some Section 301 tariff exclusions on imports from 1 January 2021 until 31 March 2021.

US Section 301 actions against Chinese products Stage Punitive tariff rate & current status Products covered (8-digit HS code) Impact on textiles and apparel Tranche 1 25% tariff rate, effective 6 July 2018 - present: active 818 tariff lines (US$34bn imports) No textile and apparel products covered Tranche 2 25% tariff rate, effective 23 August 2018 - present: active 279 tariff lines (US$16bn imports) No textile and apparel products covered Tranche 3 10% tariff rate, effective 24 September 2018; increased to 25% tariff rate, effective 10 May 2019 - present: active 5,733 tariff lines (US$200bn imports) Around US$3.7bn textile products covered Tranche 4A 15% tariff rate (was 10%), effective 1 September 2019 - present. The tariff rate is reduced to 7.5% from 14 February 2020: active 3,243 tariff lines (US$112bn imports) Around US$31bn textile, apparel and home textile products covered Tranche 4B 15% tariff rate (was 10%), scheduled to take effect on 15 December 2019. Suspended because of the US-China 'Phase One' trade deal 555 tariff lines (US$160bn imports) Around US$4.7bn textile, apparel and home textile products covered

Note: HS Chapters 50 to 63; trade value in 2018 (data source: USTR, 2019; USITC, 2019)

Textiles and Apparel (HS Chapters 50-62) excluded from US Section 301 Actions against Chinese products (as of 1 January 2021)

Table 2A: Tranche 3 & 4A exclusions extended from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2021 HS code Product description Note 5603.12.0090 Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Weighing more than 25 g/m2 but not more than 70 g/m2, others Tranche 3 5603.14.9090 Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Weighing more than 150 g/m2: Tranche 3 5603.92.0090 Other nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Weighing more than 25 g/m2 but not more than 70 g/m2 Tranche 3 5603.93.0090 Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated,Weighing more than 70 g/m2 but not more than 150 g/m2 Tranche 3 5210.11.4040 Sheeting Tranche 4A 5210.11.6020 Poplin or broadcloth Tranche 4A 5504.10.0000 Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning: of viscose rayon Tranche 4A 6210.10.5010 Nonwoven disposable apparel designed for use in hospitals, clinics, laboratories or contaminated areas Tranche 4A 6210.10.50.90 Nonwoven disposable apparel designed for use in hospitals, clinics, laboratories or contaminated areas Tranche 4A 6116.10.6500 Gloves, containing less than 50 percent by weight of textile fibres, coated with rubber or plastics designed for enhanced grip Tranche 4A Source: Compiled based on USTR (2020)

Table 2B: Tranche 3 exclusion initially from 24 September 2018 to 7 August 2020, extended to 31 December 2020, expired on 1 January 2021 (i.e., subject to a 25% punitive tariff after 1 January 2021) HS code Product description 5603.12.0090* Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Weighing more than 25 g/m2 but not more than 70 g/m2, others 5603.14.9090* Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated, Weighing more than 150 g/m2: 5603.92.0090* Other nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated,Weighing more than 25 g/m2 but not more than 70 g/m2 5603.93.0090* Nonwovens, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated,Weighing more than 70 g/m2 but not more than 150 g/m2 5402.20.30 Single high tenacity yarn of polyesters, not put up for retail sale 5603.92.00 Nonwovens (not of man-made filaments), weighing >25 but not >70 g/square m,whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated 5007.20.0065 Other fabrics, containing 85 percent or more by weight of silk or of silk waste other than noil silk, More than 127 cm in width 5007.20.0085 Other fabrics, containing 85 percent or more by weight of silk or of silk waste other than noil silk, not over 127 cm in width 5108.10.8000 Yarn of fine animal hair (carded or combed), not put up for retail sale 5407.52.2060 Woven fabrics, over 85 percent textured polyester filaments, dyed, nesoi 5407.61.9930 Woven dupioni fabric wholly of nontextured dyed polyester filaments, weighing not more than 170 g/m2, measuring not more than 310 cm in width 5407.61.9935 Woven dupioni fabric wholly of nontextured dyed polyester filaments, weighing not more than 170 g/m2, measuring not more than 310 cm in width 5407.72.0015 Woven fabric containing by weight 47 percent of nylon and 53 percent of polyester, dyed, containing textured filaments, weighing not more than 170 g/m2, measuring greater than 274 cm in width 5501.20.0000 Synthetic filament tow, of polyesters 5501.40.0000 Synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene Source: Compiled based on USTR (2020)

*Note: Extended until 31 March 2021. See Table 2A

Table 2C: Tranche 3 exclusion initially granted from 24 September 2018 to 7 August 2020 and expired (i.e., subject to a 25% Section 301 punitive tariff after 7 August 2020) HS code Product description 5513.11.00 Woven fabric of poly staple fibre,< 85% wt poly staple fibres, mixed mainly/solely w/cotton,wt n/o 170 g/m2,plain weave, unbleached/bleached 5903.20.25 Textile fabrics of man-made fibres, impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with polyurethane, n/o 70% by weight rubber or plastics 5106.10.00 Yarn of carded wool, containing 85 percent or more by weight of wool, not put up for retail sale 5407.52.20 Woven fabrics, over 85 percent textured polyester filaments, dyed, nesoi 5603.12.00 Nonwovens, of man-made filaments, weighing >25 but not >70 g/square m, whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated 5806.32.20 Narrow woven fabrics (other than ribbons), not pile, of man-made fibres, not cont by wt 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber 5903.10.20 Textile fabrics nesoi,of man-made fibres,impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with polyvinyl chloride, over 70% wt. rubber or plastics 6001.10.20 Knitted or crocheted "long pile" fabrics of man-made fibres 5407.10.00 Woven fabrics obtained from high tenacity yarn of nylon or other polyamides or of polyesters 5408.32.90 Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn nesoi, dyed, nesoi 5603.94.10 Nonwoven floor covering underlays (not of man-made filaments), weighing >150 g/square m, whether or not impreg, coated, cov or laminated 5609.00.30 Articles of yarn, strip, twine, cordage, rope or cables nesoi, of man-made fibres 5407.52.20 Woven fabric of 100 percent textured polyester filaments, dyed, weighing more than 170 g/m2, measuring not more than 310 cm in width 5512.19.0090 Woven dyed fabrics wholly of spun polyester, weighing more than 240 g/m2 and measuring not more than 310 cm in width 5514.22.0020 Woven dyed 3-thread twill fabrics containing by weight 65 percent of polyester and 35 percent of cotton staple fibres, not napped, weighing more than 200 g/m2 and exceeding 310 cm in width 5603.94.9090 Non-woven fabrics of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in sheets measuring not more than 160 cm by 250 cm, weighing more than 1,800 g/m2 but not more than 3,000 g/m2 5701.90.1010 Rugs of hand-knotted pile, of nylon and polypropylene, measuring at least 1.2 m2 5705.00.2030 Rugs of 100 percent polyester or polypropylene 5810.92.9080 Woven dyed embroidery fabrics containing by weight 55 percent of polyester and 45 percent of nylon, weighing less than 115 g/m2 and measuring 289 cm in width 6001.92.0000 Fabrics wholly of polyester, warp knit, bonded to a plain weave backing fabric, measuring not more than 141 cm in width, weighing over 271 g/m2, of a kind used to upholster furniture 6003.40.6000 Knitted or crocheted fabrics of artificial staple fibres derived from bamboo 5609.00.40 Storage containers of twisted paper rope, each measuring not less than 8cm but not more than 39 cm in length, not less than 8 cm but not more than39 cm in width and not less than 9 cm but not more than 57 cm in height 5208.11.40 Fabrics wholly of cotton, unbleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100 g/m2, of numbers 43 to 68 (cheesecloth), 3-layer folded and crimped, less than 28cm wide after folding and crimping, compliant with standards of Aerospace Management Services (AMS) 5208.21.40 Fabrics wholly of cotton, bleached, plain weave, weighing not more than 100 g/m2, of numbers 43 to 68 (cheesecloth), compliant with standards of Aerospace Management Services (AMS) 5407.92.20 Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, dyed, weighing more than 280 g/m2 but not more than 420 g/m2 5516.44.00 Sheeting fabrics containing less than 85 percent by weight of artificial staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, such artificial staple fibres derived from wood, printed 6005.39.00 Fabrics wholly of polyester, warp knit, printed, bonded to a woven backing wholly of polyester, weighing not less than 290 g/m2 but not more than 500 g/m2, of a kind used to upholster furniture 5516.92.00 Dyed sateen fabric containing artificial staple fibres, measuring 292.1cm in width 5903.90.20 Fabrics of 100 percent polyester, silicone coated of a kind suitable for upholstery, weighting more than 90 g/m2. Source: Compiled based on USTR (2020)

Table 2D: Tranche 4A exclusions granted from 1 September 2020 to 31 December 2020, and expired on 1 January 2021 (i.e., subject to a 7.5% Section 301 punitive tariff after 1 January 2021) HS code Product description 5210.11.4040* Sheeting 5210.11.6020* Poplin or broadcloth 5504.10.0000* Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning: of viscose rayon 6210.10.5000* Nonwoven disposable apparel designed for use in hospitals, clinics, laboratories or contaminated areas 6108.91.0030 Women's knit robes in chief weight of cotton, with hook and loop tab closure 6111.20.6070 Babies' gowns of cotton knitted interlock fabric, each with sleeves, neck opening and elasticized bottom opening 6111.20.6070 Babies' sleep sacks of cotton interlock knitted fabric, sleeveless, each with neckopening and two-way zipper 6111.20.6070 Babies' sleep sacks, knitted, of cotton, each with neck opening and two-way zipper 6111.20.6070 Babies' swaddle sacks of cotton knitted interlock fabric, each with sleeves and mitten cuffs 6111.30.5015 Babies' blanket sleepers of polyester knitted fleece, sleeveless, each with two-way zipper 6116.10.6500* Gloves, containing less than 50 percent by weight of textile fibres, coated with rubber or plastics designed for enhanced grip 6207.91.1000 Men's and boys' cotton terry bathrobes with muslin trim, each beltless but featuring a hook-and-loop tab 6208.91.1010 Women's cotton terry bathrobes with muslin trim, each beltless but featuring a hook-and-loop tab 6208.91.1020 Girls' cotton terry bathrobes with muslin trim, each beltless but featuring a hook-and-loop tab 6208.92.0020 Girls' fleece bathrobes, each beltless but featuring a hook-and-loop tab Source: Compiled based on USTR (2020)

*Note: Extended until 31 March 2021. See Table 2A

Chinas tariff actions against US products Stage Punitive tariff rate & current status Products covered (8-digit HS code) Impact on textiles and apparel List 1 25% tariff rate, effective 16 July 2018: active 545 tariff lines (US$34bn imports) No textile and apparel products covered List 2 25% tariff rate, effective 23 August 2018: active 333 tariff lines (US$16bn imports) No textile and apparel products covered List 3 (2018) 5%, 10%, 20% and 25% tariff rates, effective 24 September 2018: the tariff rates and product list were updated in June 2019 5,207 tariff lines (US$60bn imports) Around US$486m textile and apparel products covered Updated List 3 (2019) 5%, 10%, 20% and 25% tariff rates, effective 1 June 2019: active 5,140 tariff lines (US$60bn imports) Around US$854m textile and apparel products covered List 4-1 5%, 10% tariff, effective 1 September 2019: active 1,717 tariff lines (List 4-1 and 4-2 combined around US$75bn imports) Around US$19.5m textile and apparel products covered List 4-2 5%, 10% tariff, scheduled to take effect on 15 December 2019: suspended because of the US-China 'Phase One' trade deal 3,361 tariff lines (List 4-1 and 4-2 combined around US$75bn imports) Around US$1,363m textile and apparel products covered

Trade data source: USITC (2019)

US textiles and apparel covered by China's List 4 retaliation (23 August 2019) Code Number of HS codes (10-digit) Punitive tariff rate Effective date Value of US exports to China in 2018 (US$m)* List 4-1 74 10% 1 September 2019 $19.5 List 4-2 part 1 49 10% Suspended** $26.7 List 4-2 part 2 140 5% Suspended** $983.4 List 4-2 part 3 444 5% Suspended** $353.0 List 4-2 total 633 $1,363.1

*Trade data source: USITC (2019)

**Previously scheduled to take effect on 15 December 2019

Appendix: Textile and apparel products covered by the US-China tariff war (as of August 2019):
New Delhi, Jan 9 : In the wake of the bird flu scare in the national capital, Delhi government on Saturday banned the import of live birds into the city, while assuring the citizens that all necessary measures are being taken to tackle the disease.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made the announcement through a digital press conference and made it clear that "there is not a single confirmed bird flu case in Delhi so far".

As a precautionary measure, the Chief Minister said the government has decided to implement complete ban on import of live birds into the city with immediate effect. Kejriwal also announced the closure of the Ghazipur chicken mandi for the next 10 days.

"Delhi government is taking all necessary measures to stop the spread of bird flu in the national capital. There is nothing to worry. We are keeping track of the disease," he said.

The announcement came amid reports of 24 crows being found dead at a park in Jasola area in south Delhi in the past three days. A total of 10 ducks were also found dead at the famous Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar area in east Delhi. The samples of the ducks have been sent to the concerned lab to ascertain if they died from bird flu.

The forest department of the Delhi government has been informed about the death of the ducks and employees of the Delhi Development Authority, which owns a large number of parks in the city, are monitoring the situation.

In the past few days, at least 35 crows have died in Delhi. Their samples have also been sent for testing.

On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had instructed the officials to maintain a strict vigil on birds at the major bird sites, especially poultry markets, water bodies, zoos and other potential hotspots.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Iraq issued a warrant for the arrest of United States President Donald Trump on Thursday as part of a court in Baghdad's investigation into the murder of a top Iraqi paramilitary commander. The deputy head of Iraq's largely pro-Iran Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network named Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis died in the same American drone strike that killed Iran general Qasem Soleimani at the Baghdad airport on January 3, 2020.

Arrest Warrant For Donald Trump

Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis is the Iraqi deputy head of the Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces. Soleimani spearheaded the Quds force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.

According to a statement released by the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq, "After the completion of the preliminary investigation procedures, the judge decided to issue an arrest warrant for the outgoing President of the United States of America, Donald Trump. The investigation procedures will continue to find out the other participants in the implementation of this crime, whether they are Iraqis or foreigners," reported Joy Online.

The arrest warrant for the Baghdad court is for premeditated murder, which, if pronounced guilty, means Trump would undergo the death penalty. However, it is not likely that the warrant would be initiated, as it is more symbolic of the US president's last days of his term, reported Yahoo.

According to Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council, "An arrest warrant against the outgoing President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has been issued in accordance with the provisions of Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code."

The decision to issue the warrant "was made after the judge recorded the statements of the claimants from the family of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis," The court indicated that the probing would continue to identify other individuals who partake in committing the crime, whether they are Iraq citizens or foreigners, reported Yahoo.

Also Read: China Goes Online to Mock US Capitol Siege as 'Beautiful Sight'

The investigation into the killings is underway, according to the court.

The killings ignited a diplomatic crisis and tainted the ties between the United States and Iraq, drawing the ire of Shiite political lawmakers who passed a non-binding resolution to force the government to banish foreign troops from the nation.

The strike on the motorcade of the victims was commanded by Trump, who later remarked it had taken out two people for the price of one.

Agnes Callamard, the United Nations special rapporteur for summary extrajudicial, or arbitrary executions, has described the two killings as "illegal" and "arbitrary."

Iran already issued a warrant for the sitting US president's arrest in June and asked Interpol to convey it as a so-called "red notice" to other police forces across the globe. Interpol made it apparent there was no intention to adhere to Iran's appeal.

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) is a Shia paramilitary force comprising of former militias with close association with Iran. It was recognized under Iraqi law in 2016 as an independent military force that responds directly to the prime minister.

The drone strike and succeeding fatalities ignited major tension between the United States and Iraq. Iran-backed groups have triggered attacks against US troops in Iraq, prompting Washington to threaten to close its Baghdad diplomatic mission.

Related Article: 'Walis Tambo' by Trump Supporter Spotted in US Capitol Riot

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
New South Wales has reported one new locally acquired Covid-19 case linked to a western Sydney cluster.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Saturday the new locally acquired case was linked to Berala, bringing the total amount of people affected by the cluster to 21.

Five cases were also reported in returned travellers staying in hotel quarantine.

The new cases come as Sydney's Northern Beaches prepares to head out of hard lockdown on Sunday.

The suburbs north of Narrabeen Bridge, known as the Northern Zone, have been under stay-at-home orders since December 19.

They have not been allowed to leave the zone and have only been allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping, healthcare reasons or exercise.

'I wanted to especially thank the Northern Beaches community, especially those in the northern zone for their absolute patience during the necessary action we took to lock down or at least have stay-at-home provisions for the northern zone,' Ms Berejiklian said.

The new cases come after the state imposed stay-at-home orders for any residents who had returned from Greater Brisbane (pictured, shoppers at Westfield Bondi)

The NSW government put in place a new Public Health Order requiring anyone in NSW who had been in Greater Brisbane since 12:01am on January 2 to follow the same lockdown rules

Residents south of the Narrabeen Bridge, known as the Southern Zone, left their hard lockdown on January 2.

As the Northern Beaches prepares to leave lockdown the state has imposed stay-at-home orders for any residents who have returned from Greater Brisbane.

Earlier on Friday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Greater Brisbane would enter into a rapid three-day lockdown after a cleaner at a quarantine hotel was diagnosed with the highly-contagious UK strain of COVID-19.

The NSW government put in place a new Public Health Order requiring anyone in NSW who had been in Greater Brisbane since 12:01am on January 2 to follow the same lockdown rules.

Travellers from the area will only be able to leave their house or accommodation for five reasons until 6pm on Monday - to obtain food or essential shopping, exercise, work if they cannot do so from home, undertake caring duties or seek medical care.

People who have arrived in NSW after transiting through Brisbane Airport will not be subject to the requirements.

'We have to assume that this strain will become the dominant strain and it is important to keep re-assessing our settings, keep staying vigilant and for the immediate future keep wearing our masks in those indoor settings,' Ms Berejiklian said.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it was inevitable Australia would have to deal with different strains of the virus.

'We are seeing the emergence worldwide of a number of strains, and with travel, they are no longer the UK strain or the South African strain,' she said.

People who attended a number of venues in Burwood on January 6 and 7 have been advised to get tested for Covid according to NSW Health

Sydney venues exposed to Covid January 6, 2021 - Burwood's Artisaint Cafe (10.30am-11am), Bing Lee (11.25am-11.40am), Westfield Shopping Centre (11.45am-1.30pm), Kmart (11.45am-12.15pm), House (12.20pm-12.30pm) and Coles (12.40pm-1.20pm) January 7, 2021 - Burwood Westfield Shopping Centre (1pm-2pm), Coles (1.20pm-1.55pm) and the Artisaint Cafe (1.10pm - 1.20pm) December 31, 2020 - Costume, at Avalon on Sydney's Northern Beaches, between 2pm and 2.15pm Source: NSW Health Advertisement

'It is important that we live in a global world and so all returning travellers are at increasing risk of having one of these mutations which need to be investigated.

'But some of the mutations are associated with increased trance missability, and obviously we need to be vigilant for other impacts of the viruses as they change.'

Health minister Brad Hazzard added all staff at hotel quarantine would be tested daily as authorities tried to stay on top of the different strains of the virus.

He also said NSW would not follow Western Australia and Victoria in closing thier borders to Greater Brisbane.

'We've said this to you at least 20 or 30 times now that New South Wales will always take the view that keeping our borders open is a priority because it means the economy and, most importantly jobs and mental health,' he said.

'I think we've led the way on that. We are not about to change that unless we get advice from Dr Chant and her public health team.'

Queensland's case on Friday prompted Prime Minister Scott Morrison to reduce the number of international arrivals into NSW, WA and Queensland's hotel quarantine systems by 50 per cent.

Bing Lee in Burwood (pictured above) has been named as another venue by NSW Health visited by an infected shopper

A weekly cap in NSW has been set at 1505 people until at least February 15.

He also announced that overseas travellers would need to test negative to COVID-19 before departing for Australia, and daily coronavirus testing was now required for quarantine workers.

'This virus continues to write its own rules, and that means that we must continue to be adaptable in how we continue to fight it,' Mr Morrison said on Friday.

As well as four local COVID-19 cases, NSW also recorded seven cases in returned travellers from more than 26,000 tests in the 24-hour period to Thursday at 8pm.

Acting Premier John Barilaro said that testing number is on the 'low side'.

Healthcare workers carry out Covid-19 tests at a Merrylands clinic in western Sydney

One reported case is linked to the Croydon cluster in Sydney's inner west and two are linked to the Berala cluster. All three are close contacts of previously-reported cases and were in isolation.

In total there are 11 people in the Croydon cluster and 21 in the Berala cluster.

Mr Barilaro said NSW authorities were working with their counterparts in Queensland but the state was not considering a hard border.

'At no point during this pandemic have we ever had a kneejerk reaction or treated the border like a light switch,' he told reporters.

A number of $200 fines have been issued in NSW to people not wearing masks including a 41-year-old man in Campbelltown who told police 'it's a joke'.

A 28-year-old female director of the Pyrmont establishment which hosted a controversial wedding - for a bride from the northern beaches - was also fined $5,000 after breaching a number of health orders.

The wedding has prompted 22 fines in total.

Coles at Burwood (pictured above) was one of the many venues exposed to Covid this week by an infected shopper

The unsourced northern beaches case has prompted new health alerts at Woolworths in Avalon at certain times between January 2 and January 6 and a Chemist Warehouse for 15 minutes to 1.15pm in Avalon on January 3.

Anyone who attended those venues at the times listed must immediately get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the man did not present symptoms until after he completed quarantine, at which point he sought re-testing.

Elsewhere, the Service NSW app, which hosts a mandatory check-in system for hospitality venues, stopped working for several hours on Thursday afternoon.

It has been compulsory to use the app in some businesses since the start of 2021.

The second day of the Australia-India Test is also being played at the SCG on Friday, with attendees forced to wear masks except when eating or drinking.

Cases of Covid-19 in Sligo have soared and stand at 1,148 [as of January 3rd], as the entire country faces stricter measures in addition to Level 5 lockdown, as schools look set to remain closed past January 11th.

People are being told to stay at home once again as the country recorded its highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases on Monday - 6,110. With the testing system at breaking point, cases are expected to surpass 7,000 in the coming days, and hospitals reporting concerning numbers of admissions.

Currently there are 12 people in Sligo University hospital with Covid-19 and according to daily operations updates from January 3rd there were just two general beds available at the hospital, with one patient with the virus in critical care on Sunday.

Buckling under increasing numbers, the HSE has admitted it is at full capacity for testing and need to prioritise people who have symptoms. It has emerged that as numbers grow, testing is set to be further prioritised for people in at risk categories, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions. Close contacts will no longer be tested but must restrict their movements in an attempt to curb transmission.

In a worrying trend reflecting that of the whole country, Sligo has seen its positivity rate per 100,000 increase exponentially since mid December.

Cases in Sligo had been steadily increasing, however, the opening up of the economy and the aftermath of the Christmas period saw a concerning sharp rise in cases, with approximately 150 recorded on January 1st.

A breakdown of cases per area shows 70 of those were in the Ballymote Tubbercurry Local Electoral Area, 36 in Strandhill (LEA) and 42 in Sligo Drumcliff (LEA). A further 33 cases were reported in Sligo on Monday.

In a sign of growing fear, even some outlets permitted to remain open during level 5 lockdown are taking the decision to close.

On Sunday last the iconic Mammy Johnston's in Strandhill shut its doors, a measure they say they took to protect their staff, customers, community, family and friends, and to "help do our bit to stop the spread of the virus".

Four Lanterns restaurant and takeaway has closed for two weeks as a member of staff has tested positive for the virus.

Wehrly Bros Jewellers announced that they would have to postpone their click and collect service until January 11th and online orders will not be sent out, with no orders collected until then as a member of staff also tested positive.

Minister for State at the Department of Health and local Fine Gael T.D. Frank Feighan has said the nation is back in a 'very worrying' Covid-19 situation and has asked everyone in Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and North Roscommon to do all that they possibly can to try to limit their own personal movements and to try and reduce the number of people that you are socially engaging with over the coming weeks".

He stated, "The amount of positive case numbers we are seeing across the country is alarming. This rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases is leading to an increase in hospitalisations and ICU and our health system is under the most severe pressure.

"This nationwide rise in COVID19 cases is also evident across the Sligo - Leitrim Constituency and we all now need to take urgent action to save others from catching this virus. We need to act as though you are infectious. Stay at home. Work from home...and if you are an employer, ask your employees to work at home.
Twitter banned President Donald Trump's account Friday, citing the risk of further incitement of violence" following the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Twitter banned President Donald Trump's account Friday, citing the risk of further incitement of violence.

Twitter banned President Donald Trump's account Friday, citing the risk of further incitement of violence" following the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

Twitter has long given Trump and other world leaders broad exemptions from its rules against personal attacks, hate speech and other behaviours. But in a detailed explanation posted on its blog Friday, the company said recent Trump tweets amounted to glorification of violence when read in the context of the Capitol riot and plans circulating online for future armed protests around the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

The social platform has been under growing pressure to take further action against Trump following the Wednesday violence. On Thursday, Facebook suspended Trump's account through Jan. 20 and possibly indefinitely. Twitter merely suspended Trump's account for 12 hours after he posted a video that repeated false claims about election fraud and praised the rioters who stormed the Capitol.

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Trumps Twitter persona has long functioned as a mix of policy announcements, often out of the blue; complaints about the media; disparagement of women, minorities and his perceived enemies; and praise for his supporters, replete with exclamation marks, all-caps, and one-word declarations such as Sad!

He has fired numerous officials on Twitter and his posts, like his speeches at rallies, are a torrent of misinformation.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Twitter declined to make CEO Jack Dorsey available and had no further comment.

The official account for the President of the United States, @POTUS, remains live. In fact, Trump, who issued a statement Friday evening that denounced Twitter as an enemy of free speech and floated the idea that he might build his own platform, also posted it on the @POTUS account, where it was quickly deleted.

This Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 image shows the suspended Twitter account of President Donald Trump. On Friday, the social media company permanently suspended Trump from its platform, citing "risk of further incitement of violence." (AP Photo/Tali Arbel)

Twitter says using another account to evade a suspension is against its rules, and that while it won't ban government accounts like @POTUS or @WhiteHouse, it will take action to limit their use.

Shannon McGregor, an assistant professor of journalism and media at the University of North Carolina, said the move lets Twitter try to curry favour with the incoming Biden administration. Trump only has two weeks left in power, and that certainly makes it easier to deplatform the president, she said.

Others saw a more ominous portent in Twitter's action. Big Tech is not going to stop with the president of the United States," Kay James, president of the conservative think-tank The Heritage Foundation, wrote in a tweet. "They can ban you next and everyone reading this.

In the Trump tweets cited by Twitter, Trump stated that he will not be attending the inauguration and referred to his supporters as American Patriots, saying they will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. Twitter said these statements are likely to inspire others to replicate the violent acts that took place on January 6, 2021, and that there are multiple indicators that they are being received and understood as encouragement to do so.

This Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 image shows the suspended Twitter account of President Donald Trump. On Friday, the social media company permanently suspended Trump from its platform, citing "risk of further incitement of violence." (AP Photo/Tali Arbel)

Twitter said its policy enables world leaders to speak to the public, but that these accounts are not above our rules entirely and cant use Twitter to incite violence. Trump had roughly 89 million followers. Twitter shares fell roughly 4% in after-hours trading, reflecting concerns that the Trump ban might reduce usage and advertising sales.

Jonathan Greenblatt, who heads the Anti-Defamation League, said Friday that banning Trump was an excellent step and a fitting end to a legacy of spewing hate and vitriol." The ADL was part of a coalition of civil rights and advocacy groups on Friday calling for Twitter to ban Trumps account.

Twitter, long accused of treating the president with kid gloves, began policing Trump more aggressively starting in the early days of the general presidential campaign, when the company began aggressively labeling his false tweets about supposedly widespread election fraud as disputed. An actual permanent suspension had been all but unimaginable -- at least until he lost his bid for re-election.

In May, after Trump tweeted the phrase when the looting starts, the shooting starts in response to protests in Minneapolis, Twitter added a warning label to his post for the first time. Tensions between Trump and Twitter only escalated from there.

Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Banning Trump entirely was a big step for the company  if one that it avoided taking until the president was a lame duck and its larger rival, Facebook, already banned him indefinitely.

Now that Trump has been knocked off one of his favourite pulpits, he may resort to other online channels such as Parler, a 2-year-old, more freewheeling alternative to Twitter that has become increasingly popular among the presidents most ardent supporters. Many have used the forum to spread falsehoods and hateful comments.

But Parler, which was already tiny compared to Twitter, has bigger problems that could threaten its future. Google suspended Parler from its app store on Friday over continued postings that seek to incite ongoing violence in the U.S. The company cited an ongoing and urgent public safety threat and said Parler wont be reinstated until the issues are addressed.

Apple has issued Parler a similar warning and given it 24 hours to fix things. Parler CEO John Matze said in a post that the company won't cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech.

While Trump could migrate to Parler, Gab or some other alternative site, doing so will greatly limit his influence, McGregor said. Trump has always craved legitimacy and standing in the mainstream media despite his complaints about normal reporting he has long referred to as fake news. He won't get that on other platforms, she said.

Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security said in a statement Friday that Facebook and YouTube should also ban Trump.

On Friday, Twitter also permanently banned two Trump loyalists  former national security adviser Michael Flynn and attorney Sidney Powell  as part of a broader purge of accounts promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory. Twitter said it will take action on behaviour that has the potential to lead to offline harm.

Given the renewed potential for violence surrounding this type of behaviour in the coming days, we will permanently suspend accounts that are solely dedicated to sharing QAnon content, Twitter said in an emailed statement. The company also said Trump attorney Lin Wood was permanently suspended Tuesday for violating its rules, but provided no additional details.

Dozens of QAnon social media accounts were hyping up Trump's Jan. 6 rally in the heart of Washington, expressing hope that it could lead to the overturn of the election results.

AP technology writers Michael Liedtke, Barbara Ortutay and Frank Bajak contributed to this article.
Orange County Reports New Record in COVID Hospitalizations

SANTA ANA (CNS)Orange County has again set new COVID-19 records for hospitalized and intensive care unit patients while adding 26 more fatalities.

The number of hospitalized patients increased from 2,251 Jan. 8 to 2,259 Jan. 9, including intensive care unit patients climbing from 502 to 514.

Both are new records, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.

The death toll climbed to 1,998. Of the fatalities reported Jan. 8, which all date back to last month, nine were skilled nursing facility residents and three were assisted living facility residents.

Since the pandemic began, 673 of the dead were skilled nursing facility residents and 206 were from assisted living facilities.

County officials also reported 3,544 new diagnoses of coronavirus Jan. 9, raising the cumulative total to 181,277.

There have been 97 fatalities reported this week. The death reports come from a variety of sources, so they are staggered and happened last month.

The most recent deaths happened on Dec. 29, when one person fell victim to coronavirus. Dec. 14 marked a daily record during the pandemic, when 23 people died, erasing the previous record of 20 on July 31. On Dec. 13, 21 people succumbed to COVID-19.

Last week, the county reported 56 COVID-19 fatalities, down from 85 the week before.

Its going to get worse, said Orange County chief executive Frank Kim, referring to the expected surge of Christmas and New Years-related cases.

People were not behaving around the holidays, so Im fearful the numbers will be worse, Kim said. Our case rates have not come down and the testing positivity rates are climbing.

The positivity rate is about 18 percent, Kim said.

Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said the county had only 41 intensive care unit beds available.

They are starting to put patients in cath labs and other parts of the hospital, Bartlett said. There arent available rooms and space so theyre using every single opportunity of space within a hospital environment for patients.

State officials are pushing hospitals to get patients who are recovering into assisted living facilities or elsewhere to free up hospital beds, Bartlett said.

Hospital officials are also instructing staff on rationed care and to prepare for it, Bartlett said.

And we have not yet hit the Christmas and New Years spikes, Bartlett said, adding the beginning of that surge is happening now.

Help is on the way with vaccines. Orange County Fire Authority firefighters have been vaccinating frontline workers, but now state officials have widened the pool of available medical workers who can inoculate residents, Bartlett said.

Nursing students and physician assistants are among those who can now vaccinate residents, she added.

We have a new pool to choose from for vaccinators, she said.

County officials are working on setting up two super sites, which will be announced next week, where vaccines will be distributed. Kim said it is an effort to help out hospitals dole out vaccines as doctors and nurses are too overwhelmed with caring for patients now.

There were 27,224 tests reported on Jan. 8, raising the cumulative to 2,206,882, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.

The Orange County Jails recent outbreak saw a steep decline on Jan. 8 with the number of infected inmates dropping from 1,020 to 465. The county is awaiting the results of 979 tests.

The number of hospitalized inmates remained at six, according to Orange County Sheriffs Department Sgt. Dennis Breckner.

Part of the reason the number of infections has come down is Health Care Agency officials are catching up on analyzing test results, Breckner said.

The countys state-adjusted ICU bed availability remains at zero, and the unadjusted figure decreased from 5.6 percent Jan. 7 to 4.5 percent Jan. 8.

The state created the adjusted metric to reflect the difference in beds available for COVID-19 patients and non-coronavirus patients.

The Southern California region is at zero ICU capacity.

The countys availability of ventilators inched up from 33 percent Jan. 7 to 34 percent Jan 8.

Outbreaks at the countys skilled nursing facilities and elderly assisted living facilitiesdefined as two or more cases within 14 daysare an ongoing problem for the county. The county has seen 46 outbreaks at skilled nursing facilities and at 28 elderly assisted living facilities.
50 Years as a shepherd of God View(s):

On the 19th of December Rev. Father Benedict Joseph, the writer, the Television, radio and print media personality, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his priesthood. On December 19th 1970 the late Thomas Cardinal Cooray ordained Fr. Benedict as a Priest of the Catholic Church at St. Lucias Cathedral, Kotahena. Since then he has served as a TV, radio, cinema and print media personality in Sri Lanka. At present he is working as a lecturer and a consultant at the Aquinas University College in Colombo.

He is a treasure trove of media experience and knowledge in overall social communications media, whether in print, radio, television or cinema. He is consulted by many media personalities in Sri Lanka as well as Asia. During the short interview that I had with Fr. Benedict, his colleagues from a variety of media outlets called him for consultation and advice.

During his long career as a media personality and a teacher, he has served as the editor of Ghananartha Pradeepaya, the oldest Sinhala Newspaper in Sri Lanka, the Director of the Catholic Press and the Social Communication Centre (SCC) in Borella. At present many Catholic television and radio programmes are produced at the SCC. In his capacity as the media coordinator of the Catholic Church, he also organised the annual OCIC Film Awards, and was directly responsible for the Catholic television and radio programmes over Rupavahini, ITN, SLBC and Radio Veritas (RV) Manila. RV is an Asian Catholic Radio channel which broadcasts to the whole of Asia from the Philippines in different Asian languages. He represented Sri Lanka at several Catholic international, worldwide media conferences. He has lost count of the media conferences that he had attended. The writer tried to trigger his memory and we counted more than 18. During such conferences he shared his media experiences in Sri Lanka with a world-wide audience and learnt from his colleagues in Asia, Europe and South America.

During the nineteen eighties and the nineties, Fr. Benedict Joseph was a member of the Sinhala Dictionary Advisory Committee, Catholic-Christian Advisory Committee and Committee for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Tele-drama Script Committee and the Advertisement Inquiry Board of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. He was a member of the Panel of the Programme Previewers of the Independent Television Network and a member of the Sri Lanka Kala Mandalaya. He was the Chief Media Coordinator during the visit of the Holy Father, St. John Paul ll to Sri Lanka in 1995. Fr. Benedict produced a movie and a serialised tale-drama on the Life St. Jcseph Vaz. He is the first person to produce a TV studio Mass in Sri Lanka and the person who introduced the bi-monthly TV programme Supuwatha which touched on current national and international events in the Catholic Church.

His first appointment after his ordination was as a teacher at St. Aloysius Minor Seminary in Borella. Thomas Cardinal Cooray had a policy to place his best priests in the seminaries, where the future priests are formed. Rev. Nicholas Marcus Fernando who was the Rector at the time and later succeeded Cardinal Cooray as the Archbishop of Colombo.

Rev. Father Benedict also used his teaching experience in inculcating media principles to the seminarians at the National Seminary in kandy and the students of Aquinas University College.

Besides his apostolate to media activities he also served as a pastor of three Churches in the Archdiocese of Colombo. He was appointed the parish priest of the All Saints Church, Borella, in January 1995. From 2002 he was the Parish Priest of St. Marys Church, Dehiwela, till he was appointed as the National Director of the Social Communications Centre in 2008. In 2014 Fr. Benedict was transferred as the parish Priest of St. Marys Church, Eldeniya, Kadawatha. It was during his tenure that this parish (Eldeniya) was elevated to the level of a self-supporting parish of the Archdiocese of Colombo. He got his present appointment as a lecturer at Aquinas University College in June 2018.

He wrote book on the Church Social Media which is still used as a valuable handbook for the pupils of communication Media. He also wrote two books appreciating the contributions made to the history of Christian hymns and songs composed and put to music by the late Fr. Marceline Jayakody OMI, the late Fr. Moses Perera and the late Music Maestro Sunil Santha. He compiled a souvenir commemorate the visit of Pope St. John Paul ii in 1995 in Sinhala called Eda Meda Tura.

Fr. Benedict Joseph was born on the 16th of December 1942 in the remote village of Tarala, Pugoda. He is the son of the late W. A. Don Thomas, an Ayurveda Physician and S. M. Dona Anna. His primary education was at the Holy Cross Catholic School, Tarala. He started his secondary school studies at St. Aloysius Seminary, Borella in January 1956.

Rev. Fr. Benedict remembers his former Rectors who were responsible for making him a priest and the personality that he is today. In the minor seminary of St. Aloysius, he had two illustrious Rectors who formed him, the late Fr. W. L. A. Don Peter and Fr. Frank Marcus Fernando, later Bishop of Chilaw. Frs. Fred Sackett, OMI, Dalston Forbes, OMI and James Cooke, OMI were the rectors of the National Seminary of our lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, during his time of formation in this revered institution.

Fr. Benedict Joseph still remains a humble, helpful and unassuming priest in spite of his fame and all the national and international awards that he has won for the service he has rendered to the social communications media. He is a serene and tranquil person, kind and courteous to everyone who comes in contact with him. He is ready to give a helping hand irrespective of the fact whether the person is rich or poor, Catholic or non-Catholic.

-By Francis Madiwela
An independent investigation into Kirin Holdings' links to the Myanmar military has proved "inconclusive", the company has said.

Kirin launched the investigation last year through auditor Deloitte

The Japanese brewer, which operates two joint-ventures in the country, said today the investigation by Deloitte was "unable to access sufficient information" on whether Kirin money was being used for military purposes. Humanitarian groups have accused Kirin of helping to fund human rights abuses by the Myanmar military through the brewer's involvement in the JVs.

Commenting on the results of the investigation, which was launched last year, the group said: "Kirin takes its responsibilities in Myanmar seriously and will continue to take the necessary action to ensure its business activities in the country adhere to the highest standards."

The company will release an update in April.

Kirin has already suspended dividend payments from the two JVs, Myanmar Brewery and Mandalay Brewery, as it carries out an investigation into the destination of proceeds to the Myanmar holding company it partners with. According to 2019 UN report, the holding company, called Myanma Economic Holdings Public Co (MEHPC), is owned and operated by the country's army. The report said MEHPC is "owned and influenced" by senior military leaders including commander-in-chief senior general Min Aung Hlaing.

It added: "[The] revenue that these military businesses generate strengthens the [Myanmar military's] autonomy from elected civilian oversight and provides financial support for the [military's] operations with their wide array of international human rights and humanitarian law violations."

Kirin maintains it is "wholly unacceptable for any proceeds from our Myanmar joint-ventures to be used for military purposes, which is the fundamental condition of the joint-venture agreement".

Pressure group Burma Campaign UK said today dismissed Kirin's assertion that it was unable to establish whether the Myanmar military uses profits for military purposes as "farcical". The group added that Kirin is "delaying the inevitable day when it has to stop doing business with the [Myanmar] military".

Kirin bought Fraser & Neave's 55% stake in Myanmar Brewery in 2015 for US$560m. Two years later, the company paid US$4.3m for a 51% stake in Mandalay Brewery in Mandalay City.

Kirin is not the only international beverage company operating in Myanmar. Carlsberg formed a JV in the country in 2013, around the same time as a number of companies, including PepsiCo and The Coca-Cola Co, entered amid a loosening of international trade sanctions.

The beer category in 2020 - just-drinks' Review of the Year
State officials still plan to vaccinate 12,000 Oregonians per day by the end of next week and will deploy troops to help Oregon reach that goal, starting with the Salem Fairgrounds, Gov. Kate Brown said Friday.

Oregon has faced escalating criticism for the slow rollout of its coronavirus vaccination program and a lack of clarity about who will get vaccinated and when. Oregons vaccination rate as of Jan. 8 lags behind 39 other states, according to federal health data.

The governor and her top health lieutenant, Patrick Allen, presented a variety of steps the state is taking to make sure more people quickly get a shot of the coronavirus vaccine while cautioning that the pandemic could yet take a turn for the worse, especially after the recent winter holidays.

Were still waiting to see the impact of our actions over the holidays and New Years, and whether a second, and possibly worse, winter surge is headed our way, Brown said during a news conference.

The first phase of the states vaccination program is expected to get a boost by Tuesday when the Oregon National Guard joins in helping Salem Healths multi-day vaccination event at the Salem Fairgrounds.

The guardsmen will help get as many 250 people vaccinated per hour, Brown said. Per Salem Health, all Marion County residents currently eligible for a shot will be able to get vaccinated.

As of Thursday, 73,286 Oregonians had received at least one shot.

About 500,000 Oregonians, such as hospital nurses and nursing home caregivers, fall into the states priority list for vaccinations, state officials said. If Oregon meets its daily vaccination goal by the end of next week, it would take about a month to get the entire group vaccinated.

In what could be an even more significant development for senior care homes, the pharmacies contracted to inoculate long-term care residents and staff will soon be able to tackle approximately 75,000 residents and workers in assisted living, adult foster and independent living homes and other congregate settings.

The focus up until this point, aside from health care workers, had been only on the smaller segment of nursing homes and memory care facilities.

Among the most consequential of Browns recent decisions has been to allow schools to reopen at their own discretion and to prioritize educators getting vaccines once the core group of health care workers and congregate care residents and staff are vaccinated.

For Oregons future, we should be all focused on how we can get our kids back into the classroom safely as quickly as possible, Brown said.

State officials are expected to release new safety guidelines this month that schools will have to follow in order to reopen.

The Oregon Health Authority will ultimately decide the eligibility order for vaccinations. But in reality, those decisions will be influenced, if not determined, by the governor and a specially convened advisory committee focused on getting vaccines to historically marginalized groups that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Notably, Oregon has apparently sidelined a federal recommendation that people 75 and older be among the first to get a shot. Precisely when those Oregonians can get in line will likely be determined, at least in part, by Oregons Vaccine Advisory Committee.

Washington, for instance, has said people 70 years and older will be eligible later this month, along with people 50 and older who live in multi-generational households.

Look, Brown said when pressed on her decision to prioritize educators. These are really, really tough decisions. And the harsh reality is that we do not have enough vaccines to vaccinate everyone at once.

-- Fedor Zarkhin; fzarkhin@oregonian.com; 503-294-7674
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Variable clouds with thunderstorms - possibly severe in the afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms in the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
A HandyDART driver helps an elderly person on a mobility scooter after dropping her off in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada, on Jan. 6, 2020. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)

COVID-19 Restrictions Extended in Alberta, British Columbia

Alberta and British Columbia are extending COVID-19 restrictions as the provinces try to bend the infection rate curve and prevent a second wave outbreak.

Alberta, which has one of the highest COVID-19 cases among all provinces, announced an extension of mandatory restrictions for another two weeks, until Jan. 21. Measures include a ban on all indoor and outdoor social gatherings, which had been in place since December 2020. Students in grades K-12 will return to school on Jan. 11 as planned.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said that this decision was based on careful consideration of the importance of in-person learning and recent evidences of a drop in new cases found in schools for all age groups.

I want to recognize the effort of school staff, teachers and parents to follow health measures and help us keep classrooms safe for Alberta students. Im confident this effort will continue and well see a successful return to in-person learning to the benefit of all students, Kenney said during a press conference on Thursday.

Roughly 20 percent of the families in Alberta decided, at the start of the school year in 2020, to have their children learn from home, while most parents are sending their children back to school.

Schools play a critical role in supporting student learning as well as their emotional health and overall well-being, said Adriana LaGrange, the provincial minister of education. A return to school will provide our students with the familiar daily routine of learning in class and will restore some sense of normalcy for both students and families amidst these unusual times.

In B.C., the Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry also announced an extension of the province-wide restrictions on private and public social gatherings to Feb. 5, 2021.

B.C. has less cases but decided on the extension out of a precaution for the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the more transmissible variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus found last month in the UK still on the spread.

On Jan. 7, B.C. reported two new cases linked to the new UK variant. Public health officials have confirmed that both patients were household members of the first individual in the province who were identified with the UK variant on Dec. 27, 2020.

Here in B.C., we are and will continue to do all we can to protect our province, and we ask everyone to do the same, Henry said in a statement. Brighter days are without a doubt ahead, when thousands more will be immunized from COVID-19 and the spread of the virus has slowed.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : In the wake of the bird flu scare in the national capital, the Delhi government on Saturday banned the import of live birds into the city, while assuring the citizens that all necessary measures are being taken to tackle the disease.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made the announcement through a digital press conference and made it clear that "there is not a single confirmed bird flu case in Delhi so far".

As a precautionary measure, the Chief Minister said the government has decided to impose a complete ban on the import of live birds into the city with immediate effect. Kejriwal also announced the closure of the Ghazipur chicken mandi for the next 10 days.

"Delhi government is taking all necessary measures to stop the spread of bird flu in the national capital. There is nothing to worry. We are keeping track of the disease," he said.

The Chief Minister added that a 24-hour helpline 23890318 has been set up to provide assistance to the people.

He said the Delhi government has collected 104 samples till now and they have been sent to Jalandhar to be tested in a laboratory.

"In the last few days, there have been several cases of bird flu across various parts of the country, which is a cause of worry. Cases of bird flu have been registered in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. No confirmed case of bird flu has been registered in Delhi until now. We have collected around 104 samples until now, which have been sent to Jalandhar for testing and examination in a laboratory. Upon receiving the results day after tomorrow, the Delhi government will take all decisions and measures based on the results," Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal said the Delhi government is following all guidelines and directions issued by the Central government with regard to the bird flu.

He said that rapid response teams have been formed in every district to contain the spread of bird flu, if any, and conduct proper surveillance. They will function under the district magistrates.

"Our veterinary officers are conducting proper surveys in all bird markets, wildlife establishments and water bodies across Delhi. The special focus of the teams is poultry market, Ghazipur, Shakti Sthal Lake, Bhalswa Lake, Sanjay Lake, Delhi Zoo, DDA parks situated at Hauz Khas village, Pashchim Vihar and Dwarka." The announcement came amid reports of 24 crows being found dead at a park in Jasola area in south Delhi in the past three days. A total of 10 ducks were also found dead at the famous Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar area in east Delhi. The samples of the dead ducks have been sent to the concerned lab to ascertain if they died from bird flu.

The forest department of the Delhi government has been informed about the death of the ducks and employees of the Delhi Development Authority, which owns a large number of parks in the city, are monitoring the situation.

In the past few days, at least 35 crows have died in Delhi. Their samples have also been sent for testing.

On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had instructed the officials to maintain a strict vigil on birds at the major bird sites, especially poultry markets, water bodies, zoos and other potential hotspots.
Buying activity in Polands rebar market was recovering slowly after the year-end break and was expected to fully resume next week, sources said.Some producers were back in the market this week, testing buyers with new offers, while others were expected to issue new rebar prices next week.

Its a bit messy, because we came back to the market only on [January 7]. Celsa Huta Ostrowiec was offering 2,700 zloty per tonne delivered [for rebar] on Thursday, but they withdrew that. CMC Zawiercie will offer on Monday, one trader said.

...
Posted Saturday, January 9, 2021 6:53 am

At least two Seattle police officers who were in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday during the riot at the U.S. Capitol have been placed on administrative leave, according to a Friday night statement from interim Police Chief Adrian Diaz.

"The Department fully supports all lawful expressions of First Amendment freedom of speech, but the violent mob and events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol were unlawful and resulted in the death of another police officer," Diaz said in the statement. "... If any SPD officers were directly involved in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, I will immediately terminate them."

The city's Office of Police Accountability (OPA) is investigating whether any Police Department policies were violated and will conduct a "full review of any SPD employee activities at the U.S. Capitol."

Officer Valerie Carson, a spokesperson for the Police Department, said Friday night the officers were not on duty while they were in D.C. The department did not release any other information about the officers and Carson referred further questions to OPA.

Andrew Myerberg, OPA's civilian director, said late Friday that the patrol chief notified his office about the officers around 9 p.m. Thursday evening, and an internal investigation case was initiated early Friday.

"We learned about this in an email last night," Myerberg said in a phone interview. "There's a picture that circulated on social media of the two officers at the protest rally. So, yes, we believe they were there, but we don't know all the facts yet, so that's why we're doing the investigation."

The OPA will try to determine "what role the officers played" at the D.C. protests, including whether they participated with the mob in the deadly riot that breached the Capitol, he said.

"The fundamental question will be, 'Is being present at the rally in and of itself a violation of department policy?'" Myerberg said. "And I just don't know that yet. I think it really depends on what they did and what their role was in those events."

OPA investigators will also seek to find out if any other Seattle officers may have attended or participated in Wednesday's events, and if so, to what extent, he said.

Seattle Police Officers Guild Mike Solan did not immediately return a message seeking comment late Friday.

Diaz's statement comes after a mob of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, protesting President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory, interrupting congressional debate and marching through the building, ransacking many areas. A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol, and Washington's mayor instituted an evening curfew in an attempt to contain the violence.

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who responded to the riot, died from injuries sustained during the violence, police confirmed Thursday evening.

___

(c)2021 The Seattle Times

Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

WASHINGTON - The last chapter in the presidency of Donald Trump has come down to this: Under what circumstances will he leave office and how much will that departure further sully an already besmirched legacy.

The end is coming in ways Trump could not have imagined before Wednesday's riot at the Capitol by his supporters. He is hearing calls for his resignation from conservative voices, among them Rupert Murdoch's Wall Street Journal editorial page.

Members of his Cabinet and White House staff are deserting him, though perhaps too late to escape the fallout from having stood by him for so long. Twitter and Facebook have banned him permanently due to the risk of further incitement of violence, denying him the favored platform for his incendiary messaging and attacks on rivals.

More ominously, he faces the prospect of being impeached for a second time by House Democrats, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Were that to happen, Trump would stand alone among the nation's presidents for such ignobility.

Absent a resignation or a move by Vice President Mike Pence to lead a move to invoke the 25th Amendment, for which Pence shows no stomach, impeachment proceedings could be on a fast track. In just a few days, the idea of impeachment has gone from preliminary conversations to the prospect of possible floor action early next week, if Trump has not resigned.

Trump's role in whipping up the mob that invaded and then desecrated the U.S. Capitol, the most visible symbol of American democracy, has left the president with few defenders. There are the last bitter-enders of the nativist army that has provided aid and comfort to him for five years. There are the members of the Republican National Committee, who met and cheered the president in Florida on Friday.

There are still some allies in Congress, though fewer than ever. Even before the Capitol was overrun, Trump had been abandoned by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who voted against objections to the electoral count and made his opposition clear in a stinging floor statement.

The president's relationship with Pence has been ruptured because the vice president did the constitutionally limited - and correct - thing in presiding without interference over the counting of the electoral college votes that made official President-elect Joe Biden's victory. Trump apparently cannot understand why the vice president would stand with the Constitution. The absence of a commitment to the Constitution has been a persistent defect of Trump's presidency.

The Post and others have drawn vivid portraits all week of a bunkered and embittered president, surrounded by only a few advisers. Under pressure, he sent out a video Thursday evening asking that "tempers be cooled" and acknowledging that there would be a new administration on Jan. 20. He said that his focus now would be on assuring a "smooth, orderly and seamless" transition. He did not mention Biden or offer congratulations.

On Friday, before the permanent suspension from Twitter, he tweeted that the nearly 75 million people who voted for him will have "a giant voice" in the future and are not to be "disrespected" or treated unfairly. Later he tweeted that he would not attend Biden's inauguration, the first president in more than a century to skip a ceremony that would have signaled his admission that the election was fairly decided.

Two issues lie behind the moves to force Trump from office. One is the issue of clear and present danger, or more simply, what further damage could be done by a temperamentally fragile president in the final days.

Pelosi took the extraordinary step of publicly revealing that she had talked with Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss "available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes and ordering a nuclear strike."

Pelosi's expressed fears were alarmingly direct in language, but this not the first time the issue of what Trump might do with his commander in chief powers in the final days had been raised by those who have served in government. Earlier, the 10 living former defense secretaries had warned Pentagon leaders not to involve the military in any election disputes and pointed to severe consequences for those leaders if they allowed that to happen.

To some people, the easiest way out to alleviate worries about what Trump might do in his remaining days would be a quick presidential resignation and the elevation of Pence to the presidency until Biden is sworn in. Those who favor resignation see impeachment as prolonged and divisive and view the use of the 25th Amendment, in which Pence and a majority of the Cabinet would declare Trump unable to discharge his duties, as a far messier conclusion to his presidency.

The other issue driving talk of impeachment is accountability for stoking the violence against the Capitol. The draft impeachment language prepared by House Democrats makes that role the basis for the charge against the president.

Impeachment and conviction, were the Senate to take such action, would do something else: It would deny Trump the opportunity ever to run serve as president a second time. Trump closed his Thursday night video by telling his supporters that "our incredible journey is only just beginning." He has been dangling the possibility of another campaign for president in 2024, perhaps to be launched as he left office.

Until Wednesday's attack on the Capitol, he was seen as capable of continuing his role as the most prominent and powerful leader of the Republican Party and able to freeze the field of 2024 GOP presidential aspirants for a possible run of his own or play kingmaker.

His diminished status could lessen the likelihood that the party would turn to him again as its presidential nominee, though he has been counted out before and continues to enjoy support at the grass-roots level and among some party officials. Impeachment would take that question off the table permanently.

Biden was asked about impeachment on Friday and tried to deflect. He said any such decision should be left to lawmakers in Congress and that he would continue to focus on preparations to become president. It was neither a rejection nor an endorsement, and he reiterated that he has long seen Trump as unfit for office. He said he believed the fastest way to have Trump removed is to let the Constitution work and await the end of Trump's term at noon Jan. 20.

A possible impeachment trial could tie up the Senate just as Biden is beginning his presidency. That would delay such Biden priorities as confirmation of Cabinet members and action on a trillion-dollar covid relief package that he said would be his first legislative priority. These are hardly the ideal circumstances for the incoming president but not surprising given the history of Trump in office.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said Friday that impeachment would only further divide a divided the nation at a time when, he argued, healing is needed. Democrats see those as hollow words, coming from someone who helped give support to the president's falsehoods about a stolen election and who voted in favor of objections to the counts in Arizona and Pennsylvania even after Trump's supporters ransacked the Capitol. McCarthy is not the only Republican now trying shamelessly to scramble to higher ground

There will be consequences of acting to remove the president and consequences of not acting. Time is short and the president's responsibility for what took place last Wednesday undeniable. However and whenever he leaves the White House, he will be forever marked by his final days in office.

One of the most interesting days in the world of tech. We witnessed Twitter permanently banning the account of Donald Trump, while Sony showcased its new speaker that looks like a giant electric razor. We also Google suspending Parler app from the Play Store among other news. So, heres the top news from last 24 hours.

Twitter permanently suspends Trump's account, cites 'incitement of violence' risk

Twitter Inc said on Friday that it has permanently suspended U.S. President Donald Trump's account due to the risk of further incitement of violence following the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. The account had 88 million followers.

Moto G Stylus (2021), Moto G Power (2021), Moto G Play (2021), and Motorola One 5G Ace launched

Motorola has launched four new smartphones in the US. The lineup includes the Moto G Stylus (2021), Moto G Power (2021), Moto G Play (2021), and Motorola One 5G Ace. The new Motorola smartphones will go on sale in the US soon but theres no word on its global availability yet. Motorola One 5G Ace is the costliest one in the lineup.

Xiaomi launches Redmi Note 9T, Redmi 9T globally

Xiaomi has launched Redmi Note 9T and Redmi 9T globally. Both the new Redmi smartphones are actually rebranded versions of the existing Redmi Note 9 series in China. Redmi Note 9T starts at 229 euros ( 20,500 approx) for the base model with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Redmi Note 9T with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at 269 euros ( 24,100 approx). Redmi 9T comes in three storage options, and at a starting price of 159 euros (Rs 14,300 approx).

Among Us was the most downloaded mobile game in 2020

Innersloths Among Us achieved a new milestone as the most downloaded mobile game in 2020. Among Us has managed to beat popular titles such as PUBG Mobile, Roblox and Call of Duty: Mobile. Among Us garnered 264 million downloads globally, according to data from Apptopia.

Google suspends Parler social networking app from Play Store; Apple gives 24-hour warning

Alphabet Inc's Google on Friday suspended the Parler social networking service from its app store, citing posts inciting violence and demanding robust content moderation from the app favored by many supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Intel talks with TSMC, Samsung to outsource some chip production

Intel Corp. has talked with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics Co. about the Asian companies making some of its best chips, but the Silicon Valley pioneer is still holding out hope for last-minute improvements in its own production capabilities.

Sonys new 360 Reality Audio speaker looks like a giant electric razor, here are the details

Japanese tech firm Sony recently announced that it is launching two new speakers compatible with 360 Reality Audio. During the announcement, Sony said that it plans to release these speakers named SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000 sometime in Spring this year. Now, Sony's UK website has unveiled the looks of the two new speakers by uploading their product pages and details. The more powerful SRS-RA5000 looks like a big electric razor.

Google Meet makes it easier to start a new meeting

Google Meet has received a small but helpful update. The new update makes it easier for users to start and join a Google Meet call. There are new options to choose from when using Google Meet.

Amazon India clears the air on Sony PS5 pre-order for Prime members

In a statement, Amazon India confirms that this is not the case. It has also revealed that it will not be bundling PS5 games and accessories for sale, along with the console as some of the offline retailers are claiming to do.
Facebook-owned on Saturday said its latest update - which has received criticism from a multitude of users globally - describes business communication and does not change its data-sharing practices with the social media giant.

Earlier this week, had started rolling out in-app notifications to users about an update in its Terms of Service and privacy policy regarding how it processes user data and partners with to offer integrations across the social media giant's products.

It also stated that users will have to agree to the new terms and policy by February 8, 2021, in order to continue using WhatsApp's service.

This kickstarted a spate of conversations and memes on the internet over WhatsApp's alleged sharing of user information with

Rival platforms like Signal and Telegram are reportedly seeing a surge in downloads in the wake of the development.

Tesla chief Elon Musk had also joined in the conversation, asking people to leave

In a series of tweets, WhatsApp Head Will Cathcart sought to share his views on the matter.

He said the company updated its policy "to be transparent and to better describe optional people-to-business features".

"It's important for us to be clear, this update describes business communication and does not change WhatsApp's data-sharing practices with It does not impact how people communicate privately with friends or family wherever they are in the world," he said.

Cathcart emphasised that with end-to-end encryption (E2E), it cannot see private chats or calls and neither can Facebook and that the company remains committed to E2E.

"We're in a competition on privacy with others and that's very good for the world. People should have choices in how they communicate and feel confident that no one else can see their chats. There are people who disagree with this, including some governments," he said.

The tweets, however, received varied responses from users with many continuing to point out concerns around the sharing of user data between WhatsApp and Facebook.

Meanwhile, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov - in a blog - alleged that Facebook's WhatsApp has switched to covert marketing and it has detected bots that spread inaccurate information about Telegram on social media.

Durov also sought to clarify "myths" that are allegedly being pushed by WhatsApp about Telegram that has over 500 million users globally.

He said "myths" that Telegram's code is not open-source, that the company is Russian and that the platform is not encrypted - are all incorrect.

Signal app too joined the conversation with its series of tweets. One of the tweets said: "Look at what you've done" and carried a picture of the app showing as the number one free app on the app stores across markets like India, Germany, France, Austria, Finland, Hong Kong and Switzerland.

In another tweet, it said: "There are no Terms of Service for a mother's love", taking a dig at the ongoing controversy.

(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 further nine deaths linked to Covid-19 and 4,842 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Ireland by the Department of Health this evening.

Overall, there has been a total of 2,336 Covid-19 related deaths, and there is now 140,727 cases.

Of the cases notified today, 1,049 are in Dublin, 530 in Cork, 514 in Waterford, 405 in Wexford, 247 in Louth and the remaining 2,097 cases are spread across all other counties.

There are currently 1,293 Covid-19 patients in hospitalised, 119 of which are in ICU.

Meanwhile, health experts have expressed concerns that the Covid-19 vaccine may not be as effective against the new South African variant of the virus.

Read More

Preliminary data from South Africa shows that the effectiveness of antibodies "is not quite as good" against the variant when compared to the original strain, it has emerged.

Dr Cillian De Gascun, UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory Director, said the South African variant is a big concern.

He said there is no evidence yet that the transmissibility differs greatly between the South African and UK strains.

"The UK variant and the South African variant both share a single change in the spike protein, which is the N501Y amino acid change," he told Newstalk.

"We know from studies that this appears to change the effectiveness of the virus, or basically makes it better at attaching to cells.

Dr de Gascun said this means it is associated with a higher viral load, which health officials believe is responsible for the increased transmissibility of the strain.

"I think what's caused concern about the South African variant is that it had additional changes or mutations in the spike protein which is the region of the virus which attaches to cells...and that elicits an immune response," he said.
A Reuters' photographer covering Wednesday's riot on the U.S. Capitol has claimed he heard at least three Trump supporters speak about hanging Vice President Mike Pence from a tree as a 'traitor'.

Jim Bourg, the Reuters News Pictures Editor in D.C., tweeted on Friday that he heard 'many more' speak about executing Pence as they stormed the Capitol and tried to hunt him down.

Pictures from D.C. on Wednesday revealed that a noose was erected on a wooden frame on the West Front of the Capitol by the president's mob.

According to CNN, the VP and his family could hear the angry and violent crowds shouting 'where's Mike Pence' while they stormed through the building as Trump did nothing to check in on his second-in-command's safety.

Pence angered Trump and his supporters earlier this week after pushing back against the president's incorrect claim that the VP could put a stop to the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the Electoral College.

A noose is seen on makeshift gallows as supporters of President Trump stormed on the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. A Reuters' photographer covering the riot claimed he heard at least three Trump supporters speak about hanging VP Mike Pence from a tree as a 'traitor'

Pence angered Trump and his supporters earlier this week after pushing back against the president's incorrect claim that the VP could put a stop to the certification of Joe Biden's win

Jim Bourg, the Reuters News Pictures Editor in D.C., tweeted on Friday that he heard 'many more' speak about executing Pence as they stormed the Capitol and tried to hunt him down

After Trump called on his loyalists to descend on the Capitol and 'fight' to stop the election result, fanatics burst into the building, forcing Pence and other lawmakers to be evacuated.

'I heard at least 3 different rioters at the Capitol say that they hoped to find Vice President Mike Pence and execute him by hanging him from a Capitol Hill tree as a traitor,' Bourg said.

'It was a common line being repeated. Many more were just talking about how the VP should be executed.'

As hundreds of Trump fans brazenly broke into the building on Wednesday, they were seen hunting out Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and new Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to voice their anger at Trump's loss and attempt to force them to overturn the election.

They were seen sitting in the chair on the Congress floor where Pence had sat moments before and took pictures in Pelosi's office before breaking down a sign above her door.

It is unclear what the group's exact plans were if they managed to find the lawmakers.

In a video with CNN, one Trump supporter named Penny Allison claimed that she believed ' we should have gone on in and yanked our senators our by the hair of their head and said 'no more' before claiming that it had also been a peaceful protest, despite the deaths of five people.

Trump's anger was directed toward Pence as he falsely claimed on Twitter that the VP had the authority to overthrow the electoral college vote.

Pictured, a duffle bag of flex cuffs remains at the northern entrance door to the U.S. Capitol building after the Trump rioters on Wednesday. They hunted for Pence and Pelosi

A protester sits in the Senate Chamber. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump

Pictured, flex cuffs still hung from the northern entrance door from when Capitol Police attempted to secure it from a pro-Trump mob on Wednesday afternoon

Another supporter of US President Donald J. Trump sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after breaking in. The mob had searched specifically for the Speaker

As Trump supporters left the US Capitol yesterday, we asked them if they were proud of what had happened https://t.co/VTb5USbSY5 pic.twitter.com/HHbedYDPNI  Donie O'Sullivan (@donie) January 7, 2021

'States want to correct their votes, which they now know were based on irregularities and fraud, plus corrupt process never received legislative approval,' Trump wrote on Wednesday morning, just hours before his supporters tried to hunt Pence down.

'All Mike Pence has to do is send them back to the States, AND WE WIN. Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!'

'If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency,' he added.

'Many States want to decertify the mistake they made in certifying incorrect & even fraudulent numbers in a process NOT approved by their State Legislatures (which it must be). Mike can send it back!'

Yet just before Congress met to certify Joe Biden's win on Wednesday afternoon, Pence made clear that he did not have the authority to do change the result and was not going to bow to any pressure from Trump.

'Some believe that as Vice President, I should be able to accept or reject electoral votes unilaterally,' Pence's statement read.

'Others believe that electoral votes should never be challenged in a Joint Session of Congress,' he continued.

'After a careful study of our Constitution, our laws, and our history, I believe neither view is correct.'

Trump had falsely claimed that VP Pence had the power to reject slates of electors

He continued the false claims in numerous tweets on Tuesday and Wednesday

Pence issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon telling Trump he was wrong

Yet Trump continued to falsely claim that Pence simply lacked the 'courage' as he whipped up the crowds at his 'Stop the Steal' D.C. rally into a frenzy and urged them 'to fight'.

'Mike Pence, I hope you get to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country, and if you're not, I'm going to be very disappointed in you,' Trump said at a rally

Lawmakers and staffers were all escorted to safety by Capitol police before violent clashes with Trump supporters and an armed standoff in the House chamber.

One Trump supporter was fatally shot in the chest by Capitol police as she breached the building and three others died after suffering medical emergencies.

A Capitol cop also died after allegedly being beaten by the president's fans.

Pence is said to have been greatly angered by the president in the wake of the riot with Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe telling Tulsa World 'I've never seen Pence as angry as he was today.'

Vice President Mike Pence met with Capitol police after the riot, pictured

The VP tweeted for the rioters to go home as they tried to hunt him down

The VP tweeted from his concealed shelter inside the building to tell those who had stormed the building to leave.

'The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building,' he wrote.

'Peaceful protest is the right of every American but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'

While Trump has finally conceded that he has lost the election and Joe Biden will be inaugurated on January 20, he has allegedly continued to fume at Pence and told him 'I don't want to be your friend.'

Trump even moved to ban Pence's Chief of Staff Marc Short from entering the White House, after blaming him for the advice he had given the VP.

Sources told CNN that Pence is being used as a 'scapegoat' as the president attempts to land the blame for his loss on others.

'Rudy, Meadows and their teams have been trying to set up the vice president to take the fall as opposed to admitting they laid out false hope in all of this,' the source said.

'Trump just can't admit defeat and wants a scapegoat,' they added.
Aid agency GOAL has thanked the hundreds of people in County Wexford who turned out over Christmas to do a virtual GOAL Mile to support vulnerable communities all over the world.

It has been a four decade tradition for family, friends and neighbours to take time out to walk, run or jog a mile for GOAL at Christmas to assist the agency's work in 14 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Determined to keep the annual event going and give people a chance to connect in a different way over the festive season, the agency announced that the GOAL Mile was going virtual and thousands of people registered to complete their mile at a time and place of their choosing.

Over 5,000 Irish people at home and abroad signed up to do a mile, amountibng to 5,000 miles, more than the distance from Ireland to Syria where GOAL supports more than one million displaced people every single day.

'I want to extend a world of thanks to each and every person in Wexford for uniting as one global family this Christmas to make a difference', said GOAL CEO Siobhan Walsh.

'This year has seen all of our lives affected in ways unimaginable just 12 months ago. The impact of COVID-19 has been profound in the 13 countries in which GOAL works, exacerbated by the unresolved humanitarian issues that plague progress including climate change, global hunger, access to clean water, basic medical care, and sustainable livelihoods.'

Ms. Walsh said that since March, GOAL teams have implemented a wide range of activities to reach over 17 million people through COVID-19 awareness and support programmes. and this would not have been possible without the generous support of the people of Ireland.

'Whilst we were all asked to keep apart this Christmas, I am so happy that so many stood together to do a mile in solidarity for GOAL, especially all our friends and supporters in County Wexford. It has been tremendous. The pandemic means the GOAL Mile is more important than ever as we work to rebuild communities shattered by disease, conflict and climate change.'
London, Jan 9 : All international travellers, including British nationals, will require a negative coronavirus test from next week onwards to be allowed to enter England and Scotland, the UK government announced.

The test will have to be taken up to 72 hours before their departure and failure to comply will result in an immediate fine of 500 pounds ($678), Xinhua news agency quoted a government statement as saying on Friday.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said all inbound passengers arriving by boat, plane or train will have to take a test.

"We already have significant measures in place to prevent imported cases of Covid-19, but with new strains of the virus developing internationally we must take further precautions," Shapps said.

"Taken together with the existing mandatory self-isolation period for passengers returning from high-risk countries, pre-departure tests will provide a further line of defence, helping us control the virus as we roll out the vaccine at pace over the coming weeks," he said.

There will be a limited number of exemptions to the new requirements, including for hauliers, children under 11, crews and for those who travel from countries without the infrastructure available to deliver the tests.

There will also be no need for pre-departure testing for arrivals from the Common Travel Area with Ireland.

Meanwhile, passengers arriving from countries not on the government's travel corridor list will need to self-isolate for 10 days regardless of their pre-departure test result, according to the government statement.

The new rules currently only apply to England and Scotland.

The UK Department for Transport is said to be working with the devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland to roll out similar measures.

On Friday, the country reported 1,162 new coronavirus-related deaths, the highest single-day spike since April 21, 2020.

This brought the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 79,965.

The UK also recorded another 52,618 coronavirus cases, bringing the total number to 2,966,235.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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.
China imposes strict lockdowns on city of 11M amid rise in COVID-19 infections

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

China has imposed a strict lockdown in Shijiazhuang, the largest metropolis in northern Chinas Hebei Province, barring its 11 million residents from leaving the city after it reported 63 coronavirus infections.

On Thursday evening, the citys Vice Mayor Meng Xianghong announced that all residents and vehicles will not be permitted to leave the city, according to The Epoch Times. Residents and vehicles of Gaocheng district, a heavily populated high-risk region, were further restricted and not allowed to leave the district's borders.

Right now, Hebei faces a serious situation to get the pandemic under control and our responsibilities are heavy, Ma Xiaowei, director of the National Health Commission, told a meeting with Hebei officials on Tuesday.

City officials had previously announced that a full lockdown would begin on Thursday but still allowed people to leave by plane, train, and private cars if they presented a negative nucleic acid test result that was issued within the past 72 hours.

The 63 infections announced on Wednesday prompted a top Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention official to warn that infections will likely rise in the coming days.

On Tuesday, Beijing announced that if any passenger or their belongings were on the same flight as someone who tested positive for the coronavirus, the traveler must serve an extra seven days of quarantine on top of the 14 days required for all people arriving in the capital, according to the South China Morning Post.

Chinese authorities have announced few domestic infections since late March 2020. However, local citizens have reported severe outbreaks in different cities and regions throughout the past year.

Some residents told The Epoch Times that they had been locked down at home since Jan. 2.

This disease is spreading very quickly, said Lin Guo (pseudonym), a villager in Xiaoguozhuang of Gaocheng district. Many of my fellow villagers felt sick and were diagnosed at hospitals, he added.

China has been heavily criticized for its response to the coronavirus pandemic, from demonstrating a lack of transparency regarding positive infections to imposing overly harsh lockdowns.

Chinas Communist Party has also repeatedly silenced whistleblowers  doctors and citizens  who sounded the alarm about the virus.

In December, Chinese Christian journalist Zhang Zhan was sentenced to four years in prison for her coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

At the height of Chinas outbreak in February, the 37-year-old citizen journalist and former lawyer had traveled from Shanghai to Wuhan to witness the severity of the virus firsthand. In addition to criticizing the CCP for its response to the virus, Zhan shared widely-circulated videos that showed crowded hospitals, empty streets, and citizens worried about their finances.

In her final video, Zhang stated, The governments way of managing this city has just been intimidation and threats. This is truly the tragedy of this country.

After several months in detention, she was found guilty by Shanghai Pudong New Area Peoples Court of picking quarrels and provoking trouble.

Zhang was the first citizen journalist known to face legal proceedings for her activities. Other citizen journalists who disappeared without explanation included Fang Bin, Chen Qiushi and Li Zehua.

Chen Jiangang, a Chinese human rights lawyer, told The New York Times that the length of Zhangs sentence showed the CCPs commitment to preserving its narrative of the outbreak.

Any time the Chinese Communist Party thinks of a case as political, what they use is suppression. Extremely cruel suppression, said Chen.

What was Zhang Zhans crime? he asked. She just went to Wuhan, saw some things, talked about them. Thats it.
The New York Times

On the glassy blue waters surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands, catamarans and pleasure yachts have packed the shoreline for the past year  a scene so busy and crowded, it is unimaginable, even before the pandemic. Indeed, the business of charter yachts is booming, and expected to pump at least $88 million into the local economy this season, almost double the roughly $45 million that came in 2019, according to Marketplace Excellence, which represents the U.S. territorys department of tourism. But less than 12 miles away, the quiet waterways of the British Virgin Islands present a different story. Relatively few boats have harbored there since last spring, when Britain mostly shuttered the territory to international tourists. Strict COVID safety protocols have kept many away. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Before the pandemic, the Caribbean was the worlds most tourism-reliant region, according to recent calculations by the World Travel Tourism Council. Made up of dozens of sovereign nations, territories and dependencies that often reacted disparately to the virus, the region was struck unequally by the coronavirus. Some islands were walloped by staggering caseloads, while infections on others sometimes dwindled to single digits. With 48% of its population fully vaccinated, and 62% at least partially vaccinated, Turks and Caicos is one of the most inoculated places in the world. Haiti has not received a single dose. And like the British Virgin Islands, the fates of many Caribbean islands are tied to their colonial history. With limited sovereignty, truncated voting rights and an economy largely serving international visitors, they are often subject to the decisions of nations far away. Health care infrastructures across the region are limited, and many islands have endured flip-flopping border closures and stringent curfews. The result: Tourism has drastically declined, sinking the regions gross domestic product 58% last year. According to a recent survey by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, a quarter of the more than 250 Caribbean tourism companies surveyed said they do not expect a full recovery until at least mid-2023. More than half of those businesses surveyed said they were unsure they could stay afloat. In a handful of islands with fewer travel restrictions and more successful vaccine campaigns, tourism is already thriving. For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, for example, catering to a wealthier market and specializing in luxurious longer stays, strong numbers are only expected to rise, as islands market a Caribbean summer to an increasing number of vaccinated Americans. But much of the region lags perilously behind. Unable to secure vaccines and with no end to the economic turmoil in sight, the economies and the people of these islands are endangered  along with the myth of paradise found on their sugar-sand shores. Here is a look at the strategies that various islands have adopted to survive, from work visas to testing availability. Technology Arubas Passport to COVID Safety Proactively responding to travel trends has helped position some islands ahead of others. In February, occupancy rates on the Dutch island of Aruba fell more than 66% compared to the same month a year before, according to a recent destination report by STR, a global hospitality data and analytics company. Then, in March, Aruba teamed up with JetBlue, which offers about 40 weekly flights from the United States to the island, to debut CommonPass, the worlds first digital vaccine passport. Those with the digital pass may take a virtually supervised at-home PCR test within three days of departure, upload results and cut through immigration lines. Uniteds Aruba flights from Newark, New Jersey, and Houston also use the pass, with plans for additional routes in the near future. We wanted to create a way to make it easier on travelers and more efficient for our air travel partners, said Shensly Tromp, director of development and technology at Aruba Airport Authority N.V., without compromising the safeguards we have in place around health and safety. Vaccination information will be added to CommonPass as early as June. Before the pandemic, almost three-quarters of the islands gross domestic product and nearly 85% of jobs had been rooted in tourism, according to the World Travel Tourism Council. Now, with tourism up 53% from February to March, Dangui Oduber, the minister of tourism, public health and sport, noted a continual uptick since Arubas dual CommonPass and vaccine rollouts. Aruba is also a world leader in vaccinations. As of mid-May, almost 57,500 Arubans were at least partially inoculated, with the island optimistically reaching herd immunity this summer, Oduber said. Vaccines Reaching the End Zone in the U.S. Virgin Islands Even when Americans were shut out of most of the world, the borders to the U.S. Virgin Islands never closed. Lured there with slogans like Reconnect with Paradise and the chance for anyone to get vaccinated, even before many could get a shot back home, visitors have recently crowded the American territorys beaches and restaurants. Hotel occupancy rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are almost triple that of the region and seven times that of the Bahamas, according to recent analysis by STR. Visitors are required to get tested but not to quarantine. With tourists swarming, the U.S. Virgin Islands prioritized hospitality workers early in its vaccine rollout. So, in February, Sandy Colasacco, a nurse practitioner who runs the Island Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit clinic serving many of St. Johns uninsured population, reached out to most restaurants and hotels there to schedule appointments. The fact that everyone can get vaccinated and feel safe when they work, even though theyve been exposed to hundreds of tourists every day, is a relief, Colasacco said. Bryan Mitchell, a software engineer from Los Angeles, discovered that on St. Croix, getting vaccinated was easier than finding a rental car. Extending their stay for the second round, he and his girlfriend were among the tourists who received some 4,150 shots. Getting the vaccine and stepping out of the pandemic, felt like reaching the end zone, Mitchell said. Among the first American communities to vaccinate everyone 16 and older, the U.S. Virgin Islands had fully vaccinated 31,645 residents and tourists as of mid-May and is on track to administer 50,000 first shots by July 1, said Tai Hunte-Ceasar, medical director with the territorys Health Department. The Health Department declined to provide an official target date for reaching herd immunity. But Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has equated reaching that goal with greenlighting the Crucian Christmas Carnival, a monthlong festival on St. Croix in December, which traditionally brings together many islanders and tourists. But while top Caribbean destinations a year into the pandemic experienced a 34% dip in flights, according to global business aviation data by WingX, Americans are already coming to the U.S. Virgin Islands in droves. Commercial summer air travel is expected to rival the territorys pre-pandemic winter high season, according to Marketplace Excellence. New flights are being introduced: In February, Frontier Airlines added flights from Orlando, and American Airlines will have daily flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dallas in June. JetBlue offers four new weekly flights from Newark, New Jersey, in July. Testing A Joint Partnership to Expand Testing in Turks and Caicos Despite low infection rates and a massive vaccine rollout, by late January, Turks and Caicos was just days from effectively re-closing its borders  because the U.S. government had suddenly required inbound international travelers to show proof of a negative antigen test, and Turks and Caicos lacked such a testing infrastructure. Several thousand Americans already vacationing there would be stranded and the travel dollars just returning to the semi-independent British territory would again disappear. Turks and Caicos, which officially reopened in July 2020, expected some 30,000 visitors  many of them Americans  to its 40 islands and cays in February. A closure would be a devastating blow. It was a do-or-die moment for Turks and Caicos, said Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, then the premier. With just seven days to plan, Ken Patterson, chief executive officer of the five-star Seven Stars Resort & Spa, offered to front $600,000 for the archipelagos needs. It really was not that hard a decision, Patterson said, noting the catastrophic effects of a potential second closure. More like swerving to avoid a car wreck: It was just instinctive. And so the territorial government and private sector imported 60,000 test kits, immediately certified 18 new testing sites (most at resorts), trained hotel staff to conduct tests and passed a series of laws to ensure health standards. It was very, very important for the Turks and Caicos to get it right, Cartwright-Robinson said. Having a tourist come back and say they werent stuck, that personal story was the best marketing we could get. Deborah Aharon, chief executive officer of the Provo Air Center, a private airport serving the archipelago, said traffic is busier than ever. Since January, the number of private jet flights in and out of Provo Air Center has soared more than 50% above rates seen before the pandemic, she said. Mid-May traffic rocketed 73% from 2019. Overall, tourism to the archipelago hovers around 70% capacity, but Seven Stars, which now offers a drink voucher along with complimentary COVID-19 tests, is sold out for May and almost sold out for June, with little availability until September. It was literally like a tap being turned on, said Patterson, noting he had never seen such high demand. In recent weeks weve taken more bookings than we have in the last year. Overseas Oversight St. Barths and the British Virgin Islands: Few Tourists to be Seen On the other end of the spectrum, some islands are still undergoing extreme economic stress. In February, with variants sprouting across the globe, France again locked its territories down, including the 11-mile-long St. Barths. The island is largely autonomous, but not independent. When St. Barths had its first reopening, last June, tourists quickly returned to the sparkling watercolor island  rusty red roofs and pink bougainvillea set against blue-green sea. We never experienced such a busy operation, recalled Fabrice Moizan, managing director of the Eden Rock-St. Barths hotel. By January, he said, bookings were full through June  long after the typical high season. We were ready for the best year ever, said Nils Dufau, president of the tourism committee on St. Barths, who noted that COVID-19 cases eventually plateaued as they ramped up testing. Then, Moizan said, out of the blue we received this decree from the French government. In mid-February, the islands territorial council asked the French government to reopen its borders. The economic consequences of this decision are expected to be dire, especially as no horizon has been drawn, the council members stated in a policy memo. They got our message loud and clear, Dufau said. Unfortunately, we didnt get a positive response. In April, the island received Pfizer vaccines from France and pushed a massive rollout. More than two-thirds of the islands adult residents are now at least partially vaccinated, and the hospital has no COVID-19 patients. St. Barths reopened to the European Union, Britain and some other countries last week, Dufau said, and expects to reopen to Americans in a matter of days. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands, which had fully vaccinated 4,201 people  or just shy of 14% of the population  by mid-May has endured the almost-complete closure of its waterways to international inbound travelers for over a year. Ferries reopened April 15, and those going between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase passenger capacity and add a second daily ferry starting Thursday. Otherwise, international vessels are still barred, and there is no timeline for reopening, said Keith Dawson, the tourist boards public relations manager. Testing and quarantine requirements remain disparate across the region, and testing in the British Virgin Islands is laborious for those who still want to visit. Travelers must get tested three times  before travel, upon arrival and after a four-day quarantine. (Most travelers with proof of completed vaccination can exit quarantine after a negative test taken upon arrival.) Anyone accused of breaking social distancing rules can be fined up to $10,000. (The territory, which in March had no cases, recently ticked up to 33.) Visitors compare no restrictions in the U.S.V.I. to some restrictions in the B.V.I., so the choice is easy for many, said Clive McCoy, the B.V.I.s director of tourism, alluding to the shift in tourism to its American counterpart. Before the pandemic, the B.V.I.s gross domestic product ranked third in the world for its dependency on tourism, which provided almost two in three jobs, according to a recent analysis by the World Travel Tourism Council. The territory has turned to its strong financial services sector to help alleviate the economic strain, McCoy said. Other islands have no such safety net. While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos enjoyed prompt and massive vaccine rollouts, much of the region is dependent on vaccines from other nations or via a discounted global program known as Covax. Largely headed by India, which is plagued by its own desperate outbreaks, the initiative promises to eventually provide poorer countries with enough vaccine doses to cover just incremental portions of their populations. But it faces a $23 billion funding gap and delayed shipments. Stalling public health and their economic recoveries, countries reliant on Covax are not expected to be widely vaccinated before 2023, if it happens at all, according to an analysis by the Economist Intelligence Unit. So far, the Bahamas and Barbados have only received enough vaccines from COVAX and India to fully inoculate fewer than 11% and around 20% of their populations, respectively. By February, the Dominican Republic had ordered 20 million doses across international suppliers, but has only received a few million so far, according to government news releases and news articles. Remote-Work Visas Looking Beyond Tourism in Barbados A few weeks after the world shuttered, Peter Lawrence Thompson, an entrepreneur from Barbados, pitched the idea of one-year remote work visas to the islands Cabinet. Our tourism industry must adapt or risk death, he wrote, outlining a plan to take Barbados beyond tourism. Weve been talking forever about diversifying the economy, but its hard, Thompson said of the independent British Commonwealth nation. This is a new type of tourism, its just very long-term. Its not vacation, its workation. More than 2,500 people  mostly from the United States, Britain, Canada and Nigeria  have applied since the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa began in July, according to recent data from Barbados Tourism Marketing. And Terra Caribbean, a real estate group with properties across the region, recently found that about three-quarters of almost 100 visa holders they surveyed had never even visited Barbados before they applied for the program; by November, more than 40% of the newcomers Terra Caribbean tracked were budgeting $2,500 to $5,000 monthly for housing. From a Barbados brand perspective, this initiative will pay dividends for many years to come, the group concluded in an analysis this fall. The remote-work concept has been adopted by other nations across the Caribbean, including Anguilla, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica and Montserrat. Danita Becker, a senior product owner for a startup in Dallas, moved to Barbados with the visa in September. Coming to the island accelerated a lot of growth for me, putting into perspective some of my career goals, she said, adding that it provided a break from the mental stress of social isolation and racial tensions in the United States. Now, most mornings, Becker, 40, who had never spent more than a few weeks in Barbados visiting her Bajan family, swims in the sea before returning home or to an open-air restaurant to work. Weekends include snorkeling and swimming with turtles, and she has also joined local Christian fellowship groups. Welcome Stamp may extend visas another year, but Becker is considering citizenship. I have aspirations to make a mark on the island, she said. And through technology and volunteering, do my part to improve things here. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.  2021 The New York Times Company
Were in a race to prevent infections, bring cases down, protect health systems, and save lives while rolling out highly effective and safe vaccines to high-risk populations. This is not easy. But if we act together, we can win both races and get ahead of the virus while also limiting the opportunity for the virus to mutate further and threaten the health tools we currently have. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opening remarks on January 5 at the World Health Organizations first press briefing of the year.

More than 835,000 people were infected with COVID-19 across the globe January 6, and almost 15,000 died, while the United States recorded its single highest number of cases at 280,352 COVID-19 infections and a record 4,223 deaths. Already in the first week of 2021, more than 20,000 Americans have perished from complications related to coronavirus. As of this writing, the grim tally stands at 22,372,177 infections and 376,837 deaths.

COVID Vaccine (Stock image credit: Envato)

Highlighting the deadliness of the virus, a CDC statistician told CNN in an email, We still only have provisional data through December 26. We should be getting more data in very soon. To that point, we estimate there were between 316,252 and 431,792 excess deaths in 2020. Our provisional death certificate data through that point show over 301,000 deaths involving COVID-19, which would likely place it 3rd among leading causes of death. In a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, released in October, the authors had found that adults over the age of 45 were more likely to die from COVID-19 than automobile accidents, respiratory disease, drug overdose or suicides.

It should be added that the first reported death in the US from COVID-19 occurred only in February, meaning that COVID-19 has not even had a full year to reach this grim ranking. More problematic has been that half of all COVID-19 deaths in the US have only occurred after September 1. At its current pace, COVID-19 would contend for the leading cause of death with heart disease and cancer.

There are presently more than 132,000 people hospitalized throughout the country. Several states that have seen some of the highest per capita infection rates are expected to see the number of ICU beds needed to reach their peaks next week. In Charlotte, North Carolina, where the surge continues to mount, Mecklenburg County hospitals had reached 90 percent ICU capacity at the end of December and are scrambling to add extra capacity. Rhode Island, Tennessee, Arkansas and Arizona are facing similar crises.

As the disaster is unfolding, a just-released CDC study published in JAMA on January 7 estimates that people without symptoms transmit nearly 60 percent of COVID cases. This implies that pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic people will not be picked up by symptom-based screening, such as temperature checking and questionnaires, so such screening will have little effect on the virus's spread.

CDC biologist Dr. Michael J. Johansson warned, In the absence of effective and widespread use of therapeutics or vaccines that can shorten or eliminate infectivity, successful control of SARS-COV-2 cannot rely solely on identifying and isolating symptomatic cases; even if implemented effectively, this strategy would be insufficient. Multiple measures that effectively address transmission risk in the absence of symptoms are imperative to control SARS-CoV-2. Presently there is no measure to expand testing of asymptomatic individuals. Testing in the US has remained stagnant since early November.

Virologist Dr. Frank Esper, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, acknowledged that we dont know how many asymptomatic people are actually infected. He pointed out that the new strains of the virus being studied are not only more infectious but may also have a more extended pre-symptomatic stage. So, the CDC study may actually undershoot asymptomatic infections, he said. The premise for the CDC study was based on data from early Chinese studies. Esper added, Older people tend to be more symptomatic and become symptomatic more quickly, so the asymptomatic rate is not the same across the board from young people age 20 to older people.

According to a state-by-state tally in Bloomberg News, four weeks into the vaccine rollout in the US, 7 million doses have been given. In other words, just 2.1 percent of the US population has received at least the first of the two-dose regimen of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Additionally, only 32 percent of all the vaccines delivered to states have been administered.

Across the globe, close to 19 million doses of the vaccine have been administered. However, of the 42 countries that have initiated a vaccine rollout, 36 are high-income and six are middle-income. These countries have purchased the majority of the supply of multiple vaccines. The bilateral deals being instigated are driving up these vaccines' prices, making access to them impossible for high-risk individuals in the poorest countries.

The B.1.1.7 variant of the coronavirus, also referred to as the UK variant, is estimated to have 50 percent higher transmissibility than the previous versions of the coronavirus. London hospitals have been inundated with patients, prompting Mayor Sadiq Khan to declare a major incident.

The White House Coronavirus Task Force warned in a memo released this week, This fall/winter surge has been at nearly twice the rate of rise of cases as the spring and summer surges. This acceleration suggests there may be a USA variant that has evolved here. They also called for an aggressive mitigation  to match a much more aggressive virus.

According to an article published yesterday in STAT News, the mutations noted in a variant seen in South Africa and another in Brazil appear to change parts of their spike protein in a way that makes the antibodies less effective at neutralizing the virus. The mutation seems to help the virus disguise part of its signature appearance, so the pathogen might have an easier time slipping past immune protection, the authors write. They note that the present concern is not that the vaccines will be useless but they will be potentially less effective, an assessment that does little to reassure the public.
A man in a widely circulated video of the shooting of U.S. Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt in the Capitol, 28-year-old Thomas Baranyi, gave a recount of what happened.

A reporter from CBS affiliate WKRG interviewed him after he stormed the Capitol with protestors and Ashli Babbitt, the woman who was shot and killed by police.

The reporter asked him how he got blood on his hand.

We had stormed into the chambers inside and there was a young lady who rushed to the windows, Baranyi answered. A number of police and Secret Service were saying get back, get down, get out of the way. She didnt heed the call.

He said that he tried to pull her back when she got fatally shot.

And as we kind of raced up to grab people and pull them back, they shot her in the neck, and she fell back on me and started to say she was fine. Its cool. And then she started moving weird and blood was coming out of her mouth and neck and nose, Baranyi said.

NJ Advance Media confirmed Baranyis identity with three women who served with him in the Peace Corps in Albania as recently as last year. The outlet also confirmed with Baranyis father that the widely circulated video was of his son.

The reporter asked him if he needed first aid, to which he declined.

Im not injured. It could have been me, but she went in first. It was one of us.

An emotional Baranyi asked the reporter to make this tragedy known.

Just make sure people know, because this cannot stand anymore. This is wrong. They dont represent anyone. Not Republican, Democrat, Independent, nobody. And now theyll just, theyll kill people, Baranyi answered.

When asked who is he referring to, Baranyi answered: Police, congressmen and women, they dont care. I mean, they think were a joke. $2,000 checks was a joke to them. You know, theres people filming us, laughing at us as we marched down the street at the Department of Justice. Theres a man in the window laughing at us, filming us. And here it was a joke to them until we got inside and then all of a sudden guns came out. But I mean, were at a point now, it cant be allowed to stand. We have to do something, people have to do something, because this could be you or your kids.

From The Epoch Times
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.

Newly appointed Superior Court judges will hear cases from this month By Ranjith Padmasiri View(s): View(s):

Six new Supreme Court (SC) Justices and 14 Court of Appeal (CA) Justices  appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in terms of the 20th Amendement  will start hearing cases from January 18 and 29 respectively.

The judges will sit in new court houses in the building currently housing the Justice Ministry. The ministry, meanwhile, will move to a new premises at the Technical Junction in Maradana. It will remain there until completion of a new building complex known as Adikarana Piyasa (House of Justice), to be built at a cost of Rs 16.5 billion.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will lay the foundation stone for the Adikarana Piyasa complex on January 25. Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and other senior judges have been invited to attend the ceremony.

The new complex, located on land housing the former BCC factory building in Aluthkade, will consist of four 12-storey towers. The complex is due to be completed within four years, Justice Ministry Secretary Priyantha Mayadunne told the Sunday Times. He said that once completed, the complex would house the Justice Ministry offices, Colombos high courts, district courts and magistrates courts and the official quarters of judges serving in Colombo.

The 20 new judges who were sworn in on December 2 under 20A have now been allocated chambers at the Superior Court complex in rooms that had previously housed offices. They had been without chambers for more than a month. Justice Ministry officials put the delay down to the lockdown in the Hulftsdorp area and the extended court holiday. Meanwhile, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya has decided to hold the ceremonial sitting for the new judges in two sessions over four days due to their numbers being so many.
Bangladesh workers are entitled to a 5% annual increment on their basic salary

A group representing Bangladesh ready-made garment workers is urging the country's government not to suspend a planned 5% rise in the minimum wage because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Sommoilito Garments Sramik Federation (SGSF), which represents over 100,000 workers and is an affiliate of the IndustriAll global union, made its request after learning that the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA)  which represents factory owners  wants the wage rise to be suspended for two years.

In a letter sent to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, SGSF claims wage cuts, dismissals, layoffs, forced resignations, and discriminatory dismissals are taking place in Bangladesh's garment sector amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

"In this circumstance, it is our request that you take all the necessary steps so that nobody can deprive the workers, who are the main source of economic power, from their rights, and ensure that the 5% yearly increment of garment workers is maintained," it says.

Since the beginning of 2019, the minimum wage for garment workers has been BDT8,000 (US$95) per month, with workers entitled to a 5% annual increment on their basic salary.

Bangladesh is one of the few countries where minimum wages are set entirely according to industry, with the highest rates applying to the garment sector  which revises the minimum wage every five years. This last happened in December 2018.

According to research published last month by the International Labour Organization (ILO), real minimum wages in Bangladesh showed the biggest decline of all countries in Asia and the Pacific between 2010 and 2019, dropping 5.9% over the period.

As the world's second-largest garment exporter after China, the country has also been among the hardest hit by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on export earning data from Bangladesh Bank, US$4.6bn was lost during the three months from March to May as western brands and retailers cancelled or postponed orders and payments.

Last month the European Union (EU) and Germany said they would provide EUR113m (US$136.6m) to help the Bangladesh government support vulnerable workers in the country's garment and leather export industries.
MANZINI - Pay burial claims within a day! This is a plea from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to insurance companies and this follows the pronouncement by the Acting Prime Minister (PM), Themba Masuku, that those who have passed on should be buried as soon possible; preferably within three days.

The acting PM further said burials that would be done three days after death would require a permit, which would be acquired from regional offices in the Ministry of Home Affairs, where the officers responsible for the issuance of the permits had been urged to be extremely sensitive and act on the requests promptly.

FSRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ncamiso Ntshalintshali said as a government organisation regulating insurance companies among other financial institutions, following the pronouncement by the acting PM; they worked on a circular to encourage insurers to align themselves with the announcement.

encouraging

In the circular, which will be issued later today (yesterday), we are encouraging insurers to settle burial claims within a day or even less, the CEO said.

However, he mentioned that they had found that most of the insurers in the sector were already adhering to the one-day turnaround time to settle burial claims. He added that when they engaged the insurers, they mentioned that they also hoped that government would support them in terms of issuing marriage and dead certificates on time.

This publication gathered that some insurers had been paying burial claims within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Mlandvo Dlamini the Communications Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the ministry was ready in assisting those who have lost their loved ones to bury them within three days.

He said the ministry had already arranged that those who wanted death certificates, did not have to queue and if they have all the necessary documents, they would get it instantly.

occurred

Dlamini further said for death that occurred at a health facility, people should bring certification detailing cause of death (BMD 10), deceaseds birth certificate, identity card of the deceased and identity card of the person registering the death.

On top of that, he said the person registering the death, should also bring a document; like a birth certificate that would link the deceased with the informant.

On the other hand, he said for a death that occurred at home, the informant should bring a letter from umphakatsi (royal kraal) with official stamp of where deceased was residing, deceaseds birth certificate, identity card of the deceased and identity card of the person registering the death. Once more, he said a document, like a birth certificate that would link the deceased with the informant, would also be required.

acknowledging

Furthermore, the communications officer said for a death that had not occurred either at home or hospital, a police report, letter from the umphakatsi acknowledging the death was required.

He said a death certificate could be registered without post-mortem results.

On the other hand, he said for external death registration, a certification of cause of death issued by a doctor in the country where the deceased passed away would be required to register a death certificate.

He said the deceased should be a liSwati in terms of the Constitution.

Other things which he said were required in order to register a death certificate for an external death were birth certificate and identity card of deceased, identity card of the person registering the death together with a document, a birth certificate for example that would link the deceased with the informant.

He said they also need to produce the deceaseds certified copy of his/her passport.

Dlamini said the page should be with the deceaseds particulars, photo and entry stamp.

On another note, the communications officer said as a ministry, they appeal to all emaSwati to cooperate with government and follow all COVID-19 safety precautions when coming to their service centres, as they were facing a war.

shortage

It is worth noting that as the Covid-19 deaths mount, undertakers are facing a shortage of coffins.

For example, Themba Makhanya of Santa Lucia Funeral Services (Pty) Ltd stated in a previous interview with the publication that a number of products were hard to source of late.

Again, B3 Groups Director Dan Zikalala was quoted saying the shortage was looming as there was a backlog with suppliers and the turnaround time for receiving stock would be prolonged.

Meanwhile, Dups Funeral Home and Crematorium General Manager Kyle De Souza said they had stock pile, but had placed an order with their suppliers.

However, he mentioned that they were informed that they would get their orders at a later date as there was a backlog in the orders.






Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 is feared to have crashed into the seas after the Boeing 737 lost contact with the Jakarta Airport in Indonesia. The flight which had 62 passengers on aboard when radio silent shortly after it had taken off from the airport on Saturday,

According to the flight tracking data, the aircraft appeared to have taken a steep dive just four minutes after it had taken off. Rescuers have stated that they found suspected debris in a water body north of Jarkarta, an official of the Basarnas search and rescue agency explained, reported Reuters.

"Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 lost more than 10.000 feet of altitude in less than one minute, about 4 minutes after departure from Jakarta," Flightradar24 reported.

"ADS-B signal from flight #SJ182 was lost at 07:40:27 UTC time. The flight was en route from Jakarta to Pontianak in Indonesia," Flightradar24 added.

Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 took off from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport and was headed to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesia's Borneo island.

The duration of the flight was expected to be 90 minutes but soon after takeoff, all communications with the aircraft was lost. The plane had six crew members and 56 passengers on board when it took off. According to FlightRadar24 data, the aircraft was a Boeing 737-500 series.

"A Sriwijaya (Air) plane from Jakarta to Pontianak (on Borneo island) with call sign SJY182 has lost contact," said Indonesian ministry spokespersom Adita Irawati. "The Boeing 737-500 took off from Jakarta at about 1:56 p.m. and lost contact with the control tower at 2:40 p.m.," the ministry added, according to AP.

The Indonesian authorities have started search and reuse operation for the missing aircraft. National Search and Rescue Agency and the National Transportation Safety Committee are involved with this, according to a ministry spokesperson.

Local TV stations have reported that the government has sent a search vessel from Jakarta to the aircraft's last know location above the Java Sea. First responders have been deployed to aid any potential survivors.

Also read: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro asks PM Modi to expedite shipment of COVID-19 vaccines

Also read: Indian start-ups of today are MNCs of tomorrow: PM Modi
China is ready to receive a WHO expert team to probe the origin of COVID-19 and has reached a consensus with the UNs top health agency, a senior Chinese official said on Saturday, but gave no specific timeline for the visit. The exact time on when the WHO expert team will arrive in Wuhan, where the virus emerged in December last, and investigate into the coronavirus origin is still under negotiation, Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission, told a press conference.

China and the World Health Organisation have reached a consensus on specific arrangements of the investigation with four video conferences, Zeng was quoted as saying by state-run Global Times. Chinese experts are waiting for their WHO counterparts, he said.

Once the WHO experts complete their procedures and finalise the schedule, Chinese experts will go to Wuhan with them to conduct the investigation, Zeng was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua news agency. Zeng stressed that Chinas position on the WHO investigation is positive, open and supportive, and the country hopes such joint efforts would help deepen the understanding of the virus and better prevent infectious diseases in the future.

In a rare instance of criticism from the global body, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is often accused of being pro-China, in a media conference in Geneva on Tuesday had expressed disappointment over China not finalising the necessary permissions for the experts teams arrival. Im very disappointed with this news, given that two members had already begun their journeys and others were not able to travel at the last minute, but had been in contact with senior Chinese officials, he said.

Tedros said he made it clear that the mission was a priority for the UN health agency and it was eager to get the mission underway as soon as possible. The delay by China to finalise the WHO teams arrival is fuelling concern that Beijing is obstructing global efforts to trace the origins of COVID-19.

Reacting to Tedros comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying had said there might be some misunderstand on this. We can understand Dr Tedros and the WHO she had said, adding that the two sides are in discussions to finalise the dates.

We hope the details can be determined as soon as possible. Hope the WHO can understand this. We always have smooth communication channels. There might be some misunderstanding on this. But there is no need to read too much into this. We have smooth communication and pleasant cooperation. I believe it will continue, Hua said on Wednesday. China has been proactively questioning the widely-held view that the deadly outbreak broke out in a wet market in Wuhan where live animals, birds and reptiles are sold and spread to humans. The market remained closed and sealed since early last year.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a recent interview to official media that China raced against time and was the first country to report coronavirus cases to the world. More and more research suggests that the pandemic was likely to have been caused by separate outbreaks in multiple places in the world.

In May last year, the World Health Assembly (WHA)  the governing body of the 194-member states of the WHO  approved a resolution to set up an independent inquiry to conduct an impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation of the international response as well as that of the WHO. It also asked the WHO to investigate the source of the virus and the route of introduction to the human population.
Twitter on Friday banned President Donald Trump from its site, a punishment for his role in inciting violence at the U.S. Capitol this week, robbing him of the megaphone he used to communicate directly with more than 88 million supporters and critics.

The move amounted to a historic rebuke for a president who had used the social-networking site to fuel his rise to political prominence. Twitter has been Trump's primary communication tool to push policies, drive news cycles, fire officials, dispense falsehoods, savage opponents and praise allies.

A defiant Trump lashed out in response late Friday, accusing Twitter in a statement of having "coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left" to remove his account. He threatened regulation, promising a "big announcement" to come, and said he is looking "at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future!" The official account for the presidency, @POTUS, also tweeted that message, although the posts were quickly taken down by Twitter.

Twitter had resisted taking action against Trump for years, even as critics called on the company to suspend him, arguing that a world leader should be able to speak to his or her citizens unfettered. But Trump's escalating tweets casting doubt on the 2020 election - and the riot at the U.S. Capitol his comments helped inspire - led the company to reverse course.

Twitter specifically raised the potential that Trump's recent tweets could mobilize his supporters to commit acts of violence around President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, an analysis that experts saw as a major expansion in the company's approach to moderating harmful content online. Its action meant Trump's tweets disappeared from the site, removing the catalogue of his thoughts except for those preserved by researchers and other documentarians.

The move was especially remarkable for a company that once called itself "the free speech wing of the free speech party." Many observers noted that this most aggressive enforcement action in Twitter's history came in the week that political power shifted decisively in Washington, toward Democrats who long have demanded greater policing of hate speech and violent talk on social media - and away from a president and party who long had made effective use of the more free-wheeling policies of the past.

"It took blood and glass in the halls of Congress - and a change in the political winds - for the most powerful tech companies in the world to recognize, at the last possible moment, the profound threat of Donald Trump," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., a longtime critic of tech company policies.

Twitter cited two Trump tweets. One stated that the 75 million who voted for him were "American Patriots" who will "not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!" He then announced he would not go to Biden's swearing-in ceremony later this month.

In a blog post, the company argued the two messages violated its glorification of violence policy since they "could inspire others to replicate violent acts" that took place at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. According to Twitter, his second tweet could be read by followers as an encouragement to commit violence during the inauguration, which "would be a 'safe,' target as he will not be attending."

In doing so, Twitter joined Facebook in punishing the president in the waning hours of his first term. Facebook said Thursday its suspension is indefinite, lasting at least the next two weeks, citing a similar belief that the risks are "simply too great" at a moment of transition for the country. Both tech giants previously joined Google-owned YouTube in removing or limiting access to Trump's posts, including a video he shared earlier this week that once against advanced widely disproved falsehoods about the validity of the 2020 vote.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Trump appeared to try to defy Twitter's ban by using @POTUS.

"We will not be SILENCED!" @POTUS tweeted before it was taken down. The president also charged that in a statement.

Twitter's punishment is the harshest judgment the site has at its disposal. It appeared to be the first time the company had ever taken such an action since instituting a broad policy around world leaders last year, illustrating the slow shift in Silicon Valley as the country's most popular, prominent platforms grew more comfortable in taking on Trump.

Facebook, for example, had its first of many furious internal debates over how to handle Trump in December 2015, when as a presidential candidate he posted a video in which he said he wanted to ban all Muslims from entering the United States. Many employees called it obvious hate speech, but top executives chose to defer, by creating an exemption for content they deemed "newsworthy."

The challenges kept coming as Trump's presidency and rhetoric brought to mainstream attention right-wing ideas once considered beyond the fringe of appropriate political rhetoric. A particularly explosive flash point for both Twitter and Facebook came in May, when Trump called protesters after the killing of unarmed Black motorist George Floyd "THUGS" in social media posts. In response, Twitter opted to label Trump's tweet as harmful and hide it from public view - and Facebook petitioned for Trump to change his tone in private.

The shift within Silicon Valley began even before that as the coronavirus swept through the world last year, and the stakes of the rampant lies and misinformation on social media platforms were underscored by a rising body count as Trump and others denied the severity of the pandemic. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and others all took action against viral falsehoods that were clearly contrary to science. Not long after, they dramatically stiffened policies against conspiracy theories, such as QAnon, and the rise of dangerous armed groups, such as the Boogaloo, born of largely unrestricted online worlds.

As the national election approached last fall, disinformation researchers, Democrats and civil rights activists demanded tougher action from tech companies whose platforms hosted and spread falsehoods. They gained some traction, but at a time when Trump and other Republicans were loudly claiming that they were being discriminated against by Silicon Valley, critics said it was not nearly enough.

Rashad Robinson, the president of Color of Change, a civil rights group that has been pushing social media companies to police Trump's behavior more aggressively, fretted on Friday that it took too long for Twitter and its peers to act given the president's past missteps - and their potential to have touched off real-world violence.

"But kicking him off of Twitter, so he can't spread disinformation and incite the public, is huge," he said. "This is way too late, but I do not underestimate or undersell the significance of what this means moving forward without him having a direct line to reach an audience any time that he wanted to."

In considering how his supporters might read and interpret his messages, Twitter also potentially opened the door for the company to take a more aggressive approach on other content, including tweets from political leaders in the future experts said.

"That's a standard that's never existed," said Alex Stamos, a former Facebook chief security officer, now head of Stanford Internet Observatory, a disinformation research group. "The 'impact' standard has never existed."

Stamos added that Twitter's action - and Facebook's recent enforcement efforts - meant that "the right-wing social media ecosystem in America has been shattered."

The move comes amid a wave of criticism from Democratic lawmakers and Twitter's own employees, who demanded in a letter written this week that the company's leaders permanently suspend Trump's account. In an internal letter addressed to chief executive Jack Dorsey and his top executives viewed by The Washington Post, roughly 350 Twitter employees requested an investigation into the past several years of corporate actions that led to Twitter's role in the insurrection.

"Despite our efforts to serve the public conversation, as Trump's megaphone, we helped fuel the deadly events of January 6th," the employees wrote. "We request an investigation into how our public policy decisions led to the amplification of serious anti-democratic threats. We must learn from our mistakes in order to avoid causing future harm."

"We play an unprecedented role in civil society and the world's eyes are upon us. Our decisions this week will cement our place in history, for better or worse," the employees added.

In a statement earlier Friday, Twitter spokesperson Brandon Borrman wrote, "Twitter encourages an open dialogue between our leadership and employees, and we welcome our employees expressing their thoughts and concerns in whichever manner feels right to them."

The letter is addressed to "Staff," company lingo for C-suite executives who report directly to Dorsey, including Vijaya Gadde, who leads the company's legal, policy, and trust and safety divisions. During a virtual meeting on Friday afternoon, Dorsey and Gadde shared their thoughts on Twitter's response, according to an employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

Silicon Valley also took fresh aim Friday at a bevy of other sites and services where Trump's supporters have congregated. That includes the new social media service Parler, which became popular with the president's allies in the wake of the 2020 election.

Amid a flood of misinformation - and threats of violence in the wake of the Capitol riot - Google on Friday removed the app from its hub for downloads, called the Play Store. Apple also warned Parler that it could be removed from its App Store, the sole portal through which iPhone and iPad users can obtain such software, if it didn't remove posts inciting violence and put in place a stronger content moderation system, according to an email obtained by BuzzFeed News.

Parler prides itself on only loosely policing posts on its site, saying it only removes what is illegal or not protected by the First Amendment. After the attack on the Capitol this week, posts on the site voiced support for the rioters and calls to keep fighting. Trump, however, does not currently have an account on Parler.

Parler CEO John Matze appeared to address the Apple news on his Parler page Friday, writing "We will not cave to pressure from anti-competitive actors!"

Twitter's move did cause unease in another quarter: Researchers have long complained that when the company suspends a user, valuable records of online conversations essentially vanish into thin air, making it nearly impossible to later reconstruct them - something particularly consequential when a platform is the primary means of communication for a U.S. president.

"It has implications from a historical point of view," said Darren Linvill, lead researcher for the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub. "If you are the national conversation, they just sucked a big part of the national conversation away."

- - -

The Washington Post's Rachel Lerman and Gerrit De Vynck contributed reporting.
"We are seeing over 800 patients a day admitted to London hospitals with coronavirus. That is the equivalent of a new hospital full of coronavirus patients every day," says Sir Simon Stevens, the chief executive of the National Health Service in England. Loading "We've got 50 per cent more coronavirus patients in our hospitals than we had at the peak of the April first wave and that is true in every region in the country now. And that number is accelerating very, very rapidly. We've seen an increase of 10,000 hospitalised coronavirus patients just since Christmas Day. That's the equivalent of filling 20 acute hospitals with extra coronavirus patients. "And that is all happening at what is traditionally the busiest time of year for hospitals and the wider NHS." More than 1000 people are dying a day, the economy has been smashed and the third national lockdown will crush even more business owners and workers. But it would be a mistake to prepare the Prime Minister's political obituary just yet. Brits have been extremely forgiving of Johnson given the scale of the calamity that has unfolded since last March. And while colleagues are growing weary, there is no serious talk of Johnson being rolled by his party.

Johnson's personal approval ratings have not recovered since they crashed last year but the Conservative Party retains its lead over Labour in most opinion polls. The Prime Minister has a few things in his favour. The public largely accepts that the extraordinary surge of infections over recent weeks has been fuelled by a highly transmissible new variant. Johnson also has no obvious leadership rival. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is popular with MPs but inexperienced. Credit:Bloomberg The baby-faced Chancellor Rishi Sunak has impressed colleagues but he is inexperienced and was reportedly one of the loudest voices in cabinet against nationwide lockdowns. Jeremy Hunt, a former health secretary who has been highly critical of the government's approach and ran against Johnson in the 2019 leadership contest, could be a dark horse but is playing the long game. To his credit, Johnson has delivered Brexit  something his two predecessors David Cameron and Theresa May were unwilling or unable to do. But with Brexit done, Johnson's usefulness to the Conservative Party begins to decline and his handling of the pandemic becomes a more critical political question.

The central criticisms of Johnson are that he waits too long to make decisions, is blinded by his natural inclination for optimism and boosterism, and over-promises and under-delivers. A sense of incompetence within Downing Street and the broader British state is his Achilles heel. After breaking a string of pledges about when life might return to normal in Britain, Johnson has now made another promise: to vaccinate 15 million of the most vulnerable people by February 15. The priority groups  older care home residents and staff, everyone aged 70 or over, all frontline NHS workers, and all those considered clinically extremely vulnerable because of pre-existing health conditions  together account for 88 per cent of all those who have died in the UK since the pandemic began. Brian Pinker receives the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine at Oxford University Hospital Credit:PA With 1.5 million already given at least one of two jabs, that leaves 13.5 million people, or 337,500 per day, still to be offered the first of two jabs by Valentine's Day. "I have found this logistic operation to be unparalleled in its scale and complexity and I say this having served in operations around the world," says Brigadier Phil Prosser, the Army's logistics commander who has been put in charge of the military's involvement in the rollout.
Yet the timing of such an effort, with just 11 days until Mr. Trump is to leave office, scrambled the equation. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, indicated that under Senate rules a trial could not begin until Jan. 19, the day before President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s inauguration, meaning the process would not advance quickly enough to avert any feared dangerous moves in Mr. Trumps last days in power.

That raised the prospect of conducting a trial after Mr. Trump vacates the White House, overshadowing the opening days of Mr. Bidens administration at a time when he would like to turn the page and confront crises like the coronavirus pandemic, which has grown even deadlier while attention has focused on Washingtons political wars. A nationally televised trial could dominate discussion and would prevent other business in the Senate.

If the House does send articles of impeachment over, they really get the Biden administration off to a bad start, Senator Roy Blunt, Republican of Missouri, said in an interview on Saturday. Whether thats the first 10 days or the first 20 days of the Biden administration, its certainly not how youd want to start your presidency off.

Some of Mr. Trumps critics argued that it would be important to hold a trial even if he is already out of power in order to bar him from ever seeking office again, a penalty envisioned by the Constitution  and perhaps more important, to render a verdict condemning his actions for the sake of history.

Weve never had to consider even the possibility of impeaching a president twice, or in the final days of his presidency, said Michael J. Gerhardt, a constitutional scholar at the University of North Carolina who testified in Mr. Trumps first impeachment and favors another trial. But weve never had a president before whos encouraging sedition as Trump has done in his last few days in office.

Yet even some of the presidents harshest critics worried that a last-minute impeachment and an overtime trial could help him rally supporters by presenting himself as a victim not a villain, allowing him to turn the focus from his own actions to those of his opponents.

It historically will be important, said Andrew Weissmann, who was a deputy to the special counsel Robert S. Mueller III and recently published a book, Where Law Ends, expressing frustration that the president was not held fully accountable for his actions during the Russia investigation. But the danger is he is acquitted and the momentum of condemnation now is lost. Plus, until we change the mentality of his base, we have not gotten at the underlying issue.
A survivor of the Aberfan disaster in 1966 has now died after contracting coronavirus.

Bernard Thomas, 63, died on January 6 from the coronavirus, though his family are unsure over where he contracted the virus.

His brother, Andrew told the BBC: 'Bernard was a real character and his death has come as a shock to us as a family and the community of Aberfan.'

Bernard Thomas, 63, died on January 6 from the coronavirus, though his family are unsure over where he contracted the virus

Andrew said that his brother had had an eye appointment at the Royal Glamorgan hospital on December 21 and then tested positive for the virus a few days later.

Andrew said that he had been able to speak with Bernard regularly while he was in the hospital, despite receiving oxygen through a mask.

'It's a huge shock but I don't blame anybody,' Andrew said.

Bernard had been just nine-years-old when he was rescued from the rubble of Pantglas primary school following the Aberfan disaster of 1966.

After the disaster: The Queen and Prince Philip visiting Aberfan following the disaster on October 29, 1966

A total of 144 people were killed by the disaster - 116 of which had been primary school-aged children.

Fifty years after the disaster, Bernard was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and he told S4C that he still heard 'children screaming'.

Bernard leaves behind his 90-year-old mother Gwen and his brothers Andrew and Robert.
Loading the player...

Chaos at Delhi airport as UK-India flights resume, flyers complain against 7-day quarantine

Chaotic scenes were witnessed at the Delhi airport on Friday as many passengers arriving from the UK vociferously complained against the national capital government's belated decision to make seven-day institutional quarantine compulsory for them irrespective of their COVID-19 test results. Passenger flights resumed from the UK to India in limited numbers from Friday onwards after remaining suspended for 16 days due to the emergence of a new coronavirus variant in that country.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro asks PM Modi to expedite shipment of COVID-19 vaccines

As India gears up to vaccinate crores of people, Brazil writes to India for vaccine shipment. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to expedite the shipment of coronavirus vaccines to the country. The shipment of 2 million vaccine doses is for AstraZeneca's coronavirus candidate.

Japan offers 30 billion yen loan to India to fight COVID-19 crisis

Japan will provide 30 billion yen (over Rs 2,100 crore) as loan to India to fight the socio-economic impact of COVID-19. The 'COVID-19 Crisis Response Support Loan for Social Protection' is the second such assistance from Japan after it sanctioned 50 billion yen (over Rs 3,500 crore) loan as financial support to augment health infrastructure to fight COVID-19 emergency in August 2020.

No new KYC disclosure norm for jewellery purchase, only valid for high value cash purchases

No new KYC disclosures have been mandated for cash purchase of gold, silver or precious gems and stones and only high-value cash transactions continue to require the filing of documents such as income tax PAN or biometric ID Aadhaar, finance ministry sources said Friday.

'Risk of further incitement of violence,' says Twitter as it permanently suspends Trump's account

Twitter Inc said on Friday that it has permanently suspended U.S. President Donald Trump's account due to the risk of further incitement of violence following the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday by hundreds of his supporters. The move to suspend Trump's account, which had more than 88 million followers, silences his primary megaphone days before the end of his term.

Just weeks before next month's snap elections, Kosovo's interior minister and a leading voice in one of its top parties has been accused of taking a sexist, body-shaming swipe at the Balkan state's most powerful woman.

Agim Veliu said he didn't know that Vjosa Osmani, Kosova's acting president and parliament speaker, was "so big that she needs a space as big as the presidency [of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and] that [the leadership] should be removed [in order] for her to come [back and join the party]."

Veliu was referring to Osmani's demand that the LDK's top leadership resign before she returns to the party in which she served as a deputy chairwoman. She was expelled from the LDK in June after disagreements with its presidency.

In Veliu's full comments, published on January 5, a journalist follows up by asking what he means by calling Osmani "big."

"The way I say it," he responds.

Asked whether he regards that as insulting language, Veliu says, "She considers herself big if she thinks a [LDK] presidency should be removed [from office] for her to come [rejoin it]. She considers herself to be big."

Asked to further explain, he declines: "No, no, that's all I'm saying. I don't want to complicate it further."

'Bullying,' 'Misogyny'

It's unclear how perceptions of misogyny or sexism might affect voters in a region where many patriarchal norms and stereotypes against women persist.

"Life in politics is seen as a life dominated by men," Luljeta Demolli, executive director of the Kosovar Gender Studies Center, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. "And it would be better for Agim Veliu to support women entering politics with more democratic language and not such language, because we clearly see that they are afraid of women [and] afraid of women's votes."

Osmani has, however, had more important things to think about than Veliu's seemingly sexist swipe at her.

This week alone, the 38-year-old politician and professor of international law has dissolved the legislature after the Constitutional Court declared the ruling coalition illegitimate, scheduled new national elections, and urged the incoming U.S. administration to review Kosovo's recent "pledges" to Washington regarding mainly economic issues with Serbia.

But an Osmani adviser, Egnesa Vitia, took to Facebook to demand Veliu's "immediate dismissal" over the remarks. Vitia said the comments were "unforgivable, intolerable...disgusting" examples of "bullying" and "misogyny."

The National Assembly's Group of Women caucus told RFE/RL's Balkan Service that Veliu's statements were "unacceptable."

"The use of pejorative vocabulary that insults women is unacceptable and as such should not be used by anyone, much less by politicians," it said.

While she's not the first female president since Kosovo declared independence in 2008, Osmani in February became the first woman to serve as speaker of the National Assembly.

Veliu, who is expected to stay in the caretaker government until the February 14 parliamentary elections, is also a deputy chairman of the LDK.

Osmani was also previously the LDK's candidate for prime minister. She has conditioned a possible return to the LDK on the departure of its top officials, including Veliu.

Osmani also continues to explore the possibility of launching her own political group, tentatively called To Dare.

Scrambling For Votes

The six-week run-up to the elections follows a year of particularly acrimonious politics in the partially recognized Balkan state of some 1.9 million.

Powerful ex-President Hashim Thaci stepped down in November to face war crimes charges at The Hague stemming from Kosovo's war of independence in the late 1990s and its aftermath, which led to Osmani being made acting president.

And multiple governments have fallen since the LDK and the upstart Self-Determination movement unseated Thaci's former guerrilla allies in the 2019 elections.

These political uncertainties left a haplessly weak, LDK-led government in charge during landmark U.S. and EU efforts to restart Kosovo's path to normalization with neighboring Serbia, which still opposes its former province's independence, declared 12 years ago.

Kosovo's leading parties -- the LDK, Self-Determination, and the former ruling Democratic Party (PDK) -- will be scrambling for every vote in February elections seriously constrained by the coronavirus pandemic.

Osmani wrote this week to another pioneering female politician, the longtime speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, to congratulate the California Democrat on her reelection for a fourth term chairing the lower house of Congress.

"As a fellow speaker, and crucially both the first women in our respective posts, I cannot stress enough the example we set today for future generations," Osmani wrote.

'Sexist Labels'

Osmani is a trained lawyer who led Kosovo's successful legal defense of its declaration of sovereignty before the International Court of Justice in 2008 and served as President Fatmir Sejdiu's chief of staff a decade ago.

She teaches international law at the University of Pristina (where Veliu studied law) and has written extensively on gender issues.

In 2019, Osmani wrote a chapter on the origins and effects on society of "stereotypes and sexist labels toward women" for a philological series published by an Albanian cultural and ethnological institute in Pristina.

She cited the prevalence in local language and literature of "hatred, contempt, anger, reproach, irony, ridicule, despair, contempt, resentment, disappointment, disbelief, hostility, envy, jealousy, disgust, and many other attitudes of contempt for women."

In an abstract of the work, she concludes, "Such negative stereotypes and labels ideologically justify the inferiority of women in society."

Written by Andy Heil in Prague based on reporting by RFE/RL's Balkan Service
While the shortage of beds and staff distress are all too real, what hospital doctors and nurses see on the wards does not reflect the average experience of Covid-19, writes Professor Robert Dingwall (pictured)

The reports from Britains hospitals in the past few days have been truly worrying. No one should doubt the reality of what they are facing, or the suffering of gravely ill patients and their families.

Yet troubling infection rates and daily death counts, although impossible to ignore, are not the only way to understand this pandemic and our attempts to defeat it. After all, there is real hope for the future thanks to the creation of new vaccines.

But we still need clear heads if we want to phase out the restrictions crippling normal life. Above all, we must dispel the current mood of fear and the arguments of those who thrive upon that fear.

Covid-19 is not a conspiracy, neither is it a hoax. We were right to be anxious in the spring of 2020. Now we must start to put that behind us and demand a plan to dismantle the current Government controls in step with the vaccination programme now under way.

The first thing we need is perspective. While the shortage of beds and staff distress are all too real, what hospital doctors and nurses see on the wards does not reflect the average experience of Covid-19.

Footage from intensive care units looks dramatic on television, but, as the Governments Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance noted last March, most people go through the infection and recover quietly in the community, not on wards. Distressed and angry voices from hospitals appeal to our emotions but they must not dominate the way we think. Crisis management is not the same as planning.

Then, look at the vaccination programme and what it can achieve. My medical colleagues expect that the populations average risk of death from Covid-19 will fall to something like that of a healthy person aged 16 to 60. In other words, very low indeed.

When we have vaccinated all the highest risk people, some time in late February, what precautions can we stop taking? Which restrictions will be lifted? And when we have completed Phase 1 by vaccinating all the people with above-average risk in late March or April, what will we stop doing then? These are important questions but as yet, there are no answers

All this can be done quickly. Around 80 per cent of the drop in risk will be gained by vaccinating the first four priority groups in the country, which means all those aged 70 and above, approximately 13 million people. The Government hopes to accomplish this by the middle of next month.

It is a game changer. In a vaccinated population, Covid-19 will mostly mean a few days off work and will very rarely result in serious illness. It will sometimes go completely unnoticed.

Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, points out that we already expect 7,000 to 10,000 deaths from influenza in an average year. On any reasonable calculation, the vaccination programme should take Covid deaths below this level, and make Covid less deadly than flu.

Most of us would get it from time to time but we would shrug it off and get on with our lives. There would certainly be no point in the sort of restrictions we see now.

We do not lock society down for common colds, seasonal influenza or other respiratory viruses because we accept the occasional inconvenience of infection as the price of living our lives the way we choose and enjoying the benefits of an open society.

In the same way, a vaccinated population will not need Test, Trace and Isolate, or vaccine passports or special border controls. We can make a bonfire of face masks and embrace whoever we want.

And this is a choice that starts to become available to us from next month. The only question is how quickly we choose to grasp it.

Most of us would get it from time to time but we would shrug it off and get on with our lives. There would certainly be no point in the sort of restrictions we see now

Why, then, do the restrictions and lock downs seem never-ending? In part, it is the result of misunderstandings, including confusion between Covid and the fear of Covid.

There is also pressure from commercial and other interests that have developed to take advantage of the pandemic, and which now have a stake in perpetuating alarm and anxiety.

Most of all, however, we are unable to think beyond a world of lockdown because the focus on hospitalisation and death has completely distorted our understanding of what Covid means as an infection in the future.

Our anxiety levels have been pumped up high, partly as a deliberate act of public policy and partly by the constant drip feed of bad news stories. And this is a major threat to our future and our ability to grasp it.

When we have vaccinated all the highest risk people, some time in late February, what precautions can we stop taking? Which restrictions will be lifted? And when we have completed Phase 1 by vaccinating all the people with above-average risk in late March or April, what will we stop doing then?

These are important questions but as yet, there are no answers. And, make no mistake, we will only see a timetable of this sort laid out if there is active pressure to achieve it.

Even the Chief Medical Officer has hinted that a number of restrictions and controls might continue for a longer period, perhaps even into next winter. His main concern seems to be managing winter demand for the NHS (although I believe this can be managed with increased investment in the health service and a modest improvement in the current surveillance systems for respiratory infections).

Remember this, too  many groups are doing well out of the controls and will want to see them maintained for as long as possible. Some of these groups are obvious, including the suppliers of masks, sanitisers, visors, screens and other equipment used in controls and the people whose jobs are wrapped up in them.

Closing Test and Trace would be a big deal for some businesses, including those that supply the chemicals and services involved.

Covid has its medical winners and losers, too, as different specialisms compete for their share of NHS resources. This has been a good time for those in virology, behavioural science and mathematical modelling, for example.

For many areas of science, Covid research funds have been an important hedge against the uncertainty of future funding from European research programmes. Research groups are like small businesses and cash flow is crucial to sustaining colleagues jobs.

Yes, Long Covid is a concern, but it should not be confused with the promotion of Long Covid anxiety to sustain funding.

More chilling is the zero-Covid faction, those who believe we must keep the pressure on the virus until it is completely eliminated. Their campaign programme often spills over into demands for permanent restrictions and controls to ensure that, in future, no one suffers a respiratory infection from which they might die.

Such people are really in the immortality business, a trade for hucksters, not scientists.

Although relatively few are vocal in this aim, their objectives are tacitly shared by many well-meaning people who have not thought through the implications of defending lockdowns, restrictions and controls beyond their justification.

As Dr Mike Ryan, Head of the World Health Organisation Emergencies Programme, has noted, societies would do better to focus on recovery than chasing the moonshot of eradication.

In the end, this is a question of democracy. Chris Whitty has rightly challenged the country to think about what level of deaths might be tolerable in exchange for a return to the lives we led in 2019.

That is not a matter for any group of experts  scientific, medical, ethical or even sociological. If citizens are to debate this properly, though, we must get beyond emotions stirred up by fear to understand the real  but modest  risks that go with an open society and a thriving economy.

lRobert Dingwall is a professor of sociology at Nottingham Trent University and a member of several Government advisory groups. He is writing here in a personal capacity.
Chino, CA (91710)

Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High near 80F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 56F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Ireland was in a dark place on November 22, 2010. The economy collapsed, unemployment was soaring and we were days away from the announcement of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.

There was a lot of anger with the majority focused on the failings of the Fianna Fail/Green Party government led by Brian Cowen. Protests around Leinster House and Government Buildings had become the norm. The vast majority were peaceful.

However, on this particular day, things turned nasty. A group of around 50 protesters led by Sinn Fein TD Aengus O Snodaigh pushed their way through the gates of Government Buildings and angrily confronted gardai and military police tasked with protecting our democratic institutions.

Read More

They chanted peaceful protest as they stormed the Merrion Street compound which houses the Department of the Taoiseach. Despite the tough guy tactics from O Snodaighs group, they retreated fairly quick when one-baton armed garda stood up to them.

Among the demonstrators were two current Sinn Fein TDs  Eoin O Broin and Paul Donnelly. At this point, both were aspiring politicians having unsuccessfully run for the Dail and council seats. O Broin would be elected to the Dail for the first time a few weeks later. It would take another decade for Donnelly to democratically enter the parliament.

While the incident pales in comparison to the Donald Trump-led siege of Capitol Hill in Washington, it does show populist political tactics are not exclusive to the US. On Wednesday, Trump told the demonstrators he would join them but didnt.

The angry protesters in Dublin were led by a sitting TD and included a handful of would-be political leaders. They waved Sinn Fein flags and demanded the resignation of the Taoiseach. Albeit a deeply unpopular and arguably failed leader.

However, in this country, like other functioning democracies, leaders are disposed of at the ballot box rather than by storming Government Buildings. The Sinn Fein activists didnt wear face paint or Norseman-like horned headwear as they shouted Cowen out in the faces of gardai. But video footage available on YouTube of the incident showed a group just as determined to take on the State as the stop steal chanting Trump supporters and conspiracy theorists.

Perhaps if there had been a few gardai in Washington rather than what looked like an apathetic local police force things would not have got so out of hand.

The insurrection on Capitol Hill was driven by an entirely false narrative the US election was rigged and Joe Biden had fraudulently won more votes than Donald Trump.

While most people here believe this to be utter nonsense, there are millions in the US who believe otherwise. Those who stormed the US parliament were encouraged by Trump at a rally he held outside the White House.

Last year, after the General Election in January, Mary Lou McDonald held her own series of rallies where she demanded to be made Taoiseach despite not having the numbers in the Dail.

Newly-elected TDs posted photographs of McDonald on social media captioned this is my Taoiseach. Some of these same TDs would later have to apologise for their anti-vaccination and anti-Semitic comments they posted online. Others apologised for sharing conspiracy theories about the 9/11 attacks. Recent polling data shows 45pc of Sinn Fein voters do not intend to take the Covid vaccine.

When events unfolded in America on Wednesday, most Sinn Fein TDs didnt feel it necessary to weigh in. But on Twitter, McDonald criticised the shameful scenes in Washington which she called a direct attack on democracy.

Former EU Council president Donald Tusk also had an interesting tweet: There are Trumps everywhere, so each and everyone should defend their Capitol.
Oxford Dictionary defines a terrorist as a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.

(Wednesdays) attack was a domestic terrorist assault on the United States Congress and the United States Capitol, incited by the President of the United States. For months, Donald Trump has been making unfounded claims of voter fraud without any evidence to support his claims and even continues it after losing more than 60 court cases on election fraud. He continues to tell his supporters that the election results can be overturned.

On the morning of the United States Congress meeting to count the electoral votes, he made a speech to his protestors gathered in Washington D.C. and urged them to march on Capitol Hill, which later resulted in violence.

Leading up to todays events, a group of GOP senators, led by Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, attempted to object to the election results and seek out a commission to investigate these unfounded claims of voter fraud without any evidence supporting these claims.

A group of House members also signed on to support these unfounded claims. One of them was the newly-elected Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis from NY11. Since announcing her candidacy to run for this congressional seat, she shifted her position from not supporting him to fully embracing Trump and Trumpism. She even claimed to be the law-and-order candidate when BLM was protesting, and in some instances, rioting across the nation, while painting her opponent, Max Rose, as a supporter of the defund-the-police movement.

However, when Trump began to make unfounded claims, Nicole Malliotakis jumped on the Trump bandwagon. She signed on to support the Texas lawsuit to challenge another states election results, to which all nine justices of the Supreme Court of the United States wholly rejected hearing. Just the other day, she continued supporting these unfounded claims and voted to object to the certified election results, and the will of the people, without any evidence of election fraud.

I suggested that she temporarily vacate her seat until an investigation into voter fraud in this election finished, since she was elected to Congress in the same election. As of this afternoon, I no longer think she should temporarily vacate her seat. I believe she should resign her position as the representative for NY11 after engaging in seditious acts and supporting these claims of voter fraud with no evidence to support them, which led to the domestic terrorist assault on the United States Congress and the United States Capitol (Wednesday).

As your constituent and a lifelong Staten Islander, but above all, a loyal American citizen who has taken the oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, I demand that you resign as my representative in the United States Congress. Your behavior and acts have violated your Oath to the Constitution of the United States.

(Dr. Joseph Frusci is an adjunct professor of history at the College of Staten Island.)
C ANADA has been named the best country in the world to work from home in 2021, thanks to its combination of fast broadband speeds, relatively affordable rents and migrant-friendly visa policies.

The Great White North comes top of the world league of destinations for so-called digital nomads, who have been able to embrace the trend towards full-time remote working accelerated by the pandemic.

Home to one of the largest tech hubs in the world, with Google and Mastercard looking to open new offices, it has a reputation as one of the friendliest countries in the world with 21.3% of its population made up of migrants and an overall ranking in the world happiness index of 7.23.

British workers hoping to make a dash for the sun maybe slightly disappointed to learn the UK comes in second place, mainly because of its attractivity to Europeans and the average price of a one-bed apartment.

Data provided by Circleloop

Romanias cheap cost of living and broadband costs see it come in third place, driven by its growing influence as a tech-hub for Central and Eastern Europe.

Those looking for more far-flung destinations can investigate opportunities in New Zealand, which ranks 14th, just above Singapore. Thailand is 18th, Chile 28th and Brazil an inexpensive shout at 35th.

The research was conducted by Circleloop, which said: "This year has seen everyones working lives being turned upside down, with the vast majority now working from home for the foreseeable future. But who said working from home had to mean from your country of origin?
EUGENE, Ore.  Lane County Public Health has partnered with local clinics to boost the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to priority residents.

Eugene Pediatrics, Oregon Medical Group and WhiteBird have all donated their facilities and staff to help vaccinate Lane Countys health care providers.

County officials say the first step is public health providing doses of the vaccine to the staff of those clinics.

The support we have received from our clinical community, hospital groups, and EMS partners in the effort to expedite the 1A vaccination effort has been nothing short of amazing, and will be absolutely vital to our effort of achieving herd immunity here in Lane County, said Lane County Public Health Senior Health Officer Dr. Patrick Luedtke.

Information regarding the date, time and location where health care professionals can receive a vaccine will be release through a Health Alert Network notification. Priority residents should not reach out to the clinics directly until asked to do so.
History will judge not only Wednesdays disgraceful mob insurrection incited by an aggrieved and failed president but also our nations response to this assault on democracy.

Those who stormed the Capitol must be held to account. So, too, must those who created the tinderbox conditions  through baseless lies about voter fraud  that allowed fire to be set to a free and fair election, an election won by former Vice President Joe Biden.

Although there are only days left in his term, President Donald Trump must be impeached and convicted. Impeachment and conviction would disqualify him from future federal public office. It would put a hard stop to any future assaults.

While Trump has finally acknowledged the new administration, this has only come after the siege on the Capitol as calls intensify for impeachment. But even then Trump used rhetorical alchemy to characterize his effort to subvert the election as noble: My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote. In so doing, I was fighting to defend American democracy.

Pretty rich for a man who has treated democracy so poorly.

We dont argue for impeachment lightly. But it is wrong to say holding Trump accountable for his anti-democratic actions somehow wounds our nation. His actions wounded the nation. Thats why impeachment is necessary.

Trump and his enablers have waged a sustained assault on our democracy, culminating in the physical manifestation witnessed Wednesday. Before the attack, he incited the mob to march on the Capitol: Youll never take back our country with weakness.

He began the year pressuring state officials: I just want to find 11,780 votes, he told Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

He filed baseless lawsuits and repeatedly lied about election fraud. But the lie about voter fraud is the greatest deceit.

This is how democracies crumble. As Robert D. Putnam wrote in his recent book, The Upswing, in a democracy when our side is defeated, we need to understand that to accept losing in the short run is essential to preserve the long-run goal of democracy.

To impeach and convict with bipartisan support is to rebuke such anti-democratic behavior and ensure Trump never ascends to the presidency again. It would be a profound bipartisan show of support for democratic norms  something utterly lacking the last five years  and a stark message to would-be presidents. Do not go here.

This brings us to the junior senator from Texas, Ted Cruz. He must be expelled from the Senate. He, too, must be held accountable for his efforts to undermine the presidential election.

It was Cruz who gathered support of other senators and senators-elect to object to the formal counting of electoral votes, not because there was voter fraud but because of the unprecedented allegations of voter fraud, violations and lax enforcement of election law, and other voting irregularities.

It was Cruz who cynically said to Democrats on the Senate floor before the mob descended: I understand your guy is winning right now.

And it is Cruz who said only after the siege the presidents rhetoric was irresponsible and we are now in the process of a peaceful transition of power to the next administration, the Joe Biden presidency. He could have said this long before. After an insurrection is too late.

Lets remember that 17 Texas Republicans, including Cruz, objected to counting Electoral College votes for Biden. Lets also remember that silence in response to democratic harm is corrosive, and that in this regard, U.S. Reps. Chip Roy and Tony Gonzales, and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn were too silent about Bidens victory for too long.

Why is it the most prominent Texas Republicans to speak up for democracy  Joe Straus and Will Hurd, true profiles in courage  are former elected officials?

It remains to be seen if the assault on the Capitol is a warning sign or a turning point for this nation. If we seek a turning point in support of democracy, then those who have damaged it must be sanctioned and repudiated.
In his address at the inauguration of the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, Modi noted India's image as the 'world's pharmacy', and said it is ready with two locally manufactured COVID-19 vaccines to 'protect' humanity

India's COVID-19 vaccination drive  "the world's largest inoculation programme"  is scheduled to begin from 16 January, the Centre said on Saturday. The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a day that the number of people infected by the new virus strain rose to 90 in the country.

In his address at the inauguration of the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, Modi noted India's image as the "world's pharmacy", and said it is ready with two locally manufactured COVID-19 vaccines to "protect" humanity.

The figures of the nationwide COVID-19 situation stood thus on Saturday: With 18,222 new cases in 24 hours, the total caseload rose to 1,04,31,639, with active cases making up 2.16 percent of it. Meanwhile, 1,00,56,651 patients have recuperated so far, pushing the national recovery rate to 96.41 percent, the Union health ministry said.

The toll climbed to 1,50,798 with 228 deaths in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

In Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, a 42-year-old man's death nine days after being inoculated with Bharat Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine raised concerns. However, government health officials said that poisoning was the suspected cause of death but added that the exact cause will be known after the viscera test.

On its end, Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech issued a statement saying that the volunteer, Deepak Marawi, was "healthy" during the follow-ups conducted seven days after he was administered the shot.

"The volunteer, at the time of enrolment, had fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria to be accepted as a participant in the Phase III trial and was reported to be healthy in all the site follow up calls post 7 days of his dosing and no AEs were observed or reported.

"As per the post-mortem report issued by the Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal that the site received from the Bhopal Police, the probable cause of death was due to cardio respiratory failure as a result of suspected poisoning and the case is under police investigation as well. The volunteer passed away nine days after the dosing and preliminary reviews by the site indicate that the death is unrelated to the study dosing," the statement said.

COVID-19 vaccination drive to begin on 16 Jan for 3 cr frontline, health workers

India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from 16 January, with priority to be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers.

The decision, the government said on Saturday, was taken at a high-level meeting where Modi reviewed the status of COVID-19 and vaccine preparedness across states and union territories.

"After the detailed review, it was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu etc, the COVID-19 vaccination will start from 16th January 2021," it said.

After healthcare and frontline workers, priority will be given to those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities, together numbering around 27 crore, a government statement said.

Later, Modi tweeted that India will take a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19 on 16 January.

"Starting that day, India's nationwide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis (sanitation workers," the prime minister said.

India had recently granted emergency use authorisation to two vaccines, Oxford's Covishield being manufactured by Serum Institute in India and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Both vaccines, the statement from the Health Ministry said, have established safety and immunogenicity.

However, the spread of the virus has lessened in a big way in the country as the daily number of new cases has dropped to less than 20,000 from a peak of almost 98,000 in September last year.

However, the overall caseload for India is the second-highest in the world after the US, which has reported more than 2 crore cases so far almost double of India's cumulative tally.

In the review meeting, Modi was also briefed about the Co-WIN vaccine delivery management system, a unique digital platform that will provide real-time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature and individualised tracking of beneficiaries of the COVID-19 vaccine.

This platform will assist the programme managers across all levels through automated session allocation for pre-registered beneficiaries, their verification and for generating a digital certificate upon successful completion of the vaccine schedule.

More than 79 lakh beneficiaries have been already registered on the platform, the statement said.

Bhopal man's death unrelated to vaccine, says Bharat Biotech; activist says consent not taken before inoculation

Bhopal's People's Medical College and Hospital where the trial for Marawi was conducted, told PTI that the deceased, had participated in the

Covaxin trial on 12 December. He died nine days later.

Bharat Biotech's statement added that no adverse reaction was observed or reported in Marawi for seven days after the jab.

"The volunteer passed away nine days after the dosing and preliminary reviews by the site indicate that the death is unrelated to the study dosing. We cannot confirm if the volunteer received the study vaccine or a placebo as the study is blinded," it said.

Madhya Pradesh Medico Legal Institute Director Dr Ashok Sharma said the doctor who performed autopsy suspected that he died of poisoning. However, the exact cause of the death would be known from his viscera test, he added.

"After Marawi's death on 21 December, we informed the Drug Controller General of India and Bharat Biotech, which is the producer and sponsor of the trial," Dr Rajesh Kapur, Vice Chancellor of People's Medical College and Hospital said.

He said Marawi, a tribal labourer, had volunteered for the trial and was examined. "All protocols were followed and Marawi's consent was taken before allowing him to participate," Kapur claimed.

Kapur too said he cannot confirm whether Marawi was administered the vaccine shot or was given a placebo.

"It (the vaccine vial) comes covered and coded. During the trial, 50 percent people get the actual injection while the rest are given saline," he said.

Kapur said Marawi was kept under observation for 30 minutes after the trial as per guidelines before he was allowed to go. "We monitored his health for 7 to 8 days," he added.

Family members of Marawi claimed that when he returned home, he felt uneasy and experienced some health problems. "He complained of a shoulder pain on 17 December. Two days later, he frothed at mouth. He refused to see a doctor saying he would be alright in a day or two. When his condition deteriorated, he was being rushed to hospital but he died midway (on December 21)," they added.

Rachana Dhingra, a Bhopal-based social activist, claimed neither Marawi's consent was taken for participation in the clinical trial nor he was given any proof of his participation in the exercise.

However, the hospital has denied this charge.

Provide coronavirus vaccine free to everyone, Arvind Kejriwal appeals to Centre

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to the Centre to provide COVID-19 vaccine free to everyone.

" Coronavirus is the century's biggest pandemic. It is important to protect our people from it. I appeal to the Central government to ensure that everyone gets free vaccine. The expenditure on this will save lots of lives," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

The Delhi government has already announced that the coronavirus vaccine, whenever it is available, will be provided free to people in the national capital.

"The Delhi government is fully prepared to receive, store and administer COVID-19 vaccine to 51 lakh priority category persons in the city in the first phase of vaccination. The vaccine will be provided free to everyone on Delhi," Health Minister Satyendra Jain had said last week.

COVID-19 caseload details

According to the ICMR, a total of 18,02,53,315 samples have been tested up to January 9 with 9,16,951 samples being tested on Friday.

The latest 228 fatalities include 73 from Maharashtra, 21 from West Bengal, 17 from Uttar Pradesh, 10 from Delhi, and eight from Tamil Nadu.

The total 1,50,798 deaths reported so far in the country include 49,970 from Maharashtra, followed by 12,134 from Karnataka, 12,208 from Tamil Nadu, 10,654 from Delhi, 9,902 from West Bengal, 8,469 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,127 from Andhra Pradesh, 5,437 from Punjab and 4,335 from Gujarat.

With inputs from PTI

An imagining of how the Kavanaghs Slaney Mill will look

Two brothers from Enniscorthy say their plans to construct a state-of-the-art flour mill near the town will go ahead.

Andrew and Raymond Kavanagh have been working on the project for the past five years, carrying out research and design work before achieving full planning permission.

It was hoped that the construction of the flour mill at Ballycarney would have started in 2020 but the need for an additional storage facility for the 2020 harvest took precedence, as the stores were full from the 2019 harvest.

The Kavanaghs said that took their focus off the mill temporarily, however, once the harvest was over they met with Gerry Boyle and John Spink, from Teagasc, who showed great interest and support for the enterprise.

They highlighted the importance of sustainability, carbon footprint, and food security and showed how the proposed enterprise could incorporate and achieve elements of these.

The Kavanagh brothers plan to develop the plant at Ballycarney, on a site where grain drying and storage facilities already exist in the middle of some of Wexford's best tillage areas.

Speaking to this newspaper about their plans, Andrew Kavanagh pointed out that at present 4,000 tonnes of flour is imported every week from the UK.

Now that the UK has left the EU single market, it means that flour here is now being imported from a non-EU country.

'Our every day bread we eat will be produced from flour from an non EU country,' said Mr Kavanagh.

He also mentioned that the Covid pandemic highlighted a flour shortage at the very early stages but it was the result of a logistics issue resulting from the fact there is no commercial flour mill left running in Republic of Ireland.

Around 230,000 tonnes of flour is used in Ireland annually and the proposed mill will process 300 tonnes of wheat per day to produce 235 tonnes of plain white every day.

'In year one, we hope to use 15 per cent to 20 per cent Irish wheat but with simultaneous trials and research being carried out on milling wheat grown in Ireland with Teagasc, the aim is to reduce the need for importing and increase the use of Irish grown wheat in the near future,' said Andrew.

He said questions remain with regard to Brexit and what the knock-on effect will be for Ireland but he emphasised that too much time has already been lost and commented: 'We should have been Brexit-ready and if it was built today, I would think we would be at full capacity.'

'The need for this is massive and it's also important for the bakeries in Wexford,' said Mr Kavanagh.

Once completed, it's anticipated the mill will generate at least 30 new jobs but Mr Kavanagh said it's also possible the plant will expand once it's up-and-running meaning even more jobs could potentially be created by it.

The project is expected to take between 12 and 16 months to complete once works begins but Mr Kavanagh said they have a bit of time on their side in terms of planning.

He said that if everything goes according to plan, work on the project could begin as early as the middle of 2021.

'We are ready to start building, with the mill fully designed from the building construction, to the mill equipment,' he said.

'We even to having a qualified flour miller on board to run it,' he added.

Last week, the Government announced a 100m Brexit support package for the agri-sector to help deal with the impact of Brexit.

Mr Kavanagh welcomed that news and said: 'It is very positive and with the support options discussed, including competitiveness supports for the food industry, rural development initiatives and local food supply chains could be of great benefit to us.'

He feels some of that funding should be geared towards the tillage sector and to projects like the flour mill.

His sentiments were shared by Deputy Paul Kehoe, who expressed hope to this newspaper that the Kavanagh's might be in a position to avail of funding.

'If it is going towards Brexit-related projects then I would hope that [the Kavanaghs] will be able to avail of it,' said Deputy Kehoe.

'Flour milling and flour production have been affected by Brexit so I would hope we will be in a situation where we could look at Andrew's enterprise,' said Deputy Kehoe.

However, Deputy Kehoe said that one area that will be looked at through the funding scheme is fishing which he said has been 'decimated' in certain parts of the country.

However, he agreed that tillage also needs support and is hopeful this latest funding could provide some relief to that sector.

Minister James Browne said he wasn't sure how much of the funding would be geared towards the food processing sector but added: 'I assume it will an open call process for people to apply.'

'I would expect it will be for food processing normally done in the UK for Ireland and will be geared towards perceived weaknesses in the system,' said Minister Browne.

'The entire food industry has been affected but the finer details are not out yet so we don't know yet,' he added.

In announcing the funding last week, the Government said the new capital investment scheme for the processing and marketing of agricultural products will be managed by Enterprise Ireland and will open for applications in January and Minister Browne said: 'I assume it will be rolled out as quickly as possible and administered as quickly as possible.'

'I expect it will be targeted as weak areas,' he said.

With regard to possible tariffs Minister Browne said the overall effect of Brexit remains to be seen.

'There is a myriad of documents to go through, over 5,000 pages, and that will be worked out in the next couple of weeks,' he said.

At the moment the Brexit deal has been agreed, however, until it's passed by the UK and European parliaments, it's only an agreed plan and that's a point that was highlighted by Minister Browne, who said: 'The deal was only worked out last weekend so a lot of it has to be worked out and it has to be passed by the UK parliament and the European parliament so at the moment it's [effectively] an agreement to do a deal but it hasn't been signed off on yet.'

'Until that happens, legally, nothing can be done,' he said.

Minister Browne praised the Departments of Agriculture and Business for how they've relayed information to stakeholders and said it was done as efficiently and effectively as possible to-date.

'They've relayed information as quickly as they can and that will continue,' he said.

Meanwhile, the Kavanagh's emphasised that they are keen to support local producers and that, when operational, they would hope to supply leading brands in Wexford like Stafford's, Ryan's, Irish Pride, and Kelly's Bakery and, in return, it would give these peace of mind and security that a new flour mill is on there doorstep.

Development of the mill will also be very positive news for tillage farmers and, while the knock-on effect on the sector wouldn't fully materialise immediately, Mr Kavanagh said that after about three years the benefits for tillage farmers would be hugely significant.

When the mill opens, it will mark the first time in around 50 years that a new commercial flour mill will have opened anywhere in the country.

Mr Kavanagh said while some flour packaging might say 'packed in Ireland', it's mostly imported into the country.

'People don't realise that when they buy flour off the shelf, it's possible that it might not be milled in Ireland,' he said.

Mr Kavanagh said that while there is uncertainty over whether or not Brexit will result in tariffs on flour imports, it's never been more important to have a local facility of this type in operation. He said it's another reason why having Ireland's first flour mill in operation since the 1970s has never been more important for the local economy.

In addition to the 30 full-time jobs once the plant is operational, it's also expected that around 200 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip received Covid-19 vaccinations on Saturday, Buckingham Palace said, as the country surpassed three million cases since the pandemic began last year.

A source told the domestic Press Association news agency that the 94-year-old queen and Philip, 99, were given the injections by a royal household doctor at Windsor Castle.

"The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have today received Covid-19 vaccinations," a Buckingham Palace spokesman said, in a rare public comment on the private health matters of the long-serving monarch.

It is understood the queen decided the information should be made public to prevent inaccuracies and speculation.

No further details about the vaccinations were released.

The queen and Philip have spent much of the pandemic in self-isolation at Windsor because of their advanced age, and this year cancelled their traditional family Christmas at her Sandringham estate in eastern England.

More than 1.5 million people in Britain have so far received virus jabs, as the biggest immunisation programme in its history ramps up with priority given to the elderly, their carers and health workers.

The country, which has so far begun administering two types of approved vaccines, is racing to inoculate as many people as possible as a coronavirus variant pushes infections and deaths to unprecedented levels.

Britain on Saturday passed the grim milestone of three million cases during the pandemic, after the government announced another 59,937 new cases.

It also recorded another 1,035 fatalities from the virus, taking the total death toll to 80,868, one of the highest in Europe alongside Italy.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a third stay-at-home order at the start of the week as cases continue to spiral since Christmas.

Medical chiefs are racing to boost treatment capacity as hospitals risked being overwhelmed, while the government steps up its mass inoculation campaign.

It is banking on the rollout of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines to halt the spread of the virus.

UK regulators also this week approved US firm Moderna's Covid vaccine -- the third to be authorised for use across the country.

The government aims to have inoculated 15 million of the most vulnerable groups, including frontline NHS staff, by mid-February, and has deployed the armed forces to help with the rollout.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
London: Australians trying to get home from overseas are urging the government to establish a reliable quarantine system after a wave of flight cancellations were triggered by new caps on arrivals due to the mutant strain of COVID-19.

Stuart Kemp, 31, and his English wife had booked flights, quit their jobs and shipped their belongings home to Melbourne at the end of six years of living and working in Britain.

Stranded Australian Stuart Kemp. Credit:

But on Friday Mr Kemp woke up to an email from Malaysia Airlines cancelling his flight following the national cabinet's decision to halve quarantine places in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, on top of the already halved capacity in Victoria.

The changes were triggered after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk ordered Brisbane into a three-day lockdown on learning that a cleaner working in hotel quarantine had tested positive for the more transmissible strain of COVID-19 that is ravaging Britain.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

Two ancient tombs decorated with rare murals dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) have been discovered in northwest China's Shaanxi province, local authorities said on Friday.

The delicate paintings contain scenes of huren, tribesmen from the north, training horses and leading camels. They were found last month in Buli village, some 40 km from the provincial capital Xi'an, according to the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology.

A horse-taming huren painted on one of the tombs is believed to be related to the life of the tomb's owner, who was an official in charge of horses in the early Tang Dynasty according to the epitaph, said Li Ming, a researcher with the academy.

Li said that images of horses and hounds are very rare for tomb murals in the Tang Dynasty period, noting that the vivid humans and animals depicted are well preserved.

A mural depicting a scene of music and dance in the second tomb, owned by a royal couple, is in the typical style of the golden age of the Tang Dynasty.

The discovery of the two tombs has provided new materials for the study of murals and social customs at the time, Li added.
With the victories of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in Georgia, Democrats have flipped control of the Senate. Soon after those results became clear, President-elect Joe Biden finally announced his pick for attorney general: Judge Merrick Garland, whose 2016 nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court was sabotaged by Republicans.

The pick was met by some complaints on the left that Garland is a moderate institutionalist, not exactly a crusader eager to indict Donald Trump and his adult children on day one. But Garlands nomination leaves behind a gift for progressives. Bidens team clearly waited to name him until they knew Democrats would control the Senate, allowing them to fill his seat on the all-important U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuitseen as both a feeder to the Supreme Court and also tasked with massive regulatory oversightwith a liberal.

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.

Bidens picks in both the DOJ and on the bench will have their work cut out for them. Republicans have been stacking the deck against progressive judges for much longer than Trumps presidency. Senate Republicans blocked President Barack Obama from filling more than 100 seats, vacancies that Trump inherited. With the backing of both Senate Republicans and the conservative legal movementincluding putative opponents of the presidentTrump got judges confirmed at astonishing rates. He will leave office having appointed three Supreme Court justices, 54 appeals court judges, and 174 district court judges. He flipped three courts of appeals, creating conservative majorities on each. Biden, by contrast, will enter office with just 43 vacancies on district courts and two open seats on the courts of appeals. More judges will retire over the next few years. But unless Congress adds seats, there is virtually no chance that Biden will meet Trumps record by Jan. 20, 2025.

Advertisement

The new judicial nominees will need to be progressive enough to counteract the effects of a legal juggernaut unleashed by hundreds of Trump appointees with radical agendas. But they will also need to be more experienced, more diverse, well-respected, and sufficiently well-credentialed to both restore public faith in the judicial branch and also beat back a quasi-revolution that has been fomented against LGBTQ equality, reproductive autonomy, civil rights law, unions, and federal regulations. Trumps judges, like Trumps Department of Justice, needed only to set fires. Bidens will need to both douse fires and also repair profoundly broken institutions and shattered public confidence. The next crop of federal judges must try to repair the judiciary while those who sought to burn it down serve right alongside them.

Advertisement

Advertisement

But a complete restoration of the federal judiciary cannot occur absent an expansion of the federal judiciary, starting with the Supreme Court. There is a tension here: Democrats cannot defeat the radicalism of Trumps judges without taking a radical step themselves. Biden has no chance of undoing the destruction Trump has wrought unless he can get his changes past a judiciary that has been stacked solely to stymie them. Reversing his immense damageto the environment, the immigration system, voting rights, LGBTQ equality, and so much morewill require navigating a series of landmines, in the form of federal judges, laid by Trump. It is inevitable that at least some of Bidens legislative agenda will be killed in the courts, not because it is unlawful, but because those on the right now have free rein to reshape the law as it suits them.

Advertisement

We continue to believe that Congress should exercise its constitutional authority to expand the Supreme Court, allowing Biden to rebalance the bench and preserve the institutions legitimacy. But its not clear Democrats will be willing to take such a step. Joe Manchin, a pivotal Democratic senator, has forsworn court expansion and its necessary predicate, the abolition of the filibuster. There are not, it seems, a sufficient number of votes to reform the judiciary in ways that would preserve it as functional. Lack of action ensures that Biden will be boxed in on all sides by the dead hand of the Trump administration.

Advertisement

Bidens picks for the Justice Department afford us the first glimpse into his approach to this problem. He has appointed DOJ leaders who have spent their careers working within the system to change it. Garland will serve alongside fierce civil rights advocates, including Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke, who have lengthy careers dedicated to voting rights, criminal justice reform, and racial inequality. Gupta was an advocate who moved seamlessly to Obamas DOJ, then returned to advocacy, where she battled Trumps DOJ. Clarke worked for the New York attorney general before leading the civil rights coalition that fought Trump in court for four long years.

Advertisement

Biden has not revealed any judicial nominees yet, but we can safely assume they will follow along these lines: extraordinarily accomplished, brilliant team players with deep faith in the endurance of Americas constitutional order. Indeed, Bidens team has already asked Senate Democrats to send him potential nominees from diverse backgrounds, focusing on public defenders, legal aid lawyers, and civil rights attorneysall dramatically underrepresented on the federal bench. The plan is to make the bench more representative of all Americans, while still coloring within the lines.

There are dark days ahead for our courts, and the coming clash will be clarifying.

The hitch, of course, is that Trump has revealed that the Constitution is an easy mark. We have now witnessed one immutable truth: With enough political support behind him, the president can distort, defy, or simply ignore constitutional commands. As he does so, he can appoint judges with a jurisprudence rooted in grievance, not justice. Judges who degrade vulnerable litigants, disparage non-Christians, and defame women who exercise their reproductive rights. Bidens judicial nominees will have to work alongside these people. His DOJ will have to beg them not to implement the Republican Party platform from the bench. We suspect it will not take very long for Bidens appointees to grasp the full scope of the judiciarys radicalization under Trump. But this is not something the executive branch can repair on its own.

Advertisement

Congress has the power to rein in a federal judiciary that subverts democratic values and fundamental rights. It does not seem willing to deploy this tool in the very near future, and time is already running out. There are dark days ahead for our courts, and the coming clash will be clarifying. Bidens Justice Department will seek to roll back the odious legal legacy of the Trump administration. His judicial nominees will wage warcollegially, in eloquent dissentsagainst the ascendant jurisprudence of Trumpism. And it wont be long before we see structural distortions to voting rights, the census, as the machinery of democracy itself is being manipulated by judges wishing to cement minority privileges. In fact, its already happening. The coming years will involve a delicate recalibration of the relationship between the institutions of justice and justice itself. Those are not just fights for Biden, or the judiciary, or the DOJ. We will all need to be part of a process that is equal parts institutional repair and radical change.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 05:12:48|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

MEXICO CITY, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's vehicle production and exports fell in 2020 as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) announced on Friday.

In 2020, Mexico produced 3,040,178 vehicles, a 20.23 percent drop from 2019, according to the institute's monthly report.

The sector's exports, mostly to the United States, stood at 2,681,806 vehicles, a fall of 20.85 percent compared to 2019.

INEGI President Julio Santaella said on his Twitter account that despite the annual drops, December's data showed a recovery.

"The industry's production of light vehicles registered an annual increase of 18.4 percent in December," wrote Santaella.

Moreover, in the final month of 2020, exports increased by 16.14 percent annually, totaling 275,081 units, said the report.

According to International Monetary Fund estimates, Mexican economy, the second largest in Latin America after Brazil, may record a 9 percent drop in 2020 due to the pandemic, the worst since the Great Depression in the 1930s. Enditem
Updated, 1/8: Discord has now followed Twitch in banning Trump-related accounts. It's announced a ban of "The Donald" Discord server.

A spokesperson told tech reporter Casey Newton that the decision was "due to its overt connection to an online forum used to incite violence and plan an armed insurrection."

That's a much more major step than Twitch's ban, as multiple journalists have pointed to Donald Trump-related online sites (like TheDonald.win, and this corrolary Discord server) as spots where key instigators of Wednesday's events allegedly discussed their intent to move on the Capitol.

Banning TheDonald's server potentially blunts the group from discussing further action, or at least forces them to another platform.

Original story follows below.

Twitch has taken another step in response to yesterday's assault on the US Capitol. It's now suspended the Twitch account of US President Donald Trump.

The move comes after Facebook locked down the President's accounts on Facebook and Instagram. In an e-mail to Kotaku, a Twitch representative said that the move was meant to prevent the President from "inciting further violence." 1/8 update: Twitter has now done the same.

In light of yesterdays shocking attack on the Capitol, we have disabled President Trumps Twitch channel, they said. Given the current extraordinary circumstances and the Presidents incendiary rhetoric, we believe this is a necessary step to protect our community and prevent Twitch from being used to incite further violence.

The spokesperson said that the suspension has no end date at this time. We are focused on minimizing harm leading up to the transition of government and will reassess his account after he leaves office.

It's slightly unclear what constitutes a suspension in this case. Donald Trump's account is still viewable on Twitch and one can view older videos uploaded to the account. It's possible Twitch might have suspended the ability to broadcast or upload new videos for the time being.

This is the second time the US President's Twitch account has been suspended. Twitch briefly suspended his account in June for broadcasting "hateful content."

Twitch (and Facebook's) decision to band the president's social media accounts feel somewhat like shutting the barn door after the horse has escaped, run down to Washington DC, and encouraged a crowd of pro-Trump supporters to march on capitol hill. Little of what the President has posted on social media in the last week has varied from what he's posted since losing the election in November.

For Twitch's part, it's not like Donald Trump was hopping on the channel and streaming Fortnite while spreading incendiary content. The account seemed to mostly serve as a spot to rebroadcast Trump's rallies for a game-playing audience.

In 2020, the normally video-game-focused Twitch now found itself as a popular hub for political mobilization thanks in part to politicians like President-elect Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Senator Bernie Sanders, and House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez using the platform to engage with US voters.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 74F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low 49F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
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.
Over the past seven weeks, there have been widespread international protests, including in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, in support of the now 45-day-long agitation Indian farmers are mounting against the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments pro-agribusiness laws.

In September, the Hindu supremacist BJP rammed through parliament three pro-corporate farm laws, as well as a labour reform that illegalizes most worker job action, promotes precarious contract labour jobs, and empowers large companies to lay off workers at will.

The Dec. 20 protest in Troy, Michigan. (Source: WSWS)

The farmers protest has evoked widespread sympathy among working people and youth across India and internationally. It was launched on Nov. 26, to coincide with a one-day general strike against the Modi governments pro-investor policies that was joined by tens of millions of workers.

The popular hostility to the Modi government has been exacerbated by its ruinous response to the coronavirus pandemic. India is currently second to the United States in the total number of COVID-19 infections, and, at just over 150,000, third in deaths. The governments ill-prepared pandemic lockdown, which left hundreds of millions of Indians without any income overnight, has led to an unprecedented economic crisis. Tens of millions of jobs have been lost, and nearly two-thirds of rural households have reported a loss of income.

The farmers are demanding the repeal of the three pro-agribusiness laws and a legal guarantee that the existing Minimum Support Price system (MSP), under which the government commits to purchase basic crops at a guaranteed price, will be maintained. Because it is determined to meet the longstanding demands of domestic and global capital for the neo-liberal restructuring of Indian agriculture and because it fears significant concessions to the farmers would galvanize social opposition, above all from the working class, the BJP government has offered only cosmetic changes to the farm bills and a worthless paper pledge to maintain the MSP.

According to the Indian news source JagranJosh.com, the MSP-determined prices for the 2020-2021 season for corn, yellow soybeans and medium staple cotton were respectively 1,850 Rs (approximately 25.29 USD), 3,880 Rs (approximately 53.04 USD), and 5,515 Rs (approximately 75.38 USD) per quintal (100 Lbs). The dismantling of the MSP would further slash the incomes of tens of millions of small farmers, many of whom have plots of two hectares (about five acres) or less.

The Modi government mobilized thousands of security personnel, including paramilitaries, and used water cannon, tear gas, and mass arrests against the farmers agitation at its launch on Nov. 26-27. It succeeded in preventing the farmers from realizing their objective of reaching Delhi, Indias capital. But to its dismay, tens of thousands of farmers, many with their families, have camped on the borders of Indias National Capital Territory ever since, disrupting traffic on half-a-dozen major highways.

The BJP has attempted to isolate the farmers and lay the political groundwork for further repression by slandering the agitation, with claims it is being backed by anti-national forces, including China and Pakistan. It has also falsely and provocatively claimed that the farmers are being manipulated by the Punjabi-Sikh separatist Khalistan movement.

Protests in support of the farmers Delhi Chalo (Lets go to Delhi) agitationmany in the form of caravans due to the COVID-19 pandemichave occurred in urban centers around the world. These include London, England; Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, in Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; San Francisco, Sacramento, and the Detroit area in the US; and Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Winnipeg, Canada.

The response by Western capitalist governments has ranged from a calculated neutrality to hypocritically feigned support for the Delhi Chalo protestors.

Seeking to curry electoral favour with Canadas large East Indian immigrant population, Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has voiced support for the farmers, and angered Modi by calling on him to respect protesters democratic rights. This is the typical stuff of bourgeois political huckstering. Trudeau and his government have been deafeningly silent on the Modi governments constitutional coup and massive security crackdown in Indian-held Kashmir. Moreover, Canada, like the US, has repeatedly denounced the MSP and other Indian agricultural regulations as obstacles to the free market before the World Trade Organization.

A December 24 New York Times article by Jeffrey Gettleman and Pranshu Verma speculated that an incoming Joe Biden administration is likely to be more critical of Indias human rights record, than its predecessor, while conceding that the central concern of Biden, like Trump, will be to expand the Indo-US military-strategic partnership. The Obama-Biden administration, it need be recalled, had no problems closely collaborating with Modi, who presided over the 2002 anti-Muslim pogrom in Gujarat, when he became Indias prime minister in May 2014all in the interests of further integrating New Delhi into Washingtons military-strategic offensive against China.

On December 20, a rally in support of the Indian farmers took place in Troy, Michigan, a northern suburb of Detroit. It occurred at the citys Community Center, and it followed a similar protest on December 5 at Heritage Park in the city of Canton, in the western Detroit suburbs.

Arvind Singh, an attorney living in Plymouth, Michigan, told the Troy rally, Right now in the Indian capital, for 15 kilometers, you have peaceful farmers of all states and all backgrounds united as one. The farmers and the laborers are in unity. We are here today to stand in solidarity with farmers there and everywhere for the right to protest, the right to free speech, and the right to assemble, which is being trampled on by the Indian government.

Singh spoke with the World Socialist Web Site outside of the Dec. 20 rally.

My family is from India, and I stand with farmers right now. I have travelled to India to try to keep my familial connection going.

The benefactors of laws passed by Modis administration are very plain, Singh said. You can very clearly see whos winning and whos losing. Mostly, the laws enrich a handful of large corporate entities at the expense of everyone else. Actually, its just five wealthy Indian families, including the Ambani family [headed by Indias biggest billionaire, Mukesh Ambani]. Big companies are already building cold storage facilities to hoard large supplies of grain, which they previously werent allowed to do. This will obviously disrupt the market hugely.

Singh described the protests in India: Although there is a large percentage of participants who are Sikh, the protests have not at all been organized by religion. People are largely putting aside communal differences and standing together in solidarity The slogan has been Kisan Majdur Eka Zindabad, which translates to Long Live Farmers and Laborers United.

He continued: It has been a peaceful atmosphere, and everybody is in a positive spirit, despite the dangerous cold front which has struck the region right now. People have been bringing their things in tow and feeding one another, planting crops along the highway as they march to the Delhi. They have been playing games, giving speeches and dancing to keep morale up, and local residents have been supporting them and providing resources as they pass through.

The WSWS reported earlier this month that in addition to harsh weather, demonstrators faced additional health hazards when the government intentionally cut off water supply at protest locations.

Referring to the December 5 protest in Canton, Singh reported that there were over 500 cars present in the caravan demonstration, and over 800 people in the center of the parking lot at Heritage Park. Many more people didnt come out of their cars out of concern for Covid, but they were there in support. he said.

In this area, there are at least 10 to 15 thousand Sikh Americans. There are Gurdwaras (Sikh religious institutions) all over the city, and many of their representatives were present at this event. Several Punjabi support groups were there, as well as representatives of some Sikh-owned corporations.

Supporters of the Indian farmers struggle against big business drive to modernize agriculture at the expense of the rural toilers and opponents of the Modi governments assault on democratic rights must recognize that the only social force that has the power to defeat capitalist reaction is the working class, armed with the program of international socialism.

Only through the establishment of a workers government, the expropriation of the fortunes of Indias top 1 percent, who own more than half of the countrys total wealth, and the placing of basic industry and the banks under public ownership and the democratic control of working people will it be possible to mobilize the vast social resources needed to provide farmers and the landless and agricultural workers (who compromise the largest and most exploited section of the rural masses) a decent standard of living, and quality health care, education and public services.

To prosecute this struggle requires the development of an independent political movement of the working class in struggle not only against the parties of Indian big business, but also their aiders and abetters in the Stalinist parties and the pro-capitalist trade unions. While mouthing words of support for the farmers agitation, the Stalinist Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM and Communist Party of India (CPI) are doing everything they can to keep the working class on the sidelines, prevent it from intervening in the political crisis as an independent force, and restrict the farmers agitation to futile appeals to the BJP government to change course. They are seeking to tie the swelling mass opposition to Modi and the pro-investor policies all Indian governments have pursued for the past three decades to the big business Congress Party and other right-wing opposition parties.

We urge supporters of the Indian workers and farmers to read our statement, The Indian farmers agitation and the socialist strategy of the working class and contact the World Socialist Web Site.
NYNJA Intros Enterprise-Grade, Encrypted Document, and File Management System

Secure document sharing remains critical today as news of breaches and compromised attacks flood the headlines. These vulnerabilities are especially large for those sending and receiving files with sensitive and private information and that are missing-critical.

To help ensure organizations have access to a safe and efficient way to send and share files, NYNJA, a security-first, all-in-one communications platform has launched NYNJA Drive, an enterprise-grade, encrypted document, and file management system including file hosting, file sharing, and large file transfer.

With the new offering, organizations can easily and confidently share documents with employees and other verified users as well as manage and update files right from an easy to access platform.

"The launch of NYNJA Drive brings the business communications platform sector out of the dark ages when it comes file sharing," said JR Guerrieri, Co-Founder, and CEO, NYNJA Group.

The single sign-on (SSO), HIPAA, and SOC2 compliant drive integrates with existing NYNJA accounts and eliminates the need for multiple applications by providing sharing and storage for conferencing, chat, and files all in one seamless business solution.

With social distancing and remote work now becoming a standard for many organizations, finding a way to increase productivity while still maintaining security has become essential. NYNJA Drive lets companies set permission-based access to documents by creating encryption (passwords and duration information) for all files and media sent to users.

The offering also makes it possible to maintain old and newer versions of the files, share them as a link with no login required, and manage permissions for sharing the files internally and externally.

"Drive is a significant leap forward for our customers who rely on sharing and storing files on the NYNJA unified communications platform because it renders expensive file storage services like Dropbox (essentially) useless!" said Guerrieri.

Please enable JavaScript to view the

Edited by Maurice Nagle
A new Wicklow band are preparing to launch their second single, 'Fool's Gold, following huge success with their debut song.

The Decades formed earlier this year and had planned to perform some live shows together last March. However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the new indie rock group back to the drawing board and into the studio to record their debut single.

Released in late October, 'Electricity' hit the top of the iTunes chart within its first day of release and went on to break into the Irish Homegrown Top 20 charts.

Drummer David Mulvey, bassist Myles Keogh and lead guitarist Rhys Doyle are all from Wicklow Town while Sean Fox from Arklow plays rhythm guitar and is the vocalist.

'Electricity' was recorded live and is an indie rock track with echoes of Sam Fender or early Arctic Monkeys.

The Decades are 'very happy' with the single's success as 'it's done a lot better than we expected' David said.

The group originally came together in the early months of 2020 when both Sean and David met in a music production class in college. Before the group formed, Sean had spent years performing his own songs and performed as the opening act for Aslan and Jerry Fish along the way. While Sean was previously part of the band 'Small Town Crisis', the group drifted apart due to the Leaving Certificate. Sean performed as a solo artist, but said he continued to write songs more suited to a band, than a solo performer.

Sean said the Decades came together afer he showed David some of his songs.

'David said they were cool and we hinted at each other that we should do a song together,' he explained.

'I asked David to do a bit of a jam. He mentioned his mate Rhys and he was in a band with him. Rhys said, "he'd like to join in". We were left without a bass player, David had another friend who plays bass, Myles. We all jammed a bit and did some of my songs. Then we came up with some new songs and recorded 'Electricity'.

The song was recorded in three takes, but the recording process was complex due to Covid-19.

'We waited until the restrictions allowed us to get together and we were wearing masks,' Sean said.

'We did all the things necessary to get something done and it was nice to have something to show for it. It looks like we have been together for a couple of months, but we haven't really. We've only spent a couple of weeks together.'

'Electricity' has enjoyed plenty of airplay on Irish radio stations. The band are now putting the final touches to their next single 'Fool's Gold' which they hope to release shortly while an EP could follow later.

While the band are just starting out, theirs name suggests there are big ambitions for the future.

The guitarist Rhys and I were messing,' David said. 'Some of our favourite bands like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin, their best work was in their first 10 years. So all we need is a decade of good tunes.'
House Speaker Nancy Pelosis concern about President Donald Trump potentially ordering the launch of a nuclear weapon in his final days in office highlights a little-known fact: Launch authority rests with the president alone.

It also resurfaces a question with no certain answer: What would happen if a military commander determined, based on legal judgment, that a presidents nuclear launch order was illegal? The commander might refuse such an order, but then what?

Trump has given no indication he is considering using nuclear weapons, but Pelosi expressed worry that an unhinged president might start a war. She said she spoke Friday to Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about available precautions to prevent Trump from initiating military action or ordering a nuclear launch, and she told colleagues she was given unspecified assurances that there are longstanding safeguards in place.

A spokesman for Milley, Col. Dave Butler, confirmed that Pelosi called Milley. He answered her questions regarding the process of nuclear command authority, Butler said, declining to reveal details.

Pelosis concerns highlight the fact, dating to the dawn of the nuclear age in the 1940s, that the president has the sole authority to order a U.S. nuclear attack. None since Harry Truman has done so. The president is not required to gain the consent of anyone else  not within his administration, not in the military, not in the Congress. There are, however, some safeguards that could come into play.

Although it would be unprecedented, a military officer could refuse to obey a presidents order to launch a nuclear weapon if a legal assessment concluded that it constituted an illegal act under the internationally recognized laws of armed conflict. This is a murky area, given that the circumstance has never arisen.

If the military gets an illegitimate order from the president of the United States, the military can and should refuse that order in a situation where it is widely seen that the president is unfit and incapable of making a rational decision, said Tom Z. Collina, co-author with former Defense Secretary William J. Perry of a book, The Button, about nuclear dangers and presidential command authority.

Under existing procedures, a president who was considering the need to use nuclear weapons would be expected to consult with advisers, most likely to include the secretary of defense, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, which has operational control over the nuclear arsenal. Various assessments would be made, including the legal aspects of strike options.

The current arrangement in which sole authority to order a nuclear launch rests with the president is not written in law. It was created by Truman as a means to keep decisions about use of the worlds most dangerous weapons in civilian rather than military hands. The authority is considered inherent in a presidents constitutional role as commander in chief.

During the Cold War, the prospect of nuclear war meant having to respond within minutes to a wave of Soviet missiles zeroing in on the United States. Time would be of the essence. Thus is seemed to make sense to leave the decision to one person, without the need for time-consuming consultations with Congress.

But times have changed. Some argue that the traditional sole-authority approach must change, too.

Once in office, a president gains the absolute authority to start a nuclear war, Collina and Perry wrote in a Politico opinion article published Friday. Within minutes, Trump can unleash hundreds of atomic bombs, or just one. He does not need a second opinion.

Collina, Perry and others have been pushing for Congress to alter the nuclear command authority so that it is shared between the president and the Congress.

The issue has been raised repeatedly during Trumps presidency. In November 2017 the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a public hearing on the subject  the first hearing of its kind in several decades.

Testifying at that hearing, a former commander of U.S. nuclear forces, retired Air Force Gen. Robert Kehler, was asked what would happen if a president ordered a nuclear strike, for whatever reason, and the four-star general at Strategic Command balked or refused, believing it to be illegal.

Youd be in a very interesting constitutional situation, Kehler replied.

Also in November 2017, the Air Force general who was commanding Strategic Command at the time raised the possibility of having to refuse an illegal launch order. That officer, Gen. John Hyten, who is now the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stressed that in any circumstance the military is obliged to only follow legal orders.

I provide advice to the president, Hyten said. Hell tell me what to do, and if its illegal, guess whats going to happen? Im gonna say, Mr. President, thats illegal. Guess what hes going to do? Hes going to say, What would be legal? And well come up with options of a mix of capabilities to respond to whatever the situation is, and thats the way it works. Its not that complicated.

The UK reported 1,325 coronavirus deaths yesterday and 68,053 new infections, both record numbers. The official death toll now stands at 79,833.

Earlier in the day, a senior adviser in the governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) warned that in reality up to 150,000 people are being infected with the virus every day. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan declared a major incident in London and warned that the virus was out of control.

There are currently 50 percent more people in hospital in the UK with COVID-19 than at the peak of the first wave last April.

Under these appalling conditions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has implemented a third national lockdownmore limited than the restrictions imposed last springmotivated not by concerns for public health but fear of growing social anger.

In the 48-hours before Johnson announced the lockdown, educators, parents and students made clear their opposition to the ongoing insistence that unsafe schools remain open. On January 2, 100,000 people listened in to a National Education Union (NEU) executive meeting to see what, if anything, it intended to do about plans to reopen schools fully on January 4. The union advised its members to inform your head teacher or principal that you will not be attending the workplace but will be available to work remotely from home.

The following day, an NEU members meeting was attended online by 400,000 people.

That afternoon Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to implement a new lockdown within 24 hours. Starmer, who has consistently reinforced the governments insistence that schools remain openno ifs, no buts, no exceptionsagain refused to call for school closures, while acknowledging that many will be closed...

Although the NEU insisted that what was taking place was not a strike, Starmer and the Labour and trade union bureaucracy knew in which direction the wind was blowing. The next morning, hundreds of schools were wholly or partially closed as educators refused to work in unsafe workplaces, and parents kept their children away.

Faced with mass walkouts and boycotts that could spread to other sections of workers, Johnson announced a third lockdown. But this is only to try and contain opposition, especially as the National Health Service is overwhelmed by COVID infections and deaths, while continuing to enforce a back to work agenda. The list of those deemed essential workers has been extended so that many schools are functioning at high capacity, while nurseries and Special Educational Needs schools are fully open. Schools have been told they cannot limit numbers.

As the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee warned in its call for independent action, A monumental crime is being carried out against children and educators. Whatever temporary measures are cobbled togetherbetween the government, the Labour Party and the education trade unionsfor the new term beginning January 4 will be for the sole purpose of preventing an explosion of popular anger so the agenda of the ruling class to protect its obscene wealth continues to dominate.

Johnson, abetted by Starmer, has only been able to carry out this manoeuvre thanks to the role played by the left in the Labour Party and trade unions.

This was shown clearly in the online meeting organised by Parents4safereturn. Held on the eve of Johnson's announcement, it featured National Education Union joint General Secretary Kevin Courtney and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

National Education Union joint General Secretary Kevin Courtney speaking at the Parents4safereturn event

Clearly feeling the pressure from the mass attendance at the NEU meetings, Courtney pleaded that his union had done everything to keep schools open. My union supported the opening of schools in September, he said, in favour of pressing the government to put in place measures to make schools safe, more COVID secure.

This support for school reopenings was critical to the enabling the virus spread. According to the Sunday Times, as schools returned in September and tens of thousands of students began moving across the country to take up university placements, Downing Street was hosting leading proponents of herd immunity.

On September 20, Professor Sunetra Gupta, Professor Carl Heneghan and Swedish epidemiologist Anders Tegnell addressed cabinet. All are leading proponents of herd immunity, with Gupta co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, a pseudo-scientific justification for letting the virus rip that is partly funded by right-wing billionaire Charles Koch.

Courtney admitted the NEU knew that government claims to have made schools safe were lies. We knew across the whole of last term [i.e. from September] that wasnt the case. By the end of December, the case rate among secondary school students had gone up by 75 times... by 7,500 percent, with secondary and primary school pupils the highest demographic for infection rates, he said.

As a result, across last term we had huge numbers of children who werent in school. In secondary schools in Rotherham [South Yorkshire] the average attendance on any day was 70 percent, so 30 percent were not in school because they had been a close contact of someone with the virus. In Sandwell [Birmingham], in the last week of November, only 36 percent of children were in school. 64 percent werent in school because they had been a close contact of someone with the virus.

The NEUalong with the other teaching unionsstill insisted schools remain open. Despite Courtney's claim that the unions had belatedly argued for a new lockdown, school rotas and more masks, they kept up the pretence that schools could be made safe, while closing-down action taken by their members.

A strike over COVID safety at Kingsway Primary School in Wirral, Merseyside was called off by the NEU, which proceeded to junk its supposed 5 tests for the safe reopening of schools and calls for social distancing and protections for vulnerable staff. At every stage it refused to mobilise opposition among its 500,000-strong membership, in favour of letter writing to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. Only in the last week of the school term in December did the unions propose an early break, which was rejected.

Courtney revealed that a paper by SAGE, the government's own scientific advisory body, saying that school closures were necessary to have any chance of bringing infections down, was delivered to Johnson on December 22 but was not published until December 31. Even so, Courtney told the meeting that the teaching unions are still pinning their hopes on Johnson and Williamson listening to the science so that they can work with us, work with my union, on methods that can restart education safely...

Corbyn backed this approach, thanking the NEU and teaching unions for working sensibly, seriously and collaboratively throughout. He recalled that, while he was still Labour leader, at the start of the pandemic, we were getting this nonsense... about herd immunity, from apparently serious people in government and serious people advising government.

At the time, Corbyn concealed these discussions with Tories in which they explicitly stated their murderous policy. He only revealed them after he had made way for Starmer in April.

Jeremy Corbyn speaking at the Parents4safereturn online event

Then, he correctly described this policy as eugenic, a fascistic policy aimed at eliminating large sections of the working class, especially the most vulnerable. That he chooses now to replace his definition with that of nonsense is aimed at concealing the real purpose of government policy. Corbyn said herd immunity worksit kills, as if that was not the intended purpose of government inaction.

His anodyne statements to the meeting were directed to a call for properly funded public services, and support for the unions, mutual aid groups, volunteers and professionals that have brought us through all of this. Post-COVID, he said, let's not just defend, let's expand the public sector.

To talk of post-COVID when more and more workers, their families and children are becoming infected and dying, overburdened hospitals are preparing rationing measures, and the rich get even richer, is a wretched justification for the governments policy of malign neglect.

Containing the virus, protecting public health and providing for the millions left without income depends on the independent intervention of the working class, as part of a global, socialist strategy. All those looking for a way forward should attend the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee online meeting this Saturday, January 9 to discuss and organise for these urgent measures.
South Carolina mulling ban on heartbeat abortions with some exceptions

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

South Carolina's lawmakers will consider a pair of bills that, if enacted, would ban abortions performed on an unborn baby when a heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.

Two bills were pre-filed last month for the South Carolina General Assembly to consider when they begin their legislative session next Tuesday.

Senate Bill 1, also called the South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, was pre-filed in December and was referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs. The bill prohibits an abortion on a pregnant woman before a physician determines  whether the human fetus the pregnant woman is carrying has a detectable fetal heartbeat.

SB 1 bans abortions performed on a fetus with a heartbeat, except when the physician determines according to standard medical practice that a medical emergency exists.

Any abortion provider found to be in violation of the bill, if the proposed legislation becomes law, can face a fine of $10,000, a maximum prison sentence of two years, or both.

House Bill 3163, a similar bill also known as the South Carolina Stands for Life Act, was likewise pre-filed in December and then referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Like the Senate version, the proposed legislation clarified that it is not meant to prohibit the sale or prescription of contraceptive products and that the woman seeking the abortion will not be criminally prosecuted.

Over the past few years, several states have passed similar laws banning abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detectable, only to have measures struck down or blocked in the courts.

Last July, for example, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a heartbeat abortion ban into law, only to have U.S. District Court Judge William Campbell stop it from taking effect.

The Act will immediately impact patients seeking abortions and imposes criminal sanctions on abortion providers. The time-sensitive nature of the procedure also weighs in favor of injunctive relief pending a preliminary injunction hearing, wrote Campbell.

In February of last year, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit unanimously upheld a block on Mississippis heartbeat abortion ban, which was passed in 2019.

The panels per curiam ruling referenced an earlier legal decision against a different Mississippi law that banned most abortions performed after 15 weeks gestation.

In 2018, Mississippi enacted a law prohibiting abortions, with limited exceptions, after 15 weeks gestational age. A district court enjoined the law, and we recently upheld that injunction, stated the opinion.

If a ban on abortion after 15 weeks is unconstitutional, then it follows that a ban on abortion at an earlier stage of pregnancy is also unconstitutional.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. Mechanical approaches on determining the state borders of Armenia should be just ruled out, Ombudsman of Armenia Arman Tatoyan said in a statement.

The livestock building belonging to Shurnukh village resident Styopa Movsisyan, which is adjacent to his house, has been divided into 2 parts  Azerbaijani and Armenian, as a result of the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) or Google Maps.

Moreover, the state registration of the ownership rights to both the house and the livestock building has been approved by the certificates of the Cadastre Committee of Armenia.

We have tried several versions of Google Maps in the area of that house, and each version showed different results, including presenting Styopa Movsisyans house and the whole Shurnukh village as part of Armenia.

Unfortunately, today such stories are numerous. Such concrete examples prove that as a result of approaches used till this moment for determining the borders, as well as due to the mechanical use of GPS or Google Map, and especially in the case of property and several other rights the rights of the bordering residents of Armenia have been grossly violated. People are unable to use their property even having the ownership certificates.

Therefore, such mechanical approaches on determining the state borders of Armenia, the processes with such speed should be just ruled out, the Ombudsman said.

According to him, professional approaches, research results, proper legal grounds are needed.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
3 Pakistani Christians charged with blasphemy, accused of burning Quran pages

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Three young Christians in northeastern Pakistan have been charged with blasphemy after area Muslims alleged that pages of the Quran had been burned near some Christian homes to hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims, according to a report.

Police charged the three Christians, identified as Azeem Mehmood, Abbas Gulshan, and Irfan Saleem, from a village named Kotli Muhammad Sadique in Punjab Provinces Narowal district, on Dec. 30, the U.K.-based group Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement, known as CLAAS, learned recently.

A court sent Mehmood, who is a member of the Pakistani Army, to judicial custody while it granted bail to the other two Christians, CLAAS said in a statement, adding that while Mehmood was arrested on Dec. 25, Gulshan and Saleem were arrested on Dec. 29.

After the Christmas service, when the congregation of United Presbyterian Church was holding a procession around the church, a large number of policemen arrived. An officer said they had received a complaint that some people had burned pages of the Quran and they were there to investigate the matter.

Some local Muslims who were standing near the church took the police to an ash pile near the homes of Christians. There are about 40 Christian houses near the church.

Shahzad Masih, an uncle of Gulshan and Saleem, was quoted as saying that some local Muslims found the burned pieces of a blue letterbox, which had purportedly been installed on the wall to collect pages containing Quranic verses, near the Christians' homes.

A local Christian, identified as Ilyas Masih, allegedly told police that he had seen some young men around the fire but he wasnt able to see their faces due to thick fog. After Friday prayers at a mosque the same day, a large angry mob of Muslims from surrounding villages gathered in the village, demanding the immediate arrest of all Christians.

Local Christians believe that police tortured Ilyas Masih to force him to admit to seeing the faces of all three Christians so that the arrests could be made to placate area Muslims.

Mehmoods wife, Marriam, was quoted as saying that her husband never left the house on Dec. 24 or Dec. 25.

Mehmoods brother, Griffin, said that Mehmood had a dispute with Ilyas Masih before he was accused of blasphemy.

It is very sad that blasphemy continues to be used as an easy tool to settle personal scores and grudges against Christians and other religious minorities, Nasir Saeed, director of CLAAS-UK, said in the statement. Unfortunately, Pakistani society has become more intolerant than ever before.

Christians are often targeted both by Pakistans blasphemy laws meant to protect Islamic sensitivities and by hardliners who carry out violence and have killed scores of believers in the past several years.

The blasphemy law, embedded in Sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, is frequently misused for personal revenge. It carries no provision to punish a false accuser or a false witness of blasphemy.

Pakistan is ranked as the fifth-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs 2020 World Watch List.

At the U.S. State Departments 2019 Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, Pakistani rights activist Shaan Taseer said that there are as many as 200 people jailed in Pakistan on blasphemy charges.

Houston:

US tech giants, government leaders, investors, universities, and companies have agreed to fight global warming by reducing carbon emissions and honour the Paris Agreement on climate change, days after President Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the landmark deal.

Various companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, Intel and Microsoft are among the hundreds of businesses that declared their intention to continue working toward reducing carbon emissions.

The firms who were noticeably absent were Oracle, IBM, and all the major telecommunications providers.

In the absence of leadership from Washington, states, cities, colleges and universities and businesses representing a sizeable percentage of the US economy will pursue ambitious climate goals, working together to take forceful action and to ensure that the US remains a global leader in reducing emissions, the coalition, which now consists of more than 1,000 entities, said in a statement on Monday.

ALSO READ | India's green lobby slams Donald Trump as US exits Paris climate agreement



The US joined the Paris agreement in 2015. Nearly 200 countries are part of the accord and have agreed to fight global warming by reducing carbon emissions. Scientists anticipate climate change could push the Earth to dangerous temperatures much sooner with US retreat from the pledge because the country burns so much energy.

The coalition, calling itself We are still in, includes leaders from nine states, 125 cities, 902 businesses and investors, and 183 colleges and universities. The effort is led by philanthropist and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

In the absence of a supportive federal coordinating role, these actors will more closely coordinate their own recarbonisation actions, Bloomberg wrote in a letter to the United Nations secretary-general.

Collectively, they will redouble their efforts to ensure that the US achieves the carbon emissions reductions it pledged under the Paris Agreement.

Trumps withdrawal from the pact drew swift condemnation from several tech giants last week, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, who said he spoke with Trump earlier in the week in an effort to persuade him not to withdraw from the pact.

In addition to Cook, the CEOs of Google, Facebook, Microsoft, HP, Intel and Tesla also asked Trump to stay in the agreement. Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, made good on his threat to leave several of the presidents advisory councils if the president pulled the US out of the climate deal.

Cities and states across the US, governors and over 200 mayors have vowed to keep fighting climate change and adopt clean energy technologies, despite President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw the country from the Paris Climate Agreement.

We Are Still In represents the most serious attempt yet by local officials, business executives, and private-sector leaders to buck the Trump administrations decision, which sent political shockwaves around the world.

Participants vowed to meet the Paris agreements target of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, above preindustrial levels by 2100. They also pledged to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

In the US, it is local and state governments, along with businesses, that are primarily responsible for the dramatic decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in recent years, the group wrote in an open letter to the international community.

Actions by each group will multiply and accelerate in the years ahead, no matter what policies Washington may adopt, they wrote.

The new coalition includes dozens of university and college leaders, including the chancellors of six University of California campuses, the president of New York University, plus schools from many states in between the coasts.

Nineteen attorneys general joined the group, including New York AG Eric Schneiderman and Massachusetts AG Maura Healy, both of whom are investigating Exxon Mobil for allegedly deceiving investors on the companys climate risks

The coalition intends to submit a Societal Nationally Determined Contribution to the UN, which will be called Americas Pledge and account for the climate-fighting efforts of US cities, states, businesses, and other subnational actors.

It would be rare, if not unprecedented, for a coalition like this to formally join a UN treaty meant for nations to sign.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
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.
Tesla's value raced past $800billion yesterday as the electric car maker's shares shot up  bringing it within striking distance of the trillion-dollar club of tech giants.

The company's shares rose by as much as 8.4 per cent at one stage, making it worth $838billion.

In the money: Tesla boss Elon Musk has overtaken Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to become the world's richest person

It came just a day after boss Elon Musk, 49, overtook Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to become the world's richest person.

Musk has an estimated fortune of more than $195billion (144billion), according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. That was thanks to the extraordinary rally of Tesla's shares, which have rocketed nearly 800 per cent over the past 12 months.

The firm has been boosted by its recent inclusion in the blue chip S&P 500 index, which forced tracker funds to buy its shares.

And its rise puts it on course to join the exclusive club of US firms worth $1 trillion (737billion) or more, which includes Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Google-parent Alphabet. Apple tops the list, at $2.2trillion.
SriLankan promises quarantine facilities for crew after spat with Pilots Guild By Namini Wijedasa View(s): View(s):

National carrier SriLankan Airlines said yesterday that it was in discussions with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to secure paid-quarantine facilities for all its employees  including pilots and cabin crew  that test positive for COVID-19.

Whist awaiting the written confirmation from the MoH, we have already transferred our asymptomatic COVID-19 positive staff to paid-quarantine facilities to ensure their comfort and will continue to do so with the guidance of health authorities, a notice to employees from Chief Executive Officer Vipula Gunatilleka said yesterday.

Two asymptomatic pilots and three cabin crew were accordingly transported from the Government-run facility to a hotel in Hikkaduwa, the Sunday Times learns. The management and board of SriLankan Airlines also decided yesterday to allocate a hotel in Negombo for their asymptomatic, infected staff. Verbal MoH approval has been granted.

But the development came only after an ugly spat with the Airline Pilots Guild of Sri Lanka (ALPGSL) in which the union accused the management of being unwilling to accept their sheer incompetence in organising a private facility for asymptomatic staff who have tested positive in the line of duty while attempting to hide behind a shabbily worded, factually lacking press release aimed at tarnishing the reputation of its dedicated pilots.

This was in response to a press release issued by the SriLankan management on Thursday stating that members of the ALPGSL executive committee had, against a stressful backdrop, decided to act in a self-centered manner, not only causing severe disruptions to the Airlines operations but jeopardising the Airline as well as the development efforts of the country.

The statement claimed that the union had forced members to resort to unacceptable action by refraining from consenting to report to work on rostered off-days by refusing the duty call or being unresponsive to calls from the Company.

The dispute broke out on December 29 when the ALPGSL alerted CEO Vipula Gunatilleka that some of their flight crew had undergone difficulties after having tested positive for COVID-19. They were sent to quarantine centres which were of very poor standards, internal communication said.

The CEO responded on Monday that the company had been exploring all possibilities to get the Government to allocate a suitable facility for employees.

But the union shot back that proactive measures had not been taken during the preceding two months when two separate positive cases emerged from within the flight crew cadre. Both times, it said, it was the ALPGSL that intervened to have the patients transferred to a privately-maintained facility using relationships established by members in a personal capacity.

The union also did not believe that alternate strategies to accommodate staff were being explored by the company. It insisted that whatever measures that were taken were the result of being coaxed and edged by the union(s) and not out of compassion or any form of accountability towards ensuring one of your most precious resources are cared for.

The ALPGSL decided thereafter that its membership would refrain from undertaking flights on days designated as off days in the current roster. The dispute escalated over the next few days with the board and the management going public on Thursday to say it was thoroughly disappointed that one segment of the Airlines employees is intentionally undermining the efforts of the rest of the committed and valuable employees of the company and the determination of the Government of Sri Lanka.

Mr Gunatilleka said yesterday that the pilots decision to refrain from flying on off days had posed no issues so far.
ARCHIVED - Travellers from Spain will have to provide PCR before entering UK from next week



Those travelling back to the UK from Spain must now provide a negative PCR test in order to enter the UK

Travelling internationally is becoming increasingly difficult as the coronavirus pandemic intensifies around the world and those who are non-resident in Spain and are planning to travel back to the UK will be obliged to provide a negative PCR test before entering the UK from next week.

The UK government has said that this additional test is required in order to protect the population against new strains of Covid-19, discovered in countries such as South Africa. The so-called South-African strain is even more virulent than the British strain which is now being detected in an increasing number of countries around the world and is increasing the rate of transmission wherever it is detected.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government was "very keen" to set up compulsory testing now because of the new variant of the virus circulating in South Africa, which he said was "causing great concern with the scientists".



"They're not sure whether, for example, the vaccine will be able to deal with it in the first place, and we're very, very keen to keep it out," he told BBC Breakfast. Flights from South Africa into the UK have currently been banned.

The mandatory testing scheme will be obligatory UK-wide and will not only apply to Spain, but all international destinations with which the UK does not currently have a travel corridor agreement. Scotland and Wales are already banning non-essential travel.

The new rules for those entering the UK are as follows:

All international arrivals, including UK nationals, will have to present a negative Covid test before they board a plane, train or boat heading to the UK, taken up to 72 hours before their journey began

Travellers will also have to fill in a Passenger Locator Form and follow national lockdown rules

UK Border Force will conduct spot checks, and those who do not follow the rules will face a 500 fine

Some travellers, including hauliers, children under 11, and people coming from the Common Travel Area (the Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man) will be exempt

People arriving from countries which are not on the government's list of travel corridors will still have to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their test result

Travel to Spain is current limited only to those who are resident in Spain and have documentation to prove their residency.



The window opened for UK nationals who have applied for residency in Spain but do not yet have full documentation, will close on 10th January.





Federal authorities are working hard to locate and arrest people involved in Wednesday's riot in which a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building as lawmakers tried to certify the Electoral College results.

On Friday, the Department of Justice has announced numerous arrests of intruders, including a West Virginia state representative who recorded and then deleted a video of himself storming the Capitol along with hundreds of rioters.

According to an NBC News report, the Republican state representative was Derrick Evans. Around 32,000 people signed a petition demanding Evans to resign from his post. So far, he has yet to resign.

The petition stated that they want to remove Evans from his seat for leading and participating, and going against the Constitution, as well as the rule of law.

Related story: McEnany: Trump Condemns Violent Riot at U.S. Capitol

On Wednesday, Evans live streamed a video on his Facebook page outside the Capitol as rioters pushed against a police barricade. Evans was heard yelling and saying to bring tear gas and that they are taking the country back "whether you like it or not."

Evans, at one point, can also be heard asking the location of the Proud Boys, which is a far-right and all-male, self-described Western chauvinists group. Evans also said that was only there to watch and he has not touched anything.

He also told the rioters not to vandalize. He defended his actions by saying that he was there as "an independent member of the media to film history." Evans was charged for illegally entering the Capitol building during the riot.

More Capitol Rioters Arrested and Charged

A senior Justice Department official said that law enforcement also took into custody Richard Barnett, 60, of Gravette, Arkansas after he posted photos of himself sitting inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office with one leg resting on her desk, according to a Fox News report.

Barnett said that he was looking for a bathroom when he saw the door to Pelosi's office was open.

"I sat down here in my desk. I'm a taxpayer. I'm a patriot. That ain't her desk - we loaned her that desk. And she ain't appreciating the desk, so I thought I would sit down and appreciate the desk," Barnett reportedly said.

Reports said that he took a letter from the Speaker's office and left her a note and a quarter. Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said that the shocking images of Barnett with his boots up on a desk in Pelosi's office on Wednesday was repulsive.

Barnett, who was charged with three federal counts including violent entry and theft of public property, was expected to make a court appearance in Arkansas and will be extradited to Washington D.C., the Justice Department said.

Meanwhile, the other rioter charged was Lonnie Coffman, 70, from Falkville, Alabama. He was accused of having tow handguns and 11 Molotov cocktails that included gasoline and apparent homemade napalm, according to an official.

He was said to have an M4 Carbine assault rifle. Coffman was identified after police connected him to a suspicious GMC pick-up truck with Alabama plates. He remains in custody pending a detention hearing on Jan. 12.

Another was charged for knowingly entering a restricted area, as well as the assault of an officer. The suspect was identified as Mark Leffingwell, who reportedly repeatedly punched a USCP officer in the helmet and chest.

Read also: Trump Concedes Election To Biden, Condemns Capitol Riot




After the well-known events, the following people have left the majority My Step faction of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia: Vardan Atabekyan, Gor Gevorgyan, Taguhi Tovmasyan, Anna Grigoryan, and Sofya Hovsepyan. Ruben Rubinyan, an MP of the aforesaid faction and Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, writes about this on Facebook.

"Emphasizing the need for an MP to be accountable to the voters, I believe these people who received a parliamentary mandate based on the votes of the citizens who voted for the My Step bloc should at least explain with whose and what mandate they continue to be MPsnot in a documentary, but in a political context.

P.S.: As the overwhelming political majority, the My Step faction will continue to implement the single mandate given to itas a tool and order for the implementation of the people's power. Power in Armenia belongs to the people, and this is an indisputable and irreversible reality," Rubinyan added in particular.
As more alarming news emerges about the U.K. variant of the coronavirus having reached Houston and an even more contagious strain rising in South Africa, officials of Bexar County and San Antonio announced Friday evening in their daily briefing that local COVID-19 cases continued to surge, though none involved the new virus variants.

Officials here reported 1,079 new coronavirus cases and five new deaths.

The seven-day average of new cases is at 1,550 per day, only slightly lower than Wednesdays record of 1,568. Almost 1,400 COVID patients are being treated in San Antonio hospitals, including 388 in intensive care units and 216 patients on ventilators.

Friday saw 179 new hospital admissions, with only two arriving from El Paso, where weeks ago state officials dispersed dozens of COVID-19 patients to other major cities in hopes of releasing pressure on that border citys overrun ICU beds.

The five new deaths occurred between Dec. 29 and Jan. 2, all of them at University Hospital. All were male: two Hispanic men over 60, two others over 60 and one Hispanic man in his 40s.

On ExpressNews.com: Texas will create vaccination hubs, prioritize large providers in COVID-19 vaccine distribution next week

Hospitalizations have increased for the sixth day in a row, rising to nearly 12,000 cases just since the start of the new year.

As concerning as the U.K. variant of the virus has been, the BBC reported that the new South African coronavirus variant 501.V2 is more contagious and could be resistant to the effectiveness of current vaccines. While not yet detected in the U.S., it is already the dominant virus variant in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa, and it has been detected in Austria, Norway, Japan and the U.K.

But the news of the day locally was that officials have announced that mass vaccinations will begin Monday at the Alamodome. Potential recipients must pre-register on the city-county COVID-19 website.

County Judge Nelson Wolff said the city and county would each receive 9,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for use in the first phase of vaccinations. The Pfizer vaccine, while proving to be highly effective in preventing COVID-19, must be stored at about 94 degrees below zero, thus requiring special freezer units at the Alamodome and University Hospital, he said.

Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, this week raised concerns about the Pfizer drugs storage requirements  it can remain viable in a regular refrigerator for only about 24 hours.

The complexities of this plan for vaccine storage and handling will have major impact in our ability to efficiently deliver the vaccine, she said.

A competing vaccine produced by Moderna does not require specialized freezing requirements.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg said he hoped the shipments of vaccination supplies from the state will continue uninterrupted until the need has been met in the county. He said that next week there would be six days of appointments at the Alamodome, with 1,500 shots delivered each day.

He added that recipients may also sign up for the vaccine by calling 311.

BSelcraig@express-news.net
The US had welcomed Lakhvi's arrest last week but said Pakistan should try him for the Mumbai attacks also

Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore Judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar sentenced UN proscribed terrorist Lakhvi to five years of rigorous imprisonment each on three counts with a fine of PKR 100,000 (approximately USD 620) each on three counts. (Photo:PTI)

Lahore: Mumbai attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba operations commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi was sentenced to 5 years in jail on Friday by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court here in a terror-financing case, amidst mounting international pressure on Islamabad to bring to justice terrorists roaming free in the country.

Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore Judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar sentenced UN proscribed terrorist Lakhvi to five years of rigorous imprisonment each on three counts with a fine of PKR 100,000 (approximately USD 620) each on three counts. His punishment will run concurrently.

"The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore convicted Lakhvi for commission of offences of terrorism financing in a case registered by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) for 15 years under different sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, a court official told PTI after the hearing.

"In default of payment of fine, he will have to undergo an imprisonment of six months each on three counts. He has been sent to prison to serve the sentences, the official said.

Lakhvi, 61, pleaded before the court that he was falsely implicated in this case and he had no nexus with the LeT or any other proscribed organisation.

He was accused of running a dispensary and using funds collected for terrorism financing.

"He and others also collected funds from this dispensary and used these funds for further terrorism financing. He also used these funds for personal expenses, the CTD said.

The anti-terrorism court also directed law enforcement agencies to arrest the co-accused in the case, Abu Anas Mohsin, due to availability of sufficient evidence against him.

In New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the timing of these actions clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of APJG (Asia Pacific Joint Group) meet and the next FATF (Financial Action Task Force) plenary meet in February 2021.

"It has become routine for Pakistan to come up with farcical actions prior to important meetings," he said when asked about the jail sentence to Lakhvi, and issuance of an arrest warrant against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar by another Pakistan court.

"UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfil its anti-India agenda. It is for the international community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and individual terrorists," Srivastava said.

The US had welcomed Lakhvi's arrest last week but said Pakistan should try him for the Mumbai attacks also.

"We welcome Pakistan's arrest of terrorist leader Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi as an important step in holding him responsible for his role in supporting terrorism and its financing, the South and Central Asia Bureau of the State Department said in a tweet.

"We will follow his prosecution and sentencing closely and urge that he be held accountable for his involvement in the Mumbai attacks, it said on Tuesday.

Interestingly, Lakhvi was presented before the Lahore ATC on Friday and was convicted the same day in the terror financing case registered against him some time ago.

The court was told that Lakhvi, a resident of Renal Khurd Okara district of Punjab, was living in Islamabad before his arrest in this case.

Lakhvi, who was on bail since 2015 in the Mumbai attack case, was arrested by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab province on Saturday.

He was designated as a global terrorist by the UN in December 2008 for being associated with LeT and al-Qaeda and for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of both the entities.

Last month, the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee allowed for a monthly payment of Pakistani Rupee 1.5 lakh for Lakhvi to meet his personal expenses.

The permission was granted 10 days before his arrest. Lakhvi has named his son Hafizur Rehman and brother Saadat Bashir Waheed who would send him PKR 90,000 and PKR 60,000 respectively in his bank account. He said that his son and brother both have the bank accounts in the same branch.

The global terror financing watchdog FATF is instrumental in pushing Pakistan to take measures against terrorists roaming freely in Pakistan and using its territory to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere.

The Paris-based FATF placed Pakistan on the Grey List in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic.

On Thursday, an anti-terrorism court in Gujranwala issued an arrest warrant for banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the charges of terror financing.

The court issued the warrant against Azhar during a hearing in a terror financing case instituted by the CTD of Punjab police against some members of the JeM.

The LeT, led by Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

The UN has named Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice.
Inaugurated in 1955, the Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international air gateway to Nepal so far. It has been crucial for Nepals overall development. But, sometimes, development comes with a cost. In the case of Kathmandu, some development projects have resulted in the encroachment of land and heritage.

One such encroachment, says heritage activist Yadav Lal Kayastha, is the recently discovered phalcha (patio designed in ancient Newa: architecture) and four lo:hitis (stone spouts) inside the airport premises.

On December 1, Kayastha and his team first entered the airport premises to assess the condition of the recently reported heritage, on the east of the runway. During their quest, they came to know about the existence of an even more important heritage artefact. A stone pillar where Sankhadhar Sakhwa supposedly announced people were now debt-free and where Nepal Sambat officially started was destroyed when the airport came into existence.

What are the evidences?

After some sources reported the existence of hitis and the pillar to him, Kayastha says his team talked to many people, from historians to cultural experts including Satya Mohan Joshi and Malla K Sundar, and even consulted the Department of Archaeology, and chief of National Archives Saubhagya Pradhananga, to collect evidence about them.

We found that there was a tall stone pillar where the airport has its runway now. In the name of development, people broke that pillar and built the runway over it, he says, It is our understanding that the pillar was where our national hero Sankhadhar Sakhwa announced that the Nepa: mi (people of Nepal Mandala) were free from the debt and started Nepal Sambat because it was a centre-point for the valley residents.

Advocate Krishna Gopal Aryal adds, The pillar is a symbol of the debt cleared by Sakhwa. It is said the pillars height or weight was kept equivalent to the stack of debt papers that were collected.

With only a month into its reported existence, detailed study regarding exactly how old the heritage is and its connection to Nepal Sambat is yet to be ascertained. However, Kayastha remarks that the heritage at least has more than 1,100 years of history. Regardless of the records, this is an important cultural and historic site for Nepal, so we must preserve this.

Another reason why Kayastha thinks the site deserves recognition is that it had acted as a zero-point that connected the three districts of the valley.

This area is said to be an equidistant point from four of the major points around the Kathmandu Valley, including Hanuman Dhoka of Kathmandu, Sukul Dhoka of Bhaktapur, Patan Dhoka of Lalitpur and Dakshin Dhoka of Gokarna. It was said people from all these areas leaving at the same time used to reach here at the same time when summoned, local Laxman Bista recalls the stories he heard from his parents and grandparents. Bista is also the chief of Purano Sinamangal paati tatha dhara Samrakshan Upobhogta Samiti formed for restoration of the heritage site.

There may be various factors at play, from geography to stamina, but this information is gold. It gives us insight into how people used to measure time and distance back then, Kayastha adds.

The suggested zero-point (in blue) with Hanuman Dhoka of Kathmandu (red), Sukul Dhoka of Bhaktapur (purple), Patan Dhoka of Lalitpur (yellow) and Dakshin Dhoka of Gokarna (green). Graphic: Nasana Bajracharya/ Google Maps

Further, the place itself is a link that previously connected two districts, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. After the airport and its expansion, however, they shifted the border to Manohara river, says Babu Kaji Shrestha, Vice-Secretary of Shankhadhar Sakhwa Smriti Pratisthan Nepal and President of Malekule, a research group in Thimi.

During that travel [on foot], they would rest and get refreshed at the phalcha. We can see a lo:hiti and a phalcha were strategically placed together in various places to give travellers shelter and water, he adds.

Before the airport and the extended runway was built here, the road used to go all the way from Bhaktapur to Ratna Park of Kathamndu. It was a highway for that time, also said to be the first-ever blacktopped road. We can still see the paved road near the phalcha, underneath all the grass and weed, Kayastha informs.

The old route that connected Bhaktapur to Kathmandu through the current runway of Tribhuvan International Airport. Graphic: Nasana Bajracharya/ Google Maps

In addition, the site was resourceful for the locals. We used to come here [to the spout] to fetch water, wash clothes, and to take a shower. It was accessible to us till 1996, even after the airport was built. But, after the insurgency period, citing security reasons, the airport took over the land and shifted the wired fence down [near the Motherland Hospital in Purano Sinamangal], informs Bista.

He further shares that due to lack of leadership and sensitivity issues around the airport, the locals could do or did nothing regain access until today.

The old fence of the TIA along with the new wired fence (dotted line) set up after the insurgency period. The red line shows the road that gave locals access to the lo:hiti while the green shows the long (approx) route heritage activist Yadav Lal Kayastha and his team now take to reach the lo:hiti site for restoration work. Graphic: Nasana Bajracharya/ Google Maps

With the lack of written manuscripts, many historians and cultural experts agree on the known history of Nepal Sambat and that Sakhadhar Sakhwa is a national icon. But, they do have different opinions on the place where it started.

Historian Hare Ram Joshi says it is not important to determine from where Sakhwa announced that people were debt-free, but it can be a topic of debate. Cultural expert and retired Nepal Bhasa professor at Tribhuvan University, Chunda Bajracharya, adds, We have found that Prof Dr Kamal Prakash Malla had mentioned, in his article, that the said site [at the TIA] is the mid-point for the three districts and it was where Sakhwa made his announcement. Further research on it is important.

The distorted and scattered heritage

The very first distortion can be seen in the name of the place itself. The area was originally called Shila Muga (stone pillar), citing the place where the historic pillar was once erected. The name slowly got distorted from Shila Muga to Simana ya Muga (border pillar) to Sinamangal. The original name held meaning, Sinamangal has absolutely no meaning yet, the original name has been overwritten, says Kayastha.

While the name has been distorted, the activists say the heritage and various items there have also been scattered. The pillar itself now exists in two pieces. One underneath the airports runway, while the other (approximately nine-foot-tall) has been displaced in a temple at the Purano Sinamangal Chok, briefs Kayastha.

A temple at Purano Sinamangal Chok. Photo: Nasana Bajracharya

Some 40 years ago, when the runway was being built, the authorities dug through the area. When the pillar did not budge from its place, they decided to break it in two, and go on with their expansion plan. The upper half of the pillar was then taken by the locals and then was established inside the temple premises. There was also a Ganesh idol near the site, which was then taken by the locals (in the west of the airport) and established the idol in a separate temple at the junction at Sinamangal height, Bista claims.

Likewise, a statue of Sankhadhar Sakhwa present inside the Pashupatinath Temple premises was also reportedly displaced from near the claimed pillars site. Former Member Secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust Dr. Govinda Tandan, who also visited the site with Kayasthas team, says historians have hinted the statue of a man with a sankha [conch] at the temple is that of Sakhwa.

Whereas, many of the idols and statues that were placed around the two lo:hiti sites have also been displaced and established, randomly at a corner, in the same temple.

Statues and idols recovered from lo:hiti inside the Tribhuvan International Airport kept at the temple inside Purano Sinamangal Temple. Photo: Nasana Bajracharya

The heritage activists and locals involved in and aware of the campaign have also expressed their disappointment as the supposed historic pillar has been worshipped as a Shivalinga (Santaneshwor Mahadev) and redecorated with copper. The so-called beautification was done only three years ago by a Rijal family. Likewise, the outer structure of the temple was built in June 2012 by Purano Sinamangal Youth Club.

The pillar that is said to be erected by Sankhadhar Sakhwa being used as a Shivalinga. (right) The same pillar after being redecorated in 2017. Photos: Facebook and Nasana Bajracharya

One of the two spouts restored from the airport has been temporarily placed elsewhere while the restoration process is being held.

One of the two lo:hitis recovered from inside the Tribhuvan International Airport. Photo: Nasana Bajracharya

Meanwhile, it was not just the heritage that the expansion of the international airport scattered, it was also families.

Madhav Lamichhane and his family were once residents inside the airport. We had 100 ropanis of land inside the airport premises. Many attempts were made [by the authorities] to displace the family and get the land. However, as far as I remember, it was in the fourth attempt in 1979 that we gave in and moved from the place. We had our home in the area which is all rubbles now and has turned into grassland, he laments, We sold the land for mere Rs 2,800 per ropani, after that the family split and scattered throughout the valley.

Saving the heritage

Action now, Kayastha says, is more important. So much distortion of history and our heritage has been going on, we have to speak up. Right information regarding the pillar should be disseminated.

Regarding the lo:hitis and phalcha, the initial phase will include the restoration and renovation of the site. There is a lot that we need to do here, to restore it to the original state. It is sensitive work and will take a few months in the end before we restore all, fully, Kayastha says, One of the two lo:hiti sites is still underground, so we need to excavate and restore that as well.

For public access, Yadav Lal Kayastha and his team plan to propose the authorities to open this gate. Photo: Nasana Bajracharya

His further plan for the site includes getting permission from the authorities to open the gate near the Motherland Hospital site and give locals access to the phalcha and the lo:hitis. This is unused land, the authorities plan to develop this as a parking lot. But, we will advocate that the locals get easy access, like before, adhering to all the security issues.

Our ancient monuments and heritage sites are to be restored and preserved. They are protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. Anyone who tries to distort and damage them should and will be punished, advocate Juju Kaji Maharjan adds.
On Friday morning, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported 1,188 new deaths within 24 hours. This figure is higher than the previous German record set on Dec. 30, when 1,129 people died from the pandemic in one day. Also, more than a thousand deaths were reported on Wednesday (1,019) and Thursday (1,070). According to Worldometers, over 39,000 people have died so far in Germany.

In fact, the real total is likely to be much higher. The RKI warns that it has received only incomplete figures for COVID-19 infections and deaths due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. Worldometers, which relies on other sources, reported as many as 1,198 deaths on Wednesday morning. Even the UK, where infection numbers are going through the roof, currently has fewer victims than Germany. Worldometers registered 830 deaths in the UK on Tuesday and 981 on December 30. However, these numbers are also likely to rise again soon.

Central train station in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

How did it get to this situation?

In the first months of the pandemic, Germany seemed to come through the crisis somewhat better than its neighbours. In light of the catastrophic situation in Italy, the German government took initial protective measures relatively early. However, neither the federal nor state governments were prepared to protect the population against the danger of infection, although they were fully aware of the risks. The interests of the economy, i.e., the profits of major corporations and banks, always took precedence over peoples lives.

This was already evident in March, when the government approved a 756 billion emergency package, 600 billion of which went to large corporations, with only pittances for workers, the self-employed and small businesses. This measure, combined with the trillions pumped into financial markets by the European Central Bank, has seen share markets climb from one record level to another in the midst of the deepest health, social and economic crisis the country has seen. As coffins pile up in morgues, champagne corks are popping on the stock markets.

Since then, the governments main focus has been on keeping the economy running in order to recoup the billions it handed out to the rich, irrespective of the deadly consequences for workers. The closure of nonessential businesses was not even considered, even though it would have greatly reduced the risk of contagion not only in the businesses themselves, but also in crowded public transportation systems. Only service establishments with high levels of public trafficrestaurants, department stores, hair salons and the likewere temporarily closed.

A prerequisite for continued production was keeping schools open so that parents could continue to work. The same politicians who for years had systematically run the education system into the ground now shed crocodile tears over the lack of educational opportunities for poor children as the schools were turned into custodial centres and hotbeds of infection.

A small fraction of the billions handed out to the rich would have been enough to make schools safer, as well as to purchase the necessary electronic equipment and hire enough tutors to ensure quality home schooling under the guidance of experienced teachers. But there was no money for this. All initiatives by teachers, parents and students to this end were systematically stifled.

The public was consistently lied to. Although it was known at an early stage that children and adolescents show fewer symptoms, but spread the virus just as rapidly as adults, politicians, journalists and even some scientists stubbornly claimed that children posed no danger and could even act as a countermeasure to the spread of the virus. In the meantime, numerous scientific studies have refuted this lie, which nevertheless continues to be spread.

At the end of December, the journal Science published a study by an international team from the University of Oxford that used infection data from 41 predominantly European countries to calculate the effectiveness of anti-coronavirus measures during the first wave of infection. The study concluded that the closure of schools and universities and the limiting of personal contact to a maximum of 10 people could reduce the number of replications of the virus by up to 40 percent. Closing nonessential stores, restaurants and pubs reduced the reproduction rate by 25 percent, while additional restrictions only reduced it by a maximum of 10 percent.

The internationally renowned Berlin virologist Christian Drosten also maintains that open schools are a major driver of the pandemic. In his latest podcast, he explains that the highly contagious mutation of the virus first discovered in England was most likely spread through schools. The new mutation of the virus took off with a lot of tailwinds in schools and then spread to the rest of the population.

More than a thousand European scientists have signed the appeal, Calling for Pan-European commitment for rapid and sustained reduction in SARS-CoV-2 infections, which advocates a radical, Europe-wide lockdown to bring the seven-day incidence (the number of infections per 100,000 population in a week) below 10 to save hundreds of thousands of lives. German signatories include RKI President Lothar Wieler, Max Planck President Martin Stratmann, German National Academy President Gerald Haug, virologists Sandra Ciesek and Christian Drosten, and the presidents of several research organisations.

Yet governments and their advisers in industry continue to treat these scientific recommendations with contempt. They are literally willing to walk over dead bodies. On Tuesday, a conference call between the chancellor and the heads of government of the German states decided to merely extend the completely inadequate measures introduced in December until the end of January. Production in the factories continues unrestricted. Schools and day-care centres remain officially closed, but with so many exceptions that they continue to operate virtually unrestricted.

Even the modest measures intended to ease the conditions of parents turn out on closer inspection to be a sham. For example, government leaders have promised that parents with children up to 12 years will each get 10 days and single parents 20 days of extra paid leave to care for their children.

This pay, however, amounts to just 67 percent of net pay and is only provided if there is no other reasonable care option for the children. A reasonable care option is considered to be when one parent works in a home office. If day-care centres offer emergency care, parents are obliged to accept this option and thereby expose their children and themselves to the risk of infection.

Meanwhile, the campaign to fully open day-care centres and schools as soon as possible is gathering momentum in political circles and in the media, regardless of the risks involved.

Speaking on Deutschlandfunk radio on Wednesday, German Family Minister Franziska Giffey (Social Democratic Party, SPD) called for the quickest possible return to schools and day-care centres. The current restrictions are in place until the end of January, and I think it must stay that way, she said. When a relaxation of the lockdown was possible, then the children in day-care centres and schools are the first priority.

The premier for the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, Winfried Kretschmann (Green Party), announced that elementary schools and day-care centres would be fully reopened as early as January 18. He was supported by his Education Minister Susanne Eisenmann (Christian Democratic Union), who has been a vehement advocate of in-person teaching in elementary schools during the pandemic.

ARDs Tuesday Tagesthemen news program featured an extensive interview with epidemiologist Klaus Stohr who proceeded to attack all those scientists who advocate a radical lockdown. Stohr argued against lowering the seven-day incidence below 120. He said recent weeks have shown that 120 to 130 cases per 100,000 could be managed. Hospitals everywhere had not been overloaded, he claimed, and the economic impact of such lockdowns was undoubtedly significant.

Stohr was not chosen at random. He spent years working for Novartis, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant that profits billions off peoples health. In 2019, Novartis posted net income of $11.7 billion on sales of $47.4 billion. As recently as mid-October, Stohr had defended the murderous strategy of herd immunity in the weekly Die Zeit, recommending Sweden as a role model, although the disastrous consequences of the Swedish policy were already known at the time. With a seven-day incidence of 400, the country now ranks among the worst affected European countries.

On December 22, Stohr called the pandemic development a natural event that was unstoppable. He recommended that the reproduction number, i.e., the infection rate, should not be higher than 1, but also not much lower. He said he thought it was unreasonable to close schools and kindergartens when you know the main impact [is] on the elderly. He criticised the measures taken in the summer, arguing that if they had not been introduced, there would now be many more young people who are no longer infectious.

This murderous policy of herd immunity, which cold-bloodedly accepts the death of tens of thousands, is the policy of the entire ruling class. It is supported by all parties represented in the Bundestag and put into practice in the states by political coalitions of all stripes. The Left Party, the Greens and the SPD are no less ruthless than the Free Democratic Party, the CDU and the CSU (Christian Social Union).

As in the case of refugee policy, it is the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) which acts as pioneer. The demonstrations against coronavirus restrictions supported by the AfD provide an excuse for all the other parties to move further and further to the right.

Resistance to the policy of open schools and day-care centres is growing among parents, teachers and students, but to successfully fight against it they need an independent perspective.

The crucial task is to build a cohesive network of independent action committees to guarantee safety and health. These action committees must fight to unite all workersteachers, school bus drivers, janitors, as well as manufacturing, health care, logistics, retail and food processing workersin a nationwide general strike to halt regular school operations and production in nonessential businesses.

Join the Action Committees for Safe Education and join the Socialist Equality Party, which fights for a socialist program and the international unity of the working class.
D.C. has spoken. It is fine to burn down businesses and threaten homeowners in the name of "racial justice," but you must never, ever question the results of a political election that takes most of a week to sort out before declaring a winner.

Black Lives Matter and Antifa are reportedly sitting on billions of dollars in donations after causing billions of dollars in property damage in this last year. Americans who took part in "Stop the Steal" rallies at the Capitol will not find fat bank accounts awaiting them once D.C.'s wrath goes scorched earth on Trump-supporters. And while glossy fashion mags depict Antifa revolutionaries as chic and stylish in glamorous photo spreads, Shopify and other online stores have already blacklisted MAGA revolutionaries from selling political clothing altogether.

Murder and physical battery against innocent civilians and police officers followed BLM and Antifa violence all year long; despite the terror those groups caused, the media saw nothing but "mostly peaceful protesters." (Mitt Romney even proudly walked in one of their parades.) Because the halls of Congress, rather than mom-and-pop storefronts, were damaged Wednesday, these "mostly peaceful protests" will always be portrayed as the "Capitol Siege of 2021." (Mitt Romney will not walk in any future parades organized by Americans seeking free and fair elections.)

After the mayhem calmed down, most Republicans in Congress joined with Democrats in blaming President Trump for having unleashed a "violent mob." They'd now rather impeach and remove the president than understand the problem. The hundreds of thousands of Americans in attendance may have been protesting for their voting rights, but Congress will not remember them as "civil rights protesters." Nobody in D.C. will turn police photographs of Wednesday's protesters into t-shirts with the caption "good trouble." Only certain civil rights protests may be celebrated in gift shops.

The most amazing part of Wednesday's chaos is that Congress learned nothing from it. The people participating were merely part of a "mob." Their complaints about the 2020 election were the rantings of conspiracy theorists. Protecting the marble blocks of the Capitol was more important than fortifying the public's faith in the legitimacy of the country's elections or governing institutions.

America's constitutional republic can survive without glorious temples dedicated to the prestige of D.C.'s governing class. America can survive if the capital were moved from the swamplands of Maryland and Virginia to the hills of Tennessee or the plains of Texas. It won't survive if Americans don't have faith in the electoral process.

If there were ever a time for lawmakers in D.C. to look out their windows and marvel, "Wow, we've really messed up here because Americans' faith in their government is gone," Wednesday was the day. The people protesting were the same people who, in the past, would have taken their children to Washington on summer vacations in order to celebrate America's history and accomplishments. Now those same people are so angry at the government in Washington that many would probably be fine letting the statue-topplers who have been tearing down monuments of Lincoln and Jefferson for over a year just go right ahead and dismantle the whole of D.C. while they're at it. When you've lost the American tourist class, you have a major problem.

There were so many voting irregularities during the 2020 election that any normal person would understand America's elections are a disaster. We spent four days watching vote-counters in battleground states suspend their counting for no good reasons (and then secretly return to counting without Republican monitors present), discover additional Biden votes seemingly out of nowhere, and accept mail-in ballots well past legal state deadlines. Statisticians have repeatedly shown how anomalous Biden's vote dumps (and Trump's vote deletions) were in battleground states. Sworn witness affidavits attesting to vote manipulation and fraud are numerous.

For me, four simple circumstantial facts always stick out: (1) Trump won well over ten million more votes than in 2016, making him the first president in nearly a century and a half to do better in re-election and still lose; (2) Trump won almost every traditional bellwether county in the country, and he did so by huge double-digit margins; (3) Trump won Iowa by eight points, Ohio by eight points, and Florida by three points, a feat that has guaranteed national victory in almost every presidential election; and (4) Biden, though barely campaigning, pulled in fifteen million more votes than Obama did in his re-election of 2012.

Without any other knowledge of vote fraud, or any physical or statistical evidence that the 2020 presidential election was manipulated, I find these circumstantial facts so strange that voters deserve to understand how they occurred.

If the answer is that mass mail-in balloting requiring no voter identification, witness verification, or signature-matching allowed millions of votes to flow into battleground states from unknown places without any credible process for authentication whatsoever, then that might explain how out of whack the 2020 election was, but it cannot excuse it. State and federal governments can't tell Americans that mail-in balloting, implemented with hardly any state legislative authority, fundamentally changed the way elections are won in America and expect ordinary voters on the losing side just to nod in agreement, consent, and put their trust in the system  especially after corporate news and social media giants have spent the last year intentionally deceiving Americans by (1) censoring stories damaging to Joe Biden, (2) pushing outright propaganda against President Trump, (3) suppressing pro-Trump voices, and (4) deplatforming pro-Trump publications.

Without any other evidence of fraud (of which there is plenty), the use of unaccountable mail-in balloting has permanently thrown democratic elections into doubt.

Many members of Congress responded to the events of Wednesday by arguing that respecting the decisions of the states to certify Biden's win is instrumental to federalism  that states control their elections, and not the federal government, is undoubtedly true. However, Americans are not so ignorant as to think out-of-state lawyers, out-of-state money, and out-of-state political operations didn't organize and implement this radically different way of conducting state elections with the equivalent of ballot air drops for anybody to find and return. The harm generated by 2020's mail-in balloting occurred in the individual battleground states, but it almost certainly arose from national political organizations funded by the same big-money donors who have most of Congress on their payrolls.

For Congress to turn around and wash its hands of the whole mess by hiding behind thin defenses of federalism and claiming that what happened in Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania is for the citizens of those states to figure out is like saying that if Montanans weren't happy with America's policy of "mutually assured destruction" during the Cold War, they shouldn't have housed so much of the nation's nuclear missile stockpile.

At some point, fraud and uncertainty in one state's election become national problems that affect voters in every state. If Congress didn't understand that before Wednesday, the "Capitol Siege of 2021" should have made it vividly clear. For Congress to instead blame ordinary voters for their lack of faith in an untrustworthy system does not bode well for any American going forward. And that grotesque failure lies almost entirely with complacent lawmakers in D.C.

Image via Flickr, Public Domain.
(TNS)  The Bartlesville Public Library is permanently increasing its Internet bandwidth following positive feedback from a temporary state-funded boost.In April, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission's approved a temporary emergency increase in bandwidth, the volume of information sent over the Internet in a second, for public schools, libraries and health care facilities throughout the state to accommodate changes needed for the pandemic.With its Internet contract with BTC Broadband set to end June 30, the library included the higher bandwidth in the new contract to make the change  from 100 megabits per second to 250 mbps  permanent beyond the emergency increase, which is set to end when the state pandemic emergency status is lifted.Library patrons have benefitted from the higher bandwidth as the pandemic has led to an increase in telehealth services and virtual learning and working, according to city documents."Wireless usage at the library has been an increasingly popular service, from those who use it inside the library both on personal and library devices to those who pull up in the parking lot and use the wireless, and even the surrounding residences who use the wifi," Library Director Shellie McGill said in a statement.The bandwidth does not include Internet used by the library's 30 Internet hotspots purchased in October to meet local demand for secure Internet access.Funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the library has a one-year contract with US Cellular to provide each device 4 gigabytes of high-speed Internet.McGill said patrons typically use 6 to 8 GB when they check out the devices, so the hotspots seem to be meeting a need in the community."We are very pleased. We just rolled out the program on Nov. 2, 2020, but hotspots arechecking out continually. We show the 30 hotspots have been checked out 91 times since Nov. 2, 2020. Patrons seems to greatly enjoy this new service," McGill said.The hotspots can be checked out by individuals 18 and older for up to 21 days at a time.
Passengers being stopped at the entrance of a railway station as the city cuts outside transport links and bans residents from leaving, after the large COVID-19 outbreak in Shijiazhuang, in northern China's Hebei Province on Jan. 7, 2021. (STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images)

Following Virus Outbreak, Chinese Villagers Forced to Quarantine in Facilities With No Heating

Following a local uptick in COVID-19 cases, hundreds of villagers in northern Chinas Hebei Province were ordered by authorities to isolate themselves at three schools that were converted into quarantine centers.

With no heat or bedding, villagers struggled to stay warm as temperatures dropped below freezing.

The children kept on crying all night because of the cold, a villager Liu Lin (pseudonym) told the Chinese-language Epoch Times in a Jan. 8 interview. They [government officials] said our village is a high-risk region for contracting the virus, and all four-thousand-plus villagers would be sent to quarantine centers step by step.

Parts of the region have entered lockdown to curb the spread of local outbreaks. Authorities confirmed at least 295 cases in the province, though the figure is unreliable due to the Chinese regimes history of coverup.

On Jan. 8, state-run CCTV quoted Tong Chaohui, a specialist from Chinas National Health Commission, who said the outbreak in Hebei had not yet reached its peak. During mass COVID-19 testing, many local people were detected with antibodies in their bloodstream, he noted. The body typically develops antibodies in 10 days or two weeks after contracting the CCP virus.

As of press time, authorities had not announced any deaths related to the latest surge. On Jan. 7, police in Baoding city announced that they detained a 27-year-old man Yang Shuoning who posted on the popular social media platform WeChat that over 200 people had died in Shijiazhuang city, the epicenter of the latest outbreak.

The police said Yang posted the information in a chat group with friends and neighbors on Friday The police claimed that the information was not true, and Yang would be detained for six days and fined 100 yuan ($15.44) for spreading rumors.

Quarantine

Xiaoguozhuang village is in Gaocheng district, Shijiazhuang. The villagers have been isolated in their homes since Jan. 2, when the first villager was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Since Jan. 5, Shijiazhuang authorities began removing villagers from their homes and sent them to quarantine centers.

On social media, villagers said they had to follow instructions or else face fines or detention.

A medical worker takes a swab sample from an infant for a COVID-19 test in Shijiazhuang city, Hebei Province, China, on Jan. 7, 2021. (STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images)

Liu told the Chinese-language Epoch Times that officials arranged for her to move on Thursday evening.

Nobody told us where they would send us to or whether we needed to prepare for something, Liu recalled. When I arrived at the gathering point, there were four shuttle buses. The one I took had about 30 villagers inside.

Liu and her fellow villagers found out that they would be sent to an empty school that was converted into a quarantine center. There was no hot water, no heating, no separated bathroom stalls, and the temperature was minus 14 degrees Celsius (6.8 degrees Fahrenheit) when they arrived.

Liu and her fellow villagers then started to contact all possible channels to ask for help. Finally, after almost 24 hours in the cold, authorities arranged for them to move to a hotel.

Ten shuttle buses arrived to pick us up. We had almost 600 people at the school, Liu said. However, our trip to the hotel was very difficult, because Pingshan county, where the hotel is located, didnt allow us to enter [at first].

County officials said the virus could be easily transmitted in a contained space, so they stopped the buses on the highway and let the door open to allow air circulation. It was minus 17 degrees Celsius (1.4 degrees Fahrenheit) outside, Liu said. The babies were crying for hours and hours, and the old people were trembling.

The trip eventually took over ten hours. Liu said there was no way to maintain social distancing as she and fellow villagers were forced to share a room initially at the school, then transported in a bus with over 50 people inside.

According to Chinese media Yicai, villagers were sent to the Lianzhou No. 1 Middle School, Gaocheng No. 4 Middle School, and Gaocheng Vocational School. All three schools had no heating.

By the end of Jan. 8, over 1,000 villagers were sent to quarantine centers, while another 3,000 villagers were still at home, according to Yicai.

Food Prices Skyrocket

Ms. Zhang (pseudonym) lives in downtown Xingtai, another city in Hebei with a severe outbreak. She told the Chinese-language Epoch Times on Thursday that local food prices have skyrocketed.

Current prices are five to six times more than the prices a few days ago, before the lockdown, Zhang said.

Zhang said cooking oil, meat, vegetables, and grains have all become more expensive. I bought three anaheim peppers, which cost over ten yuan ($1.54), Zhang complained.

Zhang said that though authorities have claimed all new infections are in Nangong, a locale administered by Xingtai city, all of Xingtai has become tense.

Some residential compounds have organized all residents for nucleic acid tests [for COVID-19]. The residential compound where I live hasnt done this yet, but asked us to stay at home, Zhang said.

A business owner in Nangong told the Chinese-language Epoch Times that the whole area was locked down, and residents in the compounds where diagnosed COVID-19 patients live were not allowed to leave their apartments.

His store was sealed off by police on Dec. 30, 2020 due to the outbreak. I guess they wont unseal us in January, he predicted. Nobody is allowed to enter or leave. All buses have stopped operating, and schools are closed.

'The devil has a plot but God has a plan': Christian artists deplore US Capitol riot

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

In the aftermath of the US. Capitol invasion on Jan. 6, Christian artists took to social media to condemn the violence and stress the reality of spiritual warfare.

On Wednesday, dozens of people breached security perimeters at the Capitol intending to stall Congress' certification of the Electoral College votes and pressure Republican lawmakers into overturning former Vice President Joe Biden's electoral victory. The protests resulted in four casualties and dozens of arrests.

Some people who stormed the Capitol building did so with JESUS 2020 signs, In God We Trust banners and a large cross, drawing condemnation from pastors and evangelical leaders across the political spectrum.

There are two kingdoms at war," hip-hop artist Lecrae wrote on his Instagram page. "The empires of man and the Kingdom of God."

Here's how Christian artists responded to the events of Jan. 6.
Rathangan author Lynn Buckle is celebrating the news that she has been appointed a UNESCO City of Literature Virtual Writer in Residence 2021 at the UKs National Centre for Writing in Norwich.

Representing Dublin, Irelands UNESCO City of Literature, Lynn will be creating connections between the two cities and sharing writers worlds as part of the United Nations world-wide scheme to cross borders through education, the sciences, and culture.

First novel

The authors debut novel The Groundsmen was published in 2018 by epoque press and launched locally by Senator Fiona OLoughlin, followed by a year-long book tour of Ireland and the UK.

Lynn teaches at The Irish Writers Centre in Parnell Square, Dublin, and for Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. Honoured to be awarded this prestigious opportunity, she is looking forward to engaging with her new writing colleagues from around the world, as she joins representatives from UNESCO Cities of Literature Iceland, New Zealand, Poland, and Belgium in her new post.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
Anthony Albanese spent the night in hospital after he was t-boned in a terrifying crash just a few metres from his Sydney home.

The Federal Opposition Leader, 57, was involved in the two-car crash on Hill Street in Marrickville, in Sydney's inner-west, on Friday afternoon just before 5pm.

He was treated at the scene and later taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for precautionary X-rays.

A spokesperson for Albanese said he was 'heavily shaken' but 'okay', with the other driver uninjured in what was described as a 'serious accident.'

Albanese is expected to be discharged from hospital on Saturday afternoon.

The 17-year-old Range Rover driver escaped with no injury but has been slapped with a ticket for negligent driving.

Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has been rushed to hospital after a car crash on Friday in Sydney (pictured above)

A spokesperson said Albanese was 'heavily' shaken following the incident in Marrickville (pictured above)

Daily Mail Australia understands Albanese was alone in the car at the time of the accident.

Witnesses said Albanese's car appeared to be 't-boned' at the intersection with Glen Street.

The politician also reportedly appeared to point to his left shoulder while talking with paramedics moments after the crash.

Marrickville local Nikoleta Kastanis described the crash scene as 'chaos'.

'I didn't know it was (Albanese) at first, until he got out of the car,' she told the Daily Telegraph.

'The paramedics came and checked him out he seemed really shaken up, he could walk but he just seemed totally in shock.'
As the world struggles with surging COVID-19 cases, Vietnam, along with Taiwan (China) and Singapore, has succeeded in limiting local transmissions to almost zero, said Japans Nikkei Asia.

The article shared that the three Asian economies offer rare success stories in containing local transmission using rigorous testing and quarantine.

In Vietnam, the success is due to the Government's strong implementation of strict and transparent information measures, helping to accelerate the quick tracing of infected people's close contacts.

* With its success in controlling COVID-19 in 2020, Vietnam is likely to keep the situation contained next year, said Joseph Incalcaterra, chief economist for ASEAN at the HSBC Global Research, in an article recently published on www.dailymirror.uk.

He praised Vietnams handling of the coronavirus, saying that its response to the pandemic allowed the country to maintain its reputation as a very good destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

* A recent survey conducted by Gallup International showed that Vietnam ranks third globally in terms of economic optimism, behind Nigeria and Azerbaijan.

According to analysts, the world economic optimism index for 2021 will be minus 21%.

The survey found that 25% of respondents expect the world economy to recover this year, while 46% said they are prepared for a difficult year.
Bengaluru, Jan 9 : With the resumption of passenger flights from the United Kingdom to India and the first flight to Bengaluru scheduled early on Sunday, Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar said on Saturday that all UK returnees will have to undergo RT-PCR test on arrival, for which necessary arrangements are in place.

"The first flight from the UK will land at around 4 am on Sunday. According to airport officials, it will be a full flight with about 330 passengers. Even if they have a Covid negative report from there, they will again have to mandatorily undergo RT-PCR test on arrival," said Sudhakar, who had gone to the Kempe Gowda International Airport to oversee the preparations.

He said all the necessary arrangements have been put in place by the airport and health department officials and passengers who disembark the plane will have to undergo another round of test which is a mandatory requirement.

"It will take three to four hours for the RT-PCR test reports to come. Once the report comes negative, they will be allowed to go out," he said, adding that those who test positive will be shifted to designated hospitals for treatment.

India had suspended all passenger flights between the UK and India from December 23 to January 7 as a new variant of Covid-19 was discovered there.

The minister said that all the measures mentioned in the guidelines will be followed strictly and the officials have been given instructions in this regard.

He added that those who are found negative at the airport would be advised quarantine at home for 14 days and will be regularly followed up by the concerned state authorities.

Sudhakar further said that passengers coming from other countries should also carrying Covid negative report with mandatory RT-PCR test done 72 hours prior to the start of their journey.

"Those carrying certificates will be allowed to go out after gathering the details of their stay. Those coming without a report will be tested," he added.
Stateside Strategy Strategic marketing and business development consultant Victor Martino casts an experienced eye over the US packaged food industry, and asks how big food and a new wave of disruptors can compete in one of the world's most important FMCG markets.

Foods with function  health and wellness is alive and well in US

Just Food's US columnist Victor Martino looks at the implications around the interest in health and wellness products during and after the pandemic.

Why NFTs can offer marketing opportunities for FMCG brands

Some see non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, as a fad but our US columnist Victor Martino believes FMCG groups can use the technology for their own branding and marketing.

Why 2020 was not a victory for big CPG brands

2020 was the year in which, in the US, big brands fought back, as shoppers sought comfort in what they knew, right? Not necessarily, writes just-food columnist Victor Martino.

What trends are shaping the US pet-food market?

just-food's US columnist Victor Martino reflects on how Covid-19 could have a lasting effect on the US pet food market.

Five categories to thrive in new normal for US packaged food

just-food's US columnist Victor Martino sets out five areas he believes will thrive in the country's packaged-food market in the wake of Covid-19.

Under the cloud of Covid-19, the US food industry must follow these five collective actions in 2021

just-food's Stateside columnist Victor Martino has put forward five actions the industry should follow during what looks set to be another year shaped by Covid-19.

US food must be proactive as Biden eyes climate, health agenda

As President Trump accepts a transition should begin for President-elect Biden to take office, we look at what the new administration could mean for the country's food sector.

How to keep the heat under US frozen-food sales

just-food's US columnist Victor Martino looks at how frozen-food manufacturers and brand-owners can continue to drive sales in the wake of the pandemic.

How US brands can exploit shift to at-home consumption

After years of gains for foodservice in the US, Covid-19 has boosted demand for food to eat at-home. How can packaged-food companies protect those gains longer term?

Five imperatives for US food start-ups in the new normal

The disruptor has become the disrupted. Covid-19 has given Big Food a boost and caused caution among US investors and retailers. How should start-ups react?

What CPGs must do as US Covid-19 struggle continues

With Covid-19 cases on the rise in some US states and the country as a whole facing recession, what does that mean for CPG companies? just-food's Victor Martino gives advice.

The five ways CPG companies can navigate US economic uncertainty

just-food's US columnist Victor Martino sets out how CPG companies can steer their way through choppy economic waters.

Don't write off emerging brands amid Big Food's Covid-19 bounce

Many of Big Food's legacy brands are having their day in the sun in the US, boosted by pantry-loading. But Victor Martino believes challenger brands can still  and will  compete.

Why change is inevitable in the wake of Covid-19

Our US columnist Victor Martino sets out what he sees as the stages of change that will impact the country's food industry  with analysis that will resonate beyond US borders.

US dairy - a need for a major re-think

Our columnist Victor Martino looks at the problems facing the ailing US dairy industry and at its prospects for turning things around.

Browse all 58 articles
A returned traveller who completed mandatory hotel quarantine in Melbourne before flying to Queensland to visit her parents has returned a positive result for the more infectious UK strain of coronavirus.

Health authorities are urgently investigating a case of an international traveller who flew into Melbourne on December 26, tested positive for COVID-19 the following day and stayed for 10 days in quarantine.

The woman, in her 50s, was allowed to leave Victoria and fly to Queensland on the 5th of January.

Later, Victorian authorities alerted their Queensland counterparts to inform them that the woman had tested positive for the UK variant.
The Daily Beast

NBCSeth Meyers on Wednesday reacted to the recent news that the Manhattan District Attorneys office has convened a grand jury to consider issuing indictments in the investigation into former President Donald Trumps business dealings.Meyers began by drawing a throughline from this case to all the other figures in Trumps orbit who ended up in trouble with the law.Its just basic logic that if youre surrounded at all times by that many criminals, theres a solid chance youre also a criminal, Meyers said. He then likened Trumps situation to that of the frontman of a band denying that hes actually in a band.Still, Meyers said he wouldnt be surprised if the ex-president emerges relatively unscathed.Trump always manages to wriggle out of a jam, the late-night host said. Hes like the David Blaine of crime. If he ever goes to trial, hell just regurgitate a frog that has Not Guilty written on its back. If the feds ever come for him, hell hide out in a glass box over the [River] Thames.But if Trump himself may end up OK, that might not be the case for his family.Meyers said he would totally believe it if this investigation caused Trump to throw those close to him under the bus. You think he named his eldest son after himself for sentimental reasons? Meyers asked. He did it so there would be a second Donald Trump to pin the blame on.Commentators have also been discussing the likelihood that Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg will flip on Trump.Im guessing when you work for Trump, you start thinking about flipping as soon as you get the gig, Meyers said. Its like when youre in the middle of a job interview at Little Caesars and youre already fantasizing about how youre going to quit.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.
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Variable clouds with thunderstorms - possibly severe in the afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms in the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Angels broadcaster Victor Rojas has decided not to return to the broadcast booth for the 2021 season. (Blaine Ohigashi / Angels Baseball LP)

The Angels broadcast booth will look and sound different in 2021. Victor Rojas, the teams play-by-play announcer for the last 11 seasons, announced Saturday he will not return to his role for the upcoming season.

In a lengthy statement on Twitter, Rojas wrote that he arrived at the decision to step away recently in order to spend more time with the family in Texas, continue to build our apparel business, await the birth of our [first] grandchild and prepare for my next venture.

Rojas came to the Angels in 2010 after about 1 years as an MLB Network studio host, five seasons (2004 to 2008) on the Texas Rangers crew and one season (2003) in the Arizona Diamondbacks booth. Rojas, the son of former Angels manager Cookie Rojas, began his 20-year broadcast career by calling games in the independent Atlantic League in 2001. He worked two seasons for the Newark (N.J.) Bears, for whom he also served as assistant general manager and its lead GM.

Rojas career with the Angels dates to 1990, when he pitched one season for their rookie-league team in Arizona.

Last fall, he tried to make the jump from the broadcast booth to the front office in the wake of general manager Billy Epplers dismissal. Rojas interviewed for the opening with owner Arte Moreno, president John Carpino and senior advisor Bill Stoneman. He presented possible solutions to address the deficiencies of the teams 40-man roster, player development and scouting systems and organizational culture.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

After the job went to Perry Minasian, Rojas on Twitter thanked the team executives for giving him a chance and wrote, Im here for the organization and will continue to do whats in its best interest.

Rojas now will turn his attention, in part, to the web-based clothing company, Big Fly, he has run with his wife Kim and their children since early 2019. Despite the difficulties of conducting business in 2020, Rojas said in an early December interview with The Times Bill Shaikin that Big Fly had filled about 1,500 orders during the calendar year.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ADVERTISEMENT

A veteran Nollywood actor, Jim Lawson Maduike, is dead.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) president, Emeka Rollas, confirmed the news of his death on Saturday.

The actor died on Saturday after reportedly complaining of body aches at around 12 pm.

The late actor was also an accomplished broadcaster, writer, and TV personality who featured in over 150 movies in his lifetime. He joined Nollywood in 2004 where he played lead roles in most films.

The Imo State-born broadcaster, voice-over artiste, and actor worked with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, for 14 years.

He was also a pioneer staff of Ray Power Radio for three years, and then for MINAJ for another three years before venturing into Nollywood.

Some of his memorable roles were in movies like My Conscience, The Trust, Queen of Aso Rock, Lust for lust, Atonement and National Cake.

Others are Executive Mess, Queen Of Hasso Rock, The Master, My Conscience, Enemies In Love and Still In Love.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
KIMT NEWS 3 - Many of us have already received our second stimulus payment from the feds. Now there's talk in the nation's capitol about a third stimulus plan, with possibly another payout to Americans.

President-elect Joe Biden is calling for a multi-trillion dollar coronavirus relief package, with another stimulus check as part of the plan.

That stimulus payment could be as much as $2000. The third relief package might also include cash for unemployment, city and state governments, and schools.

Billions would also potentially be spent to speed up vaccine distribution.

Some people are in favor of another stimulus plan.

"As a college student I see a lot of individuals who are definitely hurting for money. They may work very hard through the college and through town, but it's not quite enough," said Kaylee Schuermann.

"I think there are some people that really are in need. I think of those that have had their business shut down, or delayed or traffic that was reduced because of COVID," said Kayla Chrz.

Biden's plan would also include some relief for small businesses, specifically ones in low-income areas.

With Democrats being in control of the house and senate, there could be a good chance of a third stimulus passing. Although Democratic West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has voiced his doubts over another round of stimulus checks.

A man carries shopping bags down a quiet street in Belfast city centre as the six week lockdown in Northern Ireland continues.

Nine more people have died of coronavirus in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health has confirmed.

It brings the total death toll to 1,443 since the onset of the pandemic.

Another 1,442 cases of the virus were also confirmed on Saturday.

In total there have been 87,588 positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

It comes as the health service comes under severe pressure, with hospitals at full capacity and cancer surgery among the operations cancelled in Belfast.

There were 674 people with Covid-19 in hospitals across Northern Ireland on Saturday, including 47 in ICU.

You must stay at home unless you have a reasonable excuse to leave. By staying at home you will save lives.



Visit https://t.co/AWCdjlAaB6 for advice#StayHome pic.twitter.com/0I9ogeLDgD  NI Executive (@niexecutive) January 8, 2021

Hospital bed occupancy now stands at 97% with 19 ICU beds available.

Northern Irelands seven-day incidence rate is now at 600 cases per 100,000.

Newry, Mourne and Down has the highest rate in the region at 858 cases per 100,000 of the population, followed by Mid Ulster at 798.5 and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon at 794.2.

Friday saw lockdown restrictions preventing people from leaving home unless it is essential introduced in Northern Ireland.

People can be ordered to return to their homes by police as part of measures agreed by Stormont ministers.

Tighter rules around movement will remain in place until February 6 but will be reviewed later this month.

The country will also require incoming travellers to undertake pre-departure testing for Covid-19, Health Minister Robin Swann said on Friday.
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.
Please disable your ad blocker, and refresh the page to view this content.
Colder weather and worsening depression even among the criminal class gives us a brief pause from local crime in order to gather some of the more interesting stories on police action, arrests, scams and ongoing cases.

Police Chase Crash Testimony

Witness describes impactful crash following KCPD chase KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - - A police chase Friday afternoon led to a serious wreck with seven people sent to the hospital, including two young children and three teens, one of whom was in critical condition as of Friday night.

Sheriff Trumps Policy

Jackson County Sheriff's Office enacts new Duty to Intervene policy LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. - Jackson County Sheriff's deputies now have a moral and legal obligation to intervene when someone is using excessive force, whether it's physical or verbal. That was the aim of Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forte's new Duty to Intervene policy, which went into effect on Jan. 1.

Rampant Kansas City Car Crime Push Back

Kansas City Police Arrest Prolific Thief January 6, 2021 A suspect in about 15 car break-ins in the West Bottoms in late December, as well as many other property crimes, is in custody and facing multiple charges. Investigation is continuing, and more charges are expected. DNA and savvy detective work led police to a hotel room near 435 and Front Street on Monday, Jan.

Fighting Phone Fakes

Scam alert: Caller ID said KC police called, but someone else was on other end of line KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Scammers are calling, targeting people living in Kansas City. In a string of tweets, Kansas City police explained how an older woman handled a scammer Friday. A woman answered the phone after caller ID showed that someone from the Board of Police Commissioners was calling.

Fatal Crash Aftermath

Olathe man charged in crash that killed teen girl last August KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An Olathe man was charged in the death of a 17-year-old girl in a traffic crash last summer. Johnson County Prosecutors announced Thursday that Eric Hoedl, 42, has been charged with second-degree murder or, in the alternative, involuntary manslaughter. The crash happened Aug.

JoCo Search Persists

Over 150 leads tracked in search for missing Prairie Village woman; now waiting for lab results PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. - New details in the case of a Prairie Village wife and mother who vanished. It's been nearly one year since her daughter reported Angela Green missing. In the past year, there has been movement in the case Det. Sgt. Adam Taylor calls mysterious.

SAVE SNAIL MAIL!!!

Proposed legislation could help protect from mail or package theft Proposed legislation in Jefferson City could establish special penalties for those who steal packages. House Bill 464 started moving through the 2021 legislative session for Missouri. This bill would establish the crime of mail theft. The COVID-19 pandemic moved a lot of daily and holiday shopping online, causing an uptick in package deliveries.

Golden Ghetto Gunfire Aftermath

Shots fired into Lenexa residence, suspect in custody by: Juan Cisneros Posted: / Updated: LENEXA, Kan. - Lenexa police took a suspect into custody after reports of shots fired into a residence in the 13500 block of West 82nd Street. No injuries were reported at the residence. A suspect was located near 95th Street and Interstate 35 at a hotel in Lenexa, police said.

Hottie Suburban Mayor Wrist Slap Moves Forward

Shawnee mayor appears in Johnson County court in felony perjury case Shawnee Mayor Michelle Distler made her first appearance in Johnson County court Tuesday afternoon on a felony perjury charge. She appeared briefly at the virtual hearing with attorney Robin Fowler, who is representing her, to acknowledge receipt of the criminal complaint and agree to a new court date.

EPIC CASE REVIEW!!!

'It's very rare': Missouri Supreme Court takes interest in 17-year-old Kansas City murder case KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Supreme Court has appointed what they call a "Special Master" or trial judge to review new evidence in a Kansas City murder case. Keith Carnes has been in prison for 16 years, serving a sentence of life without parole for a crime he says he didn't commit.

Developing . . .
Mumbai, Jan 9 : Actress Jacqueline Fernandez has shared a childhood picture on Instagram to celebrate the weekend.

"It's the weekend," the actress captioned the passport-sized photograph from her childhood.

Jacqueline has a packed year ahead, with several films lined up.

She has shot for her horror comedy "Bhoot Police" and has commenced shooting for "Bachchan Pandey", co-starring Akshay Kumar and Kriti Sanon.

She will reunite with superstar Salman Khan for "Kick 2". The two had starred in the 2014 action heist film "Kick".

Jacqueline will also share screen space with Ranveer Singh in Rohit Shetty's "Cirkus".

-- Syndicated from IANS
Representative Image. Source: DW

An Indonesian plane crashed with 62 onboard shortly after take-off from a Jakarta airport on January 9. The low-cost carrier Sriwijaya Air's SJ182 aircraft was en-route to Pontianak, the capital of the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan.

Here is what we know so far:

When did it last make contact?

The plane last made contact at 2:40 pm (0740 GMT), as per reports.

What exactly happened?

SJ182 lost more than 10,000 feet of altitude in less than one minute, just four minutes after taking off, Flightradar24 reports showed. The aircraft went missing from radars 30 minutes after the scheduled time because of heavy rain.

The detik.com website quoted Karya as saying that the plane crashed near Laki Island, some 20 km (12 miles) from the airport.

How many people were on board?

Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya told a news conference that 62 people had been aboard Flight SJ 182, including 12 crew.

What type of plane was this?

The SJ182 was a Boeing 737-500. This is unlike the 737 MAX jetliner which was associated with some of the world's deadliest crashes in 2018.

The aircraft is 26-years-old and took its first flight in May 1994.

Have investigations begun?

Yes. Investigations into the matter have begun with the low-cost carrier saying it was looking into the issue. Another investigation by Indonesia's search and rescue agency and the National Transportation Safety Commission is also underway.
Pressure leads to Christian college president turnover, school heads say

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

In the last three years, 38 Christian college presidents have left their jobs, according to statistics from the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Before now, college presidents in the CCCU have often stayed at universities longer than their counterparts, said Gordon College President D. Michael Lindsay. But as the pressures and complexity of university operations have increased, the number of years Christian presidents serve has decreased.

Lindsay said he plans to end his 10-year job as president because he felt God was calling him to another task. Although future prospects for the Massachusetts college look excellent, he will leave his position this year. During his presidency, he has seen the field of higher education change.

Time horizons for expectations in the presidency have really shortened. Higher education used to be a sleepy field where change came very slowly and gradually. But for most of us, you now have to be nimble and responsible to a marketplace that changes year by year, he told The Christian Post.

In past generations, college presidents navigated less market pressure, smaller technological change and fewer layers of government bureaucracy, he noted. Today, these factors all complicate a presidents work significantly.

The job [of president] is exponentially harder than it has ever been before, he said.

Today, once a president joins a college, he starts a relatively brief honeymoon period where people like him, Lindsay said. Eventually, the president makes controversial decisions that anger some people. People stop wanting to work with the president. Eventually, he becomes a scapegoat.

In a faster-moving world, controversial decisions come up more often, Lindsay pointed out.

Over time you carry everyones accumulated grievances against the institution, he lamented.

To start afresh, a president must create a new vision for the university, take a sabbatical or change his life significantly, he explained. In effect, he either becomes a "new" president or gets replaced by a new president. For modern universities, the system runs best with rapid change.

So many of our secular colleagues continue to hold onto these roles, clutching them within their grip as if the more they hold their identities, the more secure they will be, said Lindsay. Christ followers are at a bit of an advantage when it comes to transitions.

Although it might be difficult, rapid change also leads to more innovation and job experience. Bill Peterson, a parter in executive job search firm Carter Baldwin, said that the term lengths of Christian college presidents he works with have been decreasing slowly.

I havent noticed that theres a large influx [of new people]. I do notice that the tenure is decreasing, he told CP. Were beginning to see Baby Boomers retire. Its just time. I think theres a natural opportunity for new leadership.

A change in leadership often helps refresh institutions, as new executives bring in new ideas, Peterson said. The most important traits for Christian college presidents today are strong moral character and an ability to create a compelling story for their institution.

Im pretty positive about [faster turnover rates], said Lindsay. Its going to increase the variety and opportunities for more people to rise to leadership in Christian colleges. It will also deepen the bench that we have across the Christian educational mosaic.

Many of the CCCU presidents who have stepped down in the past three years have already served long terms, said Asbury University President Kevin Brown to The Christian Post. They stepped down from their jobs because they felt ready to, not because of any more complex reason.

Brown became the new president of Asbury in 2019. Hes part of the next generation of leaders who will help form Christian students into maturity.

I think if you just hear the [CCCU] statistic, it sounds ominous, he said. [The older presidents are] women and men who have served for longer periods of time. I think they have arrived at a point where its time to step down and let someone with a fresh set of eyes step in.

The previous president of Asbury, Sandra Gray, did a great job of preparing the college for new leadership, Brown said.

Brown and Lindsay both agreed that the rapid onslaught of controversial decisions for presidents has influenced increased turnover rate in schools. Brown said that it has become more common for leaders to become unwitting interim presidents whose terms last shorter than they would have first imagined.

A president would enter with the prospect of being in 15 or 20 years, but because of the controversial decisions people had to make immediately, they expended all political and social capital, he said. The future of the presidency could be 10 or 15 years. We may see the timeline adjust so it may not be as long as in years past.

Christian college presidents starting leadership now face a turning point in education, said Brown. People have stopped thinking of university education as a way to become a citizen and started to think of it as a primarily economic decision that needs to deliver returns.

After the financial crisis, there was a shift in how parents and prospective students thought about education. Traditionally, the purpose of a university was to produce good citizens. Theres kind of a careerist assumption that has taken over, why marketplace, he said. These are enormous existential questions that I think would not have been immediately considered in a presidents first year.

But in a rapidly changing educational environment, the questions wont wait.

Christian colleges also face higher pressure to justify their value to society at large, said Brown. As American society has rejected Christian values, the cultural and political forces that once supported Christian schools have weakened. Now faith-based schools must make a case for their own relevance to a different culture than the one they started in.

When you look at the time ahead, I am increasingly convinced that the longevity of schools like Asbury will be tied to the perceived social value that we give to society  not our right to be at the table, but why we are fruit bearers, were light bearers, we provide salt and light to the world, Brown contended.

One way Christian colleges impact society is through their students, he stressed. Students from Christian schools have high graduation rates, high rates of volunteering, low debt rates and work at lower-paying jobs that help other people more often than their secular counterparts. The next generation of Christian college presidents must explain to the public how Christian universities impact the world in beneficial ways, he said.

In some pockets of society, Christian education is a euphemism for inferior education. We have to make a case that its just the opposite. We are very much in the business of rigorous relevant education, said Brown.

The US has topped 4,000 daily deaths from the coronavirus for the first time, breaking a record set just one day earlier.

The tally from Johns Hopkins University shows the US had 4,085 deaths on Thursday. It had nearly 275,000 new coronavirus cases as well.

The numbers are another reminder of the worsening situation following travel for holidays and family gatherings, along with more time indoors during the winter months. Theres been a surge in cases and deaths in California, Arizona, Texas and Florida.

More than 365,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Britain has authorised a coronavirus vaccine developed by Moderna, the third to be licensed for use in the country.

The Department of Health says the vaccine meets the regulators strict standards of safety, efficacy and quality. Britain has ordered 10 million doses of the vaccine, although they are not expected to be delivered to the UK until spring.

Read More

So far Britain has inoculated 1.5 million people with the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccines. England is currently under a national lockdown, with hospitals overwhelmed by patients and medical personnel under unprecedented strain.

In Geneva World Health Organisation experts have issued recommendations saying the interval between administration of two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can be extended to up to six weeks.

WHOs Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunisation, known as Sage, formally published guidance yesterday. It says an interval of 21 to 28 days between the first and second doses is recommended.

But the UN health agency also noted a number of countries face exceptional circumstances of vaccine supply constraints combined with a high disease burden, and some have considered postponing the administration of second doses as a way to expand the number of people initially immunised.

WHO says this pragmatic approach is based on currently available clinical trial data and could be considered as a response to exceptional epidemiological circumstances.

It says countries seeking to extend the interval should make sure vaccinated patients still have access to a second dose.

WHO says no data is available yet on the interchangeability of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine with other COVID-19 vaccines.
WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has sharpened his criticism of President Donald Trump, saying the presidents rhetoric certainly contributed to the violence that occurred as Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday.

But the Texas Republican  who led an effort in the Senate to delay certifying Trumps loss  is showing no signs of contrition amid growing calls for his resignation as many blame him for stoking the post-election strife that culminated with the attack on the Capitol.

Cruz objected to Arizonas electoral votes less than an hour before demonstrators breached the building, pointing to unprecedented  and unproven  allegations of voter fraud. Even some of Cruzs Republican colleagues said he should have been working to dispel those allegations, rather than airing them in Congress.

Asked in an interview with Hearst Newspapers on Friday whether he believes there was widespread fraud in the election, Cruz responded: I dont know if there was sufficient fraud to alter the outcome, I have never said that there was. What I said was there were serious allegations of fraud, and those allegations need to be examined carefully.

In objecting to Arizonas results, Cruz was pushing for an emergency audit, which he argues could have provided the final say Trump supporters needed. His objection was initially supported by 10 other senators, though two changed their minds after the riot.

WILL YOU STAND WITH ME?: Ted Cruz explains fundraising text sent during siege on Capitol

It would have been a much better solution, it would have helped bring this country together, it would have helped heal the divisions we have in this country and help reestablish trust in our democratic system, Cruz said. What I was working to do is find a way to reestablish widespread trust in the system.

Critics accuse Cruz of doing the opposite by ignoring the fact that Trumps claims had been thrown out of dozens of courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. They call his objection a craven attempt to appeal to Trump supporters and raise money for his own presidential bid.

Calls were growing on Friday for Cruz to resign or be expelled from the Senate. At least two Democratic senators  Patty Murray of Washington and Chris Coons of Delaware  both called for Cruz and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, another objector, to resign.

Republicans, too, have criticized Cruz. U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah said those who objected on Wednesday will forever be seen as being complicit in an unprecedented attack on our democracy. George Will, a conservative columnist, wrote in the Washington Post that Trump, Hawley and Cruz each will wear a scarlet S as a seditionist.

Five people were killed in the riot, including a Capitol police officer who was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher.

THAT LOOKS LIKE TROY: Fort Bend Congressman Nehls faces Capitol rioters in viral photos

Shame on you, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted on Friday, saying to Cruz You fanned the flames of mistrust and history will hold you accountable for the ensuing chaos. Outrageous!

Cruz condemned the violence.

What happened at the Capitol was a despicable act of terrorism, he said. The violent criminals who attacked the Capitol should be fully prosecuted and they should go to jail for a very, very long time.

Sticking with Ted Cruz still

Texas political experts and operatives say the blowback Cruz is facing now is unlikely to last as long as some expect.

Im not sure the criticism of some of his fellow Republicans, elites, or certainly Democrats, really make that much difference in the medium and long term, said James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin. The only thing thats ever really diluted the support of Republican voters in Texas for Cruz was when he was crosswise with Trump, and he knows that  and were seeing evidence he knows that.

Cruzs approval rating among Republicans in Texas hit its lowest point  55 percent  in June 2016, at the height of his primary battle with Trump, Henson said. By October 2018 it had risen back to 86 percent and Henson said it hasnt wavered much since.

IN-DEPTH: Despite Capitol mayhem, Trump still has supporters in San Antonio

I think that as far as the voters go, the people who decide primary elections in Texas and elect Republicans in Texas  many of them are sticking with President Trump still and sticking with Ted Cruz still, said Brendan Steinhauser, a GOP strategist in Texas.

Steinhauser, who is an outspoken critic of Trump but a supporter of Cruz, said in his conversations with family, friends and other Republicans in Texas over the last 48 hours, there are still just a huge number of people who are just backing up Donald Trumps line on this.

Still, Steinhauser said, its significant that criticism of Trump is growing among Republicans, including Cruz.

Everybody in Texas, whether its going to get my car fixed today, theyre talking about it. Going to get a drink with a friend last night, theyre talking about it, Steinhauser said. Its not arguing about the ExIm Bank. Real people in Houston, Texas, are talking about this today.

He probably does feel like he needs to explain himself.

Trumps lawyers not the most effective

Cruz sought to clearly distinguish his objection and call for an election audit from Trumps repeated claims that the race was stolen from him.

Cruz also put some blame on the president for what happened, though he said he does not support calls for Trump to be removed from office, saying it would not be helpful and the country needs to heal.

The presidents language and rhetoric was reckless, it was not helpful, he said. At the end of the day, the criminals bear responsibility for their own conduct. But I do not believe the language the president used was helpful in defusing the situation.

He did not express any regrets.

What I was doing  presenting an argument on the Senate floor for legislation that would preserve and ensure the integrity of our elections, pursuant to federal law and the constitution  is precisely the opposite of what the angry mob was trying to do, Cruz said. Debating and considering great issues is how our democratic system is supposed to function, its why we have a United States Senate: To peacefully and civilly come together and wrestle with difficult choices. It is the antithesis of angry mob violence, which I utterly condemn.

Cruz said he doesnt believe claims of fraud were given sufficient examination in court, because a number of the lawsuits were dismissed on procedural grounds  on grounds that didnt get to the merits, that didnt actually examine the substance of the claims.

Some of the legal teams presenting those cases were not the most effective litigation teams, he said.

Cruz said he had hoped for the Supreme Court to take up the lawsuit, filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, that challenged the election results in four battleground states. That would have given the case a more public airing, he said.

I believed having a credible tribunal consider the evidence on the merits and make a determination would go a long way toward building trust and confidence.

Meanwhile, even President-elect Joe Biden took a swing at Cruz and Hawley on Friday, though he didnt say they should resign.

I think they should be just flat beaten the next time they run, Biden said. I think the American public had a real good look at who they are. Theyre part of the big lie, the big lie.

Biden went on to compare Cruz and Hawley to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels.

Cruz responded on Twitter: Really sad. At a time of deep national division, President-elect Bidens choice to call his political opponents literal Nazis does nothing to bring us together or promote healing. This kind of vicious partisan rhetoric only tears our country apart.

ben.wermund@chron.com
COVID and nothing but COVID: Opposition slams Govt. for mishandling the pandemic By Sandun Jayawardana JVP leader says Govt.-backed businessmen making profit out of plight of stranded Lankans View(s): View(s):

As expected, COVID-19 was again the dominant topic of debate when Parliament met for its first sitting week of 2021.

Issues related to the pandemic such as vaccine distribution, repatriation of stranded migrant workers, the pilot project to bring in tourists from Ukraine and the controversy regarding the Governments cremation only policy of COVID dead figured prominently during the week, with fiery exchanges at times between Government and Opposition MPs.

It was also a week in which the coronavirus hit MPs themselves, as State Minister and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara became the first Parliamentarian to test positive for the virus. Mr Jayasekara did not attend Parliament sessions this week but several MPs who had come into contact with him earlier have been advised to self-isolate and get tested.

The first order of business when Parliament convened on Tuesday was for the Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera to be sworn in as an MP to fill the National List slot seat allocated to Ape Janabala Party (AJP). His swearing in marked the end of a lengthy dispute among senior members of the party over who should fill the seat allocated to the AJP. This was the fourth time that Rathana Thera was sworn in as an MP, having being elected to Parliament in 2004 for the first time.

On Friday, the Opposition moved an adjournment debate on the prevailing situation in the country. Opening the debate, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Kalutara District MP and former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne took the Government to task for its mishandling of the pandemic. It is more than 10 months now since the first COVID patient was identified from the country. The Government, however, has yet to successfully resolve any of the many issues that have arisen as a result of this pandemic, he told Parliament. The MP also took aim at the controversial Ukranian tourism project spearheaded by Udayanga Weeratunga, one time ambassador to Ukraine and close relative of the Rajapaksas. The Health Ministry has put in place 83 guidelines to be followed by foreign tourists when visiting the country. None of these guidelines applies to these Ukrainian tourists, Dr. Senaratne charged.

He also attacked the Government on its cremation-only policy on COVID deaths, alleging that it continued to ignore advice from world-renowned experts who had repeatedly stressed that burial of COVID victims was safe.

The day before, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi insisted in Parliament that bodies of COVID-19 dead would continue to be cremated as that was what the expert committee appointed to look into the issue had recommended. She, however, added that the Government was awaiting further recommendations from the main expert committee. In answer to a question raised by Ahila Ilankai Thamil Congress (AITC) Jaffna District MP Gajan Ponnambalam, the minister said the Government was going by the recommendations of the expert committee. We will not change such decisions based on political, religious, social, personal or any other grounds.

The Health Minister claimed that the report that was now in the public domain was submitted by a group of virologists recommending both cremation and burial of COVID dead, but this was the report of a sub-committee that had met informally with COVID-Prevention State Minister Sudarshini Fernandopulle and the report had been referred to the main committee. Minister Wanniarachchi said she was awaiting the main committees response to the report.

Explaining the Governments planned vaccination programme regarding the pandemic, Minister Wanniarachchi said the Government was not solely relying on obtaining vaccines through the World Health Organisations COVAX facility but was also in talks with countries such as India, Russia and China on obtaining vaccines. The Government is due to hand over its National Deployment of Vaccination Plan (NDVP) to the WHO by January 15 and 60 percent of the plan was now complete, she told Parliament. The plan would be submitted to the WHO on January 12. About 155, 000 frontline health workers would receive the vaccine first, followed by other priority groups including frontline tri-forces personnel and people over 60 years of age, she said.

National Peoples Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, meanwhile, took the Government to task for what he called its alleged failure to repatriate Sri Lankans stranded abroad due to the pandemic. He highlighted the plight of migrant workers stranded in Middle Eastern countries. Many have lost their jobs and are living in parks or empty warehouses. There are long queues outside our embassies. This is an issue that the Government should look at in a humane manner. Some countries have repatriated their nationals from these countries for free, but here, SriLankan Airlines has increased its normal ticket prices to these destinations by threefold. Our citizens have been stranded abroad for more than 10 months but the Government has opened the borders to Ukrainian tourists.

Mr Dissanayake also alleged that repatriated Sri Lankans were then exploited by certain infamous businessmen close to the President, with those returning being forced into quarantine at certain selected hotels which charge exorbitant amounts from these persons who have already been left helpless by the pandemic.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva rejected the accusations, telling Parliament that the Government had so far repatriated more than stranded 61,750 Sri Lankans. About 69,000 Sri Lankans in 137 countries were still hoping to be repatriated, and this included 41,452 registered migrant workers in 15 countries, he added. From January 10, there would be at least one scheduled flight operating every day to bring back Sri Lankans stranded abroad, he said. The minister also claimed that it was not mandatory for these returning Sri Lankans to go into paid quarantine at hotels.

Mr Dissanayake, though, said while the process might not be mandatory, the returnees were being pushed into going for paid quarantine as authorities emphasised that there was insufficient room at Government-run quarantine centres. He queried why returnees could not be sent to spend 14-days quarantine in their own homes as was now the case for close contacts of those who test positive for COVID-19.

Parliament will reconvene at 10.00am on January 19.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has asked the drug law enforcement agency, NDLEA, to halt the recruitment of 5,000 personnel.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the agency shortlisted 5,000 persons among those who applied to join it.

The shortlisted applicants were to appear at the NDLEA academy in Jos to conclude their recruitment.

However, on Friday, Mr Malami said the recruitment should be halted as such gathering could violate COVID-19 protocols.

Nigeria is currently experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 with the country recording more infections in the past month than at any other previous month.

To check the spread of the virus, the federal government has banned large gatherings and ordered the closure of nightclubs and bars, among other measures.

On the NDLEA recruitment, Mr Malami said he has asked Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, SAN to seek clarification/advice from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on the public health implications of such an exercise especially as it relates to the adequacy/possibility of strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols by 5000 applicants at this time of the nations health emergency.

Read the full statement by Mr Malamis office on the matter below.

Re: Proposed mobilisation of 5,000 candidates for screening in NDLEA in Jos

The attention of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to the fact that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has directed a total of 5,000 candidates to appear at the Agencys Academy, Citadel Counter-Narcotics Nigeria, (CCNN), Katton-Rikkos, Jos, Plateau State for the screening and documentation exercise between January 10 and 23, 2021 at 0900 hours daily.

2. It is not in doubt that the exercise is long overdue and necessary for the actualization of the Agencys mandate, however, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice notes that the timing is ill-advised and inappropriate given the current and alarming wave of COVID-19 pandemic across the country.

3. In view of the foregoing, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation has directed that the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, SAN to seek clarification/advice from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on the public health implications of such an exercise especially as it relates to the adequacy/possibility of strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols by 5000 applicants at this time of the nations health emergency.

4. Considering the above, Malami directed the Chairman of the NDLEA to stay further action on this matter pending the receipt of clarification/advice from the Presidential Task Force.

The Chairman was further requested to notify the applicants of this development accordingly.

DAYO APATA, SAN

Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja.
The Victorian government insists it told New South Wales of its plans to close the border as soon as receiving health advice after Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it acted too quickly and without consultation.

As Sydney's northern beaches emerged from its lockdown - the COVID-19 outbreak which prompted Victoria's border closure on January 1 - Ms Berejiklian urged other state premiers to not make hasty decisions.

In a veiled swipe at Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Ms Berejiklian said states needed to "talk to us in NSW before you close the border because we can explain to you the situation that's going on".

Loading

Her comments come as Victorians stranded in NSW hope to learn in the next day or two when they will be allowed to return home.

But Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley said on Sunday there were phone conversations every day and, when the decision to close the border was taken, he alerted his interstate colleagues.

"It did not come as a shock to my NSW colleagues that after some two weeks of community transmission across NSW ... Victoria was prepared to make the hard decision to keep Victorians safe," Mr Foley said.

Read the full story.
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
A man convicted of speeding was refused free legal aid after the State raised an objection, as he was driving a BMW at the time of the offence.

Anghel Horvat (20), 123 Block 3, Fortunes Lawn, Fortunestown Lane, Tallaght, Co. Dublin, was charged with dangerous driving, at the M7 Ballydavis, Portlaoise, on November 28, 2020.

Sgt JJ Kirby gave evidence that the accused was driving at 180km/h in a 120km zone. He said the State would reluctantly accept a reduction of the charge to careless driving.

Defence, barrister Ms Suzanne Dooner said her client had been very apologetic when he was stopped by gardai. She said he had travelled to pick up blood pressure tablets for his mother on the day in question.

Defence said that the accused, who has been living in Ireland for five years, needed his licence for work, as he supports his parents.

Judge Catherine Staines convicted and fined him 100 and disqualified him from driving for three months. Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal.

Ms Dooner requested legal aid in the case, but Sgt Kirby raised an objection on behalf of the State as the accused had been driving a BMW.

Ms Dooner said the car belonged to his parents. She said the accused lived at home and out of 350 a week from his wages he gave his parents 50.

Judge Staines said that as he still had 300 a week he had sufficient money to pay his solicitor, and refused legal aid.
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
HERE, in this bleak midwinter of Covid discontent, as hope tumbles like the walls of a condemned tenement, it is vital to understand the commandment tattooed indelibly to official Irelands soul.

It is the one that instructs them to say or do anything  ANYTHING  to deflect from the fetid swamp of their serial incompetence.

Take any and every conversation on a wild detour through Waffleville with the sole purpose of swerving attention away from the sinkhole into which they - our inept, spineless, clueless leaders  have steered the nation.

This is the guiding principle of self-preservation, the sacred law governing the universe inhabited by Micheal and Leo, and by Paul Reid, Stephen Donnelly and Simon Harris.

Right now, all their energies are focussed on the need to camouflage the true, gargantuan scandal of a vaccine programme creeping along like a snail on high-grade sedatives.

Expand Close Beryl Gaye (93) receives the vaccine / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Beryl Gaye (93) receives the vaccine

And also, a need to divert from a schools policy so devoid of intelligence it makes Donald Trumps fevered delusion that he won the election in a landslide seem half-sane.

This is why Leo suddenly, inexplicably, has off-licence opening hours in his crosshairs.

It is why HSE boss Reid  a civil servant paid a whopping 350,000-per-year  spends his taxpayer-funded time tweeting inane trivia about where in Dublin the first lady vaccinated grew up.

And why our Wizard of Wokedom, Simon Harris, responded to Trump supporters invading Americas temple of democracy by posting a tweet  a pink, broken-hearted emoji next to a Stars and Stripes  that would embarrass a half-formed adolescent aardvark.

This week, there should only be one topic of conversation upon which any government or HSE representative is permitted to speak: Vaccination.

Every minister or public health official should be placed in the dock of public opinion and compelled to explain why they are rolling-out these life-saving injections at such a pathetically slow rate.

The Taoiseach, Tanaiste, Health Minister and HSE boss should be grilled and held accountable every minute of every day for a dysfunctional rate of injecting  one that will needlessly cost lives, shutter struggling businesses and incarcerate the nation for far longer than required in a desolate mental prison.

This is the outrage of our time. But Leo's fixation is with anybody buying a few bottles of Peroni after sundown.

Reid and Martin are actually boasting about having 135,000 people vaccinated by the end of February.

It is the equivalent of bragging that you can get as far as C in the alphabet without consulting any notes.

Read More

Israel is vaccinating 150,000 people every day. They have set up 300 vaccination centres which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By this weekend they will have two million people  including almost all over-60s  inoculated.

Even Boriss Britain and Trumps America, lampooned for their orgy of administrative chaos, long ago passed the million-mark in terms of vaccinations delivered.

But Ireland plods along as if confusing the most urgent programme of any of our lifetimes with a slow-bicycle race.

Just after Christmas Reid proudly tweeted a picture of two boxes of the Pfizer serum on a forklift, then hid them away in a fridge for a few days.

The Government have tried to blame supply lines, the EU, inefficiencies in the system for the fact that the roll-out is slower than Manchester United's central defence.

Meanwhile, Israel gets on at impressive warp-speed with the business of saving lives.

Back in Ireland, with thousands falling ill every day, with the nation confined to the front room, Leos big plan is to introduce night-time prohibition.

Because shutting off-licences an hour or two earlier will make Covid go away.

Never mind that it is a vacuous token gesture, a myopic, idiotic, Big Brother idea which will achieve nothing other than to compel everybody to rush at the same time to buy their sanity-saving bottle of vino earlier in the day.

The end result: More people mixing in tight, confined spaces because of limited opening time. A present to Covid from the great minds in government.

Another ill-considered idea is to ban click and collect food, as if a delivery guy courier moving from house to house interacting with dozens of hungry punters is somehow safer. Who comes up with this stuff?

Perhaps Simon Harris has a suitable emoji to sum up a truth even more disturbing than Wednesday's attempted insurrection in Washington.

It is the one that tells us that, tragically, there is no known vaccine for Official Ireland's stupidity.
(Newser)  President Trump told Georgia's lead elections investigator last month that he'd be "a national hero" if he would "find the fraud" in Cobb County's voting results. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said that the call was placed Dec. 23 but that he didn't know the details of the conversation, the Washington Post reports. "That was an ongoing investigation," Raffensperger said. "I dont believe that an elected official should be involved in that process." The White House did not comment on the phone call. Trump earlier called Republican Gov. Brian Kemp to complain about Georgia's election results being certified. And Raffensperger also received a call from Trump, asking him to "find 11,780 votes" to swing the state's election results to the president.

story continues below

The investigation was initiated by Raffensperger, in response to accusations that Cobb County officials had accepted mail ballots with signatures that did not match the ones on file. The investigation checked 15,000 signatures, per CNN, and found no fraud. Legal experts told the Post that Trump's call to the investigator could have been against the lawpossibly obstruction of justicebut that the case might be difficult to successfully prosecute. Raffensperger and Kemp have angered Trump by standing by their state's presidential election results. At the rally Wednesday just before the pro-Trump mob attacked the Capitol, the president attacked the two as "corrupt." (Read more President Trump stories.)
Members of Dundalk Grammar School Student Council with, in front from left to right, officers Isabelle Janssen, Ashik Prasad and Max McCaldin

Members of Dundalk Grammar School Student Council, with, in front, l to r: officers Isabelle Janssen, Ashik Prasad and Max McCaldin

Christmas is a time for giving and the kind hearted students at Dundalk Grammar School made sure that the pandemic restrictions didn't prevent them from holding their annual fund-raising events.

The annual non-uniform day was a big hit as usual and the proceeds were donated to two charities.

The Student C Council of Dundalk Grammar School held the annual appreciation day on December 18 and while it had to have a different format this year, they were able to present a cheque for 600 to the Louth Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The other charity to benefit from the proceeds of the day was the Mark Pollock Trust, which also received 600. The blind endurance athlete and explorer turned motivational speaker following an accident which left him paralysed, sent a video message which was played during the assembly.

Fiona Squibb of Louth SPCA was delighted to receive the cheque for the animal welfare charity, particularly at this time when fund-raising has greatly impacted due to the restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Christmas food hamper, sponsored by the PTA, was presented to Selena Clarke of Dundalk Simon Community.

The Student Council is very thankful to all the students, teachers, staff and the whole Dundalk Grammar family who put in their effort and hard work to make this day possible.

It was different to last year's event but they were still able to do something within the limits. Even in such uncertain times they have put smiles on many faces.
Chino, CA (91710)

Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High near 80F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 56F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Bhandara : , Jan 9 (IANS) In what is considered a shocking lapse, 10 infants were killed and another 7 were saved after a fire ravaged through the children's ward of a government hospital here in the wee hours of Saturday.

Shaken by the incident and the national outrage over the innocents' deaths, the Maharashtra government ordered a thorough investigation into the incident besides seeking a full-scale fire, electrical and structural audit of all hospitals in the state.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded that the government should complete its probe within a month and slap charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder on all those found responsible for the tragedy.

The fire, caused by a suspected electrical short-circuit, broke out at around 1.45 am in the Sick and Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the Bhandara District General Hospital, when the mothers and other relatives of the infants were fast asleep, District Surgeon Pramod Khandate informed the media.

At that time, a nurse on duty who happened to pass by the ward noticed the smoke inside and raised an alarm as other hospital staffers rushed to the spot.

At least 10 infants, including 8 females, a majority of them less than 3 months old, perished due to suffocation, while at least three died due to severe burn injuries. Another 7 infants in the 'inbound ward' were saved.

Soon after dawn, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray ordered a probe, announced a compensation of Rs 500,000 to the families of the deceased infants and other measures to contain the political fallout of the incident.

"While grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, the health administration and hospitals should not ignore safety and security issues. To ensure such incidents are not repeated, I have directed the officials to check the fire audit status of all the hospitals in the state," Thackeray said.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also made a similar announcement and said the government would not tolerate any laxity of safety and security in hospitals.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that Director-Health Services would soon issue directions to ensure that the relevant full safety audits of the hospitals are in place.

Although the police are probing the cause of the blaze, it is attributed to a possible short-circuit that led to an air-conditioner blast, followed by a fire with thick smoke billowing in the ward and the resultant deaths due to suffocation.

Thackeray and Tope spoke with the Collector and Superintendent of Police of Bhandara and directed them to take up immediate relief measures for the anguished families, with many young mothers seen crying inconsolably outside the hospital.

Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis also rushed to Bhandara and visited the hospital besides other leaders like MP Sunil Mendhe and ex-minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, terming the incident as "a monumental and painful tragedy".

Fadnavis slammed the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and demanded that the probe must be completed within a week and all those responsible should be booked under charges of culpable homicide.

Bawankule said the hospital had been affected by power fluctuations since the last one week, and though some relatives of the patients had asked the hospital staff to check the electricals, nobody heeded them.

He added that a proposal to purchase fire safety equipment worth over Rs 1 crore is pending the approval of the Principal Secretary, Health, and the Director-Health Service, since last May and wanted to know the reasons for the delay.

Earlier, top Indian leaders from across the political spectrum expressed shock and grief over the tragedy.

"I am deeply shocked by the fire incident in Bhandara. My heartfelt sympathies with the families of those who have lost their infants in the tragedy," President Ram Nath Kovind said.

"Heart-wrenching tragedy where we have lost precious young lives. My thoughts are with all the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover as early as possible," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a message.

Condoling the tragedy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said: "The fire accident in Bhandara hospital, is very unfortunate. I am pained beyond words. My thoughts are with bereaved families." "The unfortunate incident of fire at Bhandara Hospital in Maharashtra is extremely tragic. My condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives. I appeal to Maharashtra Government to provide every possible assistance to the families of the injured and deceased," Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said.

Several leaders from Maharashtra from various political parties, and women and social activists also expressed their shock at the tragedy and urged for remedial measures to prevent the recurrence of the incident in Bhandara, situated around 900 km from Mumbai in the Vidarbha region.
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.
Three weeks after 65,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas patients fell out of network at CHI St. Luke's and its sister hospitals, the health system said Friday night that they can return to visiting their doctors and emergency rooms at in-network rates.

In October, CHI St. Luke's announced it was parting ways on Dec. 16 with the insurance giant after a dispute in pricing. The new contract is effective as of Friday.

CHI St. Luke's CEO Doug Lawson told the Chronicle at the end of December that while the hospital system was profitable on its contracts with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, it was "marginal."

"Health systems depend on the commercial business to help us," Lawson said. "It puts us in a position to care for those that don't have insurance, or who are underinsured for the care that they're receiving, like Medicare."

Previously, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas executives said they would not be able to match CHI St. Luke's request for higher prices.

"We knew we wouldnt be able to meet price increase demands," said Shara McClure, senior vice president of Texas health care delivery for Blue Cross Blue Shield, said as the contract ended in December.

However, both the insurer and hospital system have seemed to arrive at a truce in brokering a new multi-year contract.

"This new contract is an affirmation of how important the choice to receive the accessible, value-driven medical care that we provide at St. Lukes Health is to the health of our community," Lawson said Friday evening.

We advocated on our members behalf to keep health care prices affordable, particularly during a global pandemic when access to care is critical, McClure said.

CHI St. Luke's and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas join a long line of Houston hospitals and national insurers in high-profile disputes over pricing as they come to an agreement. In 2019, UnitedHealthcare and Houston Methodist, along with Cigna and Memorial Hermann, announced plans to sever ties. Both eventually arrived at agreements to continue in-network access for the insurance companies' planholders.

gwendolyn.wu@chron.com

twitter.com/gwendolynawu


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
Syracuse, N.Y.  Syracuse University Department of Public Safety Chief Bobby Maldonado announced that he will retire on Aug. 1 after a 40-year career in law enforcement.

Maldonado has been DPS chief since July 2015. In that role, he leads the schools public safety officers, community service officers and residential community safety officers, as well as the fire and life safety, security and emergency planning, and management and response teams.

In his time as chief, the department adopted body cameras and helped the department secure accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies.

I am grateful for the tireless efforts put forth by the women and men of DPS throughout my tenure, Maldonado said in a statement announcing his retirement. Together, we have confronted unprecedented challenges to public safety and security and created opportunities for significant and lasting change in how we practice campus and community policing. Our goal has always beenand continues to beto create a university environment where all students, faculty and staff feel welcome, safe and secure.

Maldonados tenure has also been marked by criticism. A string of racist graffiti and other incidents in fall 2019 and spring 2020 led to national attention and the formation of #NotAgainSU, a student organization that criticized the schools response to the hate incidents and demanded the resignation of several administrators, including Maldonado.

Campus police was further criticized for blocking outside food, clothing, tampons and other necessities from being brought in to #NotAgainSU protesters who were holding a sit-in protest in Crouse-Hinds Hall in February 2020, the second such demonstration that school year.

Before coming to Syracuse, Maldonado served as director of campus safety at Nazareth College. Prior to that, he was superintendent at the Monroe County Jail, a deputy chief with the Rochester Police Department and headed the bureau of criminal investigation for Troop E of the New York State Police.

In mid-December, Tony Callisto, the universitys senior vice president for safety and chief law enforcement officer, also announced he intends to retire. His last day will be June 30.

The university said details regarding a search for Maldonados successor are forthcoming.

Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci.
The just-drinks Analyst By: Ian Shackleton With over 25 years of experience as a beverages analyst, Ian Shackleton provides a monthly view of the drinks industry from an investor's perspective

All change at the top for Anheuser-Busch InBev, no chance of acquisitions from Diageo and some good news among the inflationary gloom - The just-drinks Analyst

In this, his latest monthly take on the global drinks industry, former analyst Ian Shackleton considers the pending departure of Anheuser-Busch InBev's CEO, the possibility of Diageo using its spare cash to buy and what the likelihood of a leap in inflation could mean for brand owners.

Why Kirin's hopes in beer are no more, why company results don't really matter right now and who's better, Coke or Pepsi? - The just-drinks Analyst

In his latest investor-based take on the drinks industry, former analyst Ian Shackleton takes a look at Kirin's broken promises, a results season where the latest numbers matter less than the future ones and who's currently on top in the Cola Wars.

Why alcohol's tobacco comparisons have returned, why less could be more for brand owners and why grape & grain team-up is back on the agenda - The just-drinks Analyst

Returning for his latest, monthly look at the drinks industry is ex-beverages analyst Ian Shackleton. On Ian's radar is the rise of ESG as an investor's priority, the risk facing brand owners if they spread themselves too thinly and the likelihood - or otherwise - of a return to combining wine with spirits in one company.

Why Diageo needs to work on its presentation skills, Heineken's CEO is just so young and UK pubs ain't what they used to be - The just-drinks Analyst

just-drinks' in-house analyst joins us again this month with perfect timing. Company results are flooding in and Ian Shackleton runs his beady eye over the latest numbers (and presentation skills) from Diageo as well as the figures (and young-ness of CEO) from Heineken. Ian also looks at the UK on-premise channel, once a healthy stomping ground for investors.

Was 2020 what investors expected and will 2021 be what they expect? - The just-drinks Analyst

Back for his first just-drinks outing of 2021, former beverages analyst Ian Shackleton considers how his stock of the year fared in 2020, who gets his backing this year and what the wider drinks industry will look like, come December.

Has COVID vaccine turned us from bears to bulls, have company presentations lost their fun and has 'innovation' become a dirty word? - The just-drinks Analyst

The recent announcements of a vaccine for COVID-19 have got in-house analyst Ian Shackleton all a-flutter. Should we be concerned, though, that he's now worried about the end of bears, the end of company pizzazz and the end of innovation efforts in the beverages industry?

Will Q3 bring an end to 2020's hangover, are the softs going hard and would Stock Spirits fancy a beer? - The just-drinks Analyst

The timing of Ian Shackleton's latest consideration of the drinks industry couldn't be better. With the latest results season breaking all around us, who better to survey the situation than just-drinks' in-house analyst?

Has Diageo opened the door to a takeover, will alcohol-free spirits really take off and is Anheuser-Busch InBev looking for a new leader? - The just-drinks Analyst

In his latest just-drinks outing, former beverages analyst Ian Shackleton ponders Diageo's next move, the opportunity (or otherwise) of 0%-abv spirits and the likelihood of a new CEO at Anheuser-Busch InBev.

How the second quarter has played out, how the on-premise has been performing and how South Africa has stepped back from the brink - The just-drinks Analyst

In his latest report from the investment front-line, just-drinks in-house analyst, Ian Shackleton, reviews second-quarter performances, bemoans the troubled return after lockdown of the on-premise channel and cheers his recent predictions in South Africa.

Here come the numbers, there goes sustainability and where is South Africa's alcohol industry? - The just-drinks Analyst

As we embark on the latest round of companies results, resident analyst Ian Shackleton returns to set the scene on what investors are considering when looking at the drinks industry. Ian also shares his thoughts on drinking Scotch from a paper bottle while sounding South Africa's alarm bells.

Why everyone's crying out for a beer, why spirits is causing sleepless nights and why COVID could kill off conferences - The just-drinks Analyst

Ian Shackleton may no longer be an investment analyst by profession, but it's the only way he can look at the drinks industry. This month, he returns to just-drinks with thoughts of yesterbeer, some cautionary words for spirits and a telling-off for conference organisers.

Why 'stuck at home' means 'goodbye premiumisation', how to strip out the stock market jargon and whither 'Environment, Social & Governance'? - The just-drinks Analyst

just-drinks' resident analyst, Ian Shackleton is back with us to run his eye over the drinks industry from an investor's perspective. This month, he looks at why drinks brand owners are struggling to keep the premiumisation trend afloat. Ian also walks us through the relevant stock market definitions for drinks and mulls the current CSR calm.

Why stock markets are strong while companies are weak, how best to keep investors informed and why Q1 doesn't matter so much - The just-drinks analyst

None of us - not even just-drinks' in-house analyst, Ian Shackleton - has seen anything like this. The coronavirus pandemic has thrown us all into panic. As the need for calm heads grows, allow Ian to talk you down.

What the stock market free-fall means for the drinks industry today and tomorrow, and PepsiCo's hopes to become a rock star - The just-drinks Analyst

As stock markets go into meltdown, our in-house analyst, Ian Shackleton, is here to walk us through the madness. This month, Ian looks at what the coronavirus effect will be for listed drinks companies, as well as considering the longer-term fall-out. He also turns his attention to PepsiCo's recent acquisition in the energy drinks area.

Beer big guns on the move, Suntory's buy into Edrington and running the rule over results - The just-drinks Analyst

The lively start to 2020 for the global drinks industry has given just-drinks' in-house analyst plenty to think about. In his latest outing, Ian Shackleton looks at two senior management changes in beer, Suntory Holdings' purchase of a stake in Edrington and the latest round of company results that we've reported on.

Browse all 49 articles
This article, Climate scientists say 2020 tied with 2016 for warmest year on record, originally appeared on CNET.com.

The trend has been clear for some time: Our planet is getting warmer. The latest piece of evidence comes from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, or C3S, which announced Friday that 2020 tied with 2016 for the hottest year on record on a global scale.

The entire past decade has been unprecedented for global temperatures. "This makes the last six years the warmest six on record," C3S said in a statement. Last year was also the warmest on record for Europe, topping the previous record from 2019. According to NASA, "global temperature records start around 1880 because observations did not sufficiently cover enough of the planet prior to that time."

C3S pointed out the Arctic and northern Siberia as regions that saw some of the largest annual temperature deviations from average in 2020. This warming trend is having an impact on Arctic Indigenous communities and has even triggered a baby boom in wolf spiders in the region.

Copernicus Climate Change Service/ECMWF

Even Antarctica saw wildly high temperatures early in 2020.

The planet has witnessed a series of devastating events in recent years that may be connected to climate change , including an increase in damaging wildfires and the appearance of stronger storms. In 2020, the western US burned while a record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season impacted the east.

NOAA and NASA usually release an assessment of the previous year's temperatures in January as well, so we can expect those agencies to weigh in soon. Global temperatures are tracked using satellite data, climate models and statistical analysis.

Matthias Petschke of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space called for the global community to come together to combat climate change. "The extraordinary climate events of 2020 and the data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service show us," Petschke said, that we have no time to lose."
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High 63F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 41F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Video from the US Capitol insurrection captured the moment a Capitol police officer was crushed between a riot shield and a metal door as rioters pushed into the building.

The footage shows a young Capitol police officer bleeding from the mouth and screaming for help as the crowds crush him between the objects.

Masses of police officers clash with rioters in the video. They spray pepper spray and attempt to beat back the Trump supporters with batons as they throw punches and try to push their way through the police line.

The footage shows just one scene from the chaos that erupted at the Capitol on Wednesday after Donald Trump told his supporters to march on the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Five people died in the attack on the Capitol. Four Trump supporters died, including Ashli Babbit, a QAnon adherent who was shot in the neck and died while trying to breach the doors.

Another Trump supporter died after accidentally tasing himself. He suffered a heart attack and died.

Two other Trump supporters, a man and a woman, also died due to "medical emergencies" they suffered during the riot.

The fifth death was a Capitol police officer, Brian Sicknick, who The Chicago Sun reported was beaten with a fire extinguisher. Mr Sicknick apparently made it back to his division office and collapsed from his injuries. He later died of his injuries.

Lawmakers including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Tim Ryan are calling for investigations into the security breach at the Capitol.

Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund resigned on Thursday after calls from Ms Pelosi for him to step down from his position.

Ms Pelosi also said the House Sargent-at-Arms would resign, and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he would fire the Senate Sargent-at-Arms if he did not resign by the time Democrats take power in the Senate later this month.

Sen. Ben Sasse, a Republican, lamented the deaths.

"None of this should have happened," he said. "Lord, have mercy."

Shortly before 6am, Indonesian navy divers will resume their search off the north coast of Java for a Boeing 737 that crashed into the sea shortly after take off from Jakarta on Saturday afternoon.

Sixty-two people are missing.

Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 departed from Soekarno Hatta International Airport at 2.36pm local time (7.36am GMT). The routine domestic flight covering the 452 miles to Pontianak on the island of Borneo is scheduled to take 95 minutes.

The flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 reported that the plane took off to the southwest and initially climbed normally, turning to head northeast to its destination.

The 26-year-old 737 flew a short distance north of the airport and out over the Java Sea before contact was lost.

The twin-jet reached its highest altitude, 10,900 feet, four minutes after take off. But within 21 seconds it had dropped to just 250 feet above sea level. That equates to a vertical speed of over 25,000 feet per minute (340mph).

Local fishermen told CNN that they heard an explosion and were hit by a high wave around the time the plane went missing.

Hendrik Mulyadi told the broadcaster: I heard very loud explosion. I thought it was a bomb or a big thunder. We then saw the big wave, about 2 metres high, hitting our boat.

The Indonesian navy has sent five ships as well as divers to an area about 12 miles north of the shore.

Flight path: the track of Sriwijaya Air SJ182 from Jakarta to Pontianak (FlightRadar24)

Jefferson Irwin Jauwena, the chief executive of Sriwijaya Air, said: We hope that your prayers will help the search process to run well and smoothly.

The flights departure was delayed by around 40 minutes because of poor weather, with storm clouds over the airport. At the time the plane took off rain was falling, with a low cloud base.

The recovery operation will seek to locate the planes black boxes  the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder  as quickly as possible.

They should provide information on the control commands on the flight deck, and conversations between the captain and first officer.

Investigators will consider a wide range of possible causes, including mechanical failure, terrorism or an encounter with a storm cell  an air mass with violent winds.

They will also look at the experience of the pilots, including the amount of flying they have done during the coronavirus pandemic, and the recent operations of the plane involved.

Some aviation safety experts have expressed concerns about the return to service of aircraft and crews after Covid restrictions.

The search area is close to where Lion Air flight 610 came down on 29 October 2018. All 189 passengers and crew died aboard the Boeing 737 Max. It was the first of two tragedies that led to the 20-month grounding of the Max.

The latest version of the 737 re-entered service in December 2020 after comprehensive changes to a software system that, when activated by a faulty sensor, triggered both crashes.

The aircraft manufacturer tweeted: We are aware of media reports from Jakarta regarding Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182.

Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand ready to support them during this difficult time.

The Sriwijaya Air flight involved a Classic 737, two generations older than the Boeing 737 Max. It was delivered in May 1994 to Continental Airlines of the US, and in 2012 joined the Sriwijaya Air fleet.

The carrier is a relatively small budget airline. It started flying in 2003 and has never suffered a fatal crash.

The report into the Lion Air tragedy blamed software installed by Boeing on the latest version of the 737, which was triggered by a faulty sensor and forced the nose down despite the pilots efforts to save the aircraft. But it also criticised Lion Air's maintenance team.

All Indonesian carriers were placed on the EU Air Safety List in 2007 due to unaddressed safety concerns. The blacklist bans or restricts operations within the European Union by airlines that are believed not to meet international safety standards.

The prohibition was not finally lifted until June 2018, four months before the Lion Air Boeing 737 Max crash.
This article is old - Published: Saturday, Jan 9th, 2021

A second detailed briefing on the pandemic situation locally has been published by the local authority as Wrexham sees 242 new cases on the daily figures, the worst in Wales, taking the cases per 100k figure to 959.9  again the worst in Wales.

The below update was published yesterday part of a twice weekly update system, with Wrexham Council also giving a general update that notes: The new variant is spreading rapidly and accounts for 70% of new cases.

People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are getting illnot just older people. Some are seriously ill. Some are dying. This is happening now, in Wrexham.

The message on ages echos comments from the Countess of Chester Chief Executive earlier this week in the below video, who added a lot of these patients have never had any significant health problems.

Countess of Chester Chief Exec, Dr Susan Gilby has said theres been an uptick in younger people with Covid being admitted: A lot of these patients have never had any significant health problems..Im really sorry to say that last night we lost a 48 yo and this afternoon a 30 yo pic.twitter.com/uOEQk5SvAi

The council added, There are two things we can all do to help slow the spread of the virus, ease pressure on our health services and save lives:

Its simple to understand, sometimes difficult to do, but we all have to do it if we want to turn this around.

Councillors were, and are being encouraged to share the update information with their communities, with a range of success. Now the update is being more widely shared, and will be circulated at the start and end of each week.

The figures have moved upwards since the below update yesterday, with the Public Health Wales daily dashboard update today reporting 242 new cases for Wrexham  the worst in Wales  with 959.9 per 100k on the rolling seven day figures up to the 4th of January, again the worst in Wales.

The full update from yesterday afternoon is copied below, with all bolding and underlining of points is copied from Wrexham Councils email, and we intend to do similar for future updates:

Dear Councillors,

This briefing note will be shared later today with the news media and  at the request of some of the Members  directly with all the community councils, but I invite you, as community leaders, to share it with your own community networks and constituents; particularly the message about the new variant being predominant and the consequent need for extreme vigilance until the vaccination programme can take effect.

DATA ON THE VIRUS

Please find attached:

Table 1  the summary of the weekly data for the county borough as a whole compared to other councils in North Wales.

Table 2  the summary of daily data for the 18 MSOA statistical sub-areas of Wrexham

NB  last weeks data are tentative and will only be finalised next week. However, the Christmas effect on the reliability of the data has now passed, so the data for past weeks in the tables are a true reflection of recent trends.

The County Borough as a Whole (Table 1)

In a matter of a few weeks, the much more transmissible UK variant of Covid-19 has become predominant in North Wales, accounting for approximately 70% of new cases and driving the rise in infection. The infection rate is doubling every 6 days in North Wales, compared to every 10.6 days in the rest of Wales. There are no known cases of the South African variant, yet and this is a reducing risk given international travel restrictions.

Wrexham has risen to 1st in Wales for our rate per 100,00 population (904.7 today) and remains 2nd in Wales for positivity (30.9% today) and has seen its highest number of new cases since the pandemic began. All three statistics have more than doubled over the last three weeks. The number of hospital admissions (95) has now exceeded the peak of last year (91, in May). While deaths have not risen as steeply, there is always a months lag between new cases and these data, so, sadly, we must expect numbers to rise.

The Sub-Areas (Table 2)

Almost all of the 18 MSOA sub-areas of Wrexham have seen worsening figures since my last report to you only 4 days ago (4th January).

9 have recorded their worst figures since 20 th October (shown in bold on the table), when PHW first started reporting these data, compared to 11 on 4 th January.

have recorded their worst figures since 20 October (shown in bold on the table), when PHW first started reporting these data, compared to 11 on 4 January. 16 have greater than 550/100k , compared to 13 on the 4 th .

have greater than , compared to 13 on the 4 . 11 have greater than 800/100k , compared to 6 on the 4 th .

have greater than , compared to 6 on the 4 . 11 are in the worst centile in Wales , compared to 6 on the 4th:

Gwersyllt West & Summerhill has 1722/100k  compared to 928 on the 4 th

compared to 928 on the 4 Hermitage & Whitegate has 1417  compared to 1154 on the 4 th

compared to 1154 on the 4 Johnstown North & Rhostyllen has 1223  compared to 1141 on the 4 th

compared to 1141 on the 4 New Broughton & Bryn Cefn has 1108  compared to 1031 on the 4 th

compared to 1031 on the 4 Coedpoeth & Brymbo has 1074  compared to 658 on the 4 th

compared to 658 on the 4 Llay South & Gwersyllt East has 1034  compared to 1022 on the 4 th

 compared to 1022 on the 4 Wrexham West has 960  compared to 948 on the 4 th

 compared to 948 on the 4 Ruabon & Marchwiel has 936  compared to 604 on the 4 th

 compared to 604 on the 4 Borras & Rhosnensi has 868  compared to 537 on the 4 th

 compared to 537 on the 4 Caia Park has 840  compared to 714 on the 4th

 compared to 714 on the 4th Acton & Maes-y-dre has 791  compared to 633 on the 4th

0 have less than 300/100k, compared to 0 on 28th December. In fact, the lowest is 421/100k

Settings

The virus is very widespread with the principal locations remaining households followed, some way below, by outbreaks in care/nursing homes (including, sadly a number of hospitalisations and deaths), the Maelor Hospital and the prison. There are no official outbreaks elsewhere, but several clusters in workplaces, such as the large employers. As the hospitality sector and most of the retail sector are closed. there are few, if any, cases in such premises.

MANAGING THE VIRUS

General

The Level 4 Alert lockdown, which came into force on 20th December, should soon begin to have an effect, as the October firebreak did, but the predominance of the UK variant and the easing of the restrictions over Christmas have acted against this. Welsh Government (WG) has extended the lockdown for at least a further 3 weeks, and strengthened it to include showrooms, such as for cars and kitchens. WG will review the position again on 29th January.

Multi-agency teams are trying to manage the specific local occurrences, but it is a very difficult battle given that they are so widespread and the principal setting is households. The response is being managed by a multi-agency IMT (Incident Management Team) which meets each Tuesday, together with teams focussed on particular outbreaks, such as in individual care homes. Public Protection officers are working with NWP to enforce the lockdown regulations (especially in the hot-spot sub-areas) with NWP having issued a number of fixed penalty fines for non-compliance in recent weeks. Colleagues from several Council departments are supporting the TTP system which is seeing a peak in demand. The Council is working with AVOW and other partners to support vulnerable people in local communities.

Education

The college and university have now reopened. Those students returning to the university halls of residence have been, and will continue to be, tested on arrival. Many students in both the university and the college have not returned to the campuses at all, but are accessing their courses on-line. It is a credit to both organisations that the campuses have not been a major source of infection in themselves or in their communities.

The First Minister announced this morning that schools will continue to provide education to pupils via remote learning. On-site provision will continue for those children who are vulnerable and for the children of key workers. Unless there is a significant reduction in cases of Covid-19 before 29 January these arrangements will continue until the February half term (week beginning 15th February).

Other Council Services

The Council is continuing to provide critical services as publicised on our website, while both critical and non-critical services are also being provided by colleagues working from home.

Mass Testing

Mass testing is taking place in particular care homes, but PHW and BCUHB do not plan to undertaken wider community mass testing. This was undertaken in the summer to determine whether there was community transmission in particular parts of Wrexham town, but we now know that there is widespread community transmission so it will not tell us more than we already know. Also, as we are in a lockdown, there are no additional tools available to us or Welsh Government to tackle the virus  other than communicating the severity of the new variant (see below). Testing of student bubbles in contact with cases will take place in schools when they eventually reopen for face-to-face teaching.

Mass Vaccination

The Health Board have confirmed that North Wales is receiving, and in future will continue to receive, 22% of all vaccines made available in Wales based on population size.

Vaccination in care homes

Care home staff continue to be vaccinated at the Mass Vaccination Centres (MVCs) primarily, with slots being increased from 3 to 5 days per week to accommodate more appointments

Residents in those care homes where there are no positive cases will be receiving the vaccination in the coming days, which is likely to lead to over 300 of them being vaccinated before the end of the weekend. The primary care team in local areas is managing this supported by District Nurses. The homes have been contacted by the team and asked to gain consent prior to the vaccination team arriving, in order to speed up the process. A short guide has been put together by one of the local GPs to support these conversations in the care homes.

A risk assessment tool is being agreed with partners to help determine at what point it is appropriate to vaccinate in care homes which have recently had positive cases.

The vaccination supply will be sufficient to vaccinate all the residents in the care homes, but should there be any spare vaccines they will be used for staff who have yet to be vaccinated at the Deeside or Llandudno MVCs.

Vaccination of other health and social care staff

Domiciliary Care and other Social Care staff are not being invited at this stage, but will be progressed as supplies ramp up in the next few weeks.

Vaccination in the community

There is expected to be a step-wise increase in the supply of the vaccine in the next few weeks.

As these stocks become available priority groups in the wider population in Wrexham will be targeted to receive the vaccine through the MVC in Enfys Hospital, Deeside (which became operational before Christmas), two local centres in Wrexham (Plas Madoc and Glyndwr University which are expected to be up and running by 18 th January) and local GP practices, pharmacies etc.

January) and local GP practices, pharmacies etc. This week, vaccinations for the over-80s have been piloted in some GP practices in Wrexham and this will increase over the next few weeks. The Health Board consider that they will be in a strong position to have offered all over-80s in Wrexham a vaccination by the end of January.

More information can be obtained via the following link: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/about-the-vaccine

Communications

The Councils communications team is continuing to signpost people to the correct information  including current restrictions in Wales, and any impact on local services. We continue to remind people that, under the current Alert Level 4 restrictions, they should:

Only mix with people in their own household (both indoors and outdoors)

Only travel for essential purposes, such as work, health reasons or caring duties

Well reinforce these key messages this week, but anything Members can do to share these messages in your communities would be helpful. You can signpost people to the Welsh Government website for more information on the current restrictions. The Welsh Government and Wrexham Council Twitter accounts also contain useful information that you can share with your communities on social media.

It is crucial that we encourage people to limit the number of contacts they have at the moment and not to mix with other households, for their sake and for the sake of their families, friends and wider communities.

If you have any queries about this note please let me know and I will do my best to answer them.

Regards

Chief Officer Planning and Regulatory
|

Welcome Guest! You Are Here:

Govt welcomes criticism including right to ask questions; New IT rules will empower social media users: Ravi Shankar Prasad.

New rules designed to prevent abuse, misuse of social media: IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

COVID-19 pandemic biggest risk to growth outlook: RBI.

WhatsApp users have nothing to fear on new social media rules: IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
The 6,000 students returning Monday are to be followed on Feb. 1 by another 70,000 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Prekindergarten and some special education students will attend school five days a week; other students will attend two days a week. There are currently no plans to allow high school students to return to classrooms.

As in other cities, race has been a subtext of the fight in Chicago, with Mayor Lightfoot arguing that Black and Latino students are being harmed the most by keeping schools closed.

But the unions contend that those same students and their families will be most at risk if schools reopen, because they often lack access to quality health care and the coronavirus has had a particularly devastating impact on their communities.

Many of the districts Black and Latino parents have the same worry: Less than a third of them have opted to send their children back to school in person. As in New York, white parents have been far more willing to have their children return to classrooms.

But interviews with parents and officials indicate that many families are deeply conflicted as they try to balance concerns that their children are losing out educationally with fears that they will bring the virus home.

Alderman Michael Scott, Jr., who represents a mostly Black ward on the citys West Side and is the chairman of the City Councils education committee, said that families in his ward were feeling confused by the diametrically opposed messages they are hearing from the district and the union.

I think folks in my communities dont really know which side to listen to, he said.

Katrina Adams, who lives in the Avalon Park neighborhood on the South Side, said she wanted to send her oldest daughter, who is in fourth grade, back to school because her grades were slipping and she missed her friends.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell claps after recruit class #190 took the oath of the police officer during a graduation ceremony at the NOPD Training Academy on Friday, December 18, 2020 at the NOPD Training Academy at 11am.in New Orleans, La. Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. Fourteen graduates were sworn in as new police officers in two different ceremonies to allow for coronavirus precautions. (Photo by Max Becherer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chinono has been arrested again on allegations of publishing what police claim are falsehoods prejudicial to the state.

In a tweet on Friday, Chinono wrote, The police have come to arrest me! Let everyone know!

They say they are charging me with communicating falsehoods for tweeting that a child had been beaten up by a police officer and died! They are taking me to the Law and Order Section at Harare Central Police Station.

In a statement, the Media Institute of Southern Africa said police claim that Chinono breached Section 31 (a) (iii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act by posting a tweet that falsely reported the death of a child after a physical assault by the police.

This comes at a time when the journalist is on bail on two different charges, one of which is incitement to participate in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry or alternatively incitement to commit public violence. The other charge relates to defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

A video circulating on social media shows a woman carrying a lifeless body of a child holding onto a policeman demanding justice with some people also urging others to take action against the law enforcement agent. Zimbabwe police say they are investigating the incident.

Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, was unavailable for comment as he was not responding to calls on his mobile phone.

Reacting to Chinonos tweet and arrest, some Zimbabweans attacked President Emmerson Mnangagwas government saying his government should immediately release the journalist.

Former Cabinet Minister and Zanu PF administration secretary, Savior Kasukuwere, who is currently in exile in South Africa, said police should investigate the death of the child and not arrest Chinono.

The arrest is unfortunate and unnecessary. This arrest is meant to intimidate and harass Hopewell, and nothing to do with the scurrilous allegation. Cdes Grow UP!

An irate civil society leader, Siphosami Malinga, said Chinonos arrest is unconstitutional.

1000s (of people) posted that video. I did not even first see it on your timeline. This falsehood crime is unconstitutional. In Chimakure & Ors v A.G of Zimbabwe, the ConCrt (Constitutional Court) decided that Criminal Law Codification & Reform Acts s31(a)(iii) infringed upon the right to freedom of expression.

In a tweet, Brian Kagoro, Pan-Africanist and a constitutional and economic relations lawyer, criticized Mnangagwas government for arresting Chinono.

At some stage there must be an investigation of corruption related to use of every flimsy excuse to deprive citizens of their liberty. We have real criminals holding high level parties during COVID-19 & some looting funds. Go for those.

Chinono was first arrested for posting a tweet noting that some Zimbabweans were expected to stage anti-corruption public protests in July last year.

In a statement, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said Zimbabwean authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Chinono and cease efforts to intimidate and harass him.

Zimbabwean authorities should immediately release journalist Hopewell Chinono, drop all efforts to prosecute him, and cease these flagrant intimidation tactics, Muthoki Mumo, CPJs sub-Saharan Africa representative, said from Nairobi.

Press freedom requires that journalists be able to work without fear of criminal sanction. This basic condition is something Hopewell Chinono and other journalists in Zimbabwe continue to be denied.

If convicted of publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state, Chinono could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine, according to Section 31 of Zimbabwes Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Some human rights lawyers say Zimbabwes Supreme Court ruled parts of that law to be unconstitutional.

In 2020, Chinono was arrested, prosecuted, and repeatedly detained over his reporting.
A Message From The Editor

just-style gives you the widest apparel and textile market coverage.

Paid just-style members have unlimited access to all our exclusive content - including 21 years of archives.

I am so confident you will love complete access to our content that today I can offer you 30 days access for 1*.

Its our best ever membership offer  just for you.

Leonie Barrie, editor of just-style

Leonie's offer to you

* plus VAT if applicable

Education Minister Norma Foley, teacher unions, and other education partners have agreed they want the Leaving Cert to go ahead - but are no closer to getting sixth years back into to the classroom.

Less than 24 hours after teacher unions pulled the plug on plans to reopen schools on Monday for 60,000 Leaving Cert students and 18,000 pupils with special needs, a new round of talks was under way. Ms Foley had separate meetings with the education stakeholders from primary level and post-primary level, which were later described by several participants as positive and constructive.

When the new school term kicks off belatedly on Monday, it will be a return to remote learning for more than 900,000 pupils, until the end of January at the earliest.

While yesterday's meetings agreed there should be a return to the classroom at the earliest opportunity, with priority for Leaving Cert students and special needs pupils, there was no discussion about the circumstances in which that would happen.

At a meeting on Thursday, public health experts told the education stakeholders that schools were safe and that they had no difficulty with the limited return proposed for Monday. However, shortly afterwards, the Association of Secondary Teachers' Ireland (ASTI) said it had not received sufficient assurances, particularly around the new Covid variant, while the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) also expressed health and safety concerns.

Both unions instructed their members not to co-operate.

Parents of children with special needs have been devastated they are not returning to school on Monday.

Ms Foley told yesterday's meetings she wanted to put measures in place immediately to ensure a meaningful continuity of education for these pupils.

The minister is meeting representatives of three advocacy organisations - Inclusion Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland and the autism charity, AsIAm - on Monday.

Mainstream

AsIAm chief executive Adam Harris said they wanted home tuition to be made available to every student enrolled in special classes and schools and to students in mainstream education who were unable to learn remotely. At yesterday's meeting with second-level representatives, Ms Foley also asked about the Leaving Cert and whether everyone shared the objective of holding the traditional exams.

Her message was that if exam candidates don't get back to school soon, there will need to be discussion about a Leaving Cert Plan B.

There was a consensus around holding the exams, but she said it must be backed up by actionable commitments.

The discussions between the sides will continue, but no timeline has been set and with the current record Covid infection rates and ongoing uncertainty about its progress, no one was hazarding a guess as to when even students deemed as priority might be back in school.

This year's Leaving Cert candidates have already suffered serious disruption having been out of schools from March to June last year.
The owners of over 20 Arkansas bars filed a lawsuit against the state, seeking to thwart COVID-19 restrictions. According to the lawsuit, the Arkansas Department of Health made an arbitrary decision when it commanded bars to close at 11 P.M.

Bar owners sue over closing directive

The lawsuit seeks a directive by over a dozen Fayetteville bars, including such acclaimed spots as Maxine's Taproom, against the Health Department order approved by Governor Asa Hutchinson and implemented by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.

The businesses state they are being irremediably harmed by the order.

Nineteen bars on Dickson Street have joined forces to issue a lawsuit against the Arkansas Department of Health, the Governor's office, and the Alcohol and Beverage Control Commission to petition the imposed curfew, reported KNWA.

According to Aaron Schauer, the owner of Piano Bar, "I want to be able to make my own money that is why I am an entrepreneur and unfortunately, we have just not been able to do that over the past 10 months."

The lawsuit over the COVID-19 directive was filed against Dr. Jose Romero of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Governor Hutchinson, and Director of Alcohol Beverage Control, Doralee Chandler.

On November 19, State Health Secretary Dr. Romero issued a regulation that bars had to close at 11 P.M. The executive order was signed by Governor Hutchinson.

The lawsuit, filed this week in Pulaski County by lawyer Gary Barnett of Little Rock, cite that the directive "do not contain any factual, data driven or other basis for regulating the peak hours of the facilities," reported Fayetteville Flyer.

Also Read: European Union Approves Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Rollout Next Week

Other evidence involved in the lawsuit includes a graph presented by the health department on November 18 displaying that of the active cases of COVID-19 in the state at the time, around 37 individuals said that they had visited a bar.

Bar owners remark that the curfew has cost them thousands of dollars and they have no hope of recovering. They added that allowing the directive to remain in place will cost them thousands more dollars.

The owner of Pinpoint on Block Avenue, Bo Counts, who joined the lawsuit, stated the curfew is the equivalent of demanding restaurants to close during lunch and dinner time.

The graph from the Arkansas Department of Health displays that "the lowest number of active cases by associated activity in Arkansas is Bars with the highest being Public School Districts," but that bars were the only business type covered by the directive, reported 4029 News.

Schauer said he is hoping that the ruling will be granted as soon as possible so they could remain open in their normal hours.

The plaintiffs also used the governor's words against him as he has been saying that business restrictions should be "data-driven." But he said multiple times (and data he has produced is used in the lawsuit) that there is no proof that bar and restaurant activity has contributed to the spike in novel coronavirus cases.

The business owners also feel that they are being targeted and singled out more than others.

Related Article: Larry King Moves out of the ICU, Condition Continues to Improve Despite COVID-19

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
interim president will hold a meeting on Saturday with party general secretaries and in-charges in connection with the ongoing farmers' agitation at the gates of Delhi.

According to sources, a virtual meeting has been called to discuss the situation and to chalk out a strategy to support farmer's protests. has been in support of the farmers in their movement against the new farm laws enacted by the Centre in September.

Gandhi had earlier issued a statement that since Independence the current government has been the "most egoistic" government and had advised the Centre to repeal these laws and do "Raj Dharma".

Sources said that the is planning to go aggressive against the central government over the farmers' agitation. They will hit the ground and reach out to the people across the country.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday told Congress leaders, protesting against the three controversial farm laws at different borders of the capital, that nothing short of a repeal of the legislations was acceptable.

The eighth round of negotiations between the protesting farmer unions and the Centre held on Friday remained inconclusive, and the next round of meeting will be held on January 15.

Farmers have been protesting at different borders here since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws -- Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

(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.)
EasyJet last night secured a 1.4billion state-backed bailout to help the struggling budget airline survive the pandemic.

The firm said the five-year loan had been underwritten by a group of banks and part-guaranteed by UK Export Finance, a government agency.

It will help Easyjet navigate turbulence in the coming months as tough coronavirus restrictions across Europe  including the third UK lockdown  continue to batter the travel industry.

Struggle: The firm said the five-year loan had been underwritten by a group of banks and part-guaranteed by UK Export Finance, a government agency

The company said the loan, which has been secured against aircraft, eased pressure on its balance sheet and freed up cash available.

It means that during the first three months of this year, it will reduce its 369m overdraft and another loan of 400m.

The bailout has been agreed just days after British Airways owner IAG struck a similar deal with banks, which was also part-guaranteed by the UK Government.

Last night Johan Lundgren, Easyjet's boss, said: 'Easyjet has taken swift and decisive action, having now secured more than 4.5billion in liquidity since the beginning of the pandemic. The loan facility, provided on commercial terms, reflects constructive and collaborative work between Easyjet, multiple banks and UK Export Finance.'

He added that the firm was 'well positioned' for later this year when it is hoped restrictions will lift and the travel industry can open up again.

Airlines face a bleak start to 2021 due to the latest lockdown, with most being forced to trim their already threadbare schedule.

Ryanair this week said it would now run 'few, if any' flights from the UK and may only carry 500,000 passengers in February and March  far below the 10m it would normally expect on a monthly basis.

The Government has said that arrivals to the UK will need to present evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before landing and will also need to self-isolate for ten days.

Analysts have warned that the bleak situation makes efforts to stage a recovery in travel this summer all the more crucial to the survival of some carriers.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
Ukraine buys COVID-19 vaccines for about US$17.8 per dose

The first agreement was signed with China's Sinovac.

Reporting by UNIAN

If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter

87 per cent of business executives say that innovation plays a vital role in protecting people's health and wellbeing

American multinational conglomerate GE has just unveiled the results of its 2020 GE Global Innovation Barometer titled Pride and Protectionism: A Quest for Innovation Agency.

The study, which included survey questions both before the global outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019 and again in September 2020, explores how global business leaders think about the state of innovation and how its future is being impacted by the pandemic and other geopolitical trends.

This years report reveals a paradox emerging with regards to business executives view on cross-border collaboration and protectionism.

The report shows that business executives increasingly view protectionism as a way to protect their domestic innovation environments, while at the same time, the results show that their appetite for collaboration across industries and geographies remains strong.

Overall, the study highlights innovations vital role in addressing the major challenges that the world now faces, while also exploring how the pandemic poses threats to the globes new innovation imperative.

In its seventh edition, the Global Innovation Barometer surveyed over 3,400 business executives in 22 countries in two separate studies; one concluding in February of 2020 and another in September of 2020. The second study was conducted to understand any changes in global sentiment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, the study highlights innovations vital role in addressing the major challenges that the world now faces, while also exploring how the pandemic poses threats to the globes new innovation imperative.

Further, the pandemic solidified business leaders belief that innovation is both vital to their future and under threat. They see innovation having a crucial role in addressing the major challenges that the world now faces; however, they also feel that pandemic poses threats to this new innovation imperative. Progress has slowed in some industries and markets since the onset of COVID-19 as a result.

In this years report, business executives voiced their admiration for the healthcare industrys ingenuity during the pandemic, saying it has outperformed all other sectors with respect to innovation progress in the period, 9 per cent more than the next most innovative industry, the telecoms/internet industry.

The private sector is seen as taking a leadership role in driving innovation in healthcare, with 83 per cent of business executives saying that companies have taken a leadership role in driving innovation due to the pandemic.

This is five points higher than business executives perception of the governments role in driving innovation in the period. This years study is reflective of business executives belief that healthcare innovation is required to enable the innovation of other industries. According to respondents, the healthcare industry has risen to the challenge of COVID-19 and the business community has gained a deeper appreciation for the industrys role in the economy overall.

The study also pulsed global business leaders on which country they believe to be the worlds innovation leader.

While the studys results in September found that China and the US were in a narrowing race to claim their place as the globes innovation champion, Chinas place has softened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the US lead remains.

Some additional top findings from the report are that 87 per cent of business executives say that innovation plays a vital role in protecting people's health and wellbeing, and 82 per cent believe the healthcare industry has set a great example for others to follow regarding the speed of innovation.

Executives also identified mobility, investment, and collaboration restrictions as their biggest concerns for the future of innovation, and 50 per cent are concerned that the restriction of people, goods, and services will have a negative effect on innovation.

It took more than a year to break the Nord Stream 2 stalemate and now - amidst the world expecting full-scale coronavirus vaccination, amidst the United States expecting the inauguration of President-elect Biden and Europe preoccupied with the future of the EU-UK cooperation rather than energy issues  Gazprom has restarted pipelaying operations on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The Fortuna pipelaying vessel has finished working on the NS2 section in Germanys exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and now it is only the Danish EEZ that remains to be laid. Coincidence or by some unfathomable design, it is exactly now that the next round of US sanctions goes into effect, indicating that the pipelines endgame will take place in the upcoming 3-4 months. Gazprom took quite some time to fully prepare itself for the pipelaying, almost a year has passed since Allseas ceased all operations out of concern for potential US retaliation and the Fortuna vessel started pipelaying in Germanys EEZ. Such a massive timespan has left many analysts wondering how exactly would the Russian side opt to finish the pipeline and most of them, betting on Akademik Cherskiy, had been caught wrong. Fortuna started its operations off the Adlergrund shoal on December 11 and it took the vessel 17 days to complete both parallel strings (the 55 bcm per year throughput capacity is split between two strings the capacity of both which stands at 27.5 cm per year) of the German section, implying that the average pipelaying speed was much lower than the 1-1.5km per day initially assumed by industry watchers.

There have been very few offshore pipeline projects, if any, that had such a plethora of pipelaying vessel and supporting tugs appearing and disappearing, involved directly in pipelaying or acting merely as smoke and mirrors. Ever since Allseas stopped its pipelaying works in December 2019, the Akademik Cherskiy vessel was the prime candidate to carry on where the Swiss company has stalled  for this she circumnavigated half the planet, moving from Nakhodka in Russias Far East around the Cape of Good Hope to the Baltic Sea. Akademik Cherskiy, however, was inactive throughout pipelaying operations in Germanys EEZ. Moreover, Cherskiy sits idle quite a distance from Germany, off Russias Kaliningrad region, accompanied by a couple of anchor-handling tugs, Artemis Offshore and Errie.

Confounding the Gazprom-owned pipelines opponents even further, the ownership structure of the Fortuna vessel has become even more untraceable as she was sold resold again in mid-December, this time to a completely unknown company called KVT-RUS. Crudely put, all the pertinent vessels that are active in pipelaying operations on Nord Stream-2 or merely have been linked to its construction have been sold away from Gazprom amidst the looming threat of US sanctions. Speaking of supply vessels, there are at least half a dozen others scattered across the Baltic Sea. In and around Kaliningrad at least 3 vessels have been biding their time  the vessels Ostap Sheremeta, Yasniy and Vengeri were all linked to Nord Stream-2 at some point. Another anchor handling tug vessel, Ivan Sidorenko, has been moving somewhere in the Baltic Sea with its transponders switched off in mid-December, only to resurface in Mukran and then in Kaliningrad by the end of the same month.

Russian media reports state that Fortuna would start pipe-laying in Danish territorial waters from January 15, 2021, providing no specific date for the completion of works. There remain some 120km to be laid in Danish territorial waters, however, laying the pipelines in the middle of winter has always been the least preferable scenario for Gazprom given the difficult weather conditions that could slow down Fortunas assumed 1.5 km per day nominal speed. Therefore, it would be unreasonable to expect the completion of pipelaying works before April-May 2021. Generally speaking, Gazprom has two years left to conclude the construction of Nord Stream 2 before its transit agreement with Ukraines Naftogaz runs out and confronts the two companies (and two nations) once again in another round of a Russo-Ukrainian gas standoff.

Related: Tesla Tops Facebook To Become Fifth Most Valuable Company

An immutable aspect of Nord Stream-2 is the United States ever-tightening sanctions regime. Despite President Trumps veto of the National Defense Authorization Act of which the Nord Stream-relevant sanctions formed part, the US Congress overrode his decision, thus activating a new round of targeted sanctions from December 29 onwards. From now on, any entity, be it Russian or European, that helps build Nord Stream 2, provides retrofitting and upgrading services to vessels participating in the project, or provides insurance and/or underwriting might be subject to sanctions. Though the new sanctions package provides for a 30-day wind-down period, most European companies providing a technical assessment of Nord Stream-2 will cease any sort of cooperation with the pipe-laying vessels and Gazprom as the coordinator of its construction.

The European Union has so far refrained from robust political steps vis-a-vis the US Administration against what it perceives to be meddling in its internal affairs, however, the cohesion of the European block seems to have solidified over the course of 2020 and will fortify even more with Britains departure. Lack of progress on the Ukrainian dossier and Alexei Navalnys poisoning notwithstanding, virtually the entirety of Germanys financial leaders continue to support the project, stating that canceling Nord Stream-2 would not only hurt European customers and consumers but would also damage the financial standing of the top oil and gas majors involved in the project. Against such a geopolitical landscape, the US should find an elegant way to avoid acknowledging the failure of its multi-step sanctions-tightening.



By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
NBC News - President Donald Trump said Friday that he would not attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, putting to rest any lingering questions about whether he would go.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," Trump tweeted.

Biden, speaking to reporters in Wilmington, Delaware, later Friday, said that Trump not coming to his swearing-in was one of the few things we agree on.

NBC News reported Thursday night that Vice President Mike Pence would likely attend the inauguration if invited, although a spokesman for Pence said Friday that Pence and second lady Karen Pence had not yet made a decision.

Biden, for his part, said Friday that Pence was "welcome to come" to his inauguration, adding that, "We'd be honored to have him there."

There have been only a handful of times in American history that an outgoing president did not attend the inauguration of his successor. John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Johnson all skipped the event, while Richard Nixon departed the White House after his resignation and did not attend Gerald Ford's swearing-in.

It had been widely expected that Trump would not attend Biden's swearing-in, but he had not announced such plans formally until Friday.

At least one prominent Republican, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., publicly implored Trump to attend the inauguration after the tweet, saying that doing so is a critical part of the tradition of peaceful transfer of power in the U.S.

"I am urging the President to reconsider his decision to skip the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. He is, of course, not constitutionally required to attend and I can imagine losing an election is very hard, but I believe he should attend," Scott said in a statement. "I plan to attend and believe it is an important tradition that demonstrates the peaceful transfer of power to our people and to the world.

Scott, during the congressional proceedings earlier this week to confirm Biden's win over Trump, voted to throw out Pennsylvania's Electoral College votes for Biden.

NBC News reported last month that Trump was discussing the possibility of announcing a campaign to retake the White House in 2024 on Inauguration Day and skipping the swearing-in of his successor.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and their spouses, have all said they will attend Biden's inauguration. Former President Jimmy Carter, who is 96, and his wife have said they will not travel for the event.

Trump's announcement came one day after he released a video finally condemning his supporters for violently swarming the U.S. Capitol, in a statement that called for a "seamless transition of power."

That statement Thursday was a remarkable about-face from the video he released Wednesday shortly after rioters stormed the Capitol following a Trump rally, disrupting Congress as it was formally affirming Biden's Electoral College victory. Lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence, who was presiding over the count, were forced to flee.
A Boeing 737 passenger jet with 62 people onboard crashed into the Java Sea on Saturday minutes after taking off from Indonesia's capital Jakarta, officials said.

Sriwijaya Flight 182, en route to Pontianak in West Kalimantan, disappeared from radar screens after taking off just after 2.30pm (6.30pm AEDT) - 30 minutes after the scheduled time because of heavy rain.

Relatives wait at the crisis centre for news about the missing aircraft. Credit:

It was carrying 50 passengers, including seven children and three babies, as well as 12 pilots and crew. An official said they were all from Indonesia.

Reliable tracking service Flightradar24 said the Boeing jet disappeared about four minutes after take-off. It climbed to 3322 metres in altitude, and then began a steep descent, plunging to 74 metres about 21 seconds later. At that time, it stopped transmitting data.
"Clubbing" of the fingers is a classic features of Cystic Fibrosis, although not present in many patients. Credit: Jerry Nick, M.D./ Wikipedia

World-leading AI technology developed by the Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine and their colleagues offers a glimpse of the future of precision medicine, and unprecedented predictive power to clinicians caring for individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Accurately predicting how an individual's chronic illness is going to progress is critical to delivering better-personalized, precision medicine. Only with such insight can a clinician and patient plan optimal treatment strategies for intervention and mitigation. Yet there is an enormous challenge in accurately predicting the clinical trajectories of people for chronic health conditions such as cystic fibrosis (CF), cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease.

"Prediction problems in healthcare are fiendishly complex," said Professor Mihaela van der Schaar, Director of the Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine (CCAIM). "Even machine learning approaches, which deal in complexity, struggle to deliver meaningful benefits to patients and clinicians, and to medical science more broadly. Off-the-shelf machine learning solutions, so useful in many areas, simply do not cut it in predictive medicine."

Unlock this complexity, however, and enormous healthcare gains await. That is why several teams led by Professor van der Schaar and CCAIM Co-Director Andres Floto, Professor of Respiratory Biology at the University of Cambridge and Research Director of the Cambridge Centre for Lung Infection at Royal Papworth Hospital, have developed a rapidly evolving suite of world-class machine learning (ML) approaches and tools that have successfully overcome many of the challenges.

In just two years, the researchers have developed technology that has moved from producing ML-based predictions of lung failure in CF patients using a snapshot of patient dataitself a remarkable improvement on the previous state of the artto dynamic predictions of individual disease trajectories, predictions of competing health risks and comorbidities, 'temporal clustering' with past patients, and much more.

The researchers presented three of their new ML technologies recently at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference 2020. In-depth details of the technologies and their potential implications are available on the CCAIM website.

The tools developed by the Cambridge researchers represent astonishing progress in a very short time, and reveal the power of ML methods to tackle the remaining mysteries of common chronic illnesses and provide highly precise predictions of patient-specific health outcomes of unprecedented accuracy. What's more, such techniques can be readily applied to other chronic diseases.

Applying new ML techniques in cystic fibrosis

"Cystic fibrosis is an excellent example of a hard-to-treat, chronic condition," said Professor Floto. "It is often unclear how the disease will progress in a given individual over time, and there are multiple, competing complications that need preventative or mitigating interventions."

CF is a genetic condition that affects a number of organs, but primarily the lungs, where it leads to progressive respiratory failure and premature death. In 2019, the median age of the 114 people with CF who died in the UK was 31. Only about half of the people born in the UK with CF in 2019 are likely to live to the age of 50.

Cystic fibrosis is also a fertile ground to explore ML methods, in part because of the UK Cystic Fibrosis Registry, an extensive database that covers 99% of the UK's CF population which is managed by the UK Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The Registry holds both static and time-series data for each CF patient, including demographic information, CFTR genotype, disease-related measures including infection data, comorbidities and complications, lung function, weight, intravenous antibiotics usage, medications, transplantations and deaths.

"Almost everyone with cystic fibrosis in the UK entrusts the Registry to hold their patient data, which is then used to ensure the best care for all people with the condition," said Dr. Janet Allen, Director of Strategic Innovation at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. "What's exciting is that the approaches developed by Professor van der Schaar take this to a completely new level, developing tools to harness the complexity of the CF data. Turning such data into medical understanding is a key priority for the future of personalized healthcare."

Looking to the future

The suite of new tools offers tremendous potential benefit to everyone in the CF ecosystem, from patients to clinicians and medical researchers. "Our medical ML technology has matured rapidly, and it is ready to be deployed," said Professor van der Schaar. "The time has come to bring its clear benefits to the individuals who need it mostin this case, the people living with cystic fibrosis. This means collaborating further with clinicians and increasing our engagement with wider healthcare systems and with data guardians beyond the UK."

Machine learning technologies have proven to be adept at predicting the clinical trajectories of people with long-term health conditions, and innovation will continue at pace. The patient-centered revolution in precision healthcare will enable and empower both clinicians and researchers to extract greater value from the growing availability of healthcare data.

The challenge ahead is to realize the potential of these tools by making them available to clinicians and hospitals around the world, where they can help improve and save the lives of people living with chronic illness. This is one of the goals of the Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine.

Explore further Children with cystic fibrosis suffer mild illness from Covid-19
Despite massive traffic to the more than 55 million pages, Wikipedia and the reliability of its entries have been under fire since its first article was posted two decades ago. On this anniversary, University of Georgia professors discuss the credibility of the contentious, crowd-sourced information hub.
Trump supporters clashed with police and security forces as they stormed the US Capitol on January 6

The largest trade union federation in the United States on Friday joined a growing chorus of business and political organizations calling for President Donald Trump's immediate removal from office following Wednesday's violent riot that he instigated.

"The deadly storming of the US Capitol by a mob looking to overturn the results of a free and fair election, encouraged and inspired by President Donald Trump, was one of the greatest attacks on our democracy in American history," the federation said in a statement.

"Trump is an affront to every union member, and a clear and present danger to our nation and our republic," the organization added. "He should resign or be removed from office at once, whether through impeachment or the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution."

The statement came as congressional Democrats moved ahead with efforts to remove Trump over the attack on the Capitol, even with President-elect Joe Biden set to take office on January 20.

The Wednesday assault saw a mob of angry Trump supporters storm the US Capitol shortly after Trump reiterated baseless election conspiracies to the crowd and told supporters "if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore."

The AFL-CIO also criticized the pliant response of law enforcement to the rioters, echoing statements from Biden and others that have seen the treatment as reflective of double standards in policing as compared with the response to anti-racism protests that broke out nationwide over the past summer.

"The fact that trespassers were allowed to roam the halls of Congress without consequence is one of the latest examples of why we must tear down the systems and abiders of white supremacy," the AFL-CIO said of the demonstrators, some of whom brandished the flags of the pro-slavery Confederacy in the US Civil War.

"Hate and insurrection have no place in America," the group said.

Story continues

The labor group's statement is among the toughest so far, joining the National Association of Manufacturing, which urged Vice President Mike Pence to consider invoking the 25th amendment, and Ben & Jerry's ice cream, which said Wednesday's display "was not a protest -- it was a riot to uphold white supremacy."

Numerous other groups have also condemned Wednesday's events, but avoided calling out Trump by name, or stopped short of recommending a specific action, such as impeachment.

A statement Thursday from the Business Roundtable said the attack stemmed from "elected officials' perpetuation of the fiction of a fraudulent 2020 presidential election" and called for nation to "unite around President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris."

On Friday, Barry Diller, chairman of tech holding firm IAC, dismissed talk of impeaching or invoking the 25th amendment as "silliness," adding that Trump would be irrelevant after he leaves office in 12 days.

"It's 12 days to go, hold your breath," Diller told CNBC. "Let him go and let him be over."

jmb/cs

A powerful alliance of Tory grandees will step up pressure on the Government this week over how it deals with the Chinese regime.

The move comes as a major Tory Party report condemns the mendacity, brutality, inhumanity, insecurity and criminality of the Communist rulers in Beijing.

Senior party figures, including former leaders William Hague and Sir Iain Duncan Smith, and ex-Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind, have endorsed the report by the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission.

It accuses the Chinese regime of torture, slave labour, surveillance, abuses of the legal system, forced televised confessions, and arbitrary disappearances and detention, most notably in relation to persecuted minorities such as the Uighurs.

Senior party figures, including William Hague (pictured) and Sir Iain Duncan Smith have endorsed the report

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has issued a joint statement with counterparts in Canada and the US condemning China's use of its national security law in Hong Kong

China has denied claims that Uighur Muslims have been forced into re-education camps.

The report calls for a co-ordinated, comprehensive review of UK-China policy, including targeted sanctions to lead the establishment of an international coalition of democracies to co-ordinate a global response to the human rights crisis in China.

Last night, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issued a joint statement with his counterparts in Canada and the US condemning Chinas use of its National Security Law to crush dissent in Hong Kong.

The statement expressed serious concern at the mass arrests of 55 politicians and activists in Hong Kong for subversion under the National Security Law, adding that the law was a clear breach of the Sino-British joint declaration and undermines the one country, two systems framework.

It has curtailed the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views. We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention.

Lord Hague said the Tory report on human rights abuses by China presented evidence of torture, arbitrary arrest and forced confessions accompanied by a clampdown on freedom of religion and the incarceration of huge numbers of people in Xinjiang [home of the Uighurs].

We should condemn such abuses anywhere in the world, and China cannot be an exception to that. However we conduct our relations with China in the future, it is important to have our eyes fully open.

And Lord Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong and a former Conservative Party chairman, said the report gives a terrifying view of the cruelty of President Xi Jinpings brutal regime.

The Communist Party has assaulted any sign of dissent and has set about building a totalitarian surveillance state beyond George Orwells imaginings.

Later this month, MPs will vote on an amendment to the Trade Bill that would give British courts a role in deciding if countries are guilty of human rights abuses before trade agreements are signed.

The Foreign Office says such powers should be given to international courts and wants stricter obligations on firms to ensure supply chains do not involve slavery.

In a separate move, a group of Tory MPs has written an open letter condemning London Mayor Sadiq Khan for blocking moves to de-twin London and Beijing over Chinas human rights record.

The letter, whose signatories include former First Secretary of State Damian Green, criticises Mr Khans decision to vote down a call by Tory mayoral opponent Shaun Bailey for the severing of relations between the two capitals.
A British scientist is facing calls to step down from two key inquiries into the origins of Covid-19 after leading the global battle to dismiss suggestions that it might have leaked from a Chinese laboratory linked to his charity.

Peter Daszaks organisation channelled cash to Wuhan scientists at the centre of growing concerns over a cover-up  and also collaborated on the sort of cutting-edge experiments on coronaviruses banned for several years in the United States for fear of sparking a pandemic.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology has been carrying out this risky research on bat viruses since 2015, including the collection of new coronaviruses and hugely controversial gain of function experiments that increase their ability to infect humans.

Peter Daszaks organisation channelled cash to Wuhan scientists at the centre of growing concerns over a cover-up

Many leading scientists argue that deliberately creating new and infectious microbes poses a huge danger of starting a pandemic from an accidental release, especially as leaks from laboratories have often occurred.

Despite his close ties to the Wuhan Institute of Virology  and the way he has orchestrated efforts to stifle claims that the pandemic might not have happened naturally  Dr Daszak was invited by the World Health Organisation to join its team of ten international experts investigating the outbreak.

The prominent scientist, who runs a conservation charity originally founded by the famous naturalist and best-selling author Gerald Durrell, is also leading an investigatory panel on the pandemics origins set up by The Lancet medical journal.

The prominent scientist, who runs a conservation charity originally founded by the famous naturalist and best-selling author Gerald Durrell, is also leading an investigatory panel on the pandemics origins set up by The Lancet medical journal

Peter Daszak has conflicts of interest that unequivocally disqualify him from being part of an investigation of the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, said Richard Ebright, bio-security expert and professor of chemical biology at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

He was the contractor responsible for funding of high-risk research on Sars-related bat coronaviruses at Wuhan Institute of Virology and a collaborator on this research.

Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance, has seen his career take him from researching rare land snails at Kingston University to his new key role investigating the eruption of the most destructive pandemic for a century.

The pugnacious scientist, originally from Manchester, spent much of the past year trying to counter claims of a possible laboratory leak while defending his friend Shi Zhengli, the Wuhan scientist known as Batwoman for her virus-hunting trips in caves.

Ignore the conspiracy theories: scientists know Covid-19 wasnt created in a lab, ran the headline to one typical article he wrote in The Guardian.

But other scientists say there is no firm evidence at this stage to back Daszaks insistence that Covid-19 crossed from animals to humans via natural transmission. Many point to the simple yet startling coincidence that Wuhan is home to Asias main research centre on bat coronaviruses as well as the place where the pandemic erupted.

Emails released through freedom of information requests have shown Daszak recruited some of the worlds top scientists to counter claims of a possible lab leak with publication of a landmark collective letter to The Lancet early last year. He drafted their statement attacking conspiracy theories suggesting that Covid-19 does not have a natural origin and then persuaded 26 other prominent scientists to back it. He suggested the letter should not be identifiable as coming from any one organisation or person.

The signatories include six of the 12-strong Lancet team investigating the cause of the outbreak.

Yet it has emerged that Daszak had previously issued warnings over the dangers of sparking a global pandemic from a laboratory incident  and said the risks were greater with the sort of virus manipulation research being carried out in Wuhan.

In October 2015, he co-authored an article in the journal Nature on spillover and pandemic properties of viruses that identified the risk from virus exposure in laboratory settings and from wild animals housed in laboratories.

Seven months earlier, Daszak was a key speaker at a high-powered seminar on reducing risk from emerging infectious diseases hosted by the prestigious National Academies of Science in Washington.

Among materials prepared for the meeting was a 13-page document by Daszak entitled Assessing coronavirus threats that included a page examining spillover potential from genetic and experimental studies.

This identified steps that increased dangers from such research  rising from lower risk sampling of viruses through to the highest risk from experiments on infecting isolated cells and on so-called humanised mice  animals created for labs with human genes, cells or tissues in their bodies.

Yet on January 2  three days after news broke outside China of a new respiratory disease in Wuhan  Daszak boasted on Twitter of isolating Sars coronaviruses that bind to human cells in the lab.

He added that other scientists have shown some of these have pandemic potential, able to infect humanised mice.

Another tweet two months earlier talked about great progress with Sars-related coronaviruses from bats through identifying new strains, finding ones that bind to human cells and using recombinant viruses/humanised mice to see Sars-like signs and showing some dont respond to vaccines.

Daszak also told a podcast that bat coronaviruses could be manipulated in a lab pretty easily, explaining how their spike proteins  which bind to human receptors in cells  drive the risk of transmission from animals to humans.

You can get the [genetic] sequence, build the protein, insert it into the backbone of another virus and do some work in the lab, he said succinctly.

This highlights the sort of research that EcoHealth Alliance supported at the top-security Wuhan Institute of Virology  where Shi is based and which boasts a collection of samples from hundreds of coronaviruses  before their funding flow was blocked by US authorities on safety grounds, when revealed by The Mail on Sunday.

The National Institutes of Health said its $3.7 million (2.8 million) grant to EcoHealth Alliance would be restored only if outside experts could probe the Wuhan facilities and records with specific attention to addressing whether staff had Sars-Cov-2 [the strain of coronavirus that causes Covid-19] in their possession prior to December 2019.

There has been intense debate in scientific circles over whether the risks from gain of function research  increasing the ability of virus samples to infect humans to boost understanding and potentially develop vaccines  outweigh any benefits. This led to a ban for three years in the United States under the Obama administration  although in reality much of it was simply outsourced abroad.

This is not ordinary science, wrote Tom Inglesby of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and Marc Lipsitch of Harvard, two prominent US epidemiologists, after the prohibition was lifted in 2017.

The overwhelming majority of scientific studies are safe; even the worst imaginable accident, such as an infection of a lab worker or an explosion, would harm only a handful of people. But creating potentially pandemic pathogens creates a risk  albeit a small one  of infecting millions of people with a highly dangerous virus.

Yet the Wuhan scientists, sometimes in tandem with leading Western experts, were creating chimeric Sars-related coronaviruses from their huge stock of bat samples collected in tropical regions of southern China hundreds of miles away.

Many of these manipulated viruses showed infectivity in human cells and, in some cases, were constructed via a method of seamless cloning that leaves no trace of laboratory engineering.

Details of the suspended National Institutes of Health grant revealed the construction of viruses with ability to invade human cells using infectious clone technology as part of their research.

Bio-safety concerns were, however, openly admitted by a senior official at the lab and sparked alarm among US diplomats.

A video filmed in April by Zhang Zhan, a journalist jailed last month by China for picking quarrels, displayed rubbish-strewn grounds.

Suspicions over the possibility of a leak have been intensified by Chinas cover-up of Covids outbreak, crackdowns on doctors trying to warn people, clampdowns on data, and desperate claims that the disease emerged in India, Italy and even outer space.

Last week, the WHO inquiry  which gave China the right to veto its members  was blocked from entering the country, sparking rare criticism of Beijing from the bodys director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The behaviour of Batwoman Shi  who admitted her first thought on hearing about the virus was to wonder about a leak from her lab  has also raised eyebrows. She failed to detail the most surprising aspect of this new disease  a mutation not seen on similar coronaviruses that ensures it infects such a wide range of human cells  when publishing a genetic sequence for Sars-Cov-2.

Then it emerged she had falsely blamed the deaths of three miners from a Sars-like respiratory disease on a fungal infection, thereby obscuring a link to their fatalities when revealing how her lab held the closest relative to Sars-Cov-2. This sample was collected at the mine, more than 1,000 miles from Wuhan, after the deaths and brought back to the Wuhan Institute.

Peter Daszak is pictured above sharing a drink with Wuhan scientist 'Batwoman' Shi Zhengli and a colleague

One WHO source, defending Daszaks inclusion on their inquiry team on basis of his expertise and knowledge of China, told me the Briton was striving simply to protect the reputation of his fellow scientist and friend.

We have a choice whether to stand up and support colleagues who are being attacked and threatened daily by conspiracy theorists or to just turn a blind eye, said Daszak in February. Yet two months ago, he added to alarm over his independence as an investigator with a tweet sent to a sympathetic science writer: Looking forward to that special moment when we hit the baiju [a Chinese liquor] and the karaoke with [Shi] Zhengli.

Daszaks reputation is on the line after his stellar success in turning Durrells conservation charity, previously known as The Wildlife Trust, into a thriving vehicle for his ambitions to hunt down new viruses around the world.

He began working for the body after moving to the US when his wife secured a job in the country. He started by co-ordinating a small project soon after the turn of the century but ended up as overall boss.

He has shifted the charity to focus on threats of pandemic from wildlife spillover, a move that saw its revenue more than double over the past seven years and his own salary surge to an impressive $410,801 (303,000), according to latest tax data.

His expertise, which includes a hand in more than 300 scientific papers, has won prominence in global scientific and public health circles. He has, however, been the target of abuse over his stance and had suspicious white powder sent to his home.

Yet he is accused of bullying opponents by those that have clashed with him, who include Colin Butler, honorary professor of environmental health at the Australian National University. Butler edited a scientific journal with Daszak for three years.

He probably sincerely believes in his work but he has built an empire around the idea that zoonoses [animal to human infections] are the most important thing in the world, said Butler.

He has also worked with the Wuhan Institute in what is reportedly gain of function research.

Butler, a former WHO adviser who has worked in China, published a paper last month in the Journal Of Human Security highlighting inconsistencies in the labs response and striking circumstantial evidence giving credence to the possibility that Covid-19 escaped from a lab  including the location of the outbreak in Wuhan.

If this theory is ever proven correct, he concludes, it would be a powerful, indeed frightening, signal that we are in danger from hubris as much as from ignorance.

Neither Daszak nor EcoHealth Alliance responded to a request for comment.
A reward of as much as $50,000 was offered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as they announced on Thursday that it will be given to anyone who can give any information which will lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects accused of placing suspected pipe bombs in Washington.

According to the authorities, the DC pipe bombs were found at the headquarters of the DNC or the Democratic National Committee and the RNC or the Republican National Committee on Wednesday, Forbes reported.

Bureau Releases Photo of Suspect

The FBI released a photo of the suspect who is seen wearing a mask along with a hoodie and gloves to hide his identity from any surveillance camera.

The reward offer for the DC pipe bomb incident was part of the announcement made by the FBI which includes the release of the photos of dozens of suspects who were accused by the agency of unlawfully entering the United States Capitol that day, Fox News reported.

During the unprecedented breach of an American government institution, a violent mob was witnessed as a number of them were carrying weapons and can be seen roaming the halls of the federal building.

After smashing and dismantling the property of the Capitol, Rioters barged into the chambers of House and Senate leaders wherein Capitol Hill staffers and lawmakers went under a lockdown or can be seen hidden behind chairs or under tables.

The Washington Field Office of the FBI shared that they are seeking help from the public in identifying the offenders, especially regarding the DC pipe bombs.

In a statement released by the agency, they asked the public if anyone with information regarding the individuals responsible, or anyone who witnessed any unlawful violent actions at the Capitol or in its nearby area can contact the Toll-Free Tipline of the agency at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) to verbally report tips.

Read also: Protestors Dressed in Trump Garb to Deploy National Guard, FBI to get Back Control

They also wrote that any individual who was able to witness any unlawful violent actions, they are urged to submit any information, it can be videos or photos that could be relevant at fbi.gov/USCapitol.

The Metro Police Department of the city released on Thursday the photos of the persons of interest they were searching for.

Anyone who will be providing information that will lead to the arrest of the persons involved in the current incident and indigent was up to $1,000.

At least five individuals died in connection with the series of riots in D.C.

According to NBC among those who were killed is a woman from California that was shot by a police officer inside the Capitol building.

Three individuals also died during the protests as it was due to their existing medical issues.

On the other hand, a United States Capitol Police Officer, who identified as Brian Sicknick also died on Thursday as he was injured after having physical engagement with protesters in D.C.

Based on the latest information gathered by authorities, at least 70 individuals have been arrested so far in connection to the unrest.

The protests in the Capitol did not only alarm the security of the seat of Democracy but also delayed the electoral vote count, thus, the FBI found it necessary to apprehend the suspects immediately prompting the $50K reward.



Related article: 'Walis Tambo' by Trump Supporter Spotted in US Capitol Riot

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Westjet, Canada's second largest airline, announces temporary layoffs of as many as 1,000 staff as demand for flights dropped off with the sudden introduction of stricter Canadian entry rules to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus

Westjet, Canada's second largest airline, announced Friday temporary layoffs of as many as 1,000 staff as demand for flights dropped off with the sudden introduction of stricter Canadian entry rules to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The carrier said it will have to cut 230 flights per week in February and March, reducing its capacity by almost one-third, citing "volatile demand" and "instability in the face of continuing federal government travel advisories and restrictions."

As of Thursday, air travellers have been required to show a negative test for the COVID-19 illness before being allowed to board a flight to Canada. They must also quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

"Immediately following the federal government's inbound testing announcement on December 31, and with the continuation of the 14-day quarantine, we saw significant reductions in new bookings and unprecedented cancellations," Westjet president Ed Sims said in a statement.

He decried the new measure as "hasty" and "incoherent," and said it was "causing Canadian travellers unnecessary stress and confusion."

A handful of Canadians were reportedly denied boarding on the first flights from Cuba and Mexico since the rule came into effect.

Westjet said the staffing reductions impacting "the equivalent of 1,000 employees" would include furloughs, temporary layoffs, unpaid leaves and reduced hours.

It also announced a hiring freeze.

This is in addition to the cutting of half its workforce in March, and subsequent reductions that left it with 5,700 active workers and 5,200 inactive prior to the latest cuts.

The Canadian airline industry has been asking for months for a bailout from the Canadian government.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday those negotiations continue, outlining demands that passengers be reimbursed for cancelled flights and that regional routes be maintained.

He noted that the government has spent close to Can$1.5 billion supporting Canadian airlines through wage subsidies and other aid.

"We know that the airline industry has been extremely hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic," Trudeau said. "People shouldn't be travelling and that of course is a direct challenge for the airline industry."

Explore further Canada's WestJet planning to return 737 MAX to service in January

 2021 AFP
Where The Crawdads Sing

Delia Owens Read by Cassandra Campbell, 12hrs 12mins

The debut novel of 71-year-old zoologist Delia Owens is a publishing phenomenon, dominating the audio bestseller lists for more than two years. Its an atmospheric tale about a lonely outcast, Kya, who lives in the wild marshes of North Carolina and becomes a suspect when a young man is murdered.

The haunting story is beautifully brought to life by audiobooks veteran Cassandra Campbell. Normal Peoples Daisy Edgar-Jones will play Kya in the film adaptation.





The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle

Stuart Turton Read by Jot Davies, 16hrs 41mins

This prize-winning, mind-bending murder mystery  Agatha Christie meets Groundhog Day  is currently being adapted for the screen. Our narrator is condemned to keep repeating the same day until he solves a murder at a party.

And each day hes in the body of a different character. Its a complicated, tricksy story that requires close attention to pick up all the clues. Definitely not a background listen.

The Duke And I

Julia Quinn Read by Rosalyn Landor, 12hrs 9mins

Netflixs Christmas hit, Bridgerton, was an adaptation of this, the first novel in a series of eight bestsellers about the lives and loves of the aristocratic Bridgerton family in Regency London.

Daphne Bridgerton embarks on a fake courtship with the Duke of Hastings  what could possibly go wrong? Author Julia Quinn is a dedicated Jane Austen fan but this is far, far racier than Pride And Prejudice.

Rosalyn Landor is the voice of scores of audiobooks and has won awards for her narrations.

The Thursday Murder Club

Richard Osman Read by Lesley Manville, 12hrs 25mins

Pointless co-host Richard Osmans debut novel was the Christmas No 1, selling twice as many copies as Barack Obamas memoir in second place. And having the great Lesley Manville narrate the story of four elderly friends in a retirement village who meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders was a stroke of genius.

This is a warm-hearted, funny delight. Osman has signed a deal to write two follow-ups, and Steven Spielberg has bought the film rights.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

John le Carre Read by Michael Jayston, 12hrs 48mins

Le Carre, who died last month, was the master of the literary espionage novel and many regard this as his masterpiece. British intelligence officer George Smiley comes out of retirement to root out a mole.

The two screen versions of Tinker, one starring Alec Guinness, the other Gary Oldman, were well received but Michael Jayston has great range and skill, and after listening to this its impossible to imagine le Carres tales told in anyone elses voice.
He's been romantically linked to mother-of-two, Amanda King, following his split from wife Rose Jacobs more than three years ago.

And on Friday, Steve Jacobs did little to dispel the speculation as he celebrated his 54th birthday in Sydney with the blonde and their friends.

The former Today show weatherman packed on the PDA, locking lips with Amanda.

They're certainly not shy! Former Today show weatherman Steve Jacobs packed on the PDA with 'girlfriend' Amanda King at his 54th birthday celebrations in Sydney on Friday (pictured)

Steve cut a suave figure for the occasion, donning a black shirt and pants, which he teamed with a white suit jacket and coordinating loafers.

The TV personality accessorised with trendy tortoiseshell sunglasses and silver jewellery, and slicked his short brown locks back.

Steve was all smiles as he arrived at the eatery, hand-in-hand with Amanda.

Passionate: Amanda wrapped one arm around Steve as they locked lips inside the eatery

Smitten: The TV personality appeared absolutely smitten with Amanda on the outing

Ready to make it official? Steve and Amanda first sparked rumours that they were dating back in 2019

The stunning blonde showed off her trim pins in a plunging black and white abstract frock, and draped a tailored black blazer over her shoulders.

Amanda finished off the ensemble with stylish aviator spectacles and black mesh open-toe sandals, and looked to have brought along a bottle of wine for the outing.

Inside the venue, Steve appeared to be having a swell time, locking lips with Amanda and nuzzling into her neck.

Arrival: Steve and Amanda arrived at the venue, hand-in-hand, and were all smiles

Suave: Steve cut a suave figure for the occasion, donning a black shirt and pants, which he teamed with coordinating loafers and a white suit jacket

Glam: Amanda showed off her trim pins in a black and white abstract frock, adding a tailored black blazer and black open-toe mesh sandals to the look

He was later pictured enjoying a celebrity toast with his guests and taking photos with the group.

Steve and Amanda first sparked rumours that they were dating back in 2019.

On October 26, they were pictured looking flirty during a boozy picnic at Sydney's Bronte Park.

Details: Amanda accessorised further with stylish aviator spectacles and delicate jewels

Social: Steve enjoyed a few Negronis and mingled with his guests at the table

Memories: Steve also documented several moments of his birthday celebration on his Instagram page

Content: The father-of-two appeared to be having a ball while at the celebrations

Steve later told Daily Mail Australia that their relationship was strictly platonic.

'Sorry to disappoint, but there's nothing romantic happening between the two of us,' he said. 'We're great mates.'

Steve was previously married to TV presenter Rose Jacobs, who is the mother of his two daughters, Isabella, nine, and Francesca, seven, but they separated in 2017.

Tactile: One particular moment saw Amanda resting her arm on Steve's shoulder

Say cheese! Steve, Amanda and their friends ensured they took plenty of photos

Interaction: At one stage, Steve appeared deep in thought. Another moment saw Steve showing Amanda something on his iPhone

Sighting: In October 2019, Steve and Amanda were pictured looking flirty during a boozy picnic at Sydney's Bronte Park

They split just months after relocating to Vanuatu in what friends described at the time as a 'last-ditch attempt' to save their seven-year marriage.

'I think there were a few people who sensed something was up when they moved to Vanuatu,' a friend told Daily Mail Australia in 2018.

'The sea change was basically a last-ditch attempt to make things work, but it wasn't to be unfortunately.'

Not ready to go public? Steve later told Daily Mail Australia that their relationship was strictly platonic

Ex-wife: Steve was previously married to TV presenter Rose Jacobs, who is the mother of his two daughters, Isabella, nine, and Francesca, seven, but they separated in 2017

Split: They split just months after relocating to Vanuatu in what friends described at the time as a 'last-ditch attempt' to save their seven-year marriage

Remarks: 'I think there were a few people who sensed something was up when they moved to Vanuatu,' a friend told Daily Mail Australia in 2018

Steve famously quit the Today show in 2016 to work on his marriage, before returning to the network in 2017 as a weather presenter on Weekend Today.

He rejoined the main Today show for its 2019 relaunch, but was let go later in the year and replaced by Tim Davies.

In April last year, he joined Nine's radio station Magic 1278, hosting a new breakfast program focusing on music from the '70s, '80s and '90s.

Steve returned to present the weather on the Today show for just one week in December.

The insider continued: 'The sea change was basically a last-ditch attempt to make things work, but it wasn't to be unfortunately'

Work: Steve famously quit the Today show in 2016 to work on his marriage, before returning to the network in 2017 as a weather presenter on Weekend Today. He rejoined the main Today show for its 2019 relaunch, but was let go later in the year and replaced by Tim Davies
US House of Representatives Speaker on Friday spoke to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff about preventing "unhinged" President from initiating military actions or a nuclear strike.

Pelosi in a letter to Democratic members of the House of Representatives said that she spoke with Gen Mark Milley "to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes and ordering a nuclear strike."



Reiterating her demand to remove President Trump from office, she said, The situation of this unhinged president could not be more dangerous, and we must do everything that we can to protect the American people from his unbalanced assault on our country and our democracy."



"Nearly fifty years ago, after years of enabling their rogue President, Republicans in Congress finally told President Nixon that it was time to go," she wrote.

Today, following the President's dangerous and seditious acts, Republicans in Congress need to follow that example and call on Trump to depart his office immediately. If the President does not leave office imminently and willingly, the Congress will proceed with our action, Pelosi said.

Trump is set to leave on January 20 when Democrat is to be inaugurated.

Pelosi is meeting with the House Democratic caucus Friday to consider impeachment proceedings against the president.

She and Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer have called on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to to force Trump from office.

The 25th Amendment allows for the president to be removed from office by the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet.

As you know, there is growing momentum around the invocation of the 25th Amendment, which would allow the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet to remove the President for his incitement of insurrection and the danger he still poses. Yesterday, Leader Schumer and I placed a call with Vice President Pence, and we still hope to hear from him as soon as possible with a positive answer as to whether he and the Cabinet will honor their oath to the Constitution and the American people, Pelosi said.

"Following an horrific assault on our Democracy, our Democratic Caucus showed to the country and to the world that we would not be diverted from our duty to validate the election of President-elect Joe Biden, she wrote.

In an unprecedented assault on democracy in the US, thousands of supporters of outgoing President Trump stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday and clashed with police, resulting in four deaths and interrupting a constitutional process by Congress to affirm the victory of Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the November 3 election.

(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.)
Today

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny. High 67F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 42F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 75F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
ADVERTISEMENT

In a major shakeup, the Nigerian Army has redeployed over a thousand of its officers to various new positions.

The move also affects the campaign against Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast.

According to the list exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, a total of 1,546 officers were redeployed, out of which 210 were generals.

Others redeployed were 450 Colonels, 309 Majors, 251 Captains and 322 Lieutenants.

According to the communication signed by GAT Ochigbano, a major general, all affected officers must take over from the effective dates.

Prominent amongst the redeployed officers is PI Eze, a major general, who was appointed Operation Lafiya Dole Theatre Land Component Commander in the North East region.

Military insiders say all the General Officers Commanding in the theatre will report directly to him, the Land Component Commander.

Component Commanders report directly to (the) Theatre Commander, an insider said. Theatre Commander reports directly to CDS, a source said.

The major shakeup by the Army is coming on the hills of calls by many Nigerians for the sack of service Chiefs, who have exceeded their stay in service.

Prominent voices that have called for the sack of the service chiefs are members of the two chambers of the National Assembly since according to them have proven incapable of leading the armed forces to victory over Boko Haram.

Mr Buratai, the National Security Adviser; Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.); the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Morgan Riku, were appointed on July 13, 2015.

But more than five years on, they have been unable to implement any coherent strategy to rein in Boko Haram. Of late, the terrorist group have become even more daring, ambushing troops and slaughtering civilians.

PREMIUM TIMES have reported, on many occasions, how groups like the Islamic States West Africa Province and Boko Haram have terrorised the northern parts of the country for more than 10 years.

In the last three years, there has been a surge in kidnapping and banditry across the country.

Although President Muhammadu Buhari has, on different occasions, claimed that the nation is winning the war against insurgency, reports of rampant killings in many parts of the country have proven him wrong.

SEE FULL LIST
A view of the Mekong river bordering Thailand and Laos is seen from the Thai side in Nong Khai, Thailand, on Oct. 29, 2019. (Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters)

China Notifies Mekong River Neighbors It Is Holding Back Waters

BANGKOKChina has notified downstream neighbors it is holding back the Mekong River flow at a hydropower dam on the waterways upper reaches for 20 days, as part of a new data-sharing pact, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and Thailand said on Wednesday.

The statements came a day after a new U.S.-backed monitoring system said China had failed to notify downstream countries of water restrictions that started on Dec. 31.

China agreed last October to share water data with the MRC, an advisory body to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam that had long sought the information for planning.

More than 60 million people in those countries depend on the river for fishing and farming.

Thailands National Water Command Center said China had on Tuesday notified Thailand that its Jinghong Dam will from Jan. 5 to 24 reduce the water discharge rate from 1,904 cubic meters (67,000 cubic ft) per second to 1,000 cubic meters (35,000 cubic ft) per second, which amounts to a decrease of about 47 percent.

That was for maintenance of transmission lines in its electricity grid, it said.

General view of Mekong river, Ban Namprai village, Nong Khai province, Thailand, on Oct. 8, 2019. (Panu Wongcha-um/File Photo/Reuters)

The MRC said it received notification the same day, though it first detected water levels dropping on Dec. 31. The level would likely drop by about 1.2 meters (almost 4 feet) and river navigation and fishing could be affected, it said.

The MRC said the Chinese notification assured the flow will be gradually restored to its normal operation status on January 25, without specifying an exact volume rate.

The new Mekong Dam Monitor on its Facebook page on Tuesday said China had not notified neighbors when the Jinghong dam starting restricting waters on Dec. 31, causing a sudden 1 meter [(3 foot)] drop in river level downstream that could devastate the fish population.

The monitor uses cloud-piercing satellites to track levels at 11 upstream dams in China and those in other countries. Partly-funded by the U.S. State Department, it started operations last month, adding to the China-U.S. superpower rivalry in Southeast Asia.

Chinese authorities could not immediately be reached for comment. Beijing has rejected suggestions its Mekong dams harm downstream countries.

By Panu Wongcha-um and Kay Johnson
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.
Why Meyersdale nursing care workers are protesting

According to its website, the skilled nursing facility has the lone Veterans Administration contract in Somerset County.

As Israel enters a third strict lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there will be enough vaccines to inoculate all citizens over the age of 16 by the end of March, according to a report, NY Post reports.

We will be the first country to emerge from the coronavirus, Netanyahu said Thursday night, the Jerusalem Post reported. We will vaccinate all relevant populations and anyone who wants to can be vaccinated.

He said another shipment of vaccines is expected to arrive Sunday, with many more to follow, adding that an agreement was struck with Pfizer to send more doses, and faster, transforming Israel into a model nation for how to beat the outbreak.

This is a breakthrough that will take us out of the coronavirus crisis and return us to life, Netanyahu said, according to the news outlet. This is how we will open the economy, go back to work, to the synagogue  to the lives that we love and miss.

He added that Israel will share with Pfizer and humanity as a whole the statistics that will help develop strategies to defeat the virus. We can do this because our health system is one of the most advanced in the world.

The Health Ministry later clarified that only general data will be provided to Pfizer, including data on pandemic morbidity. No personal data will be released, it said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 03:15:16|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

CAIRO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Iran's total COVID-19 cases reached 1,280,438 on Saturday; Israel reported four cases of new COVID-19 strain, bringing the total number of patients tested positive for COVID-19 variants in Israel to 151.

Iran's health ministry reported 5,924 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, raising the total nationwide infections to 1,280,438.

The pandemic has so far claimed 56,100 lives in Iran, up by 82 in the past 24 hours, said Sima Sadat Lari, spokeswoman for Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education, during her daily briefing.

A total of 1,067,466 people have recovered from the disease and been discharged from hospitals, while 4,686 remain in intensive care units, she added.

According to the spokeswoman, 8,099,191 tests for the virus have been carried out in Iran as of Saturday.

The Israeli Ministry of Health on Saturday reported the first four cases of the new COVID-19 strain that was detected in South Africa and other countries. This brought the total number of patients tested positive for COVID-19 variants in Israel to 151.

The four new cases were detected from 15 samples taken from coronavirus patients returning from South Africa and patients who were probably infected by them.

The detection of the variant was made with a unique 24-hour genetic test developed by the ministry, compared with the standard test that takes five days.

"The different variants cause faster infection than the common COVID-19 strain but probably do not cause more severe illnesses," the ministry noted.

The number of COVID-19 patients in serious condition in Israel increased from 920 to 964, out of 1,646 hospitalized patients, the state's ministry of Health said on Saturday.

The latest figure marked a new record of patients in serious condition since the pandemic outbreak in the country in late February.

The number of ventilated patients reached a peak of 236, compared to the previous record of 226 reported in Israel on Oct. 19.

The ministry also reported 6,726 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 484,083. The death cases from COVID-19 in Israel reached 3,633 with 37 new fatalities. The total recoveries rose to 411,684, after 2,931 new recovered cases were added, while active cases rose to 68,766.

Iraq reported 907 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total nationwide infections to 602,331 on Saturday.

The ministry also reported four new deaths, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 12,881, and 1,965 more recovered cases, bringing the total recoveries to 554,990.

The Iraqi Ministry of Health warned on Saturday of reimposing a nationwide curfew if the coronavirus infections increased due to the non-compliance of citizens with the health-protective measures.

The ministry's health teams spotted non-compliance with health-protective measures and resumption of social customs such as shaking hands, hugging, and kissing like situation before the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry called on citizens to adhere to health-protective measures to prevent the increase of infections again, "otherwise, we will be forced to take strict restrictive measures such as a nationwide full curfew and closure of all vital facilities with human gatherings," according to the statement.

The Qatari health ministry on Saturday announced 206 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 145,672, the official Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

Meanwhile, 119 more recovered from the virus, bringing the overall recoveries to 142,572, while the fatalities remained 246 for the second day running, according to a ministry statement quoted by QNA.

Kuwait's COVID-19 cases increased by 427 to 153,900 on the same day, while the death toll rose by two to 942.

The Kuwaiti Health Ministry also announced the recovery of 245 more patients, taking the total recoveries to 148,728.

Saudi Arabia reported 110 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the tally of cases in the country to 363,692 cases including 6,286 deaths. The country has recorded a total of 355,382 recoveries.

Lebanon recorded on Saturday 5,414 new COVID-19 infections and 20 more deaths from the pandemic amid a warning by caretaker Health Minister Hamad Hassan that the cabinet may impose complete lockdown if figures continue to rise.

The total number of infections reached 215,553 while the death toll stands at 1,590, the Health Ministry said.

Algeria reported 256 new COVID-19 cases and five new deaths from the virus on Saturday, binging the total cases to 101,913 including 2,803 deaths.

A total of 69,071 recoveries have been recorded in the country so far. Enditem
Ireland - food exporters would be hit hard by a no-deal Brexit

Reports from Ireland suggest the country's government is working on a financial support scheme to bolster Irish food exporters in case of a no-deal Brexit outcome.

The UK and European Union are continuing with talks to try and agree on a trade deal for when the post-Brexit transition period ends on 31 December but many observers believe an agreement is unlikely.

Ireland would be badly hit by such a scenario with the UK accounting for one third of its agri-food exports. Almost half of Ireland's beef is sold into the UK, for example.

But according to an article in Ireland's Business Post newspaper yesterday (13 December), Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Coveney is keen to ensure business does not disappear as a result of World Trade Organization trading tariffs being introduced  the default position if a deal cannot be agreed.

"At some point in the future we will hopefully be trading again in Britain, and we certainly don't want to be losing market share for a really important market," Coveney told the newspaper in an interview.

In a separate interview with the country's Sunday Independent newspaper, Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, said ministers may have to spend the full EUR3.4bn (US$4.13bn) Covid-19 and Brexit fund set aside in October's budget for 2021 if there is no deal.

Varadkar said the wage subsidy scheme introduced this year for pandemic-hit firms and the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme for those forced into limited trade could be adopted to help firms adversely affected by a no-deal Brexit.
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.
Albany, N.Y.  Gov. Andrew Cuomo said members of New Yorks Congressional delegation should call for President Donald Trumps resignation after a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday.

If they dont, theyre a part of what happened.

If they say I dont think he should resign, yeah, then youre complicit, youre part of it, you condoned it, youre with the mob, Cuomo said during a press conference in Albany.

That includes U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, who he mentioned by name. Cuomo did not mention Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, by name, but said his comments applied to all of the states representatives.

Both Stefanik and Katko condemned the violence at the Capitol, but have not called for Trump to resign or be impeached.

Katko, who endorsed Trumps reelection bid, did say he could no longer support him after Wednesday and blamed him for inciting and encouraging the unpatriotic attack.

Stefanik released a statement after Cuomo spoke, criticizing him for deaths in New York nursing homes during the Covid-19 pandemic and his economic policies, which she said have harmed small businesses.

Gov. Cuomo continues to earn the title of the Worst Governor in America, she said in the statement. Gov. Cuomo is responsible for the deaths of thousands of seniors in nursing homes, the crippling of our small business economy in NY, the states population mass exodus, and the abysmal vaccination rollout disaster. He is the Emperor with No Clothes and he should resign and end his disgraceful reign of corruption and failed leadership.

She also again condemned Wednesdays violence, which left five people dead and dozens injured.

Americans have a Constitutional right to protest and freedom of speech, but violence in any form is absolutely unacceptable and anti-American, she said. The perpetrators of this un-American violence and destruction must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Cuomo said if Trump doesnt resign, he should be impeached.

The point is the statement that we do not tolerate this as a government, he said. You saw the breakdown of society. You saw this nation look like a joke internationally.

You look at what these people were celebrating. There was racism. There was anti-Semitism. How disgusting a statement. Its so horrific on so many levels.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598
Pakistan Opposition leader Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan for not visiting the Shia Hazaras protesting against the killing of 11 coal miners in Balochistan and for stating that the demonstrators were "blackmailing" him.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Maryam said PM Khan had admitted that he was not going to Quetta because of his ego and stubbornness.

"The nation wants to know what prevented you from meetings the Hazaras and putting your hand on their heads. Was it due to subodination(tabedari)? Is it more important than the lives of people?" she said. "If this is your insensitivity and ruthlessness then let us know, so we do not to look up to you in crisis and [know that] you won't call innocent people blackmailers," added the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader.

READ | Pakistan Sees Another Attack On Minorities; Terrorists Abduct & Kill 11 Shia Hazara Miners

Terming Khan's remarks 'devoid of humanity', Maryam said it was a 'great failure' of the government that the Hazaras, who were a vulnerable population and have been repeatedly targeted in the past, fell victim to terrorism again. "When I asked them what are your demands, they said we have no demands, we only want the [prime minister] to come here and cover our wounds and reassure us that such events won't happen again," she stated.

Maryam further alleged that Imran Khan had "time to watch dramas, play with dogs and soak the sun in huge lawns, but did not have the time to partake in the pain and grief of the Hazara community". She also appealed to the Hazaras to bury their loved ones who died in the attack, telling them "the person (PM) you have kept hopes from is heartless".

READ | UN Chief Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack That Killed 11 Hazaras In Pakistan

Imran Khan says Hazara protestors were 'blackmailing' him

Earlier in the day, PM Khan was widely criticised on social media for suggesting that the protesters in Balochistan were "blackmailing" him by refusing to bury their loved ones till he visits them. His remark came amidst countrywide protests and rising political pressure from the opposition alliance.

"We have accepted all of their demands. [But] one of their demands is that the dead will be buried when the PM visits. I have sent them a message that when all of your demands are met, you don't blackmail the prime minister of any country like this," Khan had.

READ | Pakistan Opposition 'determined To Get Rid Of Imran Khan Govt', Rules Out Internal Rift

Atrocities against minorities continue in Pakistan

On Sunday, terrorists stormed a coal mine in Machh town near Quetta, in the restive Balochistan province, pulling out ethnic Hazaras, members of Pakistan's Shia minority community, from their homes and opening fire on them.

Militant group 'Islamic State' claimed responsibility for the attack. Protests erupted in the region after the deadly attack, with the victims' families refusing to bury the dead until the government meets their demands.

At least seven rounds of negotiations have been held between the protestors and members of Khan's cabinet, including Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, but there has been no breakthrough yet.

According to the National Commission on Human Rights, more than 2,000 Hazaras - belonging to the minority Shia Muslim sect, and easily identified due to their distinctive facial features - have been killed in a series of targeted attacks since 2004. They have been subject to shootings mass bombings and suicide attacks, particularly in Quetta, which houses the majority of Pakistan's half a million Hazaras.

READ | Pakistan Taliban Responsible For Most Terrorist Attacks In Erstwhile FATA In 2020: Report

(With inputs from agency)



BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China will step up financial support for green development, said Yi Gang, governor of the People's Bank of China.

The central bank will prioritize the goals of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 in its work for 2021 and beyond, Yi told Xinhua in an interview.

Meeting those targets will entail profound changes in areas including industry structures, energy and investment, and people's lifestyles, he said.

Regarding the promotion of green finance development, Yi highlighted the importance of policy design and planning, as well as the role of finance in resource allocation, risk management and market pricing.

The governor said work focuses will include improving systems for green finance standards, developing green finance products and strengthening international cooperation in the sector.

China's green finance has solid underpinning thanks to its early start, according to Yi. Official data shows the country's balance of green loans has thus far exceeded 11 trillion yuan (about 1.7 trillion U.S. dollars), ranking first globally.
A 36-year-old woman was arrested last weekend after authorities say she fatally struck a man with her car outside a 7-Eleven in southeast Colo
Zefran said as of Thursday she remained unsure of what she will do with her kindergartner, who also qualifies for Mondays return to in-person school. She opted in initially because the isolation of remote learning has not been a success for her gregarious son, but she said she might keep him at home when the time comes.
Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
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.
School pupil tests positive for COVID-19

Two new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the Isle of Man.

As yet, no source of transmission has been identified, however the two travel related clusters announced on New Years Eve and Tuesday 5 January, are the most likely cause. Contact tracing continues. This means that, despite efforts to contain the spread, the COVID-19 virus may be circulating in the community.



The first case is a pupil at St Marys Primary School in Douglas. They attended school on Tuesday and Wednesday. They had no signs or symptoms of the virus, which was identified from a pre-admission screening test ahead of a medical procedure. The child and other members of their household are now self-isolating for 14 days. Other members of the household were offered rapid testing last night and the results came back negative. The family will be offered further testing before release from self-isolation. No further secondary transmission has been identified so far but there is a chance that the child may have been positive whilst at school on Tuesday and Wednesday.



The schools headteacher has been informed and the contact details of pupils as well as the teaching and support staff potentially affected have been passed to the COVID-111 service. Calls to those affected have commenced and will continue through the day. Everyone who attends or works at St Marys Primary School should self-isolate today, along with other members of their household. This is a precaution whilst the COVID-111 team contacts those potentially affected. Those who attend or work at the school are asked not to contact COVID-111. All contacts should have been reached today. Any household with someone who attends or works at the school who has not heard from the COVID-111 team by the end of the day today can leave self-isolation tomorrow.



The second case is an individual who developed symptoms and contacted the COVID-111 service for advice and to arrange a test. They are now self-isolating for 14 days. The other household members were offered rapid testing last night and the results came back negative. They are self-isolating along with the confirmed case and will be offered further testing.



Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, said: Although there were encouraging signs that we may have contained the virus and prevented community spread, we knew it was early days and that we were far from out of the woods. Sadly, what the Island has worked so hard to avoid, may have come to pass. The case involving St Marys Primary School in particular will cause understandable concern for pupils, parents and staff, as well as the wider public. The Council of Ministers met late last night and again this morning and will continue to review as more information becomes available. Members of Tynwald were briefing early this morning.



I would ask the public to remain calm. I will hold a COVID-19 briefing this afternoon to provide an update on developments.



Director of Public Health, Dr Henrietta Ewart, said: The risk posed to children by COVID-19 is, generally, low. The majority of children who catch the virus tend to experience no symptoms or very mild ones. But they can spread the virus.



The most important action people can take is to help stop the chain of transmission. Self-isolation and robust contact tracing are critical to these efforts. But we really need everyone to play their part: scrupulous hand and respiratory hygiene, social distancing, face coverings when outside where possible, but most important of all, if you can, please stay at home.

A 65-foot trawler is the latest large vessel added to South Carolinas fleet of artificial reefs.

The decommissioned shrimp boat was deployed off Georgetown in October and is helping to create more fish habitat along the coast and provide another destination for anglers and divers.

The state Department of Natural Resources said the vessel joins a large barge and 20 Army vehicles already at the site. This new addition was led and funded by the state Coastal Conservation Association and the Sea Hunt Boat Co.

The association is comprised of recreational saltwater anglers who Director Scott Whitaker said were some of the countrys first conservationists.

They recognize just how important it is to be mindful of not only ... wise stewardship of resources, but giving back and creating that habitat when we can, he said.

He said recreational fishermen of all ages and backgrounds are more prepared than ever to support measures that will conserve their resources.

Last year, I think, had a reawakening to the general public of just how important our natural resources are, Whitaker said.

He said he believes the lockdowns and social distancing recommendations brought marine and natural resources back to the forefront as more people participated in activities like fishing, boating and hiking.

Making people aware of marine resources is an important step in enhancing them, Whitaker said.

The association has deployed 15 reefs in the state and wants to have more reef-creating structures on each site by 2030.

Robert Martore leads the artificial reef program for the DNR. He said the agency generally adds at least two or three big trawlers every year to the reef system. About five additional vessels are at a shipyard right now undergoing preparations to be sunk and ultimately provide more deep-sea habitats.

Biologists have also constructed and sunk new concrete designs at the popular Charleston 60 Reef site. They used octagonal structures intended to control erosion to create eight towers that are providing more habitats on the seafloor. The towers are of different heights and configurations, DNR said.

These creations havent been used specifically for fish habitats before.

We will monitor the structures, and if they attract and hold significant numbers of fishes, we will construct more and distribute them along the coast, Martore said in a news release.

Tom Robinson, owner of Charleston Scuba, said the Charleston 60 Reef site is one of the closest diveable sites in the area. It is about 12 miles off the end of the jetties. His company uses reef sites like these when assisting with research on groundwater and coral reef ecology.

Robinson has seen firsthand the need for these new habitats. He said part of the problem is that South Carolina is a shallow coastal plain.

He's noticed some underwater ledges in the Charleston area have overhangs that fish tend to like.

But theres very little structure out there for fish to aggregate on, and they need shelter, he said. So, artificial reefs provide that. And fish start to aggregate on those reefs and stuff starts to grow on the metal, iron and steel.

Robinson said these reefs do provide a lot of habitats, but also a lot of opportunities for fishermen and women.

There are 48 reef sites in the state. A wide range of items have been used for artificial reef ecosystems, including Army tanks and the old S.C. Highway 41 bridge that once crossed the Wando River.

Martore said people are most interested in hearing about the New York City subway cars that are now at the bottom of the ocean off South Carolina.

Plans to add the historic Clamagore submarine to the states reef system were supposed to get underway last year, but were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The submarine is housed at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant. Funds to sink the Cold War sub have since been redirected.

When the last study was completed 12 years ago, it was estimated that the reef program had an economic impact of about $83 million annually. The number of anglers using the reef sites has increased since that time, so Martore said he thinks the economic impact has increased, too.

SEVERAL Limerick students enjoyed success at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2021 Awards Ceremony, which took place virtually because of Covid-19.

A total of 16 awards were presented to students from Limerick schools for their impressive projects entered in this years exhibition which concluded yesterday afternoon.

One of the Limerick award winners was Keelin Murphy from Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ who was awarded the Fr Tom Burke Bursary Award after she was deemed, by the judges, to be the best communicator.

Keelin's project, in the Social and Behavioural Sciences category was entitled "The disproportionate nature of the gender gap in politics".

A huge congratulations to Keelin Murphy whose project The Disproportionate Nature of the Gender Gap in Politicswon the Fr. Tom Burke Bursary award for best communicator! This is an amazing achievement! Well done Keelin! @BTYSTE @Limerick_Leader @Ml_Cregan pic.twitter.com/S5atWAp8kB  Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ (@laurelhillsec) January 8, 2021

In addition to being awarded first prize in the technology category, Sarah Moloney of Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh won a special award, sponsored by Comreg, for her project 'Automated Pill Dispenser  increasing independence, efficiency and reducing dosage errors'.

Another special award, sponsored by Science for Development, was presented to Aronnya Khan Zakaria of Castletroy College for her project which was entitled 'the development of racial prejudice in children: a statistical analysis on the influence of society and home life on a childs thoughts and attitudes towards racism'.

Congratulations to #BTYSTE 2021 Science for Development award winner, Aronnya Khan Zakaria.



This year's winning project looked at the development of racial prejudice in children. #BeyondLimits pic.twitter.com/v04Yu7MRB7  Castletroy College (@CastletroyC) January 8, 2021

Sean OSullivan and Taha Njie from Colaiste Chiarain, Croom won the first place prize in their category (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Junior Group while Hugo Phelan of Glenstal Abbey School was placed second in hiis category (the Technology Junior Individual).

Limerick students whose projects were highly commended by the judges were: Cathal Carmody (Mungret Community College), Orna Collins (Castletroy College), Blaithin Musgrave & Leah McNamara (Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ), Cathal Ryan (Desmond College, Newcastle West), Keelin Murphy (Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ), Ethan Kirwan & Jack Kelly (Desmond College, Newcastle West), Lucy Noonan & Joanna Ryan (Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ), Emma OShea & Rebecca Enright (Desmond College, Newcastle West) and Lucy Flaherty (Desmond College, Newcastle West).

BYSTE2021

We are so thrilled @desmondcollege to have received 4 highly commended awards at the @BTYSTE.

Thanks to @Lisnacullia Mr Donal Enright. @LCETBSchools @LimClareETB pic.twitter.com/5JdYkVWhwV  Desmond College (@desmondcollege) January 8, 2021

The overall winner of the competition was 17-year-old Gregory Tarr, aged 17, a 6th year student from Bandon Grammar School in County Cork.

Gregory has taken home the top prize of 7,500 and the BTYSTE perpetual trophy for his project titled Detecting state-of-the-art deepfakes. He presented his project in the senior age group of the Technology category.

Gregory impressed the judges with his project using a sophisticated artificial intelligence software program that can efficiently detect DeepFake media with state-of-the-art accuracy.

The software, which is over 150,000 lines of code, made significant improvements on speed and efficiency when compared to the current best model without sacrificing its ability to accurately detect the fake.

This tool could potentially be deployed at scale to filter out DeepFake media making the internet a safer place. This was Gregorys fifth time competing at BTYSTE having competed on four other occasions in the RDS.

Winner of the 2021 @BTYSTE is



Gregory Tarr, Bandon Grammar School, Co Cork. For his project Detecting state of the art deepfakes

Stand 4308 on our virtual portal.

Well done, and thank you, everyone for embracing a digital-first exhibition due to Covid-19#BTYSTE #beyondlimits pic.twitter.com/9UgNnV5GFH  BT Young Scientist (@BTYSTE) January 8, 2021

Chair of the Technology judging panel, Leonard Hobbs from Trinity College Dublin, said: The winner this year demonstrated an expertise in computer science which was well beyond his years. The level of coding he deployed in developing the extremely complex program which detects fake videos, was guided by his deep understanding of this leading-edge technology".

Mr Leonard added: the judges have been continually impressed by Gregorys projects at the BT Young Scientist & Technology competition over the past few years and they were delighted that he had progressed to winning the top award this year."

Gregory will also represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, which is scheduled to go ahead in Salamanca, Spain, in September 2021.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, which was streamed live online, Minister for Education Norma Foley congratulated all the students who took part in the Exhibition.

"I am inspired by all of the students ambitions to tackle from a scientific and technological view the national and international issues facing us in todays society, including the global pandemic, climate change, mental health and socio-economic challenges. It is encouraging to witness the level of creativity and innovation of the students as demonstrated through their meticulously researched and ingenious projects. Each student is a credit to themselves, their families, schools, communities, and every one of them should be proud of their accomplishments, she said.

BT Ireland has announced the public will have free access to the BTYSTE 2021 portal content until the end of January providing extended access to all of the content to audiences in Ireland and internationally.
New Delhi: Priyanka Chopra courted controversy after her picture along with her mother Madhu Chopra arriving at a salon in London went viral. The Barfi! actress, who is currently living in the UK along with husband Nick Jonas, visited the Josh Wood Colour salon in Notting Hill recently.

As the picture hit the internet, Priyanka was rebuked by netizens for flouting UKs strict COVID-19 induced lockdown rules. However, the actress team has denied the reports which claimed that she and her mother breached the lockdown guidelines by visiting the celebrity stylist Josh Woods salon.

In a statement released by her team on Friday (January 8), Priyankas spokesperson said, Following government guidance, Priyanka's hair was colored for the purpose of the film she is currently shooting in London. The salon was opened privately for the production and everyone involved had been tested and followed both the DCMS working guidelines and the film production regulations.

"Film and TV production is permitted to continue in the UK, and locations can continue to accommodate shoots and recces that are carried out in-line with government guidelines. The exemption paperwork legally permitting her to be there was provided to the police, and they left satisfied," PTI quoted the spokesperson as saying.

Priyanka is in London for filming her next project James C. Strouses directorial Text For You.

On the work front, Priyanka will be seen alongside Rajkummar Rao in Netflixs adaptation of The White Tiger. She has also been roped in for The Matrix 4, fourth installment of Keanu Reeves superhit franchise.

(With inputs from PTI.)
Tamil Nadu Elections 2021: Ultimate decision on seats rests with Stalin

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Chennai, Jan 09: As Tamil Nadu gears up for assembly polls in the next few months, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has said his party can only ask for seats in the state and will accept whatever is given by its dominant alliance partner DMK, asserting that ultimately the decision rests with ''Thalapathy'' M K Stalin.

Aiyar, who has been named in three key panels set up by Congress for Tamil Nadu polls, also said in an interview with PTI that it would detrimental for the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) if it allies with the BJP in the assembly elections.

Tamil Nadu Elections 2021: Change, need of the hour says Kamal

On the AIADMK leadership recently saying its alliance with the BJP will continue for the 2021 assembly elections, Aiyar said even as there has been speculation about the alliance, he would not take it as a given reality until this is manifested in the election campaign itself and how different factions of the AIADMK react to such an alliance.

However, he added that if the alliance materialises, it would be detrimental for the AIADMK.

Asked about seat-sharing with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and if the Congress should be a bit more conservative in asking for seats after the Bihar debacle, Aiyar said the DMK is so dominant in the alliance that "we can only ask them for seats, it is they who give it".

"They decide one day that they will give 12 parliamentary seats and on another day adamantly refuse to go beyond nine because they allowed us to contest from Puducherry, saying that is your 10th seat.

So whatever the Congress may do or plead, ultimately the decision rests with ''Thalapathy'' Stalin and

Thalapathy (a Tamil word for commander) is going to be realistic," he said.

"We will accept whatever is given to us. The negotiation will merely concentrate on the margins. For example, I would greatly press for the Mayiladuthurai assembly segment to be given to the Congress because no DMK candidate has won that seat for ages and my candidate has been MLA from there previously," Aiyar said, adding that there are other seats as well for which such an argument can be made.

"I think it would be unrealistic for us to expect more seats than we got last time. There may be a change in location of some of these seats but in numbers, at most, there would be a marginal rise, or God forbid, a marginal decrease," he said.

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

The Congress contested 41 seats in the last assembly polls in Tamil Nadu but could win only eight seats. The state has a 234-member assembly.

DMK will form govt in Tamil Nadu, says Stalin

Aiyar also asserted that the BJP will not be making much headway in the Tamil Nadu electoral scene.

He alleged that the BJP will certainly attempt to "stir the communal cauldron", but in the process will lose the sympathy of both Hindus and Muslims, and of all those who stand for communal harmony, which means an overwhelming share of the electorate.

The assembly polls in Tamil Nadu are likely to take place in April-May.
The Daily Beast

NBCSeth Meyers on Wednesday reacted to the recent news that the Manhattan District Attorneys office has convened a grand jury to consider issuing indictments in the investigation into former President Donald Trumps business dealings.Meyers began by drawing a throughline from this case to all the other figures in Trumps orbit who ended up in trouble with the law.Its just basic logic that if youre surrounded at all times by that many criminals, theres a solid chance youre also a criminal, Meyers said. He then likened Trumps situation to that of the frontman of a band denying that hes actually in a band.Still, Meyers said he wouldnt be surprised if the ex-president emerges relatively unscathed.Trump always manages to wriggle out of a jam, the late-night host said. Hes like the David Blaine of crime. If he ever goes to trial, hell just regurgitate a frog that has Not Guilty written on its back. If the feds ever come for him, hell hide out in a glass box over the [River] Thames.But if Trump himself may end up OK, that might not be the case for his family.Meyers said he would totally believe it if this investigation caused Trump to throw those close to him under the bus. You think he named his eldest son after himself for sentimental reasons? Meyers asked. He did it so there would be a second Donald Trump to pin the blame on.Commentators have also been discussing the likelihood that Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg will flip on Trump.Im guessing when you work for Trump, you start thinking about flipping as soon as you get the gig, Meyers said. Its like when youre in the middle of a job interview at Little Caesars and youre already fantasizing about how youre going to quit.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.

Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro says he is open to ending logging in state forests as part of improved relations he has struck with Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean.

Ties between the two senior ministers in the Berejiklian government frayed last year over issues such as land-clearing and feral horse numbers in Kosciuszko National Park. Since taking a month off for health reasons last September, however, Mr Barilaro says he found new areas of common ground.

NSW Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean (left) with John Barilaro, the Deputy Premier and Nationals leader, during a visit in August 2020 to a solar farm near Dubbo. Credit:Janie Barrett

"I've decided to do things a bit differently," Mr Barilaro told The Sun-Herald. "I've found it's been easier [to work with Kean] since I got back."

Mr Kean has also credited the Deputy Premier for securing support among Nationals MP for his landmark renewable energy package that secured multi-party support at the end of 2020, including from the Greens and Labor. As designed, the plan will drive 12,000 megawatts of new clean energy capacity into the grid, or triple the current size of the Snowy Hydro scheme.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
Americas public schools are owned lock, stock and barrel by the Democratic Party, so it is no surprise that they are now echoing their partys line on last weeks events. I have seen several partisan emails from school districts; this one comes from my own district:





The districts assertion that the pro-Trump rally had something to do with white supremacy is ridiculous but is, of course, the Democrats line. The district says that students of colormay need to take a break. It is oddlaw enforcement killed one person in Washington, and she was white. When police shoot a black man, students of color need a break. When police shoot a white woman, students of color need a break. Make of that what you will.

The Bloomington, Minnesota, school district was more direct in its attack on President Trump. It is remarkable in that, rather than being a memo to staff (where one might reasonably assume there are no Republicans or independents), this was a public tweet:

My tax dollars have paid for this.

Of course, it was only months ago that days of devastating riots took place in Minneapolis, just a few miles from the schools these districts administer. Those riots were infinitely more destructive than the one last week in Washington, but they drew no analogous response from the public schoolscertainly not one that criticized the mayor, city council and governor who tolerated and even encouraged rioting and lawlessness. But thats different: they are Democrats.
A shop sales assistant who pocketed more than 1,800 from the till was caught stealing by a CCTV camera directly over his head, a court heard.

Mohsin Shahzad (38) had not been dealing with cash for long and "just couldn't resist" taking it, a court heard.

Judge Bryan Smyth applied the Probation Act, leaving him without a criminal record after he repaid the money to the shop.

Shahzad, from Pakistan and with an address at Abbeyfield, Milltown, Dublin 6, pleaded guilty to theft at Spar on Church Road, East Wall on four dates last year.

Garda Seamus Donoghue said Shahzad took 773 last November 10 and put it in his pocket.

On November 17, he took 150 from the till during his first hour of duty and did not complete the transaction. The next day, also on the first hour of his shift, he took 70 from the till.

On December 5, Shahzad stole a total of 880 from the till in the course of 26 transactions.

Customer

The court heard the customer would purchase something, hand cash to the accused and Shahzad would ring the item in as normal and open the till.

However, when the customer left, he would place the money in his pocket.

There was a CCTV camera directly over his head, Gda Donoghue said. Shahzad was arrested at his workplace and made full admissions.

Judge Smyth asked why the accused had committed the thefts.

"He just couldn't resist," his lawyer said.

The accused had only been working for a few months "on the tail end of dealing with cash" when he took the money.

He "put his hands up" to the charges and had "learned his lesson," his lawyer said.

The accused, a student, had been in Ireland for seven years and had no previous convictions. His wife was pregnant.

His lawyer asked the judge to give the accused "one last chance" and not impose criminal convictions.
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Variable clouds with thunderstorms - possibly severe in the afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms in the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Alok Sharma, one of the Indian-origin ministers in UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Cabinet, on Friday relinquished his role as Business Secretary in a mini-reshuffle to take sole charge as President of COP26 the United Nations climate summit scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland, in November.

The Agra-born minister, who was until now in charge of dual roles, will focus entirely on what has been dubbed as the largest summit the UK has ever hosted, bringing together representatives from nearly 200 countries, including India. Downing Street said Johnson had asked Sharma to take on the new charge to drive forward coordinated global action to tackle climate change to meet the high ambitions for the summit. The biggest challenge of our time is climate change and we need to work together to deliver a cleaner, greener world and build back better for present and future generations, said Sharma.

Through the UK's Presidency of COP26 we have a unique opportunity, working with friends and partners around the world, to deliver on this goal. Given the vital importance of tackling climate change I am delighted to have been asked by the Prime Minister to dedicate all my energies to this urgent task, he said. The COP26 President will be based in the UK Cabinet Office, continuing as a full member of Cabinet, and will chair the Climate Action Implementation Committee to coordinate government action towards net zero by 2050 in the run up to the November summit.

A successful summit in November will be critical if we want to meet the objectives set out by the Paris Agreement and reduce global emissions. The UK has set a high bar, with our recent commitment to reduce emissions by at least 68 per cent by 2030, but we also need other countries to do their bit, Downing Street said. Sharma has been described as a leading force behind the UK's climate diplomacy, since assuming the role in February 2020. The Climate Ambition Summit co-hosted by the UK in December last year saw 75 world leaders set out new commitments to climate action.

Kwasi Kwarteng, who was a minister of state in the Business department, has been promoted to take over from Sharma as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Anne-Marie Trevelyan will step into Kwarteng's place as Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth. She will also continue in her role as the UK's International Champion on Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency, supporting countries vulnerable to climate change to adapt to its impacts and build resilience. Downing Street said the changes are part of the government's Ten Point Plan on going further and faster towards a greener future, including committing to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, supporting renewable energy projects across the UK, investing in technology and transforming the energy efficiency of the UK's homes and public buildings.
BHANDARA: At least 10 children died after a massive fire broke out at a Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of a hospital in Bhandara district of Maharashtra. According to reports, the fire broke out at around 2 am in the wee hours of Saturday (January 9). Among the total of 17 children present in the ward at the time of the incident, seven were rescued.

A nurse on duty spotted smoke coming out from the neonatal section of the hospital and immediately alerted management officials and other staff members, who reached there within a few minutes. The fire brigade department upon receiving the information immediately reached the spot and began the rescue operation.

Fire brigade personnel rescued seven babies from the 'inbound ward' of the unit but could not save the 10 other babies, a doctor from the hospital told PTI. The cause of the fire in the four-storey building is not known but could have been the result of an electrical short circuit, he said.

Ten children died in a fire that broke out at Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of Bhandara District General Hospital at 2 am today. Seven children were rescued from the unit: Pramod Khandate, Civil Surgeon, Bhandara, Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/bTokrNQ28t  ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray spoke to Health Minister Rajesh Tope soon after learning about the incident which occurred in the child care unit in the hospital, as per a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office. "The Chief Minister has ordered a probe in the entire incident. He spoke to the district collector and police superintendent and asked them to probe the fire," the statement said.

Prime Minister expressed his grief on the Bhandara hospital fire and wrote on Twitter, "Heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra, where we have lost precious young lives."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah too expressed his grief over the incident and tweeted, "The fire accident in Bhandara district hospital, Maharashtra is very unfortunate. I am pained beyond words. My thoughts and condolences are with bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolence on the Bhandara fire mishap and appealed to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra to provide assistance to victim's families.

The unfortunate incident of fire at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra is extremely tragic. My condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives. I appeal to Maha Govt to provide every possible assistance to the families of the injured & deceased.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 9, 2021

"The unfortunate incident of fire at Bhandara District General Hospital in Maharashtra is extremely tragic. My condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives. I appeal to Maha Govt to provide every possible assistance to the families of the injured and deceased," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Live TV
The cost of COVID-19 vaccination, including both vaccines' expenses and inoculation fees, will be covered by medical insurance fund and government fiscal, rather than individuals, said a Chinese official Saturday.

After the vaccines are approved and available to the general public, they will be offered free to the Chinese people, who can receive inoculation on a voluntary, informed basis, said Li Tao, deputy director of the National Healthcare Security Administration, at a press conference.

Individual vaccine recipients do not need to pay the bill, fully demonstrating the concept of putting people and life first, Li said.

He also noted that the administration's disbursement on COVID-19 vaccines will not affect the current revenue and expenditure of medical insurance fund or the medical treatment of residents.

Free vaccination will help ensure universal protection for the public to safeguard normal production and life, as well as healthy economic and social development, which will further promote the long-term sustainable operation of the medical insurance fund, Li said.

"We are working with relevant departments to formulate a detailed operation plan to guarantee that the vaccination expenditure is fully covered," he added.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : A Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier was apprehended after he crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and entered the Indian territory, the Indian Army has stated.

"During early hours of January 8, a Chinese soldier was apprehended on the Indian Side of the LAC in Ladakh in area South of Pangong lake," the Army said.

It further stated that the PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in this area.

Troops from either side are deployed along the LAC since friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops.

"The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," the Indian Army stated.

It was on August 28, 2020 and August 29, 2020, Indian troops in a precautionary deployment, pre-empted Chinese expansionist designs and occupied heights along the southern bank of Pangong Tso.

The soldier on Friday was caught transgressing the same region.

Last week, the Defence Ministry in its year end review had stated that PLA escalated the situation at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh by the utilisation of "unorthodox weapons and amassing large number of troops".

The Ministry that Chinese made unilateral and provocative actions to change the status quo by force, in more than one area on the LAC.

Thereafter India responded to in a firm and non-escalatory way, ensuring the sanctity of claims in Eastern Ladakh.

India has categorically conveyed China that any attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo at the border is unacceptable and that India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India and China are engaged in a nine-month-long standoff at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

Despite several levels of dialogue, there has not been any breakthrough and the deadlock continues.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 23:40:28|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A medical worker injects COVID-19 vaccine to an inoculator at the vaccination point of the Shandong Provincial Third Hospital in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- China has administered more than 9 million doses of self-developed COVID-19 vaccines. A senior health official announced this at a press conference on Saturday.

Starting Dec. 15, China officially launched the COVID-19 vaccination program for this winter-spring period targeting a number of key groups, including those engaged in handling imported cold-chain products, customs officers, medical workers, and people working in public transport and fresh markets.

Since then, more than 7.5 million doses have been administered among these groups, said Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission (NHC).

People wait in an observation area after receiving their COVID-19 vaccines at a temporary vaccination site in Haidian District of Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

With the previous 1.6 million doses targeting groups with high risks of infection, a total of over 9 million doses have been administered in China. It further proved the safety of self-developed COVID-19 vaccines, Zeng said.

Zeng said that China would vaccinate the eligible population as widely as possible and gradually build an immune barrier in the whole population to control the epidemic.

The vaccination would be administered in the order of key groups, high-risk groups, and the general population as the vaccine's production capacity increases, he said.

Zeng noted that China has a variety of measures in place to ensure safe vaccinations, including proper vaccination procedures, strict vaccinator training, vaccine recipient screening, adverse reaction monitoring, emergency treatment, and expert consultations on adverse reactions, Zeng said.

A medical worker asks about the physical condition of a man who is about to receive the COVID-19 vaccination at Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital in Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Peng Zhaozhi)

A total of 25,392 vaccination sites are available nationwide. Nearly 140,000 people have been vaccinated so far in north China's Hebei Province, said Cui Gang, an official with NHC's disease control department. He demanded efforts to speed up vaccination among key groups in the province as soon as possible.

The NHC has organized experts to work out eight detailed plans to guide the vaccinations, from vaccine transportation and distribution to adverse reaction prevention, Cui said.

A traceability information system for the management of vaccines now operates in medical institutions at all levels, Cui added.

A medical worker shows the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Beijing Biological Products Institute Co., Ltd. at the health management center in Panyu District of Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyi)

Wang Huaqing, an expert from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said vaccination monitoring showed that most of the adverse reactions, including rashes and allergic reactions, are mild. Approximately one in a million encountered relatively serious adverse reactions.

COVID-19 vaccinations costs, including vaccine expenses and inoculation fees, would be covered by medical insurance funds and government fiscal, rather than individuals, said Li Tao, deputy director of the National Healthcare Security Administration.

He also noted that the administration's disbursement on COVID-19 vaccines would not affect the current revenue and expenditure of medical insurance funds or residents' medical treatment.

Staff members work at a COVID-19 vaccine packaging plant of Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd. in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

Zheng Zhongwei, head of the working group for vaccine development under the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19, said China has promised to make its COVID-19 vaccine a global public good when available, contributing to vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries.

China's vaccine enterprises took consideration of this promise when laying out the vaccine production capacity, Zheng said. 
The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!

Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.

The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.

The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.

The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.

Access to college recruiters and advisors  its harder to line up higher education.

Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.

Vote

View Results
Marcell Ozuna drew a lot of early attention once the free agent market opened, but there hasnt been much recent news on the sluggers quest to find a new team. As Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe plainly puts it, there is little buzz around the 30-year-old, as clubs dont seem willing to move on Ozuna until there is a firm answer about whether or not the NL will adopt the designated hitter in 2021.

Though there has been some thought that Ozunas recent change in representation indicated that he wanted a quicker end to his free agent journey, there might be a lack of offers on the table, or perhaps a lack of offers that Ozuna finds acceptable, and he is also waiting for news on the DH situation rather than potentially leave more money on the table if the universal DH becomes a reality in relatively short order.

In other free agent buzz
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 89F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp's relationship has been publicly talked about and scrutinised due to the allegations as well as lawsuits the duo filed against each other. Johnny Depp reportedly plans on filing for an appeal in a libel case against The Sun soon, based on the claim that Amber Heard has yet to donate her divorce settlement to charity, as she had promised to do.

According to reports, the court ruled against Depp while recognising that Amber Heard did not have financial motives in her claims against Depp. Andrew Nichol's verdict had sided with The Sun in that case and said, "Her donation of the USD 7 million to charity is hardly the act one would expect of a gold-digger."

It was cited that Heard, who was given $7 million as part of the divorce settlement, had donated the money to charity. However, Johnny Depp's legal team has now made a claim that she has not fulfilled her promise of donating the amount.

Amber Heard's legal team has responded with a statement to E! News and confirmed that her client has yet to fulfil the USD 7 million pledge due to financial reasons. They alleged that Depp's team is focusing on Heard's donation to draw away focus from his ongoing legal troubles.

Heard's attorney Elaine Bredehoft said, "Amber has already been responsible for seven figures in donations to charitable causes and intends to continue to contribute and eventually fulfil her pledge. However, Amber has been delayed in that goal because Depp filed a lawsuit against her, and consequently, she has been forced to spend millions of dollars defending Depp's false accusations against her."

Meanwhile, Depp is currently suing Heard for defamation and damages caused to his career due to the allegations of domestic abuse against Depp, in The Washington Post. Notably, Johnny Depp after losing the libel case in 2020 was asked to step down as Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts series.

ALSO READ: Amber Heard Reacts To Online Petition Demanding Her Removal From Aquaman 2

ALSO READ: Johnny Depp To Be Paid In Full After Being Asked To Leave Fantastic Beasts Franchise
" " Two visitors take a look at the atomic clock timescale at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. Michael Smith/ Getty Images

The term "atomic clock" may conjure up scary, 1950s-horror movie mental images: A Doomsday device, constructed by a lab coat-wearing maniac in a mountain fortress, is ticking away the seconds before it wipes out our entire planet. In reality, though, atomic clocks are one of the more benign inventions to emerge from the explosion -- oops, maybe not the best word choice -- of knowledge about the workings of the atom and its parts. That knowledge came in the wake of the World War II Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb.

Unlike the bomb, though, atomic clocks don't split atoms and they don't blow up. Instead, they use oscillation -- that is, the change in the flow of electrical charge -- in between an atom's nucleus and its surrounding electrons, the same way an old-fashioned grandfather clock might use a pendulum. Because an atom's oscillation involves incredibly small units of time -- a cesium atom, for example, has a frequency of 9,192,631,770 cycles per second -- and is extraordinarily consistent, a clock set to that oscillation can keep time much better time than that old grandfather clock [source: Britannica].

Advertisement

That's why, since their invention in the late 1940s, atomic clocks have become a critical tool in a modern world dependent on technology. Atomic clocks make it possible to synchronize time across complex systems, ranging from the Internet to the system of Global Positioning Satellites.

But for something that's become such a normal and helpful part of our lives, atomic clocks still remain a bit arcane and mysterious. Here are some of the myriad strange and surprising facts about these helpful devices.
Amid simmering military tensions between India and China over Ladakh, France has slammed Beijing, pointing out that Paris supports New Delhis security concerns including Kashmir.

"Whether it be on Kashmir, we've been supportive of India in the security concern. We haven't let the Chinese play any kind of procedural games. When it comes to the Himalayas, check our statements, they are perfectly clear. What we say publicly, we say it to the Chinese privately. There is no ambiguity," he said while speaking at a New Delhi event on Thursday.

Bonne, who is a diplomatic adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron, also stressed that Paris and New Delhi needed to work together in the Indo-Pacific-an area where China has been making steady inroads.

The French official who was in India to lead a delegation for a strategic dialogue with the National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, tick marked several topics of common strategic concern between India and France in the region, following China's muscle flexing.

The Hindustan Times had earlier reported that the laundry list of topics included the setting up of a 10,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Maharashtra, and construction of the six diesel-electric submarines under project P-75I for the Indian Navy.

The daily pointed out that France has been one of India's most reliable partners in Europe for years but the two countries had inched closer over the last few years that led to a deal to buy 36 Rafale aircraft. Paris has now offered to shift 100 per cent assembly line for Panther medium utility helicopters as well as 70 per cent of the assembly line for Rafale fighters under "Make in India" rubric with full transfer of technology.

When French defence minister Florence Parly was in India last year in context of the induction of the omni-role fighter jets in the Indian Air Force, she and defence minister Rajnath Singh had agreed to stick to the Rafale template of government-to-government deals for future defence purchases.

Regarding China, while India has its security concerns along the border, the French are also wary of China's moves in New Caledonia - a French island territory in the Pacific Ocean. The former penal colony, which is reliant on Paris for about US$1.5 billion in funding annually, has an agreement with France for up to three referendums - each held two years apart - on the question of independence. In the first poll in 2018, close to 57 per cent of voters chose to stay with France. In the second referendum held last year, more than 53 per cent chose to stay with France.

Analysts say that China is eyeing the territory, which has large reserves of nickel. Consequently, Macron is keen that in order to safeguard the territory, France partners with the Indo-Pacific Quad, comprising India, Japan, Australia and the United States. During the 2018 independence referendum, Macron had warned that China was "building its hegemony step by step a hegemony which will reduce our freedom, our opportunities" in the Pacific. During a visit to New Caledonia in that year, Macron stopped in Australia where he proposed the "Paris-Delhi-Canberra axis," which, he said was "absolutely key for the region and our joint objectives in the Indo-Pacific".

Paris is also keen that New Caledonia becomes part of new supply chains that exclude China. The visiting French official is reported to have assured Doval of all material and moral support to help India counter the Chinese military advances along the Line of Actual Control, on the icy heights of Ladakh.

India and France, operating from Reunion Island, also have shared strategic interests in the Indian Ocean. During the New Delhi-Paris strategic dialogue, the two sides decided to work together on a shared agenda at the UN Security Council, where India has been elected as a non-permanent member for two years. India's tenure at the Security Council formally began on Monday with a flag installation ceremony.

(Ranjit Kumar is the former diplomatic editor of Navbharat Times. He can be reached at ranjitkumar101@gmail.com) (This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)
H

istory is often narrated to us by those in power. Contributions of black Americans to the building of the US have often been swept under the carpet as history books are written by the mainly white individuals clenching influence. Each February a whole month has been dedicated to black history, but for too long black accomplishments have been overlooked, with white Americans taking the credit. Winston Churchill once said: It will be found much better by all parties to leave the past to history, especially as I propose to write that history myself.

In October, standing tall with his chest puffed out and glowing orange under bright studio lights, Donald Trump, in his final presidential debate with Joe Biden, claimed with all seriousness to be the least racist person. Not for the first time, he declared: Nobody has done more for the black community than Donald Trump. And if you look, with the exception of Abraham Lincoln, possible exception  nobody has done what Ive done.

For now, let us brush past the ridiculous notion that Trump is even comparable to Lincoln or the delusionary suggestion that he is anything but a bigoted racist. Even the assumption that Lincoln is the gold standard for black American freedom is inherently racist in itself. Once again, it credits white America for the achievement of black Americans. We should be recognising black Americans for their own push towards freedom and not suggesting that they owe something to white Americans. If anything, the reverse is true.

Coolpad Cool S Mid-Range Smartphone Officially Announced: Price, Specifications News oi-Sandeep Sarkar

Coolpad has announced a new mid-range smartphone for the masses called the Cool S. The device has been launched in Nepal with a punch-hole design. The highlight features of the handset include the MediaTek Helio P60 processor and a quad-camera with a 48MP primary sensor. Additionally, the handset is also selfie-oriented as it packs a 25MP snapper up front. Check out the pricing and spec-sheet below:

Coolpad Cool S Full Spec-Sheet

The Coolpad Cool S features a single-tone gradient rear panel with an L-shaped camera module. The setup is housed on the top-left corner. The smartphone is packed with an LCD display that measures 6.53-inches. The panel has slim-bezels and delivers an FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.

The smartphone runs on the MediaTek Helio P60 processor. This octa-core chipset is clubbed with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration. The device also supports up to 256GB microSD card slot. The firmware in which the device runs is Android 10 OS. The handset will come pre-installed with a custom UI.

Coming to the optics, the Coolpad Cool S features a quad-lens setup at the rear. The setup comprises a 48MP primary sensor. Notably, the main lens is a Samsung GM1 sensor that has an f/1.8 aperture. Additional sensors include an 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor with 120-degree FoV, a 5MP macro sensor, and a 0.3MP sensor.

The in-display camera cutout is packed with a 25MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture. The smartphone features a fingerprint scanner on the right edge. The device has 4G VoLTE, dual SIM support, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The smartphone gets its power from a 5,000 mAh battery that takes charge over a USB Type-C port. It has standard 10W fast charging support.

Coolpad Cool S Price And Specifications

The Coolpad Cool S is announced at NPR 22,995 in Nepal (approx Rs. 14,000). This is the price of the single 4GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration. The color options introduced include Moon White, Lapis Blue, and Night Black shades. Currently, the company has not released its plans to launch this device in India and other markets.

image source

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications
The Reserve Bank of India on Friday said that it has decided to restore normal liquidity management operations in a phased manner. In February, 2019, the banking regulator announced a revised Liquidity Management Framework (LMF) denoting the objectives and toolkit for liquidity management. "On a review of evolving liquidity and financial conditions, it has been decided to restore normal liquidity management operations in a phased manner," the central bank said.

In the wake of coronavirus pandemic in the country, the regulator earlier temporarily suspended the revised liquidity management framework. "In view of the outbreak of COVID-19, the rapidly evolving financial conditions and taking into account the impact of disruptions due to the lockdown and social distancing, it was decided to temporarily suspend the revised liquidity management framework and the window for Fixed Rate Reverse Repo and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) operations were made available throughout the day," RBI said in a statement.

"This was intended to provide eligible market participants with greater flexibility in their liquidity management," it added.

The central bank will conduct variable rate reverse repo auction of 2 lakh crore on 15 January. It further added further said the Fixed Rate Reverse Repo and MSF operations will continue to be available throughout the day.

"As stated in the last MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) statement on 4 December, 2020, it is reiterated that the Reserve Bank will ensure availability of ample liquidity in the system," the central bank added.

In view of operational dislocations and elevated level of health risks posed by Covid-19, RBI had also decided to truncate trading hours for various market segments with effect from 7 April, 2020.

Later, with the graded easing of lockdown restrictions, it was decided to restore trading hours for markets regulated by the Reserve Bank in a phased manner with effect from 9 November, 2020.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Sebamed, a reputed German personal care brand with a legacy of 50+ years, has been a world pioneer in pH 5.5 based product portfolio. It has always believed in earning consumers trust with highly efficacious products. With this ethos, the brand today released a disruptive campaign, Filmstars kee nahi, science kee suno to demonstrate the superior benefit of Sebameds cleansing bar over market leaders in the soap category.

The evidence-based campaign, develops a compelling conversation urging customers to make informed choices and listen to science.

Commenting on future plans, Shashi Ranjan, India Head for Sebamed, said, At Sebamed we stand for truth and transparency. During these unprecedented times, our wide portfolio of Skin & Hair care products with unique pH 5.5 benefit offers the new Gold standard to the consumers. We remain strategically committed to invest in attracting best talent, creating engaging brand stories and driving rapid distribution expansion across channels.

Speaking on the campaign, Konark Gaur, India Head of Marketing for Sebamed said, Consumers today are re-evaluating their brand choices and are looking for brands that deliver on their promise. Sebamed, a brand that stands for honesty & authenticity wants to empower the consumers with the right information so that they can choose the best. We believe that product is always the hero and days of gimmicky advertising are counted.

Creative partner, The Womb said, The Personal care industry has always been conditioned to follow standard beauty practices in order to make it appealing to the consumers. However, when we came across Sebamed and what the brand wanted to convey to its consumers, we decided to communicate the product truth through our campaign, without any silver coating. Striking the right balance between the bandwagon fallacy and authenticity, the brand is building a connection with its consumers through demonstration-based advertising with an honest approach.

Credits:

Agency  The Womb

Partners  Kawal Shoor, Navin Talreja

Production House  Good Morning Films

Producer  Afshan Shaikh
ROCHESTER, Minn.  A trial has finally been scheduled over a stabbing at St. Marys Hospital.

Augustino Soro Nasona, 59 of Rochester, is pleading not guilty to 1st degree attempted murder, 1st degree assault, and 2nd degree assault. He was arrested on May 29, 2019, after police said the stabbed his wife four times in the St. Marys employee cafeteria.

Investigators say Nasona believed his wife had been unfaithful to him and he brought a knife to the hospital and chased her around a salad bar before stabbing her. Nasona is also accused of slashing about someone who tried to push him away from his wife. He was eventually subdued by a Mayo Clinic security officer and another man in the cafeteria.

Nasona entered not guilty pleas in July 2019 and was original scheduled to stand trial in February 2020 but that was delayed and the COVID-19 pandemic then hit, bringing Minnesota court proceedings nearly to a stop. His trial is now scheduled to begin on March 15.
Police departments across the country have suspended officers or referred them to internal reviews for attending the events on Jan. 6 in Washington that devolved into an assault on the U.S. Capitol.

The commanding officers or officials involved in the cases in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington State stressed that while the officers attended as private citizens, the question of whether they broke the law would be investigated.

In San Antonio, Sheriff Javier Salazar of Bexar County said he had referred Lt. Roxanne Mathai to the internal investigations department after she posted a video of herself on Facebook from near the Capitol, wearing a red, white and blue face mask and wrapped in an American flag. The officer waxed enthusiastic about the day but stated explicitly that she would not enter the Capitol.

Plumes of tear gas waft in the background of the video, and Mr. Salazar said investigators would determine whether police had declared the gathering an unlawful assembly. If that is the case and she remained on scene and began filming and began making challenging statements, that means breaking the law, the sheriff said.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close

CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson 303-810-1816

Email: Inquiry_For_Pamela@pameladwilson.com

Golden, Colorado  January 9, 2021

The Caring Generation

Golden CO- Caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson hosts The Caring Generation family talk radio program for caregivers and aging adults this coming Wednesday, January 13,, 2021. The program airs live at 9 p.m. EST. The Caring Generation aired initially from 2009 to 2011 on 630 KHOW-AM in Denver, Colorado.

Caring for An Elderly Parent, You Don't Like - Caregiver Survival Skills

On this program for caregivers and aging adults, Pamela D Wilson shares five reasons and five solutions for caring for an elderly parent you don't like. Life situations where caregivers feel obligated to care forbut don't like elderly parentscan be highly stressful. Wilson offers tips to help caregivers manage through unpleasant situations while being honest about their feelings. Caregivers can feel alone and isolated when peers, friends, or family members can't identify with their emotions.

Joining with other caregivers who freely share their feelings can be liberating for caregivers who want to express frustrations and identify solutions. Caregivers who think, "I wish my elderly parent or my spouse was dead so I can go on with my life," may feel guilty until they meet other caregivers who have similar feelings.

In most situations, even though caregivers feel conflicted about caregiving responsibilities, the majority continue to provide care until the duties become too much or giving care becomes impractical. Even when different care arrangements are made daughters, sons and spouses remain in care for family members.

Why Is Being a Caregiver a Positive Experience for Some While Others Struggle?

Dr. John Leach joins Wilson on this show to provide background about survival psychology. Caregiving can feel like a struggle when caregivers don't realize all of the skills required to succeed. Being a caregiver requires learning new skills to respond favorably to ongoing and unexpected situations. New skills can be gained by participating in caregiver support groups or taking caregiving or health courses.

Caregiver Radio Show Guest Dr. John Leach About Survival Psychology

One day an adult child or a spouse is going about their life, a health incident or accident occurs, and they become an unexpected caregiver. Attempting to navigate the unfamiliar world of caregiving can throw caregivers into survival mode.

Joining Wilson on this program is Dr. John Leach, a Visiting Senior Research fellow in survival psychology at the University of Portsmouth in Portsmouth, Hampshire England. Dr. Leach shares research about why some people survive extreme situations and why others perish based on the experiences of prisoners of war, shipwreck, and other extreme life situations.

This research extends to the current pandemic which has many individuals feeling captive. Dr. Leach shares the stages that individuals experience when going through extreme survival situations. This is an interview you won't want to miss.

Before his current position, Leach was a military SERE psychologist (survival, evasion, resistance, and extraction). His academic background includes being a lecturer and Director of Studies for cognitive psychology at Lancaster University and a member of the Center for Study of the Human Cognition University of Oslo. He is also a qualified military survival instructor in the jungle, desert, arctic, polar, temperate, sea, conduct-after-capture and hostage survival and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Join Pamela on The Caring Generation for conversations about aging, caregiving, and relationships. Podcast replays of the weekly programs are available on Wilson's website and all major podcast sites. More about Wilson's commitment to online caregiver education, caregiver support, and keynotes is on her website at www.pameladwilson.com.

#
Sammi Awuku, the National Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed confidence in the newly elected Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin.



To him, Hon. Bagbin is not a character wholl try to frustrate the Akufo-Addo government.



Sammi Awuku is convinced that he (Alban Bagbin) will prove his sceptics and critics wrong by serving Ghanaians and not being partisan.



His comment comes after some political watchers have pointed implications with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) not having the Speaker from their party.



For instance, if the President and the Vice President travel out of the country, the Speaker becomes the Acting-President. This means that a member of the opposition party becomes the Acting-President and in charge of the Executive as well with some people suggesting he might undermine the government, some critics argued.



But in an interview with Joy News monitored after the inauguration of President Akufo-Addo, Sammi Awuku expressed confidence that Hon. Bagbin will put aside his partisan clothing and see Ghana in its collective nature.



He noted that the Speakers decision will not be clouded by partisan views.



I hope that the Almighty God will grant him infinite wisdom for him to deliver on this mandate.



He added; I dont see Hon. Bagbin(Speaker) as a mischievous character. This is someone who has distinguished himself in Parliament for almost three decades to the admiration of all. If he continues with the way hes started Im convinced that hell prove his sceptics and fiercest critics wrong that hes there to do the job of the Ghanaians people and not to do the job of a partisan group.



Sammi Awuku, however, stressed that the NPP is not scared or perturbed about this arrangement, its a temporary setback adding well reorganize ourselves, shake ourselves up, and deliver in Parliament.

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
More than 25 television stations on Jan. 12 will air a half-hour, commercial-free student-produced documentary about youth suicide in Arizona and what can be done prevent it. The program will air at 5 p.m. on Spanish-language stations and at 6:30 p.m. on English-language stations. Find more information here.

PHOENIX  The pandemic has affected different people in different ways, causing financial stress due to job loss, sliding grades, relationship pressures and worries that vulnerable loved ones could contract COVID-19.

But one factor that has affected Americans across the country is the loss of social connectedness. Even before the pandemic shuttered schools, restaurants and workplaces last spring, an estimated 3 in 5 Americans reported a growing sense of loneliness, according to Cignas 2020 Loneliness Index. Roughly 73% of those surveyed said they sometimes or always feel alone, up from 69% in the previous year.

But since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March, clinicians fear that number is increasing.

In his Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected order in March, Gov. Doug Ducey encouraged Arizonans to share awareness and resources in their communities regarding suicide prevention. The initiative acknowledged a leading theory in behavioral science that lays out two assumptions about when people become suicidal: a desire for belongingness that is not met, and a feeling of being a burden on those around them.

Both of these feelings, clinicians say, can be amplified under the stressors that come with COVID-19, especially for young people. In fact, adults ages 22 to 29 are at high risk for increases in loneliness and mental health, according to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health in October 2020. The study linked those factors to increases in depression and anxiety, and it cautioned of potential latent effects.

Negative behavioral health impacts from pandemic are expected to peak up to nine months after the initial outbreak, it found.

School closures

In mid-March, Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman closed schools for two weeks. Most schools were on spring break at the time, and students were crossing their fingers that the shutdowns would be short-lived. But school closures extended through the end of the school year and classes resumed online.

Graduations, proms and other key events in most teens social lives were either postponed or canceled. But those arent the only things kids missed out on.

Going to class, for example, isnt just walking in a room, sitting down, listening to the lecture and leaving, said Nadine Kaslow, chief psychiatrist with the Grady Health System in Atlanta. Its hanging out with people beforehand, hanging out with them afterwards, a lot of the informal kind of social connecting thats much harder to do right now.

The loss of these small interactions can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and potentially place someone at increased risk of suicide, Kaslow said. Youth heavily involved in extracurriculars can be particularly vulnerable to this.

The desire to belong

The pressure to fit in among youths can be a stressor during normal times, and social distancing guidelines that restrict activities where kids interact and forge bonds can heighten that effect, increasing feelings of despair, Kaslow said.

On the other hand, she noted, kids who are socially anxious or feel like they didnt belong in a social circle may actually be doing better, because these guidelines take away the pressure of fitting in.

They dont feel so alone in this, Kaslow said, so its more normalized for many people.

Burdens and routines

Dr. Elizabeth McKenna, a pediatrician at Healing Hearts Pediatrics in Chandler, said she has seen an uptick in children struggling with mental health, particularly anxiety, since the pandemic began.

In a state-funded program, she and other doctors at Healing Hearts, a pediatric primary care facility and network of providers, assess the mental health of patients at the beginning of each visit. She said it has helped staff members connect kids to the support they need, especially those whose mental health symptoms may not be obvious.

People with anxiety typically cope by sticking to a normal routine, McKenna said. When school is closed and kids are in their homes all day, this normal routine is interrupted and existing anxiety and depression can increase.

McKenna said some of her school-age patients worry that COVID-19 will kill the entire worlds population, along with their families.

Parents bring home all their worry, and then that goes to the kids, she said.

Many parents dont realize how their emotions can transfer to their children, who are likely not as equipped to handle them, McKenna said.

Sometimes, when children interpret negative feelings from others, they begin to feel theyre a burden, and that the people around them would be better off if they were gone.

Chris Segrin, a behavioral scientist who teaches at the University of Arizona, said this feeling of being a burden is a huge risk factor when it comes to suicide. But sometimes, he added, all it takes is one comment from one person to momentarily change someones thoughts about it suicide.

But mental health during the pandemic is dependent on the support system a person is isolating with, Segrin said. Negative experiences in strained relationships can intensify, but there is also an opportunity for the relationship to heal with the extra time together and positive experiences can intensify in blissful relationships, or the extra time together can add stress.

Keeping connected

Subscriptions to Zoom and other video chat applications are spiking, and such smartphone apps as House Party bring a game night into the online world. And some young people are rediscovering traditional methods of connectedness.

Xavier Valdez, a senior at Hamilton High School in Chandler, said he has been connecting with his friends on the Google Chrome extension Teleplay (formerly Netflix Party) for virtual movie nights.

Jessica Wastchak, a junior at Hamilton, said she and her friends have been writing and mailing each other handwritten letters.

As human beings, we are essentially social creatures, Segrin said. It is literally in our DNA to connect with other people during times of stress.

Online school isnt the same as in-person school. FaceTime isnt the same as face-to-face. And a virtual hug isnt the same as actually feeling the wrap of an embrace. But clinicians urge solidarity in these universally trying times.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also offers free and confidential support at 1-800-273-8255.

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.
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 BBC forgot to follows its own discrimination guidance when an episode of Dad's Army twice included the word 'ch**k', it had been revealed.

No warning was posted ahead of use of the word, which is considered offensive to Asian people, despite the broadcaster's strict rules around racist vocabulary.

A 1974 radio special Present Arms, featuring cast members from the TV hit, was aired on Radio 4 Extra and later posted to BBC Sounds without any warning it included offensive language, The Mirror revealed.

A source said: 'It's baffling the BBC have let this get through without an edit.

'Especially so after the alert before the Dad's Army movie for words that could be deemed less offensive.'

No warning was posted ahead of use of the word, which is offensive to Asian people, despite the broadcaster's strict rules around racist vocabulary. Pictured, a warning posted to a 1971 Dad's Army film last week

Last week the BBC slapped a 'discriminatory language' warning on the 1971 Dad's Army film, prompting outraged fans to call for the corporation to 'stop making issues when there aren't any'.

The broadcaster said the warning 'has nothing to do with the general content of #DadsArmy, which is a British TV classic,' but said the film 'includes a specific racially derogatory phrase'.

The warning referred to the archaic term 'fuzzy-wuzzies', used by British soldiers to describe people from the Sudan.

The broadcaster said the warning had, 'has nothing to do with the general content of #DadsArmy, which is a British TV classic,' but said the film, 'includes a specific racially derogatory phrase'

A 1974 radio special Present Arms, featuring cast members from the TV hit, was aired on Radio 4 Extra and later posted to BBC Sounds without any warning it included offensive language, The Mirror revealed. Pictured, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson in Dad's Army

In the film, Clive Dunns character Lance Corporal Jones Joness uses the term fuzzy-wuzzies, to describe the enemies he fought in the Sudan under General Kitchener.

The BBC issued a warning before it aired saying parts of the classic could cause offense.

But just days later the word 'ch**k' was played twice without any warning. In Present Arms, Charlie Cheeseman, played by Jack Watson, said: 'So the air raid warden shouted out, "Here, missus, you've got a ch**k in your bedroom".'

BBC compliance and editorial standards may have been breached, as the broadcaster said: 'Premeditated use of racist language will always be signposted whether on TV, radio or online/digital. It is important audiences are not taken by surprise.'

The episode has since been taken down and a spokesman said: 'We review archive programmes ahead of broadcast. This episode went out on 4 Extra last month with a warning about the language on air and the online version is no longer available.'

Dad's Army ran for 80 episodes over nine series between 1968 and 1977.
Metropolitan police officers will have to justify their use of handcuffs after Team GB athlete Bianca Williams accused the force of 'racially profiling' her.

Williams was handcuffed alongside her partner Ricardo dos Santos and separated from their three-month-old son last July.

Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick apologised to the athlete after footage of their car being stopped in Maida Vale, west London, was posted online by former Olympic medallist Linford Christie.

Britain's most senior police officer also launched a review into the use of handcuffs where an arrest has not been made - a tactic most commonly used during stop and search.

Commonwealth gold medallist Bianca Williams and her Portuguese sprinter partner Ricardo dos Santos complained they were racially profiled by officers during a stop and search in July

Scotland Yard said on Friday the force will improve its 'training, policy and processes' following the review, which makes 10 recommendations.

'The Met will now develop a specific policy on handcuffing pre-arrest that will set out clear guidance for officers, including the requirement to justify any initial application of handcuffs as well as their continued use during an interaction,' a statement said.

Recommendations include 'additional legal training, extended officer safety and improved personal safety training for police officers, de-escalation tactics and more community input to understand the respective experiences of each during encounters.'

The Met have also amended its stop and search e-form to include any use and justification for handcuffs pre-arrest.

Scotland Yard previously said officers from the Directorate of Professional Standards reviewed footage from social media and officers' bodycams and were satisfied there was no concern around the officers' conduct

Linford Christie, pictured, questioned whether the car was stopped in such a manner because there was a young black family inside the vehicle

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, who led the review said: 'The Met is determined to be the most trusted police service in the world.

'Officers are out on the streets of London every day, bearing down on violent crime, and in the course of doing so will have thousands of interactions with the public.

'Ensuring the trust and confidence of the public is reliant upon the quality of our interactions and our communication before, during and after any stop where handcuffs are believed by officers to be needed.

'I am grateful to the members of the public, police officers and critical friends who took time to help with this important work which I believe will help us to improve our practices and with it, the trust of the public.'

The review included consultations with young black men, aged between 16 and 25, as well as frontline officers.

Ms Williams said being put in handcuffs outside her home was 'painful' and incredibly humiliating'.

She added: 'The handcuffs were painful and it was incredibly humiliating to be separated from my baby in handcuffs outside my home with neighbours walking past.

'While I welcome better training in the Met on the use of handcuffs, the trauma of the incident did not start or end with the handcuffing.

'It was racial stereotyping and prejudice. We were stopped and searched for drugs and weapons and one officer even falsely stated on the search form saying that he could smell cannabis on us.

'I would like to see some effective bias training in the police as well as better training on the use of force and not just in relation to handcuffs.'

A photo shared on Instagram by Ms Williams of the stop and search confrontation. She is to the right of the centre of the photo, with her three-month-old son

It found that searches of the same people, where nothing is found, are 'extremely corrosive to the person's and wider communities' trust and confidence in policing'.

'The public are concerned that the use of handcuffs can be degrading and, whilst accepting there is a place for it, handcuffs should not be the first resort, and more effort should be made in communication and explanation that might make the use of handcuffs unnecessary,' it said.

'The use of handcuffs pre-arrest is an issue of community concern. It is clear that there is a sound legal basis in some circumstances for the use of handcuffs pre-arrest in order to conduct a stop and search.

'However, this needs to be justified on every occasion and cannot, and must not, be considered a matter of routine or common practise that is done without proper consideration and recording on each occasion.

'The MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) needs to restate its position on this clearly for all officers and staff, as well as expectations around the recording of all uses of force including pre arrest handcuffing.'

Jules Carey of Bindmans, Ms Williams and Mr Dos Santos' lawyer, said: 'Robert Peel set out the Principles of Policing in 1829, it has been clear since then that all force used by a police officer must be necessary and reasonable.

'A massive body of common law, as well as many national and international laws over the last 200 years have spelt out the circumstances in which force can be used by police officers.

'Handcuffs are degrading, painful and can cause lasting nerve damage; they should never be used as a matter of routine but often are. It is evidence of persistent training failures and a toxic culture in the Metropolitan Police that there now needs to be specific guidance on the use of handcuffs.'
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.
Hope for Assyrians in Iraq Whose Homes Were Illegally Taken

In the chaos following the Iraq war, the homes of thousands of Christian families in cities across Iraq were illegally taken and occupied. There is hope now that these properties will eventually be restored to their rightful owners. Iraqi Shiite leader Muqtada al Sadr, who has strong representation in the Parliament of Baghdad, has ordered the creation of a committee to oversee the collection and verification of complaints regarding illegal expropriations from Christian property owners.

A statement has just been published asking Christians to submit their ownership documents to the committee.

The Shiite leader says he wants to restore justice and end violations of the property rights of the 'Christian brothers' - including those for which members of his own movement were responsible.

The request to report cases of illegal expropriations suffered is also addressed to families of Christians who have left the country. Complaints about abuse against Christian property owners can be sent to the committee by the end of next Ramadan.

On the morning of Sunday 3 January 2021, a delegation sent by Muqtada al Sadr and led by Sheikh Salah al-Obaidi visited Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako to offer the Head of the Chaldean Church greetings for the Christmas season, together with a copy of the document with which the Shiite politician set up the committee.

Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako thanked Muqtada al Sadr for the initiative, which is aimed at putting an end to the injustices suffered by Christian citizens and placing the protection of the common good of the nation above any private or sectarian interests.

Muqtada al Sadr has spoken up for the rights of Christians in Iraq for several years. In 2016 he called for houses and real estate belonging to Christian families that had been illegally expropriated in Baghdad, Kirkuk and other Iraqi regions to be returned. With the establishment of the committee - the return of the properties is a step closer.
ADVERTISEMENT

At least 12 political parties have presented candidates ahead of the Jan. 16, local government council election in Kano State.

Ibrahim Garba-Sheka, Chairman, Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Saturday.

Mr Garba-Sheka said the commission had completed all necessary arrangements to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise in accordance with electoral provisions.

He said the election would be conducted into the 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship positions in the 44 local government areas of the state.

He said the commission had met with the leadership of the parties and relevant stakeholders to promote active engagement in its preparations for the election.

We have so far distributed non-sensitive materials to our offices in the local government areas, and we are gradually taking delivery of the sensitive materials.

The commission also trained electoral officers and other personnel to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.

Success of the election is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders. We, therefore, solicit the support of all to enable us conduct a hitch free exercise, he said.

Mr Garba-Sheka, therefore, urged political parties and other stakeholders to cooperate with the commission in ensuring effective monitoring during the pre and post-election processes.

According to him, more than 200 observer groups have indicated interest to participate in monitoring the election.

Mr Garba-Sheka said the commission was working in close collaboration with the forum of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to facilitate effective deployment of the election monitors and observers in all the 484 wards in the state.

Election monitors and observer groups are expected to operate based on the guidelines set out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he said.

According to him, the commission is also collaborating with the police, security agencies and other paramilitary organisations to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in the state.

(NAN)
Oil prices reached the highest point since February 2020 this week after Saudi Arabias surprise announcement at the monthly OPEC+ Ministerial Meeting that it would voluntarily cut an additional 1 million barrels per day from its oil production. This extra cut--by the only true swing producer in the group--more than offsets the increases in production granted to Russia and Kazakhstan, and is a completely different outcome to that which analysts and industry experts had expected.

Saudi Arabia and Russia--the two most powerful members of the OPEC+ alliance--have been at odds over how to respond to the changing oil market and lowered demand. Russia is concerned that U.S. shale will take advantage of any decrease in production that OPEC+ members make. And it isnt entirely wrong. Russia is focused on market share. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is focused on price. Although the word price is never used. Instead, the phrase market balance or restore balance to the market is preferred. With Saudi Arabia cutting a million barrels per day, two things are clear: 1) The Saudis senses a slackening in the market, likely due to refinery maintenance season in Asia and a new flurry of lockdowns due to the new more virulent strain of Covid-19, and none of the other producers can afford to (nor are they willing to) reduce production further. 2) While Saudi Arabia remains the most powerful member of OPEC, its power is diluted
A 45-year-old man was remanded in custody following his appearance at Portlaoise District Court today on a money laundering charge.

Jiri Suchanek, 45, of no fixed abode, was before the court after gardai stopped the van in which he was driving between Junctions 14 and 15 just off the M7 at Ballybrittas on Friday morning.

Cash in excess of 1 million was seized by members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) during a search of the van.

In court, Detective Garda John Rourke said that when the charge was put to the defendant of facilitating money laundering, relating to the suspected proceeds of drug trafficking and organised crime, Mr Suchanek made no reply after caution.

Det. Rourke said that on 8 January while gardai were carrying out investigations into an organised crime gang, they stopped a white Nissan van at Ballybrittas, Co Laois and found Mr Suchanek to be the sole occupant of the vehicle.

On searching the van they found a large bag containing cash and a black rubbish bag containing more cash in the back of it.

Det. Rourke said that to date 1 million of the seizure had been counted, while more is still to be counted.

He said that Mr Suchanek has been working in Ireland for the past 13 years as a driver and lived in the back of lorries during that time.

Defending solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said that it was not unusual for truck drivers to live in lorries nowadays that have modern facilities attached.

She said that during the time her client has been in Ireland he has been sending home up to 80pc of his earnings to his wife and adult daughter in the Czech Republic.

She said that her client was looking for free legal aid in the case.

Det. Rourke said that Mr Suchanek informed them that he earned 800 a week.

Judge Catherine Staines said she would adjourn making a decision on the provision of free legal aid and the decision to grant bail until next Tuesday, 12 January, at Portlaoise District Court and remanded Mr Suchanek in custody to Cloverhill Prison until then.

Shortly before 6am, Indonesian navy divers will resume their search off the north coast of Java for a Boeing 737 that crashed into the sea shortly after take off from Jakarta on Saturday afternoon.

Sixty-two people are missing.

Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 departed from Soekarno Hatta International Airport at 2.36pm local time (7.36am GMT). The routine domestic flight covering the 452 miles to Pontianak on the island of Borneo is scheduled to take 95 minutes.

The flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 reported that the plane took off to the southwest and initially climbed normally, turning to head northeast to its destination.

The 26-year-old 737 flew a short distance north of the airport and out over the Java Sea before contact was lost.

The twin-jet reached its highest altitude, 10,900 feet, four minutes after take off. But within 21 seconds it had dropped to just 250 feet above sea level. That equates to a vertical speed of over 25,000 feet per minute (340mph).

Local fishermen told CNN that they heard an explosion and were hit by a high wave around the time the plane went missing.

Hendrik Mulyadi told the broadcaster: I heard very loud explosion. I thought it was a bomb or a big thunder. We then saw the big wave, about 2 metres high, hitting our boat.

The Indonesian navy has sent five ships as well as divers to an area about 12 miles north of the shore.

Flight path: the track of Sriwijaya Air SJ182 from Jakarta to Pontianak (FlightRadar24)

Jefferson Irwin Jauwena, the chief executive of Sriwijaya Air, said: We hope that your prayers will help the search process to run well and smoothly.

The flights departure was delayed by around 40 minutes because of poor weather, with storm clouds over the airport. At the time the plane took off rain was falling, with a low cloud base.

The recovery operation will seek to locate the planes black boxes  the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder  as quickly as possible.

They should provide information on the control commands on the flight deck, and conversations between the captain and first officer.

Investigators will consider a wide range of possible causes, including mechanical failure, terrorism or an encounter with a storm cell  an air mass with violent winds.

They will also look at the experience of the pilots, including the amount of flying they have done during the coronavirus pandemic, and the recent operations of the plane involved.

Some aviation safety experts have expressed concerns about the return to service of aircraft and crews after Covid restrictions.

The search area is close to where Lion Air flight 610 came down on 29 October 2018. All 189 passengers and crew died aboard the Boeing 737 Max. It was the first of two tragedies that led to the 20-month grounding of the Max.

The latest version of the 737 re-entered service in December 2020 after comprehensive changes to a software system that, when activated by a faulty sensor, triggered both crashes.

The aircraft manufacturer tweeted: We are aware of media reports from Jakarta regarding Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182.

Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand ready to support them during this difficult time.

The Sriwijaya Air flight involved a Classic 737, two generations older than the Boeing 737 Max. It was delivered in May 1994 to Continental Airlines of the US, and in 2012 joined the Sriwijaya Air fleet.

The carrier is a relatively small budget airline. It started flying in 2003 and has never suffered a fatal crash.

The report into the Lion Air tragedy blamed software installed by Boeing on the latest version of the 737, which was triggered by a faulty sensor and forced the nose down despite the pilots efforts to save the aircraft. But it also criticised Lion Air's maintenance team.

All Indonesian carriers were placed on the EU Air Safety List in 2007 due to unaddressed safety concerns. The blacklist bans or restricts operations within the European Union by airlines that are believed not to meet international safety standards.

The prohibition was not finally lifted until June 2018, four months before the Lion Air Boeing 737 Max crash.
January 09, 2021

Democrats Use Capitol Incident To Suppress Political Dissent

When watching this Jimmy Dore Show about the Capitol incident one can clearly see that some of the police were reluctant to intervene against the surprise visitors. Some even took selfies with them. The police may have been overwhelmed and decided that more fighting would have been counterproductive. Or, maybe, they let it happen on purpose?

The LIHOP theory is often applied to the 9/11 incident in 2001. The FBI and others knew that terrorist from the Middle East were about to use air planes to attack within the U.S. but it was decided to let that happen and to use the event for political gain. That political gain came in form of the Patriot Act which gave the government more power to spy on its citizens, and in form of the war of terror on the Middle East.

Even weeks before Wednesday's event there had been lots of open source chatter about a big protest in Washington and plans to take on the Capitol. Like in in 455, when the Vandals sacked Rome, there was little done by the local authorities to prevent that. The actors in both incidents have by the way remarkable similarities.

If we consider that 'Vandals' storming the Capitol was known to be upcoming and that the vandals actually managed to do it, we have to look for potential aims of those who might have allowed it to happen.

Two are sticking out. The 'Domestic terrorism' issues and the mass destruction of communication channels used by Trump and the political right.

Joe Biden gave a hint when he (falsely) called the Capitol incident an act of 'domestic terrorism':

President-elect Joe Biden characterized the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday as domestic terrorists, referring to the violence as one of the darkest days in the history of our nation.

...

Mr. Biden has said he plans to make a priority of passing a law against domestic terrorism, and he has been urged to create a White House post overseeing the fight against ideologically inspired violent extremists and increasing funding to combat them. Federal law defines domestic terrorism as dangerous and illegal acts intended to coerce a population or influence the government. While it can be charged in some states, no generic federal crime exists. Domestic terrorism spans extremist ideologies, but it has been predominantly a far-right phenomenon in recent decades, according to researchers.

In 2019 Adam Schiff, the unhinged Russia basher who has falsely claimed that he had evidence of a Trump collusion with Russia, introduced a 'domestic terrorism' bill that will now likely be taken up.

The Hill reported at that time:

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, introduced legislation Friday that would make domestic terrorism a federal crime. The Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act would create a federal criminal statute that would cover domestic acts of terror committed by those without links to foreign organizations.

...

The attack in El Paso by a white supremacist is only the most recent in a disturbing and growing trend of domestic terrorism, fueled by racism and hatred. The Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act would for the first time create a domestic terrorism crime, and thus provide prosecutors with new tools to combat these devastating crimes, Schiff said in a statement.

The actual bill Schiff introduce is quite generic and covers a wide range of actions as well as attempts to take such actions or conspiring to do them:

Whoever, in a circumstance described in subsection (b), and with the intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion, or affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping

(A) knowingly kills, kidnaps, maims, commits an assault resulting in serious bodily injury, or assaults with a dangerous weapon any person within the United States; or

(B) creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to any other person by knowingly destroying or damaging any structure, conveyance, or other real or personal property within the United States or by attempting or conspiring to destroy or damage any structure, conveyance, or other real or personal property within the United States,

in violation of the laws of any State, or the United States, shall be punished under section 2332b(c).

Any prosecutor will be able to use the wording of the law to indict someone who has been talking about bashing a road sign for 'domestic terrorism'.

Such a law will of course not only be used against the 'white supremacists' who Schiff claims to dislike but, as ACLU pointed out, primarily against the left and minorities:

People of color and other marginalized communities have long been targeted under domestic terrorism authorities for unfair and discriminatory surveillance, investigations, and prosecutions. Law enforcement agencies use of these authorities undermines and has violated equal protection, due process, and First Amendment rights. Law enforcement agencies already have all the authorities they need to address white supremacist violence effectively. We therefore urge you instead to require agencies to provide meaningful public data on their use of resources and failure to prioritize white supremacist violence. The ACLU strongly urges you to oppose H.R. 4192, Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act because it is unnecessary and would serve to target the very communities that Congress is seeking to protect.

The Capitol attack does not justify such new laws or more spying.

As a second consequence of the Capitol incident the tech monopoly companies, which are largely aligned with the corporate Democrats, took coordinated action to disrupt the communication between Trump and his political followers as well as within the general political right.

The company Trump used for mass emailing to his followers has stopped its service for Trump. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat and Shopify have all banned Trump. Apple and Google took steps against the Parlor app which is mostly used by people on the right. It wasn't only Trump who was banned:

Ben Collins @oneunderscore__ - 21:19 UTC  Jan 8, 2021

BREAKING: Twitter is taking dramatic action on remaining QAnon accounts for breaking their "Coordinated Harmful Activity" rules, some of whom heavily promoted Wednesday's storming of the Capitol.

Mike Flynn, Sidney Powell, 8kun's Ron Watkins banned.

Twitter's statement below:

Thousands of Twitter accounts, mostly not prominent ones, were culled over night.

The banning of Trump has nothing to do with the actual content of Trump's or others' communications:

Byron York @ByronYork - 23:53 UTC  Jan 8, 2021

Twitter has permanently banned President Trump, and they did it on the basis of two unobjectionable tweets. Example: Twitter says Trump's 'I won't go to inauguration' tweet will 'inspire' violence. https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/c...

The was an organized and likely long planned campaign initiated by the incoming Biden administration. Trump's tweets and followers were probably the biggest traffic generators Twitter and Facebook ever had. They would not have killed off that profitable source of revenues if the incoming administration had not threatened them with new regulations.

Michael Tracey condemned this campaign in a series of tweets:

Twitter's stated rationale for banning Sidney Powell, Mike Flynn, and others -- "behavior that has the potential to lead to offline harm" -- is extraordinarily creepy and could be used against virtually anyone if the powers-that-be decided it was politically necessary

Purging the sitting President from his primary communications platform is absolute authoritarian lunacy

It was obvious within about 10 minutes on Wednesday that this crisis would be exploited to drastically ramp up censorship and suppress political speech

None of this is about safety, its about purposely inflating a threat in order to assert political and cultural dominance

If were accepting this new incitement doctrine there are thousands of activists who could be purged/criminalized for inciting an enormous wave of violent riots over the summer. But thankfully theres a thing called protected speech, although its quickly being shredded

The most extreme, coordinated corporate censorship offensive in modern history and liberals/leftists are in a mindless celebratory stupor. Pathetic shills

Corporate liberals and leftists have been absolutely obsessed with purging the internet of political undesirables since 2016, and this "crisis" is the perfect opportunity to finally fulfill their deepest authoritarian wish

The new corporate authoritarian liberal-left monoculture is going to be absolutely ruthless -- and in 12 days it is merging with the state. This only the beginning

Must just be a total coincidence that YouTube also happened to terminate Steve Bannon. Definitely not a coordinated political revenge campaign by the tech oligarchs as they wait for a Democratic administration to come in

Notice that the threat of "violence" Twitter says justifies their political purge never applies to traditional forms of state violence -- Trump's tweets announcing bombings or assassinations were never seen as necessitating some disciplinary intervention in the name of "safety"

Make no mistake. Both actions that follow from the ludicrous Capitol 'sacking', Biden's 'domestic terrorism' act and the systematic eradication of communication channels for people with certain opinions, will primarily be used against the left.

When President Biden starts his first war all significant protest against it will be declared to be 'domestic terrorism'. All communication against it will be 'inciting' and therefore banned. We know this because it has always been like this.

Posted by b on January 9, 2021 at 18:30 UTC | Permalink

Comments

next page 
Amid growing concerns about what U.S. President Donald Trump might do during his last days in office, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday that she had asked a top Pentagon general what measures were in place to prevent the president from launching a nuclear weapons attack.

The possibility, while seemingly remote, may be a consideration in a drive by Pelosi and some other national leaders to remove Trump from office even before his term in office ends on January 20.

This morning, I spoke to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes and ordering a nuclear strike, Pelosi wrote in a letter to her Democratic Party colleagues in the House of Representatives.

The situation of this unhinged president could not be more dangerous, and we must do everything that we can to protect the American people from his unbalanced assault on our country and our democracy.

Asked to confirm the call had taken place, a spokesman for Milley told VOA, He answered her questions regarding the process of nuclear code authority.

The spokesman did not elaborate on what was said during the call.

Illegal order

The president has sole authority to order the launch of a nuclear weapon and does not require the approval of Congress or his military advisers. But if a military commander were to determine, on advice of his lawyers, that such an order was illegal, then the order could be refused.

Past and present Pentagon leaders have also said they would not obey an illegal order from the president.

Pelosi and her colleagues are also anxious to see the president held accountable for his role in inciting the mob that overran the U.S. Capitol this week, delaying the certification of the election of President-elect Joe Biden and leading to the deaths of five people, including a Capitol Police officer.

A move to impeach Trump for the second time  if he was convicted in the Republican-led Senate  would also have the effect of preventing him from ever again holding federal office.

Democratic congressional leaders have also called on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, which offers an alternative and perhaps quicker way to remove the president from office. Pence has not responded but has reportedly told colleagues he does not favor such action.

Passed in the 1960s, the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution allows for the temporary transfer of power from the president to the vice president if the president is incapacitated, with the approval of the majority of the Cabinet. But analysts say that option could be difficult to exercise with just days left in Trump's presidency.

Power can be reclaimed

It's also very difficult in a situation in which the president is not in a coma or not otherwise physically incapacitated so that he can't function or operate, because under the 25th Amendment, once it is invoked, the president can notify Congress that he is able to discharge the powers of the office and take that power back, said John Hudak, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Pelosi warned that if Pence did not take action, congressional Democrats would pursue a vote on articles of impeachment.

The presidents dangerous and seditious acts necessitate his immediate removal from office, Schumer and Pelosi said Thursday.

An overwhelming number of Democratic lawmakers  and some Republicans  have expressed support for removing Trump from power or censuring his actions. But following Pelosis remarks, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy indicated he did not support impeachment.

Impeaching the president with just 12 days left in his term will only divide our country more, he said.

McCarthy said he had reached out to Biden to plan to speak with him about how to work together to lower tensions and unite the country.

Five people died as a result of the riot Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol. The presidents supporters overwhelmed Capitol Police to try to stop a joint session of Congress from counting the electoral votes and certifying Bidens win.

Earlier in the day, Trump held a rally on the National Mall and encouraged his supporters to protest the results. The massive security breach by the pro-Trump rioters marked the first time the U.S. Capitol had been invaded since the British entered it during the War of 1812.

Trump was impeached on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in December 2019 but was acquitted in a trial in the Senate in February 2020. No American president has ever faced two impeachment votes.

Two reasons given

There are two reasons to pursue impeachment, said Paul Berman, a professor at the George Washington University School of Law. One is simply to make it clear that a sitting president inciting an insurrection against the United States government is perhaps the worst thing that a president could ever possibly do. And that statement needs to be made. Second, and more pragmatically, if he were impeached, and convicted, that would prevent him from running for office in the future.

While it is unlikely U.S. lawmakers have time to return to work to enact the complicated procedures for an impeachment before the end of Trumps term, analysts say a Senate trial could be held after the president leaves office.

There's nothing that I can see in the Constitution that would prevent an impeachment trial and conviction from happening in the days after he leaves office, Berman said. We need to create accountability that a president cannot do what he did and also because we want to prevent him from holding office ever again.
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.

Union leaders insisted that they do not want anything less than the repeal of the laws and they are ready to fight till death

The farmer groups have also decided to meet on January 11 to decide their next course of action, even as many leaders said they have lost hope now that any resolution could be reached even in the next round of negotiations. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi: The government's negotiations with farm unions to end over-a-month-long agitation appeared heading nowhere at the eighth round of talks on Friday as the Centre ruled out repealing the three contentious laws claiming nationwide support for reforms while the farmer leaders said they are ready to fight till death and their 'ghar waapsi' will happen only after 'law waapsi'.

The next meeting has been fixed for January 15, amid indications that any headway will now depend on a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for January 11 on a batch of petitions related to the protest.

The farmer groups have also decided to meet on January 11 to decide their next course of action, even as many leaders said they have lost hope now that any resolution could be reached even in the next round of negotiations.

The meeting at Vigyan Bhawan in the heart of the national capital lasted for little over two hours, during which just about one hour of discussions took place, after which union leaders went on a maun vrat (vow of silence) holding placards with 'Jeetenge Ya Marenge' (We will win or die) and did not take a lunch break, while the three union ministers left the room for their own internal consultations.

Briefing the media after the talks, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said no decision could be reached as the farmer leaders did not present alternatives to their demand for the repeal of the laws. He hoped that the unions will come up with alternatives in the next meeting for the consideration of the government.

Union leaders, however, insisted they do not want anything less than the repeal of the laws and they are ready to fight till death. They also threatened that they are prepared to celebrate Lohri and Baisakhi festivals at their protest sites.

The two harvest-related festivals, one on January 13 and the other on April 13, are celebrated with much fanfare by the farming community in northern India.

The union leaders also said the farmers, thousands of whom are staying put at Delhi borders despite extremely cold weather and heavy rains, will continue with their plan to hold a tractor rally on Republic Day on January 26.

Farmer representatives said the discussions between the two sides were not entirely cordial this time and the pitch was high at times, while emotions ran high outside the venue also. Woman farmer leader Ravinder Kaur of Jai Kisan Andolan, crying profusely, said many mothers have lost their sons and many daughters have lost their fathers but the government was not ready to budge.

"The government is testing our strength, but we will not bow down. It seems we will have to spend Lohri and Baisakhi festivals here at protest sides," farmer leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan said, adding that it was unlikely that any resolution can happen in the next round of talks as well.

Another union leader Hannan Mollah said farmers are ready to fight the government till death, but going to court was not an option.

Several leaders said the government suggested at one point that why farmer groups do not become a party in the ongoing case in the Supreme Court.

Tomar, however, said the government did not suggest anything of that sort, though the issue came up because the apex court is already scheduled to hear related matters on January 11.

"We are a democracy and when laws are passed in Parliament, the Supreme Court has the authority to analyse them. Everyone, including the government, is obviously committed to the apex court and its decisions. The government is always committed to any direction given by the Supreme Court," he said.

Sources said the next date has been decided after keeping in mind the January 11 hearing as the government feels the apex court may look into the legality of the three laws, besides other issues related to farmers' protests.

During the meeting, prominent farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal had said several Supreme Court orders in the past have declared agriculture a state subject but unions are not keen to take the legal route in the current scenario.

"Ideally, the Centre should not interfere in agriculture matters as various Supreme Court orders have declared farming a state subject. It seems you (the government) do not want to resolve the issue as talks have been happening for so many days. In that case, please give us a clear answer and we will go. Why to waste everyone's time," he said.

Another leader said at the meeting, "Our 'ghar wapsi' (return to home) can happen only if you do 'law wapsi' (repeal of laws)."

All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) member Kavitha Kuruganti, who was also present in the meeting, said the government told unions that it can not and will not repeal these laws.

Later, Rajewal told PTI that the government suggested to the unions that why don't they become a party in the ongoing case on three farm laws in the Supreme Court.

"We rejected their suggestion outrightly and said the farmers' unions didn't and won't approach the court. Our sole mission is to get these laws repealed and our agitation will continue till that happens," he said.

Asked whether there was any progress in talks beyond 50 per cent, Tomar said: "It is stuck at 50 per cent as of now."

In the sixth round of talks held on December 30 last year, some common ground was reached on two demands -- decriminalisation of stubble-burning and continuation of power subsidies -- after which Tomar had said that 50 per cent resolution has been reached as two out of four issues got settled.

But the seventh round of talks on January 4 again ended inconclusively as the unions stuck to their demand for a complete repeal of three farm laws, while the government wanted to discuss only "problematic" clauses or other alternatives to end the stalemate.

The government has presented these laws, enacted in September last year, as major agri-market reforms aimed at improving farmers' income and their lives, but unions have billed them as pro-corporate and against the existing mandi and MSP procurement systems.

Asked if the government is open to giving an option to states for implementing the laws, Tomar said, "Farmers have not given any such proposal. But, the government has time and again said it will consider all alternative proposals."

On whether the government is giving such a proposal to unions, the minister said it should come from farmer groups.

"Any proposal from me or you do not matter," Tomar told reporters.

Asked if the government thinks religious leaders like Baba Lakha Singh can mediate with farmers to resolve the issue, Tomar said: "We have not approached anyone directly... Baba Lakha Singhji, a Sikh religious leader, came to meet me as he is pained about farmers protesting in cold weather and he wished for an early resolution."

"He presented farmers' issue before me and I told him about the government's legal stand... I urged him to talk to farmer leaders," Tomar said.

The minister said the farmers can give their proposals to the government directly or through Baba Lakha Singh.

"We have respect for farmers and for religious leaders. Talks with Baba Lakha Singh happened in a cordial atmosphere. I am hopeful that he must have talked to the people concerned," he added.

The minister, who was accompanied by Food, Commerce and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce Som Parkash during the talks, said the protesting farmers want the repeal of the laws, but there are many farmers across the country who support these legislations.

The minister said the government is respectfully holding talks with those opposing the laws and is also meeting those who are supporting the reforms.

Asked if the government will invite farm groups supporting the laws in the ninth round of talks, Tomar said there was no such plan as of now but it can be looked into in the future if required.

On whether the government was ready to set up an informal group to create convergence, Tomar did not give a direct reply and said the discussion on many issues take place during meetings.

At the outset, Tomar appealed to unions for discussions on the laws while keeping in mind the interest of farmers of the entire country, but farm leaders reiterated their demand that the new Acts must be withdrawn.

Before the start of the meeting, Tomar had also met senior BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah for about an hour.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also met Shah separately. Later talking to reporters, Khattar said a solution will definitely be reached through mutual dialogue.
In 2019, As more and more House Democrats clamored for President Donald Trumps impeachment, Rep. Mikie Sherrill was a holdout.

After reports surfaced that Trump held up congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine while asking its president to announce an investigation of Joe Biden, former Navy pilot Sherrill and six other swing-district Democrats with military or intelligence backgrounds dropped their reticence to impeachment.

That led House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to quickly begin proceedings, and Trump in December 2019 became only the third U.S. president ever to be impeached.

Now theres talk about impeaching Trump again after his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday while lawmakers were counting the electoral votes that would make Joe Biden the next president, and this time Sherrill isnt holding back.

I impeached the president a year ago because I was worried he was undermining our democratic institutions and its grown far, far worse since then, Sherrill, D-11th Dist., told NJ Advance Media after a meeting of House Democrats on Friday to discuss their next steps.

I was in the chamber as there were violent protestors incited by the president trying to prevent myself and my colleagues from perform our constitutional duty of certifying the election because this president didnt like the results, Sherrill said.

Sherrill and most of the states Democratic members of Congress have called for impeaching Trump an unprecedented second time. Earlier in the day, Trump repeated his disproven claims of a stolen election at a rally and told his supporters to go to the Capitol and fight like hell.

After the Democratic caucus meeting, Pelosi said in a statement that if Trump doesnt immediately resign, the 25th Amendment to the Constitution should be invoked to remove the president, or Congress should move ahead with impeachment.

Trump leaves office Jan. 20.

Our leadership and our members believe that the president of the United States is a threat to our safety and security, said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12th Dist. What he did was illegal and he ought to pay the consequences.

The lawlessness was fostered by the president of the United States inciting insurection against his on government, she said. It failed but it was a coup.

Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer from South River, while glass was broken, doors smashed and offices ransacked. While asking the protesters to disperse, Trump also continued to claim that we had an election that was stolen from us.

Hes simply unfit to serve, Sherrill said. I dont know how anyone can come to a different conclusion. This time around we saw the attempted overthrow of Congress. This seems like a very bright line for what we need to do.

U.S. voters were split on whether Trump should be removed from office before his term expires. In a PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll released Friday, 48% said steps should be taken to remove Trump from office while 49% said he should not.

At the same time, 64% said Trump deserved a great deal or good amount of blame for the violence, while 34%, including 69% of Republicans, said he deserved little or no fault blame.

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy of California urged Pelosi not to move ahead with impeachment, claiming it would only divide our country more.

After the protesters were cleared from the Capitol on Wednesday, McCarthy and a majority of House Republicans, including 2nd District Rep. Jeff Van Drew, voted to reject the certified election results from two states in an attempt to overturn the election that Biden won.

McCarthy, Van Drew and a majority of House Republicans also endorsed an unprecedented lawsuit asking the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out the election results in four battleground states so Trump could win a second term. The Supreme Court dismissed the suit.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Richard Barnett, who was photographed with his feet on Nancy Pelosis desk on Wednesday (Washington County Sheriffs Office/AP)

The FBI on Friday arrested an Arkansas man who was photographed sitting at a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office following the storming of the Capitol by a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters, authorities announced.

Richard Barnett turned himself in to FBI agents at a sheriffs office in Bentonville, Arkansas, said FBI Little Rock spokesman Connor Hagan.

Barnett was detained in jail in the Washington County Detention Center in nearby Fayetteville, Arkansas, without bond pending an initial court appearance, Mr Hagan said. No lawyer had been is listed for Barnett in online jail records.

Ken Kohl, the top deputy federal prosecutor in Washington, said Barnett was charged for entering Ms Pelosis office, where he left a note and removed some of the speakers mail.

Barnett, 60, faces three federal charges: knowingly entering or remaining in restricted grounds without authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and theft of public property or records. If convicted, he faces up to a year in federal prison.

Authorities say Barnett was among supporters of Mr Trump who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. Five people died because of the protest and violence, including a Capitol police officer.

Authorities said in court documents that they were able to identify Barnett in part through photographs taken by news media when he was inside the building.

Officials also used video surveillance from inside the Capitol and a video interview Barnett gave to a New York Times reporter in which he said: I didnt steal (an envelope).  I put a quarter on her desk, even though she aint (expletive) worth it.

Barnett is from Gravette in northwest Arkansas. He has identified himself on social media as a Trump supporter and gun rights advocate.

Jim Parsons, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who served in Vietnam as a Green Beret, told The Associated Press that he has been a guest speaker at a couple of patriotic gatherings that Barnett also attended.

Barnett had an AR-15 rifle with him to make sure things stay peaceful, Mr Parsons said. He called Barnett a good guy. Hes patriotic.
Apple and Google have told the free speech social media app Parler that it must begin moderating its users content, following violence at the US Capitol this week. The app  a Twitter alternative popular among Donald Trump supporters and the far-right  has faced renewed scrutiny for its role in the planning of the attacks.

On Friday, as pressure grew for Apple and Google to remove it from their stores, Google suspended Parler from the Play Store, citing continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the U.S.

In order to protect user safety on Google Play, our longstanding policies require that apps displaying user-generated content have moderation policies and enforcement that removes egregious content like posts that incite violence. All developers agree to these terms and we have reminded Parler of this clear policy in recent months. Were aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the U.S. We recognize that there can be reasonable debate about content policies and that it can be difficult for apps to immediately remove all violative content, but for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content. In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the apps listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues.

With the suspension, Parler is no longer available in Google Play, though people who have previously installed the app can continue to use it.

Apple also threatened a ban if the company doesnt rein in the violent threats. Apple emailed Parler CEO John Matze saying that Parler is not effectively moderating and removing content that encourages illegal activity, BuzzFeed News reported. The iPhone maker gave him 24 hours to create a moderation improvement plan. Matze has previously said he disagrees with other platforms moderation practices.

Apparently they believe Parler is responsible for ALL user generated content on Parler, Matze wrote in a response posted on Parler. Therefor [sic] by the same logic, Apple must be responsible for ALL actions taken by their phones.

Parler, which spiked in popularity following the November election as Twitter and Facebook cracked down on election misinformation, has been called out for its role in the violence in DC this week. Apple said in its letter that it had received numerous complaints regarding objectionable content in your Parler service, accusations that the Parler app was used to plan, coordinate, and facilitate the illegal activities in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021 that led (among other things) to loss of life, numerous injuries, and the destruction of property.

UPDATE: The calls for violence over on Parler are getting much, much worse.



There are now open calls for the murder of police officers and planning for violence on January 20th



This obviously severely violates the law, much less the @AppStore and @GooglePlay rules.#PullParler pic.twitter.com/jNyYhxbBNs  Sleeping Giants (@slpng_giants) January 8, 2021

Users have also turned to the app in the days since the riot to make a disturbing and violent threats about future plans. Screenshots of individuals calling for firing squads and threatening an armed response to Joe Bidens inauguration have been circulating on Twitter, along with calls for Apple and Google to ban the app. (Notably, Twitter cited plans for future armed protests in its decision to permanently suspend Trump.)

When pressed by The New York Times this week, Matze  who in the past has decried the censorship from Twitter and Facebook  repeatedly insisted he hadnt observed Parler users using the app for illegal purposes. If people are breaking the law, violating our terms of service, or doing anything illegal, we would definitely get involved, Matze said. But if people are just trying to assemble or theyre trying to put together an event theres nothing particularly wrong about that. Parler didnt respond to a request for comment.

As The Verge points out, both companies have pulled apps associated with the far right in the past. Chat app Gab was removed from Google Play for hate speech in 2017. And Apple booted Alex Jones InfoWars app in 2018 (Google removed the app last year for spreading coronavirus misinformation).

This story has been updated with a statement from Google.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) have announced that they will stage a protest from Tuesday, January 12 to Thursday, January 14.

The protests will be held at all branches of Universities and Inter-University centres, with members of both organisations as participants.

The JAC made this known in a statement signed by the NASU General Secretary, Peters A. Adeyemi and the SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim on Friday.

They said the protest is a response to the Federal Governments failure to address any of the issues contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) both parties had reached and signed back in October.

The JAC observed with disappointment that the Federal Government has completely failed to address any of the issues contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), they said.

Issues

According to the statement, the issues for which the Memorandum of Agreement were entered into include inconsistencies in IPPIS payments, non-payment of Earned Allowances, non-payment of arrears in minimum wage.

Delay in renegotiation of FGN, NASU and SSANU 2009 agreement, non-payment of retirement benefits of outgone members, Teaching Staff usurping Headships of non-teaching units in clear violation of conditions of Service and establishment procedures.

Other issues are: neglect and poor funding of state universities and non-constitution of visitation panels for universities.

Back in November, PREMIUM TIMES reported how the erstwhile President of SSANU, Samson Ugwoke, said the biggest challenge faced by the union is the lack of respect of agreements duly and freely entered into by the government at all levels.

The 2009 FGN/ SSANU agreement is a case in point of how agreements freely entered into is not implemented and even when some aspects are implemented, they are done in breach, he said.

According to him, as we speak today, salient aspects of the 2009 agreement with respect to Earned Allowances, career structure and progression of our members, encroachment into non-teaching units by Academic Staff among others, are yet to be implemented.

This is despite the fact that we had embarked on a series of strikes between 2009 to date, in order to drive home our demands for the government to respect the agreements. The outcomes of those strikes were further Memoranda of Understanding or Terms of Settlement between the Union and the Federal Government, he said.

Mr Ugokwe said the JAC has developed an alternative salary platform for NASU and SSANU, different from the Integrated Payroll Personnel Information System (IPPIS) called University General and Peculiar Personnel and Payroll System (UGPPS).

He said the UGPPS will capture the peculiarities of all categories of staff, teaching and non-teaching, a strength which IPPIS does not have and which has been its bane all along.
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.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
The Oregon Department of Corrections has vaccinated at least 400 of its staff at prisons across the state and could begin administering doses to a limited number of inmates as soon as next week, officials said Friday.

The department received an initial allotment of 400 doses in late December, said spokeswoman Vanessa Vanderzee, and all were administered by the end of 2020 to staff members who came in close contact with COVID-19 positive inmates.

A limited group of inmates who also come into contact with infected people will be eligible for the next round of vaccines, Vanderzee said, though she did not say exactly how many people would be in that group because that number is still in flux. The end result will likely be vaccinations for between 10 and 40 inmates at each of the states six largest prisons.

The state prison system in Oregon has been hit hard by the virus, with outbreaks in numerous facilities across the state. The Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla County has had 220 new cases diagnosed since Jan. 2 and inmates there have described feeling helpless to protect themselves against the virus.

Two Rivers is just one of five prisons in the state that are considered to be at the highest risk level designated by the state for correctional institutions.

Problems have been present since the beginning of the pandemic, and a group of inmates and former-inmates in April sued the department, along with Gov. Kate Brown and a number of other state officials, alleging that the defendants failed to protect prisoners from the spread of the coronavirus. In December, a judge ruled the suit could proceed, marking the first time a judge found that state leaders can face liability claims if they didnt carry out safety measures according to policies adopted to stem the tide of COVID-19.

Brown and other state officials have now decided to include inmates among those who are next in line for the vaccine in phase 1b, a spokesman said. Prisoners and teachers will be among the first vaccinated after health care workers, long-term care residents and others designated in phase 1a.

Vanderzee said that, per public health guidelines, inmates in general population will be eligible for the vaccine in the next phase of the rollout, though it will be up to the states Vaccine Advisory Committee exactly when their turn will come up.

-- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale
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
A Message From The Editor

just-style gives you the widest apparel and textile market coverage.

Paid just-style members have unlimited access to all our exclusive content - including 21 years of archives.

I am so confident you will love complete access to our content that today I can offer you 30 days access for 1*.

Its our best ever membership offer  just for you.

Leonie Barrie, editor of just-style

Leonie's offer to you

* plus VAT if applicable

(CNN)  Stephanie Grisham, the former White House communications director and press secretary and current chief of staff for first lady Melania Trump, submitted her resignation Wednesday afternoon, effective immediately, in the wake of the violent protests, a White House official says.

Grisham was one of the longest-serving Trump administration officials, having begun her tenure working for then-candidate Donald Trump in 2015 as a press wrangler on the campaign trail. Grisham entered the White House as deputy press secretary under Sean Spicer, but in March 2017, Melania Trump hired her for her East Wing staff. As East Wing communications director, Grisham quickly became the first lady's most prominent staffer, acting as defender, enforcer and, often, protector.

Grisham declined a CNN request for comment. The first lady's office did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.

President Donald Trump's inciting and refusal to condemn the violence is causing increased discussion among his aides about resigning. While there are only 14 days left in Trump's administration -- and many aides' final days will come before January 20 -- many are disgusted by the President's behavior and no longer believe they can serve him. Whether more join Grisham in resigning remains to be seen, but the level of frustration inside the White House is leading to a growing sense that Trump will be more isolated than ever in his final days in office.

In May 2019, Trump tapped Grisham to be his third press secretary, as well as take on the role of White House communications director, and maintain the same role for the first lady, a trifecta of jobs that had not prior been tasked to one person. Grisham, who replaced Sarah Sanders as press secretary, was in the role for just shy of one year, notably never once holding an on-camera press briefing, which for decades had been standard operating procedure for a White House press secretary.

Grisham eventually clashed with Trump's newly appointed chief of staff Mark Meadows, disagreeing on multiple issues, from communications strategies for the President to staffing decisions, and creating a fissure between the press office and Meadows, according to the official.

In April last year, Grisham was replaced with Kayleigh McEnany as press secretary and returned to the first lady's office in an amplified role, becoming her chief of staff, a position she held until her Wednesday departure. Grisham's decision to resign two weeks before the Trumps make their exit from the White House was precipitated by several months of consternation and struggle, said another senior White House official familiar with her thinking.

The official described Grisham as having a "very close" relationship with the first lady, though Wednesday's resignation was not the first time Grisham had considered leaving her post. The official said Grisham faced a barrage of challenges and what the source described as a "whisper campaign" and "roadblocks" launched by adversaries in the West Wing. Grisham had also in recent months expressed a desire to live closer to family in the Midwest.

This story was first published on First lady's chief of staff and former WH press secretary resigns over violent protests
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  wwwnewsofbahraincom

The Bahrain Entrepreneurship Organisation (BEO) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Thattai Hindu Merchants Community (THMC), under the patronage of Piyush Srivastava, the Indian Ambassador to Bahrain.

The BEO is working on a platform that promotes innovation and exchange of ideas in the economic field. The organisation is also working to enhance and encourage competitiveness, and provide new opportunities to develop the capabilities of Youth and Women Entrepreneurs. BEO chairwoman Feryal Nass welcomed Srivastava and the THMC board members and discussed the BEOs latest development, BahrainSoog.com.

From the inception of the BEO in June 2019, one of the projects in the pipelines was an e-Commerce platform to support Bahraini Entrepreneurs to export. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lockdowns and closures imposed to prevent the spread of the virus, the BEO sped up its plan and launched this platform, and in doing so assisted numerous Bahrain based businesses to export, said Nass.

Ambassador Srivastava praised the strong relationship between Bahrain and India that go back thousands of years. THMC President Bob Thaker welcomed the MoU and expressed optimism about the future collaborations and opportunities that the two organisations and their respective networks can develop in the post-COVID-19 world.

Thaker gave a presentation to the ambassador and the BEO members about the upcoming THMC complex and Krishna Temple Redevelopment plan. The US$5 million project will include the expanded temple, state of the art auditorium, a museum, a knowledge centre and other facilities.
Przepraszamy!

Ogoszenie na stanowisku:

Senior Financial Controller



wygaso z dniem 2021-02-06



Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Nordea Bank Abp SA Oddzia w Polsce

Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia oferty to:

oferta zamieszczona przez pracodawce zostaa usunieta z naszych zasobow

zleceniodawca zakonczy proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc osob

firma zmodyfikowaa tresc zlecenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem WWW

dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych

niewasciwy adres WWW ogoszenia

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Bankowosc / Leasing, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Bankowosc / Leasing

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku Senior Financial Controller, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Senior Financial Controller

Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: odz, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca odz



Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj.

Inne oferty, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan:
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.
Esta manana, la ministra Pilar Mazzetti superviso los ambientes del Cenares del Minsa, donde se almacenaran y distribuiran las vacunas contra la #COVID19 que llegaran proximamente al pais. pic.twitter.com/A6vSRkJDNs
One health law for all Even before the discovery of a new COVID strain in Britain set off a worldwide scare end December, Lankans returning from abroad since November have been hustled into high priced hotels to be quarantined for 14 days as paying guests, in what can, perhaps, be described, beneath the euphemisms used, as an extortion racket that benefits friendly hoteliers in the name of health concerns. Though the British fright made the Lankan Government cancel all flights from London, it didnt halt the chartered flights coming from one of the worst COVID hit countries in Eastern Europe, Ukraine which was reporting an average of 8,000 new cases and 200 deaths per day; and which, from Friday, has been locked down till January 24. While returning Lankan citizens were incarcerated at their own expense in hotel rooms at relatively exorbitant rates and not allowed out even in a quickie bubble, for a spot of fresh air and exercise during their 14 day sentence, the visiting Ukrainian tourists were enjoying an idyllic holiday in quarantine, joyously cavorting on the southern sun kissed beach strip. Though strict health guidelines have been codified and gazetted and, according to Police Spokesman Ajith Rohana, regular warnings to the Lankan public were being strictly enforced with imprisonment for violators, it soon became apparent the health authorities were bending the ground rules to accommodate the whims and convenience of the Ukrainian tourists. For starters, despite three tourists testing positive for COVID on the day they arrived in Lanka, and another three the following day, making suspect all other tourists who flew and shared the same, possibly, COVID contaminated air in the enclosed pressurised plane as the coronavirus afflicted, the strict period of quarantine is reduced from 14 days to 7 days in blatant breach of the health authorities ordained health guidelines for the rest of Lanka. Secondly, unlike the Sri Lankan returnees who have to remain crammed in claustrophobic hotel rooms with no let-up to their paid misery, the Ukrainian tourists are allowed, during their quarantine, the freedom of sandy beaches to sizzle in the sun and bathe in its warm rays, and receive much prized tans as take home souvenirs of their bohemian holiday on their island in the sun. Thirdly, even before the reduced seven-day quarantine period is over, they are whisked away to receive a marine treat in Mirissa. They are in for a spot of whale watching in the deep sea on a yacht. Then its off to Yala, where in a convoy of safari jeeps, they set off to watch the wild life on offer, after having first flung their face masks with gay abandon, thus bursting the imaginary, COVID proof bio bubble in which they are supposed to be cocooned and travel in at all times of the tour. When the convoy returns, the local drivers who drove the mask-less tourists and had been exposed to the COVID threat as a result, find to their chagrin that they are ordered to be quarantined for 14 days. Due to this fiasco, as part of damage control, the planned visits to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa and the Dalada Maligawa on January 4 and 5 were put on hold. And this after the Tourist Minister Prasanna Ranatunga saying two weeks ago, the tourists will travel in a Bio Bubble and will not have any contact with any Sri Lankan whatsoever. Addressing a news conference on Tuesday over the Ukraine fiasco, he himself had to come down from his high horse bubble on Monday and admit that they had failed to follow protocols and guidelines. So did the Health Ministry which stated it had to rectify the mistakes by a few Ukraine tourists when the airports were reopened on December 26 last year. But above all, the authorities must realise that health is no respecter of persons. It can bless one today merely by dwelling within or leave on accursed by fleeing the flesh. Thus, though all other laws can be flexed to suit certain customs or times, the law for health must be iron clad and must be for all. It is most dangerous when bent for expediency, even worse when its twisted for money. The question as to whether it is safe to bury Muslims who have died of COVID or whether their burial will lead to the coronavirus seeping to the environment to infect the community at large had been a controversial issue ever since the first Muslim death was reported. Finally, the government referred the matter to an expert committee for a decision. On Thursday, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi asserted that the decision taken by the experts committee had been to cremate all COVID-19 related dead bodies and this will not be changed on any social, religious, political or personal grounds. She told Parliament: We will implement that recommendation firmly. We will not change such experts opinion at this point where the country is facing a serious pandemic situation. Hence, under no social, religious, political or personal grounds, this decision will be revoked. If thats the firm stance the Government has taken in the face of intense Muslim feeling, given the fear of an outbreak when the country is facing a serious pandemic, the other gazetted health guidelines, too, must stand firm and not be changed, bent, made lax or ignored on any social, religious, political or personal grounds or for commercial reasons to gratify Mammon. The health law must be one for all.
Killeen, TX (76540)

Today

Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 88F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms later during the night. Low 69F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Twitters banning of Donald Trump illustrates the increasing appetite of social media giants to suspend controversial accounts.

Facebook and Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, also suspended Mr Trumps account indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete, said Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg.

The outgoing US presidents Twitter account, his main method of communication, was permanently revoked on Friday, adding his name to a list of people who have been kicked off Big Tech platforms in recent years.

Katie Hopkins, the former Apprentice star turned right-wing provocateur, had more than a million followers on Twitter when she was booted off the site last year.

Expand Close Katie Hopkins (Philip Toscano/PA) PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Katie Hopkins (Philip Toscano/PA)

Twitter said she was suspended for breaking rules on hate speech after sparking outrage with comments on race, religion and immigration.

She had been heavily criticised over remarks comparing migrants to cockroaches as well as claiming the photograph of a dead Syrian boy lying on a beach  which sparked a wave of compassion across Europe  was staged.

Keeping Twitter safe is a top priority for us  abuse and hateful conduct have no place on our service and we will continue to take action when our rules are broken, a Twitter spokesman said.

Ms Hopkins appears to be posting videos to a small Facebook page currently, which has just over 23,000 followers.

Another British right-wing personality, Milo Yiannopoulos, was banned from Twitter in 2016 after being accused of urging his followers to abuse actress Leslie Jones and her role in the female-led Ghostbusters reboot.

The former technology editor at the Breitbart website had more than 300,000 followers on the site and described himself as the most fabulous supervillain on the internet.

He came to be seen as an alt-right figurehead, was recruited to Breitbart by Mr Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon, and was known to refer to the president as daddy.

Facebook has also stepped up its banning of accounts deemed to be extremist, including one belonging to Mr Yiannopoulos.

In 2019, the social media site banned figures including Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, and right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones for violating its policies on hate and violence.

The company said it has also banned right-wing figures Paul Nehlen, Paul Joseph Watson and Laura Loomer, along with Mr Joness conspiracy-promoting site Infowars.

The permanent suspensions were criticised by Mr Trump at the time, who said he was monitoring and watching, closely!!

He has previously claimed social media companies are biased against conservatives, something the companies have rejected.

Supporters of Mr Trump have cited the fact that Mr Farrakhan, who has been widely accused of anti-Semitism and has referred to Satanic Jews, and Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini remain on Twitter.
Turning Point

As Covid-19 deaths climbed in December, the first vaccines reached frontline workers.

by Trilby MacDonald

From the January, 2021 issue

In the first two weeks of the month, the novel coronavirus killed twenty people in Washtenaw County--more than the total who died over four months last summer. The positivity rate--the percentage of people tested who are found to be infected--has quadrupled since then, to 9 percent.



With so many people sick, "trying to figure out where the cases are coming from and where people are being exposed is impossible," says Susan Ringler-'Cerniglia, public information officer for the county health department. Without data, there was no way to know if the explosion in infections and deaths was the feared "bump" from Thanksgiving gatherings or simply the continued swelling of the virus's second wave.



Whatever the cause, hospitals saw more than 100 new Covid patients in those two weeks. As the Observer went to press, University Hospital had 101 Covid patients, twenty-seven of them in intensive care. But after more than doubling its ICU last spring, "we have ICU bed capacity available," emails Michigan Medicine spokesperson Mary Masson.



St. Joseph Mercy Hospital had 118 Covid patients, with eighteen in intensive care. Before the pandemic, St. Joe's ICU was staffed for forty-eight beds, but "our capacity is fluid and changes hour to hour as patients improve," says chief nursing officer Kathy Hoffman. "We are expanding and contracting as needed."



Staffing is a separate challenge. "Like most health care systems, Michigan Medicine is concerned about staffing shortages of healthcare workers," Masson emails. "We continue to carefully monitor our needs and encourage our staff to take precautions to avoid risk of exposure to COVID-19. We are considering all options for staffing, which has included reaching out to retired employees."



Hoffman says that through its corporate parent, Trinity Health, St. Joe's has tapped a regional staff pool "that allows us to shift resources. We shifted resources to Muskegon in the first surge, and now they are shifting to us."



St. Joe's has also "reached out to retired staff for support work that goes

...continued below...

along with responding to a surge," Hoffman says, particularly in its vaccination clinics. "We've had retired nurses reach out to us saying that [they would] love to help, and that's a great space that they can work in."Both hospitals got their first deliveries of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine in mid-'December and were hoping Moderna's would follow soon. The county health department is getting vaccines to practitioners outside the big systems and to EMS workers; state and federal groups are handling nursing homes and long-term care facilities.The vaccines were developed at unprecedented speed in a highly politicized environment. A recent state survey found that only about a third of Michigan residents want to get the shots as soon as they're available, with another third planning to get them later.Medical professionals are more enthusiastic. St. Joe's spokesman Bobby Maldonado emails that "slots to receive the first batch of the vaccine are filling quickly." And county commissioner Katie Scott, a U-M nurse, estimates that 95 percent of her ICU colleagues are on board. "Several nurses I work with have gotten the jab already," she emails. "I'm jealous!"Hoffman stresses that until vaccination is widespread, prevention is still the best defense against the virus. She urges everyone to "get their flu shot, wear masks, wash hands, and maintain social distancing."The health care systems face one more stress: the federal government made advance purchases to accelerate the vaccines' development and has promised the shots will be free to the public. But it hasn't provided funds to distribute and administer them.For now, says Hoffman, St. Joe's is focused on vaccinating its staff and patients. "We trust that we will be able to figure out the finances after the fact." [Originally published in January, 2021.]
No, it's not a replica of the original GT500, but a so-called  Continuation series . As some of you know, in 2001 Carroll Shelby gave his blessing to a company called Unique Performance to build no less and no more than 75 GT500 Continuation Super Snakes, but not long after that, it all went horribly wrong.The company in question was called Unique Performance, and it filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in late 2007, following a number of shady complaints from customers that put a deposit down and never got their car.The Raven Black vehicle in this story is number 23 of only 43 completed cars and it has an interesting history of its own.Apparently, it was originally delivered in early 2006 and was returned for service at Unique Performance approximately a year later, during which time the company entered bankruptcy, so the car ended up in the custody of Texas State Police.Eventually released from impound, it was eventually sent to a company called Revved Automotive Performance for service and some repairs caused by the time spent in police custody.The arresting Raven Black Super Snake is listed in the Shelby American Registry with a serial number. However, it now has an Arizona states-assigned VIN and it comes with full documentation, including Carroll Shelby's signature on the dash and an authentication letter from CS Licensing.Under that giant bulbous hood lies a Shelby Performance 427 ci V8 that's been bored to no less than 482 cubic inches (7.9 liters) of displacement. Since that's not overkilling enough for some people, there's also a Vortech supercharger in the mix.The monstrous engine is paired with a Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual and a 3-inch aluminum driveshaft that goes toward a Currie 9-inch rear axle with a 3.50 final gear.The car went under the hammer at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale event last year but no serious buyer seems to have jumped at the occasion to own such a mechanical beast.
Mass Rapid Testing Key to Saving Lives Amid Slow Vaccine Rollout, Says Advocacy Group

Rapid antigen tests can tell whether someone is positive or negative within 15 minutes, and at a fraction of the cost

As Canadas vaccine rollout continues at a slow pace amid rising COVID-19 cases, an advocacy group is pleading with health officials to immediately employ widespread rapid testinga strategy it says could save thousands of lives.

Rapid Test & Trace Canada launched a campaign to advocate for mass rapid testing last month, calling on federal and provincial governments to immediately implement a nationwide rapid test and contact tracing regime as a way to identify and isolate cases early. The group says this would quickly curb the spread of the virus, save lives amid vaccine delays, and allow the country to reopen safely.

The consensus is becoming clear that the best way out of the stop-and-start cycle of lockdowns is to do far more rapid testing and implement a better contact tracing system to get COVID-19 under control until a vaccine is widely available, said Rapid Test co-founder Sandy White, an entrepreneur and former policy adviser.

Our group is attempting to assist where government is failing.

White says his groupa coalition of academics, public health professionals, and medical specialistswas launched out of frustration with the governments pandemic response. For the past month Rapid Test has been approaching municipalities, businesses, and institutions to run rapid testing pilot projects in a bid to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Mass rapid testing involves testing people frequently, regardless of whether they have symptoms, to detect those who are infectious and quickly quarantine them. Unlike the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests favoured by Health Canada, which take 1-5 days to yield results, rapid antigen tests can tell whether someone is positive or negative within 15 minutesand at a fraction of the cost.

White says his strategy would be to supplement this type of rapid testing with efficient contact tracing, so those who have been exposed to infected people can be tested to clamp down quickly on any spread. This may be critical in curbing new cases, as new data from the CDC shows more than half of COVID-19 transmissions may come from people who dont even know they have it.

By not using these quick, efficient, and cheap tools that we have at our disposal, Canada is really actively and negligently missing the majority of COVID-19 cases out there, said White.

People wait in line at the Womens College COVID-19 testing facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Sept. 18, 2020. (Carlos Osorio/Reuters)

White questions why Canada is slow to embrace rapid testing despite many other countries like the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, and Australia making rapid tests a key part of their pandemic-fighting arsenal. He says Canadas PCR testing record is also troubling, sitting at 48th in the world for tests per one million of populationwhich is less than half the rate in the United States.

White also points to promising pilot studies from various regions that have employed widespread rapid testing to great success. Slovakia, for example, tested two-thirds of its 5.5 million people over just two days this fall using rapid antigen kits, which identified 57,500 new COVID-19 cases. Those who tested positive were immediately put into quarantine. The viruss curve was quickly flattened and began trending downward, allowing Slovakia to reopen the economy. In addition, morbidity rates in the small country plummeted by about 60 percent in only one week, one British study found.

Rapid Tests goal is for 200,000 Canadians to be tested per day by February, and 5 million per day by Aprilbut to achieve that theyll need a lot more support from the government.

Rapid Test Resistance

One of Canadas most vocal champions of rapid testing, Conservative health critic Michelle Rempel Garner, has been pushing the federal government for months to use the tests on a mass scale, especially in transmission hotspots like airports, schools, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

But so far, federal as well as provincial governments have been resistant to the idea. Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu said rapid testing is not a silver bullet and told the House of Commons in October that rapid tests have actually added confusion and increased the risk of infection.

Minister of Health Patty Hajdu responds to a question from a reporter during a news conference, on Oct. 6, 2020 in Ottawa. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

Provincial health authorities have also expressed hesitation about them, saying rapid tests are not as accurate as the lab-based PCR tests.

White says this type of reasoning represents the governments massive failure of thinking and of logic in managing the pandemic, because even if some of the tests produced inaccurate results, having widespread testing in place in itself is a critical advantage over having none at all. Health Canada requires at least an 80 percent accuracy rate for a test to be approved.

[The governments] preference is to just completely open the floodgates and let everything through, versus building a dam that might have a few holes in it but catches 90 percent of cases, he said.

According to a study co-authored by Dr. Michael Mina, a Harvard University epidemiologist and one of Rapid Tests advisers, the most important factors in a test curbing the spread of COVID-19 is its ability to be used quickly, often, and across the broadest possible population. The study made a case for how rapid testing and tracing could cripple COVID-19 in weeks.

Health Canada has now approved a number of rapid tests and around 5.5 million have arrived, with millions more expected in the coming months, but distribution largely falls to the provinces. Though several provinces are using the tests in targeted high-risk communities on a small scale, millions of available rapid tests are currently sitting in storage, stalled by governments who are still assessing their value or are daunted by the logistics of employing them on a mass scale.

Very disheartening to see that almost a year into a pandemic we are still drowning and are absolutely nowhere on one of the most critical aspects of managing a disease like this, which is testing, White said.

In his discussions with provinces, Ontario has been an outlier in warming up to rapid testing; Premier Doug Ford has called rapid tests an absolute game changer.

At a press conference on Dec. 21, Ford lamented the number of international travellers arriving at Pearson Airport basically unchecked, many of whom are not quarantining. He criticized Ottawa for dragging its feet in assisting Ontario with testing at airports, despite being repeatedly asked. He said he will proceed with rapid testing at Pearson with or without federal help.

But on the whole, White has been disappointed by a lacklustre response from most health officials at the provincial and federal levels.

I dont see any urgency on this, he said. [Health officials] are just sort of digging their heels in and saying that sounds like a lot of work, were not really sure if we trust the tests, and theres a vaccine coming anyway.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Long-Term Care Minister Merrilee Fullerton listen as they are briefed on COVID-19 Rapid Test Device kits at Humber River Hospital in Toronto on Nov. 24, 2020. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)

At a time when COVID-19 caseloads are spiking across Canada, the majority of Canadians wont be vaccinated until the fall, and testing should be ramping up, testing numbers in several provinces actually dropped last monthincluding in hard-hit provinces like Ontario and Quebecwith public-health officials blaming the holidays for a decrease in tests.

White says this shows the urgent need for governments to put a stronger focus on rapid testing and not to passively wait for a vaccine that is several months away, which could mean thousands of unnecessary deaths. Still, hes not optimistic that the political will is there.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, its that if government really wants to do something, they can do it, he said.

Nevertheless, White says Rapid Test is still having conversations at all levels of government to push for his strategy, and is continuously seeking collaboration with various businesses and institutions.

Hes currently working on developing a pilot project in Banff in partnership with the local business community, and is speaking with other municipalities across the country as well as universities, long-term care homes, and indigenous communities, in hopes these projects will prove rapid tests can have an impact.

Were trying to have a small impact anywhere we can, he said. The small impact is better than no impact, but were looking at how to roll this out on a larger scale.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention being held virtually - a flagship event of the Ministry of External Aaffairs (MEA) that provides a platform to engage and connect with the Indian diaspora.

Speaking at the convention, PM Modi hailed the contributions of the diaspore to the global community. "In the past years, Non-Resident Indians have strengthened their identity in other countries,'' PM Narendra Modi said.

In the past years, Non-Resident Indians have strengthened their identity in other countries: PM Narendra Modi https://t.co/D3SjMSAm33  ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021

"You all have made a big contribution to the fight against Covid where you are staying and in India. Your contribution to PM Cares is strengthening health services in India," the PM said while hailing the NRIs.

"Today, we have been connected with the internet from various corners of the world but our minds are always connected with 'Maa Bharti,'' PM Narendra Modi said while addressing the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.

Today we have been connected with internet from various corners of the world but our minds are always connected with 'Maa Bharti': PM Narendra Modi at 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention pic.twitter.com/Qq7iOWHKwC  ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021

India's mantra of 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' is appealing to the world. India's history is proof that there's no question or doubts about India's ability in any circumstances, he added.

''India used to import PPE kits, masks, ventilators and testing kits from outside but today our nation is self-reliant. Today India is ready to save humanity with two 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines,'' the PM said.

The main intent behind this programme is to encourage overseas Indians to be part of socio-economic development in India. Briefing media in New Delhi, MEA Spokesman Anurag Srivastava said, the theme of the convention is 'Contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

"In view of the sentiments of our vibrant diaspora community, the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is being organized on January 9, 2021, despite the ongoing COVID pandemic," read a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Thursday.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is held in the country every year to sustain and nurture the symbiotic relationship between India and its diaspora, and to address the development challenges that the country faces.

The convention will have three segments, the official statement read. It will also feature a keynote address by the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Honble President of the Republic of Suriname.

Live TV
One of the objectives, he said, is to identify the blockers that learners/students may be dealing with and could be impacting their well-being. Blockers can be anything from what they ate for breakfast or a minor illness to sleep schedules, issues at home or things related to the pandemic, he said.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : In a move to put pressure on the government over the three farm laws, the Congress on Saturday said that it has decided to organise 'Kisan Adhikar Divas' in the country and will gherao the Raj Bhavans across all states on January 15.

Addressing a press conference here, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said: "Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has decided that in support of agitating farmers the party will organise Kisan Adhikar Divas in its party offices and will also gherao the Raj Bhavans in the state headquarters on January 15." According to party leaders, the decision was taken at the virtual meeting of the party's General Secretaries and state in-charges with Sonia Gandhi earlier in the day.

Surjewala said the time has come that the central government needs to understand the warning of the farmers because they have now decided to fight till their last breath if the three laws are not repealed.

Surjewala said that the party will organise protests and agitations on January 15 that will include a march to the Raj Bhavans, to demand repealing of the three farm laws.

He slammed the government for asking the farmers to approach the Supreme Court and said, "People of the country have elected the government and not the Supreme Court." The Congress General Secretary said that in the last 73 years it is for the first time that a government is asking farmers to approach the Supreme Court.

"Those who are not ready to take their responsibility are asking farmers to knock the doors of the Supreme Court.

"People of the country have elected the government then why does the government want to send farmers somewhere else.

"These three farm laws were made by the government in Parliament and not the Supreme Court. Then why is the government passing its responsibility to the court," the Congress leader said.

"The job of making laws is with the Parliament and not with the Supreme Court. And if government is unable to take responsibility then it has no moral right to stay in power anymore," Surjewala said.

He accused the Modi government of trying to tire out the farmers, who are sitting at several borders of the national capital since November 26 last year.

"In the last 40 days, the government has held eight meetings and they are only giving next dates of talks," Surjewala said, adding that the government is responsible for the death of over 60 farmers during the protest.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

Spring ISD board members reviewed their annual Texas Academic Performance Report during their Thursday work session, discussing how they compare with the rest of the state and how they can improve.

The Texas Academic Performance Report is an annual report from the Texas Education Association that includes data from the state, district and individual school level, which is aggregated by ethnicity, English learner status and special education status.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Westfield High School welcomes freshmen to new ninth-grade center

Jennifer Cobb, Spring ISD assistant superintendent of research, accountability and testing, said data from STAAR and end of course exams is also typically included, but was excluded this year as they were not held last school year due to the pandemic.

SAT results for Spring ISD in the report were shown to be lower compared to other schools at the district and state level, at 454 for English/writing and 438 for reading. Cobb said this had to do with Spring ISD providing the SAT for all juniors, as opposed to many other districts where there may only be students preparing for college taking the SAT.

We do test all students and not all the districts, most districts dont test all students, Spring ISD Superintendent Rodney Watson said. If we only test the students that want to take it, then the scores are gonna be higher. But from an equity standpoint, there are kids who cant pay for it or wont get it. Were gonna continue testing all kids to make sure all kids have access.

Spring, Klein school notebook: Spring ISD supports students with literacy baskets

Spring ISD pays for students to take the SAT themselves. Board member Winford Adams agreed with Watson that testing all students every year was a good idea.

Advanced course and dual credit courses showed the completion rate was slightly lower than the region and the state as well, but Cobb said they are trending upward, rising to 37.5 percent of all students in the 2018-2019 school year, compared to 27.9 percent in the 2016-2017 school year.

Spring ISD is also behind the region and state for the distinguished level of achievement, with 52.4 percent graduating at that level compared to 80.3 percent at the state level. Cobb said this was due to the state not making algebra II a requirement for graduation, but it is a requirement to reach the distinguished level of achievement.

Were going to make sure the students are aware they really need to take algebra II because it limits their college-going and college access where they may not be thinking about that now, Cobb said. We want to make sure they take algebra II so five years from now, when they do decide to do college, that opportunity is open to them.

Adams said he would go a step further and push kids to take calculus while in high school.

Taking calculus on a college campus is orders of magnitude more difficult than taking calculus in a high school classroom, Adams said. To me, that requirement in high school gives our kids a leg up in college.

While Spring ISDs drop-out rate was about the same under most criteria, the report shows the district does have a higher drop-out rate for English-learning students at 7.2 percent for the class of 2019.

For me, this re-emphasizes that we should really remain focused on two-way dual-language instruction and extending that beyond what were doing now with elementary school kids into middle and high school, Adams said. I think theres an opportunity here to impact these numbers if we continue to grow that program and recruit teachers who can engage students in two-way dual language, both native speakers and our kids here that we want to learn Spanish.

paul.wedding@hcnonline.com
NORTHVILLE, MI - Chick-fil-A is building two new restaurants in Metro Detroit and is looking to hire dozens of people for both full and part time positions. The Northville and Shelby Township locations are set to open sometime this spring with no specific dates announced yet.

The chicken restaurant chain recently opened a location in Novi and also has plans to open restaurants on January 14th in Kalamazoo and Norton Shores.

The Northville restaurant is located at 20135 Haggerty Rd. The Shelby Twp. one doesnt have an address listed yet, but the hiring center is at 13825 Hall Rd. Both are looking for restaurant leadership/management positions as well as front counter/drive-thru members and back of the house/kitchen employees.

You can apply by simply texting the word jobs to 248-721-4449. Walk-in interviews are also taking place. Check the Northville restaurants Facebook page and the Shelby Twp. Facebook page for weekly updates on days and times.

Chick-fil-A says it offers its employees competitive pay and benefits, opportunities for leadership growth, college scholarships and more.

Chick-fil-A opened its first stand-alone full service restaurant in Michigan in October 2016 in Lansing with another full service location inside Somerset Mall in Troy opening on the same day. There are now locations in Okemos, Portage, Grand Rapids (two), Wyoming, Holland, Detroit (Detroit Medical Center & Metro Airport express), Allen Park, Ypsilanti (EMU express) and Rochester (Oakland U. express). Opening soon will be in Kalamazoo, Norton Shores, Northville and Shelby Twp.

MORE FROM MLIVE:

Outdoor dining structures resembling Mexican luminarias being built at Detroit restaurants

Bobbleheads featuring A League of Their Own players include two Michigan all-stars

Dog stranded on ice saved in daring rescue in frigid Detroit River
Jack Kidd is a supremely well-connected businessman, former professional polo player and socialite who found minor celebrity in the 2000s as the dashing older brother of fashion model Jodie.

A great-grandson of publishing tycoon Lord Beaverbrook, and son of a high-profile showjumper, the jet-setting 47-year-olds immediate family also includes sister Jemma, a high-profile make-up artist presently divorcing the Duke of Wellingtons son and heir, Arthur Mornington.

Thanks to his impeccable breeding and sometimes rackety social life, Kidds high-octane lifestyle has for years enlivened gossip columns.

The father of six children, by three rich women, hes clocked up two starry weddings (one of which filled 16 pages of Hello!) and one quite spectacular divorce, during which his jilted heiress wife branded him as a cad and bounder in a round-robin email to 200 friends.

Hes also pursued a host of colourful business ventures, inside the world of polo and out, including a stint as a director of Jemmas make-up firm, where for reasons well never know, he shared the boardroom with the now-notorious Ghislaine Maxwell, who appears to be an old family friend.

Jodie Kidd's brother Jack (pictured) is a leading figure in the British offshoot of QAnon, the far-right extremist group of Trump supporters who led the invasion of U.S. Congress this week

And so, Mr Kidd has managed to cut a glamorous and charismatic figure. For decades hes pursued a champagne lifestyle, rubbing shoulders with some of the worlds wealthiest and most fashionable people.

But those days will soon be gone.

For in dark corners of the internet, Jack Kidd now has a very different sort of celebrity  one unlikely to lead to many more glamorous photo spreads in glossy magazines.

This strapping old Harrovian, who once played polo with Prince Charles and Prince Harry, is  I can reveal  a leading figure in the British offshoot of QAnon, a far-Right extremist group of Donald Trump supporters who led the invasion of U.S. Congress in Washington DC this week.

Calling himself a Digital Soldier and Citizen Journalist, he now lives in the Scottish Highlands at an 18,000-acre estate belonging to the family of his current wife Rosie Tyser.

From there, in recent months, he has circulated hundreds of social media posts pushing bizarre conspiracy theories from the cult-like organisation  members of which believe the world is secretly controlled by celebrity paedophiles.

Kidd has appeared in QAnon chat shows, watched by millions, in which he rails against a satanic matrix of Left-leaning politicians, Hollywood stars, bankers and captains of industry who collaborate to secretly abuse and cannibalise trafficked children.

Kidd repeats the groups surreal propaganda daily on social media, ranting about everything from vaccines (human mental genocide served up as medicine), to coronavirus (a scamdemic invented by the global elite, big pharma, and big tech), to the white trails that aeroplanes leave in the sky, which he regards as evidence that the Government is trying to secretly spray chemicals on the public.

Most of all, he shares evidence supporting QAnons central conspiracy theory: that Donald Trump is a sort of messiah battling to rid the world of satanist paedo overlords.

Police hold back supporters of Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol's Rotunda

If you think this all sounds utterly bonkers, you are not alone; and we will explore QAnons deranged theology later. But as this weeks events show, Kidds beliefs can also prove highly dangerous.

Many of his posts are riddled with vile anti-Semitism (he recently accused the Rothschilds and other bloodline families of helping cover up the paedophilia pandemic) and he has fomented hatred against groups, including Catholics and the black nobility who in a recent post are described as the true rats of this world.

Such appalling rhetoric is why the FBI has long regarded QAnon as a domestic terror threat (even before its members invaded the U.S. Capitol) while sites on which the cult first gained traction, have belatedly attempted to outlaw the militarised social movement.

Jack Kidd was recently banned from Instagram  where he boasted tens of thousands of followers  for sharing fake news, and was, before Christmas, suspended by Facebook for two months for the same offence.

YouTube routinely deletes his videos (only for them to pop up elsewhere) while he is now also being monitored by anti-extremist group Hope Not Hate.

What makes him uniquely dangerous, they argue, is that unlike the various wingnuts whose excesses filled the airwaves this week, Kidd cuts an outwardly normal figure. And his celebrity status adds to his allure.

A guy dressed in a horned hat with tattoos everywhere is unlikely to convince, say, your mum, says a Hope Not Hate spokesman

But when you get a well-educated, good-looking person advancing the same conspiracy theories, thats a different matter because they are much more likely to listen to him and believe what hes saying. Its what makes someone like Jack Kidd so dangerous.

An acquaintance of Kidd adds: Hes become quite the celebrity catch in these circles, and keeps getting banned from social media sites only to emerge in wackier and wackier guises.

Rally: People attend a rally in support of President Donald Trump on Wednesday

Another tells me: At first it was funny, and we all had a good laugh, but now its got seriously dark and sinister and we worry about where it will all end.

To understand what turned this once-glamorous socialite into one of Britains ugliest propagandists, we must go back to October 2017, when QAnon began.

It originally took hold via an online message group called 4chan, where users were discussing Pizzagate, a 2016 scandal which emerged from the publication by Wikileaks of emails from the U.S. Democratic Party that were stolen by Russian hackers.

Far-Right conspiracists who read those emails decided that references to pizza and pasta were in fact secret paedophilic code for underage girls and boys being abused in a sex-trafficking ring run by Hillary Clinton.

As this odd theory gathered pace, a man armed with a rifle walked into a pizza restaurant in Washington DC and demanded to see the basement, where he believed the victims were being held.

There was no basement there, and the gunman, Edgar Welch, was later arrested.

But that didnt prevent Pizzagate mutating into an even weirder theory: that a network of politicians and celebrities were torturing and murdering thousands of children to harvest their adrenal glands for compound adrenochrome, which they then used as an elixir of life as well as a recreational drug.

Against this backdrop, an anonymous 4chan user calling himself Q, who claimed to have high-level U.S. security clearance, began using the message board. His first post, on October 27, claimed that Hillary Clinton was facing arrest for running said paedophile ring.

Rioters clash with police using big ladder to try to enter Capitol building through the front doors. Rioters breached the Capitol building in an attempt to overthrow the results of election

Of course, that was proved untrue. But not before a Right-wing YouTube personality, Tracy Diaz, had shared the message with 250,000 followers, sending it viral.

Over the coming weeks and months, Q shared further messages, written in cod-military language and peppered with pro-Trump slogans.

A community dedicated to discussing Qs claims soon sprang up. They christened his messages Q drops or breadcrumbs.

There have since been about 4,800 drops and QAnon can lay claim to having grown into possibly the worlds biggest conspiracy theory.

Extremist followers, of which Kidd is one, believe the world is secretly run by a satanic cult composed of paedophiles, cannibals, various progressive public figures including a number of Hollywood stars such as actor Tom Hanks, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and chat show queen Oprah Winfrey.

They are supposedly being aided and abetted by governments, the media and big business. The hero of this saga is, meanwhile, Donald Trump. According to Q, his secret motivation for running for president was to save the world from satanist paedophiles.

QAnons wider theology takes in a variety of anti-vaccine, anti-5G mobile technology, and anti-Semitic conspiracies that will lead to an imminent revelation of the truth, or the Great Awakening, in which Trump and his digital army will vanquish the liberal elites and usher in a global utopia.

Jack Kidd buys into it all.

Explosion caused by police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of Capitol

In the days before Christmas, he used Facebook to post endlessly about what he dubbed the imminent Great Awakening of humanity, posting a link to a statement by Q on December 22 and then urging followers to sit back and enjoy the show but always remember that God or Light Wins.

Kidd continued: Please do not try and make sense of our reality as we are in the final stages of a secret and satanic war against people you did not even know, that controlled your lives. We are about to be set free.

On the same date, Kidd shared multiple fake news posts about alleged U.S. election fraud, including one claiming that Donald Trump cannot possibly have lost the election because Trump got 74 million votes and there are only 133 million registered voters in the USA.

In fact, America has a population of 331 million, of which just under 240 million are registered voters.

He also posted a video about the New World Order, stating: We need to destroy this satanic order that has tortured our reality #greatawakening #whiterabbit #darktolight #QAnon.

Kidd has previously claimed that his belief in the QAnon conspiracy theory dates back to his professional polo-playing days, when he decided the super-rich were evil and bad people.

In a video interview with a YouTube personality, Charlie Ward, which has clocked up two million views in various iterations, he claimed hed therefore carried out research into wealthy elites online.

According to Q, Donald Trump's motivation for running for president was to save the world from Satanist paedophiles. Trump will vanquish the liberal elites and usher in a global utopia

It just blew my mind open with how bad everything was, he said. The more I went down the rabbit hole, and the more I realised how terrible it was, and just satanic and evil. It just fried my head.

He was then recruited to QAnon, so to speak, by a professional bridge player friend called Simon Stocken.

He was one of my only friends online that was helping me with this conspiracy world [and] he told me about Q, Kidd said.

He said that theres this military website thats come on, its behind Trump, its trying to tell the truth and yeah, what a journey thats been, getting into Q, understanding what thats all about

Its been very confusing at times, very amazing at times, very disheartening at times. Its been an incredible truth journey and Im so pleased everyone seems to be waking up.

During the rambling chat, Kidd variously railed against bankers (they dont worship God, they worship Satan. They sacrifice children) and described coronavirus as a hoax created by the deep State to unseat President Trump.

Kidd further claimed that ultraviolet light can kill the majority of the virus and ranted that vaccines were part of a disgusting plan to enrich Bill Gates, who is going to hang soon at Guantanamo Bay, and I hope they feed him to the piranhas.

Mr Ward, who appears to be a family friend (he claimed in their chummy conversation to know Jacks mother Wendy) nodded sagely throughout.

Which is hardly surprising as the BBC recently named him as one of QAnons other key British influencers, boasting 170,000 followers across a variety of social media accounts and 51,000 subscribers to his online videos, which he presents in front of a QAnon logo.

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington

He and Kidd  who according to Hope Not Hate have both made films about a QAnon activist called Joseph Gregory Hallett  also discussed the imminent great awakening, with the former socialite saying, with a straight face, that he believes we are now going into an enlightened period under the leadership of Donald Trump who  he further alleged  had arrested Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden and replaced them with lookalikes to stop them ruining his plan.

If you look, theyve got different ears, he said. Theyve got different noses. You just have to really study. You can see it as clear as night and day.

'And thats such a clever move. They were arrested, the original ones, they were probably sent straight to Guantanamo Bay, but rather than shock the world he put body doubles in their positions.

To you or I, these sound like the rantings of a complete madman. As are various other QAnon conspiracies Kidd has endorsed via Facebook and Instagram.

During the summer, for example, he circulated an allegation that U.S. furniture retailer Wayfair, whose storage cabinets were all listed with girls names, were being sold with young children in them as part of a deep state child sex trafficking-ring.

In August, he linked the Beirut explosion to the same trafficking ring, before posting footage from demonstrations in London during which QAnon supporters shouted shame on you outside the Disney store on Oxford Street because they seem to believe the firm has inserted hidden messages to paedophiles in its films.

QAnon linked the Beirut explosion last summer (pictured) to a child sex trafficking ring

At about the same time, Kidd linked to a QAnon site claiming that the pop star Katy Perry is a satanist witch and posted the surreal claim that Simon Cowell had been arrested for paedophilia in Thailand and that a body double was being used on his TV talent shows.

Amazingly, this kind of nonsense sells: research cited by Hope Not Hate found QAnon conspiracies had generated more than 100 million comments, shares and likes on social media sites last year.

On Facebook, the biggest groups had attracted 44 million comments, shares and likes, seemingly thanks to a rapid growth in popularity during lockdown, leading to fears that the online cult might bring violence to these shores.

Thats why, friends say, Kidds nearest and dearest are increasingly concerned about his behaviour.

We worry about what he might do next, or what he might encourage others to do next, have tried to have a proper conversation with him about it, says a family friend.

The problem is, though, that hes gone all in on this nonsense, and if you try to point out how insane Jacks being, he just wont listen to you because it means you are part of the conspiracy.

Mr Kidd, who did not respond to a request from the Mail for comment, acknowledged in a recent YouTube video that people have attempted to talk him down.

People call me insane. People call me crazy, troublemaker, whatever it is.

And all Ive done is that I have this unbelievable calling from deep inside me saying I have to get this message out, I have to help people wake up.

But as this weeks events surely show, QAnons leading British celebrity propagandist is the one who really needs to wake up, fast.
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.
One of pro-Trump protesters who stormed the Capitol only speaks Russian and has a Russian interpreter.

Several dozen people arrested in the violent chaos at the U.S. Capitol made their first appearances in court on Thursday, and one of the arrested rioters needed a Russian interpreter.

This was reported by the Hromadske media outlet referring to The Washington Post.

Read alsoSome D.C. protesters fired after being identified

According to The Washington Post, in D.C. Superior Court, 40 defendants were charged with unlawful entry of public property and were notified that prosecutors are reviewing evidence of an additional charge of curfew violation. Most of the defendants came from outside of the Washington region  including Oregon, Florida, Wyoming, Connecticut and Pennsylvania  though some were from the District, Maryland, and Virginia.

One defendant who needed a Russian interpreter told a judge, "I don't know what unlawful entry you are referring to."

In turn, BuzzFeed contributor Ema O'Connor said that there was an arrested woman who spoke only Russian.

"Someone who only speaks Russian and has a Russian interpreter is currently being arraigned for unlawful entry and curfew violation, same as the other rioters, though she said that she doesn't understand b/c she 'didn't enter anything,'" O'Connor tweeted.

"The woman who needed a Russian translator was Yevgemya Malimon, 54, who was arrested with her daughter Kristina Malimon, 28," she said in a later tweet.

Alexey Kovalyov, an investigative editor for the Meduza Project, in turn, added that the Malimons had arrived in the United States from Moldova.

"Before you succumb to #Russiagate rage, please mind that the Malimons arrived to the US from Moldova, not Russia (which is evident from their social media). So yes, gullible and reckless, but very unlikely a nefarious GRU op," he said on Twitter.

D.C. unrest: Background

On Wednesday afternoon, President Donald Trump supporters breached the Capitol building of the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., where the meeting was held to officially affirm Joe Biden's election win.

The meeting was interrupted after a number of protesters broke through cordons and rushed into the building. It was resumed only a few hours later. By the morning of January 7, Congress affirmed Biden's win. Trump assured he was up for an orderly transition of power on January 20.

More than 50 people were arrested amid the protests. National Guard troops were sent in to clear the Capitol. In Washington, D.C., a public emergency was prolonged until the day after the inauguration.

Reporting by UNIAN
A Connecticut police officer cleared of wrongdoing in a 2017 fatal shooting was one of two law enforcement officers who fired their guns in another fatal shooting in Hartford this week, according to a prosecutors report released Friday.

New Britain officer Christopher Kiely and an FBI agent shot at Benicio Vasquez, 34, during an exchange of gunfire in the capital citys North End on Wednesday, according to a preliminary report by New Haven States Attorney Patrick Griffin.

Vasquez, of Hartford, died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the chief medical examiners office. No law enforcement officers were injured.

Griffin and federal officials are investigating the shooting and whether it was justified. The name of the FBI agent was not released under standard protocols for federal use-of-force investigations, Griffin said. The report also did not say which bullets fired by Kiely and the agent struck Vasquez.

Kiely was one of five officers whom another prosecutor ruled justified in a 2017 police shooting in New Britain that killed 20-year-old Zoe Dowdell, a rapper known as Gangstalicious.

Officials said officers were trying to pull over a car driven by Dowdell and opened fire when it accelerated toward them. Dowdell died and two teenagers in the car were injured. Dowdells family disputes that the shooting was justified.

A message seeking comment was left Friday for Kiely, who was placed on administrative duty pending the investigation under normal protocols.

The shootout in Hartford came as an FBI task force comprising federal and local officers were arresting another man with a history of illegally possessing firearms for violating the conditions of his release from prison, Griffin said. Details of what prompted the shootout were not released.

A pistol apparently fired by Vasquez was found at the scene, Griffin said.

Griffin said members of the task force were not wearing body cameras and there were not dashboard cameras in their cruisers.

A search of state and federal court records shows a Hartford resident named Benicio Vasquez with the same year of birth has a criminal history that includes drug dealing and money laundering and was recently on supervised release after serving a 15-month federal prison sentence for being a felon illegally possessing a handgun.
The state needs to set up reasonable policies to join forces with manufacturers to recall old polluting vehicles, experts say.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) has asked provincial and municipal authorities to strengthen air pollution control and handle dust and emissions pollution, especially in Hanoi and HCM City.



The air pollution is attributed to ineffective control of dust and emissions from vehicles, construction sites, and industrial production.

Of the measures mentioned, MONRE asked local authorities of large cities to recall and get rid of old vehicles that cannot meet requirements.

A representative of the Vietnam Register (VR) said that vehicle pollutants were mostly emissions from motorbikes and cars.

Vehicle control includes regulations on shelf life and periodic emissions examinations.

When the shelf life of passenger cars and trucks ends, number plates must be returned and no papers can be issued for road use. Vehicles meeting requirements must have emissions inspection in order to get registration certificates.

As for motorbikes, the Prime Minister in 2010 issued a decision on approving a motorbike emission control program which set a roadmap in different localities, based on vehicle types and years of use.

However, as the Law on Road Traffic still doesnt have regulations on vehicle recall, agencies are waiting for a legal framework to implement the issue.

The control over old vehicles to prevent pollution is an urgent matter. However, as this has relations to the right to own assets, there is still a legal problem, he explained.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Van Thach, director of the Department of Traffic Safety under the Ministry of Transport, said that old vehicle recalling has been added to the draft of the amended Law on Road Traffic.

However, even if the Law on Road Traffic doesnt include provisions on vehicle recall, management agencies still do this based on the Law on Natural Resources and the Environment.

Thach said old vehicles not only cause pollution, but also affect traffic safety.

Old vehicles have low safety levels. They have weak lights and don't have safe brakes, and the chassis has degraded. It is very dangerous for them to join traffic, he said.

A report released in early 2020 showed that as of the end of 2019, Vietnam had over 16,000 additional expired cars still in circulation out of the total 206,000 cars. They are a threat to traffic safety and environment.

Ho Van

Hanoians advised to stay indoors as air pollution worsens Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment has advised residents to stay indoors as air pollution worsened on January 6.

ADVERTISEMENT

The police in Lagos State early Saturday raided a nightclub and arrested many fun seekers.

Clubbing has been suspended in the state as Lagos joins the rest of Nigeria to check the spread of COVID-19.

The suspension of nightclubs and bars was announced about a fortnight ago by both the federal and Lagos State government as part of efforts to check the spread of COVID-19.

The suspension did not, however, deter many fun seekers from attending clubs Friday night.

The police said many of the attendees were arrested at about 1 a.m. on Saturday at a club in Surulere area of the state.

The Lagos police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed this to PREMIUM TIMES at about 3.45 a.m. on Saturday, said Commissioner Hammed Odumosu personally led his team on the midnight raid.

He identified the club raided as Lounge 38, Bode Thomas, Surulere,

He said the police team also arrested some residents and motorists for violating the 12 midnight to 4 a.m. curfew at Maryland.

The commissioner vowed to do everything possible with the ambit of the law to enforce the coronavirus orders and halt the spread of the pandemic in Lagos State.

Lagos is Nigerias epicentre of coronavirus, accounting for about a third of the over 90,000 cases recorded across the country.

On Friday, the state recorded 739 new COVID-19 cases, almost half of the total 1,544 recorded across Nigeria.

Nigeria has so far recoded 1,342 deaths from COVID-19.
President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to restore a global leadership role for the United States, but he will be haunted by a final act of his predecessor -- inciting a mob to trash the US Capitol.

Allied democracies voiced shock, and authoritarian states alleged US hypocrisy after Donald Trump's supporters stormed and defiled the seat of US democracy to disrupt a ceremonial session that certified Biden's victory.

A number of lawmakers, scholars and activists said that Biden -- known for his strong interest in foreign affairs -- will be obliged to focus inward and confront the reality that perhaps millions of Americans believe Trump's unfounded conspiracy theories of electoral fraud.

"The post-9/11 era is over. The single greatest national security threat right now is our internal division," said Elissa Slotkin, a Democratic congresswoman who was previously a CIA analyst.

"If we don't reconnect our two Americas, the threats will not have to come from the outside."

Biden has pledged to convene within his first year a "summit of democracies" to promote shared liberal values in a rebuke of Trump's embrace of autocrats abroad.

That summit could now seem either poignant or awkward taking place in Washington.

"We've seen an undermining of trust in government here but also overseas, where the US has been a leader in promoting the rule of law and democracy, even if it's often seen as hypocritical," said Sarah Margon, who leads advocacy on US foreign policy at the Open Society Foundations.

"So I actually think what happened links domestic and foreign policy ever more closely."

Margon said that foreign leaders would closely watch Biden's domestic actions, and that he could send a strong message by ensuring the Capitol rioters are prosecuted -- deterrence against any future attempts to trample on democracy.

- 'Democracy must be defended' -

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejected "slander" that the United States had become a "banana republic" -- noting that law enforcement dispersed the mob and the certification went ahead.

Story continues

In a statement that was widely shared among US diplomats, Natalie E. Brown, the ambassador to Uganda, acknowledged that after the attack, "many people may question America's right to speak out on issues of democracy around the world, and they are entitled to their perspective."

"But when we speak out against human rights abuses, we do so not because such abuses do not occur in America. When we speak out for press freedom, we do so not because American journalists are entirely free of harassment. When we call for judicial independence, we do so not because judges in America are free of external influence.

"On the contrary, we do so because we are mindful of the work still to be done in the American experiment with democracy and because our history has taught us that democracy must be defended if it is to endure," she said.

Nations that are often on the receiving end of US criticism wasted no time in alleging double standards.

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa renewed his call for an end to sanctions over rights concerns, saying the Trump mob's attack "showed that the US has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy."

Venezuela's leftist government, sounding like the latest Trump administration's call to topple it, voiced hope that Americans "can open a new path toward stability and social justice."

- 'Turn gaze inward' -

The International Crisis Group, which studies conflict prevention and historically saw little need to look inside the United States, warned in a statement that political violence remained a threat.

"The US today is a nation where millions are convinced the new president was illegitimately elected, and where too many among those millions are both armed and seemingly willing to resort to extreme measures to ensure their view prevails," the group said.

"Having spent decades telling other countries that they need to face up to their problems, it is past time for the US to turn its gaze inward. The stakes could hardly be higher."

Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, wrote in an essay in Foreign Policy that others could increasingly see the United States as a source of risk rather than stability -- "a nation that retains a massively powerful military while its domestic politics become ever more erratic and undemocratic."

She questioned the focus of many in Washington on how the chaos would affect US moral authority or appear to rivals such as China.

"The real foreign-policy implications are bigger and more dangerous than the question of whether Washington will be able to stage a successful summit of democracies this spring," she wrote.

sct/to
California reports that Napa Countys estimated population has shrunk slightly for the fourth consecutive year, leaving the county with fewer people than it had in 2012.

The county on July 2020 had 138,711 residents, according to the state Department of Finances preliminary estimate. Thats lower than the revised 139,874 estimate in 2019, the all-time high of 141,649 in 2016 and even the 139,026 in 2012.

Visible signs are mixed. On one hand, hundreds of new apartments can be seen in the city of Napa. But the 2017 wildfires destroyed about 650 rural homes. Last years Hennessey and Glass fires more than doubled that number, but came after the population estimate time window.

I believe the wildfires have really put a dent in the empty nesters, local real estate agent Randy Gularte said.

Some people who lost homes were already wrestling over whether to move. The most recent destruction cinched the decision, he said.

The empty nesters have said, Ive had enough; I dont need to rebuild; I will move out of town to less expensive areas of California and the United States, Gularte said.
In an end of year commentary, the Coast Guard has highlighted, that despite the impact of Covid-19, 2020 has proven to be a relatively busy year.

Overall, the Coast Guard coordinated 2,643 incidents in comparison with 2,490 incidents in 2019.

Activity over February, March and April was the lowest recorded for each of those months over recent years but noticeably picked up in May with August and September proving to be exceptionally busy.

Some 464 incidents were recorded in August in comparison with 369 for August of 2019 and 307 incidents recorded in September with a corresponding figure of 239 in 2019.

The Coast Guard operates a rescue base at Sligo Airport in Strandhill where its Rescue 118 helicopter is located and which conducted 227 missions in 2020.

Coast Guard Director Eugene Clonan said that the key challenge this year was to ensure the 24/7 delivery of Coast Guard SAR services, as coordinated by the three Rescue Coordination Centres in Malin Valentia and MRCC Dublin and responses delivered primarily by Coast Guard's own volunteer sector, its contracted Helicopter service, RNLI and Community Inshore Rescue services.

"I want to thank all the men and women that make up our SAR community, for the discipline and commitment they have demonstrated in maintaining service availability through the most challenging of times."

The Coast Guard attaches particular attention to what it categorises as Lives Saved i.e. assistance provided that prevented loss of life, severe risk to life, or protracted hospitalisation. In 2020, the Coast Guard recorded that 391 individuals were categorised as Lives Saved.

During 2020 the Coast Guard noted an increase in two activities that gave rise to safety concerns; increases in the number of incidents involving persons using inflatable devices (Lilo's /Dinghy's etc) on beaches and inland waterways during summer months, and increased participation in open water swimming in autumn and winter. Coast Guard acknowledges that safety messages regarding open water swimming have been well heeded with most participants adhering with basic safety precautions.

Public safety messaging continues to be promoted via the revamped www.safetyonthewater.gov.ie website and other social media platforms in conjunction with stakeholders from the Marine Safety Communications Sub-Group (Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, RNLI, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Commissioners of Irish Lights and Irish Sailing)

Coast Guard recorded a total of 72 drownings in 2020 a reduction on 2019 figures and is working closely with Water Safety Ireland in monitoring drowning risks and trends.

Coast Guard Helicopter services, provided under contract by CHC Ireland, operate day and night services out of bases at Sligo, Shannon, Dublin and Waterford. In 2020 CHC flew a total of 781 missions. In addition to Search and Rescue services these missions include 24/7 emergency medical support to the island communities. Coast Guard also provides Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) support and inter hospital transfers services to the HSE including emergency paediatric transfers to UK.

Volunteer Coast Guard units provide a combination of Rescue Boat, Cliff rescue, Shoreline search capabilities, and emergency community support in conjunction with the other emergency services.

The 44 units were tasked to a total of 1270 missions this year. Services included Covid-19 related transport support to HSE.

Further development in the use of Small Unmanned Aircraft drone systems (UAVs) has equipped Coast Guard units to enhance its search capability. By the end of 2021 Coast Guard anticipates that it will have 9 units with UAV search capability.

The RNLI is categorised as a declared resource to the Coast Guard, which means that each individual station can be directly requested to respond to individual incidents. RNLI lifeboats were tasked to 783 missions while Community Inshore Rescue Boats responded to 84 mission. During the year the Coast Guard and RNLI agreed a Memorandum of Understanding that sets out its long-standing arrangements for SAR response and coordination.

Arising from the publication of the 2019 National Search and Rescue Plan (NSP), the National SAR Committee submitted its first annual report on the National SAR Plan (NSP) to the Minister for Transport in July.

It details progress on the phased implementation of the NSP as well as the work of the committee itself and other new structures including the National SAR Consultative Committee, the SAR Regulatory Forum and the SAR Health and Safety Forum.

It also reviews the SAR related activities of the three designated SAR coordinators i.e. Coast Guard, the Irish Aviation Authority and An Garda Siochana. In June of this year the National Maritime Oil & HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) was published.

It establishes a national framework and strategy to coordinate marine pollution preparedness and response. It addresses oil and HNS pollution occurring within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), whether it originates from ships, harbours, offshore units or oil /HNS handling facilities and land-based sources. It has been developed with due regard to the International Convention, EU Directives, and operational guidelines.

The NMOSCP includes guidance documents and standard operating procedures and their appendices which address key elements of effective preparedness and response.

MRCC Dublin serves as the national single point of contact for processing of COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz Satellite Beacon Alerts generated by Irish registered beacons worldwide (EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon; PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) and ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitters), including any beacon alerts from foreign flagged vessels or aircraft operating within the Irish SRR (Search & Rescue Region). During the year a total of 192 satellite beacon alerts were processed, many of which were the result of false alerts due to the mishandling or incorrect disposal of beacons.

In preparation for future developments in VHF Data Exchange systems (VDES) the Irish Coast Guard Engineering Branch completed equipment updates to several of the VHF hilltop sites around the country. The most noticeable difference to the mariner is the change of working VHF channels. These changes are published in marine notice 61 of 2020.

The capacity to Raise the Alarm and Stay Afloat, are central to the prevention of drownings at sea or on inland waterways. The Coast Guard's core safety message Stay Afloat - Stay in Touch; highlights the importance of never engaging in any commercial or recreational boating activity without wearing a fully serviced Life Jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD), coupled with a capacity to raise the alarm via means such as a VHF radio, Personal Locator Beacon, EPIRB or mobile phone.

This should be supported by informing shore-based colleagues of intended activity and anticipated return time. Mobile phones should not be considered as a suitable substitute or be relied upon as the only means of emergency communication at sea.

Phone coverage at sea is limited and unreliable. Mobile phones are also highly susceptible to failure due to water ingress.

Messaging platform Signal saw a surge in downloads this week after WhatsApp made a modification to its privacy policy. On Saturday morning, Signal tweeted that it had topped the list of free apps on Apples App Store in India.

Following an endorsement by the worlds richest man Elon Musk, the messaging app saw a massive uptake in downloads. Due to the surge, Signals servers were unable to handle the influx and verification codes were delayed. However, that issue seems to be resolved.

Also Read: How does WhatsApp alternative Signal work and why are people moving to it? All your questions answered

Signal had tweeted, Verification codes are currently delayed across several providers because so many new people are trying to join Signal right now (we can barely register our excitement). We are working with carriers to resolve this as quickly as possible. Hang in there.

Apart from India, Signal also topped the charts of free apps on Apples App Store in Austria, France, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, and Switzerland. According to data from Sensor Tower, Signal was ranked 968 on Apple App Stores list of free apps going into the start of the week, climbing 967 spots in less than a week to make it to No. 1.

The Times of India reported that Sensor Tower data suggests that the downloads of the app from India have increased by 79 percent from January 1 to 6 as compared to December 26 to 31 as per data. Apart from Elon Musk, Signal has also been endorsed by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey as well as Edward Snowden, a whistleblower and privacy advocate.
Fox News - The location of a passenger jet carrying 62 people that disappeared Saturday after departing from Indonesia's capital has been pinpointed, according to the country's navy.

Sriwijaya Air SJ182, a domestic flight, took off from Jakarta at approximately 1:56 p.m. local time, losing contact with air traffic controllers at 2:40 p.m., according to Indonesian Transportation Ministry spokesperson Adita Irawati.

The flight reportedly disappeared from radar just four minutes after the pilot called in to ascend to an altitude of 29,000 feet.

A ministry spokeswoman said that Soekarno-Hatta International Airport had asked the pilot why the plane was diverting from its expected flight path, heading northwest just seconds before it disappeared.

Fifty passengers and 12 crew members were aboard the flight, all Indonesian nationals, including six additional crew members for a separate trip.

The Indonesian Navy said ships had been sent to the missing aircraft's location, though authorities did not specify whether there might be survivors.

In an earlier statement, Irawati said a dozen vessels -- four of which are warships -- were deployed between Lancang and Laki islands to assist.

Sriwijaya Air reported that the Boeing 737-500 airliner had been scheduled for a 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, the capital of the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan.

Reuters reported Saturday that Sriwijaya Air's president director Jefferson Irwin Jauwena told reporters that the plane had been in good shape before it took off.

Boeing, which typically works with investigators in such cases, told Fox News on Saturday that it was gathering information on what happened.

"Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families," the Chicago-based company said. "We are in contact with our airline customer and stand ready to support them during this difficult time."

Because the plane was built in the United States, the U.S. National Safety Transportation Board will also be included in Indonesia's KNKT agency investigation of the incident.

The Associated Press reported that debris believed to be parts of a plane and clothing were discovered by fishermen Saturday afternoon in the Thousand Islands just north of Jakarta.

The National Search and Rescue Agency's Bambang Suryo Aji told reporters the items were handed over to the National Transportation Safety Committee for further investigation.

This is not the first time a Boeing 737 has disappeared after taking off from Jakarta.

In October 2018, a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet crashed into the Java Sea, killing all 189 people on board. That crash and another months later in Ethiopia led to the global grounding of the MAX, a new iteration of Boeing's widely-flown single-aisle aircraft.

U.S. regulators only recently approved the aircraft's return to commercial flight. The 737-500 is a much older version of the plane, introduced in the 1980s.

Like Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air is one of Indonesias low-cost carriers, with flights both to domestic and international destinations. The air group was founded in 2003.
Twitter says it is banning President Donald Trump from its platform, citing risk of further incitement of violence.

The social media giant said Friday: After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them  specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter  we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.

Trump was locked out of his account on his preferred social medial platform for 12 hours earlier this week after a violent mob loyal to him stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to stop Congress from affirming President-elect Joe Bidens victory.

President Trump won't attend Joe Biden's inauguration He will be the first incumbent president since Andrew Johnson to skip the event.

Trump posted a video on Twitter calling them very special people and saying he loved them. Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer.

The rampage that has shocked the world and left the country on edge has forced the resignations of three top Capitol security officials over the failure to stop the breach. Its also led lawmakers to demand a review of operations and an FBI briefing over what they called a terrorist attack. And its prompting a broader reckoning over President Donald Trumps tenure in office and what comes next for a torn nation.
One person was found dead Saturday morning in North Portland, and police believe they were hit by a driver who fled the scene.

The Portland Police Bureau was called to check on a person lying on Denver Avenue at the Columbia Boulevard overpass in the Kenton neighborhood, the agency said.

When paramedics arrived, they declared the person dead. Police said preliminary information indicates the person was hit by a driver who left the scene before officers arrived.

The person who was killed has not been publicly identified. No arrests have been announced, and no suspect information has been released.

Police ask anyone who has information to contact Officer Chris Johnson at Chris.Johnson@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-2213. Tipsters should reference case No. 21-7680.

--Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB
Geopolitics

- In an unexpected turn of events indicative of the United States loss of power in Iraq, an Iraqi court has issued an arrest warrant for Trump in connection with the assassination last year in Iraq of Iranian General Qassim Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the head of a group created to fight ISIS. The warrant is for charges of premeditated murder and is, of course, not expected to be carried out but to carry specific symbolism.

- In Libya, the October-agreed ceasefire still holds, though mercenaries have not been withdrawn from the Sirte flashpoint (no one trusts anyone enough to lose position here). The first hiccup with exports came earlier this week when Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG) blockaded the Hariga port over unpaid wages. The blockade was lifted by January 7th, but temporarily caused a drop in the Libyan dinar, which had gained some positive ground over a long-awaited Central Bank move towards a single official exchange rate.

- A South Korean oil tanker has become cannon fodder in the cat and mouse game between Iran and the United States. Earlier this week, Iran seized a South Korean tanker for alleged pollution, while observers are speculating that the move was retaliation for South Koreas role in freezing Tehrans access to $7 billion held in South Korean banks due to U.S. sanctions. At the same time, Iran is demanding, tongue-in-cheek, that the U.S. pay $70 billion in damages for lost oil
T

he City of London had a taste of the fruits of Brexit this week  and it was not pleasant.

On 4 January  the first trading day of 2021  billions of euros of business left the UK for the European Union. Some 5bn of trading in shares ranging from French banks to German car companies departed London and reappeared in financial centres in mainland Europe such as Paris and Amsterdam.

The shift was a direct consequence of EU financial regulations that stipulate that trading in EU companies (such as Volkswagen, Airbus and BNP Paribas) when it is done by EU firms, must be transacted within the bloc.

Recommended The EU is ready to reap the profits from our financial services

Aquis, a pan-European exchange where EU equities are traded, saw virtually all the trading business flip from its London platform to its Paris base. Aquis chief executive, Alasdair Haynes, told Bloomberg TV this week that the shift  brought about by Brexit  was a spectacular own goal for the UK.

Britain is now losing its very strong position in trading of European equities in London, he said.

And Aquis Exchange stresses that this business will not be returning.

We think its very, very, unlikely that Europe having just got its trading back would let it go again, Belinda Keheyan, head of marketing at Aquis, told The Independent.

A lot of the French and German business was being done out of London  its now being done within the EU. Weve got back control but theyve got back their trading.

Its true, of course, that trading in EU shares is only one revenue stream for the City.

There are many other lines of business, from banking and insurance to currency trading and asset management.

And government ministers have been bullish about UK financial services post-Brexit, with Boris Johnson asserting to the BBC on 30 December the City post-Brexit will adapt and prosper mightily.

The Christmas Eve Brexit deal agreed between the EU and the UK specifically excluded financial services, yet the two sides did agree to aim for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), by March 2021, for establishing a framework for regulatory cooperation in this area.

Some have spoken of a breakthrough deal on financial services between the UK and the EU.

Yet financial industry sources say this rhetoric is unrealistic.

This is about an MOU which has very little force in law  they are generally about two countries agreeing the rules of engagement and how they plan to interact with each other, said one.

View more

Broadly speaking, the most the City can aspire to now is equivalence for domestic UK financial regulation from the European authorities, which would allow EU firms to continue their usual operations in the UK.

The EU has equivalence deals for some areas of financial services with Switzerland, the US and Japan, so it would seem reasonable for the UK to expect similar.

Yet the problem with equivalence is that it is inherently precarious.

Under EU law, equivalence can be unilaterally withdrawn by Continental regulators with just 30 days notice.

This is not a purely hypothetical danger. Brussels deliberately allowed equivalence for Switzerland to lapse last year, preventing EU firms trading on the Swiss stock exchange.

British financial firms warn this threat is like a sword of Damocles permanently hanging over them, which will deter investment and hiring in the UK.

Can this rickety structure be shored up, from the UKs perspective, in the new framework?

Again, the industry is not confident.

Equivalence is not open for discussion, says one lobbyist.

The EU wont agree on paper to change the legislation on the withdrawal process.

Some think that the EU will keep a tight hold on the existing equivalence withdrawal mechanism in order to keep the untrustworthy British in line.

EU concerns about the UK loosening regulations to its competitive advantage [might] result in the EU seeing the prospect of a unilateral withdrawal of equivalency decisions as an effective method of keeping the UK harmonised with the EU legal and regulatory framework, suggest analysts at the law firm DLA Piper.

Londons financial loss and Paris gain? (REUTERS)

But is this perhaps overly pessimistic?

The UK, some argue, retains a degree of leverage, because EU firms do indeed rely on the City.

They point to a letter in December from EU financial trade groups lobbying the European Commission to grant London equivalence on a type of derivatives trading, arguing that otherwise their costs would rise.

[Without equivalence] EU customers and clients will not have access to services that they are used to having, says one source.

There are also activities they may struggle to do within the EU bloc.

And its true the EU last year granted temporary equivalence for the UK to continue servicing EU firms post-Brexit in two areas - derivatives clearing and central securities depositories - because these are areas where it does indeed rely on London and which it could not realistically take over in the near term.

Yet analysts warn that, in the longer term, the EU can build up its capacity in these areas and poach lucrative business from the City in a piecemeal fashion.

The EU will consider equivalence when they are in the EUs interest, the Commission stressed in the wake of the Christmas Eve agreement.

View more

The Citys challenge, certainly in relation to its EU business, is, then, to hold on to what it has. And the best the UK government can hope for, say sources, is that the March MOU will see the EU agree to engage in an extensive consultation before withdrawing equivalence.

Its a remarkably slender aspiration for an industry that accounts for around 7 per cent of the UK economy, supports around 1.4 million jobs and generates tens of billions of pounds of tax revenues and services exports.

But industry insiders say that this the natural outcome of a Brexit in which ministers prioritised issues like fishing rights and sovereignty over protecting one of the UKs most lucrative export sectors.

Weve sacrificed financial services for a bunch of fish, laments one.
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that India has always pursued an independent foreign policy based on national security interest which also applies to its defence acquisition and supplies. The statement comes days after the United States warned New Delhi against the purchase of S-400 air defence system from Russia as it may trigger American sanctions.

A US Congressional report said, "India's multi-billion dollar deal to purchase the Russian-made S-400 air defence system may trigger US sanctions on India under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act." Outgoing US envoy Kenneth Juster also said that the Indian government may have to make hard decisions regarding its decision to purchase S-400 air defence system from Russia.

READ | US Sending Its Envoy Kelly Craft To Taiwan Is 'playing With Fire', Warns China

'India has a special and privileged partnership with Russia'

"India-US has a comprehensive global strategic partnership. India has a special and privileged partnership with Russia. We pursue an independent foreign policy, this also applies to our defence acquisition and supplies guided by a national security interest," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said when asked about the US report and Kenneth Juster's statement.

READ | India's UNSC Term Critical; Focus On Indo-Pacific, Terror Threats: French Prez' Advisor

Srivastava asserted that the US does not want to impose sanctions under Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) against "its friends". But, he noted that very soon India would have to make choices between "trade-offs" and acquiring modern military hardware from the US.

"The CAATSA sanctions were never designed to harm friends and allies. They were aimed at a particular country. And there are many variables involved in it and I think I would put that issue to the side because I see other issues that potentially affect the future of the defence relationship," he said.

READ | BJP MP Varun Gandhi Attacks Congs Tharoor Over Man Holding Tricolour At US Capitol

On Nepal's political developments, the MEA spokesperson said that it was Nepal's internal matter and as a neighbour and well-wisher, India will continue to support Nepalese people in moving ahead on the path of peace, prosperity and development.

India had signed a USD 5.43-billion deal with Russia for the purchase of five S-400 systems during the 19th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit in New Delhi on October 5, 2019, for long-term security needs.Washington had indicated that the Russian S-400 systems may trigger CAATSA sanctions.

READ | India Reiterates Afghan Peace Commitments While Chairing UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee

(With Agency Inputs)
She won the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing before Christmas alongside her celebrity partner Bill Bailey.

And Oti Mabuse has changed up her look since her victory, debuting a stunning new hairstyle in a gorgeous selfie shared to her Instagram page on Friday.

The South African dancer, 30, beamed at the camera as she showed off her new elegant pixie cut, which frames her face with a sweeping fringe.

New do: Strictly's Oti Mabuse has changed up her look since her victory, debuting a stunning new pixie cut in a gorgeous selfie shared to her Instagram page on Friday

She cut a casual figure in a grey jumper decorated with a colourful rainbow and opted for a low-coverage natural make-up palette.

Alongside her sensational snap, she joked that she had been sharing too many 'dog pictures' so decided to share a selfie of herself from her home instead.

Oti also announced that she would be making a 'dance class announcement' shortly, as she returns with online sessions amid the UK's third Covid-19 lockdown.

She excitedly penned: 'Realised I've been posting dog pictures which is so not like me so I thought ok I should break the pattern with a selfie and to say dance class announcement will be made tomorrow

Stylish: The South African dancer, 30, also showed off her stunning hairdo when she reunited with Bill Bailey while appearing on Steph's Packed Lunch on Channel 4 on Friday

'hope you're all in the mood to dance again with some of your favourite online teachers and some new ones too x @otimabusedancestudio'

Even though Oti did not refer to her new hairstyle in the caption, her fans couldn't help but flood the comments section with compliments for the Strictly pro.

One gushed: 'Okay but I love this hairstyle on you'

While another wrote: 'Loving that pixie hair do'

And a third commented: 'Your hair is gorgeous [fire emojis]'

Oti also showed off her stunning hairdo when she reunited with comedian Bill, 55, while appearing on Steph's Packed Lunch on Channel 4 on Friday.

Champs: Her new hairstyle change comes after she won the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing before Christmas alongside her celebrity partner Bill Bailey

Reflecting on his stint on Strictly, champion Bill said: 'I think people thought I would be a novelty item for a few weeks, a bit of a comedy dancer, maybe a bit of a dad dancer, he'll be fun for a couple of weeks and then people will think they've had enough of this.

'Week 4 was the turning point really when people thought I could actually dance, it was a bit of a surprise to me. My whole family have been blown away. I think everyone has been a bit taken aback by it.'

Oti went on to gush about the show's influence, and how important it is for viewers: 'This isn't just for us, this is for everyone at home, people need a message of hope, Strictly has been able to do that for everyone, you get to escape.'

After the interview, Oti shared a sweet picture alongside Bill as they sat socially distanced from one another, and she gushed: 'Back with this king.'

The victory turned Oti into Strictly's first ever back-to-back champion after she first won the show in 2019 with Kelvin Fletcher.

Working life: Oti shows no signs of slowing down after her Strictly win, as she hosted an Instagram live video, where she announced that she is restarting online dance classes

But Oti shows no signs of slowing down after her Strictly win, as she posted an Instagram live video announcing that she is restarting online dance classes - and will be joined by other Strictly pros this time.

The reigning Strictly pro champion reassured her fans that the classes, which will be available on Facebook and YouTube, will be for people of all ages and abilities.

Revealing her big news, she wrote: 'Dance classes are back Can't wait for you all to join us again as we dance with you through this lockdown again.

'Moms bring your kids for some fun, bring yourselves for some well deserved fun and of you can't make it that's okay classes will still be put up on our socials for you to catch up on.

'We hope to keep you all at home and the kiddies busy and moving Lots of love Oti x'

Oti is also set to join the BBC's drive to keep the nation fit and healthy throughout the latest lockdown with her own dance sessions aimed at young children.

Boogie time: Oti is set to join the BBC's drive to keep the nation fit and healthy throughout the latest lockdown with Oti's Boogie Beebies, aimed to get young children dancing

The former The Greatest Dancer judge will host a series called Oti's Boogie Beebies from January 18 to get infants on their feet and dancing in their homes.

And she is not the only Strictly face set to keep the nation active while being told to 'stay home' amid the latest lockdown, as stars are set to join BBC One's Morning Live.

Starting from 9.15am on January 25, presenters Gethin Jones and Kym Marsh will be joined every day by a popular Strictly Come Dancing professional.

Strictly judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel-Horwood, and pros such as Amy Dowden, Gorka Marquez and Janette Manrara will get the nation moving with specially designed workouts.

Strictly pros Aljaz Skorjanec, Giovanni Pernice, Anton Du Beke Johannes Radebe and Nadiya Bychkova are also among those set to bring their own flare to the workouts.
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 116,813.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 344 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of January 9, 2021.

"In the past day, another 344 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including 17 healthcare workers. There were 15 fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on Saturday.

Read alsoKyiv mayor reports over 400 new COVID-19 cases, 11 deaths as of Jan 8

"As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 116,813."

According to the city mayor, 188 women aged 18 to 81 and 142 men aged 18 to 82 are among those infected.

The new cases include five girls aged one month to 17 years and nine boys aged 15 days to 17 years.

Klitschko said 23 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision.

There were 448 recoveries in the past day, he added.

In total, 42,784 Kyiv residents have already recovered.

The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (120), Pechersky district (46), and Dniprovsky district (36).

Coronavirus in Ukraine: Latest developments

Ukraine saw a drop in the number of daily COVID-19 cases, as 4,846 new coronavirus patients were confirmed in the past 24 hours as of January 9, 2021.

In particular, 2,411 new patients were hospitalized; while 7,961 people recovered. The death toll in the past 24 hours was 80 victims.

Reporting by UNIAN
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.
Colorado's hospitals charged insurance plans and employers more than two and a half times what they were paid by Medicare for the same services, according to a national study that examined 2018 prices from dozens of facilities here.
The moon shines next to the headquarters of the Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt, Germany, on Oct. 4, 2020. (Michael Probst/AP Photo, File)

Deutsche Bank to Pay $130 Million to Avoid Bribery Charge

NEW YORKDeutsche Bank agreed Friday to pay fines and penalties of about $130 million to avoid a criminal prosecution on charges it participated in a foreign bribery scheme to win business in Saudi Arabia.

Lawyers for the bank waived its right to face an indictment on conspiracy charges during a teleconference with a federal judge in New York City.

According to court papers, Deutsche Bank bribed intermediaries to make deals in Saudi Arabia between 2009 and 2016, labeling the payments as referral fees for consultants. In one instance around 2012, the bank paid one of its fixers $1,087,538 and caused those payments to be falsely recorded in the companys books, records, and accounts, the papers said.

Other intermediaries demanded financing for a yacht and for a house in France as compensation, the papers said.

The penalties against Deutsche Bank included a criminal fine of $85,186,206 and a payment of $43,329,622 to settle a related U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission action, prosecutors said.

A Deutsche Bank spokesperson, Dan Hunter, declined to comment on the specifics of the case. But he said that the deferred prosecution agreement showed that the bank was taking responsibility for its actions and that its cooperation with federal authorities reflect our transparency and determination to put these matters firmly in the past.

In previous cases, the Frankfurt, Germany-based bank has agreed to a Securities and Exchange Commission fine of $16 million to resolve separate allegations of corrupt dealings in Russia and China.

Deutsche has also agreed to pay the state of New York $150 million to settle claims that it broke compliance rules in its dealings with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The wealthy financier killed himself last August in a Manhattan federal jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

There were reports last year that the bank gave expensive gifts to senior Chinese officials and others establish itself as a major player in Chinas financial industry.

By Tom Hays
Employers can legally bar workers who decline the COVID-19 vaccine from returning to work under certain conditions, according to guidelines recently issued by a federal agency.

The decision from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission opens the door for private employers to mandate vaccinations. The matter is murkier for employees covered by a union and public-sector employees, who have additional rights that must be addressed, three attorneys who specialize in labor law said.

The guidelines, issued on Dec. 16, were eagerly awaited by employers nationwide, who are grappling with the pros and cons of essentially taking away an employees right to make personal choices regarding a health care-related matter.

State and federal health officials strongly urge employees to be vaccinated, particularly those in high-risk professions such as first responders, health care and nursing homes. Many people remain hesitant, however.

According to a Gallup Panel survey conducted in November, just 58% of Americans said they planned to be vaccinated.

Its not clear yet how many employers will seek to mandate vaccines as they are not expected to be widely available to most Americans until the spring. Employers also must consider the impact on their labor pool as a mandate could lead to a mass exodus of employees.

The EEOC enforces laws that bar employers from discriminating against employees on various grounds. The vaccine guidelines address a key issue relating to how to interpret rules regarding COVID-19 vaccinations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should an employee claim they have a medical disability that would exempt them.

Under the guidelines, an employer can ban a worker from returning if it can show there is a reasonable chance the person could pose a risk to the safety of fellow employees or the public and that there is no reasonable accommodation they could make  such as allowing the person to work from home. Similar guidelines apply to people seeking an exemption based on a religious objection to the vaccine.

If an employee cannot get vaccinated for COVID-19 because of a disability or sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance, and there is no reasonable accommodation possible, then it would be lawful for the employer to exclude the employee from the workplace, according to the guidelines.

An employees ability to successfully challenge a mandate will largely depend on if they are employed in the private or public sector and/or are covered by a union, said Scranton attorney Jack Dean, whose firm represents several area municipalities and school districts.

Dean said non-unionized private sector employees have the least power because Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, which means a private employer can fire you for any or no reason as long as the decision is not based on gender, age or sexual orientation.

If you have a private employer tell an employee the vaccine is required as a condition of employment, I think you will be hard pressed to find an employee in Pennsylvania who says no and keeps their job, Dean said.

Dean said the situation differs for employees protected by a private or public sector union. The union could argue mandating the vaccine constitutes a change in the terms and condition of employment, which means the matter would have to be negotiated.

Dean said employees who work for state, local or federal government would have an additional avenue to challenge the mandate because they could file a claim for a violation of their constitutional rights  an avenue that is not available to non-government employees.

While the EEOC guidelines provide some guidance, there likely will be dispute over how to interpret them.

We are in uncharted territory, Dean said, comparing the situation to building an airplane while we are flying it.
Indian American Vanita Gupta, who has been named by President-elect Joe Biden to be the associate attorney general, speaks after the announcement on Jan. 7, 2021, in Delaware. (Biden Transition photo via IANS)
Deutsche Bank has agreed to pay fines and penalties of about 130 million US dollars (96 million) to avoid a criminal prosecution on charges it participated in a foreign bribery scheme to win business in Saudi Arabia.

Lawyers for the bank, which has longstanding ties to President Donald Trump, waived its right to face an indictment on conspiracy charges during a teleconference with a federal judge in New York City.

According to court papers, Deutsche Bank bribed intermediaries to make deals in Saudi Arabia between 2009 and 2016, labelling the payments as referral fees for consultants.

In one instance around 2012, the bank paid one of its fixers 1,087,538 dollars and caused those payments to be falsely recorded in the companys books, records and accounts, the papers said.

Other intermediaries demanded financing for a yacht and for a house in France as compensation, the papers said.

The penalties against Deutsche Bank included a criminal fine of 85,186,206 dollars and a payment of 43,329,622 dollars to settle a related US Securities and Exchange Commission action, prosecutors said.

A Deutsche Bank spokesperson, Dan Hunter, declined to comment on the specifics of the case.

But he said that the deferred prosecution agreement showed that the bank was taking responsibility for its actions and that its cooperation with federal authorities reflect our transparency and determination to put these matters firmly in the past.

The resolution comes in the waning days of the administration of President Trump, who had a long-time personal business association with a bank that has been under scrutiny for years.

Deutsche Bank  one of the few banks willing to lend to President Trump after a series of corporate bankruptcies starting in the early 1990s  has become central to investigations by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R Vance and New York Attorney General Letitia James that are considered a potential legal threat to Trump after he leaves office this month.

Mr Vance and Ms James, both Democrats, have subpoenaed the bank for documents related to the president. President Trump has said the investigations are all politically motivated.

There was no indication that the Saudi Arabia scheme was related to President Trumps dealings with the bank.

In previous cases, the Frankfurt, Germany-based bank has agreed to a Securities and Exchange Commission fine of $16 million to resolve separate allegations of corrupt dealings in Russia and China.

Deutsche has also agreed to pay the state of New York 150 million dollars to settle claims that it broke compliance rules in its dealings with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The wealthy financier killed himself last August in a Manhattan federal jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

There were reports last year that the bank gave expensive gifts to senior Chinese officials and others establish itself as a major player in Chinas financial industry.
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.
Hong Kongs biggest mobile telecom companies appear to have severed access to a website that listed the personal information of police officers, setting off fears that the authorities may use a new national security law to adopt censorship tactics widely used in mainland China.

Users attempting to access the site, called HKChronicles, on their mobile devices first noticed the disruption on Wednesday evening, according to the sites owner, Naomi Chan, an 18-year-old high school student. Disruption came without any warning or explanation, she said.

A New York Times analysis confirmed that the problem accessing the site comes from the telecom service providers. At least some people in Hong Kong were still able to reach the site through their home or office internet connections.

The police in Hong Kong declined to comment on the disruption but insisted they had the power under the new national security law to block access to information online. In a statement, the police said they can require service providers to take restrictive actions against messages posted on digital platforms, which likely constitute the offense of endangering national security or incite a national security offense.


THE ISSUE:

Rep. Elise Stefanik continues to help the president promote the lie of a stolen election.

THE STAKES:

After Wednesdays violence in Washington, she must know she is endangering our republic.

----

Whether its shouted in a rant by a demagogic president at a rally or delivered in measured tones by a representative on the floor of Congress, a lie is still a lie. It has the same power to poison minds, pollute our national discourse, and, as America witnessed Wednesday, incite people to senseless violence.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, surely knows that as well as anyone. This rising Republican star, educated at Albany Academy for Girls and Harvard College, was among the first-hand witnesses to the attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob stoked on the lies of a president who keeps insisting that he won an election that he lost. After an hour-long diatribe, President Donald Trump had called on them to march on Congress, precipitating a riot that would leave four people dead, more than a dozen police officers injured, the Capitol trashed, and America shaken.

Inside that building just before that attack came, Congress was about to certify the results of the presidential election. Ms. Stefanik and more than 140 of her Republican colleagues were preparing to carry Mr. Trumps torch by challenging the outcome in key states won by President-elect Joe Biden, citing arguments that courts have already dismissed among the 60 or so cases the president and his legal surrogates have lost. Just before the riot disrupted the proceedings, they had initiated their challenge of the results in Arizona.

Listen to The Eagle, a Times Union podcast On this week's episode, we go over what unfolded in Washington this week, and the ripple effects it's creating for New York and in the Capital Region.





Hours later, it was apparent to all the world what had happened: Our republic had been a victim of domestic terrorism, right in the nations capital, aimed at forcing the government to do Mr. Trumps and the mobs bidding, and declare him the winner of the election. It was an attempted coup, in the capital city of the worlds beacon of democracy.

It should have been obvious to all that this was the culmination of years of Mr. Trumps incendiary rhetoric, echoed and amplified by right-wing media and too many of the politicians in Congress itself. But most of all, it was the predictable result of Mr. Trumps and his allies big lie: that the election was stolen. And make no mistake, it is entirely a lie. Every one of the arguments Mr. Trump and his surrogates like Ms. Stefanik made has been proven either flat-out false or a gross distortion of the kinds of minor irregularities that happen in elections but have no impact on the outcome.

So what did Ms. Stefanik and more than 140 of her Republican colleagues do when confronted with the violent consequence of the falsehoods that they and the president promoted? They took to the floor of Congress to oh-so-eloquently say that the millions of people they misled deserved to have their faith in our electoral system restored  the faith that Ms. Stefanik and her cohort and the president had themselves shattered. The doubletalk boggles the mind. They are the arsonists who set the fire they now claim must be investigated.

What did they think would be the outcome of this campaign of lies? What did they expect citizens to do as their trusted sources of information and their elected leaders tell them, day after day, that their democracy has been usurped, and that the legal avenues for change  free elections, courts, the Electoral College, and Congress itself  have failed them?

And what do they expect those citizens to do now, as they continue to promote this big lie, however couched it may be in their professed fealty to the Constitution?

If they cant see the obvious answer after Wednesdays violence, they had best spend some time with the television broadcasts and radio talk shows and social media echo chambers of the radical right that these days pass for conservative discourse. There is more violence brewing, even as Ms. Stefanik and her colleagues still spew lies under the guise of respecting citizens concerns. If blood is shed in what comes next, it will be on the hands of Ms. Stefanik and her colleagues, and the president.

It is not too late for them to heed the words of one of their own, Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, who had the courage in February to call Mr. Trump the corrupt leader that he is in casting a vote to convict him in his impeachment trial.

The best way we can show respect for the voters who are upset is by telling them the truth, Mr. Romney said Wednesday night, in calling for an end to this attempt to overturn a legitimate election.

Ms. Stefanik and all her colleagues who tried to do an end run around the American electorate are no longer fighting a vigorous political campaign; they are subverting our democracy by clinging to this insidious fiction of a stolen election. They must be prepared, in the days to come, to decide what it is they are loyal to  Mr. Trump, or America. Their condemnations of violence mean nothing if they knowingly keep fomenting it. And, make no mistake, know it they do.
Nancy Pelosi (pictured) and Chuck Schumer have said they will move forward with an impeachment effort if Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet fail to invoke the 25th Amendment to try to oust Donald Trump from office early. Photo: Reuters/Erin Scott

A STREAM of Trump administration officials are beating an early path to the exits as a protest against the deadly siege of the US Capitol this week.

However, some of President Donald Trumps critics dont give those in the early-exit caucus credit for walking away with less than two weeks left in the administration.

Nobody is fooled by these last-second, come-to-Jesus conversions, said Rick Wilson, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, a group of Republicans fiercely critical of Mr Trump.

Mr Trumps education and transportation secretaries, his acting chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers and deputy national security adviser are among at least nine senior administration officials who have announced their resignations since Wednesdays attack on the Capitol.

Serving under Mr Trump has been a test for many aides who have abided some of the presidents most provocative actions, including his embrace of authoritarians, a habit of belittling political adversaries and the frequency with which he has deployed falsehoods.

But his behaviour in a few harrowing hours on Wednesday  first by egging on his supporters to demand Congress subvert the election and later declining to condemn the days violence  was a line too far for several high-profile officials serving the president.

It wasnt until Thursday night, 24 hours after the siege, that Mr Trump in a video message condemned the actions of the rioters and acknowledged his defeat in the election.

Several White House and agency officials still on the job said they were conflicted about whether to resign, fearing what would transpire if Mr Trump was left surrounded in his final days on the job only by those who encouraged his worst instincts.

The decisions on whether to stay or go are playing out at a moment when aides already have moving boxes at the ready and an eye on the door, despite Mr Trumps insistence over the last two months that the election results would be overturned. He only acknowledged in a statement on Thursday that his presidency will end on January 20.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Thursday became the highest-ranking administration officials to resign over the pro-Trump insurrection.

In a statement, Ms Chao said the violent attack on the Capitol has deeply troubled me in a way that I cannot set aside.

Ms DeVos cast blame on the president for inciting the mob. There is no mistaking the impact your rhetoric had, and it is the inflection point for me, she wrote.

Mick Mulvaney, the US special envoy to Northern Ireland, said there was a lot of soul searching going on at the White House as he announced his own resignation.

The two top Democrats in Congress, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, have said they will move forward with an impeachment effort if Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet fail to invoke the 25th Amendment to try to oust Mr Trump from office early.
Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way
Posted Friday, January 8, 2021 5:11 pm

Letters recently sent out to Centralia addresses ask residents for money to help local law enforcement by providing them with riot gear, citing the radical anti-cop and defund police movement and a new breed of police haters.

But local law enforcement officials say theyve never heard of the group  the United States Deputy Sheriffs Association (USDSA)  which is a Kansas-based nonprofit once named one of Americas worst charities.

The letter announces a national drive for Americas police and sheriffs emergency equipment shortage in Centralia, and features an outline of Washington state. This week, Centralia Police Department Chief Stacy Denham said hes never heard of them. Chief Dusty Breen of the Lewis County Sheriffs Office said the same thing, noting that the department hasnt received any aid from the group.

News reports across the country have recently published information on the same letters, with some departments warning residents of the deceptive solicitation. Charity Navigator, which evaluates nonprofits, gave USDSA an overall 26.93 percent rating in 2020, based on 2018 data. In 2013, the now decades-old nonprofit was rated number 18 in a list of Americas worst charities in a report by the Center for Investigative Reporting and The Tampa Bay Times.

In the USDSA letter, Executive Director David Hinners tells residents, I hope youll do your part by enclosing the most generous tax-deductible donation you can afford to help us keep our lifesaving equipment flowing to our men and women in law enforcement.

In an interview with The Chronicle, Hinners said some people have said this has been confusing, and were trying to word this down so its not confusing to anybody.

The mailing basically says were doing fundraising in that area. Doesnt mean the money is going to that area, Hinners said.

Hinners also said the organization has donated safety supplies to different sheriffs offices across Washington, including the Kittitas County Sheriffs Office, although Kittitas Inspector Chris Whitsett said hes never heard of the group, and that hes dealt with similar pseudo-police support organizations for years. He later confirmed that the department had, in fact, received appreciation cards from the organization in 2019, along with some first aid supplies, although they were not supplies that we requested.

The letters also come to Centralia in the wake of a local controversy over riot gear, which was added to the citys budget in November. The $15,000 was eventually struck from the budget after public outcry largely centering around Denhams comments  which he later apologized for  suggesting the department needed riot gear because Centralia does have a lot of people of color coming to Centralia, and that the department may end up shooting someone, sparking a riot, in the months after widespread Black Lives Matter protests following police killings across the country.

While Hinners said its a shame the department hasnt been granted riot gear, he said mailers arriving in the wake of the controversy, asking residents to pitch in for the gear, would have to be a coincidence.

Even if USDSA did directly donate to CPD, Denham noted that he supported pulling the equipment from the budget, and wouldnt want to circumvent public discourse about the issue by accepting equipment from an outside donor. He has said he wants to hear more input from the community on the matter, though the city council seemed poised to approve his initial request.

The whole request for riot gear protection gear was something that I pulled from my budget so that we could have ... a better conversation prior to making that purchase, and thats where Im at right now, he said. I want to make sure we have that communication with our citizens and our community before making that purchase.

Breen, whose department is equipped with a small quantity of riot gear, said the office would also be wary of accepting any equipment that could militarize officers further.

I dont know that wed necessarily need approval (from the county), but thatd be something wed approach very cautiously, because we always think about things, whats going to be the perception of it? And whats the reasoning behind it? he said.

Both agencies also reported that they were not experiencing any shortage in bulletproof vests, as the letter suggests.

That claim may be true in some other areas of the United States, but certainly not here, Breen said, noting that when entities do donate equipment, its generally through a collaboration with the department to figure out what items  radios or mounted modems, for example  are actually in need.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bandits informants are responsible for the lingering security challenges in Zamfara, Emir of Maru in Zamfara, Abubakar Maigari, said on Saturday in Gusau.

Mr Maigari told the newly-deployed Commissioner of Police in the state, Abutu Yaro, who visited him, that the police must check the activities of informants rigorously, to put an end to insecurity in the state.

We are appealing to government and security agencies to take serious measures (in) addressing informants activities in the state.

Most of the informants are within our communities, and they are known by people. They move freely in communities carrying out ugly activities unchecked.

We want security agencies to concentrate and deal with them decisively, the emir said.

Earlier, Mr Yaro told the emir that his visit was part of his determination to ensure synergy with critical participants, especially the traditional rulers.

He appealed for more support and cooperation from all concerned parties in the on-going peace process.

The Sole Administrator of Maru Local Government Council of Zamfara, Salisu Dangulbi, who was in attendance, called for the deployment of additional police personnel to some parts of the area facing serious security challenges.

Places like Mayanchi and its environs need urgent security intervention; we need more security personnel there for the people in the area to have rest of mind, Mr Dangulbi said.

He assured the police commissioner of continued support from the council to government and security agencies towards addressing security challenges in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Yaro also held an interactive session with religious and community leaders and other relevant participants in the area, with a view to addressing the security challenges.

(NAN)
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.

WASHINGTON  Theres an adage here in Washington: Congress moves slowly, except when it wants to move quickly. Thats turning out to be true of a possible second impeachment of President Trump.

In the aftermath of the storming of the Capitol by a Trump-encouraged mob that left a police officer and four rioters dead, virtually all Democrats in Congress and a handful of Republicans have called for the president to be removed from office.

House Democrats are moving toward impeaching Trump a second time, this time for inciting an insurrection and doing little to stop the riot. That could happen as soon as Monday.

But theres a catch. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in a memo to colleagues late Friday that under the chambers rules, the Senate could not hold a trial on any House impeachment until Jan. 19, the day before the inauguration, unless every member agreed  a virtual impossibility.

The memo, obtained by the Washington Post, made it clear that a trial would push into the opening days of President-elect Joe Biden administration, which would prevent the Senate from conducting other business such as confirming his Cabinet nominees.

House Democrats discussed plans to introduce impeachment articles during an hours-long conference call Friday. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, has urged Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment and declare Trump unable to serve, but the calls have gone unanswered.

After the conference call, meeting, Pelosi said in a statement that she has asked lawmakers to prepare for impeachment if Trump doesnt resign.

Although he would be gone from the White House by the time a Senate trial were held, senators could still convict him by a two-thirds vote and then bar him from ever holding office again  removing the prospect he could run for president in 2024.

Weve never seen anything like this, said Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law. Ive said that a lot in the last week.

Pelosi, who has called for Trumps removal, told fellow Democrats on Fridays call that it was up to them whether to proceed with impeachment.

The president chose to be an insurrectionist, Pelosi said, according to a source on the call who asked not be identified because the discussion was supposed to be private. Impeachment encourages conversation on the 25th Amendment. Thats picked up a lot of steam. ... How we go forward is a subject for this caucus.

In a normal impeachment inquiry, the House would hold committee hearings before bringing the debate to the floor. The first impeachment of Trump, for allegedly abusing his power and obstructing justice, took four months until his Senate acquittal last year.

But the House has yet to form its committees in the new Congress, and time is short. San Jose Rep. Zoe Lofgren, one of Democrats impeachment managers during the Senate trial of Trump last year, told reporters Thursday that the House could get it done rapidly by bringing the articles of impeachment straight to the floor.

I believe that it possible to do it from a House perspective, Lofgren said. The question, I think, is whether the senators are concerned enough at this point to take an action.

Chemerinsky agreed that it can move as fast as the House and the Senate want it to move. Tradition is that it goes to committee, but it could go straight to the floor of the House.

But he added: Tradition is the Senate will hold a trial after the House impeaches, but theres nothing that requires that happen.

The Constitution sets out a few requirements for impeachment, including that the House initiate and that the Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. What a trial looks like is largely dictated by Senate rules, which can be set by a majority vote.

Previous trials have followed similar procedures, including having House impeachment managers serve as the prosecutors and allowing the president to put up a defense. The process has historically taken days, but doesnt have to.

I dont think it would be particularly complex, since weve all seen the events play out on live TV, so theres not a really thorny legal question here, said Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles who specializes in politics.

But Chemerinsky said its unclear whether a post-presidency impeachment would be legal.

Weve never had an effort to impeach somebody after theyve left office, and I think its an uncertain question whether or not thats permissible under the Constitution, he said. The UC Berkeley Law School dean noted that the Constitution specifically describes impeachment as the way an official can be removed from office.

But, he said, the Supreme Court has also previously decided to stay out of such cases.

Whether the Congress can impeach, remove, disqualify after Jan. 20 is an unknown question, Chemerinsky said. If Trump challenged it, whether the courts would even get involved is an unknown question.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, who presided over the House Intelligence Committees 2019 impeachment hearings and served as lead prosecutor during the Senate trial, presented his colleagues with some of the options during Fridays call, at Pelosis request. Schiff supports impeachment, but walked through the pros and cons of different options and timing.

According to CNN, he included warnings about the precedent that fast-tracking the proceedings could set, and the perception that Democrats would be trying to protect Biden from a possible challenger in 2024.

Although a House vote to impeach Trump a second time seemed likely as of Friday, Levinson was skeptical that the Senate would follow through  even after he leaves office, when Democrats will take over Senate control.

We havent tested that, Levinson said. But I think that theres just no political will. So its now or nothing for impeachment, and I suspect its nothing.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan
COVID-19 testing is carried out at the Summer Hill testing clinic in Sydney, Australia on Dec. 31, 2020. (Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

Sydney Braces for Potential Spread of Virus From Queensland

New South Wales (NSW) is on high alert for the spread of the contagious UK strain of COVID-19 from Brisbane, where a hotel cleaner caught the mutated virus.

NSW is racing to trace the source of a mystery coronavirus case in Sydneys northern beaches as Australia faces an anxious wait to see if a highly contagious strain of COVID-19 has spread from Brisbane.

NSW recorded four new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 on Friday, including one that remains under investigation.

Earlier on Friday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Greater Brisbane would enter a three-day lockdown after a cleaner at a quarantine hotel was diagnosed with the more infectious UK virus strain.

On Friday night the NSW government implemented a new public health order requiring anyone in NSW who had been in Greater Brisbane since 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 2 to follow the same lockdown rules.

Travellers from the area will only be able to leave their house or accommodation until 6 p.m. on Monday to shop, exercise, work if they cannot do so from home, perform care or seek medical care.

People who have arrived in NSW since Jan. 2 after transiting through Brisbane Airport will not be subject to the requirements.

Anyone already in transit from Greater Brisbane to NSW must abide by Queenslands isolation rules, and act as if they had remained in Brisbane.

Acting Premier John Barilaro said NSW authorities were working with their counterparts in Queensland but the state was not considering a hard border.

At no point during this pandemic have we ever had a kneejerk reaction or treated the border like a light switch, he told reporters on Friday.

Given 80 percent of Australians who are overseas and want to return home are in countries facing the UK strain, and Queenslands COVID-19 case, Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday announced the government will reduce the number of international arrivals into NSW, WA, and Queenslands hotel quarantine systems by 50 percent.

A weekly cap in NSW has been set at 1505 people until at least Feb. 15.

Overseas travellers will need to test negative to COVID-19 before departing for Australia, and daily coronavirus testing is now required for quarantine workers.

Meanwhile, NSW Health on Friday night issued new casual-contact health alerts for the Artisaint Cafe at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood and the Burwood Bing Lee on the morning of Jan. 6.

Those who attended Westfield Burwood and several shops inside the complex on January 6 and 7 have also been advised to monitor for symptoms, as have patrons of Costume clothes shop at Avalon Beach on New Years Eve.

A prior alert for Sydney Marina restaurant in Pendle Hill has also been upgraded to a casual-contact alert, meaning patrons must seek testing.

The suburbs north of Narrabeen Bridge on Sydneys northern beaches, meanwhile, have been under stay-at-home orders since before Christmas but that restriction is due to be lifted from Sunday.

AAP
A little over a week ago, Biden called for "unity" and "healing" in America. Since then, he's decided on a different approach: no more Mr. Nice Guy. On Friday, Biden called half of Americans domestic terrorists and compared GOP senators Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz to Goebbels and "The Big Lie." If this is what Biden thinks unity and healing look like in a deeply divided country, the best bet is that both virtues will be in short supply.

Less than a week after all the states submitted their first-pass Electoral College votes (several states later indicated that they would have changed their selections given the opportunity), Biden envisioned a world that had Republicans but no President Trump:

"You have a different team in town," he said. "I'm not going to villainize the opposition, but I'm going to stand and say 'This is what we've got to do,'" Biden said, adding that Republicans would understand the need to act quickly.

On December 31, Biden again played the magnanimity card with a tweet:

The challenges we face as a nation will not disappear overnight, but as we look forward to the start of a new year, I'm filled with fresh hope about the possibilities of better days to come. After a year of pain and loss, let us unite, heal, and rebuild 2021.

Wise people took those words with a grain of salt. During his 47 years living on the people's dime (with a little corruption on the side), Biden made his name as one of the meanest and most insensitively stupid men in Washington.

Biden inaugurated his new era of "unity" and "healing" by calling Trump-supporters "domestic terrorists." Despite well over 500,000 peaceful people attending the rally in D.C., Biden chose to tar the many with the sins of the few:

What we witnessed yesterday was not dissent. It was not disorder. It was not protest. It was chaos. They weren't protesters. Don't dare call them protesters. They were a riotous mob. Insurrectionists. Domestic terrorists.

You will look in vain for evidence that Biden ever said a word against the nonstop mobs that rioted across America beginning with Trump's inauguration. Even as anti-Kavanaugh mobs stormed the Capitol in 2018, he was quiet. It took Biden almost three months, and enormous pressure, before he halfheartedly condemned the BLM and Antifa violence that burned parts of American cities to the ground, destroyed hundreds of businesses, and killed more than a dozen people.

This is a good time to point out that, as many have noted, Trump always punched at his equals or punched up. Biden, like all modern leftists, despises ordinary Americans. To Obama, they were "bitter clingers." To Hillary, they were "deplorables." And to Biden, half of the people he will take an oath to lead are "domestic terrorists."

Biden was on a roll. On Friday, he also went after Senators Hawley and Cruz because they too believe that Biden's election was the product of massive fraud. This time, he dragged out the Nazi comparisons:

"They're part of the big lie," Biden said. He soon added, "Goebbels and the great lie. You keep repeating the lie, repeating the lie."

Biden was on board with Big Russia Hoax Lie, despite Robert Mueller's having regretfully dismissed it.

Hawley appropriately shot back:

President-elect Biden has just compared me and another Republican Senator to Nazis. You read that correctly. Think about that for a moment. Let it sink in. Because I raised questions in the format prescribed by the laws of the United States about the way elections were conducted in the state of Pennsylvania, just as Democrats did about other states in 2001, 2005, and 2017, he is calling me a Nazi. This is undignified, immature, and intemperate behavior from the President-elect. It is utterly shameful. He should act like a dignified adult and retract these sick comments. And every Democrat member of congress should be asked to disavow these disgusting comments.

On October 29 when endorsing Biden, The Economist said Biden "is a good man who would restore steadiness and civility to the White House. He would thus begin the long, difficult task of putting a fractured country back together again." Many other leftists offered the same reason for supporting him: civility. I think Inigo Montoya, in The Princess Bride, said it best: "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

Image: Joe Biden. Rumble screen grab.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low around 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI  Special education and elementary school teachers and staff in Muskegon County began receiving COVID-19 vaccinations this week, making educators there the first in West Michigan to get the injections.

School leaders in the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) were notified Tuesday, Jan. 5, that the Muskegon County Health Department would be scheduling free COVID-19 vaccines for a limited group of educators and support staff, according to a letter from Superintendent John Severson.

The letter came one day before Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced essential workers like teachers and first responders, along with all residents over the age of 65, would be eligible for vaccinations against the coronavirus starting Monday, Jan. 11.

RELATED: Michigan to vaccinate teachers, first responders, those over 65 starting Jan. 11

Dozens of teachers and school staff for special education and elementary students have since been vaccinated in Muskegon County, school leaders said Friday, Jan. 8.

As of Thursday afternoon, roughly 10% of the 400 staff members at Mona Shores Public Schools had already been vaccinated, said Superintendent Bill OBrien.

Our staff has just been incredibly impressed with how quickly they got signed up, he said.

Looking back at the start of the school year, when the safety of in-person learning remained largely unknown and there was no vaccine on the horizon, OBrien said its incredible that his staff are already being vaccinated halfway through the school year.

(A vaccine) was hard to even think about at that point, he said. Now that its an option, its a game changer.

Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Cortez said he was amazed at how quickly the vaccination process began for teachers countywide. The district has just under 600 staff members to vaccinate, he said.

Basically, in three days they opened up for half of my staff to get completely inoculated, he said. To me, thats unbelievable.

Vaccines are being distributed to Muskegon Countys public, private and charter schools by Mercy Health, which has plans to administer over 400 Pfizer vaccinations a day in the coming week, said Chief Medical Officer Justin Grill.

The hospital system plans to expand its testing capabilities in the coming weeks by adding more testing sites and additional staff.

Its a little bit of an operational nightmare, but its like I told our staff, its an exciting time and we have the opportunity to participate in a historic event that changes the outcomes of health care for our county, Grill said Friday.

While its a lot of work and people are sleeping less, its important work and its actually pretty fun work because people are excited to be vaccinated.

But the vaccination timeline is not the same in Muskegons neighboring counties, where it could be weeks until vaccines are available for educators.

Kent County Health Department spokesperson Steve Kelso said its going to be a while until vaccines are available for eligible teachers and school staff.

Were going to be able to start taking vaccine registrations perhaps as early as (Friday), but the truth is, our appointments are full, Kelso said. Im told that were pretty well booked until the end of the month.

Grand Rapids Public Schools spokesperson John Helmholdt said the district is encouraging its 2,600 staff members to remain patient, warning that most likely wont be vaccinated for several weeks after teachers become eligible.

We do want to emphasize the need for patience, and that this is not going to be a quick thing but its going to take weeks, if not months for every public and private school employee in the entire state of Michigan to be vaccinated, Helmholdt said.

Vaccine distribution in Ottawa County is not expected to open up to teachers until late January or early February, said Marcia Mansaray, deputy health administrator for Ottawa County Department of Public Health.

While there are roughly 8,000 school staff in Ottawa County, Mansaray said the health department is extremely limited by its supply of COVID-19 vaccines, which is smaller than what health officials had expected.

We asked for like 7,000 vaccines and we got 975, she said. So that is just the limiting factor. Its really hard to prioritize when you have such a small number.

Its frustrating, I think, for everybody, especially when they hear phase 1B is able to be opened up, so I think anyone would hear that and think its open, but its not necessarily fully available depending on each countys or each health departments ability.

To help you navigate this complicated school year, were pleased to offer you a simpler way to get all of your education news: Our new Michigan Schools: Education in the COVID Era newsletter delivered right to your inbox. To receive this newsletter, simply click here to sign up.

More on MLive:

Michigan to vaccinate teachers, first responders, those over 65 starting Jan. 11

Michigan is among worst states in the country for administering COVID-19 vaccinations, CDC data says

Overcoming vaccine skepticism in shadow of Tuskegee Experiment a tall task in Michigans Black communities


Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
A spike in illegal gatherings at private homes during the holiday season has prompted the provincial government to continue to impose code red restrictions across Manitoba for another two weeks.

A spike in illegal gatherings at private homes during the holiday season has prompted the provincial government to continue to impose code red restrictions across Manitoba for another two weeks.

The only significant change in the new public health order, which takes effect Saturday and runs until Jan. 22, is to allow the Winnipeg Jets to host regular season games in the city. The club's regular season is scheduled to begin at home on Thursday.

Health officials say there were numerous holiday gatherings  some involving as many as two dozen people  that they have directly linked to 355 of the province's current COVID-19 cases.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba's chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin: "we're taxing the health care system."

Those infected people, in turn, have identified nearly 1,900 close contacts, which officials believe may be an underestimate.

These figures are expected to grow in the coming days when infections resulting from new year's celebrations are detected.

"Our numbers were going in the right direction, but now we're at risk of reversing that," said Dr. Brent Roussin, the province's chief public health officer, at a news conference.

On Friday, Manitoba reported 222 new cases of the novel coronavirus and nine additional deaths. The current five-day test positivity rate is 10.1 per cent provincially and 10.3 per cent in Winnipeg.

On Thursday, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Manitoba, at 208, exceeded 200 for the first time since before Christmas.

"Our numbers were going in the right direction, but now we're at risk of reversing that."  Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief public health officer

"Our (test) positivity rates are too high. We see hospitalization and ICU (numbers that) are still high. So, we're taxing the health care system...," Roussin said in explaining the continued restrictions that have prevented many retailers and service providers from opening, outlawed home visits (with some exceptions) and limited the size of allowable gatherings (such as weddings and funerals) to five persons.

Assuming case numbers stabilize and trend lower in the next few weeks, Roussin said officials are "really hopeful" that restrictions can be loosened somewhat when the current health order expires.

"Beginning next week, we are going to launch consultations with Manitobans for feedback on potential future changes to the orders," he said. "And, that's, of course, if the numbers allow."

Meanwhile, there are no changes in the new public health order regarding schools.

The provincewide lockdown has been in effect for eight weeks. On Nov. 12, when it took effect, the province reported 474 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total then to 9,782. The total number of virus deaths at the time stood at 132.

"Beginning next week, we are going to launch consultations with Manitobans for feedback on potential future changes to the orders. And, that's, of course, if the numbers allow."  Dr. Brent Roussin

By Friday, Manitoba's total case count had climbed to 25,963, and the number of deaths had soared to 726.

Roussin said without the code red restrictions, however, the toll on Manitobans would have been far worse, and the health system would not be in a position to begin resuming elective (or non-urgent) surgeries next week, as is now planned.

Doctors Manitoba, which lobbies on behalf of the province's physicians, said in a statement that it supports the "short extension" of the current restrictions given that virus cases are rising and hospitals are still operating at "overcapacity."

"While the restrictions are necessary, we also know they are difficult, and Doctors Manitoba joins all Manitobans in looking forward to an easing of the restrictions so we can see family and friends soon," the statement said.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew said the renewed orders are a "clear sign that our health-care system is still very vulnerable."

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Opposition leader NDP's Wab Kinew.

"Being a leader is not just being there on the good days. It's also about showing up on tough days like this one."  NDP Leader Wab Kinew on Premier Brian Pallister's absence from Friday's briefing

Kinew called out Premier Brian Pallister for not attending the announcement with Roussin and Shared Health chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa on Friday.

"Being a leader is not just being there on the good days," the Opposition leader said. "It's also about showing up on tough days like this one."

Kinew said Pallister should have been there to empathize with citizens who are going through a particularly tough time because of the pandemic and offer additional support.

Many business owners will be upset by the news that the restrictions are continuing, he said.

"A real leader for our province would have shown up today to explain to them why these measures are needed. A real leader would have stepped up with more supports for businesses," Kinew said.

The nine COVID-19 deaths reported Friday include five people from the Winnipeg health region, three people in their 50s, one in their 60s, two in their 70s, one in their 80s and two in their 90s.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
Our first meanderings of the New Year! They come in the wake of a disgusting event in American history. Some on that below.

How about beginning with a feel-good story?!

Wonderful story about Dolores Hart:

As you age, protect your brain:

When I finally get on the phone with Sanjay Gupta, M.D., in March, after he has rescheduled three times because hes prepping for CNNs first COVID-19 town hall, hes relieved to be talking about something positive: brain science. Were seeing evidence that lifestyle changes can significantly improve brain health and even reverse brain disease, he says. That may not sound that significant, except that we really never thought of the brain that way until recently. We thought of the heart that way, and some other organs, but the brain was always this black box. The 50-year-old is best known for his CNN gig, but hes also a practicing neurosurgeon at the Emory University School of Medicine, removing tumors and clipping aneurysms inside that black box, often while listening to the Gipsy Kings. In his spare time, he does triathlons (of course) and meditates (duh!), and hes working on his fourth book, Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age, due out early next year. Its an evidence-based exploration of the latest science on brain health and what tactics are working for Dr. Gupta himself. Here he shares his favorite tips and strategiesbasically, what to do with your body, your meals, and your mental energyfor keeping your brain sharp. Here's how to make it happen:

Lets hope this Breathalyzer works:

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  A team of researchers from the Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis are developing a breathalyzer that would detect the coronavirus in a matter of seconds. A team of researchers led by Dr. Mangilal Agarwal, professor of mechanical engineering at IUPUI, are developing a sensor that would be able to identify the COVID-19 scent in breath. Breathalyzer is a known technology. Your breath contains a lot of information about your body metabolites and if you can identify a signature that can correlate to particular conditions, you can make a diagnostic test, said Dr. Agarwal. As part of the research, the team collects breath samples from those diagnosed with COVID-19 on a regular basis. The team at IUPUI has also been working with the Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of Kentucky. The breath sensor for this project was originally intended to detect hypoglycemia. Once COVID-19 began spreading around the world, the research team switched their focus to detecting the coronavirus. The idea of using a breath or scent to detect diseases was inspired by a dogs keen sense of smell. In the last 20 years, weve gotten the technology to quantify and understand what smells are associated with which diseases, said Dr. Amanda Siegel, assistant research professor at IUPUI.

A good article about why Alexandria was an intellectual powerhouse:

The foundation of the city of ancient Alexandria was one of Alexander the Greats most enduring legacies. A strategic masterstroke, he placed the city between Lake Mareotis and the Aegean Sea, producing an enormous natural harbor for trade and defense. Upon his death, Greek Egypt became a wealthy and powerful international player, overseen by his successor Ptolemy I. While the star of Athens was in eclipse, the ancient city of Alexandria rose to become the intellectual capital of the ancient world, unrivaled until the middle ages. Here are ten reasons ancient Alexandria was the leviathan of learning.

Surely there are others:

LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM)  Christmas has come and gone, and with it, many trees will soon be tossed to the curb. This year, Milk and Honey Farms in Lower Paxton Township is accepting donations of Christmas trees that will go towards feeding 30 goats. The pine needles in the trees give the goats the nutrients they need during the winter months. What the goats dont eat will be recycled  the wood will be donated as firewood to those in need and the rest of the tree will be chipped and used in the fields. Timothy Wallace, who works at the farm, says We could definitely use it out here, be recycled and so rather than just throwing your tree away, just swing by, drop it off and you can just drop it off in the driveway or just throw it over the fence. The goats will get to it, I guarantee it. The location of the farm is 1850 Parkway W, Harrisburg, PA 17112. You can drop off your tree between 9 a.m. and dusk local time.

Thank you, Rabbi.

Can you feel it?

(NEXSTAR)  Is the Earth spinning faster? Scientists think so. They believe each day is a smidge shorter than 24 hours because the planet is rotating faster than it has in 50 years, according to the Daily Mail. Since last year, a full day has been taking less than the normal 24 hours. July 19, 2020, was the shortest day since scientists began keeping records in the 1960s  1.4602 milliseconds shorter than the full 24 hours. Thats a retreat from previous records showing that for decades, the Earth took slightly longer than 24 hours to complete a rotation. The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) announced in July of last year that no leap second would be added to the worlds official timekeeping in December 2020. Like leap years, leap seconds are time adjustments. Timekeepers at the Paris-based IERS have added leap seconds to 27 days since the 1970s, with the most recent on Dec. 31, 2016. They keep atomic time in line with solar time, thereby keeping satellites and communications equipment in sync, according to the Daily Mail.

Wow.

While COVID-19 has killed 1 out of every 800 African Americans, a toll that overwhelms the imagination, even more stunning is the deadly efficiency with which it has targeted young Black men like Bates. One study using data through July found that Black people ages 35 to 44 were dying at nine times the rate of white people the same age, though the gap slightly narrowed later in the year. And in an analysis for ProPublica this summer using the only reliable data at the time accounting for age, race and gender, from Michigan and Georgia, Harvard researcher Tamara Rushovich found that the disparity was greatest in Black men. It was a phenomenon Enrique Neblett Jr. noticed when he kept seeing online memorials for men his age. Ill be 45 this year, said the University of Michigan professor, who studies racism and health. I wasnt seeing 60- and 70-year-old men. We absolutely need to be asking what is going on here? To help illuminate this gap in knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of why America has lost so many young Black men to COVID-19, ProPublica spent months gathering their stories, starting with hundreds of news articles, obituaries and medical examiners reports, then interviewing the relatives and friends of nearly two dozen men, along with researchers who specialize in Black mens health. Our efforts led us to a little-known body of research that takes its name from one of the most enduring symbols of Black American resilience.

Christian nationalism and the vaccine:

By Andrew L. Whitehead, co-author of "Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States" and Samuel L. Perry, co-author of "Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States" Despite the magnitude of the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S., where over 340,000 people have already died, recent news about the effectiveness of vaccines has provided some hope this holiday season. Videos of the first Americans receiving the vaccine were cause for celebration. A consistent narrative among many political leaders who delayed an aggressive response to the virus, including President Donald Trump, is the expectation that Covid-19 vaccines will speed the return to life as we used to know it. Yet, epidemiologists and public health experts say vital herd immunity will be harder to achieve if a sizable number of Americans resist vaccination. Americans have found all sorts of reasons to be suspicious of vaccines. One community that appears disproportionately opposed is Christian nationalists. In fact, we find in a new study that Americans who strongly embrace Christian nationalism  close to a quarter of the population  are much more likely to question the safety of vaccines and to be misinformed about them (e.g., believing that vaccines cause autism or don't work or that those who administer them are dishonest). If enough of these Americans resist a Covid-19 vaccine based on suspicions rooted in misinformation, the results would be disastrous for achieving herd immunity and reducing the spread of the virus.

What bothered me about this article most is the use of Jesus for such hideous ideologies and what also irritated me is that the term evangelical is nearly identical to the ruling leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention, though it begins with Eric Metaxas:

A shop sales assistant who pocketed more than 1,800 from the till was caught stealing by a CCTV camera directly over his head, a court heard.

Mohsin Shahzad (38) had not been dealing with cash for long and "just couldn't resist" taking it, a court heard.

Judge Bryan Smyth applied the Probation Act, leaving him without a criminal record after he repaid the money to the shop.

Shahzad, from Pakistan and with an address at Abbeyfield, Milltown, Dublin 6, pleaded guilty to theft at Spar on Church Road, East Wall on four dates last year.

Garda Seamus Donoghue said Shahzad took 773 last November 10 and put it in his pocket.

On November 17, he took 150 from the till during his first hour of duty and did not complete the transaction. The next day, also on the first hour of his shift, he took 70 from the till.

On December 5, Shahzad stole a total of 880 from the till in the course of 26 transactions.

Customer

The court heard the customer would purchase something, hand cash to the accused and Shahzad would ring the item in as normal and open the till.

However, when the customer left, he would place the money in his pocket.

There was a CCTV camera directly over his head, Gda Donoghue said. Shahzad was arrested at his workplace and made full admissions.

Judge Smyth asked why the accused had committed the thefts.

"He just couldn't resist," his lawyer said.

The accused had only been working for a few months "on the tail end of dealing with cash" when he took the money.

He "put his hands up" to the charges and had "learned his lesson," his lawyer said.

The accused, a student, had been in Ireland for seven years and had no previous convictions. His wife was pregnant.

His lawyer asked the judge to give the accused "one last chance" and not impose criminal convictions.
GOAL has thanked the hundreds of people all over Longford who turned out over Christmas to do a virtual GOAL Mile to support vulnerable communities all over the world.

Every Christmas for four decades it has been a tradition for family, friends and neighbours in Longford to take time out to walk, run or jog a mile for GOAL at various locations to support the agencys work in 14 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Determined to keep the tradition going, and to give people that chance to connect in a different but meaningful way over the festive season, GOAL announced that the GOAL Mile was going virtual  and thousands of people registered doing their mile at a time and place of their choosing, within the Covid-19 guidelines.

Over 5,000 Irish people at home and abroad registered to do a mile. That is 5,000 miles, exceeding the distance from Ireland to Syria where GOAL supports more than one million displaced people every single day.

GOAL CEO, Siobhan Walsh, said: I want to extend a world of thanks to each and every person in Longford for uniting as one global family this Christmas to make a difference. Thank you for your humanity.

She added: This year has seen all of our lives upheaved in ways unimaginable just 12 months ago. The impact of Covid-19 has been profound in the 13 countries in which GOAL works, exacerbated by the unresolved humanitarian issues that plague progress including climate change, global hunger, access to clean water, basic medical care, and sustainable livelihoods.

Since March, our teams have implemented a wide range of activities to reach over 17 million people with Covid-19 awareness and supports. This would not have been possible without the generous support of the people of Ireland.

"Whilst this Christmas we were all asked to keep apart, I am so happy that so many stood together to do a mile in solidarity for GOAL, especially all our friends and supporters in county Longford. It has been tremendous. The pandemic means the GOAL Mile is more important than ever as we work to rebuild communities shattered by disease, conflict and climate change."

Apart from Covid-19 in 2020 GOAL reached more than 8 million people in its countries with food, health, livelihoods and emergency response support.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
While Coronavirus is still rampant, the outbreak of avian influenza or bird flu in 6 states has resulted in a ban on import of live birds including poultry and unprocessed poultry meat into Punjab. As per the officials, Haryana is set to cull over 1.6L birds in the next few days.

In recent developments around the scare of avian influenza or bird blue, a Bhopal based laboratory confirmed that 4,37,000 birds have died in Haryana. Until now, Centre has confirmed bird blu in 6 states- Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The Centre on Friday held a meeting with States and Union Territories to understand the status of the outbreak of bird flu. Steps and measures to control the spread of the same were also discussed during the meeting. An official statement read that so far, the disease had been confirmed in 6 states, the culling operations had been completed in the two affected districts of Kerala and the disinfection process was underway.

Haryana is about to begin the biggest culling of birds in any state, it is set to start the culling of over 1,60,000 birds. Officials said that 1,66,000 birds were going to be killed in the next few days. They added that the culling would take place within 1km of Kheri and Ghanauli villages as samples tested positive for bird flu there.

Also read: Xis crackdown on Jack Mas empire: Beijing censors media coverage of Alibaba probe

Also read: Mission Vaccine: Pan-India 2nd Dry Run today; Harsh Vardhan reviews preparedness

Haryanas animal husbandry and dairying minister JP Dalal said on Friday that as per the report received, it had been confirmed that birds of two poultry farms were infected with avian influenza (H5N8). He added that the bird flu strain was less pathogenic, the state government had issued a notification for the affected poultry farms of Panchkula as a precautionary measure.

Punjab has banned the import of live birds including poultry and unprocessed poultry meat till January 15 into the state. After confirmation of bird flu in 6 states, a high alert has been announced in the state of Maharshtra.

Avian influenza, more commonly knows as bird flu can not only infect birds but also humans and other animals. This virus is primarily contracted by coming in contact with sick birds but can later be passed from person to person.

Also read: US Capitol Siege: Indian flag raised at protest site, sparks anti-national debate
Aboriginal peoples barely own a drop of water in the vast Murray-Darling Basin water market, and First Nations groups say government inaction is denying their Indigenous rights to use the resource for environmental, social and economic purposes.

The Murray-Darling Basin water market is worth more than $16 billion, but Aboriginal organisations in NSW own just $16 million in water assets, or 0.1 per cent, according to a study from Griffith University  and First Nations groups own very little else in other states.

The Brewarrina weir on the Barwon River in north-west NSW. First Nations groups are urging the federal government to increase the speed and volume of the rollout of their water rights. Credit:Getty Images

The federal government set aside $40 million two-and-a-half years ago to purchase water rights for Aboriginal peoples across the basin, to be split evenly between the north and south, but is yet to invest any of the money, frustrating First Nations advocates.

"The federal government has procrastinated for a very long time," said Grant Rigney, vice chairman of the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations, which advocates for First Nations peoples in the southern half of the basin.
His ex-wife Jennifer Garner has made family strolls a regular part of her coronavirus quarantine routine.

But it was Ben Affleck's turn for some family bonding on Saturday morning when he went out for a walk with his 12-year-old daughter Seraphina.

Both stuck with casual clothes for their time outside in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades neighborhood, with the 48-year-old Hollywood A-lister covering up in a black zip-up hoodie.

Catching up: Ben Affleck, 48, went out for a morning stroll with his middle child Seraphina, 12, on Saturday

Ben wore a navy blue shirt with a stylized white lightning bolt over the chest.

The design may have been a reference to the upcoming spin-off film for The Flash, as the bolt resembles that characters logo.

Although Ben has decided to give up the role of Batman after appearing in Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice and Justice League, his final turn as the caped crusader will be in the stand-alone Flash movie.

More recently, he has been contributing to reshoots for the upcoming Snyder cut of Justice League, which is being expanded into a four-hour miniseries by director Zack Snyder, after he was forced to leave the original production in the wake of his daughter's suicide.

Low key: Ben wore a navy blue shirt with a stylized white lightning bolt over the chest, which may have referenced his final appearance as Batman in the upcoming Flash movie

Comfy: Seraphina wore a blue graphic T-shirt reading, 'Drummer girl: Like a normal girl but so much louder,' plus $138 Aviator Nation sweatpants and brown Ugg boots

Ben rounded out his outfit with gray jeans and green and white trainers.

Seraphina also opted for comfort with a humorous dark blue T-shirt reading, 'Drummer girl: Like a normal girl but so much louder.'

She also had on white Aviator Nation sweatpants with the name running down one leg in rainbow letters, which sells for $138 on the brand's website.

She stayed cozy in brown Ugg boots and had a white sweater tied around her waist.

Both wore black masks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has been surging to alarming levels throughout Southern California in recent weeks.

Joining the two was one of their family's dogs.

Coparenting: In addition to Seraphina, Ben shares her older sister Violet, 15, and her younger brother Samuel, eight, with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner

In addition to Seraphina, Ben shares her older sister Violet, 15, and her younger brother Samuel, eight, with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner.

The two married in 2005 but separated in 2015, though they've continued to be on good terms and have been active coparents to their three children.

More recently, the Oscar winner has been spending plenty of time with his new love, Knives Out star Ana de Armas.

The lovebirds met in 2019 during the filming of the Adrian Lynedirected erotic thriller Deep Water, which is based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith and stars Ben as a jealous husband who murders the men his adulterous wife gets close to.

The film, a remake of the 1981 French thriller Eaux Profondes starring Isabelle Huppert and Jean-Louis Trintignant, is currently set for a November 13 release date.

Loved-up couple: The actor has been spending plenty of time with his girlfriend Ana de Armas since the two returned from reshoots on their film Deep Water in November; seen in August

The two took their relationship public in March when they were seen enjoying a vacation in Costa Rica and Ana's native Cuba.

The two reunited on set in New Orleans in November as they filmed reshoots for the upcoming thriller.

The Cuban actress recently moved in with Ben after selling her home in Los Angeles' Venice neighborhood, according to People.
SPRINGFIELD  State Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, is opposing a proposal backed by Democrat lawmakers to alter criminal justice policy in Illinois.

Senate Amendment #2 to House Bill 163 is a 600-page proposal that irresponsibly endangers the safety of Illinois citizens, according to Plummer.

This proposal contains a number of shockingly shortsighted and irresponsible changes that would jeopardize the safety of our communities, said Plummer. We should call this what it is, a blatant attack on the police profession and an underhanded attempt to defund our law enforcement.

A coalition representing Illinois law enforcement leadership and rank-and-file officers issued a statement in opposition to House Bill 163 as amended, saying it would destroy law enforcements ability to keep communities safe.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Coalition recently enumerated its Safe Communities plan, a sensible approach to modernizing Illinois law enforcement, but House Bill 163 as amended would lead to unsafe communities in Illinois, the coalition said in a released statement.

The coalition includes Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge, FOP Labor Council, FOP Chicago Lodge 7, Illinois Sheriffs Association and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

According to Plummer, the proposal makes numerous changes to Illinois criminal justice system, including:

 Forces multiple unfunded mandates on police departments with threats of funding cuts if all the mandates are not met.

 Potentially make it impossible to hold suspects in custody before trial even when they pose a credible danger to the community.

 Would significantly limit offenders being detained, which could pose a significant threat to victims, witnesses and the public.

 Impede law enforcement investigations, which could significantly reduce the number of crimes that are solved.

 Severely limits accountability for accomplices to murder by amending the Felony Murder Rule.

 Removes due process protections for police officers which could end the policing profession as it is now known.

Our men and women in blue are role models and it is despicable to see them treated and portrayed as the enemy, said Plummer. I encourage my Democrat colleagues to immediately withdraw this offensive and dangerous piece of legislation.
A Victorian girl has died after a 10-metre fall from a clifftop in remote bushland north-east of Hobart in Tasmania.

The 11-year-old was holidaying from Victoria with siblings when the incident occurred just after 2.20pm on Friday.

A rescue helicopter and local police and ambulance emergency services were deployed to the Sand River Conservation Area in Buckland, which is not accessible by road.

"It appears the child was walking along the edge of the clifftop when she slipped and fell," a Tasmania Police statement read.

CPR was administered on the girl, but she died from her injuries at the scene.
GLADWIN, MI  Authorities are warning the public to not trespass on the reconstruction site of a Gladwin County bridge destroyed by floodwaters from summer dam failures.

The Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan State Police in a joint Jan. 8 statement reminded the public that trespassing is prohibited at the active M-30 temporary bridge work zone in Gladwin County. Both MDOT and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) have previously issued warnings regarding trespassing at the bridge building and dam stabilization sites.

MSP and local enforcement agencies are continuing to increase patrols to eliminate trespassing and increase safety for both contractors and the public.

The M-30 corridor currently has multiple barricades warning against trespassing.

The M-30 bridge over the Tittabawassee River was opened to local traffic in mid-September following completion of work to repair both the bridge and road approach. That bridge is open only to authorized personnel, including residents of Mayfly Drive. Further north, additional barricades prohibit entrance due to conditions of the active work site.

To expedite completion of the temporary bridge, MDOT and contractors are often working 24-hour shifts. The presence of heavy equipment and materials make the site a danger to anyone not authorized to be in the area. During rare occasions when the site is not active, conditions remain too dangerous to allow foot traffic.

MSP has committed increased patrols to monitor the site and remove any individuals found trespassing at these protected work sites. MDOT and EGLE also reminds the public that the ongoing dam stabilization project will result in rapidly changing water levels and impact the stability of ice. Winter recreation activities are not advised during this ongoing work.

The M-30 bridge near Strykers Marina in Wixom Lake in Gladwin County collapsed around 8 p.m. on May 19. The bridge had been closed earlier in the day due to excessive flooding in the region from heavy rainfall. The nearby Sanford Dam became structurally unsound and the Edenville Dam, both in Midland County, collapsed that same night.

Read more:

M-30 bridge destroyed after nearby dam failure

Debris removed from Sanford Dam months after flooding disaster

Sanford residents seek $1.25 million from federal government following Michigan dam failure
Board of Education hears from parents asking to keep Cascade open

The Washington County Board of Education held a public hearing on the possible closing of Cascade Elementary School.
A blind elderly living in Limington, Maine, owes his faithful yellow companion for saving his life after falling to a frigid brook.

The legally blind man, 84 years old, slipped and fell into a brook while trying to walk his yellow Labrador Retriever, Samantha.

When he fell into it, his dog immediately went frantic. She was running and barking all over the place.

Fortunately for her owner, a woman who lived near the area heard the dog yelling in the woods not far behind her house. She immediately called the York County Sheriff's Office.

When the officers arrived at the scene, Samantha tried her very best to get their attention. One officer even said that she would not stop barking until one of them followed her.

She led the officers to the woods until they reached the brook where her owner was found yelling for help. Once the officers saw him, they hastily but carefully reached out to him and rescued him from his cold situation.

Because of his old age and vision impairment, he could not make his way out of the ditch. What made the situation a hundred times worst was that he was starting to get hypothermia.

They were able to get him just at the right time because he was quite literally freezing. When checked, his internal body temperature had dropped to a terrifying 84 degrees.

In a statement released by the York County Sheriff's department, if it were not for Samantha's vigor, the story would not have had a happy ending. It would have been quite different, the darker kind.

Also Read: Dogs' Secret Tool to Save Wildlife

Hero Dogs

Instances like this are not uncommon. No, not the blind man falling in brooks kind of cases; no one would wish for that to be a common situation. But, the dogs being heroes are!

People love dogs for a reason: they are affectionate, brave, funny, noble, quirky, and most of all, human's canine pals are loyal. They have been for generations.

There is a reason they are called man's best friends.

Dogs have been doing great things for and with their humans. They have been fighting side by side with human warriors for centuries. Aside from being brothers at arms, especially in the most recent years, they have also helped law enforcement and rescues situations.

A dog has extraordinary abilities fitting for various situations ranging from their defense and offense abilities for fighting along with soldiers to their keen sense of smells that have been proven useful for police officers to find contrabands and rescuers in finding survivors.

To recognize their heroism, the American Humane organization has been giving annual Hero Dog Awards to recognize ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things.

The awards are one of the many initiatives created to recognize the four-legged heroes.

The campaign for the 2021 American Humane Hero Dog Awards has started. The campaigns will be a year-long program that will culminate this fall on the Hallmark Channel.

Awards will be given to exemplary dogs under seven different categories. These are:

Law Enforcement and Detection,

Military;

Therapy;

Service;

Shelter;

Search and Rescue; and;

Guide/Hearing Dogs.

No number of awards can equate to dogs' bravery and heroism, but it's a nice gesture to commemorate it. They deserve recognition.

ALSO READ: Delta Airlines Bans Emotional Support Animals While Flying!

For more updates about the latest animal news, don't forget to follow Nature World News
ADVERTISEMENT

Moyo Thomas, the lady who allegedly had an affair with Adam Nuru, the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, resulting in two children, has broken her silence for the first time since the scandal broke in late December.

Thisday Newspaper on Saturday reported Ms Thomas as saying that on no occasion did she tell her deceased husband, Tunde, that he was not the father of her two children.

Thousands signed a petition asking the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to sack the bank chieftain.

The petition alleged that the bank chieftain was responsible for the demise of Tunde Thomas.

Mr Thomas was said to have died of depression on December 16, 2020.

It alleged that Moyo had informed her husband that she was leaving Nigeria for the United States with the kids only to call him upon arrival that the children do not belong to him.

The petition claimed the news initially caused Mr Thomas to be down with a stroke but later recovered and thereafter met another lady whom he planned to marry.

But according to a statement titled, Tunde is the Father of My Kids reportedly written by Ms Thomass friends and published in Thisday, she explained why she decided to remain silent amid a myriad of allegations.

On no occasion did I ever tell him he was not the father of our two children. It is, therefore, deliberate falsehood and certainly malicious to allege and insinuate that I informed him that the children are not his, the statement partly read.

The children still bear his name. Only God knows why he died in an untimely period. It is not in my place, or anyones place to play God and talk with certainty as to the cause of his death, without proven medical facts.

Despite our separation, we never allowed our differences to affect the relationships we respectively have with the children. He still had conversations with the children like any father will, up until his sudden and unfortunate death. It is quite sad and disheartening to see the pictures of these innocent children splashed all over the internet with very disparaging and weird comments. I do wish his family and friends the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss and I ask that we all be allowed to grieve his loss in peace, she stated.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how FCMB has been in the eye of the storm lately when allegations of an unprofessional romantic affair between both parties were made public by friends of the deceased.
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.
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. - Winds of change did not blow through a luxury seaside resort here as top Republicans huddled Friday to chart their party's future.

After disappointing elections that cost the GOP the White House and control of the U.S. Senate - and after a mob incited by President Donald Trump to protest his election left five dead and his lame-duck administration in shambles - there was little appetite for a course correction, or for taking on the president.

Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman Trump installed four years ago as the titular head of the GOP, was reelected unanimously without a challenger. She lavishly praised Trump for attracting new voters in his losing campaign while thanking him for choosing her for the post. And Tommy Hicks Jr., a close ally of the president and his eldest son, overwhelmingly defeated three challengers to remain co-chair of the Republican Party with 70% of the vote.

GOP members - flying from all over the country for the event - repeatedly praised Trump publicly and privately, and most were not interested in condemning his behavior on Wednesday, where he incited a mob of supporters to descend on the Capitol in anarchy, people present at the meeting said. Some members argued falsely that it was really "antifa" or other leftist groups responsible for the violence in the U.S. Capitol, people present said, and did not believe he had done anything wrong.

Some members wanted a statement from the party that condemned violence on Wednesday to also embrace the president's bogus claims of voter fraud, attendees said, and urged party officials to fight harder to help the president. The prayer to kick off the meeting included a plea for an election such as 2020 to never happen again.

Attendees passed resolutions criticizing the news media and calling for attention to voter fraud, two of the president's favored topics. One North Carolina official called for the reelection of the GOP's officials partly so the news media could not say the party was in discord. A statement from a committeeman for the officer killed in the Capitol did not mention the president's role in inciting the violence but said the Republican Party was the party of law and order.

Instead of focusing on how Republicans lost states such as Georgia and alienated women and suburban voters, party officials largely centered on how Trump and the party had improved its showing among minority voters and the fact that more Republican women were now in the House of Representatives.

"Our message clearly resonated, and the years-long investment we made was a big part of the reason President Trump earned the highest share of minority votes for a Republican in 60 years," McDaniel said.

It was an alternative reality away from Washington, a country and a White House reeling from the ambush on the Capitol aimed at overturning the results of the election on the president's behalf. Members socialized in beachfront blue cabanas, sipped pricey frozen cocktails and roamed among the palm trees and into the wee hours of the morning at the Ritz Carlton bar, where a live band and buffet tables created a scene that resembled a wedding reception.

If many members of Trump's own administration, Republican senators and much of the country were ready for the president to leave after he incited a mob that eventually led to five deaths and took over the U.S. Capitol, that sentiment was not present here.

Many members and party officials dismissed the need for any type of autopsy examining the party's election defeats and argued that most things were headed in the right direction.

"You don't have to throw out everyone when there is nothing fundamentally wrong," said David Bossie, an RNC committee member from Maryland and an adviser to Trump.

Neither Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence appeared at the conference, though Trump spoke briefly to members via phone and video. In the video, which was enthusiastically received, the president bragged about a "very tough" election he lost and told members he expected to see them soon, an attendee who watched the video said.

"Our popularity as a party is doing very well," Trump said on the video, which was shown Thursday. "We have setbacks every once in a while, but I think we're in great shape."

"We love you!" some shouted into the phone after Trump dialed McDaniel during a breakfast meeting earlier that day and spoke to the group, decrying the "fake news" in a one-minute call.

Officials say there was some consternation behind-the-scenes. McDaniel is expected to change out some of her senior staff, people who have spoken to her say, and she privately told members that Wednesday was not Trump's finest day in office. She declined to criticize him publicly and was not available for an interview. Privately, she said that the party needed to improve to win states like Michigan, her home.

Some of the party's leaders, such as Henry Barbour, a committeeman from Mississippi, called for changes publicly. Reince Priebus, McDaniel's predecessor, is pushing for changes privately, officials say.

"Our name is mud," said Harmeet Dhillon, a committeewoman from California, referring to the image of the party with Republican voters. "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and expecting a different result."

Dhillon said there was interest in a reflective look at what went wrong and making changes in the party, even if that did not manifest itself publicly. "There is interest, and it will happen," she said.

There were other subtle signs of potential change. Corey Lewandowski, a longtime adviser to Trump, escorted around South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a potential 2024 candidate.

Nikki Haley, a rumored 2024 contender and Trump's former U.N. ambassador, offered some rare criticism of the president. "He was badly wrong with his words yesterday," she said Thursday. "And it wasn't just his words. His actions since Election Day will be judged harshly by history."

In private, several members said, some were concerned the party is heading into an internecine fight between the president's most loyal supporters and its more establishment side.

Michael Steel, a GOP consultant and Trump critic who did not attend the event, echoed the sentiment of some party officials and members who said change may come in months.

"I don't know that any sort of formal autopsy process by the party would be useful until and unless Donald Trump is no longer the dominant figure in the party," Steel said. "The process of figuring out the post-Trump Republican Party looks like can start until after the president has left the White House. It will involve more organic evolution than a sharp break."

What happens next will depend in part on McDaniel, who cruised onto the stage and throughout the ballrooms in a motorized wheelchair after breaking her ankle while knocking on doors in Georgia two weeks ago. The event cemented her sway, no longer just as a Trump loyalist but also as her own figure, according to her aides. Her team carefully managed the event, banning the news media for most of the conference and having burly security guards escort some away from the Ritz-Carlton lobby.

Her remarks were carefully crafted, to acknowledge she was "pissed" at losing the election but repeatedly praising the party's infrastructure and data operation. Onstage, she gave an aw-shucks apology for using the word "pissed," which was in her prepared remarks.

McDaniel secured the support of the president weeks ago - a key in winning over the members and using the president's power before it potentially wanes. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, she promised skeptics that she would not be Trump's proxy going forward, even as she speaks to the president regularly.

Many of the members said McDaniel and her team had worked relentlessly to ensure states would receive more funding and that she'd built goodwill from members of various stripes.

"Ronna has the respect of the Committee which gives her the ability to speak the truth regarding the difficult position we find ourselves in following both the losses in Georgia and the tragic events of Wednesday in Washington," said Bill Palatucci, a committee member from New Jersey and a close ally of former governor Chris Christie, R.

Dhillon, who called for changes, said her main problem was not with McDaniel. "She gave a heroic effort. She worked day and night, and she is very popular in the party," Dhillon said. "But we need to signal to constituents, to millions of angry voters, that we get it."
A laptop was stolen from the office of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the storming of the US Capitol on Wednesday, one of her aides said on Friday.

Drew Hammill, an aide to Democrat Pelosi, said on Twitter that the laptop belonged to a conference room and was used for presentations. He declined to offer further details.

The theft of electronic devices from congressional offices has been a persistent worry following the invasion by pro-Trump followers. They were encouraged by Republican President Donald Trump at a rally beforehand to march to the Capitol while Congress was certifying Democrat Joe Biden's Nov. 3 election win.

Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, said on Twitter that a laptop was taken from his office. On Thursday, Acting US Attorney Michael Sherwin said that some of the thefts might have potentially jeopardized what he described as "national security equities."

"We just don't know the extent of that damage at this point," he said.

The demonstrators who broke into the Capitol posted several photographs of themselves using congressional phones and various other devices. One reporter with the right-wing outlet Blaze posted a photograph of what purported to be a computer from Pelosi's office with emails "still on the screen."

What else might have been taken during the chaos is not yet known. Some information technology experts worry that intruders may have planted malicious software on computers, although it's not clear that devices were the focus of any particular attention.
(Natural News) Far-Left Antifa/BLM activist John Sullivan has been identified as one of the people who allegedly was part of the siege of the Capitol building yesterdayyou know, one of the violent Trump supporters weve been hearing so much about in the news.

(Article by Patty McMurray republished from 100PercentFedUp.com)

Independent journalist Andy Ngo was first to identify John Earle Sullivan, who was arrested on July 10, 2020, in Provo, Utah.

From the Deseret News  One of the organizers of a protest in Provo that resulted in a motorist being shot was arrested on Thursday. John Earle Sullivan, 25, of Sandy, was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of rioting, making a threat of violence and criminal mischief. Sullivan is part of the Insurgence USA group, according to a police affidavit. As a protest organizer John Sullivan is heard and seen as he is promoting protesters to block roadways, keeping motorists from traveling lawfully and freely. Sullivan was also captured on video threatening to beat a woman in an SUV, according to the affidavit, and then kicking her door, leaving a dent. Sullivan was seen with Jesse Taggart  the man charged with shooting the motorist  throughout the protest, the affidavit states. As a protest organizer, John Sullivan is heard talking about seeing the shooting, looking at the gun and seeing smoke coming from it. John did not condemn the attempted murder nor attempt to stop it nor aide in its investigation by police.

One of the men who was part of the siege of the Capitol building is John Earle Sullivan, an extreme BLM activist from Utah. He was arrested & charged in July 2020 over a BLM-antifa riot where drivers in Provo were threatened & one was shot. https://t.co/C0WQsEfcIG pic.twitter.com/Kxm5du2Ozs  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 7, 2021

Sullivans Instagram page is filled with activist posts that contain language like F*ck Trump.

In the video below, Sullivan identifies himself as John Sullivan of Salt Lake City, Utah, and part of Insurgence USA Near the end of the video, Sullivan tells the crowd, We gotta f***ing rip Trump right outta that office! telling the crowd they need to take action against Trump now, No, nowe aint about waitin until the next election, were abu0t to go get that motherf*cker!

Heres a nifty little video from the Insurgence USA site, with a partial transcript. Were no voice experts, but Sullivan may be the male voice heard in the video, as his voice sounds very similar in the Instagram videos and the video below.

Whether Trump tries to steal the election or Biden wins, and tries to continue the same policies lets get together to stop it!

Only popular resistance has set a limit to what Trump can do.

Imagine what would have happened if protesters had not filled the streets. If antifascists had not shut down white supremacists.

Its up to us to prevent a second Trump term, regardless of media disinformationregardless of Democrats willingness to cede power.

Rather than focusing on symbolic marches, go where your actions will exert the most pressure.

Be careful not to prevent a vulnerable target to far-right vigilantes.

This is not just about Trump or about preserving democracy. If Biden wins there will still be police

Listen:

Thats not allapparently he was interviewed by CNNs Anderson Cooper last night.

This friend of Sullivans asked who paid him, Possibly the DNC? she asks, tagging another friend. The friend who she tagged replied by liking her comment!

But wait, theres more

One of Johns friends lefty_boogy, on Instagram who liked one of his posts, posted this notice on Instagram to rally the troops to DC on January 6 to meet at Black Lives Matter Plaza. The notification asks activists to bring tactical gear, bulletproof vestsno firearms unless you are licensed. In his comment section lefty_boogy says, Fight back. Also if u cant bring a gun I recommend knifes and pepper spray.

Heres the post that lefty_boogy on Sullivans post:

Read more at: 100PercentFedUp.com
Northern Berkshire United Way Accepting Food & Shelter Program Applications

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Food and Shelter Program Applications Sought By Northern Berkshire United Way

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board has awarded Berkshire County $67,202 in Phase 38 (FY20) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) assistance funding.

Northern Berkshire United Way, local administrator of the program, is urging qualifying organizations located throughout Berkshire County to submit an application for supplemental emergency food and shelter and to obtain it at this link: https://www.nbunitedway.org/emergency-food-and-shelte-program

Local organizations chosen to receive funds must be private voluntary non-profits (with a voluntary board) or units of government; have an accounting system; practice non-discrimination; and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs. Applicants must submit their application by email only with their financial audit by midnight on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 to: Christa Collier at ccollier@nbunitedway.org . Paper applications will not be accepted.

The funds are awarded through the Department of Homeland Security and the award is made the Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board, that consists of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, The Jewish Federations of North America, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and United Way Worldwide. Funds pass directly from the Department of Homeland Security to the EFSP program and then to local agencies that are awarded funding through a sub-committee of a local board made up of representatives of organizations that are not requesting or receiving funds determines the actual organizations that receive funding.

For Phase 37, EFSP awarded $47,458 which local representatives distributed to eleven Berkshire County organizations: Berkshire Community Action Council, the Berkshire Food Project, the Cheshire Pantry, Child Care of the Berkshires, Construct, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Louison House, Northern Berkshire Interfaith Action Initiative, Salvation Army North Adams, Salvation Army Pittsfield and ServiceNet.
(Natural News) Not long after unarmed Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit was murdered by Capitol police during the false flag siege in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence praised law enforcement for their service.

In a tweet, Pence praised Capitol Hill Police and other law enforcement officers for keeping us safe today, adding that the Capitol was secured and we are truly grateful.

Pence made no mention about Babbits death at the hands of these same police officers, joining the chorus of silence from most other politicians and pretty much the entire gamut of mainstream media outlets that feigned outrage over a few random people being let into the Capitol building to stage an insurrection.

The whole thing was a sham, we now know, as not everyone who was ushered into the Capitol building by police that day was a supporter of President Donald Trumps Stop the Steal rally.

Babbit, however, is said to have been a strong supporter of President Trump, this coming from her husband who further described her as a great patriot to all who knew her.

Police officers shot Babbit in the neck, killing her, and the entire incident was caught on tape. These same cops then proceeded to enforce D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowsers 6pm curfew, which was imposed as an act of revenge to silence election fraud protesters from exercising their First Amendment rights.

Will Trump supporters still back the blue after Babbits murder?

Once the throng of Trump supporters outside the Capitol building learned what happened to Babbit inside, many of them started to question their back the blue stance, recognizing that not all police officers are on the side of freedom and justice.

It became painfully obvious in that moment that D.C. police had no problem with Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa rioters burning up the city back in the summer, as they pretty much all stood down and did nothing while the city was destroyed.

Meanwhile, American patriots who came to D.C. to try to save the republic from election fraud were treated like terrorists and told to go home, not just by the lying left by also by President Trump himself, who vanished right after promising to personally lead his supporters to the Capitol building.

Since that time, Trumps whereabout are unclear, and most of his social media accounts have been suspended. Trump did, however, put up a video on Thursday that emphasized an orderly transition of power on Jan. 20.

U.S. patriots are learning painful lessons about who really has their back, reported Big League Politics about the betrayal Trump supporters are experience from corrupt law enforcement.

Unfortunately it seems that law enforcement does not, with cops regularly targeting citizens for exercising their 1st Amendment right to free speech. Ashli Babbits name must be used as a rallying cry as the fight for freedom intensifies.

Pence further solidified that he, too, is a Judas by certifying the fraudulent election results that were presented before him during the congressional count. Pence also fought against efforts by Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tex.) that would have enabled him to reject the fraudulent pro-Biden electors.

That makes Pence an accessory to murder, wrote one Big League Politics commenter about the fiasco we all are witnessing.

Pence is not the man I thought he was, wrote another. I used to respect the man. The Senate is a house of greedy, political fools, incapable of upholding their oaths, and the House, under Pelosis leadership, is a ship of miscreants. Our Republic is over. Say goodbye to the last Republican President. Itll never happen again. Weep for what used to be the home of the free and the land of the brave.'

To keep up with the latest news about the contested election, be sure to check out Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

BigLeaguePolitics.com

NaturalNews.com
She has been making the most of her extended stay in Brazil amid strict lockdown restrictions back home in Los Angeles.

And Alessandra Ambrosio appeared to be in excellent spirits as she frolicked in the sea while enjoying a beach day out with her friends in Florianopolis.

The Brazilian-American model, 39, flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in a white two-piece as she enjoyed a drink while splashing in the shallows.

All smiles: Alessandra Ambrosio appeared to be in excellent spirits as she frolicked in the sea while enjoying a beach day out with her friends in Florianopolis

She looked sensational as she swept her dampened and salt-licked tresses into a messy bun while soaking up the sun in her skimpy bikini.

Alessandra was all smiles as she cooled off in the clear blue waters, shielding her eyes from the bright sunshine with a stylish pair of aviator sunglasses.

The brunette bombshell was also seen showing off her toned physique as a male friend joined her in the sea to take sizzling snaps of her on her mobile phone.

She sensibly kept her phone safe from being splashed in the ocean with a red leather shoulder strap, which ensured she did not accidentally drop her phone.

Skimpy beachwear: The Brazilian-American model, 39, flaunted her enviable figure in a white two-piece as she enjoyed a drink while splashing in the shallows

Beach day: Alessandra looked sensational as she swept her dampened and salt-licked tresses into a messy bun while soaking up the sun in her skimpy bikini

Returning to dry land, Alessandra was also seen basking in the sunshine and stopping to take some gorgeous selfies in her slinky beachwear.

She effortlessly threw a stylish smock sundress over her bikini as she sipped on a cold drink while enjoying a beach day out with her friends.

She was accompanied by one of her adorable pooches, who could be seen excitedly running around her feet on the golden sands.

Her two children, 12-year-old Anja and Noah, eight, who she shares with her ex Jamie Mazur, did not appear to be in attendance.

Seemingly in no rush to get back to her home in Los Angeles - amid current lockdown restrictions that include a 14-day quarantine and limited access to simple luxuries like dining out - Alessandra has been milking her extended stay in Brazil.

Sun-kissed: Seemingly in no rush to get back to her home in Los Angele, Alessandra has been milking her extended sun-filled stay in Brazil

Latest beach trip: The designer certainly has no shortage of bikinis from her line as she has been seen on the beaches in a number of her designs during the extended stay

Photoshoot: Selfies: The brunette bombshell was also seen showing off her toned physique as a man joined her in the sea to take an array of sizzling snaps of her on her mobile phone

Fortunately, the designer certainly has no shortage of bikinis from her line as she has been seen on the beaches in a number of her designs during the extended stay.

After a tough 2020 for everyone, the beauty seemed keen on celebrating the start to a new year.

In recent weeks, she has been going on a few boat trips and playing beach games as she trades in the city life for a bit of island time.

She's also been focused on running her swimwear line Gal Floripa with the help of her co-founder and childhood friend, who resides in Brazil.

Quick dip: Her dip in the sea comes as she has been focused on running her swimwear line Gal Floripa with the help of her co-founder and childhood friend, who resides in Brazil

Style icon: She effortlessly threw a stylish smock sundress over her bikini as she sipped on a cold drink while enjoying a beach day out with her friends

Safety first: Alessandra sensibly kept her phone safe from being splashed in the ocean with a red leather shoulder strap, which ensured she did not accidentally drop her phone

Alessandria and her family spent New Years back on dry land as she stunned in a white PatBo dress, after doing some yoga earlier in the day.

The extended clan all seemed to ring in the holiday at a white party as she shared some loved up snaps of her family and friends.

The brunette bombshell also took to social media to wish her 10.2million followers a happy new year as she said, 'May this year be magical.'

Posing with her two kids, she looked like she had all she needed by her side as she looked towards the future.

Selfies: Returning to dry land, Alessandra was also seen basking in the sunshine and stopping to take some gorgeous selfies in her slinky beachwear
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.
In this resource of hope and healing discover the recipe the enemy uses to fry a Christian, as well as transformational truths to pull you out of burn out, heal the pain of the past and transform you from a laborer for God to a lover of God.

Author Dennis C. Bambino shares the cause of, and the treatment for, spiritual burnout in A Recipe for Fried Christian: Going from Spiritual Burnout to a Well-Done Lover of God ($14.99, paperback, 9781662802928; $7.99, e-book, 9781662802935).

After 35 years in full-time ministry, Bambino certainly understands the concept of burnout. He has also hijacked Satans recipe that he uses to deep-fry Christians around the world, and has recorded it here for the benefit of all. Bambino teaches readers how to recognize Satans tactics, then how to recover and move forward in their relationship with Christ.

In this resource of hope and healing discover the recipe the enemy uses to fry a Christian, as well as transformational truths to pull you out of burn out, heal the pain of the past and transform you from a laborer for God to a lover of God, said Bambino.

Dennis C. Bambino left a successful career as a corporate executive to serve the Lord full-time. He has done so in various capacities, including Senior Pastor, Director of Student Ministries, member of the Apostolic Council of Christ Covenant Coalition, church planter, Bible teacher, founder of a regional Bible school, and co-founder of a regional prayer network. Bambino and his wife Jackie share three happily married daughters, 12 grandchildren and a Shih-Tzu named Pebbles.

###

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. A Recipe for Fried Christian is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.
It will be #BowieForever for Iman, who says shell never remarry after the death of husband David Bowie, her true love.

The supermodel and cosmetics and fashion guru, 65, said so much in a new interview with Harpers Bazaar U.K., which is out now, just days shy of the fifth anniversary of the rock stars death from liver cancer.

Iman and David Bowie together in 2006. (Photo: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

David is in our hearts and minds on a daily basis, for all of us, she told the magazine. You know, this was my true love. My daughter once asked me if I would ever marry again and I said, never.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The Iman Cosmetics and Iman Global Chic founder opened up about their regular marriage and home life with daughter Alexandria Lexi Zahra Jones, now 21 and an artist. (Bowie was also dad to 49-year-old director Duncan Jones from his first marriage; Iman also has a 42-year-old daughter Zulekha Haywood from her first union.)

It could not have been more regular, said Iman, who married Bowie in two different ceremonies in 1992. It was a really everyday marriage. He was a very funny, warm gentleman  you know, everyone talks about him being futuristic, but no, he was not, he liked more than anything to wear a three-piece suit. It was a beautiful, ordinary life and that was what was great about it. We could live in New York, pick up our daughter from school, walk everywhere.

Iman added, You know, I wish we had had more years.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

There are multiple Bowie anniversaries this week. He died on Jan. 10, 2016, after a private battle with cancer. Jan. 8 is his birthday and he would have been 74 this year.

Thats the saddest time, Iman said of the back-to-back anniversaries.

But she feels his spirit, explaining, Hes hiding in plain sight. His fans are still around, his music is still relevant.

Iman said that she likes to spend the anniversary of Bowies death with her family, but last year she traveled to northern California to mark it under the redwoods.

"On the day of his passing, I went on a hike and a bluebird flew in front of me. A bluebird, above all things! she marveled.

Weeks before his death, Bowie released Lazarus, on Dec. 17, 2015, in which he sings about being in heaven and referenced being free just like that bluebird.

I asked the tour guide, and he said, Oh, theyre very rare here, bluebirds, Iman recalled. And so now, instead of remembering it as sad, it is more of a joyous day because she absolutely felt his presence.

The pandemic has kept her from her family this year  not seeing daughter Lexi, now on the West Coast, for more than six months at one point. While the Somali stunner is still based in NYC, shes been spending most of her time in her country home outside the city, where she hikes, paints (a new hobby) and walks her beloved dog Max (who has one blue eye and one brown eye like Bowie did).

"I do get lonely, admits Iman, who is now a grandma, but Im one of those people  thank God  who likes my own company.

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service.

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.
Belarusian protesters carrying banned white-and-red national flags have marched in parks and residential areas of several towns across the country as demonstrators continue to demand the resignation of authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

The demonstrators are also demanding that those responsible for violent crackdowns against demonstrators during the past five months be held accountable.

Daily demonstrations have been going on across Belarus since election officials announced that their tally of the August 9 presidential vote showed Lukashenka winning a landslide victory. Those results are seen by many in Belarus and abroad as being rigged in favor of Lukashenka.

The United States and the European Union have refused to recognize Lukashenka's reelection as legitimate.

In an effort to avoid arrest by Lukashenka's security forces, protesters have resorted to so-called "flash-mob" tactics, gathering at locations announced on social media at the last minute.

The flash-mob protests are smaller and shorter protest marches usually conducted outside of city centers rather than the kind of mass demonstrations that have drawn tens of thousands of people but have been an easy target for brutal crackdowns by the security forces.
Sharing her story of surviving the Nazis was a task that always took an emotional toll on Carmela Finkel, because it is the story of a young child surviving horrors many simply could not imagine.

Sharing her story of surviving the Nazis was a task that always took an emotional toll on Carmela Finkel, because it is the story of a young child surviving horrors many simply could not imagine.

"She felt a responsibility to share what she went through, and it weighed on her," her daughter, Gina Chodirker, said.

SUPPLIED Carmela, her sister Betty and her parents, Caroline and Leon, in Poland in 1937.

Finkel, 87, died Oct. 9, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19, leaving behind older sister Betty, five children, 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends.

When Chodirker, 62, thinks about her and her siblings growing up in Winnipeg and going on to raise their own families, she knows there was a good chance all of it might not have happened. Her mother came very close to being one of the millions of Jews who would perish in Europe during the Second World War.

Born Carmela Shragge in Radziechow, Poland, on March 22, 1933, she had what she often described as a happy early childhood.

Around the time she turned six, however, life began to change, with rumblings of war and targeting of Jews.

In 1941, Nazis invaded the town.

SUPPLIED Carmela Finkel i n her 20s.

Later, had it not been for the courage and selflessness of non-Jewish neighbours, the Ochotski family, it is an almost certainty the family would have perished. The Ochotskis let Finkels family hide in a dugout they had put under their home.

At the time, Nazi soldiers were rounding up Jews in the town, putting them in lines, and executing them with machine guns over open pits.

The family of four lived for 20 months in the pitch-black dugout. Out of fear of being discovered, they were told not to move, talk or make noise.

Chodirker said the family harbouring them would invite guests over, including Nazi soldiers, all while the family sat in complete silence under the house. "To try and convey that he was a Nazi supporter, Mr. Ochotski hung a swastika in the house, and would often welcome guests in the house," she said.

Supplied Carmela Finkel (left) and her older sister Betty grew up in pre-war Poland.

Food and water were delivered, the family was given cushions to cough or sneeze into, and they relieved themselves in a pail on the floor.

Chodirker said, to this day, she cant imagine how brave it was for the Ochotskis to hide Jews in their home. Had they been caught, they would have paid with their own lives.

"They knew they would have been executed, and they knew the Nazis would tear houses apart looking for Jews," she said. "The personal risk was something that my parents and our family will be forever in debt for.

"They saved their lives, and they are the reason our family is here today."

Supplied Carmela and Nathan Finkel at their daughter, Ginas, wedding in June of 1980.

At many points, Finkel believed there was no chance she would survive, Chodirker said. "It got to a point she didnt even pray for survival, but just prayed they would all die together so that she wasnt left without one of her family members."

But they would survive.

One day in 1944, Ochotski came down and told the family Russian soldiers were there to liberate them.

After what the family had been through, they had a difficult time trusting the soldiers were not enemies.

Supplied Carmela (left) and her sister, Betty, in 2016.

"One soldier came to the opening and said, You can come out now, youve been liberated, youve been saved, and my grandfather said, But Im Jewish. The soldier said: Well, so am I," Chodirker said.

"When my grandfather heard that... that was the moment he finally knew they were free."

They emerged from their hiding place and soon learned they were the only Jewish family in the town to survive as a complete family unit. Most had been killed.

The family would spend time at a displaced persons camp in Deggendorf, Germany, before immigrating to Winnipeg in October 1948. Finkel was 15.

SUPPLIED The Finkel family in 1947.

Chodirker said for years her mom kept her story to herself, partially because it is what others told her she should do.

"After everything they went through, they were told not to talk about it, and they went to school and were told, Thats in the past, lets move on, so there wasnt the chance to heal."

At the age of 20, she married Nathan Finkel, who had also grown up in Poland.

It was only later in her life Finkel began to tell her story, as she began visiting schools telling students about what she had been through.

Supplied photos Carmela Finkel, seen here holding one of her nine great-grandchildren, died in October due to complications from COVID-19.

Chodirker said her mom was so emotional after telling her story she often needed a day or more to recover, but felt it was a story that must be told.

"It was an important lesson, and there are people to this day that still deny the Holocaust happened, but you cant deny it when you hear it first-hand from someone who was there and who lived it," she said.

Finkels story is sure to live on, as it is one of many stories of Jewish survivors of the Holocaust featured in a video that can be viewed at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights "Examining the Holocaust" gallery.

"You have the worst of humanity and the best of humanity all in that one story," Jeremy Maron, curator of the gallery, said. "What this neighbour did would have meant immediate execution, if there had even been any indication of helping.

"Its an absolutely incomprehensible situation."

Maron said he was struck by the emotional damage the experience left on Finkel, and how so many other children who lived through similar situations would have carried lifelong trauma.

"She carried this with her," Maron said. "She had this intense fear of enclosed dark spaces, so she always carried that.

"Her survival and ability to raise children is a testament to the Nazis failure," he said. "They wanted to eradicate Jews and they failed, and families survived, and they live on."

Chodirker said she hopes her mother is remembered for being a Holocaust survivor, but also for the long and meaningful life she lived after coming out of hiding.

"She leaves a legacy as a survivor, and as a loving mother and grandmother who loved her family," she said.

"She was an amazing woman who lived an amazing life, and she will be missed, but we know her memory will always live on."

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca
Tehran, Jan 9 : Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced in a televised address a ban on the import of coronavirus vaccines from the US and the UK, saying the two countries were "not trustworthy".

"I have already said it to government officials, and now announce it publicly. The import of American and British vaccines is prohibited," Khamenei said in his address on Friday.

"American and British vaccines are not allowed in the country. The US and Britain are not trustworthy," Xinhua news agency quoted the top leader as saying in his address on Friday.

the Supreme Leader also praised the Iranian Covid-19 vaccine now at the human trial stage as a "source of pride" for the country, and voiced hope that other vaccine projects will be developed and improved in the future in the country.

After Khamenei's address, the Iranian Red Crescent Society announced the import of American Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines has been cancelled.

"The import of 150,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine (developed by) Pfizer Inc from the US to the country by the Iranian Red Crescent Society is cancelled," IRCS spokesman Mohammad Hassan Qosian Moqaddam told the state-run IRNA news agency on Friday night.

"We are ready to cooperate, if necessary, in case (Iran's) Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education puts in a request (for importing vaccines) from eastern countries," Moqaddam added
To schedule an appointment for the county's vaccination clinics, go to cayugacounty.us/health and click on "COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics." If you aren't eligible to receive the vaccine under phase 1A, the health department says do not schedule an appointment. You must show proof of eligibility  an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or a pay stub  at the vaccination clinic.

Anyone who is in mandatory isolation or quarantine won't be admitted into the vaccination clinic. If you feel ill on the day of the clinic, the health department asks you not to attend.

When you arrive at the vaccination clinic, you should remain in your vehicle until your appointment. You must complete the vaccine eligibility attestation form prior to the clinic. The form can be found at forms.ny.gov/s3/vaccine.

Masks are required and social distancing must be maintained. You will be required to stay for observation for 15 to 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2
Some intellectuals bent on finding a deeper meaning in every catastrophe even evoke these famous lines from Friedrich Holderlins hymn Patmos, Wo aber Gefahr ist, wachst das Rettende auch (Where the danger is, that which saves is also growing), as relevant for our predicament.

by Slavoj Zizek

A quote from Woody Allen, from back in 1979, is now an apt if disturbing description of mankinds predicament with Covid. We have a stark choice to make if we are to survive and construct a new society.





We read again and again in our media that we are at the beginning of the end of the pandemic: although numbers of infections and deaths are still rising, millions are already vaccinated, so there is now at least the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

In spite of worries about how we will survive the next few months, there are signs of relief. We deserve this relaxation since what was so depressive about the pandemic was precisely that there was no clear exit in sight  the feeling of the end of the world dragged on without end. Now it looks like the nightmare will be over soon, we will try to obliterate it from our memory and return to normal life as soon as possible.

Some intellectuals bent on finding a deeper meaning in every catastrophe even evoke these famous lines from Friedrich Holderlins hymn Patmos, Wo aber Gefahr ist, wachst das Rettende auch (Where the danger is, that which saves is also growing), as relevant for our predicament. In what precisely resides this relevance? Is it simply that science saved us by inventing vaccines in a record time? Is it that the pandemic reminded us of our mortality and vulnerability, and thus cured us of our arrogance, teaching us we are part of nature, not its masters?

However, it would be much more appropriate to turn around Holderlins verses: But where that which saves us is growing, there are dangers also. And these dangers are multiple. Lets begin with the World Health Organization experts warning that, though the effects of the pandemic have been very severe, it is not necessarily the big one, and the world will have to learn to live with Covid-19.

Not only is the Covid pandemic far from over, given numbers are still rising, but new pandemics are on the horizon; global warming, fires, and droughts are ruining our environment; the economic effects of the pandemic will strike later in 2021 giving a new boost to social protests; digital control of our lives will remain; mental health problems will explode and we will have to learn to live not just with Covid-19, but with all this medley of interconnected phenomena. This is why we are now going through the most dangerous moment of the entire pandemic. To relax now would be like falling asleep behind the wheel of a car moving fast on a winding road. We have to make lots of decisions that cannot all be grounded in science  our moment is now the moment of radical political choices.

True, science may save us. Greta Thunberg was right that we should trust it, but in a true scientific spirit, we should also admit two things noted by Juergen Habermas: we didnt just learn new things, we also got to know how many things we didnt know, plus we were forced to act in an impenetrable situation without knowing what the effects of our acts would be.

This not-knowing does not concern only the pandemic itself  we at least have experts there  but even more its economic, social, and psychic consequences. It is not simply that we dont know what is going on, but that we know we dont know, and this not-knowing is itself a social fact, and it is inscribed into how our institutions act.

We should take even a step further here: it is not just that we know more and more what we dont know, it sometimes appears as if reality itself acts as if it forgot its own laws. We know the joke about knowledge in the real  that a stone knows the law it must obey when its falling down. But the basic lesson of quantum physics is that nature itself doesnt know all its laws, and this is why Albert Einstein reacted with such anxiety to quantum physics and its basic premise of the indeterminacy of nature  for Einstein, this simply meant that quantum physics is an incomplete theory that ignores some unknown variables.

There is a supreme irony in the fact that, although both Einstein and physicist Niels Bohr were atheists, their most famous exchange is about God: Einstein remarked, God does not play dice, and Bohr snapped back, Stop telling God what to do. Their disagreement was not about God, but about the nature of our universe: Einstein couldnt accept that nature itself is in some sense incomplete. The pandemic seems to be signaling that Bohr was right.

This indeterminacy, which reaches all the way down to subatomic level, opens up the space for our interventions, but only if we fully assume it  that is, if we reject determinism in both its main versions: naturalism and divine providence. A Slovene theologian who advocates keeping churches open in spite of quarantine regulations answered the reproach that many lives would be lost in a simple and straight way: The mission of the Church is not health but salvation.

In short, the death and suffering of thousands doesnt matter with regard to their salvation in eternity through God. This is what Mother Theresa was doing in Kolkata: her mission was to take care of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone  but, as critics have demonstrated, more than their health, she took care of their salvation and deathbed conversion to Catholicism. So, we can easily imagine what she would have been doing now when the pandemic is ravaging the world: no vaccination, not even respirators, but just spiritual solace in a grey environment for the last hours of our life.

And we can also imagine what will happen in the near future if the pandemic explodes even more, through new mutations of the virus, and renders vaccines inefficient: people will be dying in even bigger numbers than from the Spanish flu and, lacking any vision of how to contain the pandemic, our authorities will resign themselves to just providing care for the dying, inclusive of pills for a painless death, while the Church will offer mass conversions to diminish depression with the promise of salvation for the faithful.

Our ultimate choice is thus best encapsulated by the beginning of a text written by Woody Allen back in 1979: More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly. The correct choice is the decision to assume the despair and utter hopelessness of our predicament: only if we pass through this zero-point we will be able to construct a new society-to-come.

The wrong step may lead us to a new divided society with the privileged living in isolated bubbles while the majority vegetates in barbaric conditions. Today, more than ever, egalitarianism is not just a vague ideal, but an urgent necessity: vaccines for all, universal healthcare, a global struggle against global warming Here is a small unexpected sign in this direction: Ugur Sahin, BioNTechs CEO, a Turk living in Germany who played a key role in inventing the best vaccine, said in an interview at the end of 2020: At the moment, it doesnt look good  a hole is appearing because theres a lack of other approved vaccines and we have to fill the gap with our own vaccine  a wonderful moment when the CEO of a company wants the competitors to get stronger because he knows that only all together can they win the struggle against the pandemic.

So, maybe the proper way to conclude is to repeat the well-known warning that is sometimes added to the idea of the light at the end of the tunnel: lets make sure that this light is not that of another train rushing towards us from the other side.

Slavoj Zizek is a cultural philosopher. Hes a senior researcher at the Institute for Sociology and Philosophy at the University of Ljubljana, Global Distinguished Professor of German at New York University, and international director of the Birkbeck Institute for the Humanities of the University of London.
Local councils in western Sydney and the northern beaches will stage Australia Day celebrations despite COVID-19 outbreaks, even as the NSW government cancels many January 26 events such as the ferrython.

Cumberland City mayor Steve Christou said his western Sydney council would hold a citizenship ceremony in Granville on January 26 followed by Australia Day celebrations at Holroyd Gardens.

"Any cancellation of an Australia Day event is un-Australian and a cheap and lazy excuse to not conduct a COVID-safe event," Cr Christou said.

The traditional Australia Day ferrython on Sydney Harbour will not be held this year because of the COVID-19 crisis. Credit:Jenny Evans

The Cumberland City Council area includes Berala, which is at the centre of the western Sydney COVID-19 outbreak.
The rapper was released on a $35,000 bond

According to multiple reports, Grammy-nominated rapper DaBaby was arrested after shopping on Rodeo Drive on Thursday.

Per the TMZ report, DaBaby was accompanied by three friends when he was allegedly stopped by the police this week. The rapper, whose birth name is Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, was reportedly leaving the Gucci store and was getting ready to drive off with his friends when they were abruptly halted by the Beverly Hills police.

The law enforcement officials told TMZ, someone inside the store called to report DaBaby and his crew had weapons.

Read More: DaBaby plans to retire from music in five years

E! News also reported on the arrest and officially spoke with a spokesperson from the Beverly Hills Police Department. The spokesperson shared, Police made contact with the group after they entered a vehicle and were preparing to leave the area. An investigation followed and a 9MM handgun was found in the vehicle.

Since yesterday, video footage of the rappers arrest has found its way to social media. According to TMZ, DaBaby was the only person charged and while the other men were initially detained as well, they were ultimately released.

The rapper was reportedly arrested on a misdemeanor charge of carrying a loaded firearm. He was subsequently released on a $35,000 bond and is expected in court on Jan. 11, according to Los Angeles County Sheriffs booking information.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Read More: DaBaby says hes going to get a therapist after brothers death by suicide

This comes almost exactly a year after theGrio reported DaBaby was arrested in Miami in January 2020. The rapper was arrested on a count of battery and was released on a $5,000 bond. The battery charges were ultimately dropped in March of 2020.

DaBaby currently has multiple Grammy award nominations for the upcoming 63rd annual award ceremony, including Record of the Year, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Song. The upcoming ceremony was recently pushed to March due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

Story continues

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 DaBaby arrested after shopping on Rodeo Drive appeared first on TheGrio.

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September

An Israeli man is vaccinated in Jerusalem this week where about 15pc of the population has received the jab. Photo: REUTERS

Ireland's limited supply of Covid-19 vaccines - the key weapon for escaping the worst of the pandemic - could be boosted early next month as the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab may be approved earlier than expected.

But it will be next summer before millions more inoculations will be available for the wider population.

The green light for the vaccine would mean three supplies are available to administer to older residents and staff of long-term care and frontline healthcare workers by February.

The HSE is promised more than 40,000 doses a week from Pfizer/BioNTech over January and February while 4,000 doses of the Moderna jab are due next week.

The possible arrival of vaccines from Oxford/AstraZeneca - regarded as a "game changer" by health officials because it is easy to store - could speed up the rollout.

It will make it easier for GPs and pharmacists to be brought on stream to administer vaccines to the wider community, said Professor Karina Butler, chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee.

Non-healthcare professionals, once trained, could also be called upon to administer the vaccine as the programme ramps up, she added.

"The logistics will be simplified with this vaccine," Prof Butler told the Herald.

"It will be hugely beneficial to the system, not only because there are large quantities scheduled to come in but because of the handling characteristics.

Surgeries

"It will be suitable for administration in GP offices and pharmacies and for administration in large centres that will be set up."

"That doesn't mean that GPs might not come on board sooner.

"But in terms of doing this in their own surgeries, with their own patients, this is much more suitable.

"The handling characteristics will be much easier."

Health officials insisted yesterday they are stepping up the administration of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab to long-term care facilities and frontline healthcare staff with 35,000 expected to have been immunised by tomorrow.

More than 180 long-term care facilities will be offered the vaccine next week and the plan is to have all residents and staff given a first dose in the next 16 days.

The HSE plans to hold a week's supply in reserve and all other doses will be administered. However, opposition politicians who were briefed by task force chairman Prof Brian MacGraith and health officials yesterday said the plans are still too vague.

There are around 2,000 vaccinators including staff who deliver jabs in schools and trained hospital staff.

Army

Talks are also under way with the Army to use some of its medics as the campaign broadens. Work has also begun to finalise where mass immunisation sites will be around the country.

Later this year, Ireland can also expect a further three million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine following a new deal reached with the European Commission yesterday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that along with the Moderna vaccine also authorised for use in the EU, "we have already secured an amount of doses that we need to vaccinate 380 million Europeans, and this is more than 80pc of the European population".

Meanwhile, a new study indicated that the effectiveness of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will not be affected by the two more infectious virus strains from the UK and South Africa, both of which are currently circulating here.
Amid outsider jabs by TMC  the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) national president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday has claimed that they are the real representatives of West Bengal and not the State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Addressing a press conference in Burdwan, Nadda said, The rich culture of Bengal has lost due to the misrule of TMC government. The way syndicate culture, tolabazai (extortion), cut money, corruption mushroomed in Bengal is really unfortunate. Are these the culture of Bengal? The way I was greeted last time at Diamond Harbour (hinting on convoy attack) is also not a part of Bengals culture. Once Bengal was known for its rich culture and literature and we used to feel proud of it.

He said, We are the real representatives of Bengal because we believe in good administration, culture, and we believe in the holistic development of the State. But on the other side Mamata represents lawlessness, anarchy, syndicate culture, tolabazai (extortion), cut money and corruption.

Hinting at his Bengali wife (Mallika), he said, As far as I am concerned, I feel proud of Bengals culture and I live in this culture because once I also wore a topor (a conical headgear traditionally worn by grooms as part of the Bengali Hindu wedding ceremony).

On the context of whether Mamata Banerjee will participate in Prime Minister Narendra Modis meet with all the state chief ministers on January 11 to discuss Covid-19 vaccination or not, he said, How can I see whether she will attend it or not. But all I can say is that this is one of the biggest drives and it is for the benefits of people. I think she should cooperate and I believe that good sense will prevail.

Commenting on the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Bengal, he said, The act has been passed. We are committed to implementing it. The entire process got delayed due to the Corona pandemic. The rules of the CAA are yet to be framed. I would like to assure all that we will certainly implement it in letter and spirit.

He said, Today, I saw that a tsunami is going to happen in Bengal which will bring us in power with absolute majority as Mamatas days are numbered.

Nadda also accused Mamata for not implementing the PM Kisan scheme in West Bengal and vowed to implement it once they will form the government in the State in 2021.

It is unfortunate that there are people who are misleading the farmers (on farm bill). Therefore, we have decided to launch Krishak Bhoj from January 24 to January 31 in 40000 Gram Sabha in Bengal to make them understand the actual benefits of farmers policies and schemes launched by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added.

Assembly elections are due in West Bengal in April-May this year and the BJP has already launched a massive aggressive campaign to oust Trinamool Congress government in the state.
Private banks have been progressively grabbing larger shares of the banking business even as nimble-footed fintechs are posing a fresh threat to government-owned banks.

But with the government tiptoeing around the problem with untenable solutions, Indian public sector banking could be headed the way of its counterparts in telecom and aviation. T N Ninan explains why here

Here is a selection of other views today:

The third volume of the late Pranab Mukherjees memoirs is notable for his changing mood, tenor and reserve with truth-telling, writes Shekhar Gupta. Read it here

Two parties are growing organically without engineering splits or defections  the and the All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Aditi Phadnis traces their progress here

Sandeep Goyal describes the Japanese business custom of aisatsu-mawari an exquisitely polite way of honouring clients in the new year. Read it here

Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 74F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A mostly clear sky. Low 46F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
RTHK: Formal articles of impeachment to come on Monday

With only days left in his presidency, Donald Trump - silenced by Twitter and shunned by a growing number of Republican officials - faces a renewed drive by Democrats to remove him from office after he incited his supporters to storm the US Capitol.

Democratic members of the House of Representatives will introduce formal articles of impeachment on Monday, Representative Ted Lieu said on Twitter. The California Democrat, who helped draft the charges, said the articles had drawn 180 co-sponsors as of Saturday afternoon.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top congressional Democrat, has threatened to impeach Trump for a historic second time unless he resigned "immediately," a move the pugnacious president is unlikely to consider.

Pelosi has also asked members to draft legislation aimed at invoking the US Constitution's 25th Amendment, which allows the removal of a president unable to fulfill the duties of the office.

Trump "has done something so serious -- that there should be prosecution against him," Pelosi told CBS' "60 Minutes" according to an early excerpt of the interview.

The intensifying effort to oust Trump from the White House has drawn scattered support from Republicans, whose party has been splintered by the president's actions. Democrats have pressed Vice President Mike Pence to consider the 25th Amendment, but a Pence adviser has said he opposes the idea.

The odds that Trump will actually be removed before January 20, when President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in, remain long. Any impeachment in the House would trigger a trial in the Republican-controlled Senate, which is scheduled to be in recess until January 19 and has already acquitted Trump once before.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent a memo to his fellow Republican senators suggesting a trial would not begin until Trump was out of office, a source familiar with the document said. A conviction in the Senate requires a two-thirds vote.

Democrats will take control of the Senate later this month, after Georgia certifies two runoff elections won by Democratic challengers.

Twitter permanently cut off Trump's personal account and access to his nearly 90 million followers late on Friday, citing the risk of further incitement of violence, three days after Trump exhorted thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol as Congress met to certify Biden's November 3 election victory.

The resulting assault, viewed with shock around the world, left a police officer and four others dead in its wake, as rioters breached the Capitol and forced lawmakers into hiding for their own safety.

Pope Francis said on Saturday that anyone engaged in attacks on democracy must be condemned.

"I was astonished because they are people so disciplined in democracy," the pontiff told Italy's Canale 5 news channel in his first public comments on the events.

A Florida man who was photographed smiling and waving as he carried Pelosi's lectern from the House chambers amid the chaos was arrested by federal law enforcement late Friday.

Authorities also arrested a man seen in widely shared photographs wearing a horned fur hat and carrying a spear inside the Capitol. Dozens of others face federal and state charges.

Twitter's decision stifled one of Trump's most potent tools. His frequent posts helped propel his 2016 presidential campaign, since which he has used the site to fire up his base and attack his political opponents from both parties.

Trump later used the official @POTUS government account to lash out at Twitter, vowing that the 75 million "great patriots" who voted for him "will not be SILENCED!" He said he was considering building his own social media platform.

Twitter quickly deleted those posts and soon after suspended the Trump campaign account as well.

The suspension came a day after a subdued Trump denounced Wednesday's violence in a video in which he also vowed to ensure a smooth transition of power.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Thursday and Friday found 57%of Americans want Trump to be removed immediately from office following the violence.

A small but growing number of Republicans have joined calls for Trump to step down, and several high-ranking administration officials resigned in protest.

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said Friday that Trump should resign immediately and suggested she would consider leaving the party altogether if Republicans cannot separate themselves from him.

"I want him out. He has caused enough damage," she told the Anchorage Daily News.

Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, a frequent Trump critic, told CBS News he would "definitely consider" impeachment because the president "disregarded his oath of office."

Trump allies, including Senator Lindsey Graham and House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, however, urged Democrats to shelve any impeachment effort in the name of unity.

"Impeaching President Donald Trump with 12 days remaining in his presidency would only serve to further divide the country," said White House spokesman Judd Deere.

A copy of draft articles of impeachment circulating among members of Congress charged Trump with "inciting violence against the government of the United States" in a bid to overturn his loss to Biden.

The House impeached Trump in December 2019 for pressuring the Ukrainian president to investigate Biden, but the Senate acquitted him in February 2020. Only two other presidents have been impeached, and none has been impeached twice.

Trump spent months falsely claiming the election was stolen from him due to widespread fraud. Dozens of courts across the country have thrown out lawsuits seeking to challenging the results, and election officials in both parties have said there is no evidence to support his allegations. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Jim Bob Moffett, an oilfield workers brash son who built Freeport-McMoRan Inc. into a Fortune 500 company in New Orleans during the 1980s and 1990s and who acted as a powerhouse in local civic and business affairs, died of COVID-19 complications Friday in Austin, Texas, his son said. He was 82 and had been ill for several years.

He was larger than life, said Darryl Berger, a major real estate investor and civic leader in New Orleans.

A geologist with a masters degree from Tulane University, able to subsist on little sleep, Moffett used his forceful personality, willingness to take big risks and deep understanding of the oil, gas and minerals business to lead a company that in 1988 found the worlds biggest gold mine and one of the biggest copper mines in Indonesia. He was a major philanthropist in New Orleans and Austin, and also a regular target of environmental advocates in Louisiana, Texas and Indonesia.

In New Orleans, Moffett, who grew up poor in Texas, shook up the stodgy ways of doing business in a city where company CEOs tended to come from the old-line Carnival krewes and social clubs. He founded the Business Council in the mid-1980s to present, in a more forceful manner, business views on the major social and economic issues of the day to political leaders.

Jim Bob was absolutely the most respected and well known individual in the last five decades in making a difference in business, said Bill Goldring, a New Orleans liquor magnate and philanthropist whose father, Stephen, assisted Moffett in creating the Business Council. He was forceful with a can-do attitude and never said something couldnt be done. He pushed the limits on everything he touched. He was in your face when he knew something was right and had to be done. He would keep pushing to make it happen.

Moffett explained his philosophy about business  and indeed life  in a 1995 interview: When I walk into a conference room with lawyers and accountants, theyll say to me, You know, no one has done this before, he said. Thats not a show stopper for me. It shouldnt be a show stopper.

"As long as youre convinced that youre right about things, you ought to feel comfortable enough even when youre talking about some pretty big numbers and some pretty big things. ... If you believe in what youre doing and if you know that you can do things that other people cant do and if youre confident enough to take out on a new road, thats what really creates assets that are different.

James Robert Moffett was born in Houma in 1938 and lived in Golden Meadow until he was 5, when his father disappeared and his mother moved him and his sister to Houston. Moffett won a scholarship to play football and study geology at the University of Texas but found his studies limited his ability to play ball. Still, he became a favorite of the Longhorns legendary coach, Darrell Royal, for whom he played tackle.

Afterward, Moffett returned to Louisiana and learned the ropes by working for an independent oil and gas company. In 1969, he formed McMoRan with Ken McWilliams and B.M. Rankin. Moffett was the architect of a 1981 merger with Freeport Minerals, a bigger company based in New York City, and insisted the combined company locate in the New Orleans area, which was closer to the oil fields.

In 1984, at a time when big oil and gas companies still had a major presence in New Orleans, Moffett moved the company headquarters from Metairie into a new office tower at 1615 Poydras St. across from the Superdome. The building wore the name Freeport-McMoRan for more than three decades.

Freeport-McMoRan remained in New Orleans until 2007 when a merger led to the companys relocation in Phoenix. Moffett stepped down as chairman in 2015. By then, some of his investment bets had not paid off.

Moffett was particularly active in New Orleans when Sidney Barthelemy was mayor from 1986 to 1994. Barthelemy found Moffett to be a more willing partner than most other businessmen, at a time when a sharp drop in oil prices had ravaged New Orleans economy and City Hall's finances. He agreed to support a bond refinancing that provided $35 million for the city to pay for roadwork, parks and libraries.

He was really a good, good person and willing to help, Barthelemy said. He was a tremendous asset to the city.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Moffett had Freeport donate millions of dollars for libraries, parks, summer jobs programs for kids, the New Orleans Opera and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, among others, said Cindy Molyneux, who headed the companys foundation.

He was a giant of a man for the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana, said Ron Forman, president and CEO of the Audubon Nature Institute. The institute operates the Audubon Freeport-McMoRan Species Survival Center in Lower Coast Algiers, where endangered species can breed. Freeport seeded the project with $10 million.

Not all of Moffetts efforts in Louisiana succeeded. One major effort was his push to revamp the states tax laws, which he and its backers, including then-Gov. Buddy Roemer, dubbed fiscal reform. Louisiana voters rejected the measure after opponents said it would raise taxes on individuals.

On the day after Roemer lost the 1991 gubernatorial primary  and former Gov. Edwin Edwards and white supremacist David Duke advanced to the runoff  Moffett called Edwards to pledge support and rally business people behind him.

Moffett repeatedly fielded complaints from environment advocates that he turned a blind eye to company projects that poisoned the water and soils.

For example, Freeport Chemicals wanted to dump two giant stacks of radioactive gypsum wastes in St. James Parish into the Mississippi River in the late 1980s, but government officials stopped the company. Those stacks, now owned by Mosaic Fertilizers, remain and have contaminated groundwater, said Wilma Subra, technical adviser to the Louisiana Environmental Action Network.

Thats a legacy that will be there forever and ever, Subra said.

Freeport has also been subject to strong criticism that its giant mine in Indonesia fouled the soil and that the company, in conjunction with the Indonesian government, its business partner, tortured and killed indigenous opponents of the massive project. The company denied those allegations.

Moffett is survived by his wife, Lauree Moffett of Austin; children James "Bubba" Moffett Jr. of Phoenix and New Orleans, Crystal Moffett Lourd of Los Angeles, Jordan Moffett of Austin and Corrine Moffett of Austin; and six grandchildren.

He was my hero, said Bubba Moffett, president of Crescent Crown Distributing, a beer and beverage distributor in south Louisiana and Phoenix.

As a young man, Moffett became a huge fan of Elvis Presley. During occasional shows by Hot Rod Lincoln, a local band that included Berger and other businessmen, he would wear Elvis garb  the white suit, the long scarves, the oversized sunglasses  and hop onstage to sing a couple of Presley numbers, typically Blue Suede Shoes and Hound Dog.

He was a real showman, and he was pretty good at it, Berger said.

Moffett liked to note that he was born on the same date, Aug. 16, that Presley died in 1977.

He died at Seton Hospital in Austin while listening to Presley songs, on Presleys birthdate.
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.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely in the evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. Low around 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
It appears President Donald Trump will have to find a new preferred platform to share his views with the world.

Twitter announced Friday evening that it had permanently suspended Trump.

"After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them -- specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter -- we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence," Twitter wrote in a statement.

Trump's final tweet said he would not be attending the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Hashtags for "TrumpBanned" and "Thank you Twitter" quickly rose to the top of the social media site in the wake of the permanent suspension.

MORE: Trump allies helped plan, promote rally that led to Capitol attack

Hours after his suspension, Trump released a statement criticizing the ban, and teasing a possible new platform.

"I predicted this would happen," he wrote in part. "We have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon, while we also look at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future. We will not be SILENCED!"

"Twitter is not about FREE SPEECH. They are all about promoting a Radical Left platform where some of the most vicious people in the world are allowed to speak freely," he added.

Trump had attempted to post the same statement on Twitter, using the official @POTUS account, but the platform deleted the thread, saying users who are banned cannot post from other accounts. The @POTUS account, rarely used by Trump himself over the past four years, will be transferred over to the Biden administration following his inauguration.

The blog post from Twitter announcing the ban cited the events of Wednesday's raid on the U.S. Capitol as a reason for the suspension. Trump's account had been temporarily suspended in the wake of the rioting, but warned the president another violation of its terms of service would result in a permanent ban.

Story continues

"In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action," the company wrote.

PHOTO: In this screen grab from Twitter, the suspended Twitter account of President Donald Trump is seen on Jan. 8, 2021. (Eric Baradat/Twitter/AFP via Getty Images)

Five people died in the rioting at the Capitol on Wednesday, including one police officer, just hours after Trump held a rally and urged his supporters to march to the Capitol.

"We're going to walk down to the Capitol and we're going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women and we're probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them," he said at the rally. "Because you'll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength and you have to be strong."

Rioters ended up pushing past police and ransacking legislative offices, spraying graffiti on the walls and stealing property. In a video message posted to Twitter hours later, he called on the rioters to leave the Capitol, but also said, "We love you."

Since his election loss in November 2020, the president has constantly used the social media platform to baselessly claim the election was rigged or rampant with fraud. Twitter began labeling his tweets in the run-up to the election to say some of the information was disputed. However, they were not taken down.

MORE: This is what Trump told supporters before many stormed Capitol Hill

Facebook suspended Trump's account indefinitely on Thursday, with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg writing in a post that "the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great. Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete."

Reddit on Friday removed the subreddit r/donaldtrump from its platform, with a spokesperson saying, "Reddit's site-wide policies prohibit content that promotes hate, or encourages, glorifies, incites, or calls for violence against groups of people or individuals."

Twitter has defended keeping Trump's account active in the past based on politicians and world leaders providing information in the public interest -- even if they go against Twitter policy for average users. But Twitter said Thursday they felt that was no longer the case with Trump.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally protesting the electoral college certification of Joe Biden as President, Jan. 6, 2021. (Evan Vucci/AP)

"Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly," Twitter wrote. "It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open."

The statement continued, "However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules entirely and cannot use Twitter to incite violence, among other things. We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement."

A number of Trump associates were banned from Twitter earlier in the day Friday. Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser, whom the president pardoned late last year for lying to the FBI during the Russia investigation, was banned, as well as lawyer Sidney Powell, who briefly served on Trump's legal team following the election.

Trump has used Twitter as his main outlet for disseminating information for a decade. His posts during his presidency, sent from the same personal account he's used since March 2009, often generated headlines themselves.

MORE: Man who allegedly broke into Pelosi's office charged with 3 federal counts

Calls for Twitter to ban Trump, while increasing in the months since Election Day, are nothing new. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris repeatedly said while she was running for president that he should be banned.

She wrote a letter to CEO Jack Dorsey in October 2019, citing a handful of tweets she said broke the platform's policy. Twitter pointed to its public interest policy and said they did not plan to ban his account.

He had approximately 79.5 million followers on Twitter at the time of his removal -- the eighth-most followed account on the platform. Former President Barack Obama has the most followers at over 127 million, followed by Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Cristiano Ronaldo, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga.

ABC News' Ben Gittleson, Zohreen Shah, Matthew Fuhrman and Evan McMurry contributed to this report.

Twitter permanently suspends Donald Trump's account; president teases new platform originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
On Thursday, President-elect Joe Biden announced his selection of appeals court judge Merrick Garland to be his attorney general. This was followed Friday by the announcement of his final cabinet nominees, including Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo as commerce secretary and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as secretary of labor.

In announcing his selections Friday, Biden once again boasted that his cabinet was the most diverse in US history, noting that he had previously nominated the first woman secretary of Treasury, an African-American as secretary of defense and a gay transportation secretary.

Joe Biden (Credit: Flickr.com, Gage Skidmore)

While Bidens nominees certainly come in all shapes, hues and sizes, their allegiance to the ruling class is no less complete than that of their predecessors in the Trump administration. All of them are tried-and-true servants of big business and the military/intelligence establishment. Judge Merrick Garland of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit is a former prosecutor who was elevated to the most powerful federal appeals court by Bill Clinton. When arch-reactionary Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died in early 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Garland to fill the seat. Obama chose Garland with the idea that his law-and-order credentials would placate the Republican-controlled Senate and its majority leader, Mitch McConnell.

As an appeals court judge during the Bush and Obama years, Garland endorsed the right-wing theory of deference to the executive, according to which executive agencies are presumed to be acting reasonably and lawfully. Garland joined a unanimous decision of the DC Circuit that expanded the scope of corporate-controlled Super PACs in funding election campaigns. He rejected lawsuits from Guantanamo Bay prisoners, ruling in Hatim v. Obama (2014) that humiliating and vindictive genital searches of detainees were reasonable security precautions.

In 2016, the New York Times interviewed former Reagan administration lawyer Joe diGenova, who vouched for Garland. Last month, during a Newsmax podcast, diGenova said that former Department of Homeland Security official Chris Krebs should be drawn and quartered, taken out at dawn and shot, after Krebs, as head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, disputed Donald Trumps lie that the presidential election was rife with vote fraud and Bidens win was illegitimate.

Back in 2016, diGenova told the Times that Garland is a profoundly serious guy who really should be the kind of person you want to have on the Supreme Court. The Republican lawyer added, If Obama wants to get a fantastic judge on the court, hes got one ready to go in Merrick Garland.

Despite this ringing endorsement, McConnell refused to bring the nomination to the floor, leaving the seat vacant until the election of Trump, who promptly filled the seat with far-right Judge Neil Gorsuch.

Prospective Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is a former hedge fund manager. In accepting her nomination, the Rhode Island governor touted her ability to bring business and workers together in common cause, and pledged to work for an inclusive recovery that would involve bringing back jobs from overseas.

Raimondo is notorious for pushing through Rhode Islands 2011 public pension reform, which raised the minimum age of retirement from 62 to 67 and eliminated cost of living increases. Raimondo, who at the time was state treasurer, proceeded to invest at least $1 billion of Rhode Islands pension funds in hedge funds. In 2013, the Providence Journal estimated that some $70 million in fees was paid to the hedge fund managers who had been chosen by Raimondo as part of the so-called pension reform.

As governor, Raimondo implemented an agenda of austerity for the working class and handouts to the rich. In 2015, she announced plans to reinvent Medicaid, claiming that the program of medical insurance for the poor was unsustainable and no cuts could be taken off the table. Her reinvention resulted in the privatization of the management of Medicaid and cuts to the program, including nearly $60 million in 2020.

More recently, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed nearly 2,000 people in Rhode Island, Governor Raimondo issued an executive order shielding nursing homes from liability for improper care and unsafe conditions. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Rhode Island is one of two states where over 70 percent of COVID-19 fatalities are linked to nursing homes.

Rounding out his cabinet, Biden announced the selection of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh for the post of secretary of labor. Walsh backed the removal last month of an iconic statue depicting Abraham Lincoln and a freed slave, following a vicious racialist campaign against the monument.

Walsh has worked closely with the Boston Teachers Union to blackmail educators back into the classroom in order to facilitate the return of parents to unsafe workplaces. In accepting the nomination, Walsh signaled his support for the trade union bureaucracy by pledging to grow union membership.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka hailed the selection of Walsh, saying, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will be an exceptional labor secretary for the same reason he was an outstanding mayor: he carried the tools.

In announcing his nomination of Walsh, Biden said he had discussed the matter with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders beforehand. According to Biden, it was Sanders who suggested that Biden appoint Walsh instead of him to the cabinet post, so that the Democrats could retain control of the incoming Senate.

Bidens gesture to Sanders was a political bone thrown to Sanders and his fellow progressives, who have been completely frozen out of Bidens right-wing cabinet after having hustled votes for Biden and promoted a Biden administration as the most progressive since Franklin Delano Roosevelts New Deal.

Bidens cabinet is packed with veterans from Wall Street, including two former BlackRock executives and Janet Yellen, the former Federal Reserve chair, as well as the military-intelligence and foreign policy establishment. This includes retired Gen. Lloyd Austin, a former commander in the Iraq war, as Secretary of Defense.
Ternopil Mayor Serhiy Nadal says that law enforcement officers have begun to massively fine entrepreneurs for violating quarantine rules, and the regional commission on technogenic and environmental safety and emergency situations may introduce a lockdown in Ternopil from January 11.

"The central government once again did not hear the opinion of Ternopil. And, despite the decision of the city commission on technogenic and environmental safety and emergency situations, the police began to massively fine entrepreneurs," Nadal wrote on his Facebook page.

According to the mayor, law enforcement officers will not allow children to study, and cases will be opened against directors of educational institutions and teachers.

"I do not exclude that cases may also be opened against the members of the city commission on emergency situations, employees of departments. This pressure and methods of intimidation, which were used during the times of Yanukovych. I want to declare that no one will fight the police in Ternopil. I have no right to risk people and the city," the mayor said.

In addition, Nadal said that the emergency meeting of the regional commission for emergency situations under the Ternopil regional state administration is scheduled for this weekend.

"It is very likely that they will cancel the decision of the city commission and still introduce a lockdown in Ternopil from January 11," the mayor wrote.

As reported earlier, mayor of Ternopil Serhiy Nadal said that the city is experiencing a decrease in the incidence of COVID-19, so the city commission on technogenic and environmental safety and emergency situations decided not to introduce additional quarantine restrictions from January 8.

Later, Nadal said that in case of an increase in the number of patients, the city "will go into strict quarantine."

From January 8 to 24, an enhanced quarantine will operate throughout Ukraine as part of countering the spread of coronavirus infection COVID-19.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, has narrated his experience with COVID-19, saying he escaped death by the whiskers.

Read Mr Ojudus full experience below.

==================

My Journey to Covidom, By Babafemi Ojudu

It took a lot of self persuasion to decide on a trip to Ado Ekiti on December 18 to attend the funeral of my friends dad. Kay as we call Kayode Afolabi has been my pal since primary school. I therefore considered it an obligation to join in the traditional obsequies for his dad. His parents are like mine.

It took a friend like Kay to take me out of my home-to-office routine since the outbreak of the pandemic almost a year ago.

I am finicky about my health. Sometimes my insistent on being healthy borders on hypochondria. I took Covid-19 seriously from the outbreak. I read up every literature I could lay my hands on about the virus and other pandemics in history. In fact one of the books I read before I took ill was The Great Influenza, by George M. Barry.

I took the test monthly. Each time I waited anxiously to be told via a text message from Dr Audiferen that simply read, Distinguished, you are negative. On Wednesday December 23, the text message was different.

Distinguished where are you?, the message read.

Home, I replied.

Stay there and await further instructions. You have tested positive to COVID.

It was like a sledgehammer struck my head. I felt numb. Further instructions later tumbled out of his mouth like a military instructor on a drill.

Dont come to work from now. Make sure you have no contact with anyone. Will send you your medications and keep me briefed of developments,  he added.

My journey to COVID-hell started on December 18. The day before, my driver and aide left for Ekiti so they can pick me up at the airport the following day because I had a lot of work that needed urgent attention. The next morning, I took a cab to the airport to catch an 11.00 am Overland Airline flight to Akure where my driver would pick me up and drive up to Ado Ekiti.

But the flight didnt leave until 5.45pm, keeping me at the airport for over seven hours. It was the holiday period and a weekend with Nigerians flying in from all over the world into Abuja airport from where they boarded local flights to their respective destinations. The airport was jammed. A super- duper spreader it promised to be.

The day after, I left home with my nose mask securely strapped across my face and a bottle of sanitizer in my pocket. I went to the funeral to honour my friend. As a public official, I mingled  greeting people and sanitizing my hand right away. I was so busy socializing I didnt even eat or drink.

Then, people started coming to take photographs and selfies with me. A public servant has no hiding place in Nigeria. You must oblige your constituents. I obliged the people by taking off my mask for some of the pictures.

I was at the party for less than 60 minutes. But I was never at ease. This was a party that didnt feel right. I had come to honour my friend but I didnt walk into a friendly air. A few days before, I was warned, by a source, that some political opponents and foes were planning to harm me at the party. A relation called my wife from London to inform her of the intelligence she picked up from a close friend in Ekiti.

As a compulsive political hornet nest stirrer, I get these kinds of warning often. I dont want rumours to imprison me. So, I often dismiss them but take security precautions. True to the information provided by my informant , I witnessed a few strange things there. A story for another day.

ADVERTISEMENT

I returned to Abuja on Monday after another long delay at the airport by the Overland Airlines flight. Two days later, I started feeling uncomfortable. My body didnt feel right. Dr Audiferren quickly arranged a test. Gbam! The jarring news came. Between the airports, the flights and the party, the virus found its way into my body.

And so began my days and nights of nightmare.

My wife and children had left for Lagos for the Christmas holiday. I was to join them on 23rd. Now, I was home alone with COVID! Ade Ipaye offered a special facility at National Hospital, I declined. Wracking headache, insomnia, loneliness, restlessness, hallucinations, lack of appetite , sore mouth and throat, difficulty in breathing, aches and pains in my joints became my lot as I ingested the prescribed drugs.

Late into the night on the third day of my diagnosis, I got a call out of the blues from Prof Adesuyi Leslie Ajayi, my cousin who is a USA-based professor of medicine.

Hello, dear brother. Its been a while. Hope you are fine. I managed to conclude my research on the Covid medication, he announced . Prof, I am not fine O, I moaned.  I am down with Covid. He inquired about the medications I was taking. I told him. I also read out a litany of the traditional remedies such as ginger, Tumeric, lemon etc .

Drop those, he advised. Not long after he sent me a prescription. The moment I received my positive diagnosis I handed over my debit card to my aide and hoped I would see him at the end of this nightmare. I sent him a text message to get me the prescribed medications. Two hours after taking the medications, I felt some relief.

Covid you are defeated, I said to myself.

I decided to eat a slice of bread. After a bite, I was wracked by a bout of hiccup. I was shivering like I was in an earthquake. My breathing was laboured. I could not sleep.

My doctors sent laboratory technologists to collect my samples. They reviewed my condition. Prof Ajayi sent prescriptions. Prof Ajayi insisted tests should be conducted on my liver, kidney and lungs. Audiferren and Ebuka examined the result of the samples and concluded there was no cause for alarm. This is a virus could have damaged some vital organs or even penetrate into my brain.

Their prescription for persistent hiccup tallied. It was a drug meant for a scary ailment. I was a bit jittery but held on to hope. Because I couldnt sleep nor read or rest, I took solace in social media. When youre alone, isolated and in a battle with an unseen enemy, hope is your best medication.

I researched my symptoms, tried almost thirty home remedies for hiccup. The prescribed drug worked only for a few hours. Then came the heartburns, hot as hell fire. I said goodbye to food and beverages. Prof Ajayi forwarded to me the outcome of medical researches on hiccups as a new symptom of Covid. The virus is mutating and new symptoms are emerging, he said. Prof Ajayi is a Nigerian we should all be proud of. He is the son of my great uncle, Chief Alex Olu Ajayi, the Odoba of Ado Ekiti. I grew up hearing tales of his academic prowess at the University of Ife. In May 2020, Prof Ajayi got in touch with me about his research on the efficacy of a particular medicine in the treatment of Covid. Ajayi said he is collaborating with some Medical researchers at home on mass testing in Nigeria.

They will need funding, could you help get them funds within the system?, he requested.

I will try, I told him. I immediately reached out to the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo. He was enthusiastic. I linked both parties. They exchanged communications and a budget was prepared . Several Zoom meetings later, the VP worked his phones and made contacts with everyone with access to funds. Letters were written and appeals made. Then silence. Nothing happened. In the usual way of our officialdom and private sector/corporate do gooders, theyd rather award contracts for isolation centres, buy rice and spaghetti and pay for adverts on CNN.

The researchers got frustrated, thanked the VP for his efforts, expressed their understanding for his limitations and moved on. They looked for alternative means of funding , did peer review and published their findings. It was the outcome of their effort that saved my life. A big thank you to Profs Ajayi , Femi Babalola and their team.

My appreciation to Drs Audiferen, Adelowo and Ebuka and their colleagues in the State House Clinic. Prof Barbara Iyen- Omafoman another friend and Professor of Medicine based in UK was fantastic. She monitored my condition all through, sometime prescribing sleeping mode which is known in medical circles as  prone positioning in adult critical care. With this she said, the danger of death from lack of oxygen while sleeping is reduced. Family, true friends , at home and abroad kept vigil with me and made suggestions . My wife and children, panic gripped, returned from Lagos and took abode in an Abuja hotel, monitoring me via phone .

The few colleagues who got the hint were fantastic. Hajia Maryam Uwais, herself a survivor, sent crystals for steaming and exotic teas to awaken your senses. Lara Owoeye Wise, my colleague in The News, one night sent a message to inform me of her Covid condition and frustrations with the symptoms. She didnt know we were both in the same storm. She got well before me and has been very supportive. Many others got in touch. My anguish unknown to them. They could not buy Covid medications or pay for test . I kept sending messages to Ahmed Lawal to transfer from the little I had in my account.

My appreciation to my aides Ahmed and Clement Adewuya for their loyalty and care. Same goes for my younger friends Foluso Ojo, Olatunji David, Mike Oluwagbemi , my Los Angeles Hollywood film maker friend, Ose Oyamedan . My fellow guerrilla journalist Kunle Ajibade kept reassuring me. My most valued auntie Mrs Dupe Oladimeji and husband were very supportive. Thank you Kabiyesi, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti . Your messages and prayers were tonic . And to Chief Sola Olarewaju and my numerous young supporters and friends who were worried stiff when they called and my voice was stunted and barely audible I am eternally grateful. Ade Ipaye , the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President remain a wonderful brother. You kept my mood lightened with your infectious humour. E se pupo.

COVID got me but God and science brought me back. My friends and family made sure I may be isolated but I wasnt alone. The doctors performed miracles.

Twice within three years I knocked at the gate of death. In 2009 it was helicopter crash I survived from. These are pointers that I still have more years in Mother Earth and appreciation to my creator. I am therefore rededicating myself to serving humanity.

I was lucky, many others were not, as I was daily confronted with stories of the dead both known and unknown to me. My prayer for our people who still believe Covid does not exist is, may you never be admitted into COVIDOM.

If you dont even care about your life, care about your neighbours and family.

Stay away from large gatherings. Postpone that wedding or funeral. What, for Gods sake , is the value of all these parties we waste time and money on? What point are we trying to prove?

The great John Jerry Rawlings of Ghana died two weeks after the funeral party of his mum. A Nigerian army general died too shortly after his mothers funeral. Several colleagues got infected who attended a conference with him shortly before his death. Such ceremonies are super spreaders. These were men whose talents and genius are still needed here.

I have just read about an accomplished Texas based surgeon who visited home for Christmas , hosted a party and returned to base to die. Brides, grooms and relatives have died shortly after parties. I learnt of four professors who attended a wedding in Lagos. Two are dead and the others are still in intensive care.

Be reasonable, dont endanger your life and that of others. Wear your mask, watch your hands, keep a reasonable distance, stay alive and healthy, submit yourself for vaccine when available.

The road ahead is rough, lets have truly happy new year by taking the utmost care. COVID IS REAL.

Attachments area
The endangered Crowned Lemur. So far, efforts to protect and restore nature on a global scale have failed spectacularly

Global leaders will try to reignite international environmental diplomacy on Monday, with a biodiversity summit that launches a critical year for efforts to stem the devastating effects of global warming and species loss.

Momentum on climate and biodiversity stalled in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, a health crisis that experts say illustrates the many diverse dangers of environmental destruction.

The One Planet Summit, a largely virtual event hosted by France in partnership with the United Nations and the World Bank, will include French President Emmanuel Macron, UN chief Antonio Guterres, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU chief Ursula Von der Leyen.

Organisers want to lay the groundwork for crunch UN biodiversity talkspostponed because of the pandemicthat are set to be held in China in October and will see nearly 200 nations attempt to thrash out new goals to preserve Earth's battered ecosystems.

France hopes next week's summit will bring together issues around climate and the protection of ecosystems, a source from the Elysee Palace told AFP, adding that along with global warming, preservation of biodiversity is "our collective life insurance".

So far, efforts to protect and restore nature on a global scale have failed spectacularly.

The planet is on the cusp of a mass extinction event in which species are disappearing at 100 to 1,000 times the normal "background" rate, most scientists agree.

The UN's science advisory panel for biodiversity warned in a landmark 2019 report that one million species face extinction, due mostly to habitat loss and over-exploitation.

Human activity, it concluded, had "severely degraded" three-quarters of ice-free land on the planet.

'Climate Emergency'

The picture on climate change is just as dire.

Under the 2015 Paris deal, the world's nations vowed to cap global warming "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible.

With just over 1C of warming so far, the world has seen a crescendo of deadly droughts, heatwaves, flood-inducing rainfall, and super storms made more destructive by rising seas.

The European Union's climate monitoring service has said 2020 tied 2016 as the hottest year on record.

Guterres warned last month that nations were not doing enough to avoid devastating temperature rises and urged world leaders to declare a "climate emergency" in their countries.

The UN's next major climate summit, COP26, was also postponed because of the pandemic and is now due to be held in November.

Participants at Monday's talks are "ready to demonstrate that their commitments are leading to concrete actions to preserve and restore biodiversity, and to lead systemic transformations of economies", according to a summit statement.

Leaders will present initiatives on four themesthe protection of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, agro-ecology, funding for biodiversity and the link between deforestation, species and human health.

Last October, the UN's biodiversity panel warned future pandemics will happen more often, kill more people and wreak even worse damage to the global economy than COVID-19 without a fundamental shift in how humans treat nature.

The summit will also launch the High Ambition Coalitiona group of 45 countries led by Costa Rica, France and Britainwhich aims to secure a global agreement to protect at least 30 percent of the planet's land and oceans by 2030.

Explore further Nations commit to reverse nature loss by 2030

 2021 AFP
Relatives of passengers aboard missing Sriwijaya Air flight 182 wait for news at Supadio airport in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, after contact with the plane was lost shortly after take-off from Jakarta, Jan. 9, 2021.

Search teams were scouring waters off the coast of the Indonesian capital Saturday after a passenger plane with 62 people aboard lost radio contact and was suspected to have crashed into the Java Sea minutes after taking off on a domestic flight from Jakarta, officials said.

Sriwijaya Air flight 182 was en route to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province in Indonesian Borneo, when the Boeing 737-500 vanished from radar screens at 2:40 p.m. (local time), Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said.

The president has directed us to mount a search operation, he told a news conference, adding that four ships and several boats had been deployed to search for signs of the missing airliner.

Search officials said the aircraft was believed to have crashed near the Thousand Islands chain off the coast of Jakarta.

The aircrafts position is estimated to be between Laki Island and Lancang Island, Bambang Suryo Aji, chief of operations and preparedness at the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), said during the news conference.

According to information from the location, several pieces suspected to be from the aircraft have been found, he said.

According to Aji, no signal from the airliners radio beacon  or emergency locator transmitter (ELT)  had been detected, which would help authorities confirm whether the 737 had crashed.

The 26-year-old aircraft was carrying 50 passengers and 12 crew members, Budi said.

Data from the flight tracking service Flightradar24 showed the plane abruptly lose speed and altitude about four minutes after take-off from Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 lost more than 10,000 feet of altitude in less than one minute, about 4 minutes after departure from Jakarta, the tracking service said via Twitter.

The scheduled departure of flight SJ-182 was delayed by 30 minutes because of heavy rain, Jefferson Irwin Jauwena, the airlines director, told reporters. The flight from Jakarta to Pontiniak was expected to last about 90 minutes.

Soerjanto Tjahjono, head of the National Transportation Safety Committee, said it would deploy a team on Sunday to monitor search operations and prepare underwater recovery of the aircrafts black boxes.

The news website Kompas reported that a search team from the Transportation Ministry had found what appeared to be body parts.

Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus said fishermen reported hearing two explosions near Laki Island.

This still needs to be verified by the police department in the Thousand Islands, Yusri told reporters.

Local media reported that fishermen had also found metal pieces, cables and other debris suspected to be from the plane.

Military chief Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said two Super Puma helicopters and dozens of warships would join the search.

Meanwhile, relatives of passengers and crew on the missing flight were anxiously awaiting information about what had happened to their loved ones.

I have four family members on the flight  my wife and three children, Yaman Zai told news service Agence France-Presse (AFP) as he sobbed.

[My wife] sent me a picture of the baby today ... How could my heart not be torn into pieces?

If flight SJ-182 crashed, it would be the second crash involving a Boeing 737 in Indonesia in more than two years.

In October 2018, a Boeing 737 Max belonging to Indonesias largest budget carrier, Lion Air, crashed into the Java Sea, killing all 189 people on board.

The aircrafts faulty new anti-stall system was blamed for the crash, as well as that of another 737 Max in Ethiopia that killed 157 people in March 2019.

On Thursday, prosecutors in the United States fined Chicago-based Boeing U.S. $2.5 billion as they settled a criminal charge stemming from allegations that the airplane manufacturer had defrauded regulators overseeing the certification of the 737 Max, according to AFP.

Sriwijaya Air, another Indonesian budget airline, has been operating since 2003 and has had a strong safety record until Saturdays disappearance of flight 182, the Associated Press reported.

There were no onboard casualties in four incidents recorded by the Aviation Safety Network, but a farmer died in 2008 when a Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737 veered from the runway because of a hydraulic problem, AP noted.
Click Here to go to PublishersWeekly.com
The eighth round of talks between the Centre and farmers unions on Friday made no headway after the government made it clear that it will not repeal the contentious farm laws, but was open to other suggestions. Only the Supreme Court can review the laws, the Union government said, adding that it will abide by the directions of the apex court.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a batch of petitions challenging the constitutionality of the three farm laws on 11 January, while the next meeting between the farmers unions and the government is scheduled for 15 January.

We discussed the three bills but there was no resolution," Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said after the meeting. We were interested in any alternative to the demand of repeal, but farm unions did not put forth any such proposal," he said. In a democracy, laws passed by Parliament can only be reviewed by the apex court and the government will abide by its directions, Tomar said.

The meeting took place in a tense environment, said Kavitha Kuruganti, a member of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee, who is part of the 41-memberfarmers delegation negotiating with the government. It is a sad day for democracy that in the middle of the talks an elected government is saying that the matter will be resolved through the Supreme Court," Kuruganti said.

The court has already said farmers have a right to protest... and these laws are not just about constitutional validity but also about the implications for farmers. The unions have clearly said that whatever the court might order they are not going to budge until they secure a repeal," she said.

The government had earlier offered to significantly dilute the bills passed by Parliament through amendments and set up a committee to review them. Both offers were rejected by the farmers who have said that if their demands are not met by Republic Day on 26 January they will enter the national capital with their tractors.

Thousands of farmers have been protesting on national highways bordering Delhi since 27 November, asking the Centre to repeal the farm bills. With the stand-off continuing for more than a-month-and-a-half, crowds have been swelling at Tikri, Singhu, Ghazipur and Shahjahanpur, on Delhis borders with Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Since the agitation started , around 70 protesters have died either in road accidents, because of ill health amid the severe cold, or because they took their own lives.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
The government has imposed



an indefinite ban on the entry of poultry products from outside the Northeastern region as a precautionary measure following avian flu outbreak in some states.

The ban comes into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders, according to a notification issued by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department.

However, there is no need to panic as the state has not reported any confirmed case of the bird flue so far, director of the state veterinary department Ashok Barman said.

imports poultry products from other parts of the country, especially Eastern India, but officials said there will not be a shortage of chicken due to the large scale local production and storage.

The government has imposed a "temporary ban on entry of poultry as a precautionary measure through western border of the State in the interest of prevailing escalation of the disease to and other Northeastern states", the notification said.

This has been done due to the outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in some parts of the country which is a highly contagious avian disease having zoonotic potential, it added.

Advisories have already been issued to the authorities concerned for strengthening the active and targeted surveillance against the disease.

"Poultry products are usually imported to the state from West Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan, UP among others and we have decided to ban it temporarily as infected birds should not be allowed to come to Assam," Barman said.

The Centre has asked the states that are still unaffected by avian flu to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality of birds.

The disease has so far been confirmed from six states - Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat.

(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.)
Police stand guard near a crime scene after unidentified gunmen burst into a wake killing several people, according to authorities, in Celaya, Mexico, on Jan. 7, 2021. (Sergio Maldonado/Reuters)

Nine Killed in Armed Attack on Wake in Central Mexico

MEXICO CITYUnidentified gunmen burst into a wake in the central Mexican city of Celaya late on Thursday and shot dead nine people, authorities said, one of the worst outbreaks of violence to hit the country during the past few weeks.

One person was also wounded in the attack outside a house where the wake was being held in a neighborhood in the west of Celaya, the municipal government said in a statement.

Celaya is in the state of Guanajuato, one of Mexicos main flashpoints of gang violence in the past few years and a major hub for the automotive industry.

Heavy, rapid gunfire could be heard ringing out in video footage shot close to the attack and broadcast by Mexican media.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office two years ago pledging to reduce record levels of violence, but homicides have continued to test new peaks.

By Dave Graham
A man photographed carrying House Speaker Nancy Pelosis lectern through the halls of the US Capitol has been charged, according to law enforcement records.

Adam Johnson, 36, of Parrish, Florida, is being held in Pinellas County Jail following his alleged involvement in the riots at the US Capitol on 6 January. He was booked into jail at 9pm on Friday and has been held there under a US Marshall's warrant.

He was charged with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; one count of theft of government property; and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, according to a statement released by the FBI.

An image of a man grinning and waving at cameras while holding Ms Pelosis lectern went viral on social media. The man, identified by local newspaper The Bradenton Herald and other news outlets as Mr Johnson, was wearing a Donald Trump beanie hat.

Mr Johnson is married to a physician and has five children, Floridas WFLA News Channel 8 reports. The man is a registered voter with no party affiliation, but he has voted in the general elections from 2004 to 2020. He has previously faced charges of possession of marijuana and violation of probation, The Bradenton Herald reports.

On the day of the riots, Mr Johnson reportedly shared multiple images of himself at the US Capitol. His account has since been deleted.

Adam Johnson, 36, faces multiple federal charges for his involvement in the US Capitol riots (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office)

The case will be prosecuted by the US Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and investigated by the FBIs Washington Field Office and the United States Capitol Police, the statement said.

The arrest comes after the FBI called on the public to share any images or information from the Capitol riots to help identify offenders.

Authorities have since made several arrests in states across the country. Richard Barnett, 60, from Gravette, Arkansas, was one individual who allegedly entered the Capitol building and has since been arrested, according to the Justice Department.

Mr Barnett was pictured during the riot with his feet up on Ms Pelosis desk. Another image showed him holding the lawmakers mail. He has been charged with theft of public property and other offenses.

Derrick Evans, a West Virginia Republican state lawmaker, has also been charged. He shared several images and videos of himself outside the Capitol and then walking into the building.

Jacob Anthony Chansley, also known as Jake Angeli, of Arizona was another man arrested and charged for the riots. He is allegedly the man seen in viral images of the riots wearing in horns, a bearskin headdress, and face paint. Federal authorities charged him with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, among other offences. He was taken into custody on Saturday, the FBI said in a statement.

The FBI investigation is ongoing and more people will likely face charges for their involvement in the riots.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike have called for those involved in the riots to face criminal prosecution to the full extent of the law.

Offenders could see a variety of charges such as trespassing and damaging federal property, along with possibly more serious offenses involving firearms and explosive devices.


Kriti Sanon has begun her new year with a new film and the actress is super excited about it. Kriti has started shooting for Bachchan Pandey in Jaisalmer which also stars Akshay Kumar, Jacqueline Fernandez and Arshad Warsi besides her. As the actress begins shooting for the film, she keeps giving us glimpses of the same.

Today, Kriti Sanon had an early schedule and shared what was happening through social media. The area was fully covered with mist and the temperature was said to be around nine degrees and hence Kriti was wrapped in a heavy jacket which had the sticker Frozen stuck on it. Well, Akshay Kumar does like to start the day as early as possible and our sympathies are with the rest of the cast because of the freezing conditions.



Kriti Sanon has a bunch of films in her kitty and the actress is surely going to own 2021. The actress has her film Mimi pending for release. The film tackles the issue of surrogacy. She has Bachchan Pandey which is currently shooting for. Next up she has Bhediya with her Dilwale co-star Varun Dhawan which is said to be a satire on the horror genre. Rumours are rife that she is the leading heroine in Adipurush, which stars Prabhas and Saif Ali Khan.
Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Monday in honor of Brian Sicknick, the U.S. Capitol Police Officer who died Thursday after a mob of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Sicknick, a 42-year-old South River native and former member of the New Jersey Air National Guard, suffered head injuries when the mob breached the building. His death is being investigated as a homicide, according to reports.

Officer Sicknick gave his life protecting the United States Capitol, and by extension, our very democracy, from violent insurrection, said Murphy. His needless murder at the hands of a mob bent on overthrowing the Constitution he had dedicated his life to upholding is shocking.

The governor added it is my fervent hope that the rioters whose actions directly contributed to his death are quickly identified and brought to justice.

When the rioters broke into the building, they took over over the House and Senate chambers as lawmakers were voting to affirm President-elect Joe Bidens victory. The mob ransacked the building, smashing windows and waving Trump, American and Confederate flags.

Sicknick was hit with a fire extinguisher during siege and never recovered, officials said. His family said Sicknick died a hero after a day of fighting for his life.

His brother, Ken, in a statement said that his brother wanted to be a police officer his entire life.

Many details regarding Wednesdays events and the direct causes of Brians injuries remain unknown and our family asks the public and the press to respect our wishes in not making Brians passing a political issue, the statement said.

According to U.S. Capitol Police, Sicknick was injured while physically engaging with protesters during the Wednesday riot. He was pronounced dead at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, becoming the fifth person killed in the melee.

A Springfield, Va., resident, Sicknick served six years with the New Jersey National Guard, including two deployments in the Middle East before being honorably discharged in 2003. While in the New Jersey National Guard, Sicknick was a Fire Team member and leader with the 108th Security Force Squadron, 108th Wing, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, according to the governor.

Murphy, in his statement, said Sicknick embodied the selfless spirit of his native state, noting his long service.

Tammy and I send our deepest condolences to Officer Sicknicks family and friends, as well as to his United States Capitol Police colleagues and the Guardsmen and Guardswomen he served alongside, he said. We thank him for his service to our nation.

Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter.

Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL.
Indianapolis, IN (46208)

Today

Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High near 85F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Rain showers in the evening will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low 64F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.

KENTWOOD, MI -- A 35-year-old Kentwood man has been accused in the strangulation death of his pregnant wife in November, police said.

The 32-year-old woman, a teacher with Kentwood Schools and a mother of two young children, was found dead in the couples bed at their Kentwood home on Nov. 16.

Court records show the husband called 911 about 3:30 a.m. and told police he found his wife dead in their bed.

Police said they believed the death was suspicious and they investigated the case for nearly two months before Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker authorized a murder warrant on Friday, Jan. 8.

MLive is not naming the husband pending his expected arraignment Monday.

Court records show the teacher spoke with her sister via Facetime about 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 15.

Investigators, in an affidavit, said that statements from the husband could not fully explain the circumstances behind his wifes death. They also said a medical examiner, during an autopsy, discovered injuries consistent with an assault which occurred just prior to her death.

According to investigators, the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide by stangulation/asphyxiation.

They determined that the husband was the only person in the house that was physically capable of causing the injuries that led to the death.

More from MLive

Michigan reports 2,706 new coronavirus cases, 222 deaths

2020 was Michigans deadliest year on record, and COVID-19 was the No. 3 killer

Domestic terrorism represents growing threat to United States
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 21:16:30|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HANGZHOU, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The picturesque Yucun Village in east China's Zhejiang Province, featuring buildings with traditional white walls and black tiles, colorful flower fields and exquisite lotus ponds, attracted around 1 million tourists last year, up 10 percent year on year.

Thanks to the adoption of the green growth model putting President Xi Jinping's vision of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" into practice, the once heavily-polluted village in Anji County saw a tourism boom, which became the main source of income for locals.

The concept is also translated as "mountains and rivers green are mountains of silver and gold," or "two mountains" concept in short.

Earlier, limestone processing for cement manufacture used to be the source of livelihood for Yucun residents. But, that came with a cost for the locals -- they had to reel under dusty air and heavy pollution. By the early 2000s, the villagers made up their minds to shut down cement factories to save the environment.

During an inspection tour to Yucun in August 2005, Xi, the then Party chief of Zhejiang, spoke highly of the village's wise move to shut down mines, and put forward the "two mountains" concept that has now become a guiding principle in ecological progress nationwide.

Yucun has adhered to that concept and pursued green development for the past 15 years. Pan Chunlin, a former driver in a local quarry, shifted to homestay business after the mine was closed. The income generated by his new venture is much higher than what he used to earn.

"We are determined to stick to the ecology-based vitalization as people enjoy tangible happiness," Pan said.

In March 2020, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, revisited the village during his inspection tour in Zhejiang. Hailing the green economy of the village, Xi said that the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has become the consensus and action of the whole Party and society, and emerged as an important component of the new development philosophy.

"The ecological environment itself is the economy. Protecting the environment is developing productivity," he said.

"We have stepped up the construction of our village after General Secretary Xi's visit in March," said Li Hui, deputy Party chief of the village. "Tourism has generated handsome income for villagers. The per-capita annual income of the village far exceeded 50,000 yuan (7,727 U.S. dollars) in 2020."

Guided by Xi's concept, Anji transformed itself into a model county in environmental protection. The county is also famous for its bamboo industry and its forest coverage rate stands at more than 70 percent.

In recent years, villages in Anji have increasingly tapped into the potential of technology to manage the local environment and achieve green growth. With the improved environment, local organic white tea can be sold at a price of 2,400 yuan per kg.

In Lujia Village, Zhu Renyuan often shows tourists where the local white tea is planted using the phone. Scanning the QR code on the tea packet displays the real-time shot and climate index of the tea mountain.

Zhu has also equipped his tea farm with various technologies to increase yields, such as soil sensors, and temperature and humidity meters, which provide automatic measurement every half hour. Data such as the meteorological index of the farm can be automatically transmitted through the internet.

"Today, the tea farmers rely on the data to plant and pick tea leaves," Zhu said. "The quality and yield of white tea have both improved, and tourists are more willing to buy our pristine product." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 02:47:04|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

RAMALLAH, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least seven Palestinians were injured on Friday during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in the West Bank, medical sources and eyewitnesses said.

The eyewitnesses told Xinhua that the clashes broke out when the soldiers used force to disperse dozens of Palestinians who were protesting against the Israeli construction of a settlement in Deir Jarir town near Ramallah.

They said that the soldiers fired rubber-coated bullets and tear gas canisters at the protesters who threw stones at the soldiers.

Palestinian medical teams arrived at the scene soon and said at least seven protesters were injured, and dozens suffered suffocation.

On Dec. 23, dozens of Israeli settlers began installing tents and building equipment in Deir Jarir town under the protection of the Israeli army and police.

Palestinian protesters organize weekly anti-settlement rallies in several villages and towns across the West Bank. Enditem
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 Victorian government insists it told New South Wales of its plans to close the border as soon as receiving health advice after Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it acted too quickly and without consultation.

As Sydney's northern beaches emerged from its lockdown - the COVID-19 outbreak which prompted Victoria's border closure on January 1 - Ms Berejiklian urged other state premiers to not make hasty decisions.

In a veiled swipe at Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Ms Berejiklian said states needed to "talk to us in NSW before you close the border because we can explain to you the situation that's going on".

Loading

Her comments come as Victorians stranded in NSW hope to learn in the next day or two when they will be allowed to return home.

But Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley said on Sunday there were phone conversations every day and, when the decision to close the border was taken, he alerted his interstate colleagues.

"It did not come as a shock to my NSW colleagues that after some two weeks of community transmission across NSW ... Victoria was prepared to make the hard decision to keep Victorians safe," Mr Foley said.

Read the full story.
A transportation worker from New York who called out sick in order to take part in the mob that stormed the Capitol in Washington D.C. on Wednesday has been suspended from his job with MTA Metro-North.

Will Pepe who worked at Metro-North's Brewster rail yard in upstate New York is now being investigated by the FBI who are looking into what role he played during the rally.

Pepe, 31, from Beacon, New York, had been with the MTA for seven years earning $74,000-a-year but decided to call out sick to head to the event which in itself is a 'false use of sick leave'.

He has now been suspended as the agency looks to fire him in the coming days.

Metro North employee Will Pepe, 31, was recognized by both colleagues and management from a photo distributed by law enforcement. He has since been suspended from the MTA

'Effective immediately this individual has been suspended from Metro-North without pay and will be disciplined in accordance with their collective bargaining agreement pending an investigation,' said MTA spokesman Ken Lovett in a statement.

'This alleged conduct is abhorrent and goes against the values of Metro-North, New York and the nation.'

'We had no knowledge of this individual's participation in the events of that day, and we are disappointed that anyone would engage in that type of conduct,' said Dean Davita, a rep for Local 30 of the International Union of Operating Engineers.

Pepe is among hundreds of alleged rioters now under investigation for their involvement in Wednesday's insurrection.

Pepe, 31, from Beacon, New York, had been with the MTA for seven years earning $74,000-a-year

Alongside disciplinary action by the MTA Pepe may well face criminal charges.

So far more than 80 people have been arrested in total and 55 are being pursued on federal charges.

Dozens more remain free and the FBI is scrambling to catch them with public appeals for help and rewards for information after Wednesday's disastrous attempts by law enforcement to control the crowd.

Their failure to arrest the rioters - many of whom had guns and overpowered them - has outraged millions of Americans who compared the soft touch to the harsh crackdown by police on BLM protesters during the summer.

So far more than 80 people have been arrested in total and 55 are being pursued on federal charges. File photo of protestors on the second floor of the Capitol
The brother-in-law of a woman killed during Wednesday's assault on the U.S. Capitol by a mob seeking to overturn President Donald Trump's election loss said he blames Trump for the riot, and has joined calls for him to be removed from office.

Rosanne Boyland, a 34-year-old resident of Kennesaw, Georgia, was one of four civilians who died in the rioting, according to Washington, DC police. A Capitol Police officer also died from injuries in the melee.

Police did not disclose the cause of Boyland's death.

However, Justin Winchell, a friend who accompanied Boyland to a Trump rally near the White House and marched with her to the Capitol, told Atlanta CBS affiliate WGCL that she was trampled to death in a massive crowd surge when protesters clashed with Capitol Police.

"I got my arm underneath her, that was pulling her out - pulling her out - and then another guy fell on top of her and another guy was just walking" over her, he said. "I mean, there was people crushed."

Boyland's brother-in-law, Justin Cave, told Atlanta media that his wife, Boyland's sister, had tried to persuade her not to attend the Trump rally in Washington.

Boyland was "passionate about her beliefs" and support of Trump and the family was grieving for others killed and injured in the rioting, he told a local Fox television reporter.

"I've never tried to be a political person, but it's my own personal belief that the president's words incited a riot that killed four of his biggest fans last night and I believe that we should invoke the 25th Amendment at this time," Cave said.

A White House spokesman did not respond to a request for comment about Boyland's death.

Asked if Trump was to blame for his friend's death, Winchell said: "Does he have blood on his hands? No!"

Trump urged his supporters to come to Washington for the rally Wednesday, the day the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate were scheduled to certify his election loss to Joe Biden, then told them to walk to the Capitol "to fight."

Under the 25th Amendment, a president can be forcibly removed from power if the vice president and a majority of cabinet members agree that the president is unfit for office. Democratic leaders in Congress have called for immediate impeachment proceedings if Vice President Mike Pence and Trump's Cabinet fail to seek to remove Trump from power.

Washington, DC, police on Thursday said that three other civilians were killed in the rioting on Wednesday.

Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old California native, was shot by a Capitol Police officer in an incident that DC police are investigating. Babbitt, a U.S. Air Force veteran, had embraced far-fetched right-wing conspiracy theories, according to her social media activity.

New video of the moments leading to Babbitt's shooting emerged on Friday, showing a plainclothes officer fire in a chaotic scene as Babbitt attempted to enter the Speaker's Lobby outside the House of Representatives chamber through a smashed glass partition.

OTHER DEATHS

DC Police also said Kevin Greeson, 55, of Athens, Alabama, and Benjamin Phillips, 50, of Ringtown, Pennsylvania, died after experiencing medical emergencies.

A statement released by Greeson's family to local media said that the avid motorcycle rider had suffered a heart attack.

"Kevin was an advocate of President Trump and attended the event on Jan. 6 to show his support. He was excited to be there to experience this event," according to the statement quoted in The News Courier in Athens.

Phillips, a computer programmer, died of a stroke, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Also killed was Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, 40, who suffered a stroke after injuries sustained "while physically engaging with protesters" the department said.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Inside a conference room on a tiny Caribbean island Thursday, COVID-19 vaccine history was being made.

Cayman Islands Gov. Martyn Roper pulled up a sleeve, took a breath and stared in the direction of video cameras live streaming the moment when a nurse plunged a needle into his arm.

This is the easiest thing Ill do all day, Premier Alden McLaughlin said as he waited nearby for his turn.

That the Cayman Islands, a small British dependent territory 10 times smaller than the state of Rhode Island and with a population just under 65,000, would have access to a COVID-19 vaccine before more independent and populous countries in the region such as Jamaica and the Bahamas, or even nearby Cuba, isnt just good fortune, but a bit ironic: This may be one of the few times colonialism is paying off.

Once a dependency of Jamaica on behalf of the Crown, the Cayman Islands, a well-known tax haven, is among a handful of overseas territories in the Caribbean that for a change are reaping the benefits of their dependency status after years of complaining about a lack of assistance.

From the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, to the British overseas territories of Cayman and the Turks and Caicos, to the Dutch territory of Aruba, some Caribbean nationals are finding that still being tied to the mother country is actually a good thing during this global pandemic.

We feel good that we have a good relationship with the mother country, the U.K., Cayman Health Minister Dwayne Seymour told the Miami Herald, ahead of his vaccination Thursday alongside the others in a bid to convince islanders the vaccine is safe. Were proud of the job that we have done, but I think we need to praise our relationship with the U.K. and being fortunate enough to have that relationship affords us to receive the vaccine so early.

As COVID-19 continues to rise, WHO tells Latin America and Caribbean to prepare for vaccine

Indeed, while most countries in the Americas are frustratingly waiting to get access to a COVID-19 vaccine, smaller dependent territories are discovering that their continued ties with the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands and France are giving them a fast track to vaccination.

Story continues

France on Friday began vaccinating residents of nursing home and healthcare workers in its overseas territory of Guadeloupe, a day after launching a similar effort on the island of Martinique.

Last month, the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands became the first in the Caribbean to begin deploying the vaccine after shipments from the mainland United States arrived by plane. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 vaccine tracker, 237,650 vaccines have arrived in Puerto Rico, while 7,775 vaccines have been provided to the U.S.V.I.

On Tuesday, a day before the Netherlands began vaccinating healthcare workers in Europe, the health ministry in Aruba informed islanders that the COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available in the Dutch territory.

That same day, however, the wait was over for Cayman, which became the first British overseas territory in the Americas region to receive a vaccine shipment from the United Kingdom. The U.K. has led the way in quickly approving and distributing COVID-19 vaccinations.

The countrys happy that its here, Seymour said about the 9,750 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. We see this as one of the tools to bring back the world to some normalcy. And its not just for Cayman to take it but its for the rest of the world to get in line and be on pace to get back to some normalcy as quickly as possible.

Few countries in region have COVID-19 vaccine

To date, only six countries in the Americas  the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, and Argentina have introduced the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Pan American Health Organization, which is tracking both the virus and vaccine distribution in the region. The U.S. is using Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Argentina is using the Sputnik V from Russia and the others are all using Pfizer-BioNTech, said Daniel Epstein, a spokesman with PAHO.

Those countries made direct deals with pharmaceutical companies.

Separately, 27 nations in the region have made down payments and signed agreements to purchase vaccines through a World Health Organization-backed global alliance known as COVAX. Ten others are eligible through the program for financial support. All are still waiting on the WHO and its Americas region office, the Pan American Health Organization, to help them procure shots.

Epstein said PAHO is providing logistical support, cold chain management, training health care workers and helping get out the word about the vaccine in the meantime.

PAHO is working with its member states to ensure their immunizations programs are prepared to roll out COVID-19 vaccines as they receive them, he said.

Two days after nearly 10,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the Cayman Islands, a shipment also arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The United Kingdom is sending COVID-19 vaccines to its territories in the Caribbean.

For leaders looking for relief after nearly a year of lockdowns, mounting death tolls and spreading infections in one of the worlds worst-hit regions, however, frustrations are growing as the process takes longer than some had hoped and fears about limited supplies deepen.

We are concerned about the vaccine, Sen. Michael Darville, a physician and co-chair of a Bahamas COVID-19 task force run by the countrys opposition, the Progressive Liberal Party, said. We are a tourism-based economy and its very important for us to be ahead of the curve in order for us to rebuild our economy.

The Bahamas is among the countries in the Caribbean hit hard by COVID-19 infections. A second wave last summer threatened to collapse the countrys health system as hospitalizations went up and health providers were forced into quarantine after getting exposed. As of Friday, the former British colony had reported a total of 7,959 cases and 175 deaths.

Although the number of newly confirmed cases are finally slowing down, Darville and his co-chair, Dr. Melissa Evans, said they are increasingly worried about a potential third wave of the virus and two new, more contagious coronavirus variants hitting the country before any vaccines arrive.

As Caymanian officials were doing their part to demonstrate that the vaccine is safe and residents should get vaccinated, Darville suggested that the Bahamas should reach out to the Cayman Islands, the Turk and Caicos Islands and perhaps some of the other British colonies that are getting access to the vaccine, to see if we can source some of the vaccines to start an inoculation program.

Grand Cayman, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda as well, all of them are British colonies, he said in a Herald interview. The territories administration must have found a way to get the vaccine into those countries through the legislature in the UK and so that puts them at an advantage as far as were concerned.

Two days after nearly 10,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the Cayman Islands, a shipment also arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The United Kingdom is sending COVID-19 vaccines to its territories in the Caribbean.

Vaccine brings hope after pandemics devastating toll

The relationship between mother country and colony has long been fraught with challenges.

Seven years ago then-Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer took the stage at the United Nations in New York to demand compensation for the descendants of enslaved and oppressed Africans in Europes former colonies. The Europeans introduced diseases that wiped out local populations.

Colonization, along with the legacy of slavery, Spencer and other Caribbean leaders have argued, had severely impaired their regions development options while leaving a pandemic of diabetes, hypertension and other poor health outcomes.

There are five U.K. overseas territories in the Caribbean: Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Together, they account for less than 155,000 people, out of about 42 million people total in the Caribbean.

Caribbean nations cant get U.S. masks, ventilators for COVID-19 under Trump policy

In a statement provided to the Herald, U.K. officials said the government has been providing medical equipment, staff and expert advice to its 14 overseas territories across the globe during the pandemic. They also helped establish seven testing sites.

The testing facilities and expert advice provided by the U.K. will have a long term legacy, enabling local laboratories to test for a range of viruses include COVID-19, Dengue, HIV and Zika, the statement read.

The irony isnt lost on someone like Martin Daly, a lawyer and columnist in Trinidad and Tobago, another independent nation that once fell under British rule.

If only the Caricom countries had established and maintained some more effective common representation protocols, their bargaining power in the wider world would be more significant, said Daly, referring to the 15-member Caribbean regional group that consists mostly of former British colonies that have since gone independent.

Seymour, the health minister in the Cayman Islands, credits the diligence of his chief medical officer, Dr. John Lee, for the vaccines arrival. Any sharing, however, seems unlikely from either Cayman or Turks and Caicos, which says it expects to have access to enough vaccine to inoculate its entire population of about 40,000 residents, but only received 9,750 doses Thursday.

Lee said while Cayman has been promised another shipment in about a week, concerns about availability and the growing demand as the United Kingdom become overwhelmed with infections, has had to factor into their own rollout. For example, he had to decide whether to divide the first shipment into two doses per person or stretch it out to vaccinate as many people as possible on the first round.

The first batch of a COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in the Cayman Islands did so on Jan. 5, 2021. The British overseas territory became the first of the United Kingdoms dependencies in the Americas region to get access to a vaccine.

Lee first began detailed discussions about getting access to a COVID-19 vaccine with the U.K.s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in November well before the U.K. became the first country in the world on Dec. 2, 2020, to formally approve a COVID-19 vaccine. Still, it wasnt until when the British Airways flight landed in Grand Cayman on Tuesday that he believed the vaccine would come.

All of the economies in the region are suffering hugely and that in itself, causes its own hardships and social challenges. We shouldnt be minimizing that, Lee said. The social hardships have their own effects on communities and I think the UK recognizes that so I appreciate their early assistance.

Caymans quick actions on COVID-19 pay off

The Cayman Islands management of the COVID-19 pandemic is among the regions success stories. It has recorded just 359 infections and just two deaths.

The first recorded death was that of a 68-year-old Italian cruise ship passenger who was brought to the mainland for cardiac treatment and died six days later after developing a dry cough and suffering two heart attacks. The second was a returning resident who had been living in Jamaica and died shortly after arriving.

While others were rushing to reopen, the territory continued to remain close, and at one point even suspended international mail deliveries.

When you see Cayman positive cases, all of those cases are happening only on people who are arriving travelers. It is not happening in the community, Lee said. I am not sure weve had absolutely community spread from probably around July of this year.

Unlike other countries, Lee said the Cayman Islands screen healthy individuals for the novel coronavirus due to the fact that most of its positive cases are individuals who are asymptomatic. The strategy has given it one of the one of the highest COVID-19 per capita testing rates. It also had one of the strictest lockdowns and quarantine requirements for travelers since the onset of the virus, and one of the strictest enforcement regiments in the region.

Rule breakers face not just the threat of fines but imprisonment. The government also uses spot checks by police and geotechnology with cell phones and bracelets to track individuals who should be in quarantine. So far it appears to be paying off.

We have had no masks, no distancing requirements for the last several months, which I think since August of last year, which has been an incredible achievement, Lee said. Its a true testament to the government supporting the public health policies and very strong leadership and tied to that, a real willingness on the part of the public for Cayman to remain as covid free as we could.

But will that willingness extend to taking the vaccine? That, officials admit, remains unclear and is therefore the reason why they all decided on Thursday to roll up their sleeves.

Of course we will still have the same challenges as any other country in trying to convince people because of false propaganda about the vaccine not being safe, Seymour, the health minister, said. So we still have that uphill climb here. Not as bad as most countries but we still have our job to do in terms of encouraging people to take the vaccine. But weve very happy that its here.

El Nuevo Herald Reporter Syra Ortiz-Blanes contributed to this report.
SINGAPORE  Every day, the president of the National University of Singapore scans his online dashboard to see how crowded the cafeterias are.

If the real-time map shows that one cafeteria is too packed, the president, Tan Eng Chye, has administrators send out an advisory to avoid it and to remind students that there are campus-run food delivery services, free of charge.

Following the governments lead, universities in Singapore, a semi-authoritarian city-state of almost six million people, have taken a top-down approach to managing the coronavirus. The result: Since the start of the pandemic last year, no cases of community transmission have been detected at any of Singapores three major universities.

While the universities have benefited from a generally low caseload in Singapores broader population, their experience and stringent measures stand in stark contrast to many campuses across the United States. A number of American universities experienced an explosion in cases almost as soon as students returned last fall.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting clinical laboratory staff and health care providers that the FDA is monitoring the potential impact of viral mutations, including an emerging variant from the United Kingdom known as the B.1.1.7 variant, on authorized SARS-CoV-2 molecular tests, and that false negative results can occur with any molecular test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 if a mutation occurs in the part of the virus's genome assessed by that test. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can mutate over time, like all viruses, resulting in genetic variation in the population of circulating viral strains, as seen with the B.1.1.7 variant.

The FDA is taking additional actions to ensure authorized tests remain accurate by working with test developers and conducting ongoing data analysis to evaluate all currently authorized molecular tests. The FDA believes the risk that these mutations will impact overall testing accuracy is low.

The FDA will continue to monitor SARS-CoV-2 genetic viral variants to ensure authorized tests continue to provide accurate results for patients. While these efforts continue, we are working with authorized test developers and reviewing incoming data to ensure that health care providers and clinical staff can quickly and accurately diagnose patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, including those with emerging genetic variants. At this time, we believe the data suggests that the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines may still be effective against this strain. The FDA will continue to keep health care providers and the public informed of any new information as it becomes available." Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., FDA Commissioner

The FDA has been monitoring SARS-CoV-2 viral mutations, and potential impact on testing, throughout the pandemic. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants in a patient sample can potentially change the performance of a SARS-CoV-2 test. Tests that rely on the detection of multiple regions of the genome may be less impacted by genetic variation in the SARS-CoV-2 genome than tests that rely on detection of only a single region.

Three currently authorized molecular tests, MesaBiotech Accula, TaqPath COVID-19 Combo Kit, and Linea COVID-19 Assay Kit, may be impacted by genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2, but the impact does not appear to be significant. Importantly, the detection pattern that appears with the TaqPath and Linea diagnostic tests when certain genetic variants are present may help with early identification of new variants in patients to reduce further spread of infection. The recently identified B.1.1.7 variant has been associated with an increased risk of transmission, therefore early identification of this variant in patients may help reduce further spread of infection.

The FDA has reminded clinical laboratory staff and health care providers about the risk of false negative results with all laboratory tests, including molecular tests. Laboratories should expect some false results to occur even when very accurate SARS-CoV-2 tests are used. Today's announcement also provides important information and recommendations for clinical laboratory staff and health care providers who use molecular tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

The FDA will continue to communicate with the public as we have additional information to share. The FDA encourages stakeholders to report any adverse events or suspected adverse events experienced with molecular tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Voluntary reports can be submitted through MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program. Health care personnel and clinical laboratory staff employed by facilities that are performing COVID-19 testing should follow the reporting requirements for authorized laboratories as specified in the test's Emergency Use Authorization. Prompt reporting of adverse events can help the FDA identify and better understand the risks associated with medical devices.
7 day print subscribers enjoy unlimited access to yakimaherald.com

Enter the LAST NAME and the 7 DIGIT phone number on your print subscription account to connect your print subscription to your yakimaherald.com account.

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

After 16 years of teaching in Albuquerque public and charter schools, this year I found a position running a pod school. What is a pod school? For us, it is a place where families bring their children and the pod school teacher helps them get to all of their online meetings and complete all of their assigned work while their parents work.

I work with nine children from five families. They attend four different APS schools, with eight different teachers in grades kinder, second and third. I am worried for these kids. And for all kids across Albuquerque and New Mexico.

Our days are filled with meetings and assignments  both online and offline. Some of the children in my care are struggling with the current school format.

At the start of the year, we were hopeful that kids would be back in school with their teachers within a month, but that time came and went with no return to in-person schooling. Given the current COVID-19 data and the fact that APS does not seem ready with appropriate sanitizing practices and equipment, it is doubtful that students will return in January as is currently anticipated.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

In the spring of 2020, when schools were initially shut down, the word grace was used a lot. I first heard it when in a virtual meeting with a representative of New Mexicos Public Education Department. She was sharing her proposed plan for how to handle the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year and mentioned that we all needed to treat one another with grace as we worked through this unprecedented time.

However, when we returned to school this year, this sentiment seems to have fallen to the wayside. There is great concern from educators and families alike about students falling behind. The only thing that students might be falling behind are arbitrary benchmarks that we educators have created. If everyone is in the same boat, is it considered behind?

Most of the teachers I am in contact with are doing everything they can to keep students engaged and to work with students and families as best they can. But they are working within the structure and expectations put forth by school, district and state leadership. It is time for administrators, board members and NMPED to start offering grace to teachers, students and families again.

Keep meetings short, sweet and few. Five or six meetings a day is too much for young kids. Meetings that last 45-90 minutes are too long.  Meetings for young kids should be no more than 20 minutes within any given hour and should never be back-to-back. Between two and four meetings per day is adequate. More small group meetings and fewer whole group meetings would benefit everyone.

Post work once a day or once a week. The adults who are helping their students likely have many other responsibilities like their jobs or taking care of other children.  Posting everything at the beginning of the week is even better. It allows families to work ahead a bit if they know one of their days is going to be too hectic to get much work done. Post only necessary work and clearly label everything else as optional.

Stop saying this is what would happen if we were in school right now. We. Are. Not. In. School.

Make special classes optional or based on attendance only.  Make these classes fun and engaging without rigorous grading expectations.

Put a halt on all teacher evaluations. If the teachers are still working in the profession, they get a giant gold star for this year. 

Its time to brainstorm how to provide flexibility so everyone can feel more successful.
A complaint has been filed at Delhi's Kalkaji Police Station against Vincent Xavier, an Indian-origin resident of Virginia who stood out amidst the pro-Donald Trump mob outside US Capitol for carrying an Indian flag.

I request Facebook and Twitter to suspend the account of Vincent Xavier. I request the government of India to take note of this development, said complainant Deepak K Singh.

Xavier traces his roots to Kochi in Kerala and had earlier been picked by Trump to be a member in the Presidents Export Council. Speaking to News18 on Friday, 54-year-old Xavier said he was at Capitol Hill to protest against the election fraud that led Joe Biden to victory and had no role in the riots and siege of the US Congress that followed. He added that he wanted to show the pro-Trump demonstration wasnt racist. I would not be able to hold an Indian flag and walk around if it was a racist movement, he told News18.

ALSO READ: 'Held Tricolour to Show Trump Loyalists Not Racists': Vincent Xavier, the Indian-Origin Man at Capitol Hill Riot

According to Xavier, 10 other Indians were part of the mob, including five from Kerala. Whenever I have been at a Trump rally, Ive seen people of Vietnamese, Korean, even Pakistani origin, carrying their flags. This is also to show that such rallies are not a racist movement, he had said.

ALSO READ: How Donald Trump Could Be Impeached Again, But Faster as Pelosi Moves to Strike

Downplaying the scale of violence and vandalism, he also alleged that members of the Left-wing Antifa and the Black Lives Matter racial justice movement posed as Trump supporters to spark the riots. They appear to be trained, professional thugs. They were either from our side or from the other side who tried to infiltrate our side. There isnt clarity about their identity. However, if you see the way they climbed the walls, etc. it appears that they were trained very well. Only people in the military can do it. They appear to be Antifa, BLM (Black Lives Matter) thugs who support the Democratic Party who infiltrated into our side.

A crowd of pro-Trump demonstrators stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, interrupting lawmakers' certification of Joe Biden's election win by both houses of Congress. The death toll rose to five dead on Friday, after a police officer succumbed to injuries sustained in the clashes.


India and Pakistan on Friday repatriated two boys who had inadvertently crossed over the Line of Control, to their respective countries. India has sent a boy named Ali Haider back to Pakistan and the latter has sent back an Indian national named Mohammed Bashir, who had accidentally crossed over to PoK in the Poonch sector.

Ali, who crossed the LoC near Rangar Nala in Poonch on December 31 and was handed over to Pakistan Army on Tuesday, said, "These people provided me with clothes, shoes and gave me food. These are very good people ,the Army and the police."

READ | Army Vice Chief Says 'Pakistan Is Using Heavier Artillery For LoC Violations'

Two youths, Ali & Mohammed have been repatriated

The Army said in a press release that 14-year-old Ali from Mirpur district of PoK had inadvertently crossed over to India in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan authorities have also handed over India's Mohammed after 16 days in Pakistan custody.

"The Pakistan authorities finally accepted the proposal on January 6, 2021. With the support of Jammu and Kashmir Police and civil administration, Ali Haider was repatriated to Pakistan through Poonch Rawalakot crossing point. Pakistan Authorities also handed over India's Mohammed after 16 days of staying in Pakistan custody," the release said.

READ | Drug Peddler Arrested Along LoC In J-Ks Poonch

In other news, Pakistani troops opened fire and shelled mortars at forward posts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on January 5, a defence spokesperson had said.

(With Agency Inputs)

READ | Pak Army Shells Mortars Along LoC In JK's Poonch

READ | J&K: Army Jawan Martyred In Ceasefire Violation By Pakistan In Rajouri District
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that his goal is to transition power to an "elected successor," and that he seeks a "positive peace" with the Taliban.

Speaking alongside first lady Rula Ghani in an interview with CNN on January 8, the Afghan president addressed the start of the second round of peace talks between the government and the Taliban.

He acknowledged that the process aimed at ending nearly two decades of war has been slow, and laid out some of the factors required for the negotiations that resume in Qatar on January 9 to be successful.

"Can we agree on the goal that the international community is agreed with us; namely, a sovereign, democratic, united Afghanistan at peace with itself and the region?" he said. "If that goal becomes accepted, then we can move forward. But if the objective of the Taliban is to dominate and give us the peace of the grave, then that will have very negative consequences."

Ghani earlier this week ruled out suggestions that the establishment of an interim government could aid the formation of a government in keeping with a future peace deal.

"My basic goal is to be able to hand power, through the will of the people, to my elected successor," Ghani said in the January 8 interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour. "This is crucial to enable us to both honor the sacrifice of our civilians, our activists, and others."

"One thing needs to be clear: Afghan society is not willing to go back and we're not a type of society that the Taliban-type approach of the past can be imposed on us," he added. "We want a positive peace where all of us together overcome our past, embrace each other and together rebuild an Afghanistan that can be what I call a roundabout."

After a 20-day break, the Afghan negotiating team returned to the Qatari capital, Doha, this week for a second round of peace talks that began in September.

The first session began on January 9, according to a spokesman for the Afghan National Reconciliation Council.

A statement issued by the Taliban's political office in Doha said the groups appointed by the negotiating teams "for the unification and arrangement of the agenda" had met "in a good environment."

The Taliban statement said those at the talks agreed to continue the meetings in the future and to continue to talk about the agenda of the peace process.

With reporting by Tolo News, CNN, and AFP
My dad marked the mans gun by carving his initials with a penknife on the handle. At the trial, when the defense lawyer superciliously grilled Mike Joseph Dowd about how he could be sure that the gun in evidence was the same one used in the crime, Dad told him to look on the bottom of the handle. There was the MJD.

He respected politicians based on their humanity, not their ideology.

Donald Trumps inhumanity, his sick torrent of lies and incitement, came to its inevitable, shameful end on Wednesday, when a mob smeared blood, excrement, hate and death all over the Capitol.

At least Trump put my conservative siblings and me on the same page for once. We agreed  seeing the mob crash in; seeing lawmakers fearing for their lives, crouching and hiding and making calls to plead for the cavalry to come from any of the myriad federal and local police forces here, as Confederate flags waved that this was a heartbreaking disgrace. It would have enraged my father.

Not only was a Capitol policeman killed after being hit by a fire extinguisher, the entire security apparatus meant to protect our democracy failed. Was the pathetic response to the anarchy engineered by Trump? It would not be the first time he sabotaged the government he was running. He was not even moved to protect his own lickspittle, the vice president, who was in the chamber when it was attacked.

In New York, Donald Trump was a corrupt Joker who took cudgels to the historic friezes on Bonwit Teller. In Washington, he became something evil. He took cudgels to history itself, to our institutions, decency and democracy.

He draped his autocratic behavior in the American flag. Surrounded by Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, F.D.R., M.L.K. and monuments to our war dead, this coward whipped up a horde of conspiracists, white supremacists, neo-Nazis and gullible acolytes to try to steal an election for him. He said he would march to the Capitol with them, but he didnt, of course. He watched his insurrection on TV, like the bum that he is.
This is our only hope. We have to speak up now!

The young female soldier relayed what she and other women in her unit at Fort Hood told each other, in desperation and as encouragement for those who were hesitant to speak.

Following a summer of negative media and public backlash over allegations of failed leadership and incompetent handling of the case of Spc. Vanessa Guillen, the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee, or FHIRC, was coming to speak with all of them, and if they wanted to see change, they would need to share their stories, as difficult as that might be.

And share they did. Believing we would need to try hard to get soldiers to speak candidly, we began each interview by trying to put them at ease and assuring them their comments would be kept confidential. No names were taken  just demographic data. To our surprise, most were eager to speak with us and desperate to let the world know what was going on at Fort Hood.

For many of us who have served, it is difficult to believe that so many soldiers, those who have raised their right hand and sworn to defend our country, felt so desperate and left behind by the very people who are obligated to ensure their health and well-being, a core tenant of leadership. At the same time, it is not. Why? Because the issue of sexual harassment and assault in the military, and in particular at Fort Hood, is not new.

Multiple studies and climate surveys since at least 2014 have shown Fort Hood posed the greatest risk for sexual harassment and assault of all similar-size installations in the Army, so it should not have come as a surprise that we would hear many stories of these types of crimes. Still, it was no less shocking or sobering to witness so many women share their painful, deeply personal experiences, many for the very first time. It was brutally heartbreaking.

As a result of 647 individual interviews, the committee uncovered 135 credible incidents of sexual harassment and 93 incidents of sexual assault. A survey conducted by the committee of more than 31,000 soldiers and civilians at Fort Hood resulted in similar patterns, as they had across multiple data sources. Far too many incidents were never reported. Why? Fear of reprisal, lack of confidence in leadership to take appropriate action, lack of faith in a just outcome, or fear that a complaint would not be kept confidential and the complainant would be victimized all over again.

Those fears are not unfounded, given historical data related to the lack of prosecution and conviction of accused perpetrators. Even junior officers, leaders of the young soldiers most likely to be victimized, stated, I know I should answer yes when asked, If you were a victim of sexual assault, would you report it? Yet many were not confident they would, fearing the impact it would have on their careers. These are leaders who are supposed to set the example, and even they did not have trust in the system.

The committees report did not provide any shocking revelations related to this issue. From Tailhook to Aberdeen Proving Ground to the scandal at the Air Forces basic training at Lackland AFB, the military has faced significant challenges in addressing sexual harassment and assault for decades.

Legislators have championed reform and poured millions into programs aimed at reducing incidents that have been a stain on the Army and the U.S. military. And yet cases of sexual assault and harassment continue to rise.

While the committee made multiple recommendations related to the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention program at Fort Hood, one could sum up the challenge of addressing the root causes with the comment made by many soldiers, both male and female: This is just the way it is in the Army.

Culture and leadership cannot be legislated and cannot be bought. All the training and resources will not fix this without drastic measures and a deep, long-term commitment to creating leaders who will hold each other accountable, and who will exemplify and instill the Armys core values and the ethos required for Americas all-volunteer force to survive. Behind all the data points and studies are our nations young women and men who are relying on real leadership.

Change can happen. For the sake of our country, it must.

Queta Rodriguez is a retired Marine captain who serves as a regional director for FourBlock, a national nonprofit that provides a career-readiness program for veterans.
(TNS)  A move by the federal Labor Department that will make it easier for businesses to classify their workers as independent contractors offers a boon to gig-economy companies in the final weeks of the Trump administration.The rule has no bearing on California, which has already established its own standards for worker classification, and gig companies in the state have already secured their ability to keep workers classified as contractors. President-elect Joe Biden, who has pledged to extend protections of employment law to more workers, may try to challenge the federal rule, experts said.Under the final rule released Wednesday by the Labor Department, it will become harder for gig workers or others involved in contract work, such as truck drivers or contract nurses, to be considered employees under federal law and get minimum wage and overtime. The rule is set to go into effect March 8.Labor advocates said it will be a setback to protections for workers. The rule has implications for millions of others beyond gig workers, including people in service jobs working as janitors, house cleaners and construction workers, potentially stripping them of protections that come with employee status, said Catherine Ruckelshaus, legal director and general counsel at the National Employment Law Project.Biden has pledged sweeping policy changes that would expand protections for workers and independent contracts. Ruckelshaus said she expects the rule may be overturned by Congress or by the Labor Department in the next administration."We're hoping and expecting it will be frozen or undone," she said. "But it's not a done deal by any stretch."The new administration could freeze the rule on a technicality, and set in motion a lengthy regulatory process to create a new set of rules, or overturn the rule through a congressional vote.California, alongside a handful of other states, has passed its own set of laws governing worker classification. A 2018 California Supreme Court decision called Dynamex established stricter standards under which workers can be treated as independent contractors rather than employees. The state Legislature then passed a sweeping labor law that codified that ruling. Gig economy companies fought the law vigorously before it went into effect at the beginning of 2020.Although the law's stricter standards remains in effect, gig companies won a carve-out with a proposition bankrolled by ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft, among others, that voters approved in November. Proposition 22 allows those and other gig companies to keep treating their workers as contractors, offering a model for preserving contractor-status.Gina Miller, a law partner in Snell & Wilmer's Orange County office, said the federal rule seems to have taken cues from the California law. For example, Proposition 22 requires companies to provide occupational accident insurance to workers even as they continue to be classified as contractors. The Labor Department rule allows for contract workers to get compensation in alternate ways, such as through a healthcare stipend."It allows companies to give workers these quasi-benefits without being concerned it will undermine their classification," Miller said.The Labor Department essentially lowered the bar for how it determines whether a worker must be classified as an employee versus a contractor. The test gives weight to the degree of control a worker has over their work, and their potential to make a profit or loss, but it no longer requires proof of a slate of other factors, she said.
The goal, the partys state central committee agreed, was to select someone by as soon as Jan. 30 to replace Tim Schneider, who announced last month he was stepping down after more than six years in the post.
has gone on an alert mode following a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in the neighbouring Hebei province while China has administered nine million vaccines so far in a stepped-up nationwide drive to contain the virus.

The National Health Commission (NHC) on Saturday reported 33 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, of whom 17 were locally transmitted and the rest arrived from outside the mainland.

Fourteen locally transmitted cases were reported in north China's Hebei province, the NHC said.

The rise of cases in Hebei sent on alert as the capital, besides housing the country's top leaders, is getting ready for the annual Parliament session from March 5 during which over 5,000 legislators and advisers would converge.

is already dealing with a spurt in cases in some of the communities in the suburbs.

Both the legislatures, the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), are set to hold their two week-long meetings beginning March 5.

Beijing has already announced 21-day quarantine for people coming from abroad.

Alert levels in Beijing have gone up as Hebei reported 14 new locally-transmitted cases and 16 asymptomatic ones on Friday, the provincial health commission said on Saturday.

By Friday, there were 137 locally-transmitted confirmed cases and two imported ones in hospitals in Hebei. In total, the province has recorded 476 locally-transmitted confirmed cases and 36 imported cases.

In view of the increase, Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan rushed to the province on an inspection tour on the instructions of President Xi Jinping. Several local health officials have already been suspended.

Sun made the inspection tour from Wednesday to Friday, paying visits to a village in the province's capital city of Shijiazhuang, a quarantine site, a local community, an epidemic control centre, and hospitals to learn about local conditions, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Shijiazhuang, meanwhile, has suspended all subway services to curb the spread of COVID-19.

To further contain the spread of COVID-19, the city requires all local residents to undertake 7-day home quarantine after citywide nucleic acid tests, official media reports said.

As of Friday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in China has gone up to 87,364. According to the NHC, as many as 4,634 people have died as a result of the virus.

As the cases increased, China stepped up vaccination. Over nine million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been inoculated in China, Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the NHC, said.

Those administered vaccines included workers in the cold-chain logistics sector, custom inspectors, health professionals, employees at government agencies and in public service sectors, community workers, as well as people who are to go abroad.

China has granted conditional approval to the first homegrown vaccine developed by state-owned pharmaceutical firm Sinopharm.

Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the Beijing centre for disease control and prevention, told a news briefing on Saturday that groups like pregnant women, lactating women and patients with some diseases are not suitable for vaccines.

Those patients in acute stage of fever and infection, suffering from immune deficiency or immune disorder, having severe liver or kidney diseases, having uncontrolled hypertension, diabetic complications or malignant tumours not suitable for vaccines at this stage, he said.

Currently, people between 18 and 59 years are arranged to receive the vaccination, and those not in the age group should wait for further data of clinical trials to know whether they could be vaccinated, Pang added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chinas leader Xi Jinping has directed the military to bolster training in 2021 and use more hi-tech in its drills. The order comes after tense standoffs with India and Taiwan last year.

Xi, who chairs Chinas Central Military Commission, ordered the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) to maintain full-time combat readiness and to be ready to act at any second.

Chinese Peoples Liberation Army soldiers during an exercise in Kashgar, China, January 4, 2021.  STR / AFP

The commanders and the soldiers of the whole army must carry forward the spirit of combat without the fear of hardships and the fear of death, the order read, noting that this year will be the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

Xi directed the PLA to bolster its frontline training and substantially increase the use of technology in exercises. Calling modern technology the core of combat effectiveness, Xi ordered the military to use computer simulations in drills and to explore ways to add more high-tech and online methods into their operations.

According to the South China Morning Post, the mentioning of unspecified frontline military struggles in the start-of-year general order to the army was a departure from previous such orders issued by Xi, in which the PLA was told to manage crises and deter war.

China has seen increased tensions with its neighbors India and Taiwan throughout last year.

Hostilities along the Himalayan border culminated in a bloody skirmish in June, when 20 Indian soldiers were killed, and Beijing suffered an undisclosed number of casualties. The atmosphere on the ground has since remained tense, despite the commitment of both sides to de-escalation.

Last month, China sent an aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait a day after a US warship sailed there. Beijings increased military posturing in the region took place as Taipei launched a rearmament program and secured several major arms deals with Washington.

China and the US continued accusing each other of provocative maneuvers in the South China Sea, while their ties were further damaged by a trade war and Washingtons support for the protest movement in Hong Kong.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has asked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to facilitate earlier access for Ukraine to the coronavirus vaccine.

The head of government wrote this in a letter sent on December 30, Ukrinform reports with reference to Radio Liberty.

The current situation shows that we will be able to receive a vaccine under the COVAX Facility and within the framework of bilateral agreements with manufacturers no earlier than March 2021, that is, later than we can afford it. This approach can lead to a certain isolation of Ukraine in relation to the EU countries, in particular those with which Ukraine shares borders. In this regard, we need to work more closely with the EU and facilitate early access for Ukrainian citizens to vaccinations, the letter says.

According to him, such interaction will become an important signal of European solidarity "for our population, friends and opponents."

To coordinate the possible transfer of vaccine from the EU and our other partners, we have created a Joint Negotiating Group, the composition of which will be made public through diplomatic channels. In this context, I propose that the representatives of this group and the relevant institutions of the EU and its Member States negotiate urgently to plan possible next steps. This will allow the Ukrainian side to ensure the required level of readiness, the PM said.

As reported, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said that Ukraine would try to increase the COVID-19 vaccine quota under the COVAX Facility from 8 to 16 million doses.

The first tranche of 1.2 million doses of the vaccine is expected to arrive in Ukraine in February 2021.

According to the minister, the purchase and delivery of the vaccine will be carried out through the State Enterprise Medical Procurement of Ukraine.

As of January 9, Ukraine has reported 1,110,015 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 4,846 new cases recorded over the past 24 hours.

ish

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.

San Francisco, Jan 9 : In their collective fight against US President Donald Trump, Google has taken down Parler, a social media app for conservatives and far-right extremists, from its Play Store.

The tech giant acted after it found that Parler did not take stronger action to remove posts that sought "to incite ongoing violence" in the US, reports Axios.

"We're aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the US," Google said in a statement late on Friday.

"In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the app's listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues".

Parler did not comment on its ban from Google platform.

Apple has also given an ultimatum to Parler to moderate its app or be removed.

Parler CEO John Matze responded to Apple's threats, saying the company would "not cave to pressure from anti-competitive actors!" The app was still available on Apple's App Store.

Parler is touted as a free speech alternative, allowing posts that include conspiracy theories, threats and hate speech, among other things, to remain on the platform.

Social media giants Twitter and Facebook have banned Trump from their platforms, citing "risk of further incitement of violence".

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 United States is planning to integrate its Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard over the next decade to counter China's growing influence in the South China Sea. According to the South China Morning Post, the integrated all-domain naval power would counter the United States' "most pressing, long-term strategic threat."

As per a strategic paper published last month titled 'Advantage at Sea', the integrated marine force will focus on achieving the US navy's objectives of "preserving freedom of the seas, deterring aggression and winning wars".

"China's behaviour and accelerated military growth place it on a trajectory that will challenge our ability to continue to do so. We are at an inflection point," said the paper as quoted by South China Morning Post. Based on what it calls the nine-dash line, the Chinese government claims nearly 90 percent of the South China Sea which has been fiercely challenged by its neighbours including Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines. The Chinese claim was struck down by a UN tribunal in 2016 for the lack of legal basis, however, the verdict was rejected by Beijing.

Read: Philippines Building Sea-based Military Force To Counter Chinese Claims In South China Sea

The resource-rich waters are one of the busiest in the region and have become a potential flashpoint between China and the US due to its geostrategic importance.

Unlike the US Navy and Marine Corps, which fall under the US Department of Defence, the US Coastguard comes under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, making its work less sensitive [than overtly military actions] when engaging with Southeast Asian countries.

On the other hand, the Chinese Coastguard has played a leading role in several recent grey-zone activities, including in fishing disputes off Indonesia's Natuna Islands and the stand-off with Vietnam over Vanguard Bank.

Read: Chinese Warship Tracks US Destroyer During Freedom Of Navigation Sail In South China Sea

Chinese Warship Tracks US Destroyer

Meanwhile, in an apparent escalation, a Chinese warship shadowed a US guided-missile destroyer USS John S McCain, who was transiting through disputed waters of the South China Sea recently, Fox News reported. While China has claimed its legitimate right over the 1.3 million square kilometres of the South China Sea, US ships regularly sail through it asserting freedom of navigation. As per ANI, the US warship was sailing through Gaven Reef and Johnson South Reef when the Chinese ship impeded its course.

"This freedom of navigation operation ('FONOP') upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. All interactions with foreign military forces were consistent with international norms and did not impact the operation," the 7th Fleet of United States Navy wrote in a statement.

(With ANI Inputs)

Read: Indian Naval Ship To Conduct Naval Exercise With Vietnamese Navy In South China Sea

Read: Jaishankar Talks About South China Sea At 15th East Asia Summit; Speaks Of Actions & Trust
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) poked fun at President Trump's ban from Twitter, using the popular meme clip of the moment U.S. officials announced the capture of Saddam Hussein.

Bowman took to Twitter on Friday to celebrate the news, sharing the viral meme clip of Paul Bremer, the civilian administrator for Iraq following the 2003 U.S. invasion.

'Ladies and gentleman, we got him,' Bremer said in the famous clip announcing the capture of Hussein, which is followed by raucous applause.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) took to Twitter on Friday to celebrate the news, sharing the viral meme clip of Paul Bremer, the civilian administrator for Iraq. 'Ladies and gentleman, we got him,' Bremer said in the famous clip

A photo, donated to and made available by www.military.com and reportedly showing former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein moments after his capture by US forces in a farm house outside Tikrit, Iraq, 14 December 2003

The representative's sharing of the clip followed an earlier tweet where Bowman slammed the platform for continuing to allow the president to continue tweeting from his account.

'@Twitter why is Donald Trump still out here tweeting after inciting a fascist mob,' he asked. 'Suspend his account!'

The 79-year-old Bremer is aware that he's become a viral meme, as reported by the Daily Beast in 2018 when the video first began recirculating.

During that summer, people circulated the clip when blasting public figures and celebrities. Most notably, Tekashi 69 and Drake both have their own subgenre of the meme dedicated to allegations of liking underage girls. The clip is often combined with the 2012 pop song Baby Im Yours by Breakbot.

The representative's sharing of the clip followed an earlier tweet where Bowman slammed the platform for continuing to allow the president to continue tweeting from his account

'@Twitter why is Donald Trump still out here tweeting after inciting a fascist mob,' he asked. 'Suspend his account!'

'Many times I couldn't figure out what the connection was with the announcement,' Bremer explained to the Daily Beast, sharing his initial surprise with their popularity. 'How are the words fitting into the memes?'

Bremer is blamed for helping fuel the Iraq insurgency by disbanding the Iraqi Army and for banning high-ranking members of Saddam's Baath Party from the government.

Twitter announced Friday evening that it was officially banning Trump from the platform after he incited a mob of supporters to descend on the Capitol and wreak havoc.

Following the display of chaos, Trump took to Twitter to ask his supporters to go home while sharing his adoration for them and still promoting baseless claims of voter fraud.

Bremer is blamed for helping fuel the Iraq insurgency by disbanding the Iraqi Army and for banning high-ranking members of Saddam's Baath Party from the government. He is, however, aware of how popular the clip has become

'After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence,' Twitter said Friday.

'In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action.

'Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly. It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open.

A pro-Trump mob breaks into the U.S. Capitol on January 06

Following the mob's assault on the Capitol, Trump took to Twitter to offer support to his followers while asking them to stop their attack

But he continued on with more baseless claims of voter fraud

Twitter announced Friday evening that it was officially banning Trump from the platform

'However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules and cannot use Twitter to incite violence. We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement.'

President Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts remain locked until at least January 20th amid fears that he will incite more violence, after his supporters stormed the US Capitol building in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

The decision was announced by Zuckerberg on Thursday.

Snapchat blocked Trump on Wednesday morning. The platform said their locking of his account was indefinite.

On Thursday, streaming site Twitch announced it had indefinitely suspended the president's account.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 04:46:06|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

KHARTOUM, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese officials and African Union (AU) experts team on Saturday held a meeting over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), said Sudan's Irrigation and Water Resources Ministry.

"Sudan's negotiating team over the GERD, headed by Sudan's Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Yasir Abbas, held a bilateral meeting on Saturday afternoon with the AU team of experts," said the ministry in a statement.

"The meeting came in response to Sudan's call for giving the AU experts a greater role to facilitate the talks among Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia to contribute to preparation of a second document for the proposed memorandum of agreement that was received by the three countries in the previous six-party meeting," it noted.

It said the meeting thoroughly discussed the importance of setting up a clear reference framework for the role of the AU experts, adding that Sudan has stressed the necessity that the AU plays a more effective leadership role than its role in the previous rounds of talks. Enditem

The Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Service Selection Board (RSMSSB), under Govt. of Rajasthan, has called for online applications from eligible and interested individuals for filling One Thousand Twenty-Eight (1,128) Foresters and Forest Guards vacancies through direct recruitment to be posted in Rajasthan, India on a fulltime basis. The revised application process towards the same was notified on January 07, 2021 and closes on January 22, 2021 by midnight 12:00.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Foresters and Forest Guards Organisation Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Service Selection Board (RSMSSB) Educational Qualification Passed Class 10/Matriculation or equivalent; Intermediate/Class 12/HSC or equivalent Experience Freshers can apply Job Responsibilities null Skills Required Physical and Medical Fitness Job Location Rajasthan Salary Scale As per the RSMSSB norms Industry Rajasthan State Service/Forest Dept. Application Start Date January 7, 2021 Application End Date January 22, 2021

RSMSSB Recruitment 2021: Age Criteria

Candidates interested in applying for the post Foresters and Forest Guards through RSMSSB Recruitment 2021 must have attained 18 years of age and not be more than 24 years (40 years for Forester posts), with relaxation (upper age limit) for reserved categories as per the Rajasthan Govt. guidelines and RSMSSB Recruitment Notification 2021.

RSMSSB Recruitment 2021: Application Fees

Candidates applying for the post Foresters and Forest Guards through RSMSSB Recruitment 2021 must pay a prescribed amount of Rs. 450 (Gen/OBC-CL/EWS), Rs. 350 (OBC-NCL/EBC) and Rs. 250 (SC/ST/PWD) respectively as application fee through online (net-banking/credit/debit) mode or any other mode as applicable as stated in the RSMSSB Recruitment Notification 2021.

Also Read: IB ACIO Recruitment 2020 For 2,000 Intelligence Officers Grade II/Exe Posts, Apply Online Before January 9

RSMSSB Recruitment 2021: RSMSSB Vacancy 2021

Post Name No. Of Vacancies Forest Guards 1,041 Foresters 87 Total 1,128

RSMSSB Recruitment 2021: Educational Eligibility

Candidates applying for the post of Foresters and Forest Guards through RSMSSB Recruitment 2020 must have passed Class 10/Matriculation or equivalent; Intermediate/Class 12/HSC or equivalent from a recognised University/Institute as specified in the RSMSSB Recruitment Notification 2021.

Candidates must also have working knowledge of Hindi (Devanagari script) and conversant of Rajasthan Culture is required and good typing skills as stated in the in the RSMSSB Recruitment Notification 2021.

RSMSSB Recruitment 2021: Selection And Pay Scale

The selection of candidates as Foresters and Forest Guards through RSMSSB Recruitment 2020 will be done through a Written Test, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Standard Test (PST) and Interview as notified in the RSMSSB Recruitment 2021 Notification.

Candidates selected as Foresters and Forest Guards through RSMSSB Recruitment 2020 will be paid emolument as per the RSMSSB norms.

Also Read: NHPC Recruitment 2021 Notification For 51 Apprentice Posts, Apply Offline Before February 1

RSMSSB Recruitment 2021: How To Apply

Candidates applying for the post Foresters and Forest Guards through RSMSSB Recruitment 2021 must register online on the official RSMSSB website and submit their applications on or before January 22, 2021 till midnight 12:00 pm.

Download RSMSSB Recruitment 2021 Notification PDF for Foresters and Forest Guards posts

Download corrigendum for RSMSSB Recruitment 2021 Notification PDF for Foresters and Forest Guards posts
MPI Minister Nguyen Chi Dung proposed setting January 10 as national Innovation Day

At the ceremony, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung highlighted that exactly a year ago, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc assigned the ministry as the general authority to resolve the country's growth troubles, as well as pioneer innovation and propose breakthough policies for economic growth.

The ministry (MPI) provided advice for the building of Resolution No.52-NQ/TW on a number of guidelines and policies to actively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the National Strategy on Fourth Industrial Revolution by 2030 (which was issued in the first days of the year), establishing the Vietnam Innovation Network that gathers 1,000 overseas Vietnamese experts, scientists, and talents with offices in five countries, and the launching of the programme to support enterprises digital transformation in 2021-2025 in last December.

"Innovation should be an organic part of the economy, with new activities and spillover effects promoted to create new values and breakthroughs for businesses, society, and the country," the minister emphasised.

In this framework, the Vietnam International Innovation Expo (VIIE) was set up as an annual event to highlight the innovative products and technologies of Vietnam. "Launching the VIIE and breaking ground on the NIC are the first major events in 2021, signalling a new era of innovation for Vietnam," added Dung.

The NIC was established in Decision No.1269/QD-TTg dated October 2, 2019. Establishing the NIC is a significant step by the government to realise the Politburo's Resolution No.52-NQ/TW on guidelines and policies for the nation's proactive involvement in Industry 4.0, said the MPI minister.

The newly begun NIC building will be a house of innovation for all in Vietnam

The operation of the NIC, as well as innovation activities like the very first VIIE in 2021 and the Vietnam Venture Summit over the last two years, are not only indicative of the government and the MPI's determination to improve the resilience of businesses against crises and pandemics, they also enable Vietnam to become one of the smartest production and service centres in the region.

The minister proposed to set January 10 as national Innovation Day. "I believe that the NIC will be an ideal place for innovation activities in Vietnam and will serve to inspire all people, as well as enable innovation to become an unlimited resource for the country's development," said Dung.

The NIC building represents a total investment capital estimated at VND754 billion ($32.8 million) across an area of 36,800 square metres, divided into six areas: integrated service centre; working space for large domestic and foreign technology companies; coworking spaces for venture capital funds and innovative businesses; laboratory and prototype-manufacturing workshop; and event centre, exhibition, and showroom area.
Subscribe to our newsletters

Get the latest comment, analysis and breaking news first. Sign up for the just-food newsletter.

Get the newsletter

We care about your privacy
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.
Candidates applying for the posts should hold graduation or equivalent degree from a recognised university. The age limit of the applicants has been set between 18 to 27 years

The Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), registration process for the post of Assistant Central Intelligence Officer, Grade-II/Executive ends today (9 January). Willing and eligible candidates can register at mha.gov.in or ncs.gov.in.

The opening is a General Central Service, Group 'C' (Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial) post. The recruitment drive is being carried out to fill a total of 2,000 posts.

According to a report by The Times of India, appointment to the post is temporary. However, permanent appointment will depend on numerous factors in the post in force at that time.

Male applicants belonging to General, EWS and OBC categories will have to pay the examination fee of Rs 100 and processing charges of Rs 500. SC/ST and all female applicants as well as Ex-servicemen will be only required to pay the recruitment processing fee of Rs 500.

Candidates will have to make the payment through debit, credit card, internet banking, UPI, SBI challan. The deadline to submit application fee through SBI challan is 12 January.

As per a report by Times Now, candidates applying for the posts should hold graduation or equivalent degree from a recognised university. The age limit of the applicants has been set between 18 to 27 years.

Candidates who will be shortlisted for the post will be getting a salary in the range of Rs 44,900 and Rs 1,42,400. They will also be entitled to get a special security allowance which will be 20 percent of the basic pay in addition to other government allowances. They will also be receiving cash compensation for working on holidays.

To check details about IB ACIO 2020 recruitment, click here.

Direct link to apply for IB ACIO 2020 recruitment: https://cdn.digialm.com//EForms/configuredHtml/1258/68961/Instruction.html

Candidates are advised to fill all the details correctly and provide the required documents in the appropriate manner to avoid rejection of application form.
RTHK: Trump says he will not attend Biden inauguration

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would not attend the inauguration of his successor, Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, on January 20, hours after promising a peaceful transition of power.

There have been discussions at the White House about Trump leaving Washington on Jan. 19, a source familiar with the matter said. He is expected to travel to his Florida resort, the source said.

"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," Trump wrote on Twitter. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt

World oil prices falling

Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week

Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia

MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning

William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81

Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion

Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy

Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation

Erdogan says meeting with Biden will mark 'start of new era' in relations with Washington

Armenia acting Deputy PM on creation of third high-voltage electric communication line with Iran

Vladimir Zaynetdinov: CSTO has taken note of application submitted by Armenia acting PM

Armenia's Pashinyan says addressing UN Security Council not ruled out

Armenia acting FM: International pressure on Azerbaijan is growing

Netanyahu tells Blinken that Israel is against reopening US consulate for Palestinians

23 political parties and 4 alliances apply to Armenia Central Electoral Commission ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Instagram launches ability to hide likes

Iran FM on solutions to problems in the region, territorial integrity

Bloomberg: Support for Erdogan's ruling party hits record low

Inter-agency commission sums up reports on implementation of roadmap for EU-Armenia CEPA

Armenian acting PM on CSTO and Russia and their duties as Armenia's allies

Slovakia allows use of Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Armenia acting PM on situation in Syunik Province: CSTO still hasn't clearly expressed its position

Armenia's Pashinyan: It's very rarely that Baku made provocations in Syunik and Gegharkunik Provinces on its own

Armenia acting PM: There will be no demarcation of borders until Azerbaijani troops are pulled out of territory

Record-setting number of political parties register to run in snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Blinken describes Egypt as a "real and effective partner"

Armenia's Pashinyan slams opposition again

Yerevan court ends trial over Armenia 3rd President's nephew Hayk Sargsyan

Armenia President expresses condolences on passing away of Catholicos-Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan

Armenia President hosts Iran FM-led delegation

Armenia acting PM doesn't see need to declare martial law in the country

Iran to send delegation of intellectual companies to Armenia

EU demands to fine AstraZeneca for not fulfilling contract

Zakharova: Russia is closely participating in settling Armenia-Azerbaijan border incident

Armenian soldier killed by Azerbaijan, electoral lists for snap elections submitted, May 26 digest

Armenia 1st President Levon Ter-Petrosyan heads Armenian National Congress Party's electoral list

Armenia acting PM: Acting defense minister to visit Moscow soon

Taliban oppose establishment of US bases in region after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Two new videos showing incidents between Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers

Central Bank to raise Armenia economic growth forecast for 2021

Acting minister: Armenia MOD, Russian peacekeepers dismiss Azerbaijan statements

Armenia Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to Tunisia President

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Newly appointed Ambassador of Jordan presents Letters of Credence to Armenia President

Karabakh President receives multiple Guinness record setter Ashot Khanoyan

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Laurence des Cars to become Louvre director

Armenia State Revenue Committee and Iran Chamber of Commerce chiefs meet in Tehran

Armenia ruling party electoral list top 30 names are made public

Armenian government officials answering MPs' questions in parliament (LIVE)

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives Argentina Ambassador, presents situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia opposition MP: Turkey and Azerbaijan want to push Russia and CSTO out of the region

"Armenia" bloc submits electoral list to central election commission

MOD: Armenia army did not fire at all on Azerbaijan in mentioned days

Armenias Pashinyan congratulates Georgia PM on National Day

Armenia President congratulates Georgian counterpart on occasion of Independence Day

Armenia acting PM, Iran FM discuss steps aimed at resolving situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Prosperous Armenia Party MP on snap parliamentary election: We will not form coalition with anyone

Armenia ruling bloc MP on applying to CSTO: I do not rule out us reaching also Article 4 of the treaty

Armenia ruling party submits electoral list to Central Electoral Commission

Armenia legislature majority: No discussion about declaring martial law, canceling elections

Armenia parliament majority leader on appointment as ambassador: There is confirmation from American side

Health ministry: Wearing face masks in open spaces no longer mandatory in Armenia as of June 1

Rouhani says Iran has agreed on positions on key issues of nuclear deal

Armenia legislature elects members of economic competition and public services commissions

Lepekhin: Russia is a huge unique resource that Armenia has but does not use

IAEA chief: Level of development of Iran's nuclear program requires reliable verification system

Several Armenia parliament majority lawmakers to not be on ruling party electoral list

Kopirkin: Russia-Armenia allied relations are without alternative

Ardshinbank becomes a partner of Olympicos, a new musical animated movie

Armenian FM to Iranian counterpart: Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities (PHOTOS)

Armenia, Russia MODs discuss situation in Karabakh

130 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

"Armenia" bloc electoral list top 20 is announced

Armenia parliament pays tribute to soldier killed by Azerbaijan invaders

World oil prices dropping

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office despite snap parliamentary election results

Iran FM arrives in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Newspaper: Armenia officials try to persuade university rectors ahead of snap parliamentary election

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: You have to constantly invest money in countrys image

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Business world has to deal only with tax authorities

US: 1,100 pounds of methamphetamine found in watermelons

Tesla owners will be paid $ 16,000 each due to slow charging

MFA: Netherlands parliament demands that Azerbaijan immediately withdraw its forces from Armenia

Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Putin contacts have agreement that Azerbaijan should leave Armenia territory

Advisor to Armenia Prosecutor General provides details about incident with Armenian soldier killed in Verin Shorzha

Banksy's painting of punk Lenin sold at auction in Hong Kong for $ 960,000

CSTO Deputy Secretary-General: Escalation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border requires undertaking of urgent measures

Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Japan

Australia closing its embassy in Kabul for security reasons

Biden to discuss issues related to Belarus and Ukraine with Putin

Armenian acting FM meets with ambassadors of CSTO member states accredited to Armenia

Armenia Ombudsman presents human rights protection in post-war period to CoE Programmes Directorate General

Germany is investigating Google's position in market

France: Sanctions against Belarus will continue

Armenia opposition party MP: Azerbaijan is a terrorist state, negotiations can't be led with such a country

US to reopen its Consulate General in Jerusalem

EU expects to receive over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine by end of September
C&C Group has bought a minority holding in Scottish craft brewer Innis & Gunn.

Innis & Gunn brews a range of whisky-barrel-aged beers

The Magners and Tennent's brand owner said today it has taken an 8% stake in Edinburgh's Innis & Gunn, which brews some of its whisky-barrel-aged beers at C&C's Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow. Financial details were not disclosed.

Under the terms of the new deal, C&C will continue to package Innis & Gunn beers and take over on-premise, wholesale and free-trade distribution. Innis & Gunn said C&C's on-premise strength will allow it to focus on expanding in England, while the brewer will retain the distribution rights for the off-premise, national pub chains and international.

"C&C is the right partner with the right platform to help us accelerate our growth into these channels and seek to replicate the success the brand has enjoyed in Scotland," said Innis & Gunn CEO Dougal Gunn Sharp.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Innis & Gunn was working on the construction of an Edinburgh brewery that would have allowed it to stop brewing in Wellpark. The company also has production facilities in the Scottish town of Perth. The brewery plans were initally revealed in 2018 after C&C announced it was to end a production contract between the two companies. That contract was due to expire in September last year.

A spokesperson for Innis & Gunn told just-drinks the Edinburgh brewery "remains a part of our strategy" and that the result of its planning application is expected in the coming weeks. The spokesperson also said the brewery will be built "when the time is right and when there is less uncertainty in the market caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic".

C&C Scotland MD Kenny Grey said of the agreement with Innis & Gunn: "As an equity partner, our interests are naturally aligned to grow the brand. To that end, we will use our platforms to gain access to the larger UK and Irish markets as well as seeking to collaborate in other, new international markets where we see opportunities."

In 2017, Innis & Gunn sold a 27.9% stake to LVMH-backed private equity firm L Catterton. The brewer has since expanded its footprint in France.

The beer category in 2020 - just-drinks' Review of the Year
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

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.
Who will be the next CBI chief? PM Modi-led panel shortlists these three names; Congress protests

HD Deve Gowda asks PM Modi to look into crashing prices of horticulture produce

PM to deliver keynote address on the occasion of Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations on Buddha Purnima

Planet will not be the same after COVID-19: PM Modi

Is Modi too focused on public image during COVID?

High level committee headed by PM Modi to commemorate 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Bose

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 09: A High-Level Committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been constituted to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in a befitting manner. A gazette notification to this effect was issued today.

The High-Level Committee will decide on the activities for a one-year long commemoration, beginning 23rd January 2021. The Members of the Committee include distinguished citizens, historians, authors, experts, family members of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, as well as eminent persons associated with Azad Hind Fauj (INA).

India ready to serve humanity with its vaccines: PM Modi

2 vaccines, made in India, are ready to save humanity: PM | Oneindia News

The Committee will lend guidance to the commemoration activities in Delhi, Kolkata and other places associated with Netaji and Azad Hind Fauj, both in India as well as overseas.
We're living in a time of egregious double standards where Democrats and complicit media hold Republicans to a different code of conduct than themselves. An asymmetrical playing field that continues to divide the nation and perpetuate ever-growing anger and resentment amongst President Donald Trump's 74 million supporters.

Take election integrity. Democrats get a free pass to sow distrust in our elections to serve their political ambitions no matter how divisive and destabilizing to our country. If you recall, over the past four years Hillary Clinton claimed the election was stolen from her while fellow Democrats refused to accept the results of the 2016 election. In September 2019, The Washington Post reported, "Hillary Clinton dismissed Trump as an 'illegitimate president' and suggested that 'he knows' that he stole the 2016 presidential election."

But Trump's not allowed to question the results of the 2020 election even if he believes voter fraud took place.

Who made those rules?

It's well-known that Clinton and her comrades peddled the sinister "Russia collusion" myth --a manufactured conspiracy theory -- against Donald Trump, which the media gleefully trumpeted. A bogus dossier paid for by the 2016 Clinton campaign and Democratic National Committee was used by the FBI as a pretext to open criminal investigations against Trump and his associates, who were targeted, spied on and harassed. Lives were ruined. Yet, despite a 22-month Special Counsel Probe that found insufficient evidence of conspiracy, the Russia collusion lie persisted to delegitimize the result of the 2016 election and sabotage the Trump administration.

This is a far cry from respecting our nation's most sacred institution -- free elections -- and respecting the will of the people.

The left waged an all-out #Resist movement against Trump that lasted for the duration of his presidency. His supporters -- ironically, many who are Black, Latino, Asian and Muslim -- were called "racist" and every other despicable name in the book. And, for an encore, Democrats impeached Trump over a phone call.

Hardly the peaceful transfer of power the left and media are now demanding from their GOP counterparts. Yet, conservatives have not forgotten Rep. Maxine Waters calling for Trump's Impeachment -- before he was even inaugurated -- nor the nearly 70 Democratic lawmakers that boycotted his inauguration, a boycott that swelled after late civil rights icon John Lewis, D-Ga., also said he didn't consider Trump a legitimate president.

Nonsense. But in the wake of the riots that took place at the Capitol Building on Wednesday, the left and its media sycophants are haughtily lecturing conservatives about the importance of respecting the peaceful transition of power.

Naturally, they wipe from memory all the violence and destruction that antifa and left-wing protestors waged for months burning cities across America following the George Floyd tragedy.

Consider Trump's inauguration in January 2017.

"Six police officers were injured and 217 protesters arrested Friday after a morning of peaceful protests and coordinated disruptions of Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony gave way to ugly street clashes in downtown Washington," CNN reported at the time. "At least two DC police officers and one other person were taken to the hospital after run-ins with protesters. ... Bursts of chaos erupted on 12th and K streets as black-clad 'antifascist' protesters smashed storefronts and bus stops, hammered out the windows of a limousine and eventually launched rocks at a phalanx of police lined up in an eastbound crosswalk."

CNN added, "Anti-Trump protests also broke out Friday in US cities, including New York, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago and Portland, Oregon. Authorities in Seattle say one person was in critical condition at a hospital with a gunshot wound."

None of that excuses the riots at the Capitol building this week by Trump supporters, some who engaged in unruly protest, violence and destruction. These reprehensible acts deserve condemnation and accountability. But make no mistake. Those that broke the law do not represent the 74 million hardworking, law-abiding, patriotic Americans who stayed home that day. Nor do they represent many who honorably serve in the U.S. military.

Democrats and the malicious media must stop trying to paint all conservatives negatively for the actions of a few. After all, how would they like it they were also smeared for far-left extremist groups' criminal acts?

Bottom line: If our country is to truly heal and unify, then Democrats should practice what they preach and reacquaint themselves with the Golden Rule: Treat others as you want to be treated.

COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM
Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar on Friday said the state is expected to receive 13,90,000 vials of vaccine against COVID-19 in a day or two.

"The big good news for Karnataka is that I have received information from the Union Health Ministry that tomorrow or the day after probably we will be receiving 13,90,000 vials of vaccine for the state. It's a big happy news for all of us," Sudhakar said.

Speaking to reporters after visiting a private hospital, where vaccination dry run is being conducted, he said, the vaccination will be first administered to health care workers.

Follow our LIVE blog for latest updates of the novel coronavirus pandemic

"We have registered 6.30 lakh healthcare professionals in Karnataka till date. Those who are left out, may be in some medical or dental colleges, we have requested them to register," he said adding that health workers will be followed by those with comorbidities, those above 60 years and those in other departments like Police and Revenue working against the pandemic.

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

COVID-19 vaccination dry run is on at a total of 263 different health facilities across Karnataka on Friday.

It is being held in 24 district hospitals, 20 medical colleges, 43 taluk hospitals, 31 community health centres, 87 primary health centres, 30 urban primary health centres and 28 private facilities in the state.

The Minister who visited some facilities here, where the dry run is going on said, arrangements and preparedness were quite good, and the process is being followed as per the guidelines issued.

The first round of the dry run, an exercise for end- to-end testing of COVID-19 vaccination process was held in in five districts of Karnataka- Bengaluru (including BBMP), Belagavi, Kalburgi, Mysore and Shivamogga- on December 2 as per the government of India guidelines.

Follow our full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 10:58:58|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Brazilian woman has become the first person in the world to be re-infected with a variant of the novel coronavirus known as E484K, state-run news agency Agencia Brasil reported on Friday.

The case, discovered by researchers from the D'Or Institute for Research and Education in northeast Bahia, involves a 45-year-old woman who tested positive for COVID-19 in May and tested positive again in October with the mutation. In both cases, the patient did not present serious symptoms.

Originally identified in South Africa, the E484K mutation has been previously detected in Brazil, but this is the first case of re-infection with it.

To confirm re-infection, it is necessary to undertake an analysis of the genome of the two viruses and compare the sequence of RNA, the "prime" molecule of DNA, to see if they are in fact two different strains.

Researchers at the D'Or Institute expressed concern over the discovery, since the mutation may entail alterations that can prevent the action of antibodies from treating patients.

"The discovery serves as an alert and reinforces the need to maintain pandemic control measures through social distancing, and the need to accelerate the vaccination process," warned institute researcher Bruno Solano.

In Brazil, at least five variants of COVID-19 have already been discovered. Enditem


Islamabad, Jan 8 (UNI) A Pakistan court on Friday sentenced Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander and mastermind of 26/11 terror attack Zaki-ur-rehman Lakhvi, to 15 years in jail.

Lakhvi and six others were accused in the November 26 strike that killed 166 people, leaving a deep scar on the India-Pakistan relations. The other six accused include Abdul Wajid, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Mazhar Iqbal, Younus Anjum, Shahid Jameel Riaz and Jamil Ahmad.

Lakhvi was first arrested in 2008, but later released on bail.

Earlier this month, he was arrested on charges of terror financing by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab Police.

In a statement issued on January 2, the CTD had said that Lakhvi was suspected of running a medical dispensary to collect and disburse funds for financing terrorism.

Apart from the 15-year sentence, the Court, in its verdict, also imposed a penalty of Rs three lakh on him.

A UN Security Council sanctions committee considers Lakhvi as LeT's chief of operations and accuses him of being involved in militant activity in a number of other regions and countries, including India, Chechnya, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

UNI XC JAL RJ 1900
Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 15:44:22|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A security staff member is seen near the U.S. Capitol building a day after supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump stormed it in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

The violent demonstrations in Washington D.C. were condemned by American politicians and the media. However, there was a time when they praised the atrocities committed by the black-clad rioters in Hong Kong, which seriously trampled on the rule of law and carried terrorism in nature.

Some even described the scenes in Hong Kong as "a beautiful sight" and glorified the rioters as "heroes of democracy."

Certain U.S. politicians who habitually point fingers at other countries' affairs should abandon their hypocrisy and double standards.

BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Some politicians and media in the United States have completely different assessments of the recent violent demonstrations at the U.S. Capitol and the violent, illegal activities of the social unrest in Hong Kong in 2019.

The violent demonstrations in Washington D.C. were condemned by American politicians and the media. However, there was a time when they praised the atrocities committed by the black-clad rioters in Hong Kong, which seriously trampled on the rule of law and carried terrorism in nature. Some even described the scenes in Hong Kong as "a beautiful sight" and glorified the rioters as "heroes of democracy."

Such reactions revealed their prejudice and hypocrisy on the issue of democracy, and double standards. Their acts only make the world see more clearly the so-called "democratic values" they promote are, in essence, a way to maintain their vested interests through their narratives.

In no civilized society should violence be considered "a beautiful sight." Lawlessness is not part of democracy, and rioters should be held legally accountable.

A protester breaking into the U.S. Capitol building is captured on a screenshot in a video feed from NBC news seen in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Certain U.S. politicians and media think they have the power to define democracy, but now they got bitten back by the facts. They are eager to resort to sophistry to cover it up.

Long-term implementation of double standards not only harms the interests of other countries but also damages the credibility and soft power of the United States. It ultimately undermines people's faith in democracy itself.

With the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world, people of all countries yawn for peace and security than ever before. No country can achieve its own long-term development by inciting and taking advantage of chaos in other countries. The best way to keep one's lead is through constant self-improvement, not by thwarting others' development.

Certain U.S. politicians who habitually point fingers at other countries' affairs should abandon their hypocrisy and double standards.

They should, instead, turn their attention to their own countries and respond to the voices of their people. They should focus on the rampant pandemic and their social wounds, alleviate public anxiety with practical actions, and rebuild public trust in their government.

The media also have a special role to play in this regard, as their commitment to the principle of truthfulness and objectivity has a strong bearing on what direction the world is heading in. 
New Delhi, Jan 9 : The eight round of talks between the farmers' leaders and the government remained inconclusive, however, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is hopeful of a solution in the ninth round of talks.

The next round of meeting with the farmers' organisations is scheduled for January 15.

On question regarding solution to the farmers' protest, Tomar told IANS, "I hope that there will be an alternative and we will move towards a solution." However, the farmers' organisations are adamant over withdrawal of the three laws.

Addressing reporters here after the meeting, Tomar said, "The meeting on Friday remained inconclusive. The government has been constantly urging the farmers' organisations to tell us about apprehensions rather than demanding withdrawal of laws. The government is ready to amend the laws but withdrawal is not an option. We have decided to meet again on January 15." Tomar was accompanied by Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Prakash.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Did President Donald Trump incite Wednesdays assault on the U.S. Capitol? The answer seems obvious, but a formal case against him, through impeachment or prosecution under insurrection or incitement statutes, requires specific evidence. The speech he delivered shortly before his supporters stormed the Capitol is part of the evidence, but theres more. Since Dec. 14, when the Electoral College sealed Joe Bidens victory, Trump has instructed his followers to wage war, disregard legal constraints, and overturn the election by any means necessary.

Advertisement

Every previous president who lost the Electoral College conceded defeat. Even Al Gore, who challenged Floridas ballot count in 2000 when he was vice president, conceded five days before the electors voted. But Trump refused. This Fake Election can no longer stand, he tweeted on Dec. 15, hours after the electors affirmed Bidens win. Get moving Republicans. Trump urged his allies in Congress to block certification of the electoral vote. When Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell acknowledged Bidens election, Trump rebuked McConnell and replied that the Republican Party must finally learn to fight. On Dec. 19, Trump called on his followers to swarm Washington and pressure Congress to keep him in power. Big protest in D.C. on January 6th, the president tweeted. Be there, will be wild!

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump dismissed the election as a coup. The rigging of the 2020 election was only the final step in the Democrats and the medias yearslong effort to overthrow the will of the American people, he declared in a Dec. 22 video address from the White House. He called Biden a fake president and said Bidens election should never be accepted. Then, on Dec. 26, the president called for war. If a Democrat Presidential Candidate had an Election Rigged & Stolen, with proof of such acts at a level never seen before, the Democrat Senators would consider it an act of war, and fight to the death, he raged. Mitch & the Republicans do NOTHING, just want to let it pass. NO FIGHT!

Advertisement

One crucial element of Trumps insurrectionism was a persistent message to ignore unfavorable rulings by courts. These States election laws were made up by local judges & politicians, not by their Legislatures, he said of states that had voted for Biden. Therefore, the president told his followers, the whole State Election should be discarded as illegal. When the Supreme Court refused to intervene on Trumps behalf, he scoffed, The U.S. Supreme Court has been totally incompetent and weak on the massive Election Fraud. He demanded that Republican senators step up and fight for the Presidency because Courts are bad and had failed to stand with him.

Advertisement

In the days before the Capitol was sacked, Trump escalated his campaign to stay in power. He pressured Georgia officials to change their states election results. He circulated the idea that Vice President Mike Pence could postpone the inauguration. He falsely claimed that Pence could invalidate electors. On Monday, at a rally in Georgia, the president said of Democrats, Theyre not taking this White House. Were going to fight like hell. On Tuesday, as his supporters arrived in Washington and prepared to march on Congress, he hailed the show of force. Washington is being inundated with people who dont want to see an election victory stolen by emboldened Radical Left Democrats, he tweeted. Our Country has had enough, they wont take it anymore!

Advertisement

On Wednesday, addressing his followers just before they marched on the Capitol, Trump gave them four reasons to seize power. First, he told them that the Supreme Court was corrupt and wouldnt protect them. They love to rule against me, he said of the justices. It almost seems that theyre all going out of their way to hurt all of us and to hurt our country.

Second, Trump said his allegations of election fraud justified suspending the tradition of respecting state-certified election results. When you catch somebody in a fraud, youre allowed to go by very different rules, he argued. You dont concede when theres theft involved. Our country has had enough. We will not take it anymore.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Third, Trump said constitutional objections to overturning the election had to be set aside because America was in danger. This is a matter of national security, he declared. A lot of bad people were trying to illegally take over our country, he warned, and the Constitution says you have to protect our country. If Biden were inaugurated, You will have an illegitimate president, Trump told the crowd. Our country will be destroyed. And were not going to stand for that.

Fourth, Trump told his supporters to match the ruthlessness of their domestic enemies. He didnt explicitly condone violence, and at one point, he inserted the word peacefully. But throughout the speech, he called for an escalation of tactics. Republicans are constantly fighting like a boxer with his hands tied behind his back, he complained. Were going to have to fight much harder. He said of Democrats, Theyre ruthless, and its time that somebody did something about it. As he directed the crowd to march on the Capitol, he concluded: If you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore.

Advertisement

Social media records show that as the president finished his speech, hundreds of his followers circulated messages to attack the Capitol. Later, as the assault was underway, Trump tweeted that Pence, by declining to invalidate the electoral vote, had failed to show the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country. That prompted some of Trumps supporters to demand that Pence, who was inside the Capitol, be hunted down.

Advertisement

According to Trumps advisers, in accounts relayed by the Washington Post and New York Times, the president was initially pleased as he watched the assault on TV, because his supporters were literally fighting for him. He rejected requests to mobilize the National Guard in defense of the Capitol. When House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy implored Trump to denounce the mob, he refused. Only later, after lawyers had warned the president that he could be prosecuted for incitement, did he ask his followers to go home. But he insisted that they had been provoked by enemies who viciously stripped away his landslide election victory.

Trump didnt just incite a riot on Wednesday. For weeks, he has told his supporters to ignore court rulings, set aside constitutional constraints, rise up against state-certified election results, and fight to the death. Under federal law, thats incitement of insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof. The penalty is a jail term of up to 10 years, and a ban on ever holding office again.
Brexit and the food industry How will the UK's departure from the EU affect the food industry? This page brings together the latest news and views on the impact Brexit could have on the sector.

UK retailers call for "urgent" talks over Northern Ireland food supply issues

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents UK retailers, has outlined a plan to try and find a solution to food trade supply issues in Northern Ireland.

UK exports to EU down again in February  industry body

UK industry body The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has revealed whether exports to the European Union were down again in February after a marked decline in January.

UK food exports to EU improve after post-Brexit slump

New data have revealed what happened to UK food exports to the European Union in February following a post-Brexit slowdown in January.

UK meat, seafood exports to EU "picking up"  government

There are indications UK exports of meat, seafood and dairy to the EU are recovering, the country's government has suggested.

UK meat processors warn of ongoing post-Brexit trade problems

The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), which represents businesses in the UK meat sector, has reported on its members' experiences under post-Brexit trading rules.

UK food, drink exports to EU slump post-Brexit

The body representing UK food and drink manufacturers has highlighted the risk to small businesses amid a post-Brexit slump in exports to EU.

Ireland records massive post-Brexit drop in Great Britain food imports

Newly-released figures from Ireland's statistics authority have revealed the impact Brexit has had on food imports from the UK mainland.

UK delays post-Brexit border checks on EU goods

The UK government has pushed back the timetable to introduce post-Brexit border checks on goods coming into the country from the European Union.

UK's waiver extension to Irish Sea Border checks deemed illegal by EU

The British government has announced an extension to the waiver of post-Brexit Irish Sea border checks on agri-food products entering Northern Ireland.

Delays at the UK/EU border "getting worse"

A new survey has asked supply chain managers to provide an update on problems at UK/European Union border posts.

Warning over UK meat jobs as Brexit export delays continue

UK industry body The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has warned that job losses could be on the cards following the country's departure from the European Union.

German confectionery exporters lambast post-Brexit controls as shipments suffer

Germany's confectionery makers are already facing challenges in exporting to the UK following the post-Brexit customs arrangements.

UK asks for grace period extension for Northern Ireland customs checks

The UK government has asked for European Commission help in relation to customs checks on supplies moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

UK pressing European Commission on live shellfish exports ban

The UK government is in talks with the European Commission over an issue related to the export of certain types of live shellfish to the European Union.

Eat Grub eyes German market expansion

Eat Grub, a UK-based edible insects supplier, says it lost out on some new market opportunities in Europe due to the machinations around Brexit.

Browse all 283 articles
A man known as the QAnon shaman who stormed the US Capitol wearing horns and carrying a spear has been charged, the Department of Justice said.

Jacob Anthony Chansley, 32, who is also known as Jake Angeli, was charged with entering a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Chansley, from Arizona, was taken into custody on Saturday, a DOJ statement confirmed.

It is alleged that Chansley was identified as the man seen in media coverage who entered the Capitol building dressed in horns, a bearskin headdress, red, white and blue face paint, shirtless, and tan pants," officials said. This individual carried a spear, approximately 6 feet in length, with an American flag tied just below the blade.

Chansley was part of the pro-Trump mob who laid siege to the Capitol on Wednesday while Congress was in session to certify the Electoral College votes for president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris.

The mob broke into the Capitol following a stop the steal rally where the president again baselessly claimed that he had been cheated out of winning the presidential election.

Chansley is a pro-Trump supporter, and proponent of the QAnon conspiracy theory, according to the Arizona Republic newspaper.

He has been spotted at numerous protests and Trump rallies over the last year, often in costume. In February, Mr Angeli was photographed holding a sign that read "Q Sent Me."

AZCentral reported that Chansley would tell those who would listen that Q was "a government agent who wanted to 'take the country back' from pedophiles and globalists".

Police hold rioters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the Capitol on Wednesday (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

A profile from Backstage.com described Chansley as looking for acting work.

Chansley has called himself a "multi-dimensional or hyper dimensional being" and claims he can "see into these other higher dimensions that these entities - these pedophiles, these rapists, these really high up people ... that they can almost hide in the shadows in".

Two others were charged in DC federal court alongside Chansley on Saturday, in connection with the riots.

Adam Johnson, 36, of Parrish, Florida, was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building, theft of government property, and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct. Johnson was arrested on Friday and is currently in custody.

Johnson, a married father-of-five, is accused of removing House Speaker Nancy Pelosis lectern. He was allegedly seen in a widely circulated photo inside the Capitol grinning and waving while carrying the lectern.

Derrick Evans, 35, of West Virginia, was charged with entering or remaining in a restricted and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct. He was arrested on Friday.

Evans, a recently elected member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, streamed live to his Facebook page a video of himself joining and encouraging a crowd unlawfully entering the Capitol, DOJ said.

In the video, Evans is allegedly seen crossing the threshold of the doorway into the Capitol and shouting, Were in, were in! Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!

The cases are being prosecuted by the US Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and investigated by the FBIs Washington Field Office and the US Capitol Police.
New Delhi: Aashiqui fame Rahul Roy, who suffered a brain stroke last year, on Thursday (January 7) informed through a post that he is back home from the hospital. Taking to Instagram, the actor penned a heartfelt note for his family members and thanked them and his well-wishers.

In his post, the actor also mentioned that though he has been discharged, its still a long journey for full recovery. Sharing pictures with his sister Priyanka Roy and brother-in-law Romeer Sen, he captioned the post as, I am back home after a long treatment in the hospital. I am recovering and its still a long journey for full recovery.

Today I would like to thank everyone who stood by me all this while, Rohit my brother, my sister my best friend Priyanka @priyankaroy_pia my brother in law Romeer @romeersen along with my friends Aditi Gowitrikar @aditigovitrikar , Dr Huz, Zahid, Ashwani Kumar @ashwani2118 , Azhar @azharhussaindirector ,Shruti Dwivedi @shrutidwivediofficial , Suchitra Pillai @suchipillai and all my fans for praying for me.

Love you all, he signed off.

For the uninitiated, the 52-year-old star was admitted to the intensive care unit of Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai on November 27, 2020 after he arrived from a shoot in Kargil.

In December last year, Rahul was shifted to Wockhardt Hospitals, where he underwent angiography of the brain and heart.

Rahul was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday (January 6). "He is at home and doing well. But he will have to take speech and physiotherapy sessions for six to eight months, it can be more or less depending on his recovery," Romeer Sen told news agency PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)
We strongly condemn the initiation of prosecution of the Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijan, as stated by the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan; these actions of the Azerbaijani authorities are a gross violation of international humanitarian law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia noted this in a statement it released on Azerbaijans violations of the trilateral statement and international humanitarian law.

During the 44-day Turkish-Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)], the Azerbaijani side extensively and systematically violated international law by committing war crimes. These war crimes have no statute of limitations, and the perpetrators should be held accountable.

The release and repatriation of the prisoners of war is clearly enshrined in the November 9 statement, and the prosecution of the prisoners of war after the adaptation of the trilateral statement constitutes its gross violation.

It should be noted that the Armenian servicemen were captured as a result of the violation of another provision of the trilateral statement: Azerbaijan launched military operations in the direction of the villages of Khtsaberd and Hin Tagher in the Hadrut region of the Republic of Artsakh a month after the establishment of the ceasefire. Notably the Azerbaijani side announced the prosecution of POWs about a month after the capturing of Armenian servicemen, which demonstrates that Azerbaijan is using Armenian prisoners of war as hostages to advance its political agenda.

The consistent and deliberate violations of the trilateral statement by Azerbaijan seriously undermine the full implementation of the statement, and poses new challenges for regional security and peace, the Armenian MFA statement also reads.
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.
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.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or the Non-Resident Indian Day is observed annually to appreciate the role of NRIs in making a living outside of the country and helping in the development of the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention via video conferencing today at 10.30 am. In a tweet on Friday, Modi said that he wishes to interact with our [country] vibrant diaspora during the convention inauguration.

At 10:30 AM tomorrow, 9th January, will address the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. This is a great opportunity to interact with our vibrant diaspora. https://t.co/ZngBoH2ZKC Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2021

I will be addressing the Plenary session of 16th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas Convention organised by @MEAIndia via VC at 10:00 AM, today.@PMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIAWatch Live https://t.co/zsWCYml5dJhttps://t.co/fJImeR9axxhttps://t.co/OPeFB5gIQZ pic.twitter.com/zpyJrRdsjl  Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) January 9, 2021

PBD convention is a flagship event organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the first plenary session will be addressed by the External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar. Then the second 16th convention of the Plenary session will be addressed by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan at 10 am today, January 9.The vice president of India, M Venkaiah Naidu also expressed his greetings to the NRIs via a tweet. He wrote that the Pravasis carried the fragrance of this ancient land to far away places & with their hard work, [enhanced] Indias reputation overseas.

My greetings on Pravasi Bhartiya Divas!Our #NRIs carry the fragrance of this ancient land to far away places & with their hard work, enhance Indias reputation overseas. #PravasiBharatiyaDivas #PBD2021  Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) January 9, 2021

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021: Date

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9 every year since 2003 when the first Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award was also created to honour those Indians who were contributing to the development of the country from their work overseas. On this day, Mahatma Gandhi had returned from South Africa in 1915 and started working for India's freedom.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021: Theme and celebration

The celebration is brought along with a different theme for different years. For 2021, the theme is Contributing to Atma Nirbhar Bharat falling in line with PM Modis call to be vocal for Local.

Also, the celebration and the entire convention will be conducted online this year due to the pandemic.

President Ram Nath Kovind will be also present during the convention and will deliver his Valedictory address as the finale of the event. On this day, aside from the convention, various events are organised to honour the work of NRIs across various Indian bodies present in other countries.
A tombstone dating back more than 1,400 years ago was uncovered accidentally by a park worker in southern Israel clearing a nature trail.

The stone, dated to the late 6th or early seventh century, is inscribed in Greek and reads 'Blessed Maria, who lived an immaculate life,' with her death date listed as February 9.

The 10-inch round stone was originally found at Nitzana National Park in the Negev desert, near the border with Egypt.

The area was a major Christian development at the time of Maria's death and archaeologists believe she would have part of the upper class.

First excavated in the 1930s, Nitzana is considered a key site in the transition between the Byzantine and the Early Islamic periods in the Levant.

Scroll down for video

The inscription, in Greek, reads 'Blessed Maria, who lived an immaculate life,' with a death date listed as February 9

The worker who found the marker was employed by the Israel Parks and Nature Authority as part of Project 500, which finds jobs for people economically impacted by the pandemic.

They left it at a path head, where it was discovered by David Palmach, director of the Nitzana Educational Village.

Realizing it bore an inscription, Palmach photographed the artifact and took it for safekeeping before contacting authorities.

Archaeologist Leah Di Segni of Hebrew University translated the centuries-old inscription.

The ancient tombstone is from the late 6th century was discovered in a nature park in Israel

It's believed the woman, Maria, was Christian and a person of status.

'During the fifth and sixth centuries CE, Nitzana acted as a center for the villages and settlements in the vicinity,' said Tali Erickson-Gini of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

The tombstone would have been used in one of the Christian cemeteries surrounding the ancient settlement, according to Erickson-Gini.

Today, Nitzana is home to an educational environmental village, where international students learn about ecology, history and culture.

But it was founded in the first century BC as a road station on a major trade route and was inhabited intermittently for about 1,300 years.

Located in the Negev desert near the Egyptian border, Nitzana is considered a key site in the transition between the Byzantine and the Early Islamic periods

Nitzana was founded in the first century BC as a road station on a major trade route and was inhabited intermittently for about 1,300 years. At the time of Maria's death, it was a major Christian settlement, with churches, a fortress, a monastery and a way station for Christian pilgrims

By the fifth and sixth centuries, Nitzana had churches, a military fortress, a monastery and a way station for Christian pilgrims heading to Santa Katarina, the supposed site of Mount Sinai.

A plague and a volcanic winter during the sixth century may have devastated the area's Christian communities, according to Smithsonian magazine, leading to Islamic settlement in the seventh century.

Nitzana was eventually abandoned in the 10th century and its name forgotten until archaeological excavations in the 1930s unearthed a trove of papyrus detailing church, family and military records.

The archive bore the name 'Nessana.'

Burial artifacts such as this stone have been uncovered in subsequent excavations.

'Unlike other ancient towns in the Negev, very little is known about the burial grounds around Nitzana,' said IAA archaeologist archaeologist Pablo Betzer.

'The find of any inscription such as this may improve our definition of the cemeteries' boundaries, thus helping to reconstruct the boundaries of the settlement itself, which have not yet been ascertained.
In an interview on Fox News Saturday afternoon, Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican, said, I do think the president committed impeachable offenses.

However, Toomeys didnt say he would vote to impeach President Donald Trump after pro-Trump supporters broke into the Capitol on Wednesday, interrupting the certification of Electoral College votes. Joe Biden beat Trump in November, but the president continues to claim without evidence that the election was rigged.

GOP Sen. Pat Toomey: I do think the president committed impeachable offenses pic.twitter.com/nBx9jlJTdv  Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) January 9, 2021

Toomey said he will wait to see what articles of impeachment look like before he decides how hed vote.

House Democrats are planning to introduce articles of impeachment against Trump on Monday, meaning the chamber could potentially vote on his removal from office by midweek, the Associated Press reported on Friday.

After an impeachment vote in the U.S. House, the Senate would receive the articles, hold a trial and vote on them.

The articles say Trump willfully made statements that encouraged  and foreseeably resulted in  imminent lawless action at the Capitol.

One Capitol police officer was killed with a blow to the head, one protester was shot to death by police and four others died during riots Wednesday that included people pushing their way into the Capitol by smashing windows and doors. Lawmakers were evacuated or in hiding as the siege lasted hours.

Several people have been arrested so far, and police are looking for others. National Guard members from states around Washington, D.C., including Pennsylvania, have been called in at least through Jan. 20, when Biden is to be sworn into office.

26 Persons of interest sought in Capitol attack

Trump has continued to claim no wrongdoing, saying his followers are reacting to his unfair treatment. The president has been banned from social media sites, including Twitter.

From Forbes: 57% of Americans think Trump should leave office as soon as possible instead of serving out the remaining 12 days of his term, according to an Ipsos/Reuters poll conducted Thursday and Friday (14% want impeachment, 30% want his Cabinet to remove him by invoking the 25th Amendment and 13% want him to resign).

Trump was impeached by the U.S. House once already, just over a year ago, on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He was accused of putting U.S. elections and national security at risk when he asked Ukraine to investigate his rivals, including Joe Biden. At that time, Toomey voted against impeachment.

More:

Biden says Donald Trump skipping inauguration one of the few things we have ever agreed on

State lawmaker charged with entering Capitol in riot resigns

Video shows Oregon lawmaker helping right-wing demonstrators breach state Capitol
The clutter was just one recent flashpoint between Martinez, the first Latina elected to the post, and her predecessor Dorothy Brown, who announced in 2019 she would not run for reelection following two decades at the helm  a span that included a yearslong federal investigation. In a statement, Brown told the Tribune the boxes were in line with record-keeping practices and that Martinez should gain an understanding of how long certain records are to be maintained and why.
Around 20 protesters gathered in Miller Park on a cold Saturday afternoon to protest Rep. Chuck Fleischmanns leadership. Co-organizer Allison Gorman also said senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty "should not be given a pass either."

This gathering is to hold Chuck Fleischmann publicly accountable for the fact that he voted to essentially throw away the votes of millions of American people, Ms. Gorman said. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty were going to do it for sure, but then they realized it wasnt a good look because of what had happened earlier in the day.

Rep. Fleischmann was one of 121 representatives and six senators to object to the certification of the Electoral College count. Senators Hagerty and Blackburn both voted to approve the results after rioters stormed the capitol on Wednesday afternoon. While Rep. Fleischmann did condemn the actions that took place, the protest organizer said he was not excused for previous actions.

I think he is a political opportunist, and he has spent almost four years helping foment and enabling the sort of deranged thinking that led to that attack on the US Capitol, Ms. Gorman said. So to stand there and disavow what happened, I think thats disingenuous.

Fellow organizer Gary Smith said he and Ms. Gorman had actually been planning to have this rally before Wednesday's attack on the Capitol. He called their representative's wish to nullify votes in Arizona as scary, and asked for proof of a fraudulent election.

Theyre doing it saying time and time again that its a fraudulent election, and theyve got a lot of the country angry, Mr. Smith said. Thats going to make angry people furious. When they started doing that, I called their offices and asked them to stop. Wait for investigations and wait on the courts and let evidence come out. It led to what we were worried about.

I think the fact that this coup failed was a very positive thing in making people less likely to try this again. Or thats what I hope. What could be is that they got this far, and that could encourage them.

Ms. Gorman said even though they disapprove of Rep. Fleischmanns leadership and actions while in office, defeating him in an election in 2022 will be difficult for several reasons.

We start organizing now. We have to change the message, Ms. Gorman said. We are in a crazily gerrymandered district, so to that degree, his seat is safe because its been drawn that way for him. So if we want to beat that, then we need to start organizing now, regardless of who runs against him.

Samuel McKinney was one of the people in the socially-distanced crowd who signed a petition that will be sent to Rep. Fleischmanns office. Mr. McKinney said, "Chuck, do not ever thank me for my service ever again, McKinney said. You dont mean it. I was Navy, on the USS America. Served from 1975 to 1977.